Tag Archives: on premise vs cloud

Green Cleaning Manufacturer Doubles Revenue and Triples Sales Order Volume with AccountMate Software as Their Business Backbone

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In the heart of the environmentally conscious cleaning industry, EnvirOx, LLC shines as a beacon of innovation. Established in 1995, this Illinois-based company set out to revolutionize the cleaning landscape with its commitment to eco-friendly solutions. What began as a research project culminated in the development of a single concentrated product that eliminated toxic ingredients without compromising efficiency. With a focus on utilizing stabilized hydrogen peroxide cleaning technology, EnvirOx has emerged as an industry leader, championing sustainable cleaning practices.

Growing Pains: Rising to the Challenge

As the demand for their eco-friendly cleaning solutions soared, EnvirOx found itself facing the challenges of rapid growth. The company’s commitment to toxin-free cleaning solutions had garnered significant attention, driving revenue growth of more than 10% annually since its inception. However, their technology infrastructure lagged, unable to accommodate the escalating sales volume and expanding workforce.

Traditional accounting packages fell short in supporting the company’s multifaceted needs. Every customer service and sales representative needed to become a master of customer interactions. Additionally, managing inventory, production planning, and distribution requirements became increasingly intricate as their operations expanded.

The Solution Takes Shape

EnvirOx turned to an AccountMate Elite Solution Provider for a comprehensive solution. Recognizing the need for a unified and sophisticated business system, the solution provider recommended implementing AccountMate SQL. Its scalability and open architecture made it an ideal fit for EnvirOx’s growing requirements. The platform’s program design seamlessly integrated industry-specific solutions to address sales, support, and distribution challenges.

A Unified Approach: Empowering Excellence

To tackle their customer relationship management needs, EnvirOx implemented INFOtrac for AccountMate, an advanced Customer Relationship Management (CRM) solution. This real-time customer management system provides employees with immediate access to historical data, enhancing customer service quality. It also synchronized with the outside sales force, ensuring that the sales team had updated product, pricing, and customer information on the go. This consolidated approach fostered a knowledgeable and efficient workforce, ultimately improving customer relationships.

Handling the direct consumer market through their OurHouse brand required a dynamic order fulfillment solution. Integration with Accurate Direct Access Remote Terminal (ACCU-DART) provided real-time warehouse and inventory management capabilities. The use of radio-frequency barcode scanning technology streamlined the pick-pack process and ensured that all users had up-to-the-minute information. This solution was further complemented by Freight+, which seamlessly integrated with FedEx to provide real-time shipping and handling cost assessments.

The Transformation Unveiled: Positive Outcomes

EnvirOx’s partnership with AccountMate resulted in a comprehensive front-to-back office solution. Since adopting these industry-specific program solutions in 2003, the company’s revenue has doubled, and operational efficiency has tripled. The scalability and seamless integration of AccountMate’s solutions enabled EnvirOx to not only keep pace with their growth expectations but to exceed them.

Through a blend of innovation, forward-thinking partnerships, and a commitment to sustainable practices, EnvirOx has solidified its position as a trailblazer in the cleaning industry. This transformation underscores the power of integrated solutions in boosting efficiency, enhancing customer relationships, and driving substantial growth. As they continue their journey, EnvirOx stands as a testament to the positive impact that technology-driven sustainability can have on businesses and the environment alike.

Read the full case study.

Want to speak to one of our highly-skilled business professionals about what AccountMate can do for your business? Contact us now or call 707-774-7537.

Futureproofing Your Business: Customizing Your ERP Software for Your Business Needs

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In today’s fast-paced business landscape, staying competitive often means having the ability to adapt and innovate quickly. Off-the-shelf software solutions can be powerful, but they may not always align with the unique processes and requirements of your business. This is where customization comes into play. In this article, we’ll explore the significance of customizing your software to meet your specific business needs, and why it’s a valuable investment in the long run.

The Limitations of One-Size-Fits-All Software

Off-the-shelf software products are designed to cater to a wide range of users and industries. While they offer a plethora of features, they may not address your business’s precise workflows and goals. Here are some limitations commonly associated with pre-packaged software:

  • Inflexibility: Standard software solutions are designed to cater to a broad audience. As a result, they may not be flexible enough to accommodate your unique processes or industry-specific requirements.
  • Limited Scalability: Your business may grow over time, and your software should be able to scale with you. Off-the-shelf software may not provide the scalability needed to support expansion.
  • Integration Challenges: Integrating pre-built software with your existing systems can be complex and may result in data silos or compatibility issues.
  • Costly Unnecessary Features: You might be paying for features that you don’t need or use, leading to unnecessary costs.

