Key to the supply chain
were discussed at Ross Systems' recent annual users conference,
Rossworld 2003. The global software provider touched on vertical
industry-specific functionality, regulatory compliance and
collaboration with trading partners.
Food and beverage manufacturers also discussed the importance of lot traceability and having the ability to quickly and efficiently handle possible recalls. The importance of real-time visibility across the supply chain to know where faulty materials originated, what batch of product they were included in and where they were shipped was noted.
Naturally Fresh, a maker of refrigerated salad dressings, presented a case study on how the company reduced its lot tracing time from three days to three hours using Ross Systems' iRenaissance ERP.
iRenaissance Data Collection is a plant-level integration solution that Ross Systems claims can accurately depict manufacturing cycles and provide visibility into inventory and production processes. It also allows the automation of manual and repetitious procedures, and enables rapid decision-making.
It works by automating data collection across production and distribution, from raw materials to finished goods shipping. Through the integration of warehouse and factory-based transactions with enterprise applications, the system optimises production resources, improves customer responsiveness and streamlines time to market.
"Manufacturers across our target vertical industries are considering advanced technologies and focusing on streamlining distribution processes, reducing inventory levels and gaining better visibility across their supply chains," said Ross Systems chief technology officer Eric Musser. "Our enhanced data collection suite enables more efficient integration between enterprise applications and the plant floor, which results in a stronger infrastructure and faster return on investment."
The technology has already benefited a number of firms. Vegetable processor Oxford Frozen Foods requires not only large areas of cold storage, but also accurate information about raw materials, consumption, and finished product availability in order to maintain the quality of its seasonal produce.
"With 274,000 square feet of cold storage and a 24x7 operation, accurate inventory is an absolute," said Milton Wood, controller of Oxford Frozen Foods. "Before iRenaissance Data Collection, our bin movement information was never up to date. We now have a system that automatically records more than 2,000 bin movements daily, and we have greatly reduced manual effort and overhead, while increasing inventory accuracy."
At the conference, Litehouse Foods chief operating officer Bill Hawkins also praised the advantages of utilising cutting edge software in the supply chain. "Through improved forecast accuracy and visibility into production and planning, we have been able to greatly increase efficiencies, reduce our inventory, shave carrying costs and meet our customers' orders with greater precision and reliability," he said.
Rossworld attendees also discussed compliance and evolving standards that directly affect their business, including systems validation and compliance issues. In addition, multiple sessions and panel discussions revolved around fully utilising product and technology enhancements.
US-based Ross Systems delivers software solutions that are designed to help manufacturers increase operational efficiencies, improve profitability, strengthen customer relationships and streamline regulatory compliance. The company specialises in the food and beverage industry and operates worldwide.
