Growing ERP market allows enterprises more options

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While enterprise resource planning has been helping businesses streamline their processes and boost efficiency for a while, the market continues to grow and adapt to new technologies. This growth has presented more options to choose from for companies seeking business management software, particularly for businesses in the growth stage. 

Eval-Source, a software evaluation service, recently released its ERP Cloud Buyer's Guide, highlighting the many options that buyers have when considering ERP solutions. The guide highlighted many new trends in the cloud ERP market, including increased functionality, mobility and services for small businesses. 

Improving functionality
Consumers in general want software that's easier to use. ERP buyers are no different. As ERP solutions affect many different parts of an organization, not everyone who uses ERP is as tech-savvy as the IT department. For this reason, ERP systems are including simpler controls and increased functionality to better serve a wide range of users in many different departments. Additionally, users now have more freedom to make their own changes. While SaaS developers are often slow to implement changes, it's exciting to see ERP software continue to grow and adapt to user needs. 

"ERP systems are including simpler controls and increased functionality."

Going mobile
A major trend that the guide highlights is increased mobile functionality. ERP developers understand that enterprise mobility allows workers to be more productive and adaptable to changing business climates, so they're building tools and solutions that can work on many different devices. Cloud ERP makes mobility easier: because the system is housed on a cloud instead of on-site, users are not limited to accessing information at the site. Now they have the power to access their ERP solutions wherever they are. ERP programs also offer increased social engagement for their users and clients. 

Slimming down
As the ERP market grows, more options are emerging for small to medium sized businesses. Cloud computing in general favors smaller operations because it lets them become agile and provides improved scalability as they grow. ERP software is no different, as many ERP systems such as Microsoft Dynamics NAV are offering slimmed down or modular services which cater to growing businesses. 

At Accent Software, we understand the importance of managing and analyzing data in the manufacturing industry. We also understand the need for growing businesses to run an efficient operation. That's why we work with Microsoft Dynamics NAV, a robust ERP program for growing manufacturers. We help you through the whole process, from training to implementation to consultation. Contact us to learn more about how we can help implement powerful business management software solutions for your enterprise.

How ERP software fosters innovation

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If you're looking for a competitive edge, innovation is the name of the game. You hear about it a lot, but how does a company become innovative? Whether it's by developing a new product or improving on an existing process, innovation can take many forms. As a manufacturer, an enterprise resource planning system can help get your team to the next level as innovators. 

Automation
One of the most important ways that ERP business management software helps businesses innovate is by taking repetitive tasks out of their hands so they can focus on more important work. If you're still using a legacy system, or a series of spreadsheets, your team is spending a significant chunk of its time filling out the same fields and forms, again and again. By automating simple tasks like this, ERP gives your team more time to develop new products and implement new processes. Stop filling out spreadsheets and start innovating. 

Customization
ERP software is a mature technology, but don't let that make you think it's old. ERP has evolved over the years and adapted to help businesses in new ways, taking advantage of exciting new technologies such as cloud computing and mobile devices. A modular ERP program such as Microsoft Dynamics NAV can grow with your business, and you can add more features when you need them. ERP also integrates very well with other technologies such as CRM software, so there's no need to throw out all of your old systems and start from scratch. 

Harnessing data
Two major trends are changing the ways businesses run: Big Data and the Internet of Things. With Big Data, enterprises have access to more information than ever before, allowing them unprecedented business intelligence. With the Internet of Things, manufacturers are able to attach connected sensors to their equipment, giving them a full view of the workflow with real-time information.

"ERP allows your team more time to develop new products and implement new processes."

ERP software allows enterprises to take advantage of both of these trends, through gathering and delivering superior data. With a modern ERP solution, businesses can harness important data to improve processes and make smart decisions. Whether it's through improved forecasting and demand planning, or providing real-time information for decision making, the right business management software solutions can help your team capture important data and use it more effectively. 

What you need from your ERP software
In order to take full advantage of ERP's capabilities to foster innovation, you need the right ERP. Here are some characteristics to look for when considering an ERP system: 

  • Cost effective: In a CIO Review interview, William Dyer noted in regards to cost effectiveness, "it is important to stay correctly positioned within the technological curve. You can't be so far in front that everything is bleeding edge, and yet you also can't be so far behind that comfort or stability is the only consideration." 
  • Agile: An ERP solution that fosters innovation is one that is modular, like Microsoft Dynamics NAV. You can use the systems you need, and add more functionality as your enterprise grows or shifts. 
  • Responsive: No one should be implementing ERP just for the sake of it. The software needs to provide value by streamlining operations and boosting productivity. Your ERP system should connect with every facet of your business instead of acting as a standalone tool. That way, it can provide the most services for the best value.

