Excelta Corporation Selects SYSPRO over Epicor, MAS, Accpac

SYSPRO, a provider of best-of-breed, award-winning enterprise resource planning (ERP) software for on-premise and cloud-based utilization, announced today that Excelta Corporation, based in Buellton, Calif., has selected SYSPRO ERP to consolidate computer programs into a single system, provide better insight into company operations, enhance operational efficiencies and facilitate accurate inventory forecasting.

According to Doug Bristol, Excelta Information Technology Director, the company had been utilizing three different software solutions: Epicor Acclaim, Misys and Peachtree. In addition to improving efficiencies and eliminating duplicate entry as well as the overhead of running multiple, disparate systems, the utilization of SYSPRO ERP manufacturing software will also enable the automation of many functions now done manually as well as give management the superior, operational insight available from consolidated, real-time data.

While the company looked at implementing Epicor ERP, MAS or Accpac, Bristol notes that the choice of SYSPRO ERP was based on the software’s “outstanding reputation,” the ability to customize the software and “a superior demo” that not only showed the extensive SYSPRO functionality, but also the close working relationship that Excelta can enjoy with SYSPRO in the future.

About Excelta
Excelta Corporation, based in Buellton, Calif., is a nationally known supplier of precision hand tools including tweezers and forceps for all types of electronics assembly and manufacturing. They supply the most advanced styles of tweezers, cutters and pliers, as well as custom designed tools for unique applications, and a broad range of brushes, probes, scissors, optics and vacuum pick-up tools used in the industry.
For more information: call 805-694-2160 or go to: www.excelta.com

SYSPRO is the leading supplier of ERP software to mid-market manufacturers and distributors. SYSPRO has more than 14,500 licensed customers in over 60 countries around the globe. If you’d like an ERP expert to contact you and further discuss how SYSPRO ERP can streamline your business processes, please contact us here.

Announces New ERP Deployment Templates, Industry Extensions, Local Release 7 Interest; As Well as New Partner Driven ‘Driving US Manufacturing Brain Boost’ Program

SYSPRO, a provider of best-of-breed, award-winning enterprise resource planning (ERP) software for on-premise and cloud-based utilization, announced today a four-part SYSPRO USA program intended to help support and boost the success of U.S. manufacturing and distribution companies. The new ‘SYSPRO USA BRAIN BOOST’ program is the ninth extension of the company’s successful US-focused, Einstein go-to-market strategy and was announced here in Boston to 25 leading technology analysts at its annual December roadshow.

SYSPRO USA has for more than 30 years been committed to enterprise solution programs geared to providing support to domestic manufacturing and distribution organizations in the mid-market. The company receives numerous industry awards for its leading edge technology, vertical industry capabilities and for providing a superior ERP industry customer experience. In November, SYSPRO received the Silver Award in the “Most Customer Friendly Company of the Year” category in the Best in Biz Awards 2013.

The new SYSPRO USA Einstein Brain Boost program focuses on providing localized manufacturing/distribution industry assistance on multiple levels via the company’s extensive partner channel. Specifically, SYSPRO is focusing on four core “trust” initiatives intended to boost productivity and maximize customer success through optimized use of SYSPRO’s best-in-class mid-market ERP solutions. The initiatives include:

• Product Trust: Coordination of phased demand based on manufacturer requirements, culture and appetite for the new SYSPRO 7 release. Presently, the 100 SYSPRO USA partners have reported the requirements of more than 500 companies who are looking to implement the newest release by specific needs – versus an all-or-nothing approach more typical of ERP solution providers.

• Deployment Trust: All-new rapid software deployment methodology and industry templates based on pre-defined, micro-vertical industry needs. Processes, account structures, executive dashboards, defined metrics, roles and security are pre-configured to get companies implemented and successful in the fastest time period ever.

• Micro-Vertical Trust: A further expansion of SYSPRO’s previously defined commitment to the food industry. With U.S. Food Industry manufacturing stock performances up 36% between May 2012 and May 2013 and stated plans by Food & Beverage industry executives to invest for growth, SYSPRO USA is increasing its focus on this specific sector. SYSPRO’s Food ERP has advanced capabilities for supply chain visibility and inventory optimization – these will be the focus of education and marketing program outreach as well as special 2014 bundled pricing.

• Driving US Manufacturing Brain Boost Program: SYSPRO executives have a reputation and long history of participating in civic, government and economic committees and events geared to the company’s 100% focus on the U.S. manufacturing and distribution market. In particular, the company has a specific commitment to small and mid-sized organizations that have been particularly squeezed. To help facilitate the transition to a stronger U.S. manufacturing industry with the goal of helping to add thousands to millions of jobs, the company is incenting its partners to successfully execute these programs:

-Executive Services, including partner support hotlines; executive partner dashboards; strategic, sales and marketing assistance, plus new educational programs;

-Special Interest Teams tasked to specific vertical markets and providing customized services, product support and advance previews of new feature/functions;

-Program Deployment Incentives, SYSPRO Channel Partner recruitment with special pricing, deal closing assistance and operational skillset visibility for cross transference;

-Channel ROI Teams, tasked with elevating the levels of partner collaboration, strategic operational coaching and custom key performance indicator (KPI) measurement and management.

SYSPRO is the leading supplier of ERP software to mid-market manufacturers and distributors. SYSPRO has more than 14,500 licensed customers in over 60 countries around the globe. If you’d like an ERP expert to contact you and further discuss how SYSPRO ERP can streamline your business processes, please contact us here.

SYSPRO Blog; Articles by SYSPRO USA President, Marketing Specialist Among Award Finalists

SYSPRO, a provider of best-of-breed, award-winning enterprise resource planning (ERP) software for on-premise and cloud-based utilization, announced today that ERP Focus has recognized SYSPRO for blog and article content that reflects SYSPRO’s corporate philosophy on corporate responsibility and customer service.

The nominated “best article” written by Joey Benadretti, SYSPRO USA president, titled “Corporate Social Responsibility – Where Does the Responsibility to Give Back Fall?” reflects SYSPRO USA’s position on what a company owes to the communities in which it operates. In his write up, Benadretti notes: “Corporate social responsibility is necessary for us as a society . . . There has to be some form of balance between what a corporation can do by giving and sponsoring with that of its employees who can participate and/or give to special causes. I know that in my own company, SYSPRO USA, we promote the need to be part of our own community, as well as encouraging individuals to partake in their own initiatives. It is this understanding of corporate social responsibility that differentiates and gives a ‘heart’ to this business.”

The SYSPRO blog, which relates innovative uses and customers’ achievements utilizing SYSPRO ERP, was also recognized along with members of Team SYSPRO singled out for their written contributions, including Louise Thompson and Erin Blake.

To find out more about SYSPRO’s award winning software offering, go to: www.syspro.com

About ERP Focus
ERPfocus.com, which provides “knowledge and evaluation resources to ERP software professionals,” requested nominations from the ERP community in the following categories: Best Writer, Best Article, Best Independent Blog and Best Vendor Blog. Those interested in the latest news on the Enterprise Resource Planning community and associated ERP software may sign up for ERP Focus at: www.erpfocus.com

SYSPRO is the leading supplier of ERP software to mid-market manufacturers and distributors. SYSPRO has more than 14,500 licensed customers in over 60 countries around the globe. If you’d like an ERP expert to contact you and further discuss how SYSPRO ERP can streamline your business processes, please contact us here.

