2015 ERP key trends

There has been a significant evolution in enterprise software over the past couple of years. The year 2014 marked a maximum number of ERP implementations. With the onset of 2015, it becomes customary to predict what might unfold in the years ahead.

Listed below are 6 key trends for 2015, which have been a hot topic of discussion lately amongst industry professionals:

  • Cloud ERP to gain higher market share: Cloud based ERP will continue to gain velocity in the coming year, in both private as well as public sectors. As per prediction by IT experts, the cloud will dominate IT spending by end of 2016. Lured by lower costs and better speed, the year 2014 saw an increasing number of users adopting cloud based-solutions.
  • Hype surrounding social media: With the ongoing hype around social media integration with ERP, modern day vendors have promptly capitalized on this initiative, by including social media integrations in their ERP systems. Thus, 2014 will witness the rise of social collaboration tools in ERP systems.
  • Competition: Top ERP software providers will face stiff competition from tier-2 vendors, in 2015.With tier-2 vendors having increased monetary assistance, regaining market share will be a cumbersome task for their tier-1 counterparts.
  • Growth of mobile BI: As witnessed in 2014, a number of businesses adopted business intelligence tools, in an attempt to increase their return on investment. There is an increasing likelihood of this trend continuing in 2015.
  • Mobile ERP: Off late, employees have replaced their computers with smart phones and tablets. Thus modern-day vendors have come up with feasible methods for employees to accomplish this, thus promoting increasing adoption of mobile solutions. Thus, forthcoming businesses will adopt mobile ERP, not just for viewing reports and dashboards, but also for conducting crucial business processes.
  • Educated buyers: Today users carry out adequate research on products and services on the Internet before making a purchase decision. Thus, in the coming years, buyers will be more knowledgeable about solutions.

Read about recent trends in the Indian market here.

Manage your sales Taxes better in Odoo

Calculating the correct sales tax for an order can be quite a complicated task. Sales Taxes not only differ from state to state but can also be different within the zip code.

Also sales taxes can be different for different types of products.  In early November  2013 we signed up a client that needs to calculate sales taxes and did not want to go with the existing Odoo OpenERP connector because it had a per transaction fee. They were thinking of using one of the solutions that allow you to download an excel file that has sales taxes mapped by zip code. There are a couple of problems with this solution. The most obvious being that sales taxes can differ within a zip code. Also sales taxes can be different across products e.g. some states don’t charge taxes on shipping even though they may tax the actual product being shipped. So began the hunt for a solution that was relatively inexpensive, comprehensive and accurate and we found TaxCloud which is completely free.

TaxCloud is one of the six companies that is certified with SSTA (Streamline Sales Tax Agreement) which provides assurance regarding the accuracy of their data and TaxCloud has integration with most of the leading software solutions like Magento. TaxCloud is free because it is paid by the states where they file taxes and transfer the funds. TaxCloud provides for reporting, filing of taxes and also handles exemptions in situations such as sales to non profits, etc.  With this connector for Odoo OpenERP we believe there is now a solution that can assist in filing sales taxes accurately, increase productivity and reduce the risk of audit without incurring a per transaction fee.

Please contact us at info@bistasolutions.com to learn more about this solution.

Odoo OpenERP version 8.0: The all new AVATAR


Odoo OpenERP is considered to be most downloaded and used open source ERP application. In last few years it has given a run for money to its proprietary competitors like SAP, Microsoft Dynamics, Netsuite, etc. Currently in OE 7.0 with more than 800+ modules and the ever growing community, OpenERP is once again ready to release its next version, this time it will be a power punch with OpenERP version 8.0.

There has been a lot of speculation and wish list with version 8.0 among its partners and users. Below are few features of Odoo OpenERP version 8.0 which is prepared for its partners. We at Bista Solutions, the Gold partner of Odo OpenERP have summed up the list for our readers.

