Blog Posts - MCA Connect

August 05, 2020

Master Planning Does Not Work for All Discrete Manufacturers

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance has some valuable improvements coming for the performance of the existing master planning engine. However, it is somewhat disappointing that it is not addressing the ...

Topics: Manufacturing

June 29, 2020

Modern Technology for the Industrial Equipment Manufacturing Team

With the modern technology available today, industrial equipment manufacturers can take advantage of new manufacturing opportunities by connecting business systems that give them a better view of all ...

Topics: IoT & Analytics, Manufacturing

June 03, 2020

Reduce Supply Chain Disruption with IoT and Analytics

Reducing the risk of supply chain disruptions As the threat of disruption has increased recently, companies are pressured to ask if their supply chain is ready for the next event, pushing them to ...

Topics: Manufacturing

April 29, 2020

Why S&OP is Critical for Manufacturing COVID-19 Recovery

We understand the recent health crisis makes for uneasy times and has already impacted many manufacturers in one way or another. Most businesses are wondering how big of an impact this will have on ...

Topics: Manufacturing

February 28, 2020

How to Build a Future-Ready Strategy for Manufacturing

From rapid changes in technology to ever-increasing consumer demands, every industry is trying to keep up with the pace of change and reinvent processes for a more sustainable future. When a ...

Topics: CRM, Manufacturing

February 26, 2020

How to Better Manage the Automotive Bid Response Process

As a company that frequently works with automotive supply manufacturers to implement technology solutions, we find that while some manufacturers have mastered the production process, very few have a ...

Topics: CRM, Manufacturing

January 28, 2020

5 Benefits that Explain the Importance of CRM in Manufacturing

To gain a competitive advantage these days, exceeding your customers’ expectations is key. It turns out that CRM software for manufacturing has revolutionized many businesses as it gives a holistic ...

Topics: ERP, Manufacturing

December 18, 2019

Looking to Upgrade from MAPICS? You're not alone.

There are many manufacturing companies that are still running on legacy ERP systems like MAPICS, also known as Infor XA. Many of these companies have the mind set of ‘if it’s not broken, don’t fix ...

Topics: ERP, Manufacturing, Manufacturing ERP Guide

December 18, 2019

Enterprise Resource Planning: An Introduction

An Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system can revolutionize many types of business operating within a wealth of verticals. ERP platforms allow different systems to communicate, integrate, and ...

Topics: ERP, Manufacturing, Manufacturing ERP Guide

December 18, 2019

How Are Microsoft’s ERP Systems Different?

Microsoft has developed a powerhouse system in the form of Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Finance and Operations. If you’d like to learn about the functionality from more of a top level view, take a look ...

Topics: ERP, Manufacturing, Manufacturing ERP Guide

December 18, 2019

Are You Ready for an Upgrade?

Auditing readiness for an ERP upgrade can seem like a daunting task. If you feel like you’re caught in the technological dark ages, you’re not alone. Many companies make the assumption that an ...

Topics: ERP, Manufacturing, Manufacturing ERP Guide

December 18, 2019

Choosing the Right Partner

Choosing the right manufacturing ERP partner can be the difference between a smooth, functional process and a downright tedious process. We have put together a handy checklist for selecting an ERP ...

Topics: ERP, Manufacturing, Manufacturing ERP Guide

December 18, 2019

Unique Aspects of ERP Solutions for the Manufacturing Industry

Microsoft’s ERP solution can be customized to manage many types of business processes. Building a custom system form fit to the manufacturing industry, then customizing for your direct needs, ensures ...

Topics: ERP, Manufacturing, Manufacturing ERP Guide

December 18, 2019

Common ERP Implementation Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Utilizing all of the sections above to create a comprehensive upgrade/implementation strategy helps things run smoothly, but there are some major risk factors to stay away from when you are looking ...

Topics: ERP, Manufacturing, Manufacturing ERP Guide

December 18, 2019

Develop and Execute an Implementation Plan

Gaining internal buy-in from the implementers as well as your executive team is a linchpin when implementing a manufacturing ERP system. We have put together a handy guide for a successful ERP ...

