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Why you Need an industry specific ERP solution for your distribution company

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Acumatica Cloud ERP is the leading, most innovative Cloud-based Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software solution available on the market. With its industry-specific editions and flexible pricing structure, Acumatica Cloud ERP is designed to increase the efficiency and productivity of companies across all industries, including distribution and eCommerce.

Acumatica, the creator of Acumatica Cloud ERP, is made up of talented individuals located around the world. Since its founding in 2008, Acumatica has grown to over 275 employees and 6,000 customers.

Benefits of Acumatica

Acumatica Cloud ERP offers a greater amount of benefits than traditional ERP software solutions. Benefits of Acumatica Cloud ERP include:

Global accessibility

As a Cloud-based business software solution, Acumatica Cloud ERP can be used from anywhere an Internet connection is available. Acumatica Cloud ERP works on desktop computers, laptops, smartphones, and tablets.

Remote hosting

Unlike traditional ERP software solutions, Acumatica Cloud ERP is hosted remotely in secure data centers. This means companies are not required to procure and maintain expensive computer servers and network equipment in order to start using an ERP software solution.

Industry-specific editions

Other ERP software solutions are designed for general purposes only, such as preparing invoices and purchase orders. Acumatica Cloud ERP is different.

Acumatica Cloud ERP comes in distribution and eCommerce editions, as well as other editions for construction, manufacturing, and other industries.

The Difference an Industry-Specific ERP Solution Makes

Companies that choose to implement an industry-specific ERP software solution start benefiting from ERP more quickly than companies that choose to implement a general ERP software solution.

General ERP software solutions do not have the features and functionality that are integrated into industry-specific ERP solutions. For example, Acumatica Cloud ERP distribution and eCommerce editions have powerful tools to track inventory in real time and accurately forecast delivery times based on aggregated historical data.

Industry-Specific ERP Solutions Scale with Your Business

Acumatica Cloud ERP industry-specific ERP solutions are designed to help businesses grow. And, as the business grows, the advantages that come from using Acumatica Cloud ERP become more apparent.

The interface of Acumatica Cloud ERP is streamlined to make it simple for users to become accustomed to and comfortable to use daily.

Increase Speed, Performance, and Efficiency

Companies that implement Acumatica Cloud ERP quickly realize increase in speed, performance, and efficiency. Acumatica Cloud ERP makes this possible through its abilities to:

  • Provide valuable information in real time
  • Centralize company data collected from various departments
  • Perform in-depth analytics and generate comprehensive reports
  • Share information with outside vendors and suppliers

Get the ROI You Need

Since Acumatica Cloud ERP does not require companies to make expensive investments in computer servers, networking equipment, and operating system licenses, ERP solutions maximize your return on investment. 

Further, since Acumatica Cloud ERP comes in industry-specific editions, companies are able to save time and money on customizing a general ERP software solution for the specific needs of the company.

By implementing and using Acumatica Cloud ERP, distribution and eCommerce companies are able to operate more efficiently and productively than their competitors that do not use ERP or that use a traditional ERP software solution.

If your distribution or eCommerce company is ready to increase profit margins and customer satisfaction by implementing Acumatica Cloud ERP, AppSolute Consulting Group can help.

AppSolute has been in business since 1997 and continues to grow. AppSolute strives to be different from other ERP solutions vendors by offering personalized, quality service to all of the companies it partners with.

Speak with an AppSolute professional today and spur the growth of your distribution or eCommerce company with Acumatica Cloud ERP.

How a Cloud-based ERP Solution Benefit Your Distribution Company?

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What is ERP?

ERP refers to Enterprise Resource Planning software.

ERP software enables distribution and other companies to store company data in a central database so that the data can be shared easily between different departments. When company data is centralized through ERP, many benefits become available, just some of which are discussed in this article.

Benefits of ERP Solutions for Distribution Companies

With the benefits of modern Cloud-based ERP solution, distribution companies are able to:

Improve collaboration

As mentioned previously, ERP software centralizes company data so the data can be easily shared between different company departments. This helps to improve collaboration opportunities.

Modern Cloud-based ERP solutions make it even easier for members of an organization to collaborate. Since modern Cloud ERP can be accessed from anywhere in the world, from any Internet-connected device, the Cloud-based ERP solution is always available.

Increase productivity

With an ERP software solution, companies are able to automate many tedious and mundane tasks. ERP helps companies enter, collect, and organize data so that the data can be used by other business software.

Cloud-based ERP software integrates with many popular application suites. By integrating the ERP software with other applications, the need to enter data multiple times, an error-prone process, is reduced.

