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Cloud ERP is a software that makes it possible for users to easily access Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) over the internet. One of the factors that make Cloud ERP popular in the business community in Singapore is the cost. Most of the other ERP software require high up-front payments. Small and new companies with financial constraints find it difficult, and sometimes even impossible, to make this investment. Cloud ERP has lower upfront costs since the services are leased by the month, instead of an outright purchase.

Cost-effective

As has been noted, Cloud ERP is favorable because of the flexible payment terms. Instead of paying for software upfront, companies can make monthly payments. This is a great feature for companies that rely on incoming income to meet daily and monthly expenditures. Some business owners are not sure if their business needs to invest in ERP. Unfortunately, most of the other software needs to be bought up front.

If a budget does not exist for the ERP system, many companies choose to go without it until such a time when they have the funds for it. Cloud ERP is also a great alternative since the cost of maintaining and supporting applications is lower because the cloud vendor manages all the updates and upgrades.

Data backup and recovery plan

Many companies worry about the safety of their data and what would happen should they lose the information that is at the core of the company’s operations. Cloud ERP has security features that ensure all the data is backed up and can be retrieved easily should there be a disaster that led to the loss of information. This has created confidence in the Singapore business community that has been looking for a system that guarantees the safety of data.

Protection from attacks

Companies always worry about hackers and the impact of cyber-attacks on the day-to-day running of the business. Businesses that use Cloud ERP do not spend time worrying about attacks on the company’s server since the information is stored on the cloud. Protecting the company’s servers is an important component of management. However, knowing that the data is safe gives management the peace of mind to concentrate on the running of the business, instead of obsessing about the cyber-security and the new techniques used by hackers in a bid to access data.

Flexible cloud service

The amount of data a company has in the first two years of operation is not the same after five or ten years. The changing storage demands make Cloud ERP an excellent choice. This application is scalable. The storage space required by companies fluctuates depending on the changing computing needs of the business. For example, a company may introduce more products to their online clients. They may also include shipping and tracking information to attract more clients. These changes will not affect the speed or accessibility to the Cloud ERP system since the storage space, and computing services is elastic.

Easy geographical expansion

Since Cloud ERP is accessed on the internet, it can be accessed from any corner of the world. This makes it easy for companies that are looking for geographical expansion. The company only needs to worry about other logistical challenges that come with expansion, without worrying about the installation of hardware or software in local servers where the various branches will be established.

Singapore is a country known globally that has a rich free market economy. Around 20% of the GDP of Singapore is from the revenue collected from the manufacturing industry. The organizations and businesses in the country are thus, top notch and very competitive. Innovation and development are of paramount importance and any tool or resource that helps better solutions for a respective company is adopted and used quickly.

Enterprise Resource Planning or simply, ERP is an innovative software that has streamlined all the systems of a business into a single platform. Preciously, a business contained all the various systems, but they did not have any link between them. For instance, the sales could not be linked to the purchase or the inventory and data retrieval from either one, was time consuming and had risk of faulty data. That all has been changed by the ERP system. It links all the various branches of a business such as the finance, sales, accounts, warehouse etc. onto one real time user interface that can be used to order or link to the customer in no time. It has become the norm of the business world to incorporate this system into their company and the one without, usually lags in revenue. It has been proved that the use of ERP solutions in businesses has expanded profits and this is the sole reason why it is becoming so popular internationally.

In Singapore, entrepreneurs are encouraged to start businesses and use ERP in their systems to get streamlined data and information. Many developed businesses have ERP solutions and thus remain competitive in the market. One of the major subsidiaries of ERP is the Microsoft ERP solutions created by Microsoft and is very popular in the market. It is available in the cloud computing form and can be accessed over the internet at any time and any place. Orders can be placed in real-time and up to date information can be retrieved.

