The Internet of Things is changing the way enterprises use technology. By allowing devices and tools to gather and report data to workers, business management software, like enterprise resource planning systems, is smarter, faster and more flexible. 

Universal communication
The simplest way of describing the Internet of Things is to say that devices talk to each other, and the information goes both ways. Connecting tools with active sensors can more effectively connect functions like sales, marketing and finance, wrote Rick Carlton of ERP Focus. 

New opportunities
Rian van Heur of Computer Weekly said that thanks to the IoT, modern ERP software makes IT part of a product's unique selling point. He added, "by collecting, analyzing and processing all the data from sensors, companies can offer their customers new services." When a product is sold to the customer, it doesn't disappear. Smart sensors on the product can help the manufacturer continue providing service, suggesting improvements and providing upgrades with a faster turnaround time. 

Real-time intelligence
The IoT lets businesses harness crucial information to provide better services to their clients. By helping ERP systems acquire this information in real-time, the IoT is making modern ERP more flexible. Real-time data allows businesses to act faster, whether they're entering new markets, upgrading an existing product or rolling out a new product to meet a shifting customer demand. Businesses can also gain quick information on their processes, allowing them to improve and streamline workflows as they see bottlenecks appearing. 

At Accent Software, we work with growing manufacturers to implement Microsoft business software, helping them reduce costs to achieve a competitive advantage. If your legacy system isn't cutting it, contact us to see how a modern ERP program can give your enterprise a competitive advantage. 

Upgrading your business management software system is going to require some changes. These changes will lead to improved efficiency and an optimized workflow, but in order for them to take effect it's recommended that you perform some success checks to ensure the ERP implementation is going well. 

Is your team still onboard with the new system?
Sometimes a team member or even a whole department can go back to a legacy system or a certain set of practices because it's what they're used to doing. Even if they're more comfortable with the old system, they need to understand that the new ERP software is best for the business as a whole. The sooner it's implemented and adopted, the sooner the whole company can enjoy its many benefits.

If a user is not onboard with the new system, that can lead to issues with data standards. It's essential for each employee to use the same set of standards when inputting and applying information. Otherwise, it could lead to efficiency issues similar to the ones experienced on your legacy system.

Is everyone getting the necessary training?
Comprehensive training is part of the implementation process that is often overlooked. Focus on training when rolling out a new system, so that every user is comfortable with it. Remember that not everyone has the same learning style, so be flexible and adapt educational content and delivery for your team's benefit.

Is everyone performing?
Train with new scenarios so your team will be able to apply what they learned in the field. Doug Howardell of the ACA Group recommended setting quantifiable goals and defining success will go a long way toward making sure the software is properly deployed and the enterprise is seeing the many benefits. 

Aaron Continelli of Business.com wrote, "with proper training, full buy-in, stakeholder support, and a clear message, it can be a fruitful endeavor that helps springboard a company to a better, more streamlined, and more productive manner of operation." 

At Accent Software, we help small to medium enterprises implement ERP systems so they can centralize data, optimize workflow and operative at maximum efficiency. We're there through the whole process, from planning through implementation and support. Contact us to learn more about the many ways we can help.

The Navy uses a sophisticated enterprise resource planning system to operate efficiently. The business management software helps the Navy maintain accurate data, foster transparency and provide reliable information for decision-making.

Finances and supply chain
ERP keeps the Navy's business operations streamlined. With funding coming from taxpayers, it's important for the military wing to use this funding wisely. ERP software's robust accounting tools allows the Navy's business enterprise group to properly track, monitor and budget its resources to benefit American taxpayers. 

The Navy's ERP program website states, "The integration of financial and supply solutions on a single platform provides real-time data access and decision support to the Navy Enterprise."

By allowing every department access to real-time information, the Navy can operate and adapt with maximum agility. The Navy's vision is to use the advanced business management software to properly manage its most important worldwide resources: people, supply and financials. 

In 2014, Navy ERP took over for the Material Financial Control System, the last of its legacy business management program, according to GCN. Officials called the new ERP system "a major step toward converting the Navy's business affairs into one updated, standardized, interconnected system that will also assist in the Navy's efforts to support its warfighters."

ERP support contract
The Navy recently announced it will award a multi-vendor contract of over $147 to help run the naval ERP systems, supporting Naval Supply Systems Command Business Center. The winning vendors will help the Navy further enhance its already robust ERP systems. 

At Accent Software, we help you every step of the way towards implementing an ERP system that makes accounting and supply chain tasks more efficient. Contact us to get started. 

The value of your enterprise resource planning software can be determined by the data it holds and the insight you can draw from it. It's not just about quantity, but quality as well. How well does your data contribute to the decision-making process? How well does your legacy system track it? Business management software such as ERP allows your enterprise to make the most of this vital data stream, and apply it to your strategy. 

Establishing and maintaining standards
Without set standards, it would be challenging to keep accurate data and properly use it. In many legacy systems, different departments track information using different terms. Rick Carlton of ERP Focus wrote that modern ERP systems drive this standardization, improving data integrity by eliminating redundancies, errors or inconsistencies. 

Real-time analysis
ERP business management software provides real-time data, allowing your team to access the most up to date information. This provides the opportunity to react quickly to market changes, implement critical solutions and make accurate predictions for your orders. 

Mobility
With businesses becoming increasingly data-driven, there is more opportunity for workers to take advantage of mobile devices, wrote Sashi Reddi of CSC. In the manufacturing industry, workers using a modern ERP system can access real-time data on their phones and tablets while out on the manufacturing floor or meeting with vendors. 

ERP software helps you capture and use data more effectively,benefiting every aspect of your business. Take the opportunity to learn more about Accent Software and how our business management software solutions can help your enterprise. 

It's no secret that business management software helps enterprises manage their data, optimize processes and run more efficiently. The market for manufacturing software systems is growing on a global level as more businesses implement this powerful software tool. 

New research published by Grand View Research indicates that the global enterprise resource planning software market is growing thanks in part to government utilities, defense contractors and aerospace firms. These sectors all benefit from the streamlined workflows and centralized data that ERP software brings. As noted in Press Release Rocket, ERP software "can lead to reduction of raw material cost by around 15 percent  and inventory cost by 25 percent to 30 percent. Furthermore, it also leads to augmented profitability for a firm, hence driving the overall demand for ERP market." 

Overall, the global ERP software industry contributed over $27 million in 2014. Medium enterprises made up over 40 percent of the ERP market. Small to medium-sized enterprises benefit from the reduced production costs and on-time production delivery, which help growing businesses remain agile as they scale up. Although North America made up over 40 percent of the market, analysts saw particularly high growth in Brazil, China and India. 

Cloud computing is expected to facilitate future market growth, according to Grand View Research. Cloud computing makes data storage easier for small to medium-sized companies, so they don't have to store their information in on-premise servers. Other factors for continued growth will be large ERP firms buying smaller software companies, penetration of emerging markets and ERP portfolios expanding to serve new verticals. 

Accent Software can help implement an ERP system that organizes data, optimizes workflow and has an enterprise running at maximum efficiency. Contact us to learn more about the many ways we can help.