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Selecting New ERP – 5 Key Consultant Weaknesses to Avoid

Enterprise Resource Planning

By Mark Engleman, Engleman AssociatesERP software is complicated and difficult for buyers to assess what functions really exist and what constitutes ERP vendor viability. It is even more difficult to arrange favorable initial and ongoing costs and commercial terms for ERP.  Companies purchase new ERP software maybe once a decade or less often—so they are at a disadvantage to ERP sellers that practice their selling trade continually. Therefore it's…

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4 Ways Robots Deliver ROI to Small and Medium-Sized Manufacturers

Process

Robots present a common conundrum for small and medium-sized manufacturers (SMMs). On the one hand, they can help smaller operations improve efficiencies and become more competitive within their industry. But are they worth the initial investment, time, resources, and risk to implement? According to the U.S. Census Bureau, SMMs (manufacturing organizations with under 500 employees) make up nearly 99% of all manufacturing organizations in the United States, yet they are…

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5 Security Woes of IoT

Process

By LEIA SHILOBOD – CEO of InTech Solutions As the Internet of Things (IoT) becomes more widespread in manufacturing environments to increase productivity and automation, manufacturers must be aware of the security risks or face the potentially catastrophic consequences. Who would think a sensor on a manufacturing line or security camera would pose a threat to a network? Can a simple little device REALLY spell disaster for a business?…

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Becoming an Employer of Choice: 5 Best Practices to Attract and Retain Superior Employees

People

No matter the size or focus of an organization, hiring and retaining the best people for the job is crucial to long-term success. Developing a reputation as a desirable place to work will help to attract superior candidates, and creating an organizational culture that meets employee needs will keep people satisfied and engaged in the workplace. Below are 5 best practices to become an employer of choice. Job Security…

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5 Best Practices for Succession Planning

People

With manufacturing already experiencing a skills gap in the workforce, businesses cannot afford to put off planning for the future. Identifying, developing, and retaining top talent is vital to the long-term success of an organization, and thus needs to be a critical area of investment of time, money, and energy. Below are 5 succession planning practices to set in place for future stability and success. Be Consistent It is…

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