At Accent Software, we understand the importance of smart software software for manufacturing. That's why we help businesses implement Microsoft Dynamics NAV to boost productivity and foster innovation. If your legacy system isn't cutting it, contact us to see the difference a modern business management software solution can make. 

Microsoft Dynamics NAV tools for managing your data

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Accessing and understanding business data is essential in maintaining a competitive edge and entering new markets. Your business management software should allow you to analyze and gain insight from your business intelligence. Having access to accurate, up-to -date information helps you to make informed decisions for your enterprise. The ERP Software Blog identifies Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2016 as the enterprise resource planning solution that puts powerful data analytics in the palm of your hand.

Key performance indicators
Dynamics NAV 2016 lets you monitor organizational performance at every level, giving you unparalleled insight of the full supply chain. With Dynamic NAV's key performance indicator tools, you can spot trends rapidly and act on them faster.

Centralized data
Microsoft Dynamics NAV puts all of your business intelligence in one central hub. With your legacy system, you probably have to jump back and forth between separate programs for inventory, accounting and manufacturing data. Keeping this data centralized cuts down on redundancies or inaccuracies, and it improves communication between departments. With Dynamics NAV ERP, information from every facet of your business is together, so it's accurate and up to date. 

Data analytics
Dynamics NAV generates reports through programs that are already on your computers, such as Microsoft Office Excel. Ad hoc queries allow you to generate information that is relevant to your business, and use powerful analytics tools to plan your strategic operations. 

At Accent Software, we understand the importance of managing and analyzing data in the manufacturing industry. This is why we work with Microsoft Dynamics NAV, a robust ERP program for manufacturers. Contact us to learn more about how we can help implement powerful business management software solutions for your enterprise.

ERP software market to exceed $48 billion by 2022

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Grand View Research, a market research and consulting firm, has predicted that the enterprise resource planning software market will reach $48.22 billion by 2022. This presents significant growth from the $27.65 billion market reported in 2014. 

Growing demand

Among the drivers for this growth is the need for the transparency and efficiency that ERP systems offer. Industries such as retail, aerospace, defense and utilities are quickly implementing business management software systems to centralize data and optimize production. Growing investments in research should also help ERP developers continue to improve costs and deployment process, which should increase ERP adoption. 

Technological advancements

New technologies have also helped to drive market growth. Advances in cloud computing and mobile technology have made ERP systems more flexible, easier to adopt and more cost-effective. By storing their data in the cloud, companies have been able to scale more rapidly without maintaining expensive hardware on-premise. Using ERP on mobile devices has granted employees more freedom and more control, allowing them to access real-time data and make smart decisions. 

More companies are using ERP software. More companies are using ERP software.

SMB Growth

The study found that medium-sized businesses in particular will be fueling growth for ERP software. As these companies grow larger, they will need to adopt scalable programs. ERP software is modular and adaptable to enterprises of different types and sizes, making the technology a great fit for many types of organizations. 

Diversity

ERP software continues to grow because it serves so many functions. From inventory management software to manufacturing software, ERP serves every part of the organization. Centralizing data for every department helps to break down silos and improve cross-functional communications. 

At Accent Software, we can help your enterprise implement an ERP system that improves efficiency and transparency. We're proud Microsoft partners, and we help SMBs use Microsoft Dynamics NAV for their business intelligence. Contact us to learn more about how we can help.

Cloud vs. On-Premise ERP

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When implementing enterprise resource planning software, you will need to decide if you would like to store your data in the cloud or on-premise. Each has its own pros and cons, which makes it important to choose the option that best meets your organization's needs. Microsoft Dynamics NAV offers business management software solutions that meet your requirements, whether you prefer on-premise ERP or cloud ERP.

Security

If you keep your data in-house, you will not have to worry as much about data or security leaks. However, you will need to hire more IT staff in order to monitor this data, whereas in a cloud ERP the hosting service would be responsible for security. On-premise ERP puts the power to manage your data security in your hands, but there are also costs that come with it. If you're working with sensitive data, on-premise ERP is the safer option. However for most types of data, cloud ERP would be perfectly acceptable. 

Cloud and on-site ERP both have pros and cons. Cloud and on-site ERP both have pros and cons.

