Function-supporting Software
Comprehensive ranges of software modules address business needs across industries. The benefits of well integrated business modules are evident. Achieving and maintaining integration with good ROI presents a constant challenge.
Financial Management Systems
General Ledgers
Debtors
Creditors
Costing
Treasury
Reporting
Budgets
HR and Payroll System
Human Resources and Payroll functions perform the administrative tasks around employee terms of service, expenses, leave, benefits, training, and other staff related tasks. More modern systems have embraced the web and provide many self-service forms and assistance with regard to enquiries on a 24/7 basis. Some of these systems include tools to reward, motivate and train staff.
Procurement System (Supplier Relationship Management)
A good fit procurement system may enable improved cost control and supplier quality management. Integration with receiving, quality control, and accounts payable provides more reliable information flow, and thus the prospect of more effective decision making.
Inventory System (Stores)
Good stock management generally requires a balancing act between receipts and issues on the one side, and on-hand, or facilitated inspections, and the tracking of age and quality on the other side. Production and maintenance demand and supply needs often result in a range of store types with distinctly different practices.
Maintenance System (Asset Management)
Work in Progress
Production Management System (Industry specific)
The production function consists of planning roles, execution tracking, reporting, quality and work in progress (WIP) management, as well as other industry specific functions. The nature of component and raw material sourcing and availability linked to the final product supply side determines the production planning approach, i.e. push-pull strategies.
Major differences exist between the discreet production processes and the manufacturing process. Shop floor or process control systems are essential productivity enablers.
In-process quality strategies and production line empowerment with information are becoming more and more common. Due to the uniqueness of the many different production environments, the use of MS Excel or other similar nonintegrated software tools is still common.
Process Control System (PCIS)
Automated equipment improves productivity. Real-time software provides a visual display of process in real-time and supports the function of supervision and control of material flow across equipment units.
Unit management and control is possible through instrumentation, PLC or DCS units, and control, while the next layer of supervisory systems enables an integrated view of, and control points across major processes.
Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)
A "Laboratory Information Management System" (LIMS) is software that is used in the laboratory to enable the management of a whole range of aspects, including laboratory users, samples, instruments, and practice standards. The software also provides invoicing, plate management, and work flow automation functions.
Supply Chain System (SCM)
Demand forecasting and supply chain planning tools rely on rich models of the logistics and production processes. Mathematical solvers determine optimum strategies for variable supply chain conditions. The selected production strategy flows to the ERP system to enable the execution of orders, instructions and other points of control.
Service Management Systems
A customer may entrust support and maintenance of some of the assets to specialist suppliers of such services. Managing the commercial aspects, as well as the planning, execution, and service levels of these tasks becomes a mirrored process in the two organisations.
Customer Relationship Management System (CRM)
CRM is a specialised extension of the traditional sales process approach. Market intelligence, objectives, accounts, and relationships are some of the key elements that help to improve the managed collection and sharing of information. Remote access requires special technology approaches.
Content Management Services (CMS)
It is important that the organisation's internal and external messages remain fresh and relevant. Clearly desirable is the medium of the internet to manage the distribution of such messages, and to provide user-friendly access to these in a reliable and efficient manner.
Knowledge Management Systems (KM)
Document management and specialised knowledge domain products often need to be closely integrated with the way knowledge workers perform tasks, keep time and produce output. Productivity is a key issue.