ERP Derived From Manufacturing Software
Difference between ERP and manufacturing softwareWhen we talk of manufacturing software systems, the discussion usually veers towards the ERP systems which are sophisticated versions of such software. The ERP software usually comprises of range of features and functionalities as well as combines all facets of the production process. The key capabilities of manufacturing software are all combined in ERP software and it goes beyond and embraces other aspects and functions of the organization as well. There are many manufacturers who have businesses of varying sizes but they all require MRP software or a Manufacturing Software system like ERP to take care of their business needs for all departments. Such software can help to streamline all aspects of production as well as take into account all forms of necessary operations. The end result is that one has a dramatically improved production process which is optimally utilized from the aspect of raw material, product distribution, inventory management, customer management, vendor management and so forth. So how does such software achieve all this? There are some vital features of ERP software which has been derived from manufacturing software that allows one to get the competitive edge in any industry.ERP software and its different modulesThe MRP software is an important module of ERP software and to this day such a module impacts the production processes and decisions greatly. There are also engineering tasks that need to be taken into account and such modules are also present. One can have the production process blueprint inbuilt in such a system as well as bill of materials and control processes inbuilt. Hence, one can have all floor plan details included in such engineering modules of ERP software. The planning of demand and forecasting may seem to be an input to the production process but it does not lie outside the purview of enterprise resource planning software. The inclusion of statistical tools to help management to strategize and reach such decisions is what separates ERP from the previous manufacturing software packages. Such strategic modules can help to prepare companies when it comes to meeting sales requirements, eliminating waste, minimizing the excess stocks and so forth.Similarities with manufacturing softwarePurchasing is another important module which takes into account the economies of scale and can adjust the demands of production accordingly. Hence, purchasing is a module that can track how vendors are supplying the goods, whether there is a variation in demand, to ensure just in time supply of goods, minimizes waste and so froth. Production is the most important module of ERP software and this is where most of the traditional manufacturing software setup is derived from. The production scheduling and running of the same; tracking the actual output against targets set as well as calculating efficiency of production systems are all part of this important module in ERP software. Thus, we can see that, ERP has originated from the traditional MRP software and the manufacturing software but it now encompasses other vital functions of the organization as well.
Staffing, Employment News and Tips
The Staffing View On business, the workplace and employee relations December 2008Manage Your Staffing: Think Twice Before Applying a Hiring Freeze When the economy heads into a recession, particularly one that’s forecast to be historic, some companies take the conservative step of instituting a hiring freeze. But for a number of reasons that’s not always the best course. Certainly it makes sense to save money through budget tightening and cost cutting. Yet forward thinking businesses continue to hire where it makes sense, adjusting their staffing with the goal of becoming stronger in the long run.Recessions can be opportunities. Are there areas within your business in which you can gain market share during the recession? If so, then it may make sense to bolster the appropriate departments within your company with new qualified people or to shift personnel over from stagnant areas. Now that you’re redeployed, go get that business.All-stars become free agents. Ordering a hiring freeze means you’re not interested in adding a high performer to that growing segment of your business. Layoffs are occurring by the thousands, swelling the available labor pool. By continuing to recruit top talent you can maximize perceived market opportunities. Eventually the business cycle will turn up and you’ll have the players in place to grow your business.Get the best bang for your buck. Review your staffing situation and prioritize your positions by their impact. Are the most critical slots filled? Just as assuring that every process in a company is running at maximum efficiency, so too is it important to be certain that employment positions that will have the greatest revenue or operations impact are staffed with high performers.Add talent according to your markets. While the current recession is broad and many say global, it’s not evenly distributed. The U.S. housing market is worse in Nevada than it is in Massachusetts, for example. Think regionally. If your company is national or international, it may be that you need to hire to leverage business opportunities in select locations.Protect your best. The worst recession in decades might not appear to be a time when employees would leave by choice. But companies that have needs and the resources to fill them can still offer incentive packages that will be attractive to recruits. Uncertainty prevails in the current economy. If one company can provide more security than another, a smart employee will go for it. Make sure that’s not your all-star.Help Your Employer Realize Your Value Career counselors regularly advise people to take new courses, keep their skills sharp and adapt to industry changes. It’s great long-term guidance. But what you have or haven’t done in the past to protect your job is less important than what you’ll do in the present. It’s time to show the boss that you’re indispensable, especially when the economy is struggling. Ramp up the effort, stay positive and make some allies.o Be part of the solution. The recession is sweeping and it affects different companies in different ways. What’s happening to your firm? Figure it out and then work back from the problem towards your own job. If you’re the CEO, your role is obvious. But if you’re a department head, how is the recession specifically impacting your group and what are you doing about it? If you’re a staffer in that group, find out how your boss sees the situation and figure out how you can work with him by doing your job better.o Stay upbeat. It’s not a secret that the economy is in a recession and the stock market has plunged, but there’s no point in dwelling on it. If you want to motivate yourself and your co-workers, be positive. Stop complaining about the coffee machine. If you are given extra responsibilities, asked to work some extra hours or if some close colleagues have