Privately-Held SYSPRO Can Afford to Satisfy the Customer, says Leading Analyst

SYSPRO, a provider of best-of-breed, award-winning enterprise resource planning (ERP) software for on-premise and cloud-based utilization, announced today that analyst Cindy Jutras, founder and CEO of Mint Jutras has commented on the SYSPRO “Brain Trust” Program presented to a group of leading industry analysts in Boston in December, 2013.

Jutras notes that while SYSPRO is not the biggest vendor in the ERP marketplace, it hopes to be the best for the markets it serves, providing SMB’s with a competitive edge. “Yet not being the biggest also means it must build trust in its products and its ability to deploy easily and reliably . . . SYSPRO is one of only a few remaining ERP vendors that . . . enjoys the luxury of concentrating on satisfying the customer . .

“SYSPRO has long had its own implementation methodology suitable to small and mid-size businesses, but it is now investing in new industry-specific business process workflows, account structures, executive dashboards with pre-defined key performance (KPIs), industry roles and reporting. It recognizes the typical SMB faces many of the same pressures as its larger counterparts, but can’t afford to start from scratch to re-invent wheels.”

Jutras goes on to state that one of the industries upon which SYSPRO focuses is “Food,” and lists the pluses SYSPRO ERP offers food manufacturers and distributors.

Jutras summarizes her report: “By also contributing executive services and educational programs, along with program incentives, SYSPRO USA stands squarely behind and in support of economic growth and job creation. A worthy goal of a Brain Trust? Yes. Simply smarter? Definitely.”

The Jutras Report can be viewed here: http://erp.syspro.com/Mint-Jutras-Review-BrainTrust.html

About Mint Jutras
Cindy Jutras, founder of Mint Jutras, is a widely recognized expert in analyzing the impact of enterprise applications on business performance. Utilizing over 35 years of corporate experience and specific expertise in manufacturing, supply chain, customer service and business performance management, Cindy has spent the past 6 years benchmarking the performance of software solutions in the context of the business benefits of technology.

Prior to founding Mint Jutras, Cindy was Vice President, Research Fellow and Group Director for the Aberdeen Group where she conducted survey-based research on ERP, suite-based enterprise applications and business performance management. During her tenure with Aberdeen she directly managed a variety of research practices including Enterprise Applications and ERP, Manufacturing, Product Innovation and Engineering, GRC and Financial Management, Strategic Service Management and Human Capital Management. In addition, she played a leadership role in developing Aberdeen research staff, methodologies and best practices. For more information, contact: www.mintjutras.com

SYSPRO is the leading supplier of ERP software to mid-market manufacturers and distributors. SYSPRO has more than 14,500 licensed customers in over 60 countries around the globe. If you’d like an ERP expert to contact you and further discuss how SYSPRO ERP can streamline your business processes, please contact us here.

“SYSPRO Committed to Delivering ‘Smarter’ Comprehensive Environment for its Customers,” says Analyst Following SYSPRO Boston Presentation

SYSPRO, a provider of best-of-breed, award-winning enterprise resource planning (ERP) software for on-premise and cloud-based utilization, announced today that the company’s presentation to a group of leading analysts in Boston, December 2013, is yet the subject of another report. This latest report by Aleksey Osintsev, analyst at Technology Evaluation Centers (TEC) is titled, “SYSPRO U.S. Reinforces Its ‘SMARTER’ Einstein Value Proposition—Analyst Roadshow December 2013.”

SYSPRO is dedicated to “making SYSPRO customers more successful,” writes Osintsev. He notes that the SYSPRO Brain Trust encompasses four trust components: Product Trust; Deployment Trust; Micro Vertical Trust; and Economic Trust. Osintsev outlines the components of each trust:

• Product Trust emphasizes the “strong new ERP product SYSPRO 7”;
• Deployment Trust highlights “new SYSPRO software implementation methodologies created specifically with industry micro-verticals in mind”;
• Economic Trust embraces SYSPRO’s full support of current macro-economic trends in the United States;
• Micro Vertical Trust refers to industry areas where SYSPRO is planning to focus aggressively in 2014.

“Overall, SYSPRO has a reputation as an ERP vendor that does care about the businesses of its customers and has a commitment to providing its customers with more than just software,” summarizes Osintsev. “SYSPRO’s big efforts to deliver additional advantages and value to its clients are highly compelling arguments for those in an active search for an ERP contract.”

The TEC report by Aleksey Osintsev can be accessed here.

About Technology Evaluation Centers (TEC)
Technology Evaluation Centers (TEC) helps private- and public-sector organizations choose the best enterprise software solutions for their unique business needs—quickly, impartially, and cost-effectively.

SYSPRO is the leading supplier of ERP software to mid-market manufacturers and distributors. SYSPRO has more than 14,500 licensed customers in over 60 countries around the globe. If you’d like an ERP expert to contact you and further discuss how SYSPRO ERP can streamline your business processes, please contact us here.

Matrix Reflects SYSPRO Performance Among ERP Vendors’ ‘Usability, Functionality’ for Second Half 2013; Upcoming Release of SYSPRO 7, Customer Focus Cited

SYSPRO, a provider of best-of-breed, award-winning ERP software for on-premise and cloud-based utilization, announced today that the company has been placed in the “Leader” quadrant in the recently-released ERP Value Matrix 2H2013 from Nucleus Research.

Nucleus Research states the following: “ . . . Nucleus has found that SYSPRO’s growth, particularly in North America, has been largely driven by SYSPRO’s hands-on approach to customer service and proactive efforts to resolve customer issues both during and after deployment.”

Nucleus sees SYSPRO’s position in the Value Matrix improving with the upcoming, general release of SYSPRO 7, stating, “The new release focuses on usability with a new tile-based user interface, enhanced mobile capabilities, and support for streamlined enterprise-wide customization and configuration. SYSPRO also delivers investments in rapid deployment with SYSPRO 7, including one-click remote installation capabilities.”

About Nucleus Research
Nucleus Research is a global provider of investigative, case-based technology research and advisory services that provide real-world insight into maximizing technology value. For more information, visit NucleusResearch.com or follow them on Twitter @NucleusResearch.

SYSPRO is the leading supplier of ERP software to mid-market manufacturers and distributors. SYSPRO has more than 14,500 licensed customers in over 60 countries around the globe. If you’d like an ERP expert to contact you and further discuss how SYSPRO ERP can streamline your business processes, please contact us here.

SYSPRO Customer Service Also Candidate for People’s Choice Award

SYSPRO, a provider of best-of-breed, award-winning enterprise resource planning (ERP) software for on-premise and cloud-based utilization, announced today that the company has been named a finalist for an American Business Award (“Stevie”) in the category: Customer Service Department of the Year – Computer Software – 100 Or More Employees.

SYSPRO has a customer retention rate of 98%, one of the highest, if not the highest, in the software industry. While this high customer retention rate can be attributed to the excellence and ease-of-use of SYSPRO ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) Software, this high rate can also be attributed to the stringent customer relations program in place at SYSPRO.

The company’s fully staffed Customer Relations Department reports directly to SYSPRO USA Company President, Joey Benadretti, and follows an exacting program. While elevating customer satisfaction is the responsibility of the SYSPRO Customer Service staff, customer relations and retention are also the responsibilities of every SYSPRO employee, stresses Benadretti, noting, “Our success is based on the success of our customers. SYSPRO has repeatedly set itself apart in the ERP landscape by putting the needs of our customers first. We focus on the continuous improvement of their businesses, helping them to migrate to higher levels via the innovative use of technology and people.”

The well-regarded SYSPRO Customer Service Program and high customer retention rates have also been the subject of advisories by software industry analysts, the most recent being an opinion write up by IDC Analyst Mary Wardley, who notes: “The ‘century of the customer’ has centered on increasing customer experience and, powered by social media, is motivating organizations to invest in their customer-handling infrastructure.”