Lower costs

With ERP software, distribution companies are able to lower the costs of managing inventory and managing logistics.

ERP software provides data concerning inventory in real time. And, the software helps management process that data into useful information.

For example, with ERP, management can always know:

  • The current stock of a product
  • The current value of inventory
  • The rate at which products are being sold and restocked

Logistics costs are reduced by the use of ERP software because, among other enhancements for logistics operations, ERP can help with determining product shipment and delivery times so that the cost of expensive, last-minute delivery methods can be avoided.

Accurate forecasting

Cloud ERP solutions developed specifically for the distribution industry include features for detailed, accurate forecasting. When using industry-specific Cloud ERP, distribution companies are able to forecast:

  • Periods of increased demand
  • Periods of decreased supply
  • Periods when changes in logistics need to be made

With these forecasts, distribution companies that use a Cloud ERP solution are able to make strategic business decisions much more quickly than competitors who do not use a Cloud ERP solution.

Cloud-based ERP software solutions for the distribution industry

Distribution companies seeking to improve the efficiency of their business operations should look into Acumatica Cloud ERP.

Acumatica Cloud ERP is set apart from other ERP solutions because, unlike other ERP solutions, Acumatica Cloud ERP comes in industry-specific editions, including an edition purpose-built for the distribution industry.

Most ERP software solutions include only features and functionalities that are universal across different industries, such as basic purchase order and invoice processing. Acumatica Cloud ERP provides much more.

If your distribution company would like to learn more about Acumatica Cloud ERP Distribution Edition and what it can do for your business, AppSolute Consulting Group can help.

The AppSolute team is composed of talented individuals who are dedicated to successfully implementing Acumatica Cloud ERP and helping clients get the most out of their ERP solution.

Since its founding in 1997, AppSolute has custom-crafted a wide range of ERP solutions to ensure the specific needs and goals of its clients are met.

Companies that partner with AppSolute are guaranteed top-quality on-site support and services whenever they are needed.

Speak with an AppSolute expert today to learn how Acumatica Cloud ERP can help your distribution company be more efficient, productive, and profitable.

What is Cloud-based ERP software?

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Cloud-based ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) software is a comprehensive business software solution that centralizes data produced by the different departments of a company. While traditional ERP software solutions run on company servers and networks, Cloud-based ERP software runs in the Cloud.

With Cloud-based ERP software, companies are able to analyze and process data in real time. Further, by keeping all company data in a single database, Cloud-based ERP software is able to ensure the integrity of company data to make sure the entire organization is working with current information.

Cloud-based ERP software includes:

Benefits of Cloud-based ERP software

Benefits that Cloud-based ERP software provides to companies includes:

Real-time data

Without access to data in real time, companies have to wait until reports are compiled in order to make informed strategic business decisions. But with Cloud-based ERP software, no delay is experienced for reports to be prepared. As transactions occur within the different company departments, data is kept current in the ERP database.

Scalability

Cloud-based ERP software solutions help companies scale, through the ability of the software to automate tedious and repetitive tasks. Moreover, through its centralization of company data, Cloud-based ERP software enables companies to exchange data throughout the organization more quickly and accurately.

Mobility

Traditional ERP software solutions are increasingly being replaced with modern Cloud-based ERP software solutions. One reason for this is because Cloud-based ERP software can be accessed from anywhere in the world where an Internet connection is available. This is particularly important as businesses shift more and more to remote work opportunities.

Reliability

Companies that continue to use traditional ERP software running on premises are responsible for making sure their computer servers and networks are functioning properly. If a server or piece of networking equipment fails, the company is responsible for repairing or replacing that broken hardware.

On the other hand, companies that use Cloud-based ERP software solutions delegate to professional data center engineers the responsibility of maintaining and upgrading servers and networking equipment. This ensures greater uptime and reliability of the Cloud-based ERP software solution.

What is the difference between on-premises ERP and Cloud ERP?

On-premises ERP and Cloud-based ERP both improve the business operations of a company. However, there is a key difference between the two.

On-premises ERP operates on company-owned hardware. The company IT department or dedicated staff is needed to make sure the IT hardware is working properly, that software is always updated, and security patches are always applied.

Cloud-based ERP software operates on state-of-the-art data center hardware. Highly trained and experienced data center engineers manage that hardware, as well as the ERP software, meaning companies that use Cloud-based ERP software only have to use the software, not maintain it. Software updates and security patches are handled by the data center engineers.

