eBECS today proudly announced it has won the 2010 Microsoft Dynamics Reseller of the Year Award for the United Kingdom. The award was achieved as a result of eBECS demonstrating exceptional business success by optimizing the use of Microsoft Dynamics to deliver innovative solutions that exceed customer expectations and surpass business goals.
This recognition was presented at the Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference 2010, the company's annual premier partner event, which took place this year in Washington, D.C, USA at which 9,500 partners from around the world attended. Microsoft Corp. honoured 27 of its partners from around the world with the 2010 Microsoft Dynamics Regional Partner of the Year awards.
Stephen Wilson, Marketing Director at eBECS comments, "As a specialist in the design and delivery of Dynamics solutions for manufacturing, distribution and the extended supply chain, eBECS is thrilled to be presented with such a prestigious award. eBECS is fully committed to reselling Microsoft Dynamics and this award reflects the business benefits we are so passionate about delivering to our clients."
Wilson continues, "It has been a wonderful year for eBECS. In addition to winning this acclaimed award, eBECS was also very proud to be one of just three companies selected worldwide as a global finalist for Microsoft Dynamics Manufacturing Partner of the Year. Furthermore, following achievement of membership of the exclusive President's Club, eBECS has since been invited to graduate to the elite Microsoft Inner Circle. This places eBECS within a select group of partners that enables Microsoft Senior Management and Inner Circle members to work as a powerful partnership delivering enhanced value to eBECS' customers."
The award winners were selected for their dedication to delivering solutions that meet diverse customer needs. Several key criteria were considered in selecting Microsoft Dynamics Certified Partners for the special recognition, including outstanding sales performance, thorough technological expertise on Microsoft Dynamics products and services, and feedback from Microsoft team members and customers.
"Each year, it is a privilege for us to recognize the innovative contributions made by organizations within our diverse Microsoft Dynamics partner community," said Doug Kennedy, vice president, Microsoft Dynamics Partners. "eBECS serves as a leader within this community because of the value it provides through its solutions as well as its exceptional levels of customer service. We are proud to congratulate eBECS on being named as our top Microsoft Dynamics partner of the year in the United Kingdom."
- ends -
About eBECS Ltd
eBECS is a specialist in the design and delivery of solutions for manufacturing, distribution and the extended supply chain. eBECS delivers world class lean and agile business solutions using Microsoft Dynamics AX and Dynamics CRM. Its solutions streamline and integrate processes, minimise waste, optimise the supply chain and manage demand-driven operations. eBECS is a global company with a personal touch, and it takes enormous pride in its large referencable client base.
For further information please contact:
Stephen Wilson
Marketing Director
eBECS Ltd
Enterprise House
The Bridge Business Centre
Beresford Way
Chesterfield
S41 9FG
Mobile: 07775 571110
Tel: 01246 888555
Fax: 01246 888558
E: swilson@ebecs.com
W: www.ebecs.com
For further press information and to arrange interviews please contact:
Warren Ryland
Managing Director
Francis Ryland Limited
Mobile: 07748 156 925
Tel: 0800 917 4577
E: warren.ryland@francisryland.com
# # #
Thursday 22 July 2010
Tuesday 15 June 2010
eBECS receives AMR Research ‘Partner Industry Certification Status’ for Discrete Manufacturing
On 31 March 2010, AMR Research and Microsoft Dynamics launched the AMR Partner Industry Certification Program for Microsoft Dynamics Partners.
This program is a new and innovative way to allow Microsoft Dynamics Partners to demonstrate their industry-specific expertise and to provide end-customer organisations across multiple industries with insight into the industry-specific capabilities of Dynamics Partners. The Program is based on objective, research-based findings and allows customers to easily identify those Microsoft Partners that are proficient within their specific industry.
Stephen Wilson, Marketing Director, eBECS, comments, “As a specialist in the design and delivery of Microsoft Dynamics solutions for discrete manufacturing, eBECS is delighted to receive this certification. We supplied numerous customer references to successfully achieve this certification and believe it is a testimony to our commitment and ability to address and satisfy our clients’ business needs.
