1)   A Detailed Inventory Spreadsheet is Critical

The foundation of successful inventory management using spreadsheets is a well-structured and detailed inventory spreadsheet. This document should contain several key pieces of information:

• Item Name: Clearly label each inventory item to avoid confusion.
• Description: Provide a brief description of the item, including any specific details or characteristics.
• SKU (Stock Keeping Unit): Assign a unique SKU to each item for easy tracking and reference.
• Purchase Cost: Record the cost of acquiring each item, which is crucial for calculating the overall value of your inventory.  You may want to include multiple acquisition sources and their associated prices for more robust supply chain management.
• Selling Price: Knowing the selling price helps with margin calculations and pricing strategies.
• Quantity on Hand: This is perhaps the most crucial aspect; it tracks how many of each item you currently have in stock.

To maintain the integrity of your spreadsheet, make sure to update it regularly. Depending on your sales and production velocity, this could be as much as several times a day.

2)  Implement FIFO and LIFO Inventory Methods

Managing inventory costs and minimizing waste is essential for profitability. Two popular inventory management methods are FIFO (First-In, First-Out) and LIFO (Last-In, First-Out). These methods are especially important for businesses dealing with perishable goods or items with limited shelf life.  

It is also important if you purchase products or materials in batches where the price fluctuates regularly.  In these cases, it is critical to know the purchase price for each batch to ensure the desired profit margins are maintained as different batches are used up.

To implement these methods in your spreadsheet, create columns for the date of purchase or manufacture and the date of sale or usage. This allows you to see which items are the oldest (FIFO) or the newest (LIFO). By applying these methods, you can prioritize the sale of older stock to minimize obsolescence.

3) Set Up Conditional Formatting for Alerts

Conditional formatting is a powerful feature in spreadsheets that can be used to create visual cues and alerts based on specific conditions. In your inventory spreadsheet, you can set up conditional formatting to automatically highlight cells when certain thresholds or conditions are met. For instance:

• Low Stock Alerts: If an item’s quantity falls below a predetermined threshold, the cell could change to a red color, serving as a clear visual signal that it’s time to reorder.
• Expiry Alerts: For perishable items, you can use conditional formatting to highlight items that are approaching their expiration date, ensuring they are used or sold before they go to waste.

These alerts improve the efficiency of your inventory management and help ensure that you don’t run out of essential materials or products unexpectedly.

4)  Track Sales and Demand

To effectively manage manufacturing inventory, it’s essential to keep a close eye on sales and demand patterns. Create a separate sheet within your spreadsheet to record sales data, including details such as:

• Date of Sale: Record when each sale occurred to identify patterns and seasonality.
• Quantity Sold: Keep track of how many units were sold for each item.
• Customer Information: If applicable, note which customers purchased specific items to identify potential bulk buyers or regular customers.

By analyzing this data, you can identify trends, seasonality, and changes in customer demand. This information will help you make informed decisions about how much to reorder, when to do it, and which items to prioritize. It can also inform your production schedule, ensuring that you’re prepared for fluctuations in demand.

5)  Implement Regular Audits and Cycle Counts

No matter how well-structured your spreadsheet is, it’s essential to back it up with regular physical audits and cycle counts. This practice helps ensure the accuracy of your inventory and reduces discrepancies between the physical count and the recorded count. Here are some important details regarding audits and cycle counts:

• Frequency: Schedule routine checks according to your business needs. This could be daily, weekly, monthly, or on another schedule that suits your operations.
• Documentation: Keep thorough records of your audits, noting any discrepancies and the actions taken to rectify them. This documentation is crucial for accountability and improving your inventory management process.
• Employee Training: Make sure your employees are well-trained in the audit process to maintain accuracy. Educate them on the importance of maintaining precise inventory records and tracking any discrepancies.

Effective manufacturing inventory management is vital for reducing costs, improving efficiency, and satisfying customer demand. When just getting started (or any time budgets are tight), small and medium-sized businesses can use spreadsheets to keep their inventory in check.  It’s important to keep in mind that while spreadsheets provide a cost-effective and accessible solution for many businesses, they come with a trade-off.  Maintaining up-to-date spreadsheets requires constant vigilance and manual work.  As your business grows, this process can become an increasingly daunting task. Check out this article to see if your growing pains are telling you it’s time to move on from spreadsheets and manual processes.