One main difference between on-premises ERP and Cloud-based ERP is that traditional ERP software typically can only be used by employees who are connected to the company network. In contrast, Cloud-based ERP can be remotely accessed from anywhere, and from any device, as long as there is Internet connectivity.

Why companies are moving to the Cloud

By moving to the Cloud, companies are able to realize significant savings by avoiding the responsibility to purchase and maintain their own expensive, enterprise-grade IT hardware. Further, companies are able to take advantage of the vast span of resources available on the Cloud, including scalable processing power and unlimited data storage capabilities.

Companies that move to the Cloud are able to focus on business, rather than on maintaining IT infrastructure.

How AppSolute can improve your business

AppSolute is made up of a talented team of individuals who take great pride in helping businesses grow and be more productive. The AppSolute team knows the ins and outs of a wide range of industries, including distribution, eCommerce, and manufacturing. With this knowledge, the AppSolute team is able to tailor Cloud-based ERP solutions for the exact needs of a company.

Companies that partner with AppSolute to implement Cloud-based ERP solutions receive quality service to make sure the specific goals of the company are achieved.

Since its founding in 1997, AppSolute has harnessed the same core message: “Your Success is Our Success.”

To learn more about what Cloud-based ERP software solutions can do for your company, contact AppSolute today.

Having a well-designed ERP can maximize your ROI

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Enterprise resource planning, or ERP, is essentially a way to centralize your business operations. You’re taking all your day-to-day processes and integrating them into one convenient platform. Cloud-based ERP solutions are even more effective because they give you all the benefits of an ERP system without rolling out expensive hardware or software across the company. 

But why is ERP so useful? How does it really benefit your business? Let’s break it down.  

4 benefits of ERP

There are multiple reasons why every SMB should consider ERP, but here are the four major benefits you should know.

1. Efficiency

Because ERP lets you access all your key processes from one place, you can streamline your workflow, automate tasks, and cut the time it takes to move from one program to another. In fact, studies show that 95 percent of companies noticed an increase in operational efficiency after deploying ERP.

Less time wasted due to improved integration = better ROI. 

2. Visibility

With a centralized location, you can see exactly what’s going on in your business at any given time. 

How does this benefit your bottom line? It’s simple: there’s less chance of making mistakes because you can always act on the most up-to-date information available. And, because you’re integrating your core business applications, you won’t miss any important emails or exchanges, either. It’s easier to avoid costly errors or miscommunications. 

3. Scalability

You can tailor ERP to your company’s specific needs. In other words, there’s no need to pay for any more services than you require. What’s more, with cloud-based ERP, you can deploy your new tools across multiple devices, wherever they’re located. And since it’s probable that over 70% of the workforce will work remotely within the next few years, scalable deployment should be a priority.

So if you want a mobile, agile workforce that’s always available to your clients, you need ERP.

4. Profitability

Ultimately, this is what ERP is all about: saving you money without compromising on performance. How does ERP help? By cutting back on wasted admin costs and improving your operational efficiency. And when you combine these savings with reduced downtime, it’s obvious how a well-executed ERP system boosts your ROI.

Introducing ERP to your company

It’s surprisingly easy to introduce ERP into your business. All it takes is some careful planning and support from an IT provider. Here are some tips to help you get started.

  • Do your research. Don’t be afraid to ask questions before you commit to a plan.
  • Ensure your chosen provider understands your company’s unique IT needs and any sector-specific compliance requirements you have.
  • Set clear goals and objectives. What do you need from your ERP? This is the best way to take full advantage of what ERP can offer your business. 
  • Decide on an IT budget and stick to it. A degree of certainty around your IT expenditure could help you increase your ROI in the long run. 

Takeaway

If you’re serious about boosting profits and increasing your operational efficiency, you need a well-designed ERP system. For more information on deploying ERP across your company, whether you’re working remotely or in the office, contact us today. 

The 6 basic components of a modern ERP

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Enterprise resource planning (ERP) software can be a significant benefit to your business. Most systems have a large selection of features and functionality. ERP software has the ability to help you manage finances, customers, projects, service, commerce, and more. With an ERP system, you’ll have the ability to adapt and change, improve processes, reduce errors, and track and manage assets.

ERP’s are fast becoming a sought after platform for businesses, with the market expected to hit $47 billion in revenue by 2022. However, there are certain key components your ERP software should have for it to be effective in your organization. Let’s look at the six basic components of a modern ERP.

