Technology in Practice

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, organizations face numerous challenges and opportunities. How do you navigate these complexities to ensure you not only survive but thrive? Join us for an enlightening live web event titled “Transform and Thrive: Overcoming Digital Roadblocks in Your Business.” Navigating Common Digital Transformation Challenges & Implementing Effective Strategies We are excited to feature Eric Sluss, a seasoned Chief Information Officer from Net at Work’s Fractional CIO & Advisory group. Eric will share his expertise on how to tackle the human capital, process, and technology challenges that often hinder digital transformation. His insights are designed to help you drive meaningful change and foster innovation within your organization. Whether you’re at the beginning of your digital journey or looking to fine-tune existing processes, this on-demand webinar promises to equip you with the essential knowledge and tools for a successful transformation. During this recorded webinar, you’ll discover: The key components of digital transformation: Understand the foundational elements that drive successful digital initiatives. Common challenges encountered along the way: Learn about typical obstacles and how to overcome them. Best practices for ensuring success: Gain actionable strategies to ensure your digital transformation efforts are effective and sustainable. Watch on-demand webinar for this opportunity to turn challenges into opportunities and propel your business towards unparalleled success. Join us and transform your digital future!

Since 1884, the American Kennel Club (AKC) has been a guiding force in canine advocacy. As the largest purebred dog registry in the world, the AKC is a trusted source of knowledge, inspiration, and support for dog lovers everywhere. The organization’s work touches countless lives, including hosting thousands of events annually and advancing groundbreaking research through the AKC Canine Health Foundation. “Net at Work’s expertise has been a game-changer for us. They’ve helped us turn Sage X3 into the operational backbone we needed to manage our diverse business units effectively.” Peter Rohslau, Controller, AKC Behind the scenes, the AKC relies on a strong operational backbone to support its multifaceted organization, which includes six legal entities and a team of 500 employees. With business operations ranging from managing merchandise sales to sponsoring events and advocating for responsible dog ownership, the AKC needed a solution that could keep pace with its mission. For over a decade, Sage X3 and Net at Work have been vital partners in helping the AKC operate efficiently and fulfill its goals. A challenge as big as the pack The AKC’s operations are as diverse as the breeds it celebrates. Managing complex registrations, maintaining multiple eCommerce platforms, and ensuring smooth collaboration across departments and legal entities are no small tasks. The organization had relied on an older ERP application, but it simply couldn’t keep pace with the operation. The system wasn’t optimized for speed and performance, and data was siloed across various applications, making collaboration and decision-making more challenging. Recognizing the need to align all aspects of the organization, the AKC partnered with Net at Work to conduct a full business process review and recommend a new, more robust ERP application. They selected Sage X3. Fetching results with Sage X3 and Net at Work With Net at Work’s help, the AKC unleashed Sage X3’s full potential, integrating diverse applications and workflows to create a single source of truth. AKC elected to host Sage X3 on the Cloud at Work Virtual Cloud, vastly simplifying maintenance and boosting accessibility. Today, eCommerce platforms, merchandise inventory, and data from their custom-built dog registration database flow seamlessly into the system. This streamlined approach replaced manual processes, saving time and improving accuracy across the organization. Peter Rohslau, AKC’s controller, explains, “Net at Work’s expertise has been a game-changer for us. They’ve helped us turn Sage X3 into the operational backbone we needed to manage our diverse business units effectively.” Staying out in front With Sage X3 workflows, the AKC has automated key processes like purchase order approvals, transforming a once-paper-heavy system into an efficient digital operation. For an organization with over 50 departments, this centralization has been crucial for improving communication and reducing administrative bottlenecks. The results speak for themselves. Department heads now receive timely, accurate reports every month—an improvement from the quarterly reports they relied on previously. This shift empowers the AKC to react faster to changing circumstances, whether reallocating resources or seizing new opportunities. “Our ability to provide timely, actionable data has improved dramatically,” says Rohslau. “This allows us to stay ahead of challenges and support the strategic decisions that drive our mission forward.” Growing the pack seamlessly As the AKC has grown and added new legal entities, Sage X3 has made onboarding smooth and scalable. Even unique aspects of the AKC’s operations, such as their small-scale manufacturing process, are supported by Sage X3. With workflows configured by Net at Work, the AKC can manage production tasks efficiently, ensuring they stay on track without missing a beat. Looking to the future, the AKC plans to implement additional tools, including workflow management and AP automation, further enhancing their ability to operate with agility and precision. A top dog partnership One of the AKC’s greatest strengths is its enduring partnership with Net at Work. For many years, the same consultant has supported the organization, ensuring continuity and a deep understanding of its needs. This consistency, backed by Net at Work’s deep bench of resources, has allowed the AKC to focus on its mission while confidently relying on its systems. “Having the same partner, even the same consultant, makes all the difference,” Rohslau notes. “Net at Work understands how we’re built and ensures everything runs seamlessly. They’ve become an integral part of our success.” Taking a walk into the future The AKC’s mission impacts dogs, owners, and communities worldwide, from funding research that improves canine health to promoting responsible dog ownership. With Sage X3 as their operational backbone and Net at Work as a trusted partner, the AKC is poised to continue advancing its goals with efficiency and precision. “Net at Work and Sage X3 give us the tools and support we need to keep moving forward,” Rohslau concludes. “With their help, we can focus on what matters to us—championing the bond between people and their dogs.” Download the full Net at Work success story to read more about American Kennel Club’s journey to unleash Sage X3’s full potential.

