The post Why ERP and CRM Projects Fail to Meet Expectations appeared first on MCA Connect.

If you are already running a Microsoft ERP solution, like Microsoft Dynamics AX or Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Operations, wouldn’t it make sense to add customer relationship management (CRM) functionality?

We’re sometimes surprised how many companies don’t use both solutions, so we decided to compile a list of 5 reasons why you should consider adding CRM, specifically Microsoft Dynamics, instead of other CRM solutions on the market today.

5 Reasons to Add Microsoft Dynamics CRM functionality when you are already using Microsoft Dynamics ERP

1.  Improves customer engagement

When ERP and CRM are disconnected, there’s a high risk that your front office and back office are unaware of each other’s issues, which can be a recipe for a customer service disaster, like:

• Promising out-of-stock product
• Being unaware of quality control issues
• Producing products that customers no longer want

Using an integrated Microsoft Dynamics ERP and CRM solution gives you visibility into the entire customer lifecycle, and can make you situationally aware of critical events happening within an account.  You can see the entire customer lifecycle from initial touch point where they become a lead, all the way through sales, into manufacturing production or services, and finally into customer support.

2. Empowers employees to make better decisions

Each department retains control of their business area, but also has visibility into critical areas that impact the entire company. You can use this information to find patterns, trends and opportunities to get better business results.

SQL Reporting Services, PowerBI, Cortana Analytics and similar business analytics solutions can not only transform volumes of Microsoft Dynamics data into meaningful information, but can almost instantly disseminate this information to employees.

3. Helps optimize operations

Going “all Microsoft” means that your business management software is:

• Easier to use. Because the system has a familiar look-and-feel, and works so well with the Microsoft Office 365 productivity solutions like Outlook, Word and Excel, you’ll see higher user adoption rates and less end-user training required.
• Easier to maintain. Administrators familiar with Microsoft can quickly come up to speed on CRM. Microsoft Dynamics 365 is structured using a Common Data Model. That means that when vendor, customer or pricing information changes, the changes ripple automatically throughout the business systems.

4. Provides insights for innovation

Having deep insight into your customer and product lifecycles presents you with opportunities to transform your products and services to improve your competitive edge.

• Where are you losing customers?
• What else may they want to buy?
• If you were to add a new product/service line, is there a ready market for this offering?
• How can you differentiate from your competitors by delivering a better experience?

5. Is a safe bet for the long term

Microsoft is investing heavily in cloud computing and digital transformation offerings. According to their annual report, last year they spent nearly $12 Billion dollars in research and development. Microsoft Windows remains the market leader for operating systems. Office 365 is now used by more than 70 Million people every single month. Microsoft Dynamics 365 is strategic to Microsoft’s business plan, and these solutions will just keep getting better over time.

Adding Microsoft Dynamics CRM to ERP Makes Sense

Still not sure? Request a free readiness assessment to identify what gaps could exist for your company.

Author: Will Moseley, SVP – CRM Business Development

The post Do Microsoft Dynamics CRM and ERP go together like PB&J? appeared first on MCA Connect.

Organizations are drowning in data. Business analytics tools provide a way to create order out of chaos, transform confusion into clarity, and turn information into insight. Analytics enables everyone in the organization to become proactive rather than reactive. Conducting analytics projects is what needs to be done to continually improve business activities.

However, there’s still a lot of confusion when it comes to business analytics. People use the term “business analytics” to describe:

• Reporting tools (like SSRS – SQL Server Reporting Services)
• Visualization tools (like PowerBI)
• Analytics suites (like ZAP, Targit, and Halo)
• Predictive Analytics systems (like Cortana and Azure Machine Learning Studios)
• Data stores (like SQL Server, Azure & Data Warehouses)

The most common business analytics tool in the world is Microsoft Excel. It slices. It dices. It pivots. People love it for its simplicity, but that’s also it’s limitation. Picking the right solution is essential, and can dramatically impact the quality of your analysis.

Selecting the right business analytics tools

How do you decide? This is an area where a seasoned business analytics consultant can be worth their weight in gold.  On the surface, many business analytics tools appear to have the same functionality. The reality may be quite different.

Whether you work with an expert or not, your selection should be based on these 10 factors:

1. How quickly you need the information
2. How accurate the information needs to be
3. How secure the information needs to be
4. Where the source data is stored
5. How much data you’re working with
6. How frequently you want fresh information
7. Who will receive the information
8. How and where information should be presented
9. How much automation you want
10. Your time and budget constraints

For example, one of our oil and gas customers stands to lose $2 Million Dollars a day when well production shuts down. Using predictive analytics, they can minimize the chance of this ever occurring.

Other companies may use business analytics to improve forecasting or utilization rates. Speed of information is less critical, but important to the organization overall.

Key piece of advice

When we work with customers, if there is one thing we say repeatedly it is “start small.” Begin with a narrow focus, especially if business analytics is a new endeavor. Gain some quick wins. Prove the value. You can always expand the project scope in a later phase.

Want more information on Business Analytics?

Author: Mark Hatting, Managing Director- Business Analytics

The post Demystifying Business Analytics appeared first on MCA Connect.