If you’re ready to upgrade from manual processes, or your current software budget needs some relief, check out PrismHQ which provides a solution between spreadsheets and the expensive, feature-bloated software that dominates the market today.  PrismHQ focuses on covering a wider range of business needs and provides essential features and automation designed to save time and provide increased visibility for your business.  Don’t hesitate to reach out with questions or to request a demo.  Our mission is to provide you with the tools you need to get back to growing your business, and not just running it!

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Pain 1: Data Inaccuracy and Duplication

Manual data entry and spreadsheet use are susceptible to errors, leading to inaccuracies, duplication, and inconsistencies in important business data. This not only affects decision-making but also results in wasted time spent on data validation.

The Remedy…

Adopting an integrated Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system allows small manufacturing businesses to centralize data and automate processes. An ERP system ensures data consistency and accuracy across all departments, providing real-time insights for informed decision-making.

Pain 2: Limited Collaboration and Communication

Manual processes and spreadsheets can hinder collaboration and communication within the organization. Sharing and updating spreadsheets can lead to version control issues and make it difficult for teams to work together efficiently.

The Remedy…

Cloud-based collaboration tools and project management software, such as Microsoft Teams, Slack, or Trello, enable real-time communication and collaboration among team members. These tools streamline project management, allowing for efficient sharing, tracking, and updating of information.

Pain 3: Inefficient Production and Inventory Management

Manual processes often result in inefficient production scheduling and inventory management. Businesses may struggle to optimize production capacity and maintain accurate inventory levels.

The Remedy…

Implementing specialized manufacturing software, like Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) or Materials Requirements Planning (MRP) software, can address these issues. These tools automate production scheduling, optimize resource utilization, and provide real-time visibility into inventory, ensuring smooth operations and cost savings.

Pain 4: Lack of Scalability

Manual processes and spreadsheets can become overwhelming when a small manufacturing business experiences growth. They may struggle to scale their operations efficiently, leading to bottlenecks and reduced competitiveness.

The Remedy…

Choosing a scalable ERP system that can adapt to your business’s growth is essential. Scalable ERP solutions allow you to add new features, modules, or users as your manufacturing business expands, ensuring that your systems can grow alongside your organization.

Pain 5: Getting the Essentials Without Breaking the Bank

Many manufacturing SMBs are grappling with financial constraints due to the economic fallout of the pandemic. They must find ways to manage cash flow, secure funding, and balance cost reduction with necessary investments. Often the need for multiple expensive software solutions like ERPs, CRMs, and others quickly add up, increasing the strain on already tight budgets.  Additionally, the dearth of options for each type of solution, and the wide array of features (some of which the business may not need) can leave even the boldest business owner feeling overwhelmed and frustrated.

The Remedy…

A new class of software has begun to emerge which specifically addresses the struggle between the need for essential manufacturing software solutions and the realities of running a manufacturing SMB.  Many of the software remedies above are “narrow but deep” – focusing on a specific area of the business and offering a deep bench of features for advanced users.   This new software takes a broader approach which focuses on covering a wider range of business areas and providing essential features designed for easier user adoption.  This provides more value at a potentially lower investment under a single solution that addresses all of the major pain points, while not requiring extensive time and training to take full advantage of its features. Additionally, some of these solutions are also designed to grow with the business as its needs expand.

These pains eventually force businesses to acknowledge the limitations of manual processes and spreadsheets as they grow. By transitioning to integrated systems, adopting cloud-based tools, investing in manufacturing software, ensuring scalability, and implementing budget-minded solutions, manufacturing businesses can overcome the challenges associated with outgrowing their manual processes. Embracing technology and automation not only improves efficiency but also positions them for sustained growth and competitiveness in a highly dynamic and competitive market.

With over a decade of experience, Dorian Solutions can help you navigate the technology options for your unique needs.  Whether you are ready to graduate from spreadsheets to a manufacturing management essentials software like PrismHQ, or need integration and development expertise to get the most out of your existing systems, we can help.  Don’t hesitate to reach out with questions or to request a call.  Our mission is to provide you with the tools you need to get back to growing your business, and not just running it!

