This week I grew overly frustrated with my Windows PC. After years of hearing people rave about Mac computers, I walked into the Apple store. I have always found myself captivated by virtually every one of the Mac vs. Windows commercials, yet I never really thought I’d buy one. Well I did it. I purchased a MacBook Pro that night and I brought my new baby home.
Excitement grew as I made the journey into the house with the laptop, my husband, and my kids in tow. They all knew they should leave me and my new prize alone, as I was excited to bust open my new computer and take it for a spin across the World Wide Web. I turned it on, then I sat and I stared.
I was perplexed. Granted, I had been up since five AM and I had taken a very long road trip for work and I was tired. I was also overwhelmed by the differences between Mac and Windows. What was I thinking I asked myself? Did I just waste a ton of money for nothing? Does my new baby really have four heads instead of a brain the size of Einstein? I told myself to be calm and to focus. I told myself to put my new baby away for the night.
The next day I was busy with work and I did not get a chance to open my new Mac until later that evening. Although tired, I thought I would try again. The initial confusion I felt the night before was greatly diminished and I felt a lot more comfortable. I reminded myself that my new Mac is like my ERP software. The same theory that holds true for TGI’s new customers and users of Enterprise 21 works for my new Mac. It was like moving from an old Dos-based software program to a modern GUI-based ERP system.
In the world of technology, things can come easy. In fact, some software can be very easy to use and easily figured out without little or no training. At our recent users’ conference, some of our new customers told me they thought our Enterprise 21 software was very user friendly and very easy to use. They were, of course, talking about standard tasks and not setting up a full production facility on day one of using the system and without any training. I believe Enterprise 21 is easy to use and easy to learn, although I also believe the more advance features, like MRP, take some time to learn and use in the most optimal manner. My Mac is no different. My Mac is powerful and it will take some time to utilize it as intended and as designed.
Soon I will fly through screens just as I do Enterprise 21 or my Windows PC. I just need to give myself time. Before I jump to the incorrect conclusion that my Mac purchase was a mistake, I need to take a minute to possibly watch a Mac tutorial or review the standard set up instructions. I might read through a help file or two. I might even call technical support, although those who know me well, will tell you that will most likely never happen. Regardless of how or when I seek help, I will do so and I will fall in love with my Mac and wonder how on earth I ever completed my work day without it.
This is the very same advice I would give users of our ERP software. Actually, I’d give this advice to users of almost any ERP software. I believe in the power of Enterprise 21 and the positive impact it can have on a business. I have blogged about if for a years and I will continue to do so for as long as I’m allowed to blog. And although I’ve barely broken the surface of my new Mac’s capabilities, I know I will be as passionate about my Mac as I am about Enterprise 21.
The best part of the last few days and my long winded story is our Enterprise 21 ERP software can operate with Mac clients, so my two passions will be able to coexist together in perfect harmony.
An Update on Fred, Gip the Pig, and his ERP Selection and Implementation Project
The last six months feel like a blur. I was heavily engrossed in the rebranding and launch of TGI’s new website. I’ve been so busy; I have fallen away from blogging, a task I enjoy immensely. As I prepare my return to the blogosphere I ponder potential blog topics. Quickly it comes to me and I decide I am going to provide an update on one of my favorite topics and customers.
For those of you who have been reading my blog for some time, you may remember Gip the Pig and Fred. To my delight and utter surprise, there are actually thousands of you who do subscribe to my blog and who have consequently heard about Gip and Fred. If you think back, some of my original entries have talked about Gip the Pig and a man named Fred. Both are real, although only Fred is physically above to say “ERP”. Gip and Fred were first introduced in my early ERP focused blog posts, with some of these including Looking for ERP? Leave Out the Dirty Laundry, Gip the Pet Pig and ERP Software, and ERP Selection Case Study - A Solid Evaluation Project. They have been my muse because I like Fred and his family so much.