  • Website Builder
  • Full featured eCommerce
  • Online Events
  • Blogs (WordPress)
  • Improved calendar (with Google sync & alerts)
  • New Warehouse Management
  • Improved Survey App
  • New report engine (webkit+QWeb+editor)
  • Point of Sale hardware integration
  • Integrated Business Intelligence (cubes)
  • Improved graph views
  • Assets: revenue recognition
  • New API – framework
  • New Technical Documentation
  • Mass mailing campaigns (with mailchimp)
  • Improved Social Media integration

We are very much excited to put our hands on these features but we would have to wait for couple of months as the expected release would be Quarter 2, 2014.

Do share your thoughts and wish list with us and will try to work on it.

Cloud ERP on boarding mistakes to be avoided

ERP mistakes

The whole purpose of implementing an ERP solution is to get more visibility and increase efficiency in the organization. ERP solutions like OpenERP streamlines businesses by integrating and consolidating systems while connecting the entire organization.  But even with cloud ERP the software only works after proper onboarding is done by the company.  That’s easier said than done.

Cloud ERP being fairly new in the industry still has some resistance from deployed ERP implementations. The primary reason for this is the execution of the project. None the less Cloud ERP will have a smooth onboarding if certain key points are avoided:

1. Poor Planning with low executive buy-in and support

Without proper planning, an ERP project is doomed to fail.  Simplify the process with ERP on demand for easier planning and budgeting. It’s very important to carry out a BRD (Business Requirement Document) before on boarding the Cloud ERP.

2. Change Management and inadequate training

It’s human nature to resist change especially when it comes to technology. It is important to follow change management guidelines to create a change of culture among the staff. During the onboarding process, start the training process early with easy to use software and the process will go much smoother. Also, even before the cloud is completely deployed the users should be given a ready to use account just to get hang of the new system.

3. Viewing ERP as a simple IT project

Having a fully integrated ERP system can redefine the way a business operates.  For this to happen and to get the most of an ERP cloud or on-premise system, the entire organization needs to buy-in.  In order for them to do that, the project needs to be a part of everybody’s daily agenda and communications.

With cloud ERP many of the old difficulties faced by on-premise implementations, but many of the same mistakes can still be made.  It still takes planning, management, and buy-in to make it work properly. Remember, it’s a change in technology and for a smooth flow, your resource needs to be adaptive.

For more information on Cloud, check out www.erpincloud.com or Click Here 

Do you need an ERP?

ERP

Every growing company sooner or later starts talking about ERP. It can be either they have implemented or in process of scouting one for its business. The question to ask is, “Why would a company like to have an ERP system (software)?”

In simple words, Enterprise Resource Planning is like a steering wheel which helps the driver to control the car as per his needs. Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) is how small to medium sized businesses are staying ahead of the curve in today’s business landscape. We’ve mentioned before how an ERP solutions can improve your company’s efficiency and reduce costs, yet many companies are using outdated or convoluted legacy ERP systems which could be doing just the opposite.

A CEO or even an entrepreneur has to do many jobs at a time and it becomes difficult to keep track of everything. It takes longer time just to reconcile financials at the end of every month. The whole sales forecast is disturbed and the CEO has to go with his gut feeling rather than solid numbers. The business gets in trouble keeping up with its order volume and customer satisfaction as the concentration shifts to other things. Because every company is unique, there’s no single indicator that says, “You need ERP now!” However, the companies that would benefit most from ERP software often face similar problems and frustrations. If you’re facing similar problems you should read this to discover some interesting facts.

Why use Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)?

1. Variety of applications for different jobs

Every organization has various departments which have their own functions to carry. Every manager comes with its own reports based on its own parameters but it becomes hectic task for the top level management to reconcile all these reports to one, to draw a complete picture. When various front- and back-end systems run separately, it can wreak havoc on the processes that are meant to ensure your company is running smoothly. Without accurate data from sales, inventory management may suffer, while not having the latest information from accounting can trigger a ripple effect on everything from marketing budgets to payroll. ERP software integrates these systems to work seamlessly so that every business function relies on a single database.