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The global job market is undergoing a seismic shift, with a glaring disparity between the burgeoning demand for skilled labor jobs and the shrinking pool of young workers available to fill them. This alarming gap poses a significant threat to industries that rely on skilled personnel, particularly in manufacturing. Several recent statistics in key areas shine a spotlight on this pressing issue:

Unfilled Positions Reach Alarming Numbers:
In a report released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, it was revealed that there were over 8 million unfilled job openings in the United States alone, a record high and a 20% increase from the previous year. A significant portion of these vacancies is within skilled labor sectors, such as manufacturing, healthcare, and technology.

Shrinking Enrollment in Vocational Programs:
Recent data from educational institutions indicates a steep decline in enrollment in vocational education programs, with a significant drop in the past five years. This decline can be attributed to a perception shift that values traditional degrees over hands-on training, exacerbating the gap in skilled workers.

Growing Skills Mismatch:
A study conducted by a leading labor market analytics firm unveiled that over 40% of employers are struggling to find candidates with the right skills for their job openings. This mismatch between the skills demanded by employers and those possessed by job seekers perpetuates the cycle of unfilled positions.

Aging Skilled Workforce:
An analysis of workforce demographics shows that nearly 25% of skilled workers are nearing retirement age. As these seasoned professionals exit the workforce, there are increasingly fewer individuals prepared to step into their roles.

Technology Solutions

In the face of this widening gap, technology, particularly software, emerges as a beacon of hope for the manufacturing sector. Here are five ways software can empower manufacturers to navigate the challenges of a shrinking labor force and amplify productivity:

1. Process Automation
Software-driven automation can streamline repetitive tasks on the factory floor, reducing the need for manual intervention. This enables existing employees to focus on complex tasks that require their expertise.

2. Robotic Process Automation (RPA)
RPA can mimic human interactions with digital systems, allowing manufacturers to automate a wide range of activities. This technology can alleviate the pressure on a dwindling workforce by handling routine tasks efficiently.

3. Predictive Maintenance Software
Software equipped with predictive analytics can monitor machinery performance in real-time, predicting maintenance needs and preventing costly breakdowns. This ensures that skilled technicians’ time is optimized, focusing on essential tasks.

4. Inventory and Supply Chain Management Software
Efficient management of inventory and supply chains through software ensures that manufacturers can maintain optimal operations with fewer human resources.

5. Data-Driven Decision-Making
Advanced data analytics software empowers manufacturers to make informed decisions based on real-time insights. This enables the utilization of available resources strategically and ensures that decisions align with production goals.

The growing gap between skilled labor job openings and the available workforce demands immediate attention. Manufacturers, in particular, can leverage software solutions to address the challenge of a shrinking labor force. With over a decade of experience, Dorian Solutions can help you navigate the new technology and apply it to your unique needs. Whether you are ready to graduate from spreadsheets to a manufacturing management software like PrismHQ, or need integration and development expertise to get the most out of your existing systems, we can help manufacturers maximize the efficiency of their operations, maintain competitiveness, and navigate the uncertain terrain ahead. As industries continue to evolve, embracing technology will be the key to staying afloat in the face of this formidable challenge.

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1 )  Advanced Robotics and Automation

Integrating advanced robotics and automation into manufacturing processes can streamline operations and increase productivity significantly. Robots can perform repetitive tasks with high precision, reducing human errors and downtime. These technologies allow manufacturers to optimize their workforce and reallocate human resources to more complex and strategic tasks, making the most of their labor costs while maintaining a high level of efficiency.

2)  Internet of Things (IoT) and Smart Sensors

IoT and smart sensor technologies enable manufacturers to monitor equipment and processes in real-time. These connected devices can collect and analyze data, providing valuable insights into the production process’s efficiency. By identifying bottlenecks and inefficiencies promptly, manufacturers can implement targeted improvements, reduce waste, and optimize energy consumption, ultimately saving costs and resources.

3)  Predictive Maintenance

Downtime is a significant expense for manufacturers, and unexpected equipment failures can lead to production delays and increased maintenance costs. Predictive maintenance, powered by machine learning and data analytics, allows manufacturers to monitor the condition of machinery and predict potential failures before they occur. This proactive approach to maintenance can extend the lifespan of equipment, minimize unplanned downtime, and save on repair expenses.

4)  Cloud-Based Manufacturing Management Systems

Cloud-based manufacturing management systems offer numerous advantages, particularly for small and medium-sized manufacturers. By moving their data and processes to the cloud, manufacturers can reduce IT infrastructure costs, improve data accessibility and collaboration, and ensure business continuity even in challenging times. These systems also enable real-time visibility into operations, making it easier to identify areas for improvement and adapt to changing market demands.