Growth

Cloud ERP systems are easily scalable, so if your company is growing rapidly the system can adapt quickly. On-site ERP can require additional investments as you take on more clients. Since you house the data on-premise, setting up this new hardware can slow down your growth. 

Maintenance

According to The Resource Group, if you're managing an on-premise ERP, your team will be responsible for regular updates and maintenance, at your expense. Your cloud hosting client, on the other hand, is responsible for overseeing it on its end. Cloud ERP implementation generally comes with service guarantees so the hosting company should be overseeing it. Keeping your data in-house can incur hardware costs, but you have ultimate control over your data and hardware. According to Arquiconsult, if you rely on legacy systems for other functions and you would like to keep it going, an on-site ERP system will connect with it more easily.

Ultimately, it is up to you to decide which option is best for your enterprise. If you'd like to learn more about these options, feel free to contact us. Accent Software can walk you through further implications of cloud and on-premise ERP, to determine the solution that works best for you. 

Demand planning with Microsoft Dynamics NAV

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One of the most important benefits of inventory management software is the ability to accurately schedule for customer demand. If you're unable to meet your client's volume requirements for a new promotion or product, you will lose business. A manufacturer that can adapt quickly and plan well for its customers' needs will thrive. Enterprise resource planning solutions help small to medium manufacturers to make these smart forecasting decisions.

Accuracy

According to TechTarget, proper demand planning through ERP tools can "guide users to improve the accuracy of revenue forecasts, align inventory levels with peaks and troughs in demand and enhance profitability."  ERP software lets manufactures anticipate customer behavior based on a number of factors, thus improving the full supply chain. 

Proper demand planning helps you manage your supply chain. Proper demand planning helps you manage your supply chain.

The ERP Software Blog notes that demand can often seem ineffective in the supply chain, but the right ERP software can optimize demand planning and help you properly forecast for customer needs. ERP software inputs essential data such as historical sales trends, supplier forecasts, seasonal trends and business constraints to give you the full picture. 

Flexibility

PlannerOne software for Microsoft Dynamics NAV lets manufacturers accommodate customer needs with powerful scheduling systems that are flexible and customizable. This intuitive and user-friendly tool lets Dynamics NAV users fully visualize the entire planning process.Allowing users to implement scheduling systems to fit customer demand is what makes Dynamics NAV the best ERP solution for small to medium manufacturers.

Accent Software understands the importance of accurate demand planning in the manufacturing industry. This is why we work with Microsoft Dynamics NAV. Contact us to learn more about how we can help implement powerful demand planning solutions for your enterprise. 

4 reasons small businesses are thankful for ERP software

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Business management software can serve different purposes for different enterprises. Larger businesses benefit from enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems because they centralize data so multiple departments can coordinate their efforts more efficiently. However, a good ERP system can also be essential to the success of small to medium sized businesses (SMBs). ERP adoption among SMBs is increasing, according to Forrest Burnson of Software Advice. Here are some of the reasons these SMBs are thankful for their ERP software. 

Scalability
Adapting to growth is essential to any small business. Integrating data saves time and money, and makes it easier to ramp up efforts as an SMB takes on more clients. A cloud-based ERP allows growing companies to be more agile, because their data is no longer tied down to in-house servers. 

SMBs enjoy many benefits from ERP software. SMBs enjoy many benefits from ERP software.

Automation
On a small team, everyone has to wear many hats. Fulfilling orders accurately and on time can mean the difference between sinking or swimming. An inventory management system and an accounting management system, both provided by ERP software, allow an SMB to automate everyday tasks so employees can focus on serving clients. 

An ecosystem of specialized apps
What does your business need to run more efficiently? A great ERP system like Microsoft Dynamics NAV has specialized mobile applications for Android, Apple or Windows devices. An SMB that uses mobile apps can provide personalized service to clients and access important data on the go. Mobile apps give SMB team members the flexibility they need to serve a growing client base. 

Service and implementation
A Microsoft Business Solutions Partners such as Accent Software can walk you through the implementation processes step by step, train your users and provide consultation throughout the process to make sure you get the most out of your software. 

Accent Software's team has been helping SMBs implement Microsoft Dynamics NAV for 15 years. Contact us to learn more about this software, and the many ways your team will be thankful for it. 

5 questions your team has about business management software

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If you're considering adopting an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, your team may have some questions about business management software. 

