Discrete Manufacturing2017-05-18T20:37:22+00:00

Microsoft Dynamics for Discrete Manufacturing

Specialized Support for Discrete Manufacturers

Manufacturing & Distribution looks a lot different than it did five years ago. It takes advanced skill and specialization to not only build the products that power the lifestyle of people around the globe, but build a successful business. That’s why it’s important to find a partner, like Sikich, that understands what it takes to sustainably create and ship devices, products, chemicals, equipment, electronics, food or beverages.

Streamline and strengthen your operations to tackle industry issues head on:

  • Accelerate user on-boarding and software adoption with an integrated system and a familiar user experience.
  • Improve customer service while streamlining operations by empowering employees with access to complete customer histories, detailed updates, purchasing history, and more.
  • Fuel efficiency through standardized processes and easily shared best practices with highly automated and electronically managed processes.
  • Improve responsiveness to demand with easy-to-use and flexible reporting tools to consolidate reports and optimize contract management.
  • Accurately plan and forecast with 360-degree visibility with integrated, real-time information that allows you to respond to manufacturing demand.

We have been supporting manufacturing companies for over 30 years. Our depth of experience spans across a variety of manufacturing specialties like industrial equipment manufacturing (IEM), make-to-order and lean manufacturing. Our ERP partners have hands-on experience with manufacturing and distribution implementations, and some have first-hand experience working on the shop floor prior to transitioning to consulting and implementation.

The Best Way to Practice Best Practices

Improve Financial Control Over Operating Margins While Increasing Customer Satisfaction.

  • Improve Operational Visibility Across the Supply Chain

  • Increase Project and Process Control

  • Promote Expansion into New Markets

LEARN MORE

Focus For Your Manufacturing Process

Complete ERP Solutions for Manufacturers

We offer comprehensive enterprise solutions, specifically configured to meet the needs of manufacturers of all sizes and across business models, to help you accelerate growth in existing markets, reduce operational costs, successfully manage your supply chain and identify new opportunities to stay ahead of the competition.

We recognize that every company has its own set of unique challenges, processes, and business objectives, so prescribing one, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Solution as a one solution fits all approach is simply unrealistic. That’s why we offer several leading ERP solutions, with custom developed add-ons, to deliver a flexible, comprehensive solution that meets your specific business needs.

Choose The Right Solution for Your Business Needs
reshoring with cloud-based ERP white paper cover

5 ways cloud-based ERP makes reshoring easier and more profitable

That’s right. A modern ERP system plays a central role to meet the demands of reshoring – supply chain visibility, multi-location supplier collaboration, agility to respond to changing conditions.

ACCESS NOW

Comprehensive Services For All Your Technology Needs

Hear What Our Clients Have to Say

Meet Our Manufacturing Industry Partner

Al Galinot
Al GalinotPartner, Microsoft Dynamics AX

Al Galinot has more than 25 years of manufacturing management experience in large-scale enterprise resource planning (ERP) manufacturing systems, including design and installation.  He was responsible for leading client engagements and integrations at Streamline Systems, a leading Baan and Microsoft Dynamics AX partner focused on the manufacturing industry. With the acquisition of Streamline in 2012, Al joined Sikich as partner for Microsoft Dynamics AX.

Al also has an extensive background in research and consulting in the manufacturing sector, as well as operations management in Europe and the United States. He works closely with clients to ensure the success of their ERP investment, and his real-world knowledge with growing national and international companies makes him a valuable asset to navigating the challenges and intricacies of any critical project.

Manufacturing Insights

2017 Manufacturing Report: Automation and Cyber Security Remain Top Priorities

By |July 28th, 2017|Categories: Manufacturing, Security, White Paper|Tags: |

2017 Manufacturing Report How vulnerable are most companies to cyber attack? Find out in this new report. Also, track trends like the impact connected machines are having. Access the full report  [...]