Wilson continues, “This programme is a first in our industry and we wholeheartedly support the goal of the AMR Research Partner Industry Certification Program - designed to connect end-customers organisations with companies like eBECS - because it will allow end-customers to easily find those Microsoft partners that are best-equipped to serve their needs quickly and effectively.” - ends -
About eBECS Ltd
eBECS is a specialist in the design and delivery of solutions for manufacturing, distribution and the extended supply chain. eBECS delivers world class lean and agile business solutions using Microsoft Dynamics AX and Dynamics CRM. Its solutions streamline and integrate processes, minimise waste, optimise the supply chain and manage demand-driven operations. eBECS is a global company with a personal touch, and it takes enormous pride in its large referencable client base.
For further information please contact:
Stephen Wilson
Marketing Director
eBECS Ltd
Enterprise House
The Bridge Business Centre
Beresford Way
Chesterfield
S41 9FG
Mobile: 07775 571110
Tel: 01246 888555
Fax: 01246 888558
E: swilson@ebecs.com
For further press information and to arrange interviews please contact:
Warren Ryland
Managing Director
Francis Ryland Limited
Mobile: 07748 156 925
Tel: 0800 917 4577
E: warren.ryland@francisryland.com
Tuesday 25 May 2010
Achieving a Lean Enterprise PODCAST – Can a Business System Support Lean Initiatives?
Listen to Darren Hogg from eBECS discuss how a business system can support lean initiatives with David Weger and James Salter from Microsoft Dynamics.
Lean manufacturing is a methodology that has changed how manufacturers think about controlling costs and cutting waste ever since it was introduced by Jim Womack, John Krafcik and colleagues at MIT's International Motor Vehicle Program in 1987. Thousands of companies around the world have adopted the improvement methodology and its tools. The challenge for manufacturers now more than ever is to get a handle on how to leverage strong practices from lean manufacturing in addition to what is available from an ERP system.
Join our hosts and a special guest for this 15 minutes or less discussion to spark some thoughts on what your company should consider to ready itself for its own adoption of lean manufacturing. We'll discuss how an ERP system can and should support your lean initiatives.
Brought to you by Microsoft Dynamics, a leading provider of business management software solutions including: Enterprise Resource Management, Supply Chain Management, and Customer Relationship Management.
http://www.microsoft.com/events/podcasts/default.aspx?topic=Topic-b3ef853c-274f-4ae5-818b-f50ccbf187be&audience=Audience-c4daf212-dedf-4fde-b7f8-fdcf86216d48&seriesID=Series-cea520d2-5add-49a8-bb89-43e4a4804c35.xml&pageId=x5664&source=Microsoft-Dynamics-Podcasts-about-Enterprise-Resource-Planning:-Accelerate-Your-Business-Toward-Profit-for-Business-Executives&WT.rss_ev=a
Lean manufacturing is a methodology that has changed how manufacturers think about controlling costs and cutting waste ever since it was introduced by Jim Womack, John Krafcik and colleagues at MIT's International Motor Vehicle Program in 1987. Thousands of companies around the world have adopted the improvement methodology and its tools. The challenge for manufacturers now more than ever is to get a handle on how to leverage strong practices from lean manufacturing in addition to what is available from an ERP system.
Join our hosts and a special guest for this 15 minutes or less discussion to spark some thoughts on what your company should consider to ready itself for its own adoption of lean manufacturing. We'll discuss how an ERP system can and should support your lean initiatives.
Brought to you by Microsoft Dynamics, a leading provider of business management software solutions including: Enterprise Resource Management, Supply Chain Management, and Customer Relationship Management.
http://www.microsoft.com/events/podcasts/default.aspx?topic=Topic-b3ef853c-274f-4ae5-818b-f50ccbf187be&audience=Audience-c4daf212-dedf-4fde-b7f8-fdcf86216d48&seriesID=Series-cea520d2-5add-49a8-bb89-43e4a4804c35.xml&pageId=x5664&source=Microsoft-Dynamics-Podcasts-about-Enterprise-Resource-Planning:-Accelerate-Your-Business-Toward-Profit-for-Business-Executives&WT.rss_ev=a
Monday 24 May 2010
2010 Lean Manufacturing Survey
I trust you are well.