The global chemical industry is projected to grow from $6.182 billion in 2024 to $6.324 billion by 2025, marking a year-over-year increase of 2.3%. This growth underscores the industry’s resilience and its ongoing quest for innovation and sustainability. For chemical manufacturing companies, maintaining a competitive edge requires not only embracing new technologies but also optimizing operational processes, particularly in inventory management. Why Inventory Management Matters Inventory management is a critical component of any chemical manufacturing company’s operations. It requires a sophisticated system that can handle the nuances of chemical production, including hazardous material handling, lot traceability, and compliance with stringent regulations. Effective inventory management can significantly reduce operational costs, improve supply chain visibility, and enhance customer satisfaction by ensuring timely deliveries and minimizing stock-outs.  In the chemical manufacturing industry, inventory management is particularly challenging due to the nature of the products. Chemicals often have limited shelf lives, and improper storage can lead to safety risks and regulatory issues. Therefore, companies need systems that can monitor expiration dates, manage lot and serial numbers, and ensure that inventory is handled and stored safely. Flexible, Scalable ERPs for Chemical Manufacturing Companies Modern Chemical ERP systems are designed to address these challenges by providing a comprehensive platform that integrates all aspects of business operations, from manufacturing and quality control to inventory management and financial reporting. For instance, Sage X3 offers robust inventory tools that automate processes, optimize stock levels, and provide real-time visibility across multiple warehouses and locations. This level of integration allows organizations to streamline operations, reduce manual errors, and make informed decisions based on accurate, up-to-date data. Polycoat Products Scales Operations Nationwide with a Modern ERP A decade ago, when its previous ERP reached the end of its serviceable life, chemical manufacturer Polycoat Products’ management team took action. “Our previous version of ERP was being sunsetted by the manufacturer,” recalls H.K. Sharma, Vice President of IT for Polycoat. “We began looking for our next long-term solution. We only had two locations then but had a long-term growth strategy that would require a powerful ERP that could scale.” Polycoat engaged its Sage business partner, Net at Work, to lead the search. “They recommended we move to Sage X3,” Sharma says. “Sage X3 is designed for process manufacturers like Polycoat and is almost infinitely scalable. “  Today, even routine tasks like the company’s optional business audit have been simplified. “Our annual audit used to take three months,” notes Sharma.  “All the documentation was stored in file cabinets. Now, we sit down with the auditors, access everything electronically, and we’re done in hours rather than months. We’ve grown from two locations to ten and have completed multiple acquisitions.” Challenge: Polycoat’s ERP had reached the end of its serviceable life and could not accommodate its ambitious growth strategy and increased operational complexity. With plans for substantial growth, Polycoat required a scalable ERP solution that could support its expanding operations without compromising on efficiency or innovation. Solution: The company selected Sage X3 because of the solution’s stellar reputation in the manufacturing sector and because of the value they placed in its long-term partnership with Net at Work. Results: Growth from 2 to 10 locations seamlessly supported, handling thousands of transactions weekly. Annual business audit reduced from a few months to a few hours. Customer self-service portal improves customer service and saves staff time. Trusted partnership powers ongoing innovation including new customer-facing web store. Read the full case study. Must-Have Features for Your New ERP When selecting an ERP system, chemical manufacturing companies should look for several key features: Formula and Recipe Management: The ability to manage complex chemical formulas and recipes is essential. This includes precise control over ingredient proportions, quality management, and adjustments for batch scaling. Compliance and Regulatory Reporting: Given the strict regulatory environment, an ERP must ensure compliance with global standards like GHS, REACH, and OSHA. It should facilitate the generation of Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and maintain audit trails for compliance reporting. Quality Control and Lot Traceability: High-quality standards and the ability to trace every ingredient from supplier to customer are non-negotiable. The ERP should support quality checks at multiple points in the production process and provide end-to-end lot traceability. Inventory Management with Hazardous Material Handling: Managing hazardous materials requires special attention. The ERP should offer inventory management capabilities that address safe storage, handling, and transportation of hazardous chemicals. Key Steps for Implementing an Effective Inventory Management Strategy Implementing effective inventory management involves several steps: Demand Forecasting: Accurate demand forecasting is crucial for optimizing inventory levels. This involves analyzing historical data, market trends, and real-time inputs from across the business to predict future demand accurately. Inventory Optimization: Holding just enough inventory to meet demand without overstocking is a delicate balance. Companies should calculate accurate buffer levels and consider buying smaller, more frequent stock runs to reduce surplus inventory. Real-Time Reporting: Effective reporting is key to determining the success of any optimization plan. Companies need real-time access to data to adjust their strategies based on facts rather than guesswork. Unlocking the Full Potential of Your Customizable ERP Modern ERPs offer several benefits to chemical manufacturing companies: Operational Efficiency: By automating and streamlining processes, ERPs reduce manual errors and free up resources for strategic tasks. Real-Time Visibility: They provide real-time visibility into every facet of operations, from manufacturing and quality to inventory and sales. Scalability and Flexibility: Modern ERPs are designed to adapt to changing business needs and scale up as the company grows. Integration Capabilities: They offer seamless integration with existing systems and the ability to incorporate new technologies and processes. “We’re not standing still. We want to leverage technology in smart new ways. Net at Work is our conduit into that technology, sparking new ideas and helping us make them a reality.”  H.K. Sharma, Vice President of IT, Polycoat Products Choosing the Right Technology Services Partner The success of an ERP implementation hinges not only on the system itself but also on the capabilities and approach of the services partner responsible for its deployment and ongoing support. A great partner should have proven expertise in the chemical manufacturing industry, a structured methodology for implementation, and a commitment to ongoing support and knowledge transfer.  Below are the most crucial factors: Industry Expertise: Look for a partner with deep knowledge of the chemical industry and its specific challenges. This includes understanding regulatory requirements, hazardous material handling, and the unique operational complexities of chemical manufacturing. Proven Track Record: Ensure the partner has a proven track record of successful ERP implementations in the chemical manufacturing sector. Request case studies and references to gauge their level of expertise and experience. Cultural Compatibility: The partner should align with your organization’s ethos, ensuring a collaborative relationship where mutual respect drives collective success. Robust Methodology: They should possess a structured, tried-and-tested approach to implementation that includes comprehensive planning, realistic timelines, and risk management strategies. Clear Communication and Transparency: Expect regular, clear communication, with transparency about the project’s progress, challenges, and solutions at each stage. Adaptability and Flexibility: While structured methodology is essential, your partner should also be adaptable—quickly responding to your business’s unique and evolving demands and the wider industry. Empowerment Through Training and Knowledge Transfer: An excellent services partner empowers your team by prioritizing knowledge transfer and providing thorough training to ensure your staff can fully leverage the ERP system. Long-term Support and Evolution: Beyond initial implementation, they should offer ongoing support and advice, helping your business evolve and adapt the ERP system as it grows and its needs change. As the chemical manufacturing industry continues to evolve, embracing innovation and efficiency will be key to success. By leveraging modern ERP systems and implementing effective inventory management strategies, your organization can enhance operational efficiency, improve customer satisfaction, and maintain a competitive edge in a rapidly changing market. Ready to Take the Next Step? To ensure your chemical manufacturing company is equipped to navigate these challenges effectively, contact us for a complimentary Business Health Assessment with Net at Work.