5)  3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing

Traditional manufacturing methods can be costly, especially for prototyping and low-volume production runs. 3D printing and additive manufacturing technologies allow manufacturers to produce complex parts with reduced material waste and faster lead times. By embracing these innovative methods, manufacturers can be more agile in responding to market demands while keeping production costs in check.

6)  Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Supply Chain Optimization

Supply chain disruptions can have a severe impact on manufacturing operations, especially during challenging economic conditions. AI-driven supply chain optimization can help manufacturers improve demand forecasting, manage inventory more efficiently, and identify alternative suppliers quickly. By mitigating supply chain risks and optimizing logistics, manufacturers can ensure a steady flow of materials and reduce unnecessary overhead costs.

7)  Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Practices

In a challenging economy, cost-saving measures are essential, and energy expenses can be a significant burden for manufacturers. Embracing energy-efficient technologies and sustainable practices can result in substantial savings over time. Implementing energy-efficient machinery and optimizing processes to reduce energy consumption not only cuts costs but also positions manufacturers as environmentally responsible businesses, which can attract eco-conscious consumers and clients.

In a challenging economic landscape, manufacturers must seek ways to remain competitive and financially viable. Embracing technology offers a multitude of opportunities to do more with less. From advanced robotics and automation to IoT, AI, and sustainable practices, leveraging technology empowers manufacturers to optimize their processes, reduce costs, and thrive despite economic uncertainties. By embracing these seven strategies, manufacturers can not only survive but also position themselves for long-term success in a constantly evolving marketplace.  

With over a decade of experience, Dorian Solutions can help you navigate the new technology and apply it to your unique needs.  Whether you are ready to graduate from spreadsheets to a manufacturing management software like PrismHQ, or need integration and development expertise to get the most out of your existing systems, we can help.  Don’t hesitate to reach out with questions or to request a call.  Our mission is to provide you with the tools you need to get back to growing your business, and not just running it!

The post 7 Ways Manufacturers Can Leverage Technology to Thrive in a Challenging Economy appeared first on Dorian Solutions.

What is it?

ChatGPT is a cutting-edge language model that can process natural language and generate human-like responses. With its advanced algorithms and vast database of knowledge, ChatGPT can be a valuable asset to the manufacturing industry. It can help streamline production processes, reduce errors, and improve overall productivity.  According to a survey of business leaders conducted by PwC in 2020, 65% believe that AI will have a significant impact on the future of their businesses.

Machine Maintenance

One way ChatGPT can benefit the manufacturing industry is through predictive maintenance. By analyzing data from sensors and other sources, ChatGPT can predict when machines are likely to fail and alert maintenance teams before a breakdown occurs. This can save manufacturers time and money by preventing costly downtime and repairs.

Quality Control

ChatGPT can also help improve quality control. By analyzing images and data from sensors, it can identify defects and anomalies in products and alert workers to potential issues. This can help manufacturers catch problems early on, reducing the number of defective products that make it to market.

Supply Chain Management

Another area where the technology can be useful is in supply chain management. By analyzing data from suppliers, manufacturers can use ChatGPT to make predictions about demand, optimize inventory levels, and reduce the risk of stockouts. This can help manufacturers reduce waste, improve efficiency, and improve customer satisfaction.

Customer Service

Finally, ChatGPT can be used to improve customer service in the manufacturing industry. By analyzing customer feedback and data from social media, the AI can identify common issues and help manufacturers respond quickly to customer complaints. This can help manufacturers build stronger relationships with customers and improve brand loyalty.

The manufacturing industry stands to benefit greatly from integration with AI like ChatGPT. By leveraging its advanced technology, manufacturers can improve productivity, reduce costs, and improve the quality of their products. As this technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more applications for AI in the manufacturing industry.  It will become another tool in your arsenal to run your business more efficiently.  With over a decade of experience, Dorian Solutions can help you navigate the new technology and apply it to your unique needs.  Don’t hesitate to reach out with questions or to request a call.  Our mission is to provide you with the tools you need to get back to growing your business, and not just running it!