Comments Off on 2017 Manufacturing Report: Automation and Cyber Security Remain Top Priorities

Dynamics 365 for Operations supports on-premise deployments

By |June 27th, 2017|Categories: AX, Dynamics 365, ERP Selection, Industrial Equipment Manufacturing, Manufacturing, Manufacturing ERP Options, Process Manufacturing, White Paper|

Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Finance and Operations, Enterprise edition, now supports running business processes in customer data centers with the on-premises, or local business Data (LBD), deployment option. With this deployment option, application servers [...]

Comments Off on Dynamics 365 for Operations supports on-premise deployments

The Connected Manufacturer

By |June 12th, 2017|Categories: Cloud, Industrial Equipment Manufacturing, Industry 4.0, White Paper|Tags: , , |

How connected are your operations in our digital economy? 86% of manufacturers believe new technologies are key to survival. Get Our Free eBook Now Your privacy is important to us. [...]

Comments Off on The Connected Manufacturer

Proving the Value and Achieving Measurable Outcomes From Your First Industry 4.0 Initiatives

By |May 18th, 2017|Categories: Chemical Manufacturing, Industry 4.0, Manufacturing, Process Manufacturing|Tags: , , |

In specialty manufacturing operations, companies use various types of complex production machinery, such as blenders, centrifuges, tanks, pumps, extractors, motors, process controllers, and reactors. Systems that regulate temperature, the air quality, and other conditions are [...]

Comments Off on Proving the Value and Achieving Measurable Outcomes From Your First Industry 4.0 Initiatives

Transforming Relationships with Customers, Trading Partners, and Competitors in the Context of Industry 4.0

By |May 18th, 2017|Categories: Azure, Chemical Manufacturing, Dynamics 365, ERP, Industry 4.0, Manufacturing, Process Manufacturing|Tags: , , , , , |

When you take your Industry 4.0 initiative to customer relationships and the product portfolio that you offer, you benefit from your sharpened focus on customer value and the insights gleaned in your proof-of-concept project. Until Industry [...]

Comments Off on Transforming Relationships with Customers, Trading Partners, and Competitors in the Context of Industry 4.0

Preparing Your Specialty Chemical Manufacturing Operation to Benefit from Industry 4.0

By |May 18th, 2017|Categories: Chemical Manufacturing, ERP, Industry 4.0, Manufacturing, Process Manufacturing|Tags: , , |

For specialty chemical manufacturers, Industry 4.0 offers the promise of wide-ranging enablement more than a disruption of their business. In bridging digital systems and physical entities and processes, they can find new ways to create [...]

Comments Off on Preparing Your Specialty Chemical Manufacturing Operation to Benefit from Industry 4.0

Proven Technology and Tools Available Today Help You Realize an Industry 4.0 Effort and Generate Results From It

By |May 16th, 2017|Categories: Chemical Manufacturing, Industry 4.0, Manufacturing, Process Manufacturing|Tags: , , |

In a recent survey, 53% of the business leaders interviewed stated that adopting Industry 4.0 was a priority for the organizations. Ninety-three percent of manufacturing business execs in another survey agreed that Industry 4.0 offered better [...]

Comments Off on Proven Technology and Tools Available Today Help You Realize an Industry 4.0 Effort and Generate Results From It

Why Should You Consider Reshoring Your Manufacturing Business?

By |May 10th, 2017|Categories: Industrial Equipment Manufacturing, Manufacturing, Reshoring|Tags: , , , |

The founder of the Reshoring Initiative, Harry Moser, wrote an article last year for Industry Week detailing all of the benefits companies could have if they move producing and sourcing products to the US shores. He [...]

Comments Off on Why Should You Consider Reshoring Your Manufacturing Business?

Modern, Mobile ERP in the Cloud Helps You Build a Workforce That Aligns With Your Goals

By |May 9th, 2017|Categories: Cloud, Dynamics 365, ERP, Manufacturing, Reshoring|Tags: , , , , , |

Many reshoring manufacturers have ambitious goals for their transition. For them, it’s not primarily about saving costs or simplifying logistics and compliance processes. They want to get closer to their customers through greater responsiveness and [...]