Technology has a way or evolving into new and better systems and there comes a time when the old systems are not compatible to the newer advanced technology. In such scenarios Microsoft ERP builds and evolves accordingly and updates its respective systems as well. For instance, if the user has an old HR system then the Microsoft ERP will update it according to the need of the user. In addition to this, the data retrieval has never been so easy and timely.

In this dynamic global market of today it is of paramount importance that the businessman has some tricks up his sleeve that make his company better than the rest. These tools and resources such as CRM and ERP help put his company’s name in the market and ensure a steady flow of profit that eventually earns him a place in the global economy. The progress may be steady at first but due to efficiency and provision of risk-free information, the success is ensured.

Compelling reasons why you should choose Microsoft Dynamics NAV

Nothing stays the same in any industry. Tools and strategies that were super effective a few years back are either no longer working or offering little results. The advancement in science and technology over the last couple of years has given birth to new tools that can scale the growth of businesses in any industry. The distribution industry is no exception, as high tech and sophisticated systems that can effectively carry out several business functions have been made. Microsoft Dynamics NAV is a perfect example of a useful tool that can help scale the growth of supply chain and logistics business.

Of course, there are many CRM tools in the market, but Microsoft Dynamics is somewhat special, and for good reasons. You see, the tool can be used by small, medium, and large businesses. Even more, it can easily integrate with existing systems. You are advised to enlist the help of a Microsoft Dynamics implementation partner such as MSC Consulting (S) Pte Ltd for an effective and smooth transition into the software.

The following article by Jeff Pyden, OmniVue sheds light on some convincing reasons why every distribution company should choose Microsoft Dynamics NAV.

5 Reasons to Choose Microsoft Dynamics NAV for Distribution

The pressures of global competition and lean economic times create unique challenges for the distribution industry.  If your business is tied to conventional supply chain processes, it’s often difficult to predict and respond to customer demand. Read more here.

You likely now know some attractive reasons why logistics company owners should choose Microsoft Dynamics. If you are new to it or don’t have a full grasp of how it works, you won’t be able to get the most out of it. Well, if that is the case, then you should choose a reputable Microsoft Dynamics NAV partner to help you get the most out of your investment.

The following article by Andrew Lees sheds light on some important things you should give thoughts to when choosing a Microsoft Dynamics NAV partner.

Five Things to Consider When Choosing Your Microsoft Dynamics NAV Partner   

Choosing the right partner is vital to maximizing your investment in your ERP system. Ensuring the provider is aligned to your values and business goals will ensure your maximum return. A partner that fully understands your needs will enhance the functionality. Read more here.

You surely now know some five things you should give careful consideration to when choosing a Microsoft Dynamics NAV partner. But even after choosing a good partner, it is important that you learn as much as you can about Microsoft Dynamics NAV and how it can help your business grow to new heights.

The following article by comparecamp shed light on everything you need to know about Microsoft Dynamics NAV.

Microsoft Dynamics NAV Review

Whether a business is emerging, medium-sized, or a tiny enterprise, they have an exceptional tool in the Microsoft Dynamics NAV. This ERP solution can be deployed on-premise and it can also be deployed in the cloud and easily adapt to your industry’s specific needs. Read more here.

You now know a lot about Microsoft Dynamics NAV and the benefits it offers to supply chain and logistics businesses. So, if you are serious about growth, then you should give it a try. And remember that it is suitable for small, medium, and large sized businesses and can be customized to suit the unique needs of a business.

Final note

Whether you own a medium-sized supply chain store or manage a large logistics company, if you don’t keep up with the trends and innovations in the distribution industry, you won’t be able to satisfy the needs of your customers and will be dominated by your competition.

To keep your business afloat in this lean and competitive economy, it is critical that you invest in tools like Microsoft Dynamics NAV among others, as they can help improve your productivity and streamline your business processes. Since you are new to these tools and know very little or nothing about how they function, you may need to employ the services of a software solution provider company to get the most out of your investment.

