Optimizing and Extracting Value from ERP
On Thursday, April 17, 2025, the Sunrise Sip Club, hosted by Expandable Software and Mirador Software Group, was pleased to welcome Peter Adams, Vice President of Business Strategy …
Expandable blog
'Expand On It'
Welcome to our blog, which we’ve thoughtfully named, “Expand On It.” It’s here where we’ll expand on a broad range of topics—ranging from technology to industry. Since we’ve been automating the business processes of highly regulated discrete manufacturing companies for the past several decades, we think we’ve learned a thing or two—and we’re happy to share it with you.
“Parts is Parts”? What does THAT mean?
On Thursday, March 20, 2025, the Sunrise Sip Club, hosted by Expandable Software and Mirador Software Group, invited its regular facilitator, Jeff Osorio, Consulting CFO at Engine Room, …
The Three A’s of Manufacturing
The first session of the Sunrise Sip Club, sponsored by Expandable Software and Mirador Software Group, convened on May 16, 2024 with Mr. Rick Koski, Vice President of Enterprise …
The ERP Project Team Best Practices
It is imperative that an adequate number of key personnel from all impacted functions be assigned to the core implementation project team.
The Benefits of Using a Standard Cost System
The true elegance and simplicity of standard costing enables management by exception as opposed to managing the entirety.
The Implications of Delaying a “Go” Decision to Implement an ERP System
Simply “getting by” should not be acceptable for any company trying to grow and realize more profits in the long run.
ERP Reference Checking: The Neglected Aspect of the Due Diligence Process (Part 2: The remaining four elements)
Asking the right questions to the references an ERP software vendor provides can either validate your thoughts or open your eyes.
ERP Reference Checking: The Neglected Aspect of the Due Diligence Process (Part 1: The first of five critical elements)
It’s important to perform the same level of due diligence in checking references that was achieved in examining the product.
CRM Deployment Success Factors
When used properly CRM is a very powerful tool. Unfortunately, CRM deployment success rates are discouraging to say the least.
CRM best practices managing customers
A significant benefit that is often overlooked in the decision to license a CRM system is the care and feeding of the installed base.
Backflushing 101 – The Basics and Keys to Success
Backflushing automates the issuing of material to the manufacturing floor upon the completion of the production process.
System Alerts: A Cure for Insomnia That Pays You Back
Automatic notifications from your ERP system can be the cure to nightly tossing and turning when the cause is concern over work related issues.
ERP Implementations: Importance of the 5-Star General
A culture of “Accountability with Consequences” must be created and backed by direct communication from company leaders.
The Top 3 Objectives for an ERP demo
The number one objective for any ERP demo is to determine if the functionality that you require exists and can be demonstrated.
The Best Managerial Style Might Surprise You
Wouldn’t it be nice if there was one managerial style that you can use for your staff as well as your supervisor? Well, there is!
The ABCs (&D) of Inventory Value Distribution
While there is no hard and fast rule on what is acceptable or required, most companies categorize their inventory into three classifications.
Top 5 Keys to a Successful ERP Implementation
Use these recommendations to make sure your ERP implementation is well thought-out and delivers greater productivity and cost savings.
Do you have hidden conservatism built into your MRP?
A Georgia Tech study determines that accurate lead times in MRP can save money by reducing unnecessary on-hand inventory.
Lean Manufacturing/Kanban 101
Lean manufacturing using a Kanban system can reduce inventory levels, expose production floor inefficiencies and reduce waste.
The Top 5 Best Practices for Presentations
The value of presenting properly cannot be understated. This is your chance to be viewed as a significant value added member of the team and demonstrate your level …
The Extra Burden of being CFO at a Start-up
A CFO in a start-up bears the added burden of maintaining a solid working knowledge of HR and legal in order to satisfy their responsibilities.
CRM Implementations: Tasks Best Practices
Tasks is the industry standard term for activities assigned to a CRM user, and is one of the fundamental features of a CRM system.
CRM Implementations: The Criticality of Clear Defined Sales Cycle Stages
A key step in CRM deployment carefully defines sales process steps so information can be interpreted as accurately as possible.
What is the Cost of Damaged, Lost or Stolen Inventory?The Cost of Damaged, Lost or Stolen Inventory
At the end of the year, adding up all the “little” costs associated with inventory mistakes can have a substantial effect on the bottom line.
Silos vs Integration of Multiple Applications
The most significant benefit of an ERP implementation is uniting the enterprise under a single data repository.
Trends in Life Sciences Operations
What are the most up to date trends in Life Science companies, and what operational and financial challenges are they facing? On Thursday, February 20, 2025, The Sunrise …
Product Management: Business Evolution into New Markets
How can manufacturers improve Product Management strategies and explore new market opportunities with PIM (Product Information Management) and e-Commerce tools? On Thursday, January 16, 2025, The Sunrise Sip …
“How Much Does It Cost?” Generating Product Costs
One of the big questions in any business involved in selling goods is (or at least should be) “How much does it cost?” Even the hot dog vendor outside the …
“Where’s My Stuff?” Inventory Management & Control
I often tell Clients “Manufacturing is simple: you buy stuff, you put stuff together and you ship stuff.” Often, their response to this is “We’re different” – mostly based on the complexity …
Key Performance Indicators
The second session of the Sunrise Sip Club, sponsored by Expandable Software and Mirador Software Group, convened on June 20th, 2024, focusing on Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s). Why do we Measure? …