Microsoft recognizes MCA Connect for outstanding performance

July 25, 2017 (Denver, Colo.) –MCA Connect, a global systems integrator and Microsoft Dynamics Gold ERP, CRM and Cloud Partner, proudly announces it has won the 2017 Microsoft Dynamics Services Partner of the Year Award for the United States. MCA Connect won this award by demonstrating exceptional business success using Microsoft Dynamics to deliver innovative solutions that exceed client expectations and surpass business goals.

The award was presented at the Microsoft Inspire (formerly Microsoft WPC) conference on July 9-13, 2017 in Washington, D.C., where MCA Connect was also recognized as a Microsoft Dynamics Inner Circle member for the ninth year.

“We are honored to win Microsoft Dynamics Services Partner of the Year again in 2017, making this the fourth time we’ve been recognized with this award,” says Claude Watson, Chief Executive Officer of MCA Connect. “This award cements MCA Connect as a top contender among US Microsoft Partners for demonstrating excellence, outstanding innovation and deep expertise.”

The award winners from each region were selected for their dedication to delivering solutions that meet diverse customer needs. Several key criteria were considered in selecting Microsoft Dynamics Certified Partners for the special recognition, including outstanding sales performance, thorough technological expertise on Microsoft Dynamics products and services, and feedback from Microsoft team members.

“Each year we recognize Microsoft Dynamics partners from around the world for delivering innovation and driving unsurpassed customer success,” said Ron Huddleston, CVP, One Commercial Partner. “Our award winners are chosen based on their capabilities as an organization, whether that’s creating IP, developing solutions, or having an industry leading focus on digital transformation. Microsoft is honored to recognize MCA Connect for their achievements this past year, dedication to clients, and innovation with Microsoft technologies.”

MCA Connect is dedicated to delivering valuable solutions that help clients achieve a competitive advantage. By collaborating with Microsoft, MCA Connect provides effective solutions and services that meet client needs and increase business value.

Previous MCA Connect honors include Worldwide Dynamics ERP Partner of the Year, Worldwide Dynamics CRM Partner of the Year, Worldwide Dynamics Manufacturing Partner of the Year and Dynamics Inner Circle.

About MCA Connect
MCA Connect is a Global Systems Integrator and Microsoft Dynamics Gold Partner (ERP & CRM) that delivers and supports operational transformation to help customers achieve a competitive advantage. By combining product and industry expertise with proven strategic alignment methods, MCA Connect is able to consistently deliver innovative solutions that help clients realize their vision. Founded in 2002, MCA Connect has grown into one of the largest US-based Microsoft partners with offices throughout the United States.

Learn more at mcaconnect.com.

Contact:
Kelsey Tranchina, Marketing Manager, (281) 638-1025

The post MCA Connect Wins 2017 Microsoft Dynamics Services Partner of the Year for US appeared first on MCA Connect.

“Water, water everywhere and not a drop to drink.”

This line from The Rime of the Ancient Mariner aptly describes how most manufacturers feel about their data. Despite drowning in data, manufacturers are constantly at risk from lack of information.

Product defects can be costly – even deadly.

Defects for automotive manufacturers, high-tech manufacturers, food/beverage manufacturers and consumer product goods manufacturers can mean loss of human life. Every year, defects cost manufacturers billions of dollars in recalls and reparations.

Unlike other industries, manufacturers have an extremely low margin for error. And unfortunately, reducing product defects is only one of many KPIs that create risk for manufacturers. Proper inventory management, accurate sales forecasting, and visibility into the supply chain can also make or break a manufacturing business.

Do you need to collect more data points?

Probably not. How much production data does your company collect today? Typically, A LOT! We’ve seen companies that collect tens of thousands of data points, and still don’t have a clear picture in how to take corrective action. You don’t need more data, you need the right data.

Embracing digital transformation

Manufacturers are often the last to embrace emerging technology because both the costs and risks can be high. Risk tolerance is low. However, there comes a time when the cost of inaction becomes significantly higher than the cost of action.

Other industries have embraced digital transformation with great success. Banks use machine learning to detect credit card fraud almost instantly. Advertisers use predictive analytics to target the right people at the right time.  Health care providers have moved to digitized medical records, reducing health care fraud, cutting waste and improving patient outcomes.

Seizing the advantage against analog competitors

On a typical shop floor, hardware is often 20+ years old. Data collected is often just as quickly discarded because cloud computing wasn’t as affordable or available when the hardware was first installed.

Tremendous opportunity exists for manufacturers who embrace digital transformation. Leveraging modern technology like Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Operations, the Azure Cloud, Predictive Analytics, IoT sensors, and the like, manufacturers have a golden opportunity to leap frog the competition.

Improving operational efficiency for manufacturers comes from:

• Gaining a clear understanding of your company’s KPI’s
• Leveraging cloud computing and business analytics to find patterns and trends that were inaccessible until recently
• Modernizing your systems to allow more flexibility on your business processes
• Creating a feedback loop using workflows and machine learning to continually improve operations

Learn How Dell Technologies has Transformed their Manufacturing

Watch the keynote presentation from IoT World, where Dell Technologies talks about transforming their business operations with IoT and their partnership with Microsoft and MCA Connect.

Author: Doug Bulla, VP- ERP Business Development

The post How Manufacturers Can Turn Data into Insight appeared first on MCA Connect.

For years, there have been a few technology pundits declaring the Data Warehouse to be a dying technology – to be killed off at any moment by “Big Data” and impressive new business analytics technology.

