Released on = July 20, 2006, 5:38 am

Press Release Author = Rebecca Gill

Industry = Software

Press Release Summary = Food and Beverage Journal Examines Why Food Companies Face
ERP Functionality Problems

Press Release Body = Manufacturing journalist Thomas R. Cutler profiled why food
companies face ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) functionality problems in the
current issue of the Food and Beverage Journal. According to Cutler, "The plant
floor automation issues unique to the food manufacturing sector are significant.
Finding an ERP system, which addresses the idiosyncratic nature of food
manufacturing, is not easily accomplished. Despite claims, promises, and elements
for success, few ERP vendors are comprehensive in providing the full spectrum of
needed functionality."
The plant floor automation issues include the following:
. Online tracking of engineering change orders with electronic routings for approvals.
. System generated BOMs and routings for configured products.
. System generated production schedules from MRP module.
. Automatic yielding for finished goods and BOM components/ingredients.
. Where used and mass replace capabilities.
. System generated work orders for make to order environments.
. Fully attributed inventory from order entry through production and shipping.
. Online order promising by exploding the multi-level BOM, reviewing BOM stocking
levels, and production space.
. Online messaging for production managers on plant floor exceptions.
. Integrated dashboards for management\'s KPIs.
Finding a balance between industry sector nuance and a solid core ERP system is
tricky. The basic ERP functions are often lacking when the focus is too heavy on the
bells and whistles. Rebecca Gill, Vice-President of Toledo-based Technology Group
International and Enterprise 21 Food ERP, says, \"Many vertical ERP applications in
the food sector lack strong financials and must integrate with bolt-on third party
systems.\" The ERP functionality should also include complete multi-company,
multi-currency, and financial reporting capacity.
Many companies within the food and beverage industry struggle due to lack of system
integration and poor visibility of major business functions. Food quality managers
do not want to simply manage their business; they want to lead and direct the future
of their company. Today\'s food management executives need real-time sophisticated
tools to make educated decisions.
The complete feature article may be viewed at:
http://www.fepsearchgroup.com/fbj/articles/article029.htm

About Technology Group International, Ltd.
Founded in 1990 and headquartered in Toledo, Ohio, Technology Group International is
a proven technology leader delivering Tier 1 application software functionality at a
price performance level that can be readily accepted by organizations of all sizes.
Specializing in software solutions for small and mid-market manufacturing and
distribution companies, TGI's integrated Enterprise Series software suite is a
complete business process management solution. The product offering includes
Enterprise Resources Planning (ERP), Manufacturing Resource Planning (MRP), Supply
Chain Management (SCM), Warehouse Management System (WMS), Advanced Planning and
Scheduling (APS), Decision Support System (DSS), Business Intelligence (BI),
Manufacturing Execution System (MES), and eCommerce. TGI implements, maintains,
enhances, and supports its packaged distribution and manufacturing software
solutions directly and via its channel partners.



Web Site = http://www.tgiltd.com

Contact Details = Technology Group International
www.tgiltd.com
Rebecca Gill
rgill@tgiltd.com
800-837-0028