The Food and Beverage industry has had its ups and downs, hits and misses, close calls and grand slam hits out of the ball park. Erratic seems to be an appropriate qualifier, on good days. On the other days, chaotic and confusing may come to mind. How is a food processor able to cope with never-ending waves of change, evolving restrictions, fluctuating market demands, and consumer fickleness?
Topics: Food & Beverage
Should you choose functionality or flexibility?
Yes.
Modification is a controversial word for many professionals in manufacturing’s IT industry. The term
“off the shelf” also has mixed connotations, as it is often associated with old generic business solutions that offered rudimentary functionality under the guise of “plug and play” simplicity.
As the needs of manufacturers have changed over the years, the software available to address them has evolved as well, leading to a lot of discussion lately around the age-old question of “to modify or not to modify.” While the issue remains complex, the pendulum seems to be swinging clearly away from heavily customized systems and toward those that can provide a large percentage of the functionality required, without significant modifications. A number of factors are driving this trend—aging systems (the acronym ERP, first used by Gartner, celebrates its 25th birthday this year), the increasing difficulty of finding workers who can support them, and changing market conditions are all on the list.
Topics: Manufacturing, Fashion & Retail, Food & Beverage, Distribution, Infor M3, Chemical, Equipment
Manufacturers face increasing pressures to adopt digital strategies in order to keep pace with innovation and customer expectations. Unfortunately, according to IDC Manufacturing Insights, manufacturers are also reluctant to be first movers. Only 15% have a digital strategy in place now. 37% Want to be early adapters, but not first movers— because there may be risks. And, 35% say they prefer to wait until they see proven results before they deploy digital technologies.
Topics: Manufacturing, Fashion & Retail, Food & Beverage, Distribution, Infor M3, Chemical, Equipment
Digital transformation is impacting all manufacturing and distribution businesses. No matter how complex your supply chain is, you need to be able to respond faster to change, reduce excess inventory, and cut costs. Most importantly, you’ve got to give customers what you’ve promised at the time you promised it. To keep up with the pace of change, you need an agile and modern ERP solution that is flexible enough to handle both the opportunities and challenges you face today—and tomorrow.
Read how Infor M3 delivers rich industry-specific functionality to cover your unique business needs.
Topics: Manufacturing, Fashion & Retail, Food & Beverage, Distribution, Infor M3, Chemical, Equipment
From bakeries to zucchini farmers, food and beverage companies are eager to pursue avenues of growth. Many endeavor to jump start these opportunities by embracing modernization and adopting digital strategies. New technologies offer exciting ways to leverage data, engage with customers, and automate processes. As a result, new and innovative ways of looking at products and the supply chain develop, transforming how we do business. While the potential impact of digital transformation is promising, it can also be intimidating. Where do you start? How do you measure success?
To answer these and other critical questions, use this checklist to help guide your successful digital deployment.
Topics: Digital Transformation, Food & Beverage, Infor M3
by Mike Edgett, Director of Industry Marketing for Process Manufacturing, Infor
System-wide modernization has been a long-term priority for many food and beverage (F&B) companies, but is often stalled waiting for funds. Several investment options compete for those hard-earned dollars. The continual need to develop new products to meet consumer demand often make research and development (R&D) spending the priority. What does that leave for software investment?
Now, as digital technology and disruptive innovations like the Internet of Things sweep across every business landscape, transforming the way we do business, the need for modernization is moving up in priority. Food manufacturers, however, may be overwhelmed and uncertain of where to start.
As customer behaviors and needs change, the F&B industry must have the flexibility to adjust business practices in order to meet those changes. Organizations need to embrace innovative technologies that help optimize daily operations and hone profit margins. It’s not just about offering the lowest prices. Now, to succeed, there must be customer alignment.
Here are seven ways to start building this differentiation through digital transformation, and the technologies that will help make these goals a reality.
Topics: Digital Transformation, Food & Beverage, Infor M3
ICCG provides some resources - by industry - to provide you with the information and education to get started. Download and read at your own pace and if you have questions, we look forward to answering.
Topics: ERP, Manufacturing, Fashion & Retail, Food & Beverage, Distribution, Rentals & Equipment, Retail