The Smart Shortlist Consult™
Free 15-minute call to discuss options with software expert Sheldon Needle.

Talk to the Expert
800-433-8015

CTS Manufacturing Blog

Recent Posts

• Ten Questions to Ask Manufacturing ERP Software Vendors
  Asking the right questions is probably the single most powerful means of qualifying your ERP/MRP manufacturing software shortlist vendors.
  
• Why Hire an Independent Consultant for Your ERP Manufacturing Software Selection/Implementation Project
  Companies looking to select manufacturing or ERP software for their manufacturing operation can greatly benefit from expert, independent outside help. But how do you justify this expenditure in our tight, budget conscious economy?
  
• Manufacturing and Accounting Software - Perfect Together?
  Many companies using basic, low cost accounting programs are reluctant to give them up when they acquire new manufacturing software. This article discusses the downside of this attitude.
• The Case for Buying Manufacturing Software in 2012
  Owners put off purchasing new software when the economy tanked and now they are seeing that up to date ERP software is the new operating paradigm and they are accepting it. 
• Perils of the Software Sales Cycle
  Purchasing new ERP software for a manufacturing company of any size is one of the most daunting tasks it will ever undertake.
• Report from the Front – Observations from a Veteran Manufacturing ERP consultant
  This article identifies common challenges faced by prospective buyers of manufacturing ERP software.
• Nine Keys to Screening ERP Software References
  Get the most from ERP vendor references by knowing the questions to ask and how to ask them.
  
• Can You Afford a Software Failure?
  Even the best of intentions by the buyer and seller can cause a project to go awry when poor decisions are made during the evaluation and/or implementation phases. Read this actual case and learn how it can be tricky it can be to avoid being claimed as a software victim.
• 5 Main Reasons That Prolong Buying Manufacturing Software
  This article looks at 5 critical reasons that can delay a manufacturing company’s software purchase decision.
• An Enlightened Perspective for ERP Business System Acquisition
  Changes in technology have a great deal to do with how erp/manufacturing software selection should be approached. This article discusses what’s still relevant and what isn’t based on current technology.
  
• 8 Signs that You Need a New MRP System
  How do you know when it's time to replace your MRP System? In this post, we look at 8 signs that could tell you it's time to start looking.
  
• 10 Reasons Why You Might Be Chasing Rainbows
  In the market for ERP software? In this post, Sheldon describes the top 10 obstacles you can face when selelcting the right mrp system.
• 10 User Friendly MRP or ERP Software Characteristics
  Sheldon describes 10 of the most important issues to look at  when evaluating a product for its user friendly characteristics. 
• ERP Manufacturing Software Post Purchase Blues – A true story
  Great lessons learned from an email we got from a CTS registerant about a manufacturing software implementation gone bad.
• Sealing The Deal: Why Companies Can’t Seem To Buy The Software That They Need
  Guest blogger Harry Landsburg discusses the pitfalls to avoid when selecting manufacturing software.
• The Manufacturing Software Buying Process – One Step Forward, Two Steps Backward
  Discusses why selling business application software is so fraught with confusion, delay and indecision.
  
• Manufacturing Software Maintenance Fees – What Will You Get for Your Money?
  When and how to choose a maintenance plan for your software.
  
• Why Companies  Purchase a Particular Manufacturing Package -- Results of Fall 2010 Survey Reveals Surprising Results
  CTS surveyed 150 registrants to learn the deciding factor(s) in their purchase decision. 
• How to Make Software Implementations Work
  Tips and tricks for ensuring your implementation is a success.
• Why Smart People Often Do Foolish Things When Buying Software
  What not to do when buying software.
  
• Expensive Lessons in Manufacturing Software Selection and Training
  Why training is so important to the success of any software purchase.
  
• Why ERP is Vital to Productivity and Profitability
  Why buy is sometimes better than build.
  
• Needs Assessment: A Roadmap to ERP Software Selection
  Why a needs assessment is so important prior to selecting the right ERP software.
• Achieving ERP Implementation Success through Closed-Loop ROI
  The importance of measurement as you implement ERP systems.
• Calculating Total Cost of Ownership (TCO): an Important Measurement of ROI
  Best ways to calculate TCO when implementing ERP or MRP system.
• Negotiating and Managing ERP Agreements
  Strategies and approaches for managing ERP software purchase agreements.