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What Came Before – Industry 3.0

In the third revolution of manufacturing, we had the introduction of computers.  This created a large focus on data generation, collection, and automation.  This phase truly leaned into the saying “you can’t manage what you can’t measure.”  Technology allowed us to rapidly start measuring nearly every aspect of production.  Businesses are now facing a challenge where the amount of data being generated and collected is overwhelming.  This has ushered in what many are pointing to as the next phase of evolution called Industry 4.0.

Industry 4.0

As this phase unfolds, it is characterized by enhancing the adoption of computers and automation with smart and autonomous systems fueled by data and machine learning.  The problem is no longer gathering the data, it is now effective data management.  Now the need is to analyze and pivot efficiently based on the patterns and insights gained from a mountain of data.  “With the increase in IoT applications, especially on the manufacturing floor through Industrial IoT, more real-time data sources are coming into play from disparate systems,” says Sam Mahalingam, Global Strategist at Altair (Industryweek.com).  It’s impossible for humans to do it in a reasonable timeframe, but the introduction of industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) technologies has created opportunities to better utilize all that data.  

There is Still Work to Do

The shift to integrated smart systems and adoption of the cloud are key to breaking down the existing data silos and unlocking your data’s potential.  Most companies agree on the importance of this goal, however the trick lies in how to move towards accomplishing it.  If you’ve found yourself struggling with making the transition, you’re not alone.  A recent survey posted by prnewswire.com found the following:

• Ninety-five percent of survey respondents still use paper-based vs. digital processes, while 27% use paper for over half of all activities.
• Nearly all survey respondents (98%) indicate that they continue to use manual spreadsheets such as Microsoft Excel, even while taking steps toward digital transformation. In fact, half (50%) of respondents say they use these tools for “the majority” of processes.
• Nearly half (47%) of U.S. respondents strongly agreed that many discrete manufacturers in the U.S. could cease operations in the next decade unless action is taken.

Not Just for “the Big Boys”

It may be easy for smaller companies to look at this type of transformation and think that it’s out of reach.  But as is pointed out in the last bullet above, that could be a mistake with serious consequences.  It’s true that it may be prohibitive or impractical to completely refit or build with fully integrated networks, IIoT devices, and data analytics systems.  However, there are many smaller data management steps available to make day-to-day operations more efficient, and open up the option to take on larger, more complicated client projects that would have been logistical headaches before.  

Utilizing 5G bandwidth and simple data analytics can help cut through the torrential downpour of data, and get you the information you need to make tactical decisions.  Things like the digitalization of warehouse inventory can add automation possibilities and cut down on manual organization.  It doesn’t take a complete overhaul to realize quicker, easier wins that affect your bottom line in meaningful ways.  

Finding the Right Partner

As you consider your path through to the other side of Industry 4.0 and beyond, it is important to understand your options and their impact on your unique business processes.  Find a trusted partner with experience in data management solutions and systems integrations to help you plan.  Other things to consider:

• First, review your process with fresh eyes and see if it can be made more efficient and effective before you introduce new technology.  After all, technology generally won’t fix a bad process, it will only speed up a bad process.  
• Be sure to do an ROI analysis so you can confidently prioritize the changes that are best for your company.  
• Keep an emphasis on technology that is flexible and will match your proven process. Technology should be pulled by the business, rather than pushed onto the business.

Ultimately, any solution you choose should make it easier to do what you do, and be more profitable while doing it.  With over a decade of experience, Dorian Solutions is here to discuss your needs and help you find the right fit.  We can help at any point in the journey from process review and analysis, to software development, integration, or implementation.  Don’t hesitate to reach out with questions or to request a call.  Our mission is to provide you with the tools you need to get back to growing your business, and not just running it!

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Many businesses are trying to find the balance between increasing efficiencies, raising prices, and focusing their spending on areas of their business which bring the greatest return on investment.  Technology is an ever-present part of that discussion, particularly as businesses re-evaluate their process management.  The solutions will differ somewhat depending on where your business is on the lean process spectrum.  With this article, we want to provide some general guidance and “food for thought” as you consider how to leverage technology to get the most impact for your business.

Increasing Visibility

The first area to consider harkens back to the adage “you can’t manage what you can’t measure.”  Technology solutions provide the ability to collect and centralize important data on both your customers and your process metrics.  Inadequate data drastically narrows the potential for improvement, flow management, and proof of success.  Technology implemented correctly can collect critical data and begin to shed light on areas of your process that were previously ambiguous.  This goes hand-in-hand with the lean process, making problems visible, prioritizing them, and solving them.