2. Reliable data

To make the right business decisions, you need access to the right information at the right time. With an ERP solution configured to your specific needs, you can rest assured that you are receiving accurate data to make smart decisions. Even if you already have an ERP solution in place, years of minor tweaking and connecting with disparate systems may have turned it into a convoluted mess of obscure information. With a new ERP solution, your business can put its trust in an up to date and reliable system.

3. Transparency in process and data

With ERP software the top management has an eagle’s eye which gives on shot at all the processes. A huge boon to business is being able to identify which products and departments are saving/providing money and which are falling behind. By being able to quickly decipher where your company’s strengths and weaknesses are, you can improve profitability before losing it.

4. Reduce Infrastructure cost

In an age where companies spend more on ways to reduce cost IT cost is one which adds more burdens to it. One of the biggest downsides of having multiple systems across your business is that IT management can become a nightmare. Customizing these systems, integrating them and maintaining them with patches and upgrades can be complex, costly and sap critical time and resources. Rather than adding more software—and complexity—to an already ineffective system, ERP technology can give you the agility to respond to changing business needs rapidly. That’s why selecting a cloud-based ERP provider like www.erpincloud.com is critical.

5. Connecting all the departments

One of the big benefits of a modern ERP solution is that they are designed to be used by everyone involved in the company starting from the CEO, to the purchase manager, sales manager and his/her team, finance team, HR and many other features that can be used by everyone in an organization.

You can reach us at sales@bistasolutions.com for any queries on ERP Solution. Also, you can write us through feedback@bistasolutions.com and tell us how this information has helped you.

10 Benefits of using CRM

CRM
  • by bista-admin
  • Aug 27, 2013
  • 0
  • Category:

The concept of CRM has been around for a long time. Back in the days, maintaining details of your customers was considered as CRM, but today CRM has got a broader meaning. In today’s world, a CRM tool is used to generate leads, manage leads, collect information, networking, and get it linked to other operations like marketing. Let’s see what are the benefits/ advantages of using a CRM tool:

1. CRM is a business strategy:

Your CRM has the potential to be a central processing unit (CPU) for your organization. In fact, if introduced and applied correctly, one of the most significant benefits of having and using a CRM in your business is being able to fully realize and map the true value of your clients as company assets.

The information collected by the CRM tool becomes a real asset in itself. If correctly used, your CRM tool will always keep you one step ahead than your competitors. For example, your CRM integrates with social media websites like LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter and collects information about the customer about his likes and dislikes. The same information will help your sales team to build the relationship with your client.

2. Save Time:

A CRM automates a lot of the usual time-devouring tasks, giving salespeople more time to do what they are actually paid to do: namely, sell to prospects. More time spent in front of potential customers (instead of shuffling paper) means more sales, which makes everyone happy. More than that the sales person would be very happy to use his time elsewhere and be productive.

3. Improved Customer Relations:

One of the prime benefits of using a CRM is obtaining better customer satisfaction. By using this strategy, all dealings involving servicing, marketing, and selling your products to your customers can be carried out in an organized and systematic way. You can also provide better services to customers through improved understanding of their issues and this, in turn, helps in increasing customer loyalty and decreasing customer agitation.

4. The Increase in Sales:

By using a CRM strategy for your business you will be able to increase the revenue of your company to a great extent. Using the data collected, you will be able to popularize marketing campaigns in a more effective way. With the help of CRM software, you can ensure that the product promotions reach a different and brand new set of customers and not the ones who had already purchased your product and thus effectively increase your customer revenue.

5. Maximize Upselling and Cross-selling:

A CRM system allows up-selling which is the practice of giving customers premium products that fall into the same category of their purchase. The strategy also facilitates cross selling which is the practice of offering complementary products to customers, on the basis of their previous purchases. The details thus obtained will be stored in a central database, which is accessible to all company executives. So, when an opportunity is spotted, the executives can promote their products to the customers, thus maximizing up-selling and cross-selling.