The truth is that the concept of the data warehouse is alive and well, and will be for as long as companies want to use their own operational data to make business decisions.

Long live the Data Warehouse!

Big Data may be the future, but there’s little evidence that the demand for the Data Warehouse solutions will be slowing down anytime soon.

As with all technology, the tools, technology, architecture and processes used to create a Data Warehouse have changed over the years. If you don’t keep up-to-date, YOUR Data Warehouse may become obsolete, and you will have to find a time to upgrade or replace it. The concept itself is here to stay.

The Influence of Big Data on the Data Warehouse

A Data Warehouse is designed to provide “one source of the truth” for all of your company’s operational information. By pulling data from multiple databases, spreadsheets, and business systems, companies can then analyze and track key performance indicators that factor in all aspects of the business – accounting, production, sales, HR, etc.

One of the first steps in creating a data warehouse is to create a data structure. Historical information is then extracted, transformed and loaded (ETL) into the centralized data store following the relational database structure.  Aging technology and poorly designed extraction processes can create bottlenecks that limit the value of the Data Warehouse, and may be a sign you need to modernize your Business Analytics systems. Innovations from Big Data are influencing improvements to this process.

Big Data pulls in huge volumes of outside information, from customers, social media, bank records, and other data sources. Big Data systems in the Hadoop ecosystem are designed to span multiple machines, and don’t require the data structuring of a data warehouse. The concept of the Data Lake was born from Big Data. This Data Lake of unstructured data can be combined with structured data to provide additional insight. But without the structured data, how can you run a business?

Companies Need Structured Data

Without the Data Warehouse, there is no officially sanctioned, vetted, governed, agreed to, “one version of the truth.” What we see in our Business Analytics practice is that Big Data trends are reinforcing why companies need a Data Warehouse, and are bringing in technology that makes them faster, easier and cheaper to build.

Want more information on Business Analytics?

Download our business analytics brochure to learn more about how MCA Connect can help you define and improve your key performance indicators.

Author: Mark Hatting, Managing Director – Business Analytics

The post Is the Data Warehouse Dead? appeared first on MCA Connect.

As the auto industry embraces brave new technology like driverless cars, what does that mean for auto suppliers? How is the engineering department being impacted? What trends will be embraced over the coming 5 years?

This blog was written to help answer some of your questions. From our deep experience within the automotive industry, here are the top 5 engineering auto supply trends we’re seeing:

1. 3-D Printing

Engineering departments are becoming increasingly reliant on 3-D printing, and not always just for prototyping. Low-volume, high mix auto suppliers are turning to 3-D printing to keep production costs down.

2. Machine-based Learning for Connected Cars

As car manufacturers outsource more of their software development work for navigation systems, entertainment and security, engineers are increasingly relying on machine-based learning. Rather than programming all the variables, engineering departments are leveraging Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) to create connected car technology.

3. Predictive Analytics

With already tight margins, automotive suppliers want assurance that they’re producing the right components. Using predictive analytics can help you build a collaborative R&D/Engineering relationship with the auto manufacturer that will differentiate you from other auto suppliers.

4. Strict Change Management from Sales to Production

The product pitched in the RFP often bears little resemblance to the first product to come off the assembly line. Auto supply engineering teams are using engineering change management software to ensure design, costs, safety and pricing stay in alignment every step of the way.

5. Engineering for Aftermarket Service

As the line continues to blur between OEM and supplier, automotive suppliers are being asked to become aftermarket service providers. Engineers must take into account FIT (failure in time) rates and service requirements on the products they engineer.

What trends and technologies has your auto supply engineering department embraced?

Identify gaps that could exist within your organization.

Request a Free Value Assessment to identify what gaps could exist within your organization and speak to a MCA Connect expert on how to best implement these trends in your department.

Author: Doug Bulla, VP- ERP Business Development

The post Top 5 Engineering Auto Supply Trends appeared first on MCA Connect.

A typical ERP implementation may take months, even years, to deploy. But Microsoft has made it possible for companies choosing Microsoft Dynamics 365 to go live in just weeks!

Go to Microsoft AppSource

Microsoft AppSource is a website containing hundreds of partner-built apps and services to fast track any implementation of Microsoft Dynamics 365, Office 365, Power BI and Cloud solutions.

Find an Industry Solution

MCA Connect has a solution on AppSource called ManufacturingCONNECT Accelerator.  Our solution was built specifically for discrete manufacturers, but similar solutions exist for other industries. The beauty of these bundled solutions is that they truly offer “software as a service.”

How Does an Accelerated ERP Implementation Differ?

An accelerated implementation of Dynamics 365 for Operations is so much faster than a regular implementation because most of the decisions and setup have been done for you in advance.

• There’s no hardware to setup.
• Requisitioning a hosting environment is a snap.
• Industry best practices have been built-in to the system’s dashboards, workflows, templates and processes.
• Data import is easy.
• Comes with walk-through tools and user guides.
• Includes a limited scope implementation from Dynamics 365 experts

The best part is, you still have still have the option to add customization and complexity down the road. AND – you still get the same great integrations with Office 365, PowerBI and other Microsoft productivity tools you use to run your business.

Want more information on ManufacturingCONNECT?

Download our ManufacturingCONNECT Fact Sheet to learn more about how MCA Connect can help you accelerate your ERP implementation and improve your key performance indicators.