Comments Off on Modern, Mobile ERP in the Cloud Helps You Build a Workforce That Aligns With Your Goals

Reshoring Manufacturers Find Success in the Cloud [Infographic]

By |May 2nd, 2017|Categories: Cloud, Dynamics 365, Industrial Equipment Manufacturing, Manufacturing, Reshoring|Tags: , , , |

Reshoring manufacturers have been seeing plenty of success by bringing their operations back within the boundaries of the United States. There has been major advancements with cloud ERP systems that sit at the center of manufacturing [...]

Comments Off on Reshoring Manufacturers Find Success in the Cloud [Infographic]

Cloud-based ERP Makes the Lives of Reshoring Manufacturers Easier

By |May 2nd, 2017|Categories: ERP, Industrial Equipment Manufacturing, Manufacturing, Reshoring|Tags: , , , , , |

When manufacturers think about reshoring operations to North America from an offshore location in another region, business management technology may not always be treated with the priority it deserves. In addition, some manufacturers do not [...]

Comments Off on Cloud-based ERP Makes the Lives of Reshoring Manufacturers Easier

5 ways reshoring with cloud-based ERP makes business easier and more profitable

By |April 19th, 2017|Categories: Cloud, Dynamics 365, Manufacturing, White Paper|Tags: , , , |

Need to Reshore? Join the Cloud A modern ERP system plays a central role to meet the demands of a reshoring initiative: Supply chain visibility | Multi-location supplier collaboration | Agility with changing conditions [...]

Comments Off on 5 ways reshoring with cloud-based ERP makes business easier and more profitable

Build Competitive Advantage with Dynamics 365 Cloud-Based ERP

By |April 14th, 2017|Categories: AX, Cloud, Dynamics 365, ERP, Industrial Equipment Manufacturing|Tags: , , , , |

Success for all manufacturers, especially industrial equipment manufacturers (IEMs), starts with lean production and real-time order tracking, on top of providing superior products and customer service. The necessary component to this success is data, which [...]

Comments Off on Build Competitive Advantage with Dynamics 365 Cloud-Based ERP

How IEMs Can Expand Lines of Business with Confidence

By |April 5th, 2017|Categories: Cloud, ERP, ERP Selection, Industrial Equipment Manufacturing|Tags: , , , |

In order to compete in a global and growing marketplace, industrial equipment manufacturers (IEMs) must be responsive to change and have the ability to identify new opportunities. Disconnected, legacy systems that once supported traditional business [...]

Comments Off on How IEMs Can Expand Lines of Business with Confidence

The Internet of Things Boosts ERP as well as Increasing Connectivity

By |March 31st, 2017|Categories: ERP, Manufacturing, News|Tags: , |

Manufacturers are enjoying the Internet of Things (the interconnection via the Internet of computing devices embedded in everyday objects, enabling them to send and receive data) because of the incredible connectivity they share with their [...]

Comments Off on The Internet of Things Boosts ERP as well as Increasing Connectivity

Industrial Equipment Manufacturers Breaking Down Silos to Enable Growth

By |March 28th, 2017|Categories: ERP, Industrial Equipment Manufacturing|Tags: , , |

The marketplace is crowded and global competition is fierce. In order to stay ahead, industrial equipment manufacturers (IEMs) are turning to cloud-based enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions. Breaking down data silos and increasing cross-functional collaboration [...]

Comments Off on Industrial Equipment Manufacturers Breaking Down Silos to Enable Growth

Succeed in Today’s Global Marketplace with Cloud-based ERP

By |March 21st, 2017|Categories: Cloud, ERP, ERP 101, ERP Selection, Industrial Equipment Manufacturing|Tags: , , , |

There is no shortage of competition in the manufacturing industry and industrial equipment manufacturers (IEMs) are increasingly facing off against offshore competitors. In order to quote and price products quickly, IEMs need quick access to [...]

