Online Training Helps Companies Select and Implement ERP Systems

A series of webinars based on courseware developed by APICS, the Association for Operations Management, seeks to help companies better prepare themselves for the ERP software selection and implementation process.

GREENSBORO, NC – July 1, 2009 – The “Understanding, Justifying and Implementing an ERP System” course presents the training material from the “Introduction to ERP” course developed by APICS, the Association for Operations Management (www.apics.org), in webinar format.  Sponsored by brij Image & Information, Inc. (www.brij.net), and led by an APICS instructor, Tim Lyons, CFPIM, the course uses lecture, exercises and a case study to provide a foundation for selection and implementation of ERP software within an organization.  Participants will learn how to develop a business case for an ERP implementation, manage business process and organizational changes during implementation, and properly structure an ERP implementation.

Originally designed for classroom-based delivery, the course has been adapted for delivery over the web.  “Too often companies approach an ERP selection or implementation without understanding some fundamentals of ERP software, best practices, what criteria to use to select software or how to approach an implementation” notes Lyons.  “This is not surprising.  Business people don’t select and implement ERP software on a regular basis—their job is to manage aspects of a company’s operations, and they just aren’t armed with the skills they need to make sure they are getting the most value from their ERP software purchase and implementation.”

While the “Introduction to ERP” APICS course has been available for years, the people that need it most are usually key company individuals identified to participate in an ERP software selection and/or implementation process.  These individuals already bear significant responsibility within a company and are the least likely to have large blocks of time available to travel to a classroom based course.  To address this need, the course has been adapted to a series of shorter sessions delivered over the Web.  Students can attend sessions and interact with the instructor live over the Internet or they can view sessions that have been recorded.  The course also includes personal mentoring sessions to help students adapt the lessons they learn to their own specific organizations.

For additional information on this course, customized company training, or to register for the “Understanding, Justifying and Implementing an ERP System” course, visit www.brij.net or call 877.907.2702.

World’s Top ERP Software Resellers Team Up for the 5th ERP Vendor Shootout™ in Baltimore, MD on September 23-25, 2009

An event for mid-sized companies with manufacturing, distribution, and project-oriented requirements to determine “short list” when evaluating Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Software

GREENSBORO, NC – July 1, 2009 – The ERP Vendor Shootout™, moderated by Technology Evaluation Centers (TEC) of Montreal, Canada, is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for companies to see the best in Enterprise Resource Planning Software Solutions all in one place, all at the same time!

For the 5th time now, the top ERP packages will be presented by resellers in a side-by-side comparison.  Past ERP Vendor Shootouts™ have included product demonstrations from Oracle, Microsoft, Infor, Epicor, SAP, IFS and others.

The targeted audience for this event is mid-sized manufacturing, distribution and project-oriented companies who are considering an ERP software selection or upgrade.  The goal of the event is to simplify the ERP software selection process. This event alleviates some of the painful inefficiencies of the selection process by coordinating onsite software presentations and delivering them in a one and a half day event. End-user attendees will participate in a series of scripted demos from resellers, gaining a side-by-side, comparative view of product functionality, user interfaces, and overall usability. Attendees can also visit unscripted breakout sessions that will cover additional topics and key functionality specific to each product.

Building on the success of four previous events, the ERP Vendor Shootout™ will not only allow you to compare today’s industry leading enterprise software products, but will also provide you and your team with the foundation for understanding the process integration of business-wide functions required and supported by an ERP system and its benefits by attending the APICS Course “Understanding, Justifying, and Implementing an ERP System”.

Event sponsors include IBM, Toolbox.com, Manufacturing.Net, and Manufacturing Business Technology.

For additional information, sponsorship opportunities or to register for the ERP Vendor Shootout™ visit www.erpshootout.com or call 877.907.2702.

Strategic Acceleration – Change Your Thinking to Change Your Results

From changethis.com – a manifesto from Tony Jeary.  “As the public perception of the economy worsens, it is possible we may worry ourselves into an even worse reality. The greatest threat to our economy right now is the cumulative effect of businesses failing to take action they need to take, as they “wait” to find out what is going to happen. If all businesses slide into a “wait” posture, the ripple-through effect could be a serious problem on the entire economy. Unfortunately, the early signs of this “waiting” syndrome are already on the horizon!  Prudence is one thing. The fear of doing what needs to be done is quite another. There are actions that need to be taken now to position your business to survive and thrive. This manifesto is a challenge for specific action that will require you to change your thinking, if you want to change your results!”

Click on the image below to download and learn

7 Things to Do NOW to Change Results.

Tony Jeary is coach to many of the world’s top CEOs and high achievers. His clients include the Presidents of Wal-Mart, Firestone, Shell, Samsung, New York Life, and the United States Senate. An advisor to many, Tony Jeary has invested his life and career in helping others discover new clarity for their vision, develop focus on direction, and create powerful execution strategies that strategically impact achievement and results. His latest book is Strategic Acceleration: Succeed at the Speed of Life. Tony is happily married and blessed with 2 great daughters.

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