The construction industry is experiencing significant growth, as construction spending in the U.S. exceeded $2 trillion in 2024. As the industry continues to evolve in the face of ongoing challenges such as labor shortages and inflation, adopting a flexible, scalable Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system is crucial for managing complex construction projects efficiently. The right construction ERP can help streamline your operations, enhance collaboration, and provide real-time insights, which are essential for staying competitive. The Primary Benefits of Modern Construction ERP Systems Modern ERP systems offer several benefits for construction companies: Improved Project Management: Real-time visibility into project costs and timelines helps keep projects on track and within budget. Enhanced Collaboration: A single platform ensures that all stakeholders have access to the same information, reducing misunderstandings and improving project outcomes. Increased Efficiency: Automation of routine tasks and streamlined workflows lead to significant time savings and increased productivity. Key Considerations for Choosing an ERP for Construction When evaluating construction ERP solutions, construction company leaders should focus on several critical areas: Productivity and Functionality: The right ERP should enhance productivity by automating processes and providing intuitive interfaces. It must also offer comprehensive functionality to manage construction-specific tasks such as project management, job costing, and compliance management. Technology and Integration: The system should leverage modern technology for ease of use and customization. Integration with existing software tools is essential to avoid data silos and ensure seamless workflows. Value and Cost: The ERP should offer a low total cost of ownership and scalable pricing models that align with business growth. It should also provide predictable monthly costs and flexible deployment options. Risk Management: The system must ensure robust security measures to protect financial and operational data, minimizing risks associated with data breaches and system downtime. Role-Based ERP Solutions Role-based ERP solutions, such as Acumatica Construction Edition, are designed to empower different departments within a construction company by providing tailored dashboards and real-time data. This approach helps executives, project managers, and field staff make informed decisions and improve collaboration across the organization.   For example, construction executives can access business intelligence and analytics to set financial goals and analyze budgets, while project managers can track job costs, change orders, and budgets through role-based dashboards. Additionally, role-based security ensures that access is controlled, allowing each user to view only the information necessary for their role, enhancing data security and efficiency.  Acumatica provides a holistic view of the entire business from a single, connected platform. It supports various construction roles, including CFOs, COOs, CEOs, project managers, equipment managers, and more, each with unique responsibilities that can significantly impact the company’s success. By personalizing workflows and removing clutter from screens, employees can focus on critical tasks that drive growth, reduce costs, improve quality, and increase profits. This flexibility and customization allow construction businesses to adapt the system to their specific needs, ensuring that every team member has the tools required to excel in their role. Overcoming Barriers to ERP Adoption Implementing a new ERP system in the construction industry can face barriers such as resistance to change, inadequate training, and data migration complexities. To overcome these challenges, construction companies must adopt a strategic approach. Effective change management involves clear communication about the benefits of the new system and comprehensive training programs to ensure a smooth transition. It is also crucial to engage key stakeholders early in the process and prioritize integration with existing systems to avoid operational silos.  A thorough needs assessment and realistic implementation timeline are essential to address potential issues proactively. Partnering with experienced vendors who understand construction-specific workflows can help align customization with industry needs, reducing the risk of inefficiencies. Additionally, focusing on data quality and establishing robust governance practices ensures accurate migration and ongoing system performance. By addressing these challenges proactively, construction companies can successfully adopt ERP systems and achieve operational excellence. Net at Work Customer Story: HOJ Innovations HOJ Innovations, a wholesale materials handling company with seven facilities in Utah and Idaho, specializes in optimizing warehouse design and equipment handling for major retailers and startups alike. Founded in 1964, HOJ Innovations has grown significantly, generating annual revenues exceeding $75 million. However, they faced challenges with their outdated, heavily customized ERP system, which was no longer meeting their complex operational needs.  Chuck Archer, COO at HOJ Innovations, noted, “We’re a large, multifaceted organization, and what we wanted to accomplish is complex and requires an advanced skillset.” When looking to replace their previous ERP, they chose Acumatica for its robust, cloud-based platform and extensive core functionality, which allowed them to bring their diverse operations under one digital roof.   They chose Net at Work as their implementation partner after learning about them from another company because, as Archer stated,  “They have a reputation for being the best of the best. Once we met with them, we immediately recognized that Net at Work has the skillset, level of experience, and responsiveness we needed. They know what they’re doing.” Working with Net at Work, HOJ Innovations successfully implemented Acumatica, achieving a 50% reduction in monthly close time and a significant increase in their order-to-cash cycle. Addison Webster, CFO at HOJ Innovations, highlighted the benefits of working with Net at Work, stating, “The goal is to collect and use our business data to improve accountability, visibility, and efficiency. Net at Work operates with those same goals in mind.” Choosing the right ERP system is a critical decision for construction companies seeking to enhance operational efficiency and drive growth. By focusing on productivity, functionality, technology, value, and risk management, construction leaders can select an ERP that meets their unique needs.   Contact Net at Work today to receive a complimentary Business Health Assessment for your construction company. Further Reading: Acumatica: Cloud ERP for Construction Deloitte: Engineering and Construction Industry Outlook Net at Work: ERP for Construction Operations Net at Work: HOJ Innovations Case Study Net at Work: Modern ERP for Construction

