When talking about ERP extension, we also include MRP and CRM extension. Integrating ERP, MRP and CRM products with your company's business systems and with partners' external systems can extend functionality such as:

• Determining real-time, production schedules for the shop floor
• Creating BOMs from CAD systems
• Connecting your eCommerce website to your ERP
• Handling service requests on the Web
• Empowering dealers to submit and track orders on the Web
• Automating communications with your partners

In short, ERP/MRP/CRM extension improves the visibility of information across your value chain. Extensions are needed to support unique manufacturing processes, provide custom reporting, custom user interfaces and processes to update the ERP/MRP/CRM database, or real-time integration of transactions with other manufacturing, financial or eCommerce software.The most common reasons why an ERP extension is the right fit at the best value are:

• the ERP/MRP/CRM software product doesn't perform the function,
• the cost to customize the off-the-shelf product is prohibitive,
• custom access to the ERP data is needed to support the shop floor or remote users,
• your manufacturing process relies, in part, on ERP/MRP/CRM data.

TwinEngines consultants have spent the past 14 years working with manufacturers and working with and extending the capabilities of ERP, MRP, and CRM systems. Commercial, off-the-shelf software with which TwinEngines has worked include:

• SAP
• BAAN
• Salesforce.com
• Microsoft Dynamics AX, GP and NAV (Navision)
• Microsoft CRM
• Macola
• Epicor Vantage
• Infor
• Sage's MAS
• Visual
• SysPro
• SyteLine
• QuickBooks
• Act! and Goldmine

At TwinEngines, we know manufacturing and how these systems operate, what they are best suited to do, how data is organized, and when an extension is the right choice for your unique manufacturing process.  We have found that manufacturers confronted with the option to buy a newer, bigger, better ERP system, can instead implement a more cost-effective, custom solution to exend the investment in the current ERP system.

There are two main types of custom extension solutions. The first are custom manufacturing operations management systems that stand beside the ERP, MRP and/or CRM system. They pull data from the ERP/MRP/CRM databases, and update information via access at the database level or through service-oriented architecture (SOA) functions.  An example is a production scheduling system that the front office and shop floor use to manage operations, and that customers use to enter and track orders.  Often times they provide touch screen access on the shop floor and mobile access in the warehouse.

The second type of extension solutions are standalone, custom applications that plug into the ERP/MRP/CRM system adding specific functionality to support operations or eCommerce. An example is plugging in a custom order entry tool into the CRM system so CSRs can utilize CRM customer information and the web eCommerce platform - a tool that is also integrated to financials for accounting.

TwinEngines utilizes both web development software and database application development tools to build extension solutions. Internal database applications that integrate to the underlying ERP/MRP/CRM system and also provide Internet access for customers, vendors and partners enable manufacturers to operate more effectively and streamline sales, customer service and their value chain.

ERP/MRP/CRM software products provide a broad range of functionality trying to cover a diverse group of businesses. They do a great job supporting the common, core business functions. However, almost all implementations require additional, custom functionality that does not come "out-of-the-box". Why? Because successful manufacturers have unique business processes that make them competitive - processes that the ERP system do not effectively address. TwinEngines builds well designed extensions to ERP systems extending their value and economic shelf-life, providing a more complete solution for manufacturers.

An example is the www.katrailers.com website, which markets all of King American Trailers' cargo trailers, but also functions as a virtual "salesperson," working 24/7, 365 days a year. Dealers have a resource to see photos of each product and review standard features and options. With the lean website, King American Trailers supports dealers online in a more efficient and effective manner, and eliminated the need to schedule phone calls and for expensive faxes and brochure mailings.

TwinEngines built the manufacturing website on an open-source content management system (CMS) which enables the trailer manufacturer to update photos and product specifications directly without the need for a third-party vendor. This means no bottlenecks for updating product information.  The CMS also lets the company easily manage the organic SEO information for each web page, and web analytics employed on the site provide the metrics required for continual improvement initiatives.

A lean manufacturing website also converts visitors into customers and generates sales leads.  There are two call-to-action steps on the King American Trailers website to generate sales, "Find a Dealer" for consumers and "Become a Dealer" for dealers.

Is your website generating leads, providing value to your customers and presenting your manufacturing company in a professional manner?  If not, follow TwinEngines' lean web approach for a manufacturing web presence.

The Bing/Yahoo partnership could easily take about 30% of Google's search market, so here's a few search engine optimization tips for companies with eCommerce websites to take a look at:

• Microsoft adCenter - it has better e-commerce demographics and a significantly better conversion rate than Google AdWords. Expect adCenter to be really cooking for the 2010 holiday shopping season, or in the beginning of 2011 at the latest.
• Web Sitemap - Some suggest that Bing searches rely more on sitemaps than Google.  Your sitemap should kept up to date with the latest information about your business anyway, but especially now considering the talk about the Bing algorithm and sitemaps.
• Bing Webmaster tools - You can see the crawling data and other site status, as well as the domain score, page scores and the estimated number of indexed pages. The tool creates a list of inbound links and outbound link URLs.