The Manufacturer, in conjunction with Cardiff University, eBECS, Minitab and TBM Consulting Group, is compiling responses for the annual 2010 Lean Manufacturing Survey.
Please take a few moments to complete the questionnaire to help us understand the current lean trends within the manufacturing sector.
Everybody who completes the survey will receive a free copy of the Lean Management Journal and will be entered into a draw for the chance to win 50 iTunes tracks. Click here to take the survey.
The Manufacturer, in conjunction with Cardiff University, eBECS, Minitab and TBM Consulting Group, is compiling responses for the annual 2010 Lean Manufacturing Survey.
Please take a few moments to complete the questionnaire to help us understand the current lean trends within the manufacturing sector.
Everybody who completes the survey will receive a free copy of the Lean Management Journal and will be entered into a draw for the chance to win 50 iTunes tracks. Click here to take the survey.
+44 7775 571110
Friday 19 February 2010
LOTUS RACING APPOINTS EBECS LTD TO KEEP ITS SOFTWARE SYSTEMS ON TRACK FOR THE 2010 F1™ SEASON
Microsoft Business Solutions partner eBECS has been appointed by Lotus Racing to deliver a flexible software solution based on Microsoft Dynamics AX that will satisfy its demanding short term needs and also support its long term strategy.
eBECS was the partner of choice for Lotus Racing because of its experience in the automotive industry and its ability to implement successful and demanding Microsoft Dynamics solutions within short time frames.
Bill Peters, Head of IT, Lotus Racing, explains, “We came to the grid with a lot to do in a short time frame. We needed an entirely new solution that would assist in our aim of being ahead of the new teams when we all reach Bahrain, and also to support our objective of being close to the midfield teams after the first few races of the season. Peters continues, “We chose eBECS for their excellent reputation in the automotive industry and also because they took the time to listen carefully to our needs and then proposed a solution that really worked for us”
Stephen Wilson, Marketing Director, eBECS, comments, “We see Lotus as one of the most evocative names in British motor racing and we are thrilled to be working alongside Lotus Racing on such an exciting challenge.”
- ends -
About Lotus Racing
Lotus Racing is the Norfolk based Formula One team headed up by Malaysian businessman Tony Fernandes, supported by Mike Gascoyne as Chief Technical Officer. The team was granted its entry into the 2010 FIA Formula One World Championships in September 2009 and since then has appointed Heikki Kovalainen and Jarno Trulli as drivers and recently launched its first car in a glittering ceremony in London. For more information about Lotus Racing go to www.lotusracing.my
About eBECS Ltd
Since 1999, eBECS has been providing customers across manufacturing, distribution and the extended supply chain with expertise on how they can utilise Lean and Agile solutions to reduce waste, increase response times and maximise value to their customers. eBECS is proud to state that every one of its customers is fully referenceable.
For further information please contact:
Stephen Wilson
Marketing Director
eBECS Ltd
Enterprise House, The Bridge Business Centre, Beresford Way, Chesterfield, S41 9FG
Mobile: 07775 571110
Tel: 01246 888555
E: swilson@ebecs.com
For further press information and to arrange interviews please contact:
Warren Ryland
Managing Director
Francis Ryland Limited
Mobile: 07748 156 925
Tel: 0800 917 4577
E: warren.ryland@francisryland.com
For Lotus Racing:
Tom Webb
Press Officer
Tel: +44 (0) 1953 851 411 ext. 1809 / Thomas.webb@lotusracing.my
eBECS was the partner of choice for Lotus Racing because of its experience in the automotive industry and its ability to implement successful and demanding Microsoft Dynamics solutions within short time frames.