Comments Off on Succeed in Today’s Global Marketplace with Cloud-based ERP

How IEMs Can Take Charge of Supply Chains to Achieve Competitive Edge

By |March 15th, 2017|Categories: Cloud, ERP, ERP Clarity, Industrial Equipment Manufacturing, Manufacturing, Manufacturing ERP Options|Tags: , , , , |

Industrial equipment manufacturers (IEMs) know how important the supply chain is to the bottom line. However, outdated and disconnected systems are failing manufacturers by isolating data in silos, making it harder to respond quickly to [...]

Comments Off on How IEMs Can Take Charge of Supply Chains to Achieve Competitive Edge

Forward-thinking IEMs are Turning to Cloud-Based ERP

By |March 9th, 2017|Categories: ERP, ERP Clarity, Industrial Equipment Manufacturing, Manufacturing ERP Options|Tags: , , , |

The digital transformation is changing the way we do business and has reset customer expectations. Outdated, disconnected management systems just won’t support industrial equipment manufacturers (IEMs) any longer. Technology has advanced production operations, and now [...]

Comments Off on Forward-thinking IEMs are Turning to Cloud-Based ERP

President Trump’s Speech Addresses Key Points for IEM Policies

By |March 7th, 2017|Categories: Industrial Equipment Manufacturing|Tags: , , , |

Last week, President Trump delivered his first State of the Union address, which delivered for the first time his major policy plans to Congress. His policies included quite a few key issues for the equipment manufacturing industry. “Equipment manufacturers are fired up, and ready to grow,” AEM (Association of Equipment Manufacturing) President Dennis Slater said before Trump's address. “We are hopeful that President Trump’s remarks before Congress will offer a bipartisan road map toward renewed prosperity.”

Comments Off on President Trump’s Speech Addresses Key Points for IEM Policies

How IEMs build competitive edge through cloud ERP

By |March 3rd, 2017|Categories: Cloud, Dynamics 365, ERP Clarity, Industrial Equipment Manufacturing, Manufacturing ERP Options, White Paper|Tags: , , , , |

6 Ways Industrial Equipment Manufacturers are Building Competitive Edge Learn how to capitalize on Cloud ERP to build sustainable success As an IEM, you know a ‘digital transformation’ is [...]

Comments Off on How IEMs build competitive edge through cloud ERP

Automated Lab Calculations Simplify Paint and Coatings Formula Management

By |January 19th, 2017|Categories: ERP, GP, Manufacturing, NAV, Process Manufacturing|

For many paint and coatings-based manufacturers, having the ability to dynamically analyze formula specifications can be critical to the product development process. As the quantity of an item changes, it can be a great asset to be able to see the affect on one of the many specifications pertinent to the product. Being able to view formula specifications, such as the VOC, can be critical to product development and the reduction of errors.

Comments Off on Automated Lab Calculations Simplify Paint and Coatings Formula Management

Automated Lab Calculations Simplify Nutritional Value Adjustments

By |January 6th, 2017|Categories: ERP, GP, Manufacturing, NAV, Process Manufacturing|

For many food and beverage manufacturers, having the ability to dynamically analyze nutritional information can be critical to the product development process. As the quantity of an ingredient changes, it can be a great asset to be able to see the affect on one of the many nutritional values pertinent to the product. The automation of this functionality can eliminate costly errors and free up valuable resources.

Comments Off on Automated Lab Calculations Simplify Nutritional Value Adjustments

Using calendars in Microsoft Dynamics AX for purchasing

By |December 12th, 2016|Categories: AX, Dynamics 365, ERP, Manufacturing|

You might call this an orphan topic for companies managing purchasing schedules with Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 and Dynamics 365 for Operations (AX7), but it is nonetheless quite important. Miscalculating delivery dates on your [...]

Comments Off on Using calendars in Microsoft Dynamics AX for purchasing

How to filter a dynamic date range in Microsoft Dynamics AX

By |December 12th, 2016|Categories: AX, ERP, Manufacturing|

Filtering transactions like Purchase orders or Sales orders on a date range is a standard requirement. I want to see the Purchase/Sales orders that are to be received/shipped today, or in the next x [...]