Enterprise Resource Planning systems are new age information integration systems that are used by all the large corporations in the marketplace. Be it a financial, telecommunications or food and beverage, all businesses today require an efficient and less time-consuming database system that incorporates all the systems used. Users must also be able to access the information easily and swiftly.

An Enterprise Resource Planning Application (ERP app) is essentially a data base where all the main systems of the company such as accounts, sales, stores, CRM etc. are available on the same platform. If a user has any query, he can simply retrieve information or give orders through this ERP app without any third-party interference. These applications today come portable, with cloud computing, and are far more secure than before. In the past, these ERP systems were built to accommodate mega industrial projects but today these efficient systems can be made for small to medium organizations as well. The basic idea behind the creation of ERP apps is to create a central location of information that can be retrieved and referenced by any of the users.

Benefits of ERP Applications:

There is no doubt in the influence of ERP in today’s global business world. More and more organizations are adopting these systems for efficient use of information and streamlining their various branches. Some of the major benefits of using ERP apps are:

• Better information insight is provided by ERP app systems where the user can see a comprehensive picture of the business
• Price previously being paid for tedious work processes is mostly removed thanks to efficient business processing systems
• More teamwork between the users by sharing information on the platform
• The information stored has never been more secure, thanks to the efficient security methods of ERP apps
• User friendly mobile interface for employees to easily access and use at any time
• Profits are more enhanced for businesses using such technology

ERP Applications & the Singapore Market:

Singapore has a very competitive global market and a dynamic economy of businesses and companies. Many of its multinational companies and organizations have been using ERP since it’s invention. The outcome of this is obvious through its innovation and competitive standing in the globe. Singapore is on the frontline of using such efficient systems in its organizations and many more companies and nations now follow that too.

Now in Singapore, ERP is used in sales, commerce, business and analytics and can even be seen in small scale utilizations. The use of ERP cloud has been seen to be more prevalent recently. Cloud computing influences the use of information over the internet, and it is being used by more and more systems world-wide.

Singapore is one of Asia’s most competitive economies. However, according to the Global Competitiveness Report released in September 2018, Singapore’s ranking slipped in innovation and sophistication. This doesn’t mean Singapore has taken a step back, it could mean that other countries have caught up and have become more innovative. Digital makeover is one of the features of the fourth industrial revolution. The use of technology in manufacturing and logistics has become vital. Warehouse apps have changed how companies keep track of stock in warehouses.

Integration of logistics

Although some companies have their warehouses, others use storage facilities run by other companies. These warehouses provide support to companies that do not have sufficient space to store their merchandise. They also come in handy for businesses that do not want to bear the associated costs that come with running a warehouse including labor resource challenges.

Warehouse apps help in ensuring there is direct communication between the warehouse and the office. Through the integration of all activities in the warehouse and the actions taken by the office, accurate information is shared at all time. This enables companies, particularly those that use warehouses run by other companies, to keep track of their stock through warehouse app providers like: https://orangekloud.com/business-solutions/warehouse-solutions/

Management with minimal human interference

Before the introduction of warehouse apps, warehousing and stock taking had to be done manually. Hundreds of employees were required, especially for large warehouses, to ensure that every transaction is recorded, and that the stock sold and what is left behind is accounted for. Human error was unavoidable, and this led to losses for businesses that could not identify where the mistake was made.

Cloud computing, big data, cybersecurity, and the Internet of Things are some of the features that will bring the fourth industrial revolution. Warehouse apps have been designed around some of these features. Business owners can analyze the information they receive from the warehouses from anywhere in the world. The data is stored in cloud to ensure no one interferes with it, and those authorized have easy access to the data. Automation is truly transforming how warehouses are managed. The Coca-Cola warehouse in Singapore is an example of how smart technology is revolutionizing storage.