Bill Peters, Head of IT, Lotus Racing, explains, “We came to the grid with a lot to do in a short time frame. We needed an entirely new solution that would assist in our aim of being ahead of the new teams when we all reach Bahrain, and also to support our objective of being close to the midfield teams after the first few races of the season. Peters continues, “We chose eBECS for their excellent reputation in the automotive industry and also because they took the time to listen carefully to our needs and then proposed a solution that really worked for us”
Stephen Wilson, Marketing Director, eBECS, comments, “We see Lotus as one of the most evocative names in British motor racing and we are thrilled to be working alongside Lotus Racing on such an exciting challenge.”
- ends -
About Lotus Racing
Lotus Racing is the Norfolk based Formula One team headed up by Malaysian businessman Tony Fernandes, supported by Mike Gascoyne as Chief Technical Officer. The team was granted its entry into the 2010 FIA Formula One World Championships in September 2009 and since then has appointed Heikki Kovalainen and Jarno Trulli as drivers and recently launched its first car in a glittering ceremony in London. For more information about Lotus Racing go to www.lotusracing.my
About eBECS Ltd
Since 1999, eBECS has been providing customers across manufacturing, distribution and the extended supply chain with expertise on how they can utilise Lean and Agile solutions to reduce waste, increase response times and maximise value to their customers. eBECS is proud to state that every one of its customers is fully referenceable.
For further information please contact:
Stephen Wilson
Marketing Director
eBECS Ltd
Enterprise House, The Bridge Business Centre, Beresford Way, Chesterfield, S41 9FG
Mobile: 07775 571110
Tel: 01246 888555
E: swilson@ebecs.com
For further press information and to arrange interviews please contact:
Warren Ryland
Managing Director
Francis Ryland Limited
Mobile: 07748 156 925
Tel: 0800 917 4577
E: warren.ryland@francisryland.com
For Lotus Racing:
Tom Webb
Press Officer
Tel: +44 (0) 1953 851 411 ext. 1809 / Thomas.webb@lotusracing.my
EBECS LTD APPOINTED BY FOGARTY (FILLED PRODUCTS) LTD TO DRIVE THROUGH EFFICIENCIES IN ITS SUPPLY CHAIN
Microsoft Business Solutions partner eBECS has been appointed by Fogarty to deliver a flexible Microsoft Dynamics AX solution that will dramatically improve the efficiency of its internal processes and support its long term growth plans.
eBECS was the partner of choice for Fogarty because of its specialist supply chain experience in the manufacturing sector, and its successful implementation of many Microsoft Dynamics AX projects.
Gerry Tawton, Finance Director, Fogarty, explains, “In recent years, we have seen significant increases in the service demands of our customers. We pride ourselves on a high level of service and so recognised the need to improve our internal processes to complement those of our customers, enabling us to drive through efficiencies on both sides.” Tawton continues, “We chose eBECS as our technology partner for a number reasons, but primarily we took great confidence from the depth of commitment displayed by all levels of the eBECS team throughout the selection process”.
Stephen Wilson, Marketing Director, eBECS, comments, “eBECS is especially excited about this project because it matches perfectly our core capabilities of manufacturing, supply chain and Microsoft technologies. We are delighted to be able to deliver improved systems to Fogarty and eBECS very much looks forward to working with them on their continued success.
- ends -
About Fogarty (Filled Products) Ltd
Fogarty is one of the most famous brands for filled products in the UK. It has manufactured pillows and quilts since 1877 and is dedicated to the highest levels of quality in the filled products industry, ensuring its customers a perfect night's sleep. It is headquartered in Boston, Lincolnshire and supplies a number of major high street retailers.
About eBECS Ltd
Since 1999, eBECS has been providing customers across manufacturing, distribution and the extended supply chain with expertise on how they can utilise Lean and Agile solutions to reduce waste, increase response times and maximise value to their customers. eBECS is proud to state that every one of its customers is fully referenceable.