Comments Off on How to filter a dynamic date range in Microsoft Dynamics AX

The Cloud Opportunity: How Manufacturers Can Break Free From Hardware

By |November 11th, 2016|Categories: AX, Cloud, Dynamics 365, ERP Clarity, Industrial Equipment Manufacturing, Manufacturing, Manufacturing ERP Options|Tags: , , |

Ben Hagler had his eye on expansion but found himself hemmed in by capital limitations and staring down operational inefficiencies and technical challenges. As co-owner and VP of engineering and operations at Hagler Systems, [...]

Comments Off on The Cloud Opportunity: How Manufacturers Can Break Free From Hardware

Proposed Cost Entry

By |October 13th, 2016|Categories: ERP, GP, Manufacturing, NAV, Process Manufacturing|

For many manufacturers, it’s not uncommon to receive notice from a vendor of upcoming price increases. Prices change, it happens. As these prices change, companies need to be able to quickly determine the effect on the cost of finished products as it relates to future profitability. From the Proposed Cost Entry window, users can create a Proposed Cost ID where they can enter a new theoretical cost for a purchased ingredient. It’s important to keep in mind, this does not have to be a comprehensive list of all items – it can simply include as many or little items as needed for this analysis.

Comments Off on Proposed Cost Entry

Vicinity Manufacturing: Lot Trace Recall

By |October 11th, 2016|Categories: ERP, GP, Manufacturing, NAV, Process Manufacturing|

Products need to be safe for consumers, which is why companies go through rigorous quality testing upon receipt of materials and prior to releasing finished product to the public. In the event of tainted material, manufacturers need [...]

Comments Off on Vicinity Manufacturing: Lot Trace Recall

How to Automate Critical Information Across your Entire Supply Chain

By |September 21st, 2016|Categories: ERP, ERP Clarity, GP, Manufacturing, Manufacturing ERP Options, Process Manufacturing|Tags: , , , |

How to Automate Critical Information Across your Entire Supply Chain Are you a formula-based manufacturer? Would you be interested in an integrated software solution that streamlines, simplifies, and expedites processes within [...]

Comments Off on How to Automate Critical Information Across your Entire Supply Chain

Get Lean in Manufacturing & Distribution with Dynamics NAV

By |August 17th, 2016|Categories: ERP, Manufacturing, NAV|

From MICROSOFT DYNAMICS NAV IS OLD TECHNOLOGY WEIGHING YOUR COMPANY DOWN? GET LEAN, DRIVE GROWTH WITH AFFORDABLE ERP and MOBILITY SOLUTIONS   Though some manufacturing and distribution (M&D) companies have eagerly embraced technology with regards [...]

Comments Off on Get Lean in Manufacturing & Distribution with Dynamics NAV

Quick Look – The New Dynamics AX Project Manufacturing

By |August 5th, 2016|Categories: AX, ERP, Industrial Equipment Manufacturing, Manufacturing, Videos|

Quick Look - The New Dynamics AX Project Manufacturing Hello, this is Mark Vent.  In the next few minutes I'd like to give you a quick overview [...]

Comments Off on Quick Look – The New Dynamics AX Project Manufacturing

Lean Manufacturing and ERP Technology

By |July 26th, 2016|Categories: AX, ERP, ERP Clarity, Manufacturing, Manufacturing ERP Options|Tags: , |

When considering the deployment of a strong and reliable strategic plan, it’s important to have a solid understanding as to which method of analysis – traditional enterprise resource planning (ERP) or lean manufacturing – will [...]

Comments Off on Lean Manufacturing and ERP Technology

The Future of Manufacturing: Will Microsoft HoloLens be Part of It?

By |July 25th, 2016|Categories: CFO, ERP, ERP Clarity, Industrial Equipment Manufacturing, Manufacturing, Manufacturing ERP Options|Tags: , , |

Let’s face it―the human-computer interface commonly found in most manufacturing environments has been pretty stagnant for a while now. Sure, we have seen broad-based adoption of technologies like touchscreens and bar code scanners, but for [...]