Wardley concludes: “SYSPRO is exemplary of a company that exemplifies the ‘culture, strategy, and processes’ component of IDC’s CX taxonomy . . . ”

SYSPRO Customer Service Also Candidate for “People’s Choice Award.”
As a finalist for the American Business Award “Customer Service Department of the Year,” SYSPRO also qualifies for a People’s Choice Award for the same category. Votes for SYSPRO can be logged by visiting the Stevies site and entering the short code: Y677E

The American Business Awards (“Stevies”) will be presented at a gala at the Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, on February 21, 2014.

About The Stevie Awards
Stevie Awards are conferred in five programs: the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, The American Business Awards, The International Business Awards, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, and the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service. A sixth program, the German Stevie Awards, will debut later this year. Honoring organizations of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide. Learn more about The Stevie Awards at www.StevieAwards.com.

SYSPRO is the leading supplier of ERP software to mid-market manufacturers and distributors. SYSPRO has more than 14,500 licensed customers in over 60 countries around the globe. If you’d like an ERP expert to contact you and further discuss how SYSPRO ERP can streamline your business processes, please contact us here.

“SYSPRO May Have Outpaced SAP,” Says Report

SYSPRO, a provider of world class, award-winning ERP Solutions for on-premise and cloud-based utilization, announced today that analyst Ann Grackin has described SYSPRO as an “innovative” ERP producer” in the Chainlink Research Report, “ERP 2014 . . . The Path to Greatness.”

Grackin poses the scenario: “My future is dawning. Which company will enable my path to greatness through their innovation and execution excellence?” She notes that the stakes are particularly high in the enterprise space and goes on to say that there are two dynamic aspects of the ERP market now: “innovation and leadership.”

“Innovation should be the cornerstone of a technology company,” says Grackin . . . “The market is divided between continued investors/innovators, those left behind, and those in recovery. And size is not the determining factor. SAP vs. SYSPRO is a good example. SYSPRO, relatively speaking, may have outpaced SAP in many ways with their efforts to transform their software and user experience.”

Grackin notes that ERP providers have to deal with 3 critical factors that should be driving their innovation:
• Technology expectations
• Retiring population and entrée of the young
• Highly competitive ERP market

In light of the above, Grackin stresses the importance of the User Interface: “. . . A well-designed user interface makes understanding the technology easier from implementation on day one, to the day-to-day use to the day of reckoning—change. . . A good UI will be the key to positive user adoption (sales) in the future. Though one cannot boil down the momentum of the market and specific companies into one factor, developing an elegant and truly functional UI cannot be ignored if one wants to compete successfully for new dollars.”

The SYSPRO 7 release features a tiles-based user interface similar to the Windows 8 concept, improved navigation using a new dashboard-based navigation menu, and new themes and flow graphs that simplify the interface for the end user.

Click here to access the ChainLink Research Paper “ERP 2014 . . . The Path to Greatness”.

About ChainLink Research
Since its founding in 2003, ChainLink Research has quickly established its growing influence and thought leadership in Supply Chain Management. As the leading Supply Chain research firm, ChainLink works on emerging and validated best practices enabling its customers to achieve leadership in chosen markets.

SYSPRO is the leading supplier of ERP software to mid-market manufacturers and distributors. SYSPRO has more than 14,500 licensed customers in over 60 countries around the globe. If you’d like an ERP expert to contact you and further discuss how SYSPRO ERP can streamline your business processes, please contact us here.

SYSPRO Wins Bronze Award at 2014 American Business Awards Category -“Customer Service Department of the Year – Computer Software – 100 or More Employees”

SYSPRO, a provider of best-of-breed, award-winning enterprise resource planning (ERP) software for on premise and cloud-based utilization, announced today that the company is a Bronze American Business Award (“Stevie”) Winner in the category: Customer Service Department of the Year – Computer Software – 100 Or More Employees.

More than 1,500 nominations from organizations of all sizes and in virtually every industry were evaluated in this year’s competition, an increase of 36% over 2013. Finalists were determined by the average scores of 129 professionals worldwide, acting as preliminary judges.

Entries were considered in 43 categories for customer service and contact center achievements, including Contact Center of the Year, Award for Innovation in Customer Service, and Customer Service Department of the Year; 43 categories for sales and business development achievements, ranging from Senior Sales Executive of the Year to Sales Training or Coaching Program of the Year to Sales Department of the Year; and categories to recognize new products and services and solution providers.

The awards were presented to honorees during a gala banquet on Friday, February 21 at the Bellagio in Las Vegas. More than 400 nominated customer service and sales executives from the U.S.A. and several other countries attended.

SYSPRO has a customer retention rate of 98%, one of the highest, if not the highest, in the software industry. While this high customer retention rate can be attributed to the excellence and ease-of-use of SYSPRO ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) Software, this high rate can also be attributed to the stringent customer relations program in place at SYSPRO.

The company’s fully staffed Customer Relations Department, which reports directly to SYSPRO USA Company President, Joey Benadretti, follows an exacting program, developed over the years to anticipate and fulfill customer needs.

While elevating customer satisfaction is the responsibility of the SYSPRO Customer Service staff, customer relations and retention are also the responsibilities of every SYSPRO employee, stresses Benadretti, noting, “Our success is based on the success of our customers. SYSPRO has repeatedly set itself apart in the ERP landscape by putting the needs of our customers first. We focus on the continuous improvement of their businesses, helping them to migrate to higher levels via the innovative use of technology and people.”

The well-regarded SYSPRO Customer Service Program and high customer retention rates have also been the subject of advisories by software industry analysts, the most recent being an opinion write up by IDC Analyst Mary Wardley, who notes: “The ‘century of the customer’ has centered on increasing customer experience and, powered by social media, is motivating organizations to invest in their customer-handling infrastructure.”

Wardley concludes: “SYSPRO is exemplary of a company that exemplifies the ‘culture, strategy, and processes’ component of IDC’s CX taxonomy . . . ”

About The Stevie Awards
Stevie Awards are conferred in five programs: the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, The American Business Awards, The International Business Awards, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, and the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service. A sixth program, the German Stevie Awards, will debut later this year. Honoring organizations of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide. Learn more about The Stevie Awards at www.StevieAwards.com.

SYSPRO is the leading supplier of ERP software to mid-market manufacturers and distributors. SYSPRO has more than 14,500 licensed customers in over 60 countries around the globe. If you’d like an ERP expert to contact you and further discuss how SYSPRO ERP can streamline your business processes, please contact us here.

SYSPRO Exhibit at Natural Products Expo West, Anaheim, CA, March 7 – 9, Highlights Ways SYSPRO ERP Software Enhances Operational Efficiencies, Legal Compliances, Ingredient Traceability and More

SYSPRO, a provider of world-class, award-winning enterprise resource planning (ERP) software for on-premise and cloud-based utilization,, announced today that the company will demonstrate SYSPRO ERP at the Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim, CA, March 7 – 9, 2014, at booth number 1965. The SYSPRO exhibit will detail why SYSPRO ERP, which enables ingredient traceability, operational efficiencies and legal compliances, remains the “natural” choice for producers and distributors of natural foods. Attendees are also invited to sign up for a free, no obligation demonstration and consultation.