Automotive Manufacturing - Manufacturing ERP Implementation for the Auto Industry

Topics: ERP, Manufacturing, Manufacturing ERP Guide

December 18, 2019

Training Employees and Gaining Buy In

While we mentioned the importance of training the users who will be utilizing your software, we want to devote a section of this guide to training users properly as this is an item that can derail ...

Topics: ERP, Manufacturing, Manufacturing ERP Guide

December 18, 2019

Case Studies

Dell Dell is among the most well-known technology brands in the world. They were one of the first to sell computer products directly to consumers. Dell needed solutions to match their high-volume, ...

Topics: Manufacturing

December 16, 2019

The Top 5 Automotive Trends for 2020

Some big changes are coming in 2020! With each new year, we seem to be faced with a new set of changes in the automotive industry, far surpassing trends experienced over the past few decades. 2020 ...

Topics: CRM, Manufacturing

November 05, 2019

What Every Automotive Supplier Should Be Doing

Most of the automotive parts manufacturers we work with have a pretty efficient shop floor. Lean manufacturing has its roots in the automotive industry and most OEMs and parts suppliers have been ...

Topics: Manufacturing, Field Service, Energy

August 07, 2019

Field Service Delivery: Quality, Speed or Price?

There’s an adage that says, “You can have something cheap, fast or good. Pick two of the three. You can’t have it all.” The truth is that quality, speed and price are all important to customers. This ...

Topics: Manufacturing, Field Service, Energy

July 31, 2019

Are you Ready for Connected Field Service?

With most field service operations, a piece of equipment experiences a problem, and the customer calls. You dispatch a technician who goes to the site and runs diagnostics. If you’re lucky, all the ...

Topics: IoT & Analytics, Manufacturing

May 23, 2019

How IoT & Connected Devices are Changing the Manufacturing Landscape

The expansion of smart devices has reached a level that no one can ignore. Devices with wireless connectivity are more present in people’s homes today than not. But smart technology has some heritage ...

Topics: IoT & Analytics, Manufacturing, Field Service

May 16, 2019

Manufacturing Field Service: How to Increase Technician Profitability by 25%

The goals of field service software are to get the right technician, with the right tools to the right job at the right time. This will help increase technician efficiency and improve customer ...

Topics: Manufacturing, Field Service

May 02, 2019

Connected Field Service Solution Empowers Field Service and Manufacturing Companies

[DENVER, CO – MAY 2, 2019] - MCA Connect, a global systems integrator and Microsoft Dynamics Gold Partner, announces today the launch of their revolutionizing Connected Field Service solution for ...

Topics: CRM, ERP, Manufacturing, Field Service, Energy

April 25, 2019

Top 10 Reasons Why an S&OP Project Can Fail

The implementation of a successful Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) project can provide a game changing foundation to drive enterprise excellence for years to come in an organization and working ...

Topics: IoT & Analytics, Manufacturing, Field Service

April 18, 2019

How Mobility and IoT are Transforming Field Service in Manufacturing

Internet of Things (IoT) and big data are transforming the way companies operate. Manufacturers that are willing to embrace modern technology, such as field service software, will transform the roles ...

Topics: ERP, Manufacturing

April 11, 2019

Why Modern Manufacturing ERP Systems are Critical

Manufacturing growth continues to boom and is forecasted to increase more than it has in a decade. According to the MAPI (Manufacturing Alliance for Productivity and Innovation) Foundation, because ...

Topics: IoT & Analytics, CRM, Manufacturing, Field Service, Energy

April 01, 2019

Connected Field Service: 6 Reasons Manufacturers Transition from “Regular” Field Service Software

What’s the difference between Connected Field Service and “regular” Field Service Software? The simple answer is Internet-connected (IoT) devices. These devices allow manufacturers to remotely ...

Topics: IoT & Analytics, Manufacturing, Field Service

March 19, 2019

The Difference Between Field Service & Connected Field Service

If field service is an integral part of your day-to-day business and optimizing your field service operations is a main responsibility, then connected field service should be the next step for your ...

