Keep Up With Technology

Bill Gates reportedly compared the computer industry with the auto industry, suggesting “If GM had kept up with technology like the computer industry has, we would all be driving $25 cars that get 1,000 miles to the gallon.” While the quote may be urban legend, the point is well-taken.

Think of your own organization. Have your business processes kept up with available technology?

If you’re still mailing or faxing documents, replace them with emailed PDF attachments.
Have a solid relationship with vendors

Implement supply chain and eliminate the interchange of a purchase order. Instead, routinely give them an updated requirements list.
Use evaluated receipt settlement (ERS) to eliminate vendor invoices.

Do you create sub-assemblies to produce end items in quantities to meet the final assembly demand? Look into cascaded manufacturing orders.
If you’re not already using bar codes for data entry, you should be! PowerShift supports barcoded transaction entry and can produce barcodes on production, receiving and shipping documents and labels.
Consider using wireless input devices

Save steps and have real time updates
Verification of the picked item
Scan at the source and eliminate written notes
Streamline the physical inventory process

Improve communication with outside sales representatives

Copy them on order acknowledgments
Copy them on invoices
Send them backlog reports in HTML format so they can easily view on their tablet or smartphone

Use warehouse and bin location control – and warehouse mapping, if appropriate.

Eliminate searching to find parts
Parts can be in multiple locations
Pick lists can be ordered by location
Products can be stratified – i.e., locate the fastest moving products nearest the dock

Do you use UPS World Ship or FedEx Ship Manager for package shipments?

Use ODBC to populate shipping information.
Use the PowerShift Manifest application to have shipping data from the carrier (e.g., freight cost, tracking numbers) returned to PowerShift.

I challenge you to take a look at your business processes. See where you can improve. PowerShift offers many options that can be adjusted as your business grows or changes. Questions? Contact the Qantel Helpdesk or call us at 630.300.6997.