For further information please contact:
Stephen Wilson
Marketing Director
eBECS Ltd
Enterprise House
The Bridge Business Centre
Beresford Way
Chesterfield
S41 9FG
Mobile: 07775 571110
Tel: 01246 888555
Fax: 01246 888558
E: swilson@ebecs.com
For further press information and to arrange interviews please contact:
Warren Ryland
Managing Director
Francis Ryland Limited
Mobile: 07748 156 925
Tel: 0800 917 4577
E: warren.ryland@francisryland.com
Why should lean IT join the commonly used tools for continuous improvement?
Andrew Rumney, solutions director and co-founder of eBECS, challenges that lean IT should join the commonly used tools for continuous improvement.
Waste. Look around you and you will see it in your own home; things you bought but have not used, things you have bought more than one of, things you move from one place to another for no useful reason. In this scenario you are the both the customer and the provider and mostly you are making a poor job of meeting “own customer value”.
Multiply this, even in a low complex manufacturing plant or distribution organisation, and it’s no wonder lean has got such traction for meeting customer value and waste reduction initiatives. It is commonly accepted that organisations can meet their current customer needs with around 30% fewer resources – that’s all resources from space to inventory. Just imagine what you could do with that 30%! It is also accepted that traditional ERP can be a very wasteful engine.
eBECS have long been advocates of lean and with the above in mind set about creating a solution within the Microsoft AX Dynamics ERP product that help organisations deliver customer value and reduce waste – after all, although I have labelled ERP as wasteful, it does run things. It takes sales orders, it creates production orders, it orders inventory – it just does it in a wasteful push way where we need a lean pull and flow way.
When Wika Inc, a US based industrial instrument producer, set out on its lean journey it recognised that the legacy ERP system was not helping them and indeed was working against them. “We realised that in order to move our operations to the next level, we needed to make some fundamental changes. That meant moving from a batchoriented supply-chain and production process to a system based solely on customer demand,” says Michael Gerster President.
Please view the article to read more.
Waste. Look around you and you will see it in your own home; things you bought but have not used, things you have bought more than one of, things you move from one place to another for no useful reason. In this scenario you are the both the customer and the provider and mostly you are making a poor job of meeting “own customer value”.
Multiply this, even in a low complex manufacturing plant or distribution organisation, and it’s no wonder lean has got such traction for meeting customer value and waste reduction initiatives. It is commonly accepted that organisations can meet their current customer needs with around 30% fewer resources – that’s all resources from space to inventory. Just imagine what you could do with that 30%! It is also accepted that traditional ERP can be a very wasteful engine.
eBECS have long been advocates of lean and with the above in mind set about creating a solution within the Microsoft AX Dynamics ERP product that help organisations deliver customer value and reduce waste – after all, although I have labelled ERP as wasteful, it does run things. It takes sales orders, it creates production orders, it orders inventory – it just does it in a wasteful push way where we need a lean pull and flow way.
When Wika Inc, a US based industrial instrument producer, set out on its lean journey it recognised that the legacy ERP system was not helping them and indeed was working against them. “We realised that in order to move our operations to the next level, we needed to make some fundamental changes. That meant moving from a batchoriented supply-chain and production process to a system based solely on customer demand,” says Michael Gerster President.
Please view the article to read more.
Essential LEAN Management - Thriving not just surviving
eBECS and S A Partners invite you to attend a fascinating event that explores how to use the LEAN Iceberg Model to significantly improve your business performance, and so change LEAN from a short-lived programme to "the way we do things around here".
Your host for the event is Professor Peter Hines, Chairman of the LEAN Enterprise Research Centre at Cardiff University (LERC), who is a respected thought-leader in LEAN business improvement. His fascinating theory is that implementing LEAN is rather like looking at an iceberg - it's also what you cannot see!
The event is a valuable source of learning for businesses of all sizes and sectors. It is particularly relevant to senior managers and LEAN champions in organisations that are about to embark - or have already embarked upon - their LEAN journey and have identified issues around the sustainability of their change programme.
