Toledo, OH -- (ReleaseWire) -- 07/21/2006 --Manufacturing journalist Thomas R. Cutler profiled why food companies face ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) functionality problems in the current issue of the Food and Beverage Journal. According to Cutler, “The plant floor automation issues unique to the food manufacturing sector are significant. Finding an ERP system, which addresses the idiosyncratic nature of food manufacturing, is not easily accomplished. Despite claims, promises, and elements for success, few ERP vendors are comprehensive in providing the full spectrum of needed functionality.”
The plant floor automation issues include the following:
• Online tracking of engineering change orders with electronic routings for approvals.
• System generated BOMs and routings for configured products.
• System generated production schedules from MRP module.
• Automatic yielding for finished goods and BOM components/ingredients.
• Where used and mass replace capabilities.
• System generated work orders for make to order environments.
• Fully attributed inventory from order entry through production and shipping.
• Online order promising by exploding the multi-level BOM, reviewing BOM stocking levels, and production space.
• Online messaging for production managers on plant floor exceptions.
• Integrated dashboards for management's KPIs.
Finding a balance between industry sector nuance and a solid core ERP system is tricky. The basic ERP functions are often lacking when the focus is too heavy on the bells and whistles. Rebecca Gill, Vice-President of Toledo-based Technology Group International and Enterprise 21 Food ERP, says, "Many vertical ERP applications in the food sector lack strong financials and must integrate with bolt-on third party systems." The ERP functionality should also include complete multi-company, multi-currency, and financial reporting capacity.
Many companies within the food and beverage industry struggle due to lack of system integration and poor visibility of major business functions. Food quality managers do not want to simply manage their business; they want to lead and direct the future of their company. Today's food management executives need real-time sophisticated tools to make educated decisions.
The complete feature article may be viewed at: http://www.fepsearchgroup.com/fbj/articles/article029.htm
About Technology Group International, Ltd.
Founded in 1990 and headquartered in Toledo, Ohio, Technology Group International is a proven technology leader delivering Tier 1 application software functionality at a price performance level that can be readily accepted by organizations of all sizes. Specializing in software solutions for small and mid-market manufacturing and distribution companies, TGI’s integrated Enterprise Series software suite is a complete business process management solution. The product offering includes Enterprise Resources Planning (ERP), Manufacturing Resource Planning (MRP), Supply Chain Management (SCM), Warehouse Management System (WMS), Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS), Decision Support System (DSS), Business Intelligence (BI), Manufacturing Execution System (MES), and eCommerce. TGI implements, maintains, enhances, and supports its packaged distribution and manufacturing software solutions directly and via its channel partners.
Technology Group International
www.tgiltd.com
Rebecca Gill
rgill@tgiltd.com
800-837-0028
Food and Beverage Journal Examines Why Food Companies Face ERP Functionality Problems
Food and Beverage Journal Examines Why Food Companies Face ERP Functionality Problems