Grato Holdings Inc., a homeopathic remedy, herbal product and nutritional supplement manufacturer, is among the latest natural products companies to select SYSPRO ERP after an extensive search of ERP providers. Grato Holdings’ expertise in the manufacture of custom homeopathic, nutritional supplements and herbal solutions has earned it a reputation for producing quality products while keeping customers’ needs a top priority.
SYSPRO ERP will enable Grato to maintain its industry-leading reputation.

Joey Benadretti, president, SYSPRO USA, emphasizes, “The SYSPRO exhibit will cover the myriad ways that SYSPRO ERP enables manufacturers and distributors that produce consumables to ease the numerous complexities they face in their efforts to maintain quality, avoid perishability, maximize inventory levels and time-to-market. In addition, SYSPRO facilitates regulatory compliance, enabling extensive ingredient and lot traceability across the extended supply chain.”

SYSPRO is the leading supplier of ERP software to mid-market manufacturers and distributors. SYSPRO has more than 14,500 licensed customers in over 60 countries around the globe. If you’d like an ERP expert to contact you and further discuss how SYSPRO ERP can streamline your business processes, please contact us here.

Benadretti Honored for Fifth Consecutive Year

SYSPRO, a provider of best-of-breed, award-winning enterprise resource planning (ERP) software for on-premise and cloud-based utilization, announced today that SYSPRO USA President Joey Benadretti has been named one of CRN’s 2014 Channel Chiefs. This prestigious list of the most powerful leaders in the IT channel recognizes those executives directly responsible for driving channel sales and growth within their organization, while evangelizing the importance of the channel throughout the entire IT Industry.

CRN Channel Chiefs were selected by the CRN editorial team based on channel experience, program innovations, channel-driven revenue, and public support for the importance of IT channel sales.

Benadretti was honored for his ongoing commitment to the SYSPRO channel and for continually enhancing the award-winning SYSPRO Reseller Program. He has added numerous benefits for the channel, including expanded company/VAR communications, additional educational sessions, enhanced marketing support and other resources to obtain qualified leads. Benadretti, in fact, was co-author of the SYSPRO “Power Drivers” — a strategy to guide VARs in business conduct, planning, growth and achievements.

Benadretti also is a member of several organizations whose missions include urging the US Congress to implement policies that promote US manufacturing growth.

A firm believer in education, Benadretti was also named “UCI Mentor of the Year” in 2013 for his mentoring achievements at the University of California at Irvine.

“SYSPRO sells its Enterprise Resource Planning software primarily through a reseller channel, and we are continually seeking ways to enhance our channel program to sustain it as the industry standard,” said Benadretti, noting that SYSPRO strategic business partners accelerate their success by combining their expertise with that of SYSPRO.

“We are pleased to highlight the many executives throughout the industry who work tirelessly to advance the standing of the channel community within their organizations. The CRN Channel Chief honorees lead, inspire and engage peers and serve as valuable advocates to help ensure the health and longevity of the channel within the IT industry. We applaud their efforts and look forward to their continued success,” said Robert Faletra, CEO, The Channel Company.

SYSPRO’s single product offering, a world class, fully integrated supply chain solution, enables SYSPRO resellers to build successful, viable businesses with an industry leading product for manufacturers and distributors.

SYSPRO resellers also have ready access to marketing, sales and technical support, ongoing education, marketing assistance, knowledge driven conferences, sales leads and the award-winning SYSPRO Implementation Methodology.
The 2014 Channel Chiefs list is featured in the February/March issue of CRN, and online at www.CRN.com.

About The Channel Company
The Channel Company is the channel community’s trusted authority for growth and innovation, with established brands including CRN, XChange Events, IPED, and SharedVue. For more than three decades, we have leveraged our proven and leading-edge platforms to deliver prescriptive sales and marketing solutions for the technology channel. The Channel Company provides Communication, Recruitment, Engagement, Enablement, Demand Generation and Intelligence services to drive technology partnerships. Learn more at www.thechannelcompany.com.

SYSPRO is the leading supplier of ERP software to mid-market manufacturers and distributors. SYSPRO has more than 14,500 licensed customers in over 60 countries around the globe. If you’d like an ERP expert to contact you and further discuss how SYSPRO ERP can streamline your business processes, please contact us here.

Global B2B Trade Publication Highlights Leading Supply Chain Executives; Benadretti Named to “Pros to Know” List for Sixth Consecutive Year

SYSPRO, the leading global supplier of on-premise, cloud and mobile Business ERP Software for manufacturers and distributors, announced today that Supply & Demand Chain Executive magazine, an international B2B publication that provides mission-critical editorial to address the issues and challenges of the supply chain, has announced that SYSPRO USA President Joey Benadretti has been named a 2014 “Pros to Know” honoree. Joey Benadretti’s inclusion on the Pros to Know list is the sixth year in succession.

Benadretti is recognized for both his executive expertise at the helm of SYSPRO USA, his efforts on committees which urge the US Congress to pass legislation and tax incentives to grow the US manufacturing base and his mentoring at University of California, Irvine. Benadretti, an advocate of education, was named “UCI Mentor of the Year” in 2013.

“As President of SYSPRO USA and also a proud citizen, I want to make our government representatives aware of our environment, our marketplace, our needs and our future,” he said, advocating that technology can re-build America’s industrial base and provide a growing base of manufacturing jobs. Benadretti is a firm believer of focusing on the needs of manufacturers targeted by the SYSPRO ERP offering and providing the software solutions to fill their requirements.

Benadretti was also one of the first to see the trend to “green” environments. As a result, in 2002 SYSPRO pioneered a “green” software solution for which the company was given an award by the Governor of California.

Barry Hochfelder, Editor, Supply & Demand Chain Executive, notes: “The efforts that a number of the industry’s leading executives continue to take to improve their business’functionality and, in turn, progress the global supply chain was one of the main reasons we started the ‘Pros to Know’ awards in the first place.”

Honoring the supply chain’s best and brightest, Supply & Demand Chain Executive’s “Pros to Know” include professionals proactively working to improve their business’s functions in a number of categories—including manufacturing and production output; procurement; logistics; risk mitigation strategies; sourcing; financial operations; packaging and distribution; transportation; and much more.

Now in its 14th year, the Supply & Demand Chain Executive “Pros to Know” awards recognize both ends of the supply chain. This includes honoring the “providers,” which includes individuals from software firms, service providers, consultancies or academia who helped their supply chain clients or the supply chain community prepare to meet industry challenges. This also includes honoring the “practitioners,” e.g., those supply chain executives who demonstrated leadership by managing risk in the supply chain; provided competitive advantage; and delivered value to the bottom line.

Supply & Demand Chain Executive issued a call for entries in Q4 of 2013. The publication’s editorial selection committee reviewed hundreds of entries to find the applicants that best fit the criteria.

About Supply & Demand Chain Executive
Supply & Demand Chain Executive is the executive’s user manual for successful supply and demand chain transformation, utilizing hard-hitting analysis, viewpoints and unbiased case studies to steer executives and supply management professionals through the complicated, yet critical, world of supply and demand chain enablement to gain competitive advantage. Supply & Demand Chain Executive is a publication of Cygnus Business Media. Visit us on the Web at www.SDCExec.com and on smart phones and tablets at www.SDCExec.com/mobile.

About Cygnus Business Media
Cygnus Business Media reaches millions of professionals annually. As one of America’s top business to business (B2B) media companies, Cygnus is leading the way in providing targeted content to top decision-makers and organizations. The company’s corporate initiatives and organizational architecture are built with one goal: fully engaging audiences in Aviation, Building & Construction, Public Safety & Security, Agriculture vertical markets and a variety of other industries. For more information, visit www.cygnus.com.