At this event Professor Peter Hines will enable you to:
· Gain a better understanding of what LEAN really is
· Network with others that face the same challenges
· Learn what you need to do to sustain a LEAN journey
· Develop the basis of your own action plan
· Raise your issues with award-winning leaders in LEAN thinking
· Get your own copy of the Shingo Prize winning book: Staying Lean: Not Just Surviving
At this seminar you will receive information regarding some of the latest thinking in LEAN management and you will be able to develop your own senior executive network.
The event takes place on 11 March 2010 in Kenilworth and, as the sponsor, eBECS is able to offer places at a reduced price of £145 + VAT (25% less than the usual £195 + VAT). There are a limited number of spaces so please reply to me or call Clair Munro on 01443 844 048 to confirm your place. For more information please see the event booking form.
I hope to see you there.
Thanks - Stephen Wilson
07775 571110
swilson@ebecs.com
Your host for the event is Professor Peter Hines, Chairman of the LEAN Enterprise Research Centre at Cardiff University (LERC), who is a respected thought-leader in LEAN business improvement. His fascinating theory is that implementing LEAN is rather like looking at an iceberg - it's also what you cannot see!
The event is a valuable source of learning for businesses of all sizes and sectors. It is particularly relevant to senior managers and LEAN champions in organisations that are about to embark - or have already embarked upon - their LEAN journey and have identified issues around the sustainability of their change programme.
At this event Professor Peter Hines will enable you to:
· Gain a better understanding of what LEAN really is
· Network with others that face the same challenges
· Learn what you need to do to sustain a LEAN journey
· Develop the basis of your own action plan
· Raise your issues with award-winning leaders in LEAN thinking
· Get your own copy of the Shingo Prize winning book: Staying Lean: Not Just Surviving
At this seminar you will receive information regarding some of the latest thinking in LEAN management and you will be able to develop your own senior executive network.
The event takes place on 11 March 2010 in Kenilworth and, as the sponsor, eBECS is able to offer places at a reduced price of £145 + VAT (25% less than the usual £195 + VAT). There are a limited number of spaces so please reply to me or call Clair Munro on 01443 844 048 to confirm your place. For more information please see the event booking form.
I hope to see you there.
Thanks - Stephen Wilson
07775 571110
swilson@ebecs.com
Thursday 21 January 2010
Partner Certification Training - Lean Manufacturing for Microsoft Dynamics AX
Please make plans to join us in Chicago, March 8th-12th, 2010 for Lean Manufacturing for Microsoft Dynamics AX Training and Certification. The five-day Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009 offering introduces Lean Principles and how Lean Manufacturing for Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009 may be positioned to demonstrate the benefits of Lean Manufacturing over traditional Production methods in a sales engagement.
This course is also designed to provide partners with the tools to demonstrate functionality within Lean Manufacturing for Microsoft Dynamics AX.
With Lean Manufacturing for Dynamics AX 2009, organizations have the tools needed to help remove waste by reducing their non-value adding business transactions and improving their ROI. This course offers an overview of the Microsoft Dynamics AX Lean Manufacturing functionality and how to leverage this functionality in a sales opportunity.
Upon completion of this course, attendees will understand the various components of Lean Manufacturing for Microsoft Dynamics AX and how to demonstrate these effectively to a potential customer.
The cost per participant for the 5 day course is now discounted to $1375.
To find out more please join The Lean Centre of Excellence and view the event details.
This course is also designed to provide partners with the tools to demonstrate functionality within Lean Manufacturing for Microsoft Dynamics AX.
With Lean Manufacturing for Dynamics AX 2009, organizations have the tools needed to help remove waste by reducing their non-value adding business transactions and improving their ROI. This course offers an overview of the Microsoft Dynamics AX Lean Manufacturing functionality and how to leverage this functionality in a sales opportunity.
Upon completion of this course, attendees will understand the various components of Lean Manufacturing for Microsoft Dynamics AX and how to demonstrate these effectively to a potential customer.
The cost per participant for the 5 day course is now discounted to $1375.
To find out more please join The Lean Centre of Excellence and view the event details.
