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Baan/LN Tip of the Week: Create a Culture of Engaged Problem Solvers

Kathy Barthelt 0 79706 Article rating: No rating

When there is a problem, making a decision in a vacuum is the worst thing you can do.

Get input from others within your organization. If possible, consult those at various levels. By being open with others as to the nature of the problem, and enlisting their help in determining the right solution, resistance to the recommended solution is quite often greatly reduced.

Optimize Your Manufacturing Today!

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CROSSROADS MES VERSION 11.2 RELEASED

Anthony Etzel 0 32227 Article rating: 5.0

Crossroads RMC is proud to announce the official release of Crossroads MES Version 11.2

Included in this release are many new features including: Priority Code Display, Capacity Load Balancing, Indirect Time Reporting, T.L Ashford Label Integration, In-Line Label Validation, and a new XML Dashboard Interface. 
Improvements have been made to the ERP Interface, Manual Labor Time Capture, Parts List Display, Setup Operation, and End of Shift Review.

Crossroads MES for BPCS/LX has been around since 1995. Your input is important to us. Many of our improvements and functions come from your requests, so please share your ideas.

Future Functionality Coming Soon!

  • Employee/Shop Order Efficiency
  • IDF Reporting
  • Field Size Expansion
  • Non-windows tablet version

Click here for more details

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BPCS/LX Tip of the Week: 4 Reasons You Need Timely & Accurate Data

Anthony Etzel 0 53038 Article rating: No rating

Seems obvious – you want real time data and you want it to be accurate. Do you have the systems in place to allow for this?

Here are 4 reasons you need a data collection system:

  1. See the differences between actuals and standards
  2. Determine the source of project overruns
  3. Prevent mis-shipments to customers
  4. Avoid unnecessary reordering of parts

An automated data collection system will analyze your current data, allowing you to efficiently optimize your manufacturing and the benefits will be huge and far reaching.

Optimize Your Manufacturing Today!

Read more

Baan/LN Tip of the Week: 4 Reasons You Need Timely & Accurate Data

Kathy Barthelt 0 79892 Article rating: No rating

Seems obvious – you want real time data and you want it to be accurate. Do you have the systems in place to allow for this?

Here are 4 reasons you need a data collection system:

  1. See the differences between actuals and standards
  2. Determine the source of project overruns
  3. Prevent mis-shipments to customers
  4. Avoid unnecessary reordering of parts

An automated data collection system will analyze your current data, allowing you to efficiently optimize your manufacturing and the benefits will be huge and far reaching.

Optimize Your Manufacturing Today!

Read more

BPCS/LX Tip of the Week: How is your relationship going... with your suppliers?

Anthony Etzel 0 51523 Article rating: No rating

Do you have a strong relationship with your suppliers? Do they know your every need/want? No? Well, why not?  

The key to any good relationship is communication. Have you established clear and consistent communication with your suppliers? Consider establishing a way for both of you to share information with each other electronically.

A portal is a good way to achieve this. Documents can be shared, updates on deliveries can be communicated with ease, and changes that can affect both your operations and theirs can be communicated efficiently and effectively.

Optimize Your Manufacturing Today!

Read more

Baan/LN Tip of the Week: How is your relationship going... with your suppliers?

Kathy Barthelt 0 76495 Article rating: No rating

Do you have a strong relationship with your suppliers? Do they know your every need/want? No? Well, why not?  

The key to any good relationship is communication. Have you established clear and consistent communication with your suppliers? Consider establishing a way for both of you to share information with each other electronically.

A portal is a good way to achieve this. Documents can be shared, updates on deliveries can be communicated with ease, and changes that can affect both your operations and theirs can be communicated efficiently and effectively.

Optimize Your Manufacturing Today!

Read more

BPCS/LX Tip of the Week: Gain Efficiency & Save Money – Evaluate Your Production Lines

Anthony Etzel 0 55052 Article rating: No rating

When is the last time you took a hard look at your production lines?

  • How are we moving product through our facility?
  • Do we have work instructions / drawings available where needed?
  • Do we have frequently used inventory available at the line?
  • Where are the bottlenecks?
  • Are processes automated, where possible?

Taking a hard look at your processes and procedures may reveal some interesting results. Don’t assume that everyone is doing things the same way. Some may be superstars, and others may need some mentoring. Some processes may be outdated and costing you time and money, while others are extremely efficient. One area of the business may benefit from how others operate. Take the time to review and analyze your findings. Your company may benefit greatly as a result.

Optimize Your Manufacturing Today!

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Tips:  LX | BPCS | M3

Tips: LN | Baan

Kathy Barthelt
/ Categories: Infor ERP Utilization Review, Support, Training & Workshops, Consulting, Finance, Operations, Technology, Executive

Eliminating ERP Customizations: Key Considerations and Modern Solutions

Transitioning away from customizations can indeed pose challenges, but it's not insurmountable with the right approach. Here’s a look at the real issues and solutions that can pave the way for a streamlined, up-to-date ERP.


Common Challenges:

  1. Dependency on Custom Processes
    Custom processes become ingrained, and removing them disrupts established workflows. However, business processes often evolve over time, as do best practices incorporated into modern ERP systems.

  2. Cost and Time Constraints
    Testing, retraining, and hiring consultants for an upgrade are valid concerns. Yet, consider the efficiency gains and reduced maintenance costs over time by utilizing standard ERP features.

  3. User Resistance
    Change management is critical, as employees can be skeptical of losing tools they’re familiar with. Effective communication about the benefits of standardized, future-ready tools can help ease the transition.


The Reality Check: Has Your Organization Changed?

Evaluate how much your business needs have shifted, how user expectations have evolved, and if any workarounds or interim solutions are now adding unnecessary complexity. Many companies discover that industry-standard ERP features can replace outdated customizations.


Did You Know?

  • ERP Upgrades Can Eliminate 25% - 50% of Customizations
    Modern ERP systems incorporate industry best practices as core features, allowing you to rely less on customizations and more on robust, standardized solutions.

  • Extensibility & Reporting Solutions
    Extensibility tools in Infor LN or Baan let users add last-mile functionality without modifying the core ERP. Reporting tools allow custom insights while keeping ERP data intact.


Solutions to Reduce Customization Dependency:

  1. Rewrite Customizations to Use Standard APIs and Libraries
    This ensures seamless interaction with core ERP features without modifying underlying code.

  2. Utilize Infor Extensibility and LN Studio
    Smaller tweaks can be handled with Extensibility; larger needs can leverage LN Studio for custom apps without touching the ERP's foundation.

  3. Incorporate Infor ION for External Integrations
    If customizations primarily manage integrations, Infor ION can connect and streamline external systems effectively.

  4. RMCgen for Custom Components
    RMCgen allows for custom development without altering standard programs, offering flexibility without compromising core stability.

  5. Analytics Dashboards for ERP Insights
    Dashboards offer tailored views and insights without requiring customizations in the ERP itself.

  6. Leverage Built-in Reporting Tools
    Infor Report Designer, Document Management, and BIRST can provide custom reporting, avoiding custom coding altogether.

  7. Assess Your Custom Components
    A thorough assessment of your customizations—internally or with Crossroads RMC consultants—can reveal areas for potential standardization and streamlining.

Let’s Talk Solutions

If customizations are standing in the way of your ERP’s full potential, Crossroads RMC can help. Connect with us at 800.762.2077, solutions@crossroadsrmc.com, or request a consultation to start your path towards a flexible, future-proof ERP.
 

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