SYSPRO is the leading supplier of ERP software to mid-market manufacturers and distributors. SYSPRO has more than 14,500 licensed customers in over 60 countries around the globe. If you’d like an ERP expert to contact you and further discuss how SYSPRO ERP can streamline your business processes, please contact us here.

Over the years, I’ve heard many professionals in the software industry say that they dislike selling ERP software solutions to family-run businesses. I have a difficult time relating to them because I feel quite the opposite. I love working with and supporting these close-knit private businesses, since I feel they are truly the lifeblood of the American economy.

While many do have their idiosyncrasies, typically, this does not adversely impact the post-sale success of the project. Family-owned environments tend to be very intimate, concerned about their information and processes being publicized and, of course, have a deep sense of commitment to both family members and staff. As with anything, there will always be exceptions, but generally these businesses are desirable and receptive audiences.
Below are five myths that, from my experience, do not accurately portray the workings of a family-run business:

Myth 1: Family Members are Hard to Please
The passion of family members who work together is hard to beat. There is so much vested interest, closeness and camaraderie. Typically, interested family members are the ones who get involved along with their staffs, who are closely managed in these projects. When the job is done right, the outcome is highly appreciated. However, there has to be value to any project, and it needs to be “served” with fairness, honesty and integrity. Positive outcomes increase the pride of ownership, and that is something which is continually important in dealing with this type of customer.

Myth 2: Family Run Businesses have a “Mom & Pop” Mentality
In many mid-market, family run establishments, there is a common trend of pushing education, and this creates a broader mentality and a drive toward more strategic and growth-minded thought. The “Mom and Pop” mentality is usually shed in the early transition of growth, as these businesses educate themselves, find stability and grow from small to stronger and healthier mid-sized enterprises.

Myth 3: Family-run Businesses have Difficulty Making Decisions
Family members may debate a lot more because of their vested interest, involvement and close relationship, but once the path of success is shown, they are very apt to determine direction. These decisions help to stimulate growth, improve bottom line results and enhance quality overall. At the same time, I have found that there is often a restrictive attitude of extending into unknown markets or expanding product lines very quickly. This approach may sometimes limit the speed of growth, but it also permeates a natural control mechanism that reflects good financial conservatism.

Myth 4: Family Owned Businesses do Not Pay
I’ve come across ERP professionals in the past who have claimed that have run into difficulty working with family-owned businesses, because they believe these organizations place themselves on stern financial restrictions and therefore, don’t want to pay. In my experience, it is quite the opposite, since both company name and family reputation are at stake and highly protected. While financial controls are often more emotive than structured in order to avoid waste, supportive documentation for services rendered tend to accelerate their desire to pay on time. There is often less reluctance with family-owned establishments to “put off tomorrow what can be done today,” since there is no obligation to shareholders.

Myth 5: Family Businesses do not Appreciate ERP
This view is typical of outsiders who have little understanding of ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) Software and the benefits of having a system in place. ERP is a necessity in mid-market businesses where control over areas, such as cost, quality and delivery are central to running the company. ERP is critical to good decision making and effective management over inventory, complex data, multiple locations, etc. Even though ERP can be complex, so are family run businesses, and they must adjust to their growing needs in order to remain competitive. The benefits of user friendly ERP software can easily be demonstrated with case studies that reveal the successes that similar size, family owned businesses have achieved.

Family run organizations will continue to grow in this post-recession economy, and I believe they are the cornerstone of job growth within the United States. Even though their characteristics may be peculiar to some, they are eager for growth and are the backbone of America and our rising economy.

-Joey Benadretti, President, SYSPRO USA

Joey Benadretti has over 30 years’ experience in working with manufacturers and distributors and has spent the past 25 years with SYSPRO, a worldwide producer of ERP software. Benadretti has extensive experience in working with senior industry consultants, analyst firms and editors and is extremely active in the software community.

SYSPRO is the leading supplier of ERP software to mid-market manufacturers and distributors. SYSPRO has more than 14,500 licensed customers in over 60 countries around the globe. If you’d like an ERP expert to contact you and further discuss how SYSPRO ERP can streamline your business processes, please contact us here.

As an ERP professional, there are two questions that I am asked quite often by both prospective and current customers. I already addressed the first question, ‘How do I know my business needs ERP’, in an earlier blog and would like to focus on the second question, ‘How do I get the most out of my ERP system?’ Simply put, there are several ways to optimize your ERP solution, but these three tips can help improve the entire process:

Choose your vendor carefully:
Choosing the right ERP vendor is probably the most important factor when trying to get the most out of your system. With so many vendors offering a variety of solutions, it’s important to do research, focus on your business needs and find out how the ERP System will support those needs. In addition to this, major factors to consider are the cost and time it will take to implement the system, and the vendor’s company culture, consistency and customer success rates. Pay attention to the vendor’s options for User education and training; your knowledge of the software’s functionality is imperative to success and ERP ROI. We provided some more tips on choosing ERP vendors and factors to consider here.

Invest in your software training and education so you can use utilize your modules to their fullest potential:
As I briefly mentioned above, having proper knowledge of how to use your ERP system should be a priority for your business. Without this knowledge, your use of the software will never be at its fullest potential. Think of it this way: ERP systems streamline your business and make processes more efficient- why would you dig a hole with your hands when you have a shovel? By scheduling the training you and your employees need up front, and ensuring all relevant staff participates fully, your business can avoid a world of hurt and expense down the road – and also foster a sense of confidence and positive perception about the new system. Let’s face it, when we don’t know how to use a program or tool, we get frustrated about it, and see it in a negative light, thereby making us dread when we need to use it. But those feelings can be instantly reversed when we suddenly have an understanding of how it works. And with the optimized knowledge, your modules will be used to their fullest potential.

SYSPRO offers many training options on a monthly or bi-monthly basis and these options cater to each respective customer’s individual needs. In a previous blog we discussed the value of ‘bite-size learning.’

Don’t resist your system due to fear of change:
By nature, humans are creatures of habit. We like what we’re used to, what we know and we generally aren’t open to change. When implementing a new system, fear of change and ultimately resisting the new system can be a huge hurdle for the company. To find success with your ERP system, it’s important to cope with new capabilities and spend time learning them, not stopping and giving up when you hit a road block. If you share some of these fears with your sales and implementation team, they can use their best practices to walk you through it and find a solution. We’ve recently offered some tips on preparing yourself for change.

Open communication with your vendor about your business goals is the best way to get the most out of your system. Utilize the tips above and create your own best practices for your ERP solution success.

What other suggestions would you add?

-Erin Blake, Marketing Specialist, SYSPRO USA

Erin Blake is a Marketing Specialist at SYSPRO, USA and joined the company in early 2011. Erin attended the University of Southern California (USC) where she graduated with a BA degree in Communication from the renowned Annenberg School of Communication. Erin has extensive experience in Marketing and PR, including a past position at Tesla Motors. Erin is a member of several technology organizations, including TechAmerica Orange County and the Technology Council of Southern California. In late 2013, Erin was recognized by ERP Focus as one of their 2013 ERP Writers of the Year.

SYSPRO is the leading supplier of ERP software to mid-market manufacturers and distributors. SYSPRO has more than 14,500 licensed customers in over 60 countries around the globe. If you’d like an ERP expert to contact you and further discuss how SYSPRO ERP can streamline your business processes, please contact us here.

SYSPRO Honored in “Green Technology” Category

SYSPRO, the leading global supplier of on-premise, cloud and mobile Business ERP Software for manufacturers and distributors, announced today that the company is a finalist for an ECN (Electronic Component News) Impact Award. SYSPRO is recognized in the category “Green Technology,” for the sustainable practices enabled by the SYSPRO (Enterprise Resource Planning) ERP solution.