6. Better internal communication:

Following a CRM strategy helps in building up better communication within the company. The sharing of customer data between different departments will enable you to work as a team. This is better than functioning as an isolated entity, as it will help in increasing the company’s profitability and enabling better service to customers.

7. Optimize Marketing:

With the help of CRM, you will be able to understand your customer needs and behavior, thereby allowing you to identify the correct time to market your product to the customers. CRM will also give you an idea about the most profitable customer groups, and by using this information you will be able to target similar prospective groups, at the right time. In this way, you will be able to optimize your marketing resources efficiently. You can also be ensured that you don’t waste your time on less profitable customer groups.

8. Convenience:

If the whole sales team is using the same CRM, then it’s easy to share that information as needed. Most CRMs allow you to develop templates for phone scripts or frequently used emails, and the team can share these templates. Many CRMs even support mobile devices, so you can access all that information from your iPhone or enter a few quick notes right from the prospect’s office.

9. Listen to your prospects!!!

If your CRM tool is integrated with social media websites like Facebook, LinkedIn, twitter and YouTube you can listen to your customers or prospects about your brand. This can help you generate quality leads for your team.

10. Simplified Goal setting:

By pulling all the data together into one place, CRMs make it easy to track performance both within and across the team. CRMs can also bring all this information together into reports that help with forecasting. Having this level of analysis available makes setting the next period’s goals much easier… and makes it more likely that these goals will align with reality.

You can check out CRM application by BistaSolutions on our website and a video demo on YouTube. For more details drop a mail to Sales@bistasolutions.com.

How to Implement ERP solutions that fits your Organizations Needs & Requirements?

ERP integration

ERP – Enterprise resource planning software is considered as one of the most important Software for any small or Big organization as it is tightly integrated with all the departments and ease the working of the businesses. Implementing an ERP software can be sometimes a difficult task for those organizations who are not used to it, but successful implementations help in more efficiency and effectiveness. Any ERP implementations require resources, development team, training and other IT infrastructure to manage the software. Apart from the above points, the most important one is that will the ERP implementation fit your needs and requirements, which means customized to your business needs and workflows.

In case you are already using an ERP software and looking out for a shifting in your workflows than it becomes more difficult to migrate to a new system. The major part to look here is to check the database structure, implementation of the scope, time require towards the implementation and financial capabilities. Therefore the first part to check is the infrastructure.

Apart from the above another important consideration is that to check the vendor and the IT team who would be working on the projects – which means you know that the software can be customized as per your requirements but it is important to check that the IT team who would be handling the projects – how much experience they have in the customizations of the ERP software and till what level the customizations and integrations can be done.

Jotting down your current process and documentations is another important part to consider since less information may lead to failures. Again it depends on what implementation methodology you are adopting towards the implementation.

It doesn’t matter which ERP software you are selecting what matters is to create ERP implementation strategy for critical steps and then start towards the migration or implementation.

Bista Solutions is an ERP implementation company and can help customize systems for business use. To learn more, continue reading here.

OpenERP Manufacturing Webinar

ERP for manufacturing industry

OpenERP Webinar for Manufacturing Industry & SME’s

Bista Solutions Inc. is proud to announce the OpenERP Manufacturing Webinar specifically for Manufacturing Industries and SME’s. This Webinar is for 45 minutes, where you can gain valuable & powerful features of OpenERP & Manufacturing Demo.

Following are the features of our OpenERP Manufacturing Webinar

OpenERP Manufacturing:

  • Serialized and Non-Serialized Item Tracking
  • Serial No Tracking while receiving, assigning to production floor, receiving back from the production floor and also outgoing movements
  • Complete traceability available for Item Movements and Finished Goods.
  • WIP (Work in Progress) evaluation at various stages of WO (Work Order)
  • Breakdown of Standard Cost for Finished Goods in different parameters like Labor, Teardown, Amortization, etc.
  • Shop Floor processing with Bar Code Scanners Integrated with system
  • Assigning Routing and Operations to BOMs (Bill of Materials)
  • Processing MO (manufacturing order) through different Routings and Operations
  • Support of Bar-Code scanning on Shop Floor Processing
  • Production Cost Analysis for Labor, Runtime Labor, Overheads, Teardown, Amortization at each stage during the routing