Healthcare organizations face complicated challenges such as managing complex financial systems and ensuring regulatory compliance while maintaining high standards of patient care. Many of these organizations are surmounting these challenges with the help of a modern Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, which can centralize operations and enhance efficiency across departments. What Do Modern Healthcare Organizations Need? Supporting modern healthcare practices requires expert knowledge of intricate processes. Often, these processes operate in silos, leading to inefficiencies and higher costs. Today’s ERPs are designed to streamline these operations and enable real-time decision-making, improve data security, and enhance collaboration across departments. However, implementing an ERP system for healthcare means considering common issues such as data cleanliness, lengthy implementations, and interoperability with legacy systems. Overcoming Common Challenges in Healthcare: A Path to Efficiency When healthcare organizations begin considering migrating to a new ERP, they’re typically motivated by multiple issues such as: Financial Planning and Analysis: Many healthcare organizations struggle with integrating financial planning and analysis with their accounting systems. This leads to inefficient budgeting and forecasting processes. Payroll and Financial Management Integration: Manual imports and journal entries are often used to connect payroll data with financial systems, resulting in time-consuming and error-prone processes. Supply Chain Management: Managing a complex supply chain without reliable tracking mechanisms can lead to financial risks and inefficiencies. Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring HIPAA compliance is crucial, yet many legacy systems lack the necessary security measures. “We definitely have some unique aspects to our operation. They showed us how Sage Intacct is agile and configurable enough to support us.”  Cara Numasaki, Controller, Hawaii Dental Service Key Benefits of Modern ERPs for Healthcare Practices Migrating to a modern healthcare ERP offers several key benefits: Integration and Interoperability: Modern ERPs integrate all aspects of healthcare operations, from supply chain management and human resources to patient care and billing, resulting in seamless data flow and eliminating duplication. This integration facilitates better collaboration across departments and enhances patient care by providing a unified view of patient data. Advanced Reporting and Analytics: Modern ERP systems provide real-time data analytics, enabling healthcare organizations to make informed decisions based on current operational and financial data. This capability helps in optimizing resource allocation, improving patient outcomes, and enhancing financial management. Improved Compliance and Security: Modern ERPs are designed with compliance in mind, offering features like audit trails, role-based access control, and encryption to meet strict regulations such as HIPAA. They also provide robust security measures to protect sensitive patient data, reducing the risk of breaches and maintaining patient trust. Enhanced Patient Care: By providing a comprehensive view of patient data and streamlining administrative tasks, modern ERPs enable healthcare providers to focus more on patient care. This leads to better patient outcomes and improved satisfaction. Innovation and Future-Proofing: Modern cloud-based ERP systems are more agile and adaptable to future challenges, allowing healthcare organizations to leverage advancements in AI and machine learning to improve operations and patient care. This future-proofing ensures that healthcare providers remain competitive and innovative in their operations. Sage Intacct and HIPAA Compliance: Ensuring Secure Healthcare Operations Sage Intacct, a true cloud ERP, supports compliance with HIPAA regulations through several key features and certifications. This ensures that healthcare organizations can securely manage protected health information (PHI) and electronic protected health information (ePHI). Advanced Audit Trail: Sage Intacct provides an advanced, automated audit trail that tracks every access and modification of records containing PHI. This feature logs all interactions, including who accessed the data, when, and through what means, supporting HIPAA’s requirement to monitor PHI access. Secure Data Storage: Sage Intacct securely stores PHI, ensuring that sensitive information is protected. Business Associate Agreement (BAA): Sage Intacct is willing to enter into a BAA with eligible healthcare organizations, outlining specific measures for data protection, breach notification procedures, and requirements for returning or destroying PHI after the agreement ends. Certifications and Compliance: Sage Intacct’s security safeguards have been certified as HIPAA- and HITECH-compliant by Avertium (formerly Sword & Shield), providing assurance that the system meets strict regulatory requirements. By leveraging these features and certifications, Sage Intacct provides a robust solution for healthcare organizations seeking to ensure HIPAA compliance while managing their financial operations effectively. Real-Life Success Stories: How Net at Work Transformed Healthcare Operations Net at Work has helped several healthcare organizations overcome these challenges by implementing a cloud-based ERP solution designed to meet the specific needs of the healthcare industry. Personal Healthcare: Streamlining Financial Management for Growth Personal Healthcare, a provider of senior care services, faced significant challenges as it expanded from one to eight nursing homes in just five years. Their legacy software failed to support paperless financial processes or provide transparency into revenues and expenses across different facilities. By migrating to an ERP with features specific to their needs, Personal Healthcare was able to streamline financial management, shorten its monthly close process from a week to just a day or two, and consolidate financials across entities instantaneously. Their new ERP also enabled the company to customize reports using key operational metrics, such as cost per patient per day, which is crucial for senior care facilities. Hawaii Dental Service: Achieving Efficiency with Cloud-Based ERP Hawaii Dental Service (HDS), a nonprofit dental benefits provider, had relied on a server-based ERP for its financial management. However, as the organization moved towards cloud-based solutions, HDS partnered with Net at Work to migrate to a customizable ERP. This transition was driven by the need for greater efficiency, improved budgeting processes, and simplified multi-company accounting tasks. With their new ERP, HDS achieved significant time savings in accounts payable processing and financial reporting, reducing manual workflows and enhancing real-time visibility into financial data. Unlocking the Full Potential of Sage Intacct for Healthcare In addition to supporting HIPAA compliance, Sage Intacct offers several benefits that make it an ideal choice for healthcare organizations: Multi-Entity Management: Healthcare organizations with multiple locations or entities can use Sage Intacct to consolidate financials, automate intercompany accounting, and enhance visibility into profitability by location or treatment. Real-Time Reporting: Sage Intacct provides real-time dashboards and reports, which can help healthcare organizations monitor performance metrics and make data-driven decisions. “Net at Work is fabulous, and they completed the conversion remotely, on time and on budget.” – Cara Numasaki, Controller, Hawaii Dental Service Whether your organization is facing challenges with financial planning, payroll integration, or supply chain management, migrating to a customizable, scalable ERP system can be transformative.   To explore how we can help address your organization’s specific needs, contact us to connect with a healthcare ERP expert and receive a complimentary Business Health Assessment. This assessment will help identify areas for improvement and provide a roadmap for implementing a tailored ERP solution that supports your growth and operational efficiency.  Further Reading Net at Work – Sage Intacct for Healthcare Accounting Net at Work – Streamlining Healthcare Accounting With Sage Intacct Sage Intacct Cloud Accounting and Financial Management Software Net at Work – Next Gen Cloud Financial Management for Healthcare ERP Net at Work – Healthcare Accounting Software Net at Work – Sage Intacct Cloud Accounting Software for Surgical Centers

