When we are talking about Supply Chain Management, the logic goes beyond something that you normally expect from generic Corporate ERP system.
Distribution and Logistics software might come in two flavors: self-sufficient standalone SCM application with various connectors to major ERP platform,
which could be expected as being implemented for the company engaged in regional or global logistics. Microsoft Dynamics GP should be on the list for being integrated, plus you may expect other ERP brands, such as Dynamics AX, Oracle eBusiness Suite, SAP, IBM, plus others. Obviously when you are building your Logistics software application, which could be integrated with major MRP and ERP brands – your client potential base in wider, comparing to the Logistics extensions, committed to just one Corporate ERP platform. However in this paper we will try to concentrate on Great Plains distribution modules and their custom implementation for the SCM oriented business:
1. Distributions modules: Sales Order Processing, Inventory Control, Purchase Order Processing, Bill of Materials. They are available for implementation and they do the job … if your SCM workers, delivery drivers, inventory packers, assembly contractors sit in your office and enter Supply Chain Management related documents directly via Great Plains user interface (sometimes also referred as Fat client). But, you may say – they are always out there in the fields, on the warehouse floor, on the road; all they could have from the gadgets world might be Barcode Scanner or sometimes small computer (Netbook, Maybe Smartphone, connected to the internet via 3G or 4G/LTE/Wimax data plans). We absolutely agree with these statements, Corporate ERP application is something contained on your Windows 2008 Server, and when you need to enable some of its forms to Barcode scanning, RFID tag reading
2. Opening Distributions forms and screens to Barcode Scanning. As we already mentioned in the previous paragraph, the work could be done directly by typing in, the goal is to open it for warehouse workers to do it with barcoding automation down there. Here we recommend you to consider Warehouse Management Extensions for Great Plains, available directly from Alba Spectrum. WMS includes three areas of functionality: Sales Order Fulfillment (SOP Invoice or Order Line manual allocation), Inventory Restocking (POP Purchase Receipts) and Inventory Transactions (Adjustments, Transfers from one site to another, monthly or seasonal cycle counts)
3. Custom SCM business logic and how it could be implemented in Great Plains. Each distribution business has its own rules and secrets, otherwise how you expect companies to compete and get over their deserved market share? In Dynamics GP SCM custom logic could be programmed in Microsoft Dexterity, eConnect, Modifier and Integration Manager with VBA scripting, Extender, MS Visual Studio SDK, and even directly in SQL Stored Procedures (do not recommend to do that without substantial exposure to GP custom programming and familiarity with its table structure and workflow)
4. Regional Logistics. Here you are typically facing the requirements from your suppliers, especially if you are operating in franchise: EDI, B2B ecommerce order placement. On the other hand you need to control your subcontractors, by treating each Sales Invoice in SOP to be a project (where you are purchasing materials, labor and subcontractor cost). There are numerous options to do in Great Plains: Project Accounting, Field Service, various GP ISV partners software add-ons
5. Global Logistics or working in the international framework. It might look as very simple issue to cross USA or Canadian border and expand your existing SCM extensions for Dynamics GP somewhere in China, Russia, India, Brazil, Paraguay. The idea is great, but you probably need to make some research or in other words homework on such topics as Corporate ERP localization for the targeted country or region. Corporate ERP localization includes two aspects: Local Language support and compliance to local country business legislation. Even if Logistics itself is not bound to such requirements as Sales Tax, VAT, Corporate Income Tax, Payroll Taxes and regulations, you may still find helpful the information that Great Plains is not localized and available in such regions as Russian Federation, China, Continental Europe (here please consider Navision or Axapta), Brazil. If GP is not a localized ERP option in your country, please consider Dynamics AX or for smaller operations SAP Business One
6. International Corporate ERP strategy. We recommend you to think about the following concepts. First, try to split the ERP implementation, integration or customization project into the phases. Second, talk to your global ERP consulting firm about specific requirements for the targeted country or region (if these people do not know what the hell is going on in China, India, Philippines, Brazil, Russia – consider the plan to go onsite, but be sure that you have scheduled the meetings with local Corporate ERP implementation integrators)
7. Let’s hold on and consider what we could do for you domestically or better to say locally. Great Plains implementation services are available in Illinois (Chicago, Naperville Aurora), California (Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange County), Michigan (Kalamazoo, St. Joseph , Benton Harbor, New Buffalo, Holland), Indiana (Gary, Portage, Valparaiso, Michigan City), assuming that you are expecting consultant walk in service
8. For additional information, please feel free to call us 1-866-528-0577 or 1-630-961-5918 (this number works for international customers) or email us help@albaspectrum.com We serve you USA/Canada nationwide via remote support (web sessions and phone/Skype conferences). Local service is available in Western Michigan, Chicagoland, Southern California (LA, Orange County, San Diego), Houston area of the state of Texas