Warehouses are more than storage facilities

Businesses are changing the way they run their operations. This change has been partly thanks to online stores which provide services like drop shipping. Some of the online businesses do not handle storage and transportation. These businesses attract the customers, send the information to the warehouse once a client purchases the product with payment information and delivery information. The interconnection between the shop, warehouse and shippers has been simplified because of the transparency made possible with the use of warehouse apps.

Singapore’s government encourages the proper use of land for higher productivity as it is a tiny, bustling city of only 721.5 km². Areas that have been zoned for industries and warehouses can be more productive through the adoption of smart technology. This will increase the demand for warehousing which in turn will contribute more to the economy. The success achieved through the use of warehouse apps will encourage end users to custom-build warehouses with the use of smart initiatives which will benefit relevant companies and the economy.

Importance of Investing in Field Service Management Systems

How a business that has a segment of field service operates plays a crucial role on how smoothly its transactions are done. Without the right field management system, errors and delays are common. There will likely be delays since the field personnel has to spend much time between the warehouse and the field. Operational costs will also be higher since movement between the office and field will equally be higher. For a business that is out to make a profit, it is essential to invest in a system that is easy to use, cost effective and one that is result oriented.

Field Service management is becoming the new buzz word in logistics. If you are keen to look for a vendor, you should consider Orangekloud Inventory App for your Field Inventory App vendor. They specialize in a wide range of app development and you can be sure of their work quality. Visit their site today.

In this article by FieldAware, a guide is given on why organizations need to prioritize on field service management.

Benefits of field service management

“For organizations wanting to improve the efficiency of their field service operations, investment in technology plays a big part in achieving this. For many companies, choosing and implementing a solution can become complex and potential efficiency gains are being missed, meaning organizations are not seeing the full return from their investment.” read more here

 Some of the benefits of having a field service management system in place include a paperless system, acceleration of payment and simplified schedule system. For organizations in construction, for example, field service management has made it easy for smooth communication between the field and warehouse on the need for materials and delivery without any papers being used. This already has a positive impact on the environment. However, it also means the organization has better kept records that are easier to refer to should questions arise at any given point.

In this article found in razorsync.com, the author discusses some of the possible changes field service management will see in future as far as the use of technology is concerned.

Technologies that will transform field service management

“Technology is transforming the world all around us. Form the way we communicate and engage with customers and clients to tracking Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) and reaching goals, technological advances have changed the fundamentals of what it means to conduct business well. Because mastering the use of integrated technology has become so critical….” read more here

Technology has become inevitable in every business. Customers see the changes technology has in their lives, and they expect similar changes when dealing with service providers. Technology has made people less patient because they understand how fast it is possible to get work done. This is one of the reasons organizations in service delivery need to invest in business intelligence tools and smart devices if they are to keep up with the demands of today’s consumers.

In this article, Emma Newman discusses some of the things that influence which service provider an organization uses for its field service management.

Things to consider when choosing vendors of field service management systems

“Just like in any marketplace, within the workforce management software market there is distinct brand loyalty at play. ClickSoftware, SAP, IBM and TOA dominate the market with their products and continue to expand their suite of field service applications to include, for example mobility. Many customers of these solutions will look at the systems they currently have in place and stay loyal…” read more here

 It is easy for organizations to be overwhelmed by the number of service providers of field service management software. Many choose the giants in the industry with the assumption they are getting the best. Unfortunately, for many organizations, the best is rated according to the cost and size of the name of the service provider. This has made it difficult for smaller up-coming companies that probably have better systems to penetrate the market. It is essential for organizations to look at what they are getting against what they would be missing by choosing a particular provider over another. This would give the smaller providers the chance to grow while at the same time increase competition. This will result in better field service management systems that will be more affordable.

Field service management systems have become essential in every business. There is no escaping it if organizations want to excel in service provision. They have improved efficiency and eliminated the redundancy that was once part of organizations with a segment in field service. The head office is today knowledgeable of every step taken by personnel in the warehouses and those in the field. This system has also made the decision-making process easier and faster since information is collected in real-time.

