Latest updates and insights from Kerridge Commercial Systems

Technology has already transformed how businesses operate across industries — and that includes field service. The growth of technology now means field service engineers can access customer data on the move, easily working collaboratively with other engineers and arriving on-time, every time through GPS-powered map functionality. 

As processes develop and guidelines change, compliance with rules and regulations has never been more important for manufacturers. Thankfully, the time-consuming compliance checks of times gone by have been streamlined through technological advances. Now, with the right ERP software in place, manufacturers can enjoy tighter controls and more efficient processes.

In manufacturing, a Bill of Materials is essential — and inaccuracies can have a huge impact on your overall output and efficiencies. In this blog post, I will discuss just how substantial these impacts can be, as well as how you can avoid them.

Starting a new ERP project is not without its difficulties — without the correct planning in place. As the saying goes, fail to prepare and prepare to fail. Put the legwork in now and hit the ground running once your ERP software is fully implemented.

Working in manufacturing and technology, we’re familiar with acronyms. From ERP to CRM, the latest jumble of letters hitting the headlines is GDPR — the General Data Protection Regulation. But what is it and how is it set to impact manufacturers?

With markets becoming even more competitive and boundaries blurring further, being a manufacturer is no longer as simple as making things. The industry as a whole is in the midst of a servitization transformation, as manufacturers venture into the services field — a space that was traditionally reserved for specialist service providers.

As a manufacturer, you’ll already understand the importance of your warehouse within your business. As the place where raw materials arrive and are stored, as well as where finished products are kept before shipment, your warehouse is a hub of activity. Without effective warehouse management, your entire set-up could descend into chaos — with disastrous consequences for your supply chain.

The success of any business — be it in field service or not — rests upon staff performance. You can have the finest vehicles, machinery and equipment, but if staff performance is low, business growth and performance will naturally be stunted.

While employees may dread their annual stock checks, there’s no denying that stock control is crucially important to manufacturers. Without an effective stock control system in place, you’re blind to the assets you have. You’re not ignorant of how many employees are on your payroll, so why would you ignore the stock levels within your business?

Acronyms are designed to speed up communication, but if you don’t know what they mean, they can be more of a hindrance than a help!

From ERP to HCM, MES and CRM, manufacturing and software is a minefield of shortened terms and phrases. They can often put the most experienced minds to the test, so to help I’ve compiled this brief glossary of key manufacturing software terms. Make it your bible!

When you invest in new software, you know that your staff will need training to get the best from the system. Most suppliers offer expert trainers who will train your employees at your business premises. 

Even five years ago, most businesses looked doubtfully at Cloud ERP. Too risky, they judged. Too much of a leap in the dark, technology-wise. Great for startups wanting a low-cost ERP solution from day one—but not appropriate for established businesses.

Recruiting in the automotive aftermarket trade can be tough. With a large number of people choosing to go to university, attracting top talent in your trade can also be a big challenge. That’s why we have put together a list of five automotive aftermarket recruitment tips to help you attract the best possible candidates.

Every field service business wants to maximise its productivity—the productivity of its people, and the productivity of its assets, such as vans and equipment. The good news: it’s easier than many field service businesses think.

Recruiting in the builders merchants’ trade can be tough. With a large number of people choosing to go to university, attracting top talent in your trade is a big challenge. That’s why we have put together a list of five builders merchants’ recruitment tips to help you attract the best possible candidates.

Whatever industry you're in, offering an excellent customer service is crucial to your success. In a previous blog, we outlined the top omni-channel customer service experience and in this one, with the help of Provide Support we detail the essential customer services skills that you should master.

What exactly is Industry 4.0? It’s a question that many manufacturing businesses are asking, as the phrase starts to crop up in more and more conversations. And the answer may surprise: very genuinely, Industry 4.0 could be the best opportunity you’ve had in years to grow your manufacturing business.

In theory, selecting an ERP system shouldn’t be difficult. There are, after all, an awful lot of ERP systems out there. But that amount of choice can be more hindrance than help—obscuring suitable ERP systems from view, and forcing companies to waste time evaluating offerings from suppliers which are not suitable.