When selecting and implementing an ERP, there are many considerations. Those considerations will be influenced by the major components that every system should have. When you have functionality that aligns with your business goals, you are more likely to see results. In fact, 95% of businesses that implemented an ERP saw an improvement in their processes. Another study found that the top three benefits of ERP usage were reduced process time, increased collaboration, and centralization of enterprise-wide data.

Top components your ERP needs

Human resources

Managing employees is critical to your success so your ERP system should do this job well, handling the entire spectrum of employee administration. This includes onboarding, offboarding, benefits, and time tracking.

The most important feature you need within the HR capabilities is payroll software. You don’t want your HR staff doing this manually as it’s time-consuming and can lead to human error. An HR component can automate payments in addition to tax and benefit deductions. With an integrated time tracking system, hourly employees can be paid automatically, with no need to manually input timesheet information.

Customer relationship management

Another high priority for any business is managing customers and leads. Every company needs a highly functional customer relationship management (CRM) platform as part of its ERP. The insights you’ll gain from a central hub will enable you to sell and market better to your target audiences.

Use a CRM to track buying behaviors, conversation histories, or interactions to determine how to best communicate with customers and leads to generate more revenue.

Business intelligence

When using a cloud ERP, you’ll want to make sure it has business intelligence functionality. This component can collect and analyze data, providing your team with actionable insights. Look for a system that provides reports on valuable business intelligence insights so you can have a clear view as to what actions to take.

Supply chain management

Having an efficient supply chain is imperative, and with the right ERP system, it can be easier to accomplish this. With powerful features, you can optimize your supply chain and collect data in real-time. This allows you to respond immediately when there is a problem.

Inventory management system

Inventory management goes hand-in-hand with the supply chain management piece. It will also help you manage other processes like fulfillment and stocking. You’ll want to find a system that enables this tracking to be automated, reducing manual practices.

Financial management

All the other data from your ERP feeds into financial management, as basically, every business process involves money. You can have a clear view of all your financial data and see spending trends that could help you reduce costs.

Choosing the right ERP system can be tricky. There are lots of options. We can help. We offer an ERP system that has all these components and more. Contact us today to learn more.

The key to growing your business you might be missing

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If you’re a small business owner focused on growth, you’re already invested in marketing and scaling up your ability to deliver goods and services. One thing you might be overlooking, though, is a software-based tool that can support your company’s growth through data collection, sharing and workflow automation. This tool is known as an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, and it’s so important to modern businesses that the market share for ERP software is expected to grow to $49 billion by the year 2024. Here’s what you need to know about modern ERP solutions and how they can help your business grow.

What is enterprise resource planning?

Put simply, ERP systems are software solutions that bring processes from many different parts of a business operation together under a single roof. ERP solutions can be used to manage everything from finance and accounting to customer relations and product distribution. Tying these different departments together through a unified software solution allows for easier data collection and sharing between departments. All this leads to making your business more efficient and productive.

Keep your business growing

One of the most important advantages of implementing a modern ERP software in your business comes in the form of improved workflow. ERPs provide for automated workflows that will take your employees through tasks in a step-by-step manner, making it less-likely for oversights to occur. In this way, your SMB can exert higher levels of quality control on its processes and spend less time correcting human errors.

A modern ERP solution can also support your company’s growth by providing you with valuable marketing insights. Thanks to their ability to collect and share data, modern ERP platforms can be used to measure the effectiveness of growth strategies such as expanding into new markets or penetrating further into existing ones.

Using operational insights produced by an ERP solution, your business can refine its marketing, adjust pricing and even develop a more complete customer profile for future targeting.

Improve customer service

Of course, the benefits of a modern ERP solution aren’t limited to the back end of your business. ERP software can support the customer-facing side of your SMB by providing improved systems for inventory control, sales and even customer relations. When your team can communicate and collaborate easily through a unified ERP platform, your customers are likely to have a much better experience and encounter fewer difficulties.  

Cloud-based ERP solutions offer strong security protections that can be managed by a third-party vendor without draining your limited resources away from more critical tasks. If you want to keep your SMB on track for sustained growth by implementing good data security and cybersecurity practices, a cloud-based ERP solution can be a useful tool.

Conclusion

From improving efficiency and use of resources on the back end to supporting your marketing efforts and customer relations on the front end, ERP software solutions can provide incredibly useful tools for driving business growth. By making it easy to collect and share data between different departments, a modern ERP system can help your company make the best use of its resources and improve the customer experience it provides.

If you want to maximize the growth of your SMB, consider having your IT staff or managed services provider implement an ERP solution that will meet the needs of your company.