Last week was our annual users’ conference. I was fortunate enough to sit next to Fred at dinner one evening. It was a pleasure. Fred runs a small, family-owned business that is dairy processor in the
Fred and his family look well outside their box when deciding to purchase an ERP software package. His team engaged an outside consultant and thankfully, TGI won the right to call Fred a customer. I do mean “won the right”, because all of us at TGI love Fred. Fred and his team went from paper to an optimized business quickly. They utilized our
As I sat next to Fred at dinner, I told him about my blog and I confessed that I’ve told the world about Gip the pet pig and his ERP project. I told him I did this, because I so enjoyed my time with him and his family and because I am thoroughly impressed with their implementation and usage of our ERP software. I meant it and spoke my words with true honesty and admiration. Fred, of course, laughed and told me I was crazy.
Fred once told someone that when he calls into our technical support center, the team treats him like he is General Motors. He said he is a small firm, but that TGI treats him like he is our most important customer. We do that because Fred is our most important customer. He and many more just like him deserve the respect and admiration bestowed upon him. Fred treats us as a technology partner and as a trusted advisor. He listens and he lets us help him. Fred treats us like we are his friend and not his supplier. This relationship is one of the reasons Fred’s software selection and implementation project is a true success story. While Fred may not see this, we do. I see how much Fred’s company has grown and I see the software has truly helped them as a company.
I’ve been around ERP software for longer than I may care to admit and I’ve performed many ERP software demonstrations. To this day Fred, Gip, and the rest of the family continue to be my favorite onsite demonstration of all time and one of my favorite customers.
Change Can be Great, Even if it is Never Easy
Last night the world watched as America embraced change. Party affiliation is irrelevant when considering the massive change the U.S. accepted as the country set aside gender and race biases to bring a new set of leaders into the White House. While I did have a preferred candidate, I knew I would be happy with either party given the massive barriers that were broken last night. Both Obama and Palin offered a new tomorrow and a new chapter in American history.
I applaud the voters as they came together in record numbers to vote. In fact, everyone I spoke with yesterday voted. This, more than anything else, made me happy. The country sought change and the country stood up in record numbers to drive that change.
As we all know, change does not come without cost. It is not easy and it is typically a very difficult road to navigate. The path of change includes detours and bumps and sometimes a wrong turn along the way. But when change is executed correctly, the benefits and final outcome can make a spectacular difference.
As with many things in my personal life, I relate last night’s historical events back to my professional world of ERP software. It reminds me how monumental an ERP selection project can be in the course of a company’s long-term business plan. It reminds me, that the ERP selection project needs every stakeholder to get involved and everyone needs to cast their vote. It reminds me that once a package is selected, regardless of an individual’s personal views on the vendor of choice, every project team member and employee needs to rally around the team and support the project with everything possible. A unified team and a strong leader can drive remarkable change and long-term positive results.
Regardless of your political party or ERP software preference, I encourage my country, the world, and businesses to unite. Drive positive change within both your professional and personal activities. Know the road ahead will encounter bumps and set backs, but that in the end, human nature and our desire to succeed can and will bring success to those who persevere.
I look forward to 2009 and the difference I can make in both my work and home life. I look forward to the change we all need and crave. I believe my husband said it best last night as we eagerly listened to the election results. He said “America needs change and the American people need hope. Voting today represented hope for a better tomorrow.” In saying this he referred to no particular party or candidate. He referred to human nature’s ability to overcome obstacles and to overcome challenges in every aspect of our lives. And without question, he knows challenges. We live in Michigan and he works deep within the automotive industry. As a couple we have hope. And regardless of our many times opposing political views; together we unite to welcome change for our country.
I applaud the voters as they came together in record numbers to vote. In fact, everyone I spoke with yesterday voted. This, more than anything else, made me happy. The country sought change and the country stood up in record numbers to drive that change.
As we all know, change does not come without cost. It is not easy and it is typically a very difficult road to navigate. The path of change includes detours and bumps and sometimes a wrong turn along the way. But when change is executed correctly, the benefits and final outcome can make a spectacular difference.
