Cloud ERP Simplifies and Optimizes Manufacturing Operations

In Booth E-133117, Global Shop Solutions, Inc. (The Woodlands, TX) promotes efficiencies on the shop floor with top performance through the use of Cloud ERP. Designed to eliminate the need of on-premise servers and the costly IT support they demand, this cloud-based ERP software was specifically created with manufacturing users in mind. They are now offered the same robust ERP software experience, but with increased accessibility, speed, and security. With the reduced need for focusing on hardware and software, shops can now spend more time focusing on the job at hand and pushing forward their business, knowing their data is safe and secure. With Cloud ERP, users can experience the power of ERP software for manufacturers in the Amazon Web Service cloud, where accessibility, security and faster system response harmonize to guarantee an uptime of 99.95 percent. Manufacturers can continue to deliver a quality part on-time, every time, using nearly 30 applications available from quote-to-cash as if they were using an on-premise deployment method.

With a customer-centric frame of mind, this system is completely customizable to the needs of any manufacturer. When utilizing Cloud ERP, Global Shop Solutions handles all updates and maintenance in-house, giving users the most up-to-date version operating at top speed. Maintenance-free software and speed is paired with quick and simple automatic cloud-based data backups so files and data are never lost.

In today’s cost-competitive manufacturing environment, shaving minutes or even seconds from processes performed hundreds or thousands of times a day can make a real difference in shop floor productivity. Most manufacturers use multiple systems involving front-door badges, barcodes and picture IDs to manage building entry, logging on and off jobs, and visual identification. Global Shop Solutions uses RFID (radio frequency identification) technology to simplify time and attendance and routine inventory processes by consolidating these three processes into one. Using a single RFID card, employees can now gain entry at the front door, clock into jobs, and visually identify their authorization to be in the building. “We simplify manufacturing by helping shops eliminate redundant processes,” explains Dusty Alexander, the chief executive officer of Global Shop Solutions. “Our RFID technology eliminates the need for biometric scanners, barcoded employee lists and separate ID badges. As a result, users enjoy simpler building entry and ERP system access, faster employee logins, and reduced human error.” This RFID technology is offered to users at no additional cost. Their only expense is a small investment in RFID readers and inventory labels with embedded RFID chips.

Quick access to production data is critical to meeting customer demands. Using new Dashboards for Manufacturers, shops can now make smarter business decisions by visualizing their data anywhere on the shop floor and throughout the business. More than a dozen Dashboards organize and display data ranging from open sales and work orders to shipping schedules, purchasing, bill of materials status, and even vendor performance. Built on Microsoft’s popular .NET platform, these Dashboards provide a new level of customization, allowing users to make changes right on the screen without having to change the underlying code. “These Dashboards enable shops to put the exact data they want on display anywhere in their business at any time,” adds Alexander. These interactive Dashboards are offered to users at no additional cost. ERP software users simply download the Dashboards from a secure web portal and install in a matter of minutes. Standard features include:

• Various tables for customized views.
• Drag columns to rearrange, group and sort.
• Right-click a column to apply a filter or hide.
• Expandable graphs by a simple double-click.
• One-click export to Excel.
• Drill into standard Global Shop Solutions transactions.
• Color coded for ease of use.
• Save column settings and selections.

The Dashboards also offer a “refresh” feature to keep the data as live as possible and include the ability to drill into more detail on work orders, inventory, or whatever data is needed to access. “We use Dashboards for Manufacturers as a part of our day-to-day processes and meetings,” notes Duke Goudeau, a materials coordinator with Hayes Manufacturing (Parsons, TN), a machine shop that uses the “refresh” feature to keep their business running efficiently. “They’re amazing compared to looking at reports, plus you can modify the view. It is so much easier using visual aids when you have a group of people you are presenting problems to or showing achievements that have been made.”

Other users are displaying the Dashboards on TV monitors on the shop floor, shipping department, and other areas throughout the business. “For example, the production department might utilize an open job dashboard to monitor WIP and job status,” says Ryan Young, the custom development manager at Global Shop Solutions. “At the same time, a Shipping Dashboard might be displayed by the dock so personnel can see what needs to get out the door. These shops use Dashboards in certain instances to replace a printed report. Instead of having to run a menu item, select and print the report, they have live, interactive data on the screen at all times.”

Global Shop Solutions, Inc., 975 Evergreen Circle, The Woodlands, TX 77380, 281-681-1959, Fax: 281-681-2663, www.globalshopsolutions.com.