Topics: ERP, Manufacturing

March 04, 2019

Manufacturing ERP Systems: The Top 5 Benefits

The manufacturing industry is complex, highly progressive, and competitive in nature. These factors make it essential for manufacturers to have integrated technology solutions that increase ...

Topics: IoT & Analytics, Manufacturing

March 01, 2019

Business Analytics in Manufacturing: Why it’s Critical

Recent years have seen an explosion of new business technologies, making it clear to us that we’re living in a digitally transformed world. This is particularly true for business analytics and ...

Topics: ERP, Manufacturing

January 21, 2019

Manufacturing ERP Implementations

What to know before taking a traditional implementation approach As a manufacturer, you have a lot of moving parts in your business.

Topics: ERP, Manufacturing

January 18, 2019

5 Critical Steps Before Implementing a Next Generation ERP System

Modern ERP systems, like Microsoft Dynamics 365, offer significant advantages over traditional ERP systems. Most next generation ERP systems are:

Topics: ERP, Manufacturing

November 19, 2018

The Latest Trend in Implementing Manufacturing ERP Software

The purchase of new manufacturing ERP software is usually driven by a desire to innovate, differentiate, cut costs, and create efficiency.

Topics: IoT & Analytics, Manufacturing

November 12, 2018

How Business Intelligence Helps Manufacturers

A challenge that seems to be universal within the manufacturing industry is deciding on technology and which advances to make. Because there are so many options to implement and grow your business, ...

Topics: ERP, Manufacturing

October 16, 2018

Bored of Baan? We can help.

Background Baan Corporation, founded in 1978, was one of the first dominant ERP software companies. It became famous for its Dynamic Enterprise Modeler and technical architecture and became a threat ...

Topics: CRM, Manufacturing

September 25, 2018

How to Ensure a Successful CRM Implementation for Manufacturers

We’ve seen some smooth and easy CRM implementations in the manufacturing industry, so we feel confident about what must take place for the implementation to be successful. Here are 4 quick ...

Topics: IoT & Analytics, Manufacturing

August 14, 2018

Benefits of Cloud Computing for Manufacturers

In recent years, the term ‘cloud’ has made quite an impact in our lives and in our businesses. But for the manufacturing industry, it is just now starting to make its debut with more and more ...

Topics: ERP, Manufacturing

August 09, 2018

How to Ensure a Successful ERP Implementation for Manufacturers

Yes, we know. The words ‘ERP implementation’ can sound expensive, time consuming and questionable. And yes, 10 years ago, technology implementations were difficult. But that was a different time. ...

Topics: CRM, Manufacturing

July 06, 2018

How D365 CRM is Transforming the Chemicals & Plastics Industry

The chemicals & plastics industry is mature with big-named companies that have been around for many decades, including Dow, Shell, ExxonMobil and more. It is a unique industry that has continuously ...

Topics: CRM, Manufacturing, Field Service, Energy

March 16, 2018

Why is Connected Field Service becoming so popular?

Field service without an onsite technician? Yes! It’s possible. Imagine how much time and money you could save and how much value you could add for customers, if you were able to resolve most ...

Topics: IoT & Analytics, Manufacturing

March 08, 2018

Use of Blockchain in the Manufacturing Industry

Recently we talked about blockchain in the oil & gas industry, and the next logical question is…

Topics: Manufacturing

February 08, 2018

10 Lessons Learned after 30 Years in Manufacturing

1. Disrupt or be disrupted. In 2017, the manufacturing industry experienced game-changing opportunities. This competitive landscape will only continue in 2018. Manufacturers agile enough to ...

Topics: Manufacturing

February 08, 2018

Technology’s Role in the Manufacturing Revolution

When you have money to improve operations, what is the best use of that budget? Do you hire more workers? Buy new equipment? Or do you invest in software technology?

Topics: Manufacturing

December 18, 2017

5 Ways to Reduce Your Manufacturing Inventory Costs

Do you have a CFO breathing down your neck to reduce manufacturing inventory costs? As the VP of Manufacturing, you have one tough job! On one hand, if you don’t have enough of the right inventory on ...