As with many things in my personal life, I relate last night’s historical events back to my professional world of ERP software. It reminds me how monumental an ERP selection project can be in the course of a company’s long-term business plan. It reminds me, that the ERP selection project needs every stakeholder to get involved and everyone needs to cast their vote. It reminds me that once a package is selected, regardless of an individual’s personal views on the vendor of choice, every project team member and employee needs to rally around the team and support the project with everything possible. A unified team and a strong leader can drive remarkable change and long-term positive results.
Regardless of your political party or ERP software preference, I encourage my country, the world, and businesses to unite. Drive positive change within both your professional and personal activities. Know the road ahead will encounter bumps and set backs, but that in the end, human nature and our desire to succeed can and will bring success to those who persevere.
I look forward to 2009 and the difference I can make in both my work and home life. I look forward to the change we all need and crave. I believe my husband said it best last night as we eagerly listened to the election results. He said “America needs change and the American people need hope. Voting today represented hope for a better tomorrow.” In saying this he referred to no particular party or candidate. He referred to human nature’s ability to overcome obstacles and to overcome challenges in every aspect of our lives. And without question, he knows challenges. We live in Michigan and he works deep within the automotive industry. As a couple we have hope. And regardless of our many times opposing political views; together we unite to welcome change for our country.
Webinar: How to Optimize the Order to Delivery Process Within Food Distribution
You face incredible changes in the marketplace - pressures that demand you optimize your processes to protect your company, your customer base and your market share. Join us for a webinar that will show you how the latest technologies can help you achieve the efficiencies you desire.
Presented by Technology Group International and Versatile Systems with sponsorship by Motorola and Zebra Technologies, this collaborative Webinar is an educational and informational resource for organizations currently engaged in food processing and distribution. This educational event will review techniques for improving food distribution efficiencies, increasing food safety, and improving FDA compliance via handheld computer solutions. Attendees will also learn how to extend the reach of their existing ERP software data to make it readily available to field sales and delivery personnel.
The Webinar will provide valuable insight from:
● Versatile Systems - Brett Birdsong
● Technology Group International - Dave Litzenberg
● Zebra Technologies - Marty Johnson
In this sixty minute session, attendees will learn:
● Today's trends in food distribution.
● The challenges and opportunities for today's distributor of perishable products.
● Best practices for maximizing efficiencies and profits within the order to delivery process.
● Best practices for assuring food safety for distributors, stores, and consumers.
● The emerging technologies available to assist today's food processors and distributors.
The Webinar is designed to educate business and functional executives, CFO's, project managers, and information technology professionals of food-based processors and distributors.
We're Giving Away a Brand New MC75 Enterprise Digital Assistant! In addition to the education offering, Motorola has agreed to provide a new MC75 handheld computer as a door prize to be drawn at the end of event.
Event Information
Webinar Title: Technology That Delivers: How to Optimize the Order to Delivery Process Within Food DistributionDate: Thursday, November 13, 2008 Time: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM EDT
After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar. System RequirementsPC-based attendeesRequired: Windows® 2000, XP Home, XP Pro, 2003 Server, Vista Macintosh®-based attendeesRequired: Mac OS® X 10.4 (Tiger®) or newer
Space is limited.
Reserve your Webinar seat now at: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/699674594
Presented by Technology Group International and Versatile Systems with sponsorship by Motorola and Zebra Technologies, this collaborative Webinar is an educational and informational resource for organizations currently engaged in food processing and distribution. This educational event will review techniques for improving food distribution efficiencies, increasing food safety, and improving FDA compliance via handheld computer solutions. Attendees will also learn how to extend the reach of their existing ERP software data to make it readily available to field sales and delivery personnel.
The Webinar will provide valuable insight from:
● Versatile Systems - Brett Birdsong
● Technology Group International - Dave Litzenberg
● Zebra Technologies - Marty Johnson
In this sixty minute session, attendees will learn:
● Today's trends in food distribution.
● The challenges and opportunities for today's distributor of perishable products.
● Best practices for maximizing efficiencies and profits within the order to delivery process.
● Best practices for assuring food safety for distributors, stores, and consumers.
● The emerging technologies available to assist today's food processors and distributors.
The Webinar is designed to educate business and functional executives, CFO's, project managers, and information technology professionals of food-based processors and distributors.