left the firm, handle it professionally. Volunteer for new assignments. Hopefully your boss will notice the team spirit.o Network in-house. If you’re concerned about job safety then start making some friends among your bosses. Expand your contact circle so they’ll know more about you, understand what you do and appreciate your value to the company. You don’t need to be the mayor of office politics, just someone who isn’t afraid to do some campaigning.o Invest yourself in your company. If your job depends on the success of your company then you need to act that way. Think like an owner. What are the challenges facing your firm and what are the solutions. By putting some urgency in your own mind you’ll become more creative in your work and more entrepreneurial in your approach.Networking Tips for Those Who Hate Networking Networking is a great way to find a job, providing you have a network. But not everyone has kept in touch with the guys from their dorm or friends from their first company. If your network isn’t broad, you’ll give yourself a better chance at new career opportunities by proactively trying to meet new people.That’s not easy for everyone. The networking world is divided into extroverts and introverts – those who are perfectly comfortable introducing themselves to strangers at a social or networking event and those who dread the challenge. The thought of making small talk or telling someone they’ve just met about themselves is what’s often intimidating for networking introverts. The remedy is to be a good listener.Take the pressure off yourself by listening more and speaking less. Expanding your network means creating relationships. Ask questions and then listen closely for things you have in common with whomever you’re speaking. As you learn about someone else’s background, you can more naturally reveal your own skills and work experience.Of course you can’t have a conversation until you introduce yourself to someone. Imagine you’re attending a reception at an industry trade show. You don’t know a soul there. Look around the room. When you see someone else standing alone move in. There are other people equally reticent as you to meet new people – but they too know it’s important. By introducing yourself you’ll be doing them a favor and gaining yourself a new contact.Finally, once you begin speaking with someone make sure you are sending the right message with your body language. It’s human nature to be on guard when speaking with a stranger. Fight the impulse and be open. Smile, make good eye contact and don’t use defensive body language such as crossing your arms on your chest. And be interested. Even if the other person is uncomfortable as he or she speaks, you never know what might emerge.The Holiday Office Party 2008 Style The holiday office party is a year-end tradition in the business world. But with a recession settling in, even companies that are doing well are scaling back the celebrations. In a survey of 100 companies by Challenger, Gray & Christmas, the outplacement firm, 23 percent of companies said they would not host a holiday party this year, compared with only 10 percent in 2007. The consulting firm Towers Perrin conducted an even broader study in which 58 percent of 1,200 executives said their organizations are somewhat or very likely to scale back this year’s bash to save money.So ice sculptures and open bars are out, but many companies are still recognizing the season in other low-key ways. The Lauder Family and The Estee Lauder Companies, for example, canceled their usual party and said it would make charitable donations in the names of its would-be guests instead. Others are finding ways to celebrate the season with a tight budget.o Pot luck lunches and dessert parties.
o BYOB after-hours party in the office.
o Secret Santa parties.
o Company outings at a local sporting event.
o Open gatherings at a local pub.
o Less expensive “New Year’s Party” in January.
Healthcare for a Better and Healthier Tomorrow
Prevention has always been better than cure. Having annual physical examination and taking healthy food supplements are just two of the many ways to ward illnesses off. Yet there are times where illness strikes even if you are living healthily, having a great retail healthcare program will ease not only the patient’s mind but their families, caregivers and employers as well.The NeedThe moment a baby is born, health products are already needed. Nursing pillows, breastfeeding paraphernalia, and diapers are just few of the things that can be purchased in a health gift shop. As the baby reaches the toddler stage, trainer glasses and other utensils are needed. The mother needs to get fit, having exercise equipments and taking food supplements to aid in breastfeeding are needed. Stomach binders are also needed especially for mothers who underwent C-section.Basically, in every phase of life, there is a healthcare product needed to prevent or cure illnesses.The SolutionHealth is a wealth that we must take care of, there are no cash-and-carry for body spare parts. Retail Healthcare Product is a solution to be provided for individuals, hospitals or healthcare facilities or systems.The BenefitsCustomers or patients will experience what health program or facility they need from hospitals or healthcare system. In this manner, there will be improvement in the patients outcome.The Business OpportunityVenturing into the healthcare business is very lucrative in the present times. Studies show that more and more people are health conscious. Succumbing to illness is not an easy ordeal. People flock in wellness centers for health seminars, fitness workshops and other healthful activities. Packaging health or fitness equipment and supplements as gift items make it one of the salable gift shop products.The Healthcare Business ProviderIf you are a hospital, clinic or a healthcare system provider – looking for the right people to trust in retail healthcare products is tough. Here are some guidelines that will identify a great provider:must have an alliance with the leading healthcare industry experts and resources to assist in identifying and implementation of retail healthcare and e-commerce strategy
has a solid business plan
has a reward point system or point of sale to gain customer’s loyalty
has an online commerce system
can manage the implementation of a unique retail store concept
can provide successful business operation with years of experience
can provide plans and store design for the physical store (for gift shop solutions)
can provide store designs, operation instructions and management for retail pharmacy solutions
can provide the best brands of gift shop and pharmacy items
can improve retail healthcare offeringThe HighlightsIt is important that a retail healthcare product provider will be able to analyze the latest trend or statistics, facilities and operation to create or formulate recommendation for clients.The Paquin Healthcare organization has a pool of consultants with expertise in retail healthcare, gift shop, retail pharmacy and e-commerce.