As a manufacturer in the food and beverage space, your organization has to work hard to stay competitive. Amid all the challenges facing modern manufacturers, including quality control, logistics management, and fast and accurate order fulfillment, you must deal with safety and compliance requirements aimed specifically at your sector. Dealing with all of these pressures is difficult, but there are ways to stay competitive. Perhaps the most direct way to help your business thrive is to choose the right technology platform for your needs. With a strong enterprise resource planning (ERP) acting as the beating heart of your food manufacturing company, you’re ready to cope with the many management challenges inherent to the food and beverage industry. Learning more about this technology will help you choose the perfect ERP for your needs, without wasting any time. What’s the Purpose of ERP in Manufacturing for Food Providers? As a manufacturing business, you need a centralized system to provide end-to-end visibility into your manufacturing processes, and to connect all functions, departments, and partners. This is naturally challenging, as there are countless moving parts and priorities to consider in the food space, from managing recipes to preventing waste of ingredients. ERP is this central hub, connecting everything from procurement, inventory management, and production planning to compliance, quality control, and customer relationship management. When you have a strong ERP in place, your employees don’t have to juggle a variety of disconnected software tools. They simply log in and get their work done. Not just any generic ERP will suffice for this role, however. Standard ERP solutions that haven’t been built with the food manufacturing industry in mind may be lacking key features or require modifications to get the job done. That’s why your job isn’t just to implement an ERP, but to implement the right ERP. What Everyday Challenges Can Food Manufacturers Address With ERP? The value of a new software tool can be measured by its ability to resolve common issues for its users. In the food and beverage space, the problems and challenges are well-known and demand a tech-driven response. These include: A need for quality assurance and compliance: Your brand must carefully manage and measure the quality of its products. This is true in terms of compliance with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) rules as well as the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). Of course, these regulations are just the beginning — QA should use them as a starting point rather than an end goal. The visibility and traceability provided by a comprehensive food industry ERP are crucial factors. Supply chain oversight and recall capability: Visibility and traceability are also essential in case a recall is issued for your products. While it’s clearly ideal to never incur a recall in the first place, when one does occur, you need to be ready. Having clear traceability and reporting regarding your supply chain and partners means you can run a fast and efficient recall, affecting only the products that are truly impacted. A capable ERP system is also helpful in terms of universal manufacturing challenges like the need for inventory optimization, efficient logistics operations, and continuous improvement. The powerful connectivity of a modernized ERP system delivers value throughout your organization. Amid escalating recalls, see how the right ERP helps with FDA compliance and FSMA compliance. 12 Benefits of ERP in Food Manufacturing The value of a high-quality ERP system touches every corner of your food manufacturing operations. Some of these benefits are about managing the specific issues that come with the sector, while others are more general. Taken together, they represent a significant return on investment. With an effective food manufacturing ERP system, you can: 1. Maintain consistent recipes and formulas and manage changes. You need to keep a close watch on the consistency of the formulas and recipes you use in food and beverage production. Keeping the recipes accurate is essential for the quality of the finished products and, ultimately, your customers’ satisfaction. An ERP system that keeps recipes for the whole company is the key. Especially when you produce goods across multiple sites, you must have a centralized way to keep track of your formulas and to make sure any changes are applied consistently. Furthermore, if there’s ever a recall, you need exact traceability of which recipe was followed. That knowledge leads to efficient, quick recall management. 2. Trace supply chain movements. The food manufacturing supply chain consists of many levels of suppliers and producers, often dealing with perishable items that need careful oversight. Using ERP to provide centralized visibility enables effective tracking and timely delivery of either raw materials or finished goods. This improved level of supply chain oversight provides increased customer satisfaction and prevents waste. Effective supply chain management that begins at the raw materials level can prevent disruptions that could result in losses for your company and its partners. 3. Track expirations and manage shelf life. Managing the shelf life of both ingredients and products is an important money-saving practice for food manufacturers and distributors alike. Using a purpose-built food manufacturing ERP system allows you to track quality and freshness testing and keep your items at peak quality. By using testing protocols like pH, viscosity, temperature, and weight measurement, you can keep watch over each ingredient. Then, once those ingredients have become finished products, you can apply shelf life rules and alert criteria to ensure items never stay too long at warehouses or distribution centers. 4. Comply with FSMA and other FDA regulations. Staying on top of regulations like FSMA calls for clear, effective visibility traceability at every step of manufacturing and production. Purpose-built ERP technology provides these traits, allowing your business to stay compliant during day-to-day operations and provide proof when inspected. The element of automation is also important in compliance. Relying on fewer manual processes reduces the risk of mistakes, both in production and in record-keeping. A smooth, automated, and highly visible manufacturing process is ideally positioned for compliance. 5. Control product quality. As a supplement to recipe and formula management, your organization can use an ERP system to record quality specifications for recipes and ingredients. This ability to keep a centralized and visible database of standards and specifications ensures it’s easy to maintain high standards. Quality control matters for both compliance and customer service. Items made to carefully managed quality standards are well-positioned to comply with regulations and please your consumers. 6. Achieve better trade promotion management. Marketing your products to wholesalers or retailers is a complex process separate from the actual manufacturing of the items. ERP integration with trade promotion management (TPM) technology allows these two functions to sit side by side. With data from your ERP software fueling a TPM system, you can engage in: Volume forecasting. Financial forecasting. Trade budget management. Deduction. Settlement. 7. Enable continuous improvement Continuous improvement in the manufacturing industry depends on reliable, up-to-date data. With this information, you can ensure your operations are on track to steadily improve and target areas for attention, down to a highly granular level. Identifying non-conformance and acting on it is a way to enable continuous improvement. By detecting when quality doesn’t meet either industry or internal standards immediately, you can follow up quickly, make adjustments, and track the results. 8. Lower excess inventory and free up working capital. Inventory management is another area where up-to-date data can make all the difference. As long as your organization is aware of current levels, production capacity, and projected demand, you can minimize excess inventory. Improving inventory through high visibility and proactive management is a good way to run a more efficient and less wasteful organization. This can free up working capital, allowing you to apply that cash to other operations where it can have a greater impact. 9. Reduce forecasting time. The accuracy and speed of forecasts depend on the quality and availability of data from throughout your organization. Centralizing this data in an ERP can drastically reduce the time needed to create forecasts. Those projections in turn help you optimize other parts of your manufacturing process. Introducing a dose of automation into parts of the forecasting process such as data collection and management, a purpose-built ERP helps you become adept at understanding what’s coming next for your organization. 