Author: Jay Rutledge, Director – Product Development

The post The Fastest Way to “Go Live” on Dynamics 365! appeared first on MCA Connect.

In a rivalry as old as time, management and workers each think they know what’s REALLY going on in a manufacturing plant. The manufacturing management team has business analytics and dashboards. Workers have their own personal experience about how the factory is functioning.

In fact, in the acclaimed manufacturing study by Sidney Yoshida, “The Iceberg of Ignorance,” they found that factory workers were aware of 100% of shop floor issues where they were involved in the process – and frequently they also had a solution.  Executives and management knew much less about each individual situation, but were also handling a wider variety of issues.

Get close to the problem

Experienced manufacturing management teams know that they sometimes need to get out from behind their desk and walk the production floor. These executives regularly solicit input from their best workers to find out what’s not working – and what might be the cause.

When “the walk” becomes impractical

Today’s global manufacturing enterprises frequently have factories spread across the world, making a tour of production facilities expensive and inefficient. Plus, in each plant, there may be hundreds of issues that come up on a daily basis. The point of having shift managers, production managers and facility managers is to handle situations as they arise, and communicate bigger issues up to management to be addressed.

The problem is that, like a game of telephone, critical information gets lost along the way.

The 3 technology trends transforming manufacturing

Just as modern ERP systems and cloud computing technology have made it possible to create and manage worldwide supply chains, these systems can now provide better shop floor insight. The cost of data storage and management has dramatically decreased. At the same time, internet coverage has reached nearly every corner of the globe. This combination provides the perfect storm for manufacturers to collect BETTER data and use it more efficiently.

Trend #1: The Voice of the Operator

Can technology efficiently collect feedback from shop floor workers? YES.  In an initiative we call, “The Voice of the Operator,” we’ve been working with several of our manufacturing clients to add a layer of qualitative data to the volumes of quantitative data already being collected.

Shop floor workers involved in the process frequently know the cause of the problem. By creating a structured feedback loop for workers to share their insight, management can then create adjustment production models and test potential solutions, creating continual process improvement.

Trend #2: IoT Devices

Manufacturers are replacing PLC (programmable logic controllers) that cost thousands of dollars with inexpensive IoT (Internet of Things) devices. Not only are  IoT devices a fraction of the cost, they also provide more information than ever before available. Since more data can be captured and stored in the cloud, companies use this information to reduce defects and improve overall customer experience.

Trend #3: Predictive Analytics / Machine Learning

Tied in with both trends 1 & 2 is the opportunity for predictive analytics and machine learning to do the heavy-lifting when it comes to identifying opportunities for improvements to shop floor production processes. Using massive data warehouses and big data, these business analytics tools can provide insight with greater reliability and speed than ever before imaginable.

Join the digital revolution!

Don’t let your manufacturing practices hold you back. The future is digital. Let us show you how a blend of a modern ERP solution with business analytics, combined with innovative manufacturing strategies can support your manufacturing growth.

Author: Phil Coy, Managing Director – Manufacturing Excellence

The post 3 Technology Trends Giving Manufacturing Executives Shop Floor Insight appeared first on MCA Connect.

Every journey begins with a first step. And the first step is deciding, “Where do I want to go?”

Lean Manufacturing is a process that is designed to take your manufacturing production from supplier to customer with no wasted effort or steps:

• Perfect flow
• Zero safety incidents
• Zero product defects
• Zero waste

In an ideal lean manufacturing scenario, you deliver exactly what the customer wants, exactly how they want it, and exactly when they need it.

SCREEEEEECH!

That’s the halting sound of reality. While the utopian dream of constructing a perfect lean manufacturing system may remain eternally elusive, that doesn’t mean that the effort is futile.

As defined by the Lean Enterprise Institute, lean manufacturing is the principle of “maximizing customer value while minimizing waste.”

Step 1: Pinpoint your destination

Like every journey, we begin with the end in mind. For a lean manufacturing journey, we begin by asking these two questions:

1. Where can we maximize customer value?
2. Where can we minimize waste?

Some organizations have clear priorities. Others may have to do some discovery work to figure out where they should prioritize their efforts. If you’ve never embarked on a lean journey before, it’s wise to hire a “lean Sherpa” or as we more commonly call it, a consultant to help guide your way. Pick a few key priorities where you believe you have the most to gain.

Step 2: Decide if the lean journey is work the risk, time and effort

Can you forecast a high enough ROI (return on investment) to take on this project? We use a tool called ManufacturingCONNECT for Lean to visualize various “what if” scenarios. Other companies use complex Excel spreadsheets to forecast potential costs and savings.

Step 3: Build Your Lean Team

Lean is more than tools and takt time. It’s a mindset. For lean to be successful, lean principles must permeate throughout the company culture. The Lean Leaders you select should have time to devote to the project, be passionate about the company, and willing to embrace change. As the Lean Team builds the Lean Project Plans, they also need to create a communication and change management strategy to help the entire company learn and embrace Lean Manufacturing.

Step 4: Set Bold Goals

Make them visible. Build a vision for each area about why change is needed and what the expected results may look like. These goals must have buy-in from Executive Leadership.

Step 5: Build Your Lean Project Plan

Identify all the resources you need to execute your lean manufacturing plan. Your manufacturing systems may need to be upgraded, changed or replaced to support your lean manufacturing initiatives. Develop a reasonable timeline, but one that gets you into action as soon as possible, creating visible results. Start small and expand scope as you build momentum.