Maintaining the security of your households and businesses are of utmost priority. Surveillance cameras are an effective means in this regard. Using various kinds of CCTV video analytics, these CCTV cameras can detect a number of intruders and make sure that the system is secure. When looking at these CCTV cameras, you will come across a variety of different kinds of cameras. Making the right choice for your specific needs is important and thus it is necessary to look at the different features of these variety of CCTV cameras.

Find out more about CCTV Video Analytics Singapore here.

Dome Camera

The dome camera is named due to its shape. The camera angle is designed in such a way that is difficult to be blocked by intruders. These dome cameras are also easy to install and can be placed in any corner of the premises. They are also fitted with infrared lens that give the perfect lighting for evening images and lookouts. Dome cameras are perfect for indoor security of households and buildings.

Bullet Camera

Bullet cameras are compact camera lenses that can be fitted either outside or inside the building. Their size makes it easy to install. These cameras are perfect for images that require long distance viewing. They are long and cylindrical in shape and can be mounted on a bracket or are fixed with a varifocal lens, depending on the purpose for which it is being used. These cameras are also easy to clean as they have protective casing installed that wards off dust, dirt and other elements.

C-mount Camera

C-mount cameras are versatile as they come with detachable lenses that can be changed according to the purpose required. These cameras can be fitted with lenses that cover distances beyond 40ft, whereas the normal CCTV lenses can only get images up to 35-40 ft.These are good for indoor use but the only default is that they are easily noticeable to their bulky size.

Day/Night Camera

If you want CCTV cameras that function in both good and poor lighting, these day/night cameras are for you. They produce quality videos in low lighting as they have extra sensitive imaging chips fitted into them. You can fit them outside the building to produce top notch quality surveillance in either colored or non-colored. These cameras are also available in a variety of sizes.

PTZ Camera

Pan-tilt-zoom cameras should ideally be installed if you have a live surveillance system or a guard operating the security system as these need to be panned (moved left or right), tilted ( moved up and down) and zoomed in or out to get a closer view. These cameras come fitted with a sharp autofocus and a smart tracking system that can provide perfect images and video surveillance.

The surveillance industry has ameliorated from its basic of offering security to galvanizing business development with

the addition of features like the iris recognition system for personnel security recognition . In the recent years, video camera manufacturers are innovating this product to make it one of the latest disruptive commercial technologies. Companies using video surveillance are able to provide better services or products, efficient staff and even change their layouts to provide customer satisfaction. The following are the benefits of how video surveillance is an asset for business development.

Retail Businesses

Every retailer aims at selling their products to the customers by offering the latest models at the best affordable price. However, if the customers are unsatisfied, then video surveillance can aid in fixing the problem.

Customer’s shopping patterns can be noted and change in the product or service can made accordingly. Identifying the customer needs by watching the videos of the surveillance can enable the retailer to make an informed and wiser choice in selecting the brands to feature in their stores.

Retailers can keep a watch on their staff, so that there is no internal theft in their stores or shops. As a result, there are always more eyes watching the events unfolding at various levels of the shop. The employees also work more efficiently as they are aware that they are under constant scrutiny.

Customers often get upset or annoyed with the disinterest of the staff or their inappropriate behaviour. Retailers can prevent angry customers from leaving the store before things get out of hand.

Retailers can also make floor changes or layout changes by observing the consumer behaviour. If there is a brand that instantly catches the eyes of most customers, then the retailer can place the brand right at the entrance so as to entice more customers to enter their stores or shops.

Weather alerts

Weather warnings are necessary for survival. Putting up weather cameras can be effective in raising an alarm ahead of a natural calamity.

Weather surveillance videos can not only help in alerting but in also saving lives. Once an alert sounds, evacuation processes can begin and rescue teams can be alerted.

Weather cameras also help in predicting natural calamities as it helps scientist study patterns and record the temperature levels.