10. Improve fill rates. Managing inventory is about more than just keeping items on hand as long as possible. You want to ensure your items are at a sweet spot, where you don’t incur stockouts, meaning you run out of needed products. An ERP system with effective inventory management capabilities helps you precisely hit your targets, fulfilling orders and not encountering stockouts, while also avoiding the costs of excess inventory. 11. Manage active ingredient concentration. Carefully overseeing the potency of your food batches — the percentage presence of the active ingredient — has major implications for your business. Higher potencies generally equate to higher raw material costs, and recipes call for specific levels of potency. Calculating the perfect potency via manual processes is challenging and potentially imprecise, which makes this process a perfect candidate for automation via ERP. A food manufacturing ERP platform with the right tools for concentration management is key to ensuring quality while cutting costs and reducing waste. 12. Link to eCommerce systems. Whether you’re making business-to-business sales to retailers or selling directly to customers, eCommerce management is a complex area of your business. Linking your food manufacturing ERP to your eCommerce system is a way to provide a valuable source of data for your order management marketing and sales. With this type of ERP integration, your ERP software can still act as the single source of data truth for your business while you work to improve the performance of your B2B or B2C eCommerce efforts.   These advantages are yours when you use Sage X3, the purpose-built food manufacturing ERP available from Net@Work. Get deeper into the advantages of food manufacturing ERP with Sage X3 resources. How Do You Choose and Implement ERP in Manufacturing? Unlocking all the benefits of manufacturing ERP is only possible when you choose an effective solution for your specific needs. Rather than just settling for any system and provider, you should make sure you select technology that can serve as a key piece of your tech ecosystem for years to come. Here’s what you should ask during the selection process: What Defines a Good ERP System in Manufacturing? There are a few marks of a suitable technology tool for your needs. The first is suitability for your industry. A generic ERP solution that would require excessive modification to suit your day-to-day needs as a food manufacturing company can’t compete with one that is effective from day one. Furthermore, you should make sure your technology provider offers a helpful and supportive experience both during implementation and on an ongoing basis. This level of partnership can help you make the most of the technology. What Does the ERP Implementation Process Look Like? ERP implementation requires integration with your other applicable systems — this ensures that the platform can live up to its potential as a central hub for data. You should also ensure every user is trained on the new system — low uptake rates or a failure to understand the system’s features can limit effectiveness. What Are Some Potential ERP Implementation Challenges? Potential issues with ERP implementation include: Choosing a system that can’t grow alongside your business and will require replacement within a few years. Picking a solution that requires expensive or time-consuming alterations to suit your industry’s needs. Failing to train your team on the new system and achieve high usage rates. Neglecting to integrate the ERP with your other enterprise software. Working with an ERP provider that won’t support you or offer effective customer service. Now that you’re aware of what you’re looking for in an ERP solution, you can learn more about Sage X3, a next-generation ERP for the food manufacturing space. Ready To Get Started With a New Manufacturing ERP? Unifying your food and beverage manufacturing processes around the right ERP system is a leading way to digitize your everyday operations, boost operational efficiency, and stay competitive. From compliance to inventory to eCommerce, every element of your business runs through this type of system. Sage X3, designed for the food and beverage industry and overseen by the supportive, experienced Net at Work team, is your ideal choice. Contact an expert and learn more about ERP for food and beverage manufacturing.

As nonprofit organizations navigate the complexities of an increasingly digital world, they face numerous challenges that can hinder their ability to fulfill their missions. The Sage 2024 Nonprofit Technology Trends Survey highlights several key findings that underscore the importance of leveraging technology to enhance operational efficiency and mission impact: Economic uncertainty is the top external challenge facing nonprofits, followed by inflation and competition for funding. Nonprofits are increasingly adopting technology solutions like financial management software and donor management systems to streamline operations. The ability to track outcome metrics is crucial for demonstrating accountability and attracting donors. These findings emphasize the need for flexible and scalable technology solutions that can help nonprofits adapt to changing conditions while maximizing their impact. The Role of ERP in Nonprofit Operations Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems can be transformative for nonprofit organizations as well. Today’s ERP provides a centralized platform that integrates all critical functions, from finance to fundraising and volunteer management, allowing nonprofits to streamline operations and improve financial transparency. By automating key processes and reducing manual data entry, ERP systems free up valuable time and resources that can be redirected towards core mission activities. This is particularly important for nonprofits, which often rely on limited resources and must maximize their impact. “Net at Work is our single point of contact for all things technology. We use them exclusively for questions and support.” – Kathy Breyfogle, CFO, W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research The W.E. Upjohn Institute: From Scanning, Storing and Routing Documents to Paperless Workflows The W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research is a prime example of how a modern ERP can transform nonprofit operations. The Institute, which conducts extensive research on employment and unemployment, faced challenges with its legacy accounting software. It was unable to access financial data remotely during the pandemic, highlighting the need for a cloud-based solution. The Upjohn Institute partnered with Net at Work for their ERP migration to Sage Intacct, a cloud-based financial management solution. Kathy Breyfogle, CFO at the Upjohn Institute, noted, “Net at Work is our single point of contact for all things technology. We use them exclusively for questions and support.” This partnership was crucial in optimizing workflows and ensuring a smooth transition. With the ongoing support of Net at Work and the adoption of Sage Intacct, the Institute achieved significant improvements in operational efficiency and data analysis. They utilized the dimensions functionality of Intacct to revamp their chart of accounts, simplifying their account structure and providing more granular reporting on projects and funding. Additionally, the Institute set up smart rules to automate compliance checks, reducing manual errors and enhancing confidence in financial data. The successful ERP migration also led to the elimination of paper files and streamlined audits. By associating electronic attachments with transactions, the Institute improved access to supporting documents, which is expected to save costs during audits. Furthermore, the Institute’s accounting team reported a perfect score in employee engagement and satisfaction surveys, attributing much of this success to Sage Intacct’s capabilities. Overall, the