One final piece of advice is that we recommend you begin evangelizing Lean Principles as early as you can. Develop a strong communications plan. Develop training programs to get lean into the hands of your supervisors and engineers. Our “Learning Lean with Legos” training program is one of the most popular and fun ways we’ve taught lean concepts.

Learn the Benefits of a Lean Transformation

Author: Phil Coy, Managing Director – Manufacturing Excellence

The post Starting your Lean Manufacturing Journey appeared first on MCA Connect.

Anytime you switch out your ERP system, you can expect a certain amount of grumbling. Change doesn’t come easy to most people! But if you are moving off an older system that hasn’t been upgraded in a significant amount of time, you are likely to see employees quickly get excited about the possibilities, especially if you’ve been communicating the changes and providing training on the new ERP system throughout the implementation process.

Here is a detailed list of what you can expect:

1. You’ll hear lots of suggestions! While some people may be trying to figure out how to do things the old way with the new ERP system, most people will be filled with ideas on what ELSE they could do to make their job easier. Build a process for evaluating input from employees. Sometimes there really is a better way.
2. You’ll see fewer spreadsheets and hold fewer meetings.  Less meetings?! What will you do instead? Be productive! When company information isn’t centrally stored and easily accessed, organizations see a proliferation of emails, spreadsheets, access databases, and meetings – lots of meetings. Having a modern ERP system will enable you to reclaim your time, and be more productive.
3. You’ll discover new KPI’s. With a modern ERP system that can synthesize data from across the organization, you’ll have one version of the truth, and improve your ability to uncover the root causes of issues. With better insight, you’ll be able to produce even better results.
4. You may need to re-distribute your resources. If you choose a modern cloud-based ERP system like Dynamics 365, you won’t need those same resources to manage the hardware, software and servers. Instead, those IT administrators may be re-deployed to other projects or to handle software configuration and security.
5. You’ll want everything to integrate. Once you see how much sense it makes to have procurement, engineering, scheduling, production, shipping, sales, etc. all in one integrated system, you’ll start looking for ways to bring in the pieces that weren’t identified in the initial project scope. You’ll experience how workflow, automation and predictive analytics makes your system more “human-proof”, reducing errors, improving collaboration and accelerating innovation.

Success with your new ERP system won’t come overnight. Implementations take a concerted effort over a significant period of time, but perseverance pays off.

Decide which Modern ERP System is Best For You

Download this Free ERP Evaluation Guide to help you decide which ERP solution is best for your business.

The post Life After Moving to a Modern ERP System appeared first on MCA Connect.

Power BI is cloud-based business analytics service that allows you to build your own BI dashboard using data from a variety of sources. The solution can also be available on-premise through the Power BI Report Server.

Power BI comes in multiple versions:

• Power BI Desktop – Perfect for companies just starting to use dashboards to visualize data, the desktop version is FREE for authoring and publishing! If you’re familiar with using Microsoft Excel, you’ll find Power BI works much the same way – but with better-looking graphs, charts and reports. Power BI Desktop is a great way to proto-type and try out the SaaS.

• Power BI Premium – Power BI Premium is a paid cloud-based service designed for the larger enterprise, corporate user. The Power BI premium has built-in collaboration capabilities and provides dedicated capacity (to ensure high speed service). This option is designed for large scale deployments and large “reader” audiences. Estimate the pricing here.

• Power BI Mobile – Whichever version of Power BI you have, adding Power BI Mobile will keep you connected to the latest office insights. This solution is automatically available with the Cloud version. Simply downloaded the Power BI app on your smartphone and sign in.

• Power BI   for Developers – Pull Power BI data into your apps so you can make better real-time decisions. Companies are combining Power BI with applications to visualize customer data, customer defects, scheduling in real-time. Because Power BI is embedded within the application, users retain the ability to drill down into source data.

• Power BI Report Server – This is the only version of Power BI that is deployed on-premise. This software is a customer version of SSRS. You can deploy on-premise today, and move to the cloud whenever you are ready. If you are already using SQL Server Reporting Services, Power BI Report Server help you find patterns quicker, and an easy-to-explore visual format.

Developers can take Power BI to the next level, creating custom visuals and using an API key to push data into a dataset. Those charts can then be embedded into a software application to be shared internally or externally. Streaming data for IoT (Internet of Things) initiatives is also available, and become popular with Azure and Cortana Analytics. Power BI is putting analytics into the hands of users who need real-time insight.

All Power BI deployments are not created equal. Having a partner who understands Business Analytics best practices can help you maximize your technology investment and insight.

Learn more about Power BI:

• Download the Premium BI Whitepaper
• Watch this Power BI overview video

Learn More about our Business Analytics Practice

Download the MCA Connect Business Analytics Brochure

Author: Kevin Ballew, Solution Architect

The post Understanding your Power BI Options appeared first on MCA Connect.

Automotive supplier sales reps and engineers spend a lot of time responding to RFPs (Requests for Proposals). With so much time and energy going into formulating each response, what can you do to increase the odds of winning the opportunity?

1. Build relationships. Become a supplier that automotive manufacturers trust to deliver on your promises. When other automotive suppliers swoop in to provide lower prices, your track record of consistent excellence and commitment to the automotive manufacturing community will set you apart from competition.