You can register for the Webinar with this link: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/6712305687

Odoo Openerp HR Modules

HR module
Human Resource is probably the most important asset for any organization. It becomes a herculean task if your assets are not handled with care. OpenERP helps to manage minute details about your human assets.
We would list the most important Human Resource management features in an OpenERP are as follows:
 Openerp HR Module
• Hierarchy management: OpenERP is able to assign who reports to whom. Even if there is a slight deviation in reporting, that can be configured.
• Change log: Whenever any change is made to the employee profile, in OpenERP the same can be done with an easy to read log available to the HR administrator. Ex: salary changes, hierarchy changes, status changes, etc.
• Status codes that are flexible to reflect the employment cycle: Probation, active, on leave (for reason: paternity, sick leave, etc.), terminated (for reason), etc. OpenERP HR moduleeven supports interns, paid and unpaid.
• Position management:With categories for positions itprovides easy headcount reports.
• Salary change tools: HR may need to apply effective dates for salary changes applied in the past. In project costing environments, retroactive cost changes to project plans should be tied in.
• Ability to extend the employee profile to include fields important to the business, to avoid storing information in multiple files outside the system.
• Reports on any HR data that can be exported to Excel.
These are the features that we think would be awkward for a HR team to live without in the core ERP system. Excel and homegrown applications usually fill in the gaps, but this usually puts pressure on both IT and HR. There are plenty of added value features that are not globally required, but we would include these as very nice to have features:
• Employee evaluations
• Manager evaluations
• Comprehensive skill profiles and search
• Work experience history
Read for more HR features in OpenERP.

How Cloud ERP Can Optimize Your Manufacturing Industry

Today, businesses prefer to replace outdated technology with cloud-based Manufacturing ERP software. It’s a cutting-edge solution that gives businesses greater chances for systematical expansion. Using cloud-based modules for enterprise resource planning (ERP) software can help manufacturers reach the next level of business growth. It helps businesses to promote internal communication and gain a thorough understanding of supply chain management practices. Apart from these, such robust Cloud ERP for the manufacturing industry allows companies to reduce their operational costs and cut down on complex tasks. This blog aims to create intensive awareness about how implementations of cloud-based manufacturing ERP software help to elevate the production rate and sales opportunities.

Cloud ERP Software For The Manufacturing Industry

The manufacturing sector uses ERP software to automate entire business operations. It creates a centralized database that eliminates the requirement of maintaining paper documents. Manufacturers have several business operations to manage, including raw material procurement and the introduction of recently transformed products. The ERP offers a single dashboard to organize all business data at one location. This assists businesses in coordinating with working employees without interruptions.

Your manufacturing cloud-based ERP can help you safeguard company information from unauthorized access. Additionally, the cloud ERP gives your company more flexibility because it can be accessed from any location. You can also scale your cloud ERP solution as your business grows. This is, again, something beneficial for your manufacturing business.

 

Signs Your Manufacturing Business Needs An ERP Solution

Here are the signs that indicate the high time it takes to update a specialist manufacturing ERP.

Your business operations are manual and error-prone: A modern manufacturing ERP automates tasks, streamlines workflows, eliminates documentation, reduces errors, and optimizes productivity.

Lack of communication between your departments: ERP provides a centralized platform for all departments and a single source of truth for operational data, thereby enhancing communication and collaboration across the organization.

Your production planning and demand forecasting are inefficient: ERP systems can optimize inventory management, optimize scheduling, and provide complete transparency throughout operations, thereby enabling you to maximize output and fulfill orders on time.

You meet challenges in monitoring production costs: An ERP system offers real-time cost insights, which can be used to optimize your bottom line, identify areas for improvement, and reduce expenses.

Core Benefits Of Cloud ERP For The Manufacturing Industry

Allow for real-time access to business information: With the appropriate implementation of enterprise resource planning (ERP) in manufacturing companies, manufacturers can effortlessly monitor business information from a single source.