partnership with Net at Work and the implementation of Sage Intacct have elevated the Institute’s financial operations, allowing them to focus more on their mission and less on administrative tasks. Benefits of ERP for Nonprofits Nonprofit organizations can benefit significantly from implementing Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems. Here are some of the biggest advantages of using ERP for nonprofits: Operational Efficiency ERP systems streamline and automate core processes such as financial management, grant management, and donor tracking. This automation reduces manual data entry, minimizes errors, and accelerates processing times, allowing staff to focus on higher-value tasks. By integrating various functions into a single system, nonprofits can eliminate redundant tasks and improve overall productivity. Financial Transparency and Reporting ERP solutions provide robust reporting and analysis capabilities, enabling nonprofits to generate detailed financial statements and reports. This helps in demonstrating financial accountability to stakeholders, including donors and regulatory agencies. Enhanced reporting also aids in compliance with regulatory requirements and supports better budgeting and forecasting. Real-Time Data Insights ERP systems offer real-time visibility into financial data, allowing nonprofits to monitor their financial health and make informed decisions. This capability supports better resource allocation and strategic planning. With all data centralized, nonprofits can easily access and analyze information across different departments, improving decision-making. Scalability and Flexibility ERP systems are scalable, meaning they can grow with the nonprofit as it expands its operations. This scalability ensures that nonprofits can manage more projects and meet increasing demands without needing to overhaul their systems. Additionally, ERP solutions can be customized to meet specific nonprofit needs, such as fund accounting and grant management. Improved Donor Management and Fundraising An ERP can integrate donor management capabilities, allowing nonprofits to track donations, manage donor relationships, and cultivate future support. This integration simplifies fundraising efforts and enhances donor engagement. Risk Management and Compliance By centralizing data and automating backups, ERPs help mitigate risks associated with data breaches and loss of critical information. This ensures compliance with legal standards and maintains donor trust. ERP solutions also provide robust security measures to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements like GDPR. Enhanced Collaboration ERP systems provide a centralized database, ensuring that all stakeholders have access to the same information. This reduces miscommunication and errors, improving collaboration among employees and volunteers. Features like centralized document management and real-time communication tools further enhance teamwork. Modern Technology Powers the Future for Genesee Country Village & Museum The Genesee Country Village & Museum struggled with outdated financial systems that relied heavily on manual processes. This inefficiency not only consumed valuable staff time but also limited the museum’s ability to provide timely and accurate financial reports. Recognizing the need for change, the museum decided to migrate to Sage Intacct, a cloud-based ERP solution designed to automate financial processes and improve data visibility.The implementation of Sage Intacct at the Genesee Country Village & Museum resulted in significant operational improvements. The museum was able to automate many of its financial tasks, freeing up staff to focus on core activities such as curating exhibits and developing educational programs. Additionally, Sage Intacct provided real-time data insights, enabling better decision-making and ensuring compliance with financial reporting requirements. This transformation allowed the museum to allocate more resources towards its mission, enhancing its overall impact on the community. Challenge: The Genesee Country Village & Museum faced challenges with manual processes and outdated financial systems, which hindered operational efficiency and financial reporting. Solution: The museum implemented Sage Intacct, a modern cloud-based ERP solution, to automate financial processes and improve data visibility. Results: Enhanced financial reporting and compliance Improved operational efficiency through automation Better decision-making with real-time data insights Read the full case study. Nonprofit organizations face unique challenges in managing their operations efficiently while maximizing their mission impact. A flexible and scalable ERP system can be a game-changer, providing the tools needed to streamline operations, improve financial transparency, and enhance decision-making capabilities. If your nonprofit is looking to focus more on its mission, you can reach out to Net at Work for a complimentary Business Health Assessment. Contact us today to take the first step towards transforming your nonprofit’s operations.

From supply chain issues and inflationary pressures to prolonged workforce challenges, small-to-medium-sized businesses (SMBs) face numerous challenges in managing complex operations and staying competitive. Implementing a modern Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system can be a strategic move to overcome these hurdles. ERP solutions have evolved significantly in recent years, offering SMBs a powerful way to streamline their operations, enhance efficiency, and drive long-term growth. In this article, we will explore how choosing a modern ERP system can help future-proof your SMB’s technology, drawing insights from stories of our own customers’ successful implementations. Understanding ERP Systems ERPs can integrate previously siloed business functions into a single platform, providing real-time data access and automating processes across departments such as finance, inventory, human resources, and customer relationship management. This integration is crucial for SMBs, as it helps them integrate data, reduces manual errors, and enhances decision-making capabilities. Four Primary Benefits of Modern ERP Systems Simplifying Operations Modern ERPs can centralize many business processes, simplifying operations by reducing the need to manage multiple software solutions. For example, instead of using separate tools for accounting, inventory management, and HR, a modern ERP integrates these functions into one platform. This centralization ensures that all departments have access to consistent and up-to-date information, facilitating informed decision-making. Real-Time Data Access = Greater Agility A modern ERP can provide real-time data access, enabling SMBs to respond quickly to market changes, customer needs, and internal challenges. This capability is essential for maintaining business agility and competitiveness. Long-Term Cost Savings By automating processes and reducing manual errors, modern ERPs help SMBs maximize labor and resource-related costs. For instance, automation minimizes the need for repetitive tasks and reduces the risk of errors, leading to significant cost savings over time and giving employees the time and tools to work more strategically. Grows and Changes with Your Organization One of the noteworthy features of a modern ERP is its ability to scale as the business grows and changes, allowing for easy expansion without significant disruptions. Whether it’s adding new features, modules, or users, today’s ERP can adapt to the evolving needs of the business. Success Stories from Our Customers Since 1996, we’ve partnered with organizations in a wide variety of industries to successfully implement modern ERPs and help position them for future growth, as detailed below: Mission Tile West: Mission Tile West faced challenges with an unsuccessful NetSuite implementation by a previous partner. Net at Work stepped in, optimizing their NetSuite system and building a solid, sustainable foundation for success. By streamlining operations and leveraging new features, Mission Tile West