SYSPRO was one of the first companies to pioneer a ‘green’ ERP solution, when in 2003 it introduced the SYSPRO Material Yield System, which enables cut-shape suppliers to reclaim remnants for future use, saving them from landfills.

Today, SYSPRO Green-Enablement encompasses programs across multiple dimensions: Energy Efficiency; Waste Reduction; Recyclable/Re-Use of Resources and Energy Efficiency.
SYSPRO Energy Efficiency initiatives include:

• SYSPRO Load Planning, which helps companies to combine delivery loads, reducing the number of required truck/delivery trips;
• SYSPRO SRS, an analysis component enabling customers to create reports, queries and/or customized views for measuring success against green initiatives;
• SYSPRO Document Management, a calculated information lifecycle management solution for determining and optimizing paper vs. electronic storage methodologies;
• SYSPRO Factory Scheduling, which facilitates efficient use of all resources tied to people, power and materials on the factory floor.
The company’s Waste Reduction capabilities enable companies to cut down on paper/waste:
• SYSPRO Electronic Funds Transfers and Credit Card Interface to reduce the number of paper checks issued and received;
• SYSPRO Contact Management, cuts paper utilization by electronically accumulating all contact details (emails, documents, etc.) in a single location;
• SYSPRO EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) lets companies electronically transmit documents to suppliers and customers, speeding communications while reducing paper use;
• SYSPRO Web Applications allow customers and suppliers to leverage Microsoft .NET technologies for communicating and exchanging paperless documentation via a Web Portal;
• SYSPRO Forecasting reduces inventory guesswork that can lead to surplus parts, materials and unneeded space storage facilities;
• SYSPRO Reporting Services (SRS) substantially reduces paper associated with general reporting, as well as sales documents, invoices and purchasing statements.
A third and powerful category of SYSPRO Green Enablement is Recyclable and Re-Use. This category includes:
• SYSPRO Work in Progress Scrap Analysis reduces scrap waste during production cycles by capturing and analyzing live data on evaluating potential re-use of materials;
• SYSPRO Material Yield System enables cut-shape suppliers to recycle and re-use remnants identified in the Work in Process Scrap Analysis. (The Material Yield System sends remnants back into stock with the automatic creation of part numbers and values; they then become part of the inventory from which new orders are filled.

Ali Salehi, Columbia Manufacturing Sr. Vice President, references the ways SYSPRO software functionality has been instrumental to the establishment of Columbia’s green practices, noting, “We could not operate without SYSPRO . . . SYSPRO functionality . . . expedites material resource planning and purchasing while SYSPRO inventory forecasting, enables, as it were, our ability to ‘see the future’ so we can regulate our purchase of chemicals, water usage, electricity and all the items related to our manufacturing of school furniture.

“For example,” he says, “SYSPRO data contributed to our plating operation’s water usage reduction — from 150,000 gallons per day to 3,000 gallons per day — also reducing chrome usage by 93% and nickel purchases by 75%.” Columbia’s environmental safeguards also include the recycling of all waste steel, corrugation, wood and trash. The latter goes to a plant, where it’s converted into fuel cells for power plants.

Salehi points out that Columbia has been utilizing SYSPRO ERP software since 2004, selected on the recommendation of a search committee tasked with seeking a replacement to the company’s incumbent, outdated ERP system. SYSPRO was the choice from a field of 15 candidates. “We found SYSPRO to be the most adaptive to the nature of our business and unsurpassed for flexibility, ease of use and training,” says Salehi.

The following is a list of Columbia’s environmental achievements, many of which were facilitated utilizing SYSPRO ERP software:

• Elimination of 100% of all V.O.C.’s (Volatile Organic Compounds) with a painting operation that is 100% powder coating.
• Reduction of water usage from 150,000 gallons/day to 3,000 gallons/day.
• Using 100% recycled wood flour in hard plastic seats, backs and tops.
• Using up to 25% recycled post industrial products in soft plastic components.
• Recycling 100% of excess wood products and pallets.
• Recycling 100% cardboard and paper products.
• Recycling 100% of scrap steel.
• Recycled wood and paper products are converted to fuel cell cubes replacing coal in power generator plants.

ABOUT THE ECN IMPACT AWARDS
The ECN IMPACT Awards are designed to highlight the top products and services in the electronic components industry. The categories include: Boards, Modules, and Embedded Systems; Cooling and Thermal Management; Electromechanical and Mechanical Devices; Semiconductors; Enclosures, Packaging and Interconnects; Optoelectronics; Solid State Lights; Power Sources and Conditioning Devices; Sensors; Test & Measurement; Microwave and RF; Tools, Kits and Reference Designs, Green Technology and Market Disrupter. Each category will call attention to products and services that had a particular impact on the industry in 2013. The awards presentation will be held on May 6, 2014, in the Castellana Ballroom in the Las Vegas Cosmopolitan Hotel.

SYSPRO Selected Over Infor, Sage and Industry Specific Fenevison to Facilitate Efficient Growth, Maximize Employee Productivity, Ease Employee Training

SYSPRO, a provider of best-of-breed, award-winning enterprise resource planning (ERP) software for on-premise and cloud-based utilization, today announced that Cross Aluminum Products has chosen SYSPRO ERP to facilitate organized growth, maximize employee productivity and ease the training of new employees. The Niles, Michigan-based company had been utilizing Quick Books, but the growing individual employee workload and the need for organizational enhancements prompted the search for an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software solution.

According to Jake Leets, Production Manager, “We are in the process of growing and knew that the current procedures would not grow with the business. We needed something that would help us grow with as few growing pains as possible.” After an extensive search, the company chose SYSPRO ERP over Infor Visual, Sage 100 and Fenevision by Fenetech, the latter being an industry specific software solution. “However,” says Leets, “we liked the fact that SYSPRO was independently owned and had a high customer retention rate. It wasn’t a software company that we believed would be bought up and changed. We also appreciated the support we received from SYSPRO. When I called SYSPRO, I was directed to people by name that could help me with whatever question I had. I felt as if the SYSPRO staff was more personable, and they didn’t push me back to their local reseller. Adds Leets, “Our local SYSPRO reseller was absolutely terrific, as well. They took time to answer any questions we had and comforted us with our long-term concerns. They made sure that we were as informed as we could be about the product before we signed anything. It was a great experience.”

What does Leets look for from SYSPRO ERP? “We hope to gain better insight into company operations, superior inventory control and more accurate forecasting, among other gains,” he says, adding, “One of our major concerns in our effort to grow the business is bringing in personnel to handle the workload. We have a lot of responsibilities required for each individual which makes it very difficult to train any particular position. For instance, an estimator would have to have considerable knowledge of the products we produce. All of our estimators have been with us for over 15 years. We believe SYSPRO will provide us the tools to make this position easier to fill and hopefully we can hire more individuals with less responsibilities so those individuals can be better at their specific jobs.

“During our busy season, customers are constantly following up on their orders and the schedules assigned to them. Sometimes forecasting can be very difficult and stressful. We are constantly striving to give our customers as much information as possible during their order process and SYSPRO will really help us with that.

“With the current inventory procedure we have now, it makes it very difficult to keep track of over runs or shortages. This ultimately costs the company money, and this is one area I am excited to change. SYSPRO MRP appears to be exactly what we need to help in all areas of the shop floor inefficiencies.”