What departments will the ERP system serve?
An ERP system features modules for every department you need, including but not limited to manufacturing, human resources, accounting, inventory and sales. Every department that shares your business intelligence can benefit from ERP software. 

Is the system scalable?
It's important to pick a scalable system so that as your company grows, you can easily adapt it instead of replacing it entirely. As Adam Bluemner noted in Find Accounting Software, a good ERP system is "future-proof." Microsoft Dynamics NAV is the ideal system for a small to medium sized enterprise that is looking to purchase its first business management system, or a company that has outgrown its legacy system and is looking to upgrade. The software is agile and scalable, to benefit a company that is adding more clients and implementing new workflows. 

Your team may have questions about ERP software. Your team may have questions about ERP software.

Will the software work for our industry?
The manufacturing, service and accounting industries in particular benefit from ERP software. Accent Software has extensive experience deploying ERP systems that meet the specific needs of those industries. However, a company in any industry can benefit from centralized data and streamlined workflows that an ERP system brings. 

How do we implement the system?  This is where Accent Software comes in. Our certified team has been helping over 130 local businesses learn and implement Microsoft Dynamics NAV for over 15 years. With Accent Software, it's not just a one-time installation. Our team of ERP experts is with you every step of the way, from answering your initial questions to post-implementation consulting. 

What's the next step?
Contact us to learn more about what our business management software solutions can offer your company. 

More small businesses are using mobile devices

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Small businesses face an uphill battle when competing with larger competitors. Thankfully, using new technology can help SMBs accomplish more, which levels the playing field. Mobile technology offers innovative ways to operate business management software such as ERPs, so they can streamline processes and run a tighter ship. 

Growing fast
According to the Boston Consulting Group, mobile technology is the fastest-growing technology of all time. Not only that, but small businesses that use this technology are growing faster than their non-mobile counterparts. These companies and their revenues are growing at significantly faster rates than competitors using older technology. In last year's Small Business Technology Poll, AT&T found that the number of small businesses using mobile technology has grown to 94 percent, up from 85 percent in 2013. 

Saving time and money
According to the AT&T study, small businesses using tablets and smartphones saved employees 2 billion hours a year, and $65 billion a year. Mobile devices let users scan and upload data from invoices. Delivery drivers can use GPS to find the best route. Vendors can scan credit cards right on their phones and email receipts. Manufacturers can monitor production from anywhere in the facility. Inventory managers can scan items as they're shipped. Mobile devices continue to make day-to-day tasks faster and simpler, while connecting workers with accurate, centralized data.  

Mobile ERP gives you important data at your fingertips. Mobile ERP gives you important data at your fingertips.

Mobile ERP
Last fall, Microsoft launched new mobile apps for Dynamics NAV, available for all Windows, iOS and Android devices. These apps let users harness the full power of an ERP system, with the added advantage of using mobile devices. Whether its for customer relationships, accounting, inventory, IT or any other department, workers with critical data at their fingertips are more effective and more productive. 

With ERP business management software solutions from Accent Software, your team can adopt a sophisticated system that leverages mobile technology. We're ready to walk you through the processes step by step to prepare your team to be more productive. 

6 new features for Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2016

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Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2016 is now available! Microsoft has the full overview of their updated business management software. Here's a breakdown of some of the most exciting new features:

Go paperless
Convert essential documents like invoices to digital files and manage them through a seamless workflow. Optical Character Recognition (OCR) capabilities let you convert to digital in a matter of seconds. 

Go mobile
Whether your team uses desktops, cell phones, or tablets, new native apps will be functional across all platforms. Manage your data integration wherever you are in iOS, Android, or Windows. 

Work in the cloud
The new release offers improved integration with Azure, Microsoft's cloud computing platform. Cloud computing allows increased scalability and flexibility, which can help level the playing field between small businesses and their larger competitors.  

Enhance your workflow management
Now you have greater capabilities of managing workflow events and connecting tasks from different users, saving time and resources across financials, payroll, production, and many other areas. 

Boost your reporting
The new release includes new business intelligence capacities by connecting with Power BI, Microsoft's cloud-based analytics platform. Your teams can access important key performance indicators in a collaborative environment. 

Upgrade your customer engagement
Offer improved service to your customers by integrating their communications with financials and other essential components. Now your NAV and CRM records will be linked, saving valuable time for you and improving the experience for your customers. 

According to Wayne Morris of the Microsoft Dynamics team, this release offers a vast array of tools for small to medium businesses looking to integrate their manufacturing, accounting, inventory, and relationship management components.