For distributors, cross-docking is an essential component of their business. With rising fuel costs and shipping costs, and a need to streamline distribution network processes, software has been developed to meet the challenge of cross docking.

Another challenge that distributors are facing is that of increasing imports from developing nations. This leads to port congestion, which only increases the need for improved cross docking.

I’ll describe what cross docking is, how it is conducted, and the different software applications that are out there to aid distributors facing distribution challenges. Read the rest of this entry »

In the ERP world, discrete, process, and mixed-mode manufacturing is at the core of how manufacturing is done. Without an ERP system, manufacturing becomes a daunting task.

There are three main types of manufacturing: discrete, where parts can be disassembled (such as automotive manufacturing); process manufacturing, which is an ingredients-based manufacturing (industries include coatings/paints, oil and gas, pharmaceutical, and food & beverage); and mixed-mode, where manufacturing firms do both types of processes to produce a final product. An example of this would be clothing: the materials are constructed through process manufacturing and assembled by a discrete process.

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Due to increasing globalization and larger supply chains, the volume of goods passing through major seaports is increasing, leading to higher congestion of goods and a larger number of containers coming in and going out. Couple this with the slowdown caused by checking containers for terrorist-type contents and the increase by the wholesale and distribution industry in moving product from developing nations—all these factors obviously lead to stress and frustration for port authorities, as well as for distributors and manufacturers.

How can we solve this seaport problem? Transportation management system (TMS) software has been developed to help ease the growing congestion along coastlines. Able to do way more than simply schedule trucks, this software can integrate with radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, global positioning systems (GPSs), and satellite technology.
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Firms in the distribution and supply chain industries often have situations that occur within different points in the supply chain. An example would be the following: a manufacturer of computer mice may have the internal components for the product, yet not have the casings for the computer mice. This is a situation in which the order has not arrived. Supply chain and distribution managers need to make decisions on how to get the product out the door, assembled and sent to the appropriate retail locations.
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ERP – distribution software has been designed to meet the needs of firms with global distribution and logistics needs. Visibility in the supply chain is a crucial element of moving product between multiple locations and countries, and ERP – distribution software can give you the flexibility to track all inventory from wherever you are in the supply chain.

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Today, I was speaking with NuView and reviewing their functionality. Out of the conversation, I observed some good features about the software. Below are some comments arising from my review:

For companies looking for a solid HR solution, NuView is a good option for any firm in any industry looking for comprehensive HR functionality. For firms looking either for a hosted solution, or if a licensing model is what suits their needs, NuView offers both options. The solution has a totally web native design and works extensively with metadata.

The system can also integrate with other enterprise software solutions, such as an ERP or a CRM application, through (i) import/export functions using tab delimited tables, (ii) SQL functionality if the company has a licensed model, or (iii) with web-services, if they are .Net compliant.

Also, in terms of workflow, the software has very user friendly configuration to add/delete fields or forms within the system. If more complex workflows are needed, they have developed their own code language–thus, if firms need extensive workflows, this option is available.