For animal welfare associations, weather cameras are a blessing. During a forest fire alert or a storm alert, they can begin the evacuation and rehabilitation process for the animals near the forest regions.

As a business operator, you are always focused on making profits, expanding business and retaining customers. But these goals are normally a challenge to many which is why only a few prosper in the business sector. The problem is not little capital, the problem is incompetent planning that leads many traders to the wrong direction. Retail POS systems give you the best information regarding all the businesses statistics thereby making you to plan well and perfectly. It is for this reason that people who use point of sales systems find their business operations smoothly and efficiently. But what should your POS contain for it to serve you better? Find out below.

Sales Analysis and Reporting Feature

All profits are generated from sales, and a business success is determined by the volume of sales that it makes. If you are not in a position to know which kind of goods are bought in large numbers and which ones are selling at low numbers, it would be hard for you to plan the goods to buy. A POS system gives you all the sales data regarding the fast moving goods so that you order a large volume of these goods and maximize profits.

Customer Protection and Management

As a business person, your customers are your bosses which means you should always work to serve them better and please them. POS system should be able to keep data about clients so that you plan on the clients to be rewarded. Through this, you will create a perfect name for your business and attract more clients. Customer protection is when all the payment options are safe. Clients should be given the autonomy to choose whichever kind of payment method they are convenient to use. Make sure that the POS you are buying accepts various payment methods so as not to limit your clients.

Customer’s expectations can be managed via a emenu that provides them quickly with useful ordering information and options.

Theft Prevention and Employee Accountability

Sometimes your employees could be stealing from you, or they could be serving clients carelessly without charging them thereby making you to earn loses. POS can help you prevent this because they record all data of the product you have, who served it to clients and the expected amount. If anything goes against the records, you will have strong evince to question the transaction process. The POS records the name of the staff who served the client and the name of the goods that were served.

Eliminate the Manual Management

How many times should you remain behind after closure of a business day to analyze the inventories and products? POS can give you real-time updates on everything that you need to know regarding the business operation. You dont have to sit down with a calculator, pen and a paper to start doing calculations, you can get it all done on the point of sale software.

Install the appropriate POS softwares and you will enjoy efficient business operations that will expand your business. You will serve your clients well, and you will be able to create an outstanding reputation for yourself.

Access control system is a system that limits the access or usability of virtual or physical content or resources. The system works by a process that controls which users can be given access or granted privileges to utilize information, resources or systems.

In this era where information is power, protection of such information is of the utmost priority for most companies. Access control provides protection against hackers and intruders. This system has provisions for the protection of different kinds of information and resources. There are different types of access control to cater to the specific needs of the client. These types are as follows:-

1) Intruder detection system – when an intruder or burglar is detected by this system, the intruder alarms and motion detectors send messages or signs to the owner who can then inform the authorities or take necessary action. As these systems can be easily placed on the interior as well as the exterior of the premises or building, no one can gain access to the facility with your knowledge.

2) Gate entry – the system is tuned in such a way that all people coming in and going out of the premises can be monitored and tracked. Based on the level of security clearance, the individual can or cannot access areas with sensitive information. The movement of every individual can be monitored at any given time till the time they leave the premises.

3) Biometric systems – an ideal system for high security is what the biometric reader aims to do. Only with the assigned clearance can there be access to sensitive areas in a given building or premises. A human’s unique features like handprint, fingerprint or iris recognition system are used as the biometric readers to verify and confirm security clearance. Incorrect feeds will set off an alarm after a fixed number of attempts.

4) Camera system – video surveillance, also called CCTV (closed-circuit television). Visuals of a person’s movement can be monitored and recorded for high-security areas. Facial recognition is possible with specialized software if the CCTV camera is of a high-resolution. When the image captured resolution is high, even vehicle number plates can be easily identified.

You can be at peace when you can monitor your premises from anywhere in the world. Such advancement in technology is truly a blessing in disguise. From elementary schools to multinational companies, access control has become essential for safety and protection purposes.