2. Keep innovating.  Car buyers want a reason to upgrade to a new vehicle. Car manufacturers want buyers to switch to their brand. One reason they attract new buyers is because of the products companies like you produce. From offering fuel savings to safety improvements to the latest upgrades in navigation and audio, the automotive products you create help drive new car sales. Having something your competitors don’t offer is a sure way to differentiate from the crowd.

3. Keep better track of the sales process.  When will that RFP be posted? When is it due? Who needs to be involved in the engineering, design and price costing process? The only way to properly manage the bid response process is to use bid management software.  There are too many moving parts to rely on Excel spreadsheets and homegrown Access databases.

4. Create re-usable templates.  As a software consulting company, we believe in building processes. Rather than re-creating the wheel with every new RFP, or digging through folders to find that one paragraph you needed, Dynamics 365 integrates with Microsoft Excel and Word templates to create consistent quotes, proposals and email communications.  Another advantage of using a system like Dynamics 365 for Sales to generate quotes is that costing and engineering changes can be made in one central location and will automatically flow throughout the organization.

5. Communicate changes.  Employees, suppliers and customers need to be notified as costs and design changes are made. Workflows in your bid response system and customer relationship management systems can help ensure the right people are being kept in the loop.

We hope these 5 tips will help you improve your bid response success!

Learn 8 Ways Auto Supply Manufacturers Can Improve Sales Success with CRM

Download this free whitepaper to learn the top 8 ways Automotive Suppliers are utilizing Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Customer Engagement and MCA Connect to improve their Sales success.

Author: Mark Schindler, Software Sales

The post 5 Secrets to Improving Bid Responses for Auto Suppliers appeared first on MCA Connect.

Since manufacturing enterprise management software (ERP) was first developed, a truth that “everyone knows” is that implementing new MRP / ERP software is a long, expensive and complicated process.

Worth it? YES! Usually.

Easy? NO! Almost never…at least that’s how ERP implementations USED to be.

Technology has changed radically over the past decade. Costs are coming down. Complexity has been simplified. Modern cloud ERP systems have removed financial, technological and geographical barriers. There is less software and technology infrastructure to buy, build and maintain.

In the Fall of 2016, Microsoft launched Dynamics 365, a cloud-based subscription-based option for implementing ERP and CRM software across a global enterprise.  ManufacturingCONNECT Accelerator takes Dynamics 365 for Finance and Operations (ERP) a step further, preconfiguring the settings for the needs of a discrete manufacturing company.

ManufacturingCONNECT Accelerator is not a “light” or scaled down version of Dynamics 365 for Finance and Operations. Once the initial implementation is complete, you can easily customize or add any additional features you want. Think of ManufacturingCONNECT Accelerator as an industry package. All the typical configuration a discrete manufacturer needs is setup before you even get your hands on the software. We provide process guides to lead you through the implementation, and to help train your users.

Is ManufacturingCONNECT Accelerator right for you?

• Do you plan to use Dynamics 365 for Finance and Operations as your ERP system?
• Are you a discrete manufacturer?
• Are your manufacturing and ERP requirements relatively straight-forward?
• Do you appreciate saving time and money?

If you answered YES to these 4 questions, you’re likely a good candidate.

Contact us to schedule a demo or visit the resources listed below.

Learn More About our ManufacturingCONNECT Accelerator

Download our Fact Sheet to learn more.

Author: Jay Rutledge, Director – Product Development

The post What is Manufacturing CONNECT Accelerator? appeared first on MCA Connect.

The oil and gas industry has unique accounting needs. When you evaluate new ERP solutions, how easily the system manages joint venture accounting is going to be an important consideration.

The 5 Pillars of a Joint Venture Accounting system give you the ability to:

1. Comply with IFRS or GAAP Accounting Rules

Whether your organization follows IFRS or GAAP joint venture accounting rules, a sound JVA solution needs to manage different methods of Joint Venture asset accounting; full cost and successful efforts including acquisitions, DD&A, transfers, impairments, and asset retirement obligations.

Joint interest billing should be able to account for and allocate expenses for all stages of the exploration, drilling and production process, based on owner shares. When the exploration is successful, the system should also manage the payout of royalties.

2. Manage Budgeting and Authorizations for Expenditure (AFE)

To control costs and manage investor expectations, budgets have to be created, managed and adhered to. Authorizations for Expenditure (AFEs) ensure proper authorization has been obtained before drilling begins or expenses are incurred. The AFE typically estimates project expenses including the costs of equipment rental, fuel, drilling, well testing, and labor – plus it sets limits on how long or how deep the exploration will go before the well exploration project is pursued or abandoned.

Oil exploration projects must be authorized before drilling begins – and again when the well goes into operation.

3. Track Owner Shares, Land Interests and Other Agreements

Tracking landowner and mineral lease rights is a complicated process. A Joint Venture Accounting system can help you manage these contracts, and comply with your obligations. Over time these contracts may be transferred through sale or inheritance. Your JVA system should have processes to manage the transfer of rights and be able to handle the over-lift or under-lift that may occur due to production schedules.

4. Generate and Track Owner Communications

Related to tracking Mineral Rights Leases and landowner interests is maintaining records of your communications. Oil and gas companies are obligated to notify and/or request permission from interested parties about production schedules, damages, mineral excavation results and all expense / royalty information.