Topics: Manufacturing

December 11, 2017

Better, Faster, Cheaper ERP for Manufacturers

I’m sure you’ve seen that old saying about services. There are only 3 types of services: good, cheap and fast – and you can only pick two:

Topics: Manufacturing

December 05, 2017

5 Myths Busted about ERP for Manufacturers

Manufacturing and ERP systems have had a rocky relationship, one filled with big promises, missed opportunities and lots of misinformation. Companies trying to leverage manufacturing technology for ...

Topics: Manufacturing

October 31, 2017

3 Ways Engineers are Staying on Top of Auto Regulations

Automotive engineers involved in the sales process have a responsibility to ensure that your automotive supply company stays on top of the latest regulations. Changes in regulations often drive ...

Topics: Manufacturing

October 20, 2017

Bridging the Gap: Current Processes & Future Models

When we work with clients to implement lean manufacturing principles, we typically use a software tool called LeanCONNECT (formerly called Areteium). With this tool, we can use existing manufacturing ...

Topics: ERP, Manufacturing

October 02, 2017

Increase Quality Without Increasing Production Cost

Razor thin margins leave little room for production errors. Because product recalls and customer refunds are so expensive, you want to be able to consistently deliver quality products, but without ...

Topics: Manufacturing

September 20, 2017

When Lean Manufacturing isn’t Worth the Effort

As a company who has been doing manufacturing ERP implementations and has been evangelizing lean manufacturing principles for a long time, we believe in lean principles, and believe they can be ...

Blog

Master Planning Does Not Work for All Discrete Manufacturers

Modern Technology for the Industrial Equipment Manufacturing Team

Reduce Supply Chain Disruption with IoT and Analytics

Why S&OP is Critical for Manufacturing COVID-19 Recovery

How to Build a Future-Ready Strategy for Manufacturing

How to Better Manage the Automotive Bid Response Process

5 Benefits that Explain the Importance of CRM in Manufacturing

Looking to Upgrade from MAPICS? You're not alone.

Enterprise Resource Planning: An Introduction

How Are Microsoft’s ERP Systems Different?

Are You Ready for an Upgrade?

Choosing the Right Partner

Unique Aspects of ERP Solutions for the Manufacturing Industry

Common ERP Implementation Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Develop and Execute an Implementation Plan

Training Employees and Gaining Buy In

Case Studies

The Top 5 Automotive Trends for 2020

What Every Automotive Supplier Should Be Doing

Field Service Delivery: Quality, Speed or Price?

Are you Ready for Connected Field Service?

How IoT & Connected Devices are Changing the Manufacturing Landscape

Manufacturing Field Service: How to Increase Technician Profitability by 25%

Connected Field Service Solution Empowers Field Service and Manufacturing Companies

Top 10 Reasons Why an S&OP Project Can Fail

How Mobility and IoT are Transforming Field Service in Manufacturing

Why Modern Manufacturing ERP Systems are Critical

Connected Field Service: 6 Reasons Manufacturers Transition from “Regular” Field Service Software

The Difference Between Field Service & Connected Field Service

Manufacturing ERP Systems: The Top 5 Benefits

Business Analytics in Manufacturing: Why it’s Critical

Manufacturing ERP Implementations

5 Critical Steps Before Implementing a Next Generation ERP System

The Latest Trend in Implementing Manufacturing ERP Software

How Business Intelligence Helps Manufacturers

Bored of Baan? We can help.

How to Ensure a Successful CRM Implementation for Manufacturers

Benefits of Cloud Computing for Manufacturers

How to Ensure a Successful ERP Implementation for Manufacturers

How D365 CRM is Transforming the Chemicals & Plastics Industry

Why is Connected Field Service becoming so popular?

Use of Blockchain in the Manufacturing Industry

10 Lessons Learned after 30 Years in Manufacturing

Technology’s Role in the Manufacturing Revolution

5 Ways to Reduce Your Manufacturing Inventory Costs

Better, Faster, Cheaper ERP for Manufacturers

5 Myths Busted about ERP for Manufacturers

3 Ways Engineers are Staying on Top of Auto Regulations

Bridging the Gap: Current Processes & Future Models

Increase Quality Without Increasing Production Cost

When Lean Manufacturing isn’t Worth the Effort

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