Microsoft requires partners to have at least 2 employees attend the certification program and pass their certification test to fulfil the requirements to sell Lean Manufacturing for Microsoft Dynamics AX.
Future Training and bespoke offering
The next training dates in the US currently planned to take place are June 14th-18th, 2010 in Atlanta. On site partner training is also available at a cost of $10,000 for the 5 day programme, to register your interest for the above training date or to enquire about training specific to your partner organisation please email partner@ebecs.com
Free Introductory training Video
Please visit the Lean Centre of Excellence to view an introductory training video featuring eBECS Solutions Director and Microsoft Dynamics AX Lean Manufacturing original solution architect, Andrew Rumney. Andrew will guide you with an explanation of the lean concepts using practical demonstrations (pull and flow). The master class also includes a step by step Kanban demonstration, establishing a finished goods buffer and customer pull scenario.
Follow up course available "Implementing a Lean Enterprise on Dynamics AX"
In addition to the certification course, a one week follow-up course is available for attendees who have already completed the certification course. This 5-day classroom based course "Implementing a Lean Enterprise on Dynamics AX" will build on the certification class and include an introduction to the additional capability that eBECS provides. The course will provide attendees the opportunity to practice their knowledge on more advanced case studies. This is not a certification requirement, but is strongly recommended for those consultants who will be expected to install and configure the Lean Manufacturing module following a successful sales engagement.
eBECS Sales and Implementation Support Service
It may take some time for partners to achieve certification and it maybe that some partners, whilst interested in including Lean in their marketing campaigns, will not want to undertake the certification program. To help partners either as an interim support mechanism or as a longer term relationship, eBECS provides a sales and implementation support service agreed uniquely with each partner. For more information on this please get in touch with us at partner@ebecs.com to understand how this can work for your partner organisation.
Monday 4 January 2010
Managing Lean Manufacturing using Microsoft Dynamics AX2009 by Scott Hamilton – a review!
This book contains exactly what the title suggests, if you have knowledge of lean principles and an interest in using Microsoft Dynamics AX in a manufacturing environment this book is essential reading.
The recently released Lean module for Microsoft Dynamics AX2009 gives manufacturing organisations a choice as to how they implement production within their ERP system. There is now an alternative to the traditional manufacturing approaches involving planned orders generated by master planning. Kanbans or lean orders can now be used instead; the new Lean module makes these visible within the ERP environment. There are a number of potentially confusing and conflicting choices to be made in this Lean software environment, and Scott Hamilton guides the reader as they set about commencing their lean journey.
Lean principles are generally based around the concept of a pull generated from sales demand. This creates the need to manufacture, purchase or move products and components to satisfy the demand. This is straight forward to comprehend in a make to order organisation, but what happens where organisations hold stocks of finished goods or semi-finished components? In most manufacturing organisations this will be the case. This book explains the alternatives available and how to mix the different possible approaches.
What about the traditional ERP tools such as Master Planning, Forecasts, Routings and Planned Orders? Are these all redundant in an AX2009 Lean implementation? My view is generally not. In his earlier book “Managing Your Supply chain Using Microsoft Dynamics AX2009” Scott Hamilton demonstrated a thorough understanding of all of these principles and this enables him to explain concisely how they all can have a place alongside the new Lean tools. It is to be expected that most organisations will want to use existing traditional approaches alongside Lean principles; the reader is guided in the way a company may do this.
There are two things which this book is not. It is not an introduction to Lean. There are many other titles which will introduce the reader to Lean. My personal recommendations would be “The Goal” by Eli Goldratt and “Lean Thinking” by Womack and Jones. You really need to read books similar to these before considering the detail of how to implement the Microsoft AX2009 Lean module. Nor does this book replace the software documentation that is available for the AX2009 Lean module. It is up to the reader whether they read Scott Hamilton’s book before or after they study the software documentation. I would recommend an iterative approach. Start by making yourself aware of the options available within the software documentation. Then I would read the book to work out what is relevant for your particular organisation. Identify the most relevant sections of the software and then undertake appropriate hands on training using the documentation. Finally I would revisit the book to confirm that a thorough understanding has been obtained.