5. Spot Insights and Trends

The ability to use your ERP and Joint Venture Accounting data in a meaningful way is critical. You want to be able to drill down to find root causes and zoom out to find big picture trends.

Looking for a Joint Venture Accounting Solution?

If you’re in the oil and gas industry and are looking for new ERP software with strong Joint Venture Accounting features, we encourage you to look at Dynamics 365 for Finance and Operations with our EnergyCONNECT Joint Venture Accounting package.

Learn How MCA Connect Helped Oil and Gas company, TGS, Improve Sales

Download our case study to learn how MCA Connect helped get TGS back-on-track and how the results have changed their business.

Author: David Huether, VP – Engagement & Alliance Management

The post 5 Pillars of a Joint Venture Accounting Solution for the Oil & Gas Industry appeared first on MCA Connect.

“How do you achieve better profit margins?”

That’s the bottom line question for every CFO. Your job is to make sure there’s enough money in the bank to keep operations running smoothly, and to decide how your company will invest in its future.

Your company’s profit margins come from:

• Controlling costs
• Increasing revenue
• Creating operational efficiency

In addition, you have to manage risk. You don’t want one mistake to wipe out your business – or set you back for years. Only technology has the capacity to consistently improve your business in all 3 areas.

If you’re in tier 1 automotive supply manufacturing, your business is depending on orders from the big automobile companies. Modern manufacturing technology can help you with:

• Accurate forecasting – Sophisticated data models and predictive analytics can provide clear forecasts, enabling you to better manage inventory, cashflow, and production schedules to optimize operations.
• Reduction in errors and product defects – Using IoT devices and machine learning, you can spot products more likely to fail or have defects. Automation workflows built into modern ERP and CRM systems speed up approvals and collaboration across global cross-functional teams.
• Distributing knowledge across the enterprise – Collaboration is critical. Your sales, marketing, production, R&D and service departments each need their own insight to do their job. Role-based dashboards in your ERP and CRM system speed up collaboration, provide visibility into key performance indicators and identify issues early on.
• Creating competitive differentiation – One way to increase profit margin and market share is to offer products and services that deliver greater value to customers. You need an easy way to customize and modify your business systems to adjust for changes in your unique business process.

One reason that even the most old-school CFO is embracing technology now is cloud computing.  With cloud software like Microsoft Dynamics 365, you’ll find new opportunities to improve profit margin.  Here’s why:

1. There’s no big upfront costs for hardware or software – less capital expenditure.
2. Cloud software is automatically updated and upgraded – less risk, less administrative overhead.
3. Many industry and functional packages are available – if you buy a solution like Microsoft Dynamics 365, you have access to thousands of add-ons (less risk, less cost).
4. Employees can access the system wherever they have an internet connection. That means your engineers in Michigan can easily collaborate with your factory in Mexico.
5. Now, more data means more information and insight. Prior to the cloud, data would be discarded because it was too expensive to store. That information can now be used, and even combined with big data and historical data to provide even better information.

Is your company ready to embrace modern technology?

Author: Mark Schindler, Software Sales

The post Even old-school CFOs are demanding modern manufacturing technology appeared first on MCA Connect.

MAPICS was created by IBM more than 35 years ago as an operational control system for manufacturing and accounting information. In 2005, the product was purchased by Infor Global Solutions and re-branded as Infor XA.

However, if you are one of the companies who have not upgraded MAPICS and you’re still running software on a AS/400 or IBM i-series, you may be starting to consider more modern ERP solutions. And before you can decide between upgrading to Infor XA or moving to something else, you first have to decide if it costs you more to stay on MAPICS.

Why would you stay on MAPICS?

The easiest thing in the world is to do nothing, make no changes. The days turn into weeks. Weeks turn into years. You get comfortable.

• No retraining of users.
• Less business disruption.
• Less capital expenditure.
• The system works. Why change it?

The problem is…

While you’re standing still, your manufacturing competitors are moving full steam ahead. Modern ERP systems give them the opportunity to leap frog over you.

Without debating the differences between Infor XA and Dynamics 365 for Finance and Operations or any other ERP system, the truth is that most modern ERP systems will give you an advantage over the MAPICS ERP system you’re running today.

What do modern ERP systems have that MAPICS doesn’t?

Well, of course, this answer depends somewhat on which older version of MAPICS you’re running, and which modern ERP system you move to. But generally speaking, the benefits are:

• A modern interface – Nearly everyone knows how to use a PC today. The screen is colorful. Menu options are intuitive. The ERP system looks and feels more like all the other business productivity tools in your office.
• More support options – Fewer consultants and programmers still work with MAPICS. By contrast, there are thousands of Microsoft Certified Professionals and ERP specialists.
• More functionality – If there are features you need that aren’t part of the core ‘out of the box’ system, you can often find a partnering solution that can do anything from RFID/bar-coding to EDI to analytics.
• More flexibility – When your business model changes, you can easily re-configure the system, usually without any programming.
• Better insight – Marry your system data with big data. Use machine learning and predictive analytics to forecast customer demand and reduce data quality issues.

Cloud computing has changed the landscape.

In years past, you would have had to buy all new hardware and new software – have a large upfront capital outlay. With cloud-based software like Dynamics 365, you can have a new server in hours. You can easily flex the scale of your environment. There’s never been an easier time to switch ERP systems. You’ll have to move off MAPICS eventually. Why not now?