Enable to improve communication: Entrepreneurs can seamlessly communicate and collaborate with employees to remain informed about manufacturing and other business operations through the cloud-based ERP.

Simplifies accounting tasks: The management of financial tasks through a single database provides the organization with accurate expense data. It assists entrepreneurs in the maintenance of their budgets.

Help track inventory with more accuracy: In the manufacturing sector, the implementation of cutting-edge ERP software provides a comprehensive level of control over inventory management, stock status, and distribution channel management.

Improve production efficiency:  The ERP software is highly effective in the management of production schedules. It is crucial to meet the demands of the clients promptly, regardless of the quantity.

Enhances the customer experience: A business always needs to remember that its customer engagement approach can only help it grow. They should immediately adopt the updated software solutions to maintain their business workflow.

The Functions Of The Best Cloud Manufacturing ERP Systems

To facilitate the operations of a manufacturing business, the most effective cloud-based ERP systems for manufacturing follow these steps:

Planning and Scheduling

Your manufacturing business can effectively plan and schedule its various activities with the support of the ERP solution. You can create production schedules well in advance. You can also schedule software updates as per your business requirements.

Order Management

The manufacturing industry largely depends on order management. You will be able to address all aspects of order administration, such as taking sales orders, monitoring after-sales procedures, and addressing customer inquiries, with the assistance of a cloud ERP solution.

Smooth Manufacturing Execution

Management of the entire manufacturing process is a huge responsibility. The chain of operations can be accurately implemented, and all manufacturing processes can be monitored with your ERP solution.

Quality Control

Cloud-based manufacturing ERP will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the quality of the products. You will be capable of guaranteeing that the products adhere to the current quality standards and that customer satisfaction is maintained.

Inventory Management

Managing inventories is a crucial aspect of your manufacturing business. The ERP solution will ensure that your stock levels are in order. You will also not have to deal with overstocking and understocking of products regularly.

Finance Management

Manufacturing organizations should consistently maintain their financial expertise. Cloud-based ERP solutions can facilitate the complete visibility of accounting and financing duties for business owners. You can monitor your finances and make your business decisions accordingly.

Why Is Bista Solutions The Best Cloud ERP Provider?

Bista Solutions is a world-class software solutions company providing ingenious business solutions to a wide range of enterprises. We are one of the best ERP implementation companies with offices in the USA, UAE & Canada, and our development centers in India & Bangladesh, we cater to businesses in all global markets. The cloud ERP for manufacturing designed by the experts at Bista Solutions caters to the needs of various industry verticals. The solutions are also highly scalable and are directly responsible for improving business profitability.

Experience and Expertise: Bista Solutions has over 3 decades of experience working with companies in the manufacturing industry. This gives them the expertise to offer your business the desired ERP solution.

Customized Solutions: Every business has its own workflows and mode of operation. The experts at Bista Solutions will take a closer look at your ERP needs and design a solution based on your requirements.

Cost-Effective Solutions: The solutions offered by Bista Solutions are affordable enough. All you have to do is be clear about your requirements, and the experts at Bista Solutions will design the solution based on that.

Final Thoughts

The manufacturing industry must continue to transform its operations to adapt to evolving business environments. In addition to reducing the initial capital investment and ongoing IT expenses, transitioning to a cloud ERP system provides companies with the flexibility, scalability, accessibility, and security they require. In conclusion, embracing cloud ERP technology empowers manufacturers to enhance their decision-making processes, elevate customer satisfaction levels, fortify data security measures, and ensure seamless business continuity.

Whether you’re a small manufacturer looking to scale or a large enterprise seeking to optimize your operations, Cloud ERP provides the flexibility, efficiency, and innovation needed to succeed in the modern manufacturing landscape. It’s not just about keeping up with the competition—it’s about setting the pace for the future of manufacturing.

To learn more about the capabilities of the Bista Solutions cloud ERP solution, contact us today!