Managing Large Amounts of Data

Once you’ve been collecting data for any period of time, it can quickly become overwhelming.  Manually reviewing and sorting the data becomes nearly impossible at some point.  The right technology systems can help by collecting, organizing, centralizing, and correlating this mountain of data into actionable information.  It can follow the rules you set to reduce the manpower burden of managing the data.  Business management software, dashboards, and custom reporting can present the information in an easily digestible way.  These types of solutions provide an overview supported by detailed data that you can use to make insightful decisions and impactful adjustments to your process.

Providing Real-Time Information

If your business moves quickly, (and most do) having real-time data on the status of things like production and manufacturing schedules, downtime, and manpower availability can be critical to success.  This is especially true in today’s lean manufacturing processes.  Implementing a system which quickly displays the current state of production helps you identify opportunities to eliminate waste, as well as activities and resources which do not ultimately add value.  These steps go on to further help optimize business processes and improve customer satisfaction.

Thoughtful Implementation

Regardless of your business’s specific technology needs, solutions must be implemented thoughtfully to provide the most value.  A common misstep is to just throw technology at an issue as a cure-all.  Instead, carefully analyze the root of the issue and the desired goal before implementing a solution.  It’s important to identify whether a process needs to be more efficient, or changed altogether.  After all, technology generally won’t fix a bad process, it will only speed up a bad process.  

Dictate Your Own Process

Our final point to consider is an all-too-frequent pitfall associated with technology – inflexibility.  While many businesses begin with a standardized philosophy, like just-in-time or lean processes, each grows to become unique and individual.  You have honed your processes over time to accommodate your clients needs, give you an edge over the competition, and drive your value proposition.  Many times, business leaders are faced with the dilemma of having to change successful processes to fit within the limitations of established software or inflexible technology structures.  Technology should be pulled by the business, rather than pushed onto the business.  Be mindful and take care not to lose more efficiency or value than you gain.  Ideally, a solution should offer the customization and flexibility to fit your process and not the other way around, so your business can function at its best.  

At Dorian Solutions, we believe that lean business and manufacturing processes are human-centric.  Technology should be a supporting part which empowers you to drive previously unrealized efficiency by providing real-time data and visibility into the processes, machines, and people involved.  This in turn allows for human insight and creativity to make the best possible decisions based on accurate, and timely data.  

We can help at any point in the journey from process review and evaluation, to software development, integration, or implementation.  Don’t hesitate to reach out with questions or to request a call.  Our mission is to provide you with the tools you need to get back to growing your business, and not just running it!

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Technology solutions can help address the labor shortage with faster, easier ways to onboard new workers, collect and share data, and track processes and performance.  These things are critical in order to make timely adjustments that streamline operations and productivity. 

There are also generational changes in the workforce to consider.  Workers in the market are becoming increasingly tech-savvy and expect to use digital tools on the job.  When considering how to attract top talent, it’s worth knowing that 91% of Gen Z candidates say the technology offered by an employer would be a factor in their decision whether or not to accept an offer.

With all these things in mind, business management solutions of all kinds are receiving a lot of attention.  Let’s take a closer look at a few areas where technology can help improve business efficiency with both the resources you already have, and the new workers you bring on board.

Employee Onboarding

Turnover is a reality that must be considered. To meet production demands, businesses need their workforce hours to remain as stable as possible.  This means it’s crucial to get new-hires trained and productive quickly.

Software with a dedicated repository which provides training documentation, videos, work instructions, and process steps can provide consistent support as workers ramp up. If the solution also includes performance monitoring, it can track their progress through onboarding and training to let businesses know when workers are ready to run a machine or can be scheduled for specific work tasks.

A simple, effective technology solution makes hiring and training easier by helping workers ramp up quickly so businesses can operate as expected.

A Single Source for Information

Most businesses deal with data all the time, but too often it is handled through manual methods like running to a file cabinet, or writing information down on paper. These methods are incredibly inefficient, add to the onboarding stress for new workers, and carry a very real risk of errors and delays—all of which impact productivity.

Streamlining data collection, sharing, and reporting by automating parts of your process can cut back on human error and wasted time hunting for information. Having a single source of truth also gives decision-makers much-needed visibility into things like inventory, order statuses, and production to better understand what’s happening in real time.