This book concentrates on the aspects of Lean which users will probably be interested in first. This is specifically Kanbans which are covered in great detail. Other topics such as Lean Order Schedules and Lean Accounting are included but in less depth. Understandably the scope is limited to the current Microsoft release of the Lean module and does not extend to include the additional functionality available from eBECS in their lean add-on modules.
In summary this book is an invaluable resource in understanding the new AX2009 Lean module, we should be grateful that it is available so soon after the release of the software. The text is concise and factual and the many diagrams explain the scenarios and tools available. To read what other people think of this book I suggest you consider the reviews available on www.amazon.com.
Please let us all know what you think by adding to this blog.
The recently released Lean module for Microsoft Dynamics AX2009 gives manufacturing organisations a choice as to how they implement production within their ERP system. There is now an alternative to the traditional manufacturing approaches involving planned orders generated by master planning. Kanbans or lean orders can now be used instead; the new Lean module makes these visible within the ERP environment. There are a number of potentially confusing and conflicting choices to be made in this Lean software environment, and Scott Hamilton guides the reader as they set about commencing their lean journey.
Lean principles are generally based around the concept of a pull generated from sales demand. This creates the need to manufacture, purchase or move products and components to satisfy the demand. This is straight forward to comprehend in a make to order organisation, but what happens where organisations hold stocks of finished goods or semi-finished components? In most manufacturing organisations this will be the case. This book explains the alternatives available and how to mix the different possible approaches.
What about the traditional ERP tools such as Master Planning, Forecasts, Routings and Planned Orders? Are these all redundant in an AX2009 Lean implementation? My view is generally not. In his earlier book “Managing Your Supply chain Using Microsoft Dynamics AX2009” Scott Hamilton demonstrated a thorough understanding of all of these principles and this enables him to explain concisely how they all can have a place alongside the new Lean tools. It is to be expected that most organisations will want to use existing traditional approaches alongside Lean principles; the reader is guided in the way a company may do this.
There are two things which this book is not. It is not an introduction to Lean. There are many other titles which will introduce the reader to Lean. My personal recommendations would be “The Goal” by Eli Goldratt and “Lean Thinking” by Womack and Jones. You really need to read books similar to these before considering the detail of how to implement the Microsoft AX2009 Lean module. Nor does this book replace the software documentation that is available for the AX2009 Lean module. It is up to the reader whether they read Scott Hamilton’s book before or after they study the software documentation. I would recommend an iterative approach. Start by making yourself aware of the options available within the software documentation. Then I would read the book to work out what is relevant for your particular organisation. Identify the most relevant sections of the software and then undertake appropriate hands on training using the documentation. Finally I would revisit the book to confirm that a thorough understanding has been obtained.
This book concentrates on the aspects of Lean which users will probably be interested in first. This is specifically Kanbans which are covered in great detail. Other topics such as Lean Order Schedules and Lean Accounting are included but in less depth. Understandably the scope is limited to the current Microsoft release of the Lean module and does not extend to include the additional functionality available from eBECS in their lean add-on modules.
In summary this book is an invaluable resource in understanding the new AX2009 Lean module, we should be grateful that it is available so soon after the release of the software. The text is concise and factual and the many diagrams explain the scenarios and tools available. To read what other people think of this book I suggest you consider the reviews available on www.amazon.com.
Please let us all know what you think by adding to this blog.
The Lean Management Journal (LMJ)
In January 2010 the new journal dedicated to cross sector lean knowledge sharing, The Lean Management Journal (LMJ), will publish Andrew Rumneys article "Now is the time to lean IT!". The article takes a look at how lean ERP can play an important role in facilitating a company's lean journey and argues that it is time eBECS style solutions were regarded as part of the essential lean toolkit for improvement projects.To see the article sign up for a free trial issue of LMJ or subscribe: www.leanmj.com
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