enhanced efficiency and supported their growth ambitions. Net at Work’s expertise ensured that the system was tailored to meet Mission Tile West’s specific needs, providing a seamless user experience and maximizing the benefits of the ERP system. Russell Sigler Inc.:Russell Sigler Inc. partnered with Net at Work to streamline their Sage X3 setup, eliminating unnecessary customizations and leveraging new features to enhance efficiency. This partnership provided Russell Sigler with the confidence to grow and adapt, knowing they had a robust ERP system supporting their operations. Net at Work’s team offered the depth and experience needed to support Russell Sigler’s evolving business strategies. Midway Industrial Supply: Midway Industrial Supply moved from an outdated on-premise ERP to Acumatica Cloud ERP, addressing networking issues and improving performance. This transition allowed Midway to maintain lean operations while innovating through strategic acquisitions. Net at Work played a crucial role in this migration, leveraging their extensive experience with Acumatica to ensure a seamless transition. Midway achieved significant efficiency gains, with a 25% increase in operational efficiency across all processes. The company’s remote sales teams benefited from customized Acumatica dashboards, enhancing their ability to access key performance indicators and customer data. Why Migrate to a Modern ERP with An Experienced Partner ERP migration can be a complex process, but partnering with a team of experienced ERP migration experts like Net at Work can help make the transitions significantly more well-coordinated and effective. Our expertise in ERP migration can help minimize disruptions and maximize the benefits of the new system. Here are some key advantages of migrating with an experienced partner: Expert Guidance: Experienced partners provide guidance on selecting the right ERP system for your business needs, making sure that the chosen system aligns with your strategic goals. Customized Implementation: They tailor the implementation process to fit your business model and can work with you after the initial implementation to ensure that the ERP is optimized for your specific operations and changing needs. Training and Support: Partners like Net at Work offer comprehensive training and ongoing support so your team adapts to the new system quickly and effectively. Risk Mitigation: By managing potential risks during the migration process, experienced partners can help your business remain operational throughout the transition. Choosing the Right ERP for Your Organization When selecting an ERP system, SMBs should consider several factors: Scalability: Ensure the system can grow with your business. Integration: Choose a system that integrates well with existing software. Cost: Consider both initial costs and long-term savings. Support: Partner with a reliable provider like Net at Work for implementation and ongoing support. Additional Benefits of Cloud ERPs Enhanced Security and Compliance Cloud ERP systems provide robust security features, ensuring that sensitive business data is protected and compliance requirements are met. This is particularly important for SMBs, as maintaining compliance can be challenging without the right tools. Cloud ERP solutions often include automatic updates and compliance features, simplifying the process of adhering to regulatory standards. Integration with Emerging Technologies Cloud ERP solutions can integrate with emerging technologies like AI and IoT, enabling SMBs to leverage these technologies to enhance operations and drive innovation. For example, integrating AI can help automate complex tasks, while IoT can improve supply chain visibility by providing real-time data on inventory levels and asset performance. Benefits of Integrating ERP with IoT The integration of IoT with ERP systems offers several benefits: Enhanced Visibility into Operations: Real-time data from IoT sensors can be fed directly into the ERP system, providing decision-makers with a clear view of inventory levels, production processes, and asset performance. Improved Decision-Making: With real-time insights, businesses can make better-informed decisions, which in turn improves operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. Implementing a modern ERP system is a strategic move for SMBs looking to future-proof their technology. By centralizing operations, providing real-time data, and offering scalability and flexibility, ERP systems position businesses for growth and competitiveness. Whatever your needs are today, partnering with experienced ERP migration experts like Net at Work can ensure a successful transition and a profitable tomorrow. Thinking about how to future-proof your organization? Contact us today for a complimentary Business Health Assessment.

In a recent episode of CO Pod, the construction owners club podcast, host Caroline Raffetto interviewed John Mullins, a seasoned expert in ERP sales who joined Net at Work last year, to discuss how Net at Work and Acumatica are revolutionizing the ERP for construction space. This insightful interview, part of CO Pod’s series featuring industry experts, shed light on the powerful combination of Net at Work’s expertise and the Acumatica Construction Edition. Net at Work: Your Trusted Technology Partner Since its inception in 1996, Net at Work has evolved into a comprehensive technology partner for businesses across various industries. Mullins emphasized the company’s commitment to client success, stating, “Net at Work wants to come alongside [its clients] and work with them during their journey to figure out what’s going to be the best solution for them overall”. This dedication to partnership is evident in Net at Work’s comprehensive support and guidance throughout the digital transformation journey, stemming from a culture of excellence that translates into superior client service. Acumatica: Redefining Construction ERP Net at Work’s Acumatica Construction Edition is a cloud-based ERP system specifically designed for the construction industry. This system stands out for several reasons: Industry-Specific Focus: Acumatica Construction Edition is tailored to address the unique challenges faced by construction firms. Transparent Pricing and Rights: Acumatica’s 10-point Bill of Rights ensures clear pricing and ongoing training at no additional cost. Holistic Integration: From financials to project management, Acumatica provides a unified platform for all aspects of construction business operations. Data-Driven Decision Making: Real-time access to critical project data enables informed decisions and proactive problem-solving. Revolutionizing Construction Operations The implementation of Acumatica through Net at Work can transform construction businesses in several ways: Operational Efficiency: Centralized data and automated processes reduce administrative burden across departments. Enhanced Collaboration: Real-time updates and centralized information improve communication among all stakeholders. Financial Control: Robust financial management tools offer accurate job costing, budget tracking, and revenue forecasting. Resource Optimization: Clear insights into resource availability enable more effective allocation of materials, labor, and equipment. Risk Management: Built-in compliance tracking and risk management features help mitigate potential issues. The Net at Work Advantage Net at Work’s commitment to client success sets it apart in the industry. As Mullins explains, “We create content that we can send out to our customers for them to digest when it’s convenient for them.” This customer-centric approach includes: Rigorous training and certification for the Net at Work team Ongoing education and support for clients A focus on maximizing the potential of the ERP investment Ready to transform your construction business? We can analyze your current processes and demonstrate how Acumatica’s Construction Edition, implemented and supported by Net at Work, can propel your business to new heights of efficiency and profitability. Contact Net at Work today for a complimentary business health assessment.