Software solutions can help manufacturers make better business decisions to improve operations, lower overhead, and provide higher job satisfaction by reducing the amount of manual, error-prone data processes.

Process and Performance Improvement

Real-time insight and data on your business processes enable business leaders to better discover and anticipate the things that impact the business productivity or even the end customer. When the flurry of activity necessary to run the business is in full swing, trying to keep track of production pace or worker productivity can be a real challenge.

Consider a software which automates process monitoring through workstation or process checkpoints. Some solutions can help track the time for various tasks, provide reports, and even flag when processes are exceeding expected times to complete. Data can be collected from each operator to understand their efficiency, identify where more training may be necessary, and reward top-performing workers. Some systems will also provide a better understanding of how many employees and/or shifts are needed to meet important deadlines.

Challenges Met and Solutions Found

The upheaval in the current labor market may not let up anytime soon, but it doesn’t have to completely derail your company. Business and production management solutions can give you the tools and information you need to make more efficient and productive use of your current workforce, eliminate the most repetitive and inefficient tasks, and bring on new workers more effectively.

With the numerous solution options and alphabet soup of ERP, CRM, BMS, and MES, it can get overwhelming quickly.  Dorian Solutions is here to discuss your needs and help you find the right fit.  We can help at any point in the journey from process review and analysis, to software development, integration, or implementation.  Don’t hesitate to reach out with questions or to request a call.  Our mission is to provide you with the tools you need to get back to growing your business, and not just running it!

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What Are Your Headaches?

This question will help you narrow down the plethora of solutions out there.  After all, you’re not usually researching new software just for the fun of it.  Business software should streamline and automate your business operations.  Once you identify your specific pain points, then you can focus on the software options which specifically address those problems.  Much of the time, these issues involve: 

• Redundant work and data entry
• Several individual softwares that don’t work together well (or at all)
• Inefficient manual processes
• No central location for information
• Lack of real-time insight

What Are Your Workflow Needs?

The first step in tackling this question is to understand your workflow very specifically.  Have discussions with all those involved so you understand each step of their processes and how they contribute to the overall workflow.  Create a map of the workflow then review with these things in mind:

• How do you need to track daily activities?
• What information do you need to collect?
• What is working well?
• Where are the problems?
• Who needs access to this information?
• How do you want the information displayed?

Going through this exercise will help ensure you don’t leave out any important parts of your process.  It will also identify the strengths and weaknesses of your workflow.  Any software solution should support your workflow strengths while eliminating or improving the weaknesses. 

Are There Compliance or Other Considerations?

As you are analyzing your workflow, be aware of any regulations or compliances you must adhere to.  These should be among the first requirements you consider when looking for a software solution.  They may lead to needing increased detail or documentation for parts of the process as well as potential for additional oversight.  Carefully review these needs to be sure any product you are considering covers each adequately.  Other considerations are things like integrations with existing programs, hosting, and security.

What is the Involvement and Ability of Your Team?

Next, take into account the members of your team that will be using the software on a day-to-day basis.  If a software solution asks something new and different from your team, it can easily lead to knee-jerk resistance.  However if you include them in the process, it can greatly increase acceptance and user buy-in.  As an example:

• Share the list of problems you are working to solve and demonstrate how it can benefit them.
• Ask for opinions and insights as part of your workflow research.  
• Realistically evaluate your team’s average level of technical ability.
• Have a plan and timeframe for the training needed to get everyone up to speed with the solution.

These things can help combat any feelings that key decisions were made by management without considering the impact on a department’s actual needs.  The results of these discussions shouldn’t discourage you from getting a solution that’s right for your business, but are definitely worth considering before making a commitment.

Have You Weighed Features Against Your Budget?

With all the things that software can do for your business, it’s easy to lose sign of what you truly need it to do.  While having all the bells and whistles sounds great, your budget may say otherwise.  Here are some suggested considerations:

• Have a general budget in mind before you start looking for solutions.
• Evaluate your list of problems and attach a value to each – how much is each solution worth to your company?  
• Prioritize your needs and trim unnecessary features.
• How could your increased efficiency and/or revenue from the solution lead to a greater ability to reinvest in your solution?

Keep in mind that as your company grows, some software can grow right alongside it.  Also be sure to allocate for any onboarding, training, or initial implementation expenses.   

What Are the Options for Expandability or Customization?

