You may have started your setup of your ERP system one way, and have discovered over time that maybe it no longer fits how you need to do business. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be providing some pros/cons to consider for different company setups.

Pros/Cons of Single Finance / Single Logistic Company Set-Up

Have you ever thought about what really motivates your employees?

It’s not about the almighty dollar, you know. Ok, ok…..money doesn’t hurt, but money alone doesn’t keep most people in their jobs. You actually need to motivate your employees to keep them showing up, mentally, and physically. Employees that don’t feel motivated are probably underperforming, and that means you’re losing money.

Ask yourself these questions about your employees:

• Are they happy…..YES….HAPPY! Do they enjoy coming to work every day?
• Do they feel challenged, or do they feel demeaned?
• Are they sinking, or are they swimming?
• Do they have the right tools in their arsenal to battle the giants?
• Where’s the reward?

Happiness - I’ve worked with manufacturers for almost 20 years now...

Crossroads RMC is proud to be featured in the IT Jungle article “ERP Upgrades: Love ‘Em or Leave ‘Em”. Anthony Etzel of Crossroads RMC discusses the benefits of an add-on solution like Crossroads MES which provides the feature rich functionality that manufacturers need, typically not found in an ERP system.

Came across an article online from Lauber CFO’s, and thought I would share. Here is a checklist for things to consider in order to finish out the year and help you plan for 2016:

• Are your accounting records up to date so that you can make a projection of how the current year will turn out?
• Are all account reconciliations currently up to date to facilitate the closing of the books after year end?
• Are there accounts receivable that should be reserved for or written off prior to the end of the year?
• If your business carries inventory, do you need to plan a physical count as of the end of the year?
• Has depreciation on your fixed assets been recorded during the year? Have you considered depreciation on current year additions?
• Have all new asset purchases and bank loans been recorded on your books?
• Are there any liabilities, for example, pending legal actions or warranty issues, which will need to be recorded prior to year end? 
• Do you have a plan in place to properly “cut-off” revenue at year end to properly match revenue and expense?
• Will there be bonuses, profit sharing contributions or discretionary retirement plan contributions paid prior to the end of the year? How will these payments affect cash f

Came across an article online from Lauber CFO’s, and thought I would share. Here is a checklist for things to consider in order to finish out the year and help you plan for 2016:

• Is your accounting records up to date so that you can make a projection of how the current year will turn out?
• Are all account reconciliations currently up to date to facilitate the closing of the books after year-end?
• Are there accounts receivable that should be reserved for or written off prior to the end of the year?
• If your business carries inventory, do you need to plan a physical count as of the end of the year?
• Has depreciation on your fixed assets been recorded during the year? Have you considered depreciation on current year additions?
• Have all new asset purchases and bank loans been recorded on your books?
• Are there any liabilities, for example, pending legal actions or warranty issues, which will need to be recorded prior to the year-end? 
• Do you have a plan in place to properly “cut-off” revenue at year-end to properly match revenue and expense?
• Will there be bonuses, profit sharing contributions, or discretionary retirement plan contributions paid prior to the end of the year? How will these payments affect cash flow?
• Will you be in compliance with your bank covenants at year-end?
• Do you need to make arrangements to receive statements as of the end of the year for the cash value of life insurance, loan balances, etc.?

Some items in the manufacturing process may require a lot number. A quick and easy way to release the Shop Orders with lot numbers is by using the Multi-Level Shop Order Release.

Simply select the end item from the selection screen and use action 10 for the multi-level order release. At the bottom of the release screen is the field “Pre-Assign a Lot Number to Shop Orders”. Select 1 for the pre-assigned lot number assignment option.

This option will use the pre-assigned lot number on the shop order, if the lot number exists. If the lot number does not exist, the system will automatically create a lot number and assign it to the shop order for all items that are lot-controlled.

Crossroads RMC has once again partnered with Xenitel Managed Service Solutions and CST Industries to create a warranty service claim system for CST’s dealers. The project will provide a way for dealers to create a “warranty request claim” from within the dealer portal, defining the customer and product, and parts that failed, and selecting what parts they are claiming for replacement to install the replacement part. This service will be offered in addition to the parts online ordering system previously developed for CST. 

CST is a global leader in the manufacture and construction of factory coated metal storage tanks, aluminum domes and specialty covers.

Just a refresher on a tip I’ve shared previously from Supply Chain Technology Bulletin regarding how to attain greater inventory accuracy. I thought it would be worthwhile to share again:

1. Record data regarding your inventory as soon as the items arrive at your door / receiving dock. With information, you can make decisions. Without it, you waste money, time, and effort.
2. Leverage data collection, label generation, and RFID solutions to make your life easier.
3. Set inventory accuracy goals for the business and for employees.
4. Train your employees so they know what is expected of them, and how to best perform their job and therefore how best to maintain accurate inventory counts.
5. Count the inventory – and do it regularly. Find a method that works best for your employees, and for your business.