Is your company ready to embrace modern technology?

Author: Mike Green, VP Solution Consulting

The post Tired of MAPICS? You’re not alone. appeared first on MCA Connect.

As a company who has been doing manufacturing ERP implementations and has been evangelizing lean manufacturing principles for a long time, we believe in lean principles, and believe they can be applied to industries outside of manufacturing.

People ask us, “Is there ever a time when lean manufacturing is not worth the effort?” The answer is yes.

1. When you just want to cut costs. Yes, lean is about eliminating waste, but the primary directive of lean is to increase the value to the customer. Lean is more about increasing the top line (increasing sales) than decreasing the bottom line (cutting cost). If you use lean as a headcount reduction tool, you may lose loyal, valuable employees in the process. If you instead assign those employees more meaningful work, you can bet customers will pay you more. You will either have more capacity to produce more of the same product at the lowered cost basis – or you will be able to increase your prices due to the added value.

2. When you don’t have executive buy-in. Lean manufacturing is more than a process, it is a philosophy, a way of operating a business. Lean is about adding customer value through every touchpoint across all business processes and departments. If only one department is embracing lean and cannot get leadership on board, the results will be minimal. For example, if you build more value into every product, but accounting and sales don’t increase the price, your effort has been wasted.

3. When every job is a custom job, with dynamic changes. Lean depends on having a stable business process that can be improved over time. If every job is different, and it changes as you get into the project, you’re not ready or right for lean. Start by focusing on process improvements and creating standardization.

Interested in learning more about Lean Manufacturing?

Author: Doug Bulla, VP- Business Development

The post When Lean Manufacturing isn’t Worth the Effort appeared first on MCA Connect.

Razor thin margins leave little room for production errors. Because product recalls and customer refunds are so expensive, you want to be able to consistently deliver quality products, but without adding to your production costs.

1. Define what product quality means.

How are your customers using this product? How do they measure the quality of your product? You can avoid over-engineering your product by understanding the quality standards of your customers. They may be willing to pay less for lower quality – or you may be able to charge more by increasing quality.

2. Create, document and follow established processes.

Create discipline around your business processes. Consistent routines deliver consistent results. One of the reasons most manufacturers have MRP and ERP systems is to enforce standardization. However, these manufacturing systems must be flexible enough to change as your business processes change. If people start working around the system, the software will not reflect the reality of the shop floor.

3. Hire good people and train them.

With your processes established, you need people who will follow the guidelines you set. You also need competent people to manage others and perform skilled labor jobs. If you can’t find people with enough experience, find people with a good attitude and give them opportunities to learn from your more seasoned employees.

4. Maintain your equipment.

Equipment problems can degrade the quality of your output. Preventative maintenance is the key to avoiding down time and lowered production quality.  Conduct regular checks and replace worn components before they break down. Many manufacturers are starting to use IoT sensors to detect issues early, by monitoring usage, heat variations and other deviations from baseline settings. Part of your maintenance plans should include having critical and frequently replaced spare component parts on hand. You’ll also want to make sure you have multiple people who know how to fix your equipment.

5. Create a clean, organized work environment.

Many manufacturing processes create residue – paint, oil, sawdust, metal filings, etc. This production “dust” can clog machines and get stuck to finished product.  Maintaining a clean production line can improve quality with little effort. Product can also get damaged by mishandling, being stored improperly, and in the shipping process.  Having an organized work environment can lower your risk of delivering damaged product.

What else would you add to this list? Have you found ways to increase production quality without adding to your production costs?

Manufacturers are Gaining a Digital Advantage

Running a manufacturing operation is no easy task. Gain a competitive advantage by embracing digital through Microsoft Dynamics 365 and the Microsoft Cloud.

Author: Phil Coy, Managing Director – Manufacturing Excellence

The post 5 Ways to Increase Quality Without Increasing Production Cost appeared first on MCA Connect.

The main thing about the heavy industrial equipment needed for oil and gas exploration is that it’s HEAVY – expensive to manufacture, expensive to move, expensive to maintain and work can’t get done without it. Without software, the accounting is complicated and it’s easy to miss out on revenue opportunities.

Have you experienced any of these problems?

• Can’t see which equipment and orders are still unbilled
• Equipment isn’t available to be rented because it’s being maintained or in the wrong geography
• You don’t account for when equipment was actually returned, and bill properly for usage
• Income and expenses aren’t applied to the fixed asset to get a full picture of asset value

That’s where Oil and Gas Rental Management Software is making life a whole lot easier. Instead of using scrambled spreadsheets and crumpled rental agreements, rental management software enables companies to:

• Price each rental asset – by daily, weekly or hourly rate as well as by utilization
• Measure rental use – how much time each asset has been rented, on standby or in operation
• Link rental assets to fixed assets for a full accounting picture
• Manage rental agreements
• Track rented assets by location, usage and availability
• Link to Project Accounting (optionally) so you can manage asset movement and scheduling

Adding EnergyCONNECT Rental Management Software to Dynamics 365 for Finance and Operations gives you a complete end-to-end picture of your business operations.  Stop the revenue leaks. Take control of your rental equipment.

Learn More About EnergyCONNECT

Author: David Huether, VP – Engagement & Alliance Management

The post Why the Oil and Gas industry is Buzzing about Rental Management Software appeared first on MCA Connect.