The Benefits of Customization

Customizing your software allows you to overcome these limitations and enjoy a host of advantages tailored to your business needs:

  • Efficiency: Custom software streamlines your processes, reducing manual tasks and boosting efficiency. You can automate workflows, making your operations smoother and faster.
  • Adaptability: As your business evolves, your software can evolve with it. Customized solutions are more adaptable and can be updated to meet changing requirements.
  • Cost-Effectiveness: While initial development costs may be higher, customized software often offers a better return on investment in the long term. You only pay for the features you need.
  • Improved User Experience: Custom software is designed with your team in mind, providing a user-friendly interface that aligns with your employees’ workflows.
  • Competitive Advantage: Tailored software can give you a competitive edge by allowing you to offer unique features or services that set you apart in your industry.
  • Enhanced Security: You have greater control over the security of your custom software, ensuring that sensitive data is well-protected.
  • Scalability: Custom software can grow with your business, eliminating the need to search for new solutions as you expand.

The Customization Process

To harness the benefits of custom software, follow these key steps:

  • Needs Assessment: Begin by conducting a thorough needs assessment. Understand your business processes, challenges, and long-term objectives.
  • Vendor Selection: Choose a reputable software development partner or in-house team with expertise in your industry.
  • Testing and Quality Assurance: Rigorous testing ensures that your software is reliable and free from bugs.
  • User Training and Adoption: Provide training and support to ensure that your team can effectively use the customized software.
  • Maintenance and Updates: Regularly maintain and update your software to keep it secure and aligned with your evolving needs.

In the ever-evolving world of business, the ability to adapt and innovate is essential. Customizing your software to meet your unique business needs is a strategic investment that can lead to increased efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and a competitive edge. By overcoming the limitations of one-size-fits-all software and tailoring your technology solutions, you’ll be better equipped to achieve your business goals and thrive in a dynamic marketplace.

Want to learn more about how AccountMate can help you plan for the future? Contact us now or call 707-774-7537 to talk to someone about your specific needs.

Manufacturer Implements Best-of-Breed ERP Solution and Triples Profits Over Three Years Without Increasing Overhead

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In the dynamic realm of oil and gas hardware manufacturing, one company stood out with an extraordinary achievement. Dixie Iron Works, a Texas-based manufacturer of valves, fittings, chokes, manifolds, and pumps for the oil and gas industry, achieved a remarkable feat: tripling profits within a mere three-year span. Their secret? A revolutionary best-of-breed Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solution, built around the AccountMate® financial software.

A Unique Approach to Transformation

Unlike many companies that opt for a monolithic integrated ERP system, Gerard Danos, President of Dixie Iron Works, took a different path. He decided to integrate three potent software packages: advanced planning and scheduling, manufacturing execution, and financial accounting. This multi-faceted approach provided comprehensive visibility and control over the entire operations while significantly reducing costs compared to a traditional integrated solution.

This unique best-of-breed solution unveiled bottlenecks, enabling cost-effective resolutions. It played a pivotal role in boosting revenues by 20% over three years, while maintaining controlled cost growth.

The Evolution of Excellence

Dixie Iron Works underwent a strategic transformation, focusing solely on producing high-quality high-pressure plug valves, fittings, and more for the oil and gas industry. The demanding 24/7 nature of the industry demanded swift response times. Dixie’s challenge was juggling diverse customer demands while maintaining operational efficiency.

Recognizing the need for a solution, Gerard Danos turned to the “Theory of Constraints” after reading “The Goal” by Dr. Eli Goldratt. This theory emphasized identifying constraints in a manufacturing operation and addressing them to enhance overall throughput. Dixie’s existing systems hindered their ability to implement this theory effectively.

From Challenges to Solutions: The Best-of-Breed Approach

Determined to optimize their processes, Dixie explored various ERP options. However, they found integrated systems lacking in the comprehensive implementation of the theory of constraints. The costs were also prohibitive. The solution lies in combining the strengths of multiple software components.

Through collaboration with an AccountMate solution provider, Dixie integrated the Resonance™ planning and scheduling system with a tailor-made manufacturing execution system called Manufacturing Conductor. To complete the triumvirate, AccountMate® financial software provided a robust backbone for accounting and financial management.

The Power of Implementation: Immediate Gains

The results of this strategic integration were immediate and profound. The software combination allowed Dixie Iron Works to analyze and mitigate bottlenecks in real-time. Where scheduling conflicts would previously lead to delays or compromises, the new system recalculated optimal solutions. A process that previously took hours was streamlined to mere minutes.

Immediate benefits included a significant reduction in packing and shipping time, a 25% increase in machine efficiency, and the ability to tackle emergency orders without disrupting the entire schedule. These gains, coupled with the elimination of manual data entry and seamless integration of processes, led to a triple-digit increase in profits and a substantial reduction in overhead expenses.

Embracing the Future: A Model for Success

Dixie Iron Works’ journey serves as a testament to the power of innovation and strategic implementation. Their best-of-breed ERP approach empowered them to enhance efficiency, maintain high-quality service, and bolster their bottom line. The company’s success story is a beacon for others facing similar challenges, urging them to embrace tailored solutions that align with their unique needs.

In an ever-evolving industry, Dixie Iron Works demonstrates that a combination of vision, collaboration, and cutting-edge technology can drive exceptional growth, elevate efficiency, and propel a business to new heights of success.

Read the full case study.

Want to speak to one of our highly-skilled business professionals about what AccountMate can do for your business? Contact us now or call 707-774-7537.