As always, I recommend a lean web continual improvement program that focuses on the manufacturing website content and page meta information.  An effective web Kaizen loop with web analytics from both Google Analytics and Bing can easily be implented to keep your website up to date and providing the best value to your customers.

ERP systems can merge each of these key business operations; however, often times a mid-market manufacturer utilizes only a portion of the ERP software functions because of unique business processes.  In these cases a custom software application can extend the ERP system to manage the uniqueness and complexity of the shop-floor.  These software applications are ERP Extensions, and TwinEngines is a leading provider of manufacturing operation management solutions integrated to ERP systems.

ERP software for manufacturing can be classified into the following categories: process manufacturing software, discrete manufacturing software, or mixed-mode manufacturing software. The right ERP business system depends upon whether the manufacturer's production environment is continuous process, contract manufacturing, job shop, batch processing, repair and maintenance, repetitive, or work order based.

Comprehensive end-to-end ERP solutions for job shops and smaller manufacturers are also offered through the Software as a Service (SaaS) model. ERP SaaS solutions reduce IT complexity and capital investment, enables them to get up and running quickly, and decreases ongoing operational costs.

Regardless of the business you operate, implementing an effective Energy Management plan is a proven strategy for cutting and controlling costs with excellent returns.  Integrating your Energy Management plan into your overall Supply Chain, and treating energy as an asset rather than an expense, could have a dramatic return on your bottom line.

A recent report by Aberdeen Group entitled " Energy Management, Driving Value in Industrial Environments" pointed to several important key metrics of manufacturing organizations with effective Energy Management reports.  Such as:

• Best-in-Class companies are able to reduce energy consumption by 15% as compared to Laggard companies, who increased the energy consumption by 6%.
• Best-in-Class companies are outperforming their corporate goals for operating margin by 14%.
• Best-in-Class companies realize 90% Overall Equipment Effectiveness, which is 24% higher than Laggard companies.
• Best-in-Class companies gain real-time visibility into energy data by being three-times as likely as Laggards to adopt energy management systems.
• Best-in-Class companies are two-times as likely as Laggards to take energy costs into consideration while scheduling production.

According to a recent report from McKinsey & Company, Unlocking Energy Efficiency in the U.S. Economy, "The industrial sector offers 3,650 trillion end-use BTUs of NPV-positive energy efficiency potential, equivalent to 18 percent of its forecast energy consumption in 2020."  Contrast that to the sobering fact that, per the U.S. Energy Information Administration, world manufacturing energy consumption is projected to increase by 44 percent from 2006 to 2030.

By leveraging existing, and improved, Supply Chain systems, equipment automation, and existing energy assets, manufacturers can better measure and monitor energy consumption within their facility. The effective management and monitoring of equipment loads allows for more effective peak-demand management (a considerable component of a utility bill) and improved automation of production processes for optimal energy asset management.

That energy is essential is a given-without it no company would be in business. Thus all businesses must manage energy to an extent, if only to ensure its availability. Beyond that basic need, decisions relative to energy options and opportunities will depend on how significant the cost and environmental effects of energy are to business operations, broader business strategy and positioning considerations.

Read more on how to Make the Commitment to Energy Management.

To find out more about how www.empoweret.com can ssist you in optimizing Energy decisions contact Mark C. Bell at 404.681.3270.

Page speed is a tool should be used by web developers to optimize their pages for faster load times. Page speed captures all the best practices developed by Google in an easy to use tool.  Our TwinEngines developers use the tool when building manufacturing websites and eCommerce websites.

Page Speed is an extension to a Firefox plugin called Firebug, which makes it a plugin of a plugin. To use it you need the following:

1. Firefox 3.0+
2. Firebug
3. Page Speed

So how much time do you have before that happens? You may want to sit down.

Two seconds.  That's what 47% of 1,048 online U.S. consumers responded in a 2009 study, "eCommerce Web Site Performance Today," by Forrester Research Inc. Two seconds to make or lose a sale on your website.  The study also found that 40% of the consumers surveyed said they'd wait only three seconds before completely abandoning a website page and shopping somewhere else online.

So 2-3 seconds is the benchmark to study your eCommerce website and determe if it is indeed fast enough.  That's for your website displaying on a desktop browser. With increasing broadband speeds and more powerful mobile devices, consumers expectations are going to be higher.

Collect all the information you can about your website page speed and performance including your hosting provider, your Internet ISP and your IT systems. For larger companies or high-volume eCommerce sites , it make sense to use Web Performance Monitoring products that have real-time status reports about how well your website is delivering content to your customers.  For smaller companies, you can add Google Analytics Event APIs on your site as well as use a new Page Speed tool that works with the Firebug plugin on Firefox.

In a recent global study by the Aberdeen Group, companies that automate and harmonize workflows throughout their company and with suppliers and partners produced 66% greater improvement in reducing the total time to delivery. The study found that these companies gained more than 10% in market share. 