We're Giving Away a Brand New MC75 Enterprise Digital Assistant! In addition to the education offering, Motorola has agreed to provide a new MC75 handheld computer as a door prize to be drawn at the end of event.
Event Information
Webinar Title: Technology That Delivers: How to Optimize the Order to Delivery Process Within Food DistributionDate: Thursday, November 13, 2008 Time: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM EDT
After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar. System RequirementsPC-based attendeesRequired: Windows® 2000, XP Home, XP Pro, 2003 Server, Vista Macintosh®-based attendeesRequired: Mac OS® X 10.4 (Tiger®) or newer
Space is limited.
Reserve your Webinar seat now at: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/699674594
911 Assistance for ERP Systems
My weekend was kicked off early Friday afternoon as I ran out of TGI’s corporate office and raced to a hospital just a mere eighty or so miles away. After spending hours in a pediatric trauma unit, I returned home only to encounter two automotive accidents within the next twelve hour period. This brief recap is without exaggeration and it was just the start of my weekend. The weekend continued in a flurry of craziness as I completed preparations for a birthday party for fifty or so of our friends and neighbors. My plans for a flawless weekend were certainly upset by toddler falls and car crashes.
As I returned to work this morning, I breathed a sigh of relief. I was returning to a world of consistency, of binary code, and focused on ERP systems. At last, I thought, I will find some peace as I settle back into the comforting world of technology. This thought lasted for only a moment, because reality quickly came back and I remembered even my beloved ERP system is not protected from the occasional emergency situation. Over the last five years our customer base has experienced their own trials and tribulations due to offices flooding, fire, and catastrophic hardware failure. My brief moment of comfort was ever so brief.
But unlike my personal life, my ERP system can have a back up and recovery plan or can be hosted in a secure Software as a Service environment. Both options make operational interruptions and actual loss of data minimal and almost nonexistent. It made me desire a back up and recovery plan for my personal life.
In September we are hosting a Webinar titled “ERP Systems: Failing to Plan Means Planning to Fail”. When I mentally revisited the Webinar’s agenda, I found myself laughing. The agenda is focused on successfully executing a software selection project plan. The content is good, yet the title left me with an entirely different thought process after my weekend of personal chaos. I was once again reminded that planning for success goes beyond technology evaluation. It goes well into the go live process and years down the road when everyone within the organization grows comfortable with their ERP system and infrastructure. While our Webinar cannot reach this far into the project’s lifecycle, it is still an important point to remember.
So after the last few days I am forced to remind everyone who with listen – revisit your own emergency plan, double check your back up and recovery process, and remember that unexpected events can disrupt even the best laid plans.
As I returned to work this morning, I breathed a sigh of relief. I was returning to a world of consistency, of binary code, and focused on ERP systems. At last, I thought, I will find some peace as I settle back into the comforting world of technology. This thought lasted for only a moment, because reality quickly came back and I remembered even my beloved ERP system is not protected from the occasional emergency situation. Over the last five years our customer base has experienced their own trials and tribulations due to offices flooding, fire, and catastrophic hardware failure. My brief moment of comfort was ever so brief.
But unlike my personal life, my ERP system can have a back up and recovery plan or can be hosted in a secure Software as a Service environment. Both options make operational interruptions and actual loss of data minimal and almost nonexistent. It made me desire a back up and recovery plan for my personal life.
In September we are hosting a Webinar titled “ERP Systems: Failing to Plan Means Planning to Fail”. When I mentally revisited the Webinar’s agenda, I found myself laughing. The agenda is focused on successfully executing a software selection project plan. The content is good, yet the title left me with an entirely different thought process after my weekend of personal chaos. I was once again reminded that planning for success goes beyond technology evaluation. It goes well into the go live process and years down the road when everyone within the organization grows comfortable with their ERP system and infrastructure. While our Webinar cannot reach this far into the project’s lifecycle, it is still an important point to remember.
So after the last few days I am forced to remind everyone who with listen – revisit your own emergency plan, double check your back up and recovery process, and remember that unexpected events can disrupt even the best laid plans.
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