ABOUT CROSS ALUMINUM
Founded in Dowagiac, Michigan, in 1977, Cross Aluminum Products began working from a special extrusion design, conceived by the founder of the corporation. Our flush doors are often used in universities, secondary and elementary schools, waste water treatment plants, prisons, and other institutional facilities. Our narrow, medium, and wide stile & rail doors provide appealing entrances for office buildings, schools, churches, and mall entrances.

SYSPRO Named in “Hot Company” and “New Product” Categories; Winners to Be Honored in San Francisco on April 28, 2014

SYSPRO, a provider of best-of-breed, award-winning enterprise resource planning (ERP) software for on-premise and cloud-based utilization, today announced that the company is a finalist for two Network Product Guide awards. The awards will be presented during an awards dinner on April 28, 2014 in San Francisco.

SYSPRO, one of the software industry’s most honored companies, is a finalist in the category “Hot Company,” based, on a combination of outstanding company performance, leading edge ERP software, exemplary customer service and a depth of honors that the company and its management have received during the past several years.

Among the recent honors SYSPRO has received are:
• American Business Award for Outstanding Customer Service;
• Positioning in the “Leader” Quad of the Nucleus Research ERP Value Matrix;
• American Business Award for SYSPRO Espresso, in the Category “Best New Product or Service of the Year – Software – Mobile Operations Management Solution;”
• SYSPRO finalist status for an ECN Impact Award for “Green Technology.”
• SYSPRO USA President Joey Benadretti was also honored as a Supply and Demand Chain Executive “Pro to Know” and a “CRN Channel Chief.”

SYSPRO has been named a Network Products Guide finalist in the New Product Category for SYSPRO 7, the newest version of SYSPRO Enterprise Resource Planning software.

SYSPRO 7 provides users with significant benefits including greater scalability, mobility and performance to effectively streamline business processes. Styled on the latest Windows technology, the intuitive solution brings active tiles and touch screen capabilities to its existing user interface, enabling manufacturers and distributors to easily create tailor-fit environments for their own systems. SYSPRO 7 has already earned plaudits in a number of countries.

About Network Products Guide Awards
As industry’s leading technology research and advisory publication, Network Products Guide plays a vital role in keeping decision makers and end-users informed of the choices they can make in all areas of information technology. You will discover a wealth of information and tools in this guide including the best products and services, roadmaps, industry directions, technology advancements and independent product evaluations that facilitate in making the most pertinent technology decisions impacting business and personal goals. The guide follows conscientious research methodologies developed and enhanced by industry experts. To learn more, visit www.networkproductsguide.com

EnCore Interiors Chooses SYSPRO to Gain Insight into Operations, Consolidate Reporting, Meet Exacting Customer Requirements

SYSPRO, a provider of best-of-breed, award-winning enterprise resource planning (ERP) software for on-premise and cloud-based utilization, today announced that EnCore Interiors, Irvine, CA-based supplier of aircraft interiors and composite structures to the aerospace community, has selected SYSPRO ERP software and is implementing the solution at the company’s California operations in Irvine, Seal Beach and Brea.

Zach Rush, EnCore Technology Manager, explains that the company had been using Excel spreadsheets and QuickBooks but needed a more sophisticated solution to “consolidate reporting, better control inventories, gain insight into operations and meet exacting customer demands, among other requirements.”

Says Rush, “We needed to get all our operations integrated and on the same path. To be clearly ahead, we wanted a solution that will provide us visibility – and the tools to tell us where we stand. For example, one of our weaker points was materials control, and this is one of the principle reasons which prompted our search for ERP. We need to make sure that we have all our customer orders filled on time and that we have all the materials to support production and so on.”

Rush explains that EnCore was on the verge of selecting Epicor, but after EnCore’s employees viewed the demonstrations provided by SYSPRO, they voted to go with SYSPRO based on the software’s ease of use and the ability to “tailor” the solution to meet the exacting needs of EnCore and EnCore’s customers. “For example,” he says, “a lot of our employees weren’t used to using ERP software, but because SYSPRO looks like Windows and has a tailorable interface, we felt the transition to the new software would be easier with SYSPRO.”

Rush voices enthusiasm over the implementation assistance provided by SYSPRO and the SYSPRO team’s development of applications to meet the specific needs of EnCore’s largest customers. Says Rush, “The implementation expertise provided by SYSPRO has been ‘awesome.’ ” He muses, “Normally, when you buy software, they give you a bunch of support ahead of time and then they kind of drop you. However, SYSPRO service has been exemplary.”
Rush also explains that the company’s largest customer, Boeing, had been urging EnCore to select a system that could also support the requirements of Boeing’s suppliers.

Commensurately, SYSPRO developed a solution that enables Boeing to submit orders in a spreadsheet format with the ability of EnCore to enter the list into SYSPRO ERP without any data entry conversion. “In fact,” says Rush, “SYSPRO not only developed the solution, but also supported EnCore by being present to respond to questions when the solution was demonstrated to Boeing personnel. Not only was Boeing very impressed, never having seen a supplier exhibit such dedication, but Encore is now also listed among Boeing’s top vendor providers, and we have seen an increase in order from Boeing as a result.”

About EnCore Interiors
EnCore supplies aircraft interiors and composite structures to the aerospace community through a combination of innovative designs, manufacturing excellence and a personal commitment to the company’s employees and customers.

EnCore has established two platforms — EnCore Interiors and EnCore Composite Structures. The interior division has two facilities, one dedicated to monuments (i.e., galleys, lavatories, etc.) located in Irvine, California, and one focusing on Floor Panels for Boeing, located in Seal Beach, California.

The Irvine facility has seen sales increase four-fold since EnCore acquired the operation in April, 2011. Growth has been so robust that the operations in Irvine will be moving to a facility in Huntington Beach in 2014 to double the capacity. The Seal Beach building is gearing up to supply integrated Floor Panels for all B737 and B747 aircraft beginning in 2014.

EnCore’s composite structures division operates out of 120,000 square feet in Brea, California. Complex composite structures (i.e., engine nacelles, ducting, etc.) are produced to serve the growing demand for composite structures on both commercial and military aircraft. EnCore projects revenues (firm backlog) to be near $100MM by 2015.

For more information,visit www.encoreaerospace.com

SYSPRO is the leading supplier of ERP software to mid-market manufacturers and distributors. SYSPRO has more than 14,500 licensed customers in over 60 countries around the globe. If you’d like an ERP expert to contact you and further discuss how SYSPRO ERP can streamline your business processes, please contact us here.

Study Predicts Machinery Market to Hit New Peaks in Current Five Year Period

SYSPRO, a provider of best-of-breed, award-winning enterprise resource planning (ERP) software for on-premise and cloud-based utilization, today announced that manufacturers utilizing SYSPRO ERP are well-equipped to handle the predicted high demand for capital machinery.

According to a study prepared and issued by IHS Technology and reported by American Machinist, the demand for machines for a variety of uses will drive a 6.3% annual improvement in revenues this year with continued high growth through 2018. “The improving economic outlook is a key factor in the strong growth of machinery in the coming years,” stated Andrew Robertson, Senior Analyst for Industrial Automation.

Joey Benadretti, SYSPRO USA President, notes that those machinery manufacturers utilizing SYSPRO ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) software are well-positioned to leverage the increased demand for machinery and equipment of all types.

“SYSPRO ERP encompasses all areas of software required by manufacturers, enabling costs to be tightly controlled and products to be tracked through the manufacturing process and along the supply chain,” says Benadretti. “In addition, SYSPRO software facilitates communication and collaboration with critical suppliers and customers, supports rapid time-to-market for new products and manages orders and inventory in accordance with the adoption of Lean Manufacturing principles.”