Comments Off on The Future of Manufacturing: Will Microsoft HoloLens be Part of It?

Is your formula management system outdated and inefficient?

By |July 21st, 2016|Categories: ERP, ERP Clarity, GP, Manufacturing, Manufacturing ERP Options, NAV, Process Manufacturing|Tags: , , |

Is your formula management system outdated and inefficient? For most manufacturers, there is a high level of importance placed on the tracking of accurate inventory levels and costs through their ERP.  Many go to [...]

Comments Off on Is your formula management system outdated and inefficient?

7 Emerging Trends that are Changing Manufacturing

By |July 7th, 2016|Categories: AX, CFO, Cloud Readiness, Cloud Whitepapers, ERP, Manufacturing, White Paper|

7 emerging trends that are changing manufacturing In the last decade, few industries have been impacted by rapid advancements in technology quite like manufacturing has. Manufacturers have [...]

Comments Off on 7 Emerging Trends that are Changing Manufacturing

Manufacturers Guide to Cybersecurity Initiatives

By |June 6th, 2016|Categories: AX, ERP Clarity, Manufacturing, Manufacturing ERP Options, Security|Tags: , |

Manufacturing and cybersecurity have a complicated relationship. A lack of adoption of key information security practices continues while cyberattacks within the manufacturing industry are on the rise. With a single [...]

Comments Off on Manufacturers Guide to Cybersecurity Initiatives

Four Key Challenges in the Distribution Industry

By |May 16th, 2016|Categories: Distribution, ERP Clarity, Manufacturing, Manufacturing ERP Options|Tags: , |

Challenge #1 - Gain a Clear Picture of Demand Distributors need to ensure that all business resources and operations are optimally aligned with demand.  Working to demand projections or sales forecasts is a very poor [...]

Comments Off on Four Key Challenges in the Distribution Industry

Dynamics GP Supply Chain Management

By |May 16th, 2016|Categories: ERP, GP, Manufacturing|

Distributors and manufacturers face many competitive challenges.  By using integrated systems that link functions across your organization, you can reduce time-to-market and improve control of your entire supply chain.  Cutting-edge supply chain and financial management features [...]

Comments Off on Dynamics GP Supply Chain Management

Microsoft Dynamics AX Master Planning Dilemma: By site or by site/warehouse?

By |May 16th, 2016|Categories: AX, ERP, Industrial Equipment Manufacturing, Manufacturing|

Microsoft Dynamics AX users have a fundamental dilemma when implementing master planning. They typically ask something like the following: "When I have multiple warehouses within one site, should l set up master planning to plan [...]

Comments Off on Microsoft Dynamics AX Master Planning Dilemma: By site or by site/warehouse?

Top Ten Tips for Successful Material Requirements Planning

By |May 3rd, 2016|Categories: GP, Manufacturing, NAV, Process Manufacturing|Tags: |

For most manufacturers, conducting material requirements planning (MRP) is a critical process that should be ran on a daily basis. With reliable MRP, a company could expect to see an increase in on time shipments, [...]

Comments Off on Top Ten Tips for Successful Material Requirements Planning

2016 a Bull Market for Manufacturing ERP, Sikich Believes

By |April 28th, 2016|Categories: AX, Azure, ERP, ERP Clarity, Manufacturing, Manufacturing ERP Options|Tags: , , |

More manufacturers are in the market for enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems in 2016 to improve customer service and response times, according to a new survey from the professional services firm Sikich LLP (http://www.sikich.com/) . Three figures [...]

Comments Off on 2016 a Bull Market for Manufacturing ERP, Sikich Believes

Production Control in the New Microsoft Dynamics AX

By |April 26th, 2016|Categories: AX, Industrial Equipment Manufacturing, Manufacturing|

What is new in production controls for the new Microsoft Dynamics AX? There are two spectacular improvements that we will discuss in this article. The production workspace is called "Production floor management", [...]

Comments Off on Production Control in the New Microsoft Dynamics AX