As mentioned earlier, some software is customizable by design.  This can be incredibly valuable if you need to reproduce a unique set of workflow requirements.  Additionally, if the solution can be expanded even after the initial implementation, you can start with a smaller set of initial requirements (as well as a smaller price tag), and invest in additional features as your company grows.  This way you’re not overextending your budget at the beginning.  Instead, you can budget for more advanced features in the future when you really need them.  Some considerations are:

• Ask if the software can be customized to match your processes.
• Does the software need to be configured all at the beginning, or can changes be made later?
• If you’re on a tight budget, start small with only the features you actually need.
• Later, as you grow, you can implement additional features like extra admin controls or customization.
• Expandability and customizability gives you the ability to pivot with unforeseen business changes without having to scrap the solution and start all over.

The Right Software Can Help Your Company Flourish.

The most important consideration when searching for a business management software is to ensure that it can grow with your business at a pace with your budget.  A return on investment analysis will help determine if your needs can be met within a timeline that works for you.  Ultimately, any solution you choose should make it easier to do what you do, and be more profitable while doing it. 

 It’s also important to consider the support and service that is provided after the sale.  Is the provider a true partner in your growth, or will they be difficult to engage after the initial implementation with long waits? With so many options out there, it can be tough to decide where to start.  

Dorian Solutions is here to help you at any point in the journey from process review and analysis to software development, integration, or implementation.  Don’t hesitate to reach out with questions or to request a call.  Our mission is to provide you with the tools you need to get back to growing your business, and not just running it!

The post Finding the Right Business Management Software appeared first on Dorian Solutions.

But in time, spreadsheets can quickly flip on us from being a benefit, to the bane of our existence.  As a business grows, so too does the amount of information that must be collected, managed, and analyzed.  Navigating the increased data and the insight to be gained from it is crucial for continued growth.  So when your needs start to outpace the capabilities of your spreadsheets, this once critical tool begins strangling your business’s potential for growth and success.  Check out some of the common pain points which may be indicators that it’s time for a change.

Some of the most common red flags are:

• Quantity of data – Larger amounts of data will become time-consuming to parse and translate into meaningful insight.  Additionally, when the quantity of data becomes too large and complex, many spreadsheets become slower and less responsive.
• Inconsistency and inaccuracy – As your team grows, more and more people will be contributing to the data input.  The chance for human error will begin to increase, and inconsistencies with how data is entered from user to user becomes overwhelming to manage.  Both of these can result in flawed insights and poor decisions being made from bad data.
• Version management – When spreadsheets are being passed around, you run the risk of outdated information.  This can happen because team members may have local versions while making updates.  When multiple people are making simultaneous updates, data loss when an older version overwrites a new one becomes a very real risk.  Trying to manage the situation only takes more time and resources away from your business.
• Repetitive and duplicate entry – Data overlap is inevitable when multiple spreadsheets are being used to track accounting, inventory, customers, projects, and other processes.  The same data must be entered in multiple spreadsheets manually, wasting valuable time.  Every time a piece of data changes, it must be updated in multiple locations, leading to more time wasted.  All this increases the chances exponentially for out-of-date, inconsistent, and incorrect information across the entire organization.
• Significant impact of errors – There are multiple cases of companies losing millions of dollars simply because of spreadsheet errors. During the London Olympics, a typo caused the sale of 20,000 tickets instead of 10,000. This resulted in a lot of refunds and costly upgrades when people showed up and didn’t have seats.  Similarly, in the 90s a tax accountant at Fidelity Investments made a costly mistake. The accountant accidentally left out a minus sign. This incident resulted in a $2.6 billion error. Ouch!

You can see how these problems can continue to compound one another and eventually snowball into a frustrating and intolerable situation.  Alongside success and expansion, most businesses experience these types of growing pains at some point.  When the risk or impact of these types of drawbacks becomes untenable, it’s time to move on to specialized or custom software that is better suited to your business’s needs.  

We at Dorian Solutions are here to help your business navigate the next steps.  As you step into the daunting process of researching off-the-shelf or custom solutions, we offer consultation to evaluate your situation and make recommendations.  If your needs don’t quite fit with existing software, we specialize in alternatives like integration or full custom software development as appropriate.  All of our efforts keep your business needs at the center of everything we do.  Our top goal is to set you up for success and get you back to growing your business and not just running it.

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