SYSPRO USA offers machinery and equipment manufacturers — from mixed-mode manufacturing to complex collaboration between manufacturers, suppliers and customers — a comprehensive range of technology solutions at a competitive cost point and in support of Lean Manufacturing:

• Financials — to help manage capital, track expenses, and assess customer and product profitability
• Contact Management and EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) — to accurately communicate with a bewildering array of global suppliers
• SOA (Service Oriented Architecture) — to enable rapid integration of suppliers’, customers’ and other business partners’ systems
• Planning and Scheduling — to manage the intricate parts scheduling, fabrication and assembly process of unique items
• Supply Chain Management — to successfully orchestrate the movement of parts to support Lean Manufacturing, minimizing inventory carrying costs
• Full traceability — through all transactions, enabling the reduction of inventories and improved capacity utilization, including Lot Traceability to monitor performance of suppliers, engineering changes and facilitate recalls
• Quality Control — to minimize reverse logistics, warranty repairs and other costs
• Easy integration with computer aided design and manufacturing systems (CAD)
• Engineering Change Control — to augment or eliminate the paper trail that traditionally accompanies changes to product design data
• Factory Scheduling — to facilitate the management of the supply chain, from planning and execution to the identification and remediation of potential problems
• Assets Register — to address the asset intensive nature of the industry by providing planning and control tools for capex expenditure and asset depreciation.

A special report from Vital Analysis also discusses the ability of SYSPRO ERP to meet the needs of the equipment and machinery sector. Vital Analysis President Brian Sommer writes, “SYSPRO’s offering in the machinery & equipment sector fits the bill well. It supports a variety of differing business needs in this space. More importantly, it helps all producers become operationally excellent while developing other key strategic competencies. . . The SYSPRO product line is a very complete product line for this space. It possesses, front to back, a set of applications to manage the initial customer contact through order processing, manufacturing and post-production service.”

SYSPRO is the leading supplier of ERP software to mid-market manufacturers and distributors. SYSPRO has more than 14,500 licensed customers in over 60 countries around the globe. If you’d like an ERP expert to contact you and further discuss how SYSPRO ERP can streamline your business processes, please contact us here.

For more than 60 years, Prudential Lighting has engineered and produced high quality fluorescent luminaires made right here in the USA. Whether it’s collaborating with leading architects and lighting designers on a new treatment, or refining a classic, successful design, Prudential Ltg. is always driven by innovation. Our national network of independent sales representatives is among the most knowledgeable and service oriented in the lighting industry.

Our ERP journey has been quite an adventure. The first ERP system that Prudential chose was not SYSPRO- we first went live with Oracle. The fit was never ideal. It was obvious that Prudential was a small fish in Oracle’s very large Tier 1 ERP pond. In order to make the system work, we ended up putting a lot of money into consulting and customization fees. What resulted was something of a Humpty Dumpty system that, if we were lucky, managed an entire week without collapsing and requiring assistance from more consultants to put back together.

We lived with this system, adding in pieces here and there as we could make them fit. We could tell that it was not ideal, but it was a case of knowing your enemy. It was the system we knew. In 2010 it became very apparent that we needed to get out.

Part of our issue with Oracle was that it had a license structure that is not friendly to the mid-size or smaller manufacturer. Rather than a concurrent user structure, Oracle utilizes a named user structure. For a smaller company that had been set up on Oracle many years before without an in house person dedicated to its maintenance, this was a disaster. We ended up with many users named for modules that had never used the module, users that had left the company, and users that needed temporary access that had never been removed as a named user. Each one required a license fee every year, for each module. Long story short, it became cost prohibitive to continue with Oracle with the licensing structure. The licensing issue became the final push to get us to embrace a new system.

While researching ERP companies, we found SYSPRO through a simple Internet search. We reached out to them via the web site and immediately heard back from them. We spoke with SYSPRO and set up a JAD session with the implementation team.

From the moment the JAD team walked through the door it was apparent that we were no longer small fish. We were treated with respect as the team took the time to not only understand how we did our business, but also why we did it in the manner that we do. They listened to every issue we had with our current system, they proposed how things could work in SYSPRO, and they outlined a path to success.

We had a short window of opportunity to choose an ERP system and to implement it. SYSPRO had the approach nailed down for just this scenario. Working with the implementation team, Prudential was able to setup the system, scrub and then convert data from Oracle into SYSPRO, implement a bar coding and hand held solution and train users in just four months.

Prudential Lighting offers a wide range of catalogued parts with a huge amount of options for every fixture. We also offer custom luminaires designed as partners with our customers. This leads us to a daunting amount of stock codes to deal with. SYSPRO worked with us to organize the data and helped us come up with ways to maintain counts and organization of over 140,000 stock codes.

Due to the variety in our catalogue and our make-to-order environment, we had to come up with a way to enter our orders without sorting through thousands of stock codes. The solution we chose was to utilize the Product Configurator. We had a unique method of creating the descriptions we use for our products which consists of horizontally concatenating all of the options that the customer has chosen into one unique description for that product. This was not something that appeared to be immediately available using SYSPRO. What we found was that by thinking outside of the box, we were able to utilize what was in the box with SYSPRO. The customer is not expected to bend to the software; the team at SYSPRO is always up to the challenge of making the software work for the customer.

The difference has been astounding. Within the first week, it was apparent that the right choice had been made. The SYSPRO system is stable. No longer are we spending a fortune on consultants and IT support just to keep the system running, like we were with Oracle. No longer are we battling our own customizations. What we gained by switching to SYSPRO was freedom to do our business and have a system working for us rather than working to make the system function.

SYSPRO utilizes a completely different approach to business than the Tier 1 vendors do. No customer is a small fish to SYSPRO. Our experience has been a partnership. Both companies are invested in making Prudential Lighting a success. When issues come up, a simple phone call or email leads directly to support from SYSPRO.
About a year ago we had a system-wide hardware disaster. Our servers failed and it was at that point that we found out that our backups were not being written correctly. When we contacted SYSPRO in a panic, they immediately sprang into action to help us. We spent a week recovering data, rebuilding our system and getting caught up. Every step of the way, they were there with us. SYSPRO USA had us in touch with others on the international team and we had employees staying late with us, helping us over the weekend. We had our hand held every step of the way during that extremely trying time. SYSPRO went above and beyond the call of duty to guide us and get us back on track. There is no way if we were still a small fish in a large pond that we could ever have gotten that attention and care.

For any company that is feeling the pain of being the small fish in the large Tier 1 ERP company pond, consider SYSPRO as the alternative. There is no reason to continue to try to make your company fit the mold that is set by these companies. Although they make work well for some, for others it is frustrating and costly to try to fit into their models. SYSPRO has been the perfect solution for Prudential Lighting. We gave up paying third party companies to bridge the gap between how the software worked and what we needed. What we gained was a stable system and a partnership that is beyond compare.

-Jaime Ditterline, Prudential Lighting

Jaime Ditterline has worked with Prudential Lighting for 8 years. She wears many hats at the company but is primarily in charge of implementing and managing software solutions. She is the in-house Crystal Reports writer and in charge of maintaining the Syspro solution. She believes that most companies would benefit from an ERP solution and that there is great opportunity for employees to advance in their careers as they embrace the task of implementing software.

SYSPRO is the leading supplier of ERP software to mid-market manufacturers and distributors. SYSPRO has more than 14,500 licensed customers in over 60 countries around the globe. If you’d like an ERP expert to contact you and further discuss how SYSPRO ERP can streamline your business processes, please contact us here.