When different technlogy systems are used to collect and maintain business data, that information is often not used by employees for day-to-day operations.  Shop floor visibility is achieved when all the manufacturing value chain data is centralized in one database or tightly connected data repositories.  Operations management systems tap into this data and disseminate it in real-time to those who need it most, whether it's the front office, the shop floor or a business partner. 

Dynamic supply chains are rarely achieved at small and mid-market manufacturers using disparate spreadsheet based applications and standalone systems that do not share critical business data. ERP systems and best of breed manufacturing operations systems make synchronizing information easier across the manufacturing value chain. Often times, an ERP system tightly coupled with a custom operations management system is the right fit and best value for small and mid-market manufacturers.

According to Forrester Research, shop-floor visibility is imperative when it comes to managing supply chain issues such as outsourcing, customization and shorter product life cycles. The TwinEngines operations management platform's key benefit is making information visible throughout the orgainziation - targeting small and mid-market manufacturers.  It seamlessly connects the shop floor to the enterprise, allowing a manufacturer to see, analyze and control its operations in real time for the best competitive advantage.  Please call us at 404-522-4262 to learn how the right business system can make you more competive, agile and connected.

Come learn about the TAG Manufacturing Society at the kick off meeting on April 7th at the 755 Club - Turner Field.  Enjoy the opportunity to network with peers in the Manufacturing/Technology industry, and hear from an industry leader.   Register Here

For those of you familiar with the Business, Braves and Bottom Line educational series by TwinEngines, you will be right at home.  After the event, stick around for some baseball - Braves host the Cubs!  It's sure to be an evening you won't want to miss.  Contact Rachel Sevin, society liaison, for more information: rachel@tagonline.org.

Mission Statement

The TAG Manufacturing Society is dedicated to professionals who participate in the technology of manufacturing production and supply chain and seek innovative thinking and leadership to drive operational excellence.

• By utilizing technology as the catalyst for positive change, our members will apply new technologies to increase the competitiveness, performance, efficiency, and profitability of their businesses.
• The Society will focus on the "best practices" aspects of manufacturing and utilize information and technology to produce world-class processes.

Society Objectives

The Society will be member driven and promote manufacturing business through technology activities, education, events, and resources that will:

• Allow members to connect and share with other industry professionals, share strategies and tactics, promote the group, contribute, cultivate understanding, and exchange strategies to facilitate operations excellence
• Result in white papers, blogs, podcasts, guidebooks, research studies, webcasts and other resources that accelerate learning and knowledge transfer
• Participate in regional events such as the Manufacturing Appreciation Week and hold various Summits to promote manufacturing excellence
• Create a repository of shared information that can assist each manufacturing buseinss in achieving their goals

The goal of the TAG Manufacturing Society is to be a technology leader in support and data integration of all manufacturing initiatives across the value chain including web presence, logistics, shop floor, manufacturing operations, front/back office integration, and quality assurance.  It will consist of members from all areas of manufacturing.

Next Steps

• For questions, please contact TwinEngines. You can call (404) 522-4262 or email ken@twinengines.com.
• For more information see the TAG Manufacturing Society webpage at http://www.tagonline.org/TAG-Manufacturing.php.
• Please click here for the TAG New Member application form.

Site Map and Sitemap - Create an html Site Map page in your website to help people navigate your website (it may help the search engines too).  Typically the Site Map link is in the footer of the website so it is available on each page.  For a lot of links in your site map, you can organize the links into sections to make it easy to read for people.  See our site map page at www.twinengines.com/sitemap.  Also create an xml sitemap file and upload to the web server to specifically help the search robots.

301 Redirects - When you launch the new website, the web page names may change (eg. from www.yourdomain.com/oldpage.php to www.yourdomain.com/newpage.aspx).  This confuses search engines spiders and bots, and can temporarily cause lower rankings and lost visitors. To avoid any confusion, set up a 301 redirect for each old page of your website to a new page.

Custom 404 Page - A 404 error page is an 'ugly' error page that visitors see when they go to a non-existent web page or enter an incorrect url. Create a custom 404 page that provides an easy way for all those lost visitors to get back into your website.  At TwinEngines, we use our Site Map page as our custom 404 page so people can see an organized listing of all the links to information in our website.

Web Analytics - Make sure you have your web analytics software setup in the master template and all other templates so it is on every page created in your content management system.  We recommend Google Analytics for small and mid-market companies participating in the manufacturing value chain, since it is free and easy to use. Configure Google Analytics goal funnels to monitor your website conversions (eCommerce checkout, Request Quote, etc).

Google Webmaster Tools -  Google shows how it views your website and alerts you to any problems, so this is a great way to troubleshoot issues in your website. Once your site is registered with Webmaster Tools, leave a comment on Sidewiki

These 5 tips are important features of your new website that will keep you from losing visitors just because you upgraded your web presence.  They also give you free web analytics and reporting to help you create a lean web presence that adds value to your customers.