Any recommendations for ERP software? I am currently looking at xTuple, OpenBravo, OpenERP.
Functions needed to be performed in 4SM Incubator Kitchens
• schedule and rent kitchen space (approx. 200 users with room to grow)
• schedule and rent specific kitchen equipment
• document storage (business license, proof of insurance, etc)
• receive and track incoming deliveries via scan/bar codes
• track outgoing prepared products via scan/bar codes
or I have found it simpler to just run you through a “day in the life” at 4SM Incubator Kitchens:
• Sally makes awesome salsa and wants to sell it either at a farmers market/grocery store/wholesale
• Sally cannot afford to go to a co-packer or build her own manufacturing facility
• Sally finds 4th Street Market Incubator Kitchens and applies
• We accept Sally’s application and she provides us with a valid credit card and all the necessary paperwork
• Sally signs into the system and schedules Kitchen #2
• 4SM approves the reservation and Kitchen #2 is blocked out for 4 hours
• Sally orders the ingredients she needs to produce her salsa
• The ingredients arrive at 4SM and is checked in (we scan incoming ingredients) and put away in her area
• Sally arrives for production and retrieves her ingredients
• Sally produces the salsa and packages it for transporting to market (we scan outgoing product)
TIA!
Expert Answers
Sort by Date
Sort by Votes
Jan 26, 2015
You can go for Open ERP, Dont know much about others, But by analyzing your requirement , As an Open ERP consultant, I can suggest to go for Open ERP. Let me know If you are looking for the development team.
May 23, 2014
I would recommend calling me to discuss leveraging your existing technology in a marriage with an easily integrated solution. Maximize the investments you've already made and spend time with a Consultant to clearly understand your business and your goals. Properly configured there is a product by Westbrook which, when coupled with a solution from Nuance (the folks who made Siri) can do all you're asking here and allow room for future growth. Also, you can manage the system remotely if necessary.
May 8, 2014
We have a very robust system, it may be over powered for your company but has great adaptability. Let me know if you want to chat.
May 6, 2014
Well you could use OpenBravo or OpenERP for this requirement. We do have our inhouse developed ERP solution. Let me know if you are interested in that instead.
May 6, 2014
Tia,
Rather than a DOL, I suggest you have a prioritized list of the requirements, prior to engaging with any software suppliers. Two of the requirement that David O'neil already mentioned: 200+ potential users, handling 3rd party owned inventory (with shelf life, aging and back-flushing functions).
It seems that the scheduling you need is straight forward. It's actually a booking function, that can generate an invoice.
Once you have the list, it will be easier for you to decide what system you need.
Moshe
May 6, 2014
I think you should consider the flexibility and relatively easy customization capabilities found in Sage ERP X3. Let me know if you'd like further information.
May 6, 2014
Nice....well I would say the most advanced ninja tech that will result in this kind of more efficient resource management will be the de-centralized commodity exchange/smart contract block chain capabilities of bitcoin 2.0 protocol. Google it, and welcome to the new economy ;)
May 6, 2014
Well, you can try to do this without an indepth scheduling system i.e use a visible job board etc. but... I wouldn't. BTW, I've been implementing ERP systems since '83 (they weren called MRP and MRP II back then.)
Interesting use case but the more important info is in the 200+ user base you expect to grow to. coordinating everyone's materials (feeder stock & finished goods) along with processing slots would be better done on with a good scheduling/shop floor system. You will also need a decent inventory control module - considering these items aren't your, and the fact that we are talking "food" here (lot traceability?) you'd better be prepared to have a good documentation system.
I would be asking the ERP vendors if their system handle 3rd party food processor businesses like yours.
May 6, 2014
Why do you feel you need a full blown ERP software package? Intuit has everything you'd ever need by the looks of things. Don't waist your money or your time on ERP.
May 6, 2014
Hi Sheila,
Fundamentally your organisation has to make sure not only the main business process is well covered in the candid ERP but supported processes are included as well.
Normally you would go through what I call Box Analysis to list all processes within the organisation and then categorise them into must have, should have and could have. The process is easy and could be done internally since you know your business better than anyone else. Still, it pays dividends if the analysis is shared with an external business analyst who should be able to go through it and advise accordingly.
Few of cloud based ERP systems nowdays offer free trials which worth considering if you have time and patience. By doing this you would obviously ascertain to a certain degree the best-fit system to suit your business.
You may also want to consider future business strategy when selecting an ERP system as it is an involved process and not one you would do every so often. If you are for example planning to advertise Sally’s salsa on your “Popular Products” page and in the process calculate a rebate if and when the product is sold, then you would need to cater for this in the system.
Cheers!
Sabah
May 6, 2014
Microsoft Dynamics ERP is a great software that allows you to integrate all your business solution in one amazing platform. It is also very user friendly.
May 6, 2014
I have used OpenERP and OpenBravo. Both are excellent solutions. As with any ERP project, putting thought and effort in at the beginning will make the adoption of the program easier for the users.
May 6, 2014
OpenERP is very good option. OpenERP is now become a extensive rapid application development tool. You can apply the customization at every level according to your need.
May 5, 2014
I would say you should see the Group Edition of Salesforce (based of SaaS model). You can see more details at www.salesforce.com. I would be happy to help you once you go through with the same.
May 5, 2014
Open Erp is a good option as your business is under SME. Doesn't matter what erp you use but the initial installation process should be done by experts.
May 5, 2014
When you say SME, Yasar, you are referring to Subject Matter Experts, yes?
May 14, 2014
No Sheila- I refer to Small & Medium size enterprises. When your turn over is less than 5M$ small, and between 5-100M$ Medium size enterprises.
I will check into Intuit. However, I am thinking in terms of room to grow. While my example is rather small scale, I will be partnering with someone who is 10x my size. Then we plan to expand from there.