Technology Group International

ERP Software for the Cheese and Dairy Industry – 15 Essential ERP Software Requirements

2010-05-05T15:04:00.000-04:00

From June 6-8, 2010 in Houston, Texas, the International Dairy Deli Bake Association will host its annual IDDBA show and expo. The show provides an excellent opportunity for cheese and dairy processors and distributors, ingredient suppliers, equipment manufacturers, and technology vendors to showcase their new products. For those IDDBA 2010 show exhibitors and attendees about to engage in an ERP selection project and replace their existing software systems, there are a number of critical ERP software requirements that must be met to improve organizational efficiency, access to information, product safety, and lot traceability. These features include:

1.    Financial management and accounting
2.    Inventory management and a warehouse management system
3.    Manufacturing
4.    Procurement
5.    Order management and customer service
6.    Formula and recipe management
7.    The ability to support variable batch size manufacturing
8.    Multiple units of measure and product-specific unit of measure conversions
9.    Shelf-Life and expiration date tracking
10.    Food traceability software functionality
11.    Catch weight processing
12.    Industry compliance support and product recall management
13.    Shipping and receiving
14.    EDI processing
15.    Customer relationship management (CRM)

Perhaps most importantly, each of the software features/functions noted above should be part of a fully-integrated ERP software system. If nothing else, one of the most significant benefits to be realized from ERP software ownership and implementation is the fact that all of the organization’s departments, from finance and accounting to quality control, will be able to operate on a single software platform with a consistent view of real-time business information. By selecting an ERP system that meets such requirements, cheese and dairy processors and distributors will be in a position to streamline operations and realize bottom-line profitability gains.

Three Ways ERP Software Can Help Companies in the Event of a Food Recall – and Help Prevent Future Recalls from Occurring

2010-04-02T11:28:00.000-04:00

In the wake of yet another FDA recall (this time for food products containing HVP), now, perhaps more than ever, is the time for food manufacturing and distribution companies to get serious about using technology to improve their overall level of lot tracking and traceability, quality control processes, and internal product recall procedures. Let’s examine how ERP software can help food companies improve in the following areas:

1. Lot tracking and traceability. An ERP system with fully-integrated lot traceability software functionality can help food processors and distributors track the lot numbers of raw ingredients received into inventory, when the ingredients were received, the lot numbers of the raw ingredients that were consumed in manufacturing, lot numbers of finished goods that were produced, and the lot numbers of finished goods that were shipped to customers. In the event that an ingredient supplier should initiate a recall for a lot or group of lots for a particular ingredient, a food processor would be able to use its food processing software solution to see if and when the recalled ingredient lot was used to produce finished goods, all of the finished good lot numbers that were produced using the recalled ingredient lot(s), and all of the organization’s customers that received finished goods that were produced with the recalled ingredient lot(s), allowing the food processor to initiate its own recall and notify its customers to return or destroy the potentially contaminated lots.

2. Recall Management. A food manufacturing or food distribution software solution with an integrated recall management system can allow organizations to build their product recall plans directly into the ERP system, establish notifications and alerts to be sent to specific individuals during each step or phase of the recall, and simultaneously track all costs incurred as a result of the recall, significantly improving an organization’s readiness to respond to an unforeseen FDA-requested mock recall or an actual product recall should one need to be initiated. For additional information on developing recall procedures, please visit http://ohioline.osu.edu/aex-fact/0253.html.

3. Quality Control Processing. An ERP system can help organizations to automate their quality control activities. Using an ERP system, food processors and distributors can specify certain raw ingredients to be placed on hold automatically each time those ingredients are received into inventory and alert QC personnel that the ingredients need to be tested. QC personnel can then record test results directly in the system, release the ingredients into available inventory for future consumption in production, or reject the inventory to be subsequently shipped back to the supplier. Similarly, manufactured items can be placed on hold automatically following production, and the ERP system can alert QC personnel that the items are to be tested immediately.

By taking advantage of such software features in an ERP system, food processors and distributors can better prepare themselves for product recalls and implement the necessary quality control procedures to minimize the likelihood of a food recall.

The ERP Value Menu: Three User Licenses for $1?

2010-03-29T14:24:00.000-04:00

Some of the best things in life are free (love, health, happiness, Gmail, thousands of apps on the Apple iTunes store, etc.). Many other things in life cost only $1 (or less) - just look at the value menu at pretty much any fast food restaurant. Now, it seems the concept of a “Value Menu” has hit the ERP market, as one software vendor is offering its ERP software at a price of just $1 for three user licenses (you can read the article here). My first reaction upon reading the article was, “Wow, that’s really cheap.” Then, as I started thinking about it, I asked myself, “Well, if something that usually sells for thousands of dollars is now just $1, what’s wrong with it? What else can I buy with that same $1?”

To help me with my “Items that Cost $1 Comparison,” I went to the dollar store to do a little investigating into the things that cost $1 and, more importantly, the things that are really worth $1. Here’s a list of some of the things I found that cost one dollar:

1. A travel size pack of tissues
2. Miscellaneous children’s plastic toys (probably all infested with lead paint)
3. 4 month old Christmas cards
4. A box of markers
5. A box of chocolates (expired as of February 1, 2010)

After my visit to the store, I determined that there was one common thread between each of the items I found – not one of them was worth even a single dollar, and I would never bother wasting my money purchasing any of the items. Trying to think about a small business owner’s perspective, I asked myself, “Would the owner of a company really feel comfortable buying an ERP system that costs the same as a travel size pack of tissues, or a box of markers, or expired chocolates?”

As with any purchase, individuals (and businesses) have an opportunity to weigh both the short-term and long-term costs of the things they buy. Going back to the fast food value menu, for just $1, you can buy chicken nuggets, a cheeseburger, two baked apple pies, or French fries. In the near short-term, you know this is a great option for a meal. It’s cheap, will taste reasonably good (if not amazing) going down, will leave your hunger satisfied, and will be easy on your wallet. But before you make your purchase, you also know that if you choose to eat off such a menu, in a matter of hours, you are going to return to your computer at work and feel like you’re going to need to take a mid-day nap. You also know that, perhaps, some of the items available on the value menu aren’t the healthiest of meal options and could lead to more serious, long-term health problems later in life (anybody ever see the movie Super Size Me?).

The same general logic can be applied to purchasing an ERP software solution. Again, think about the small business owner’s perspective. “What are the short-term costs? What are the long-term costs? What am I really getting for $1? Does $1 software meet all (or at least the majority) of my business’s software requirements? What happens when my small business grows? Does the $1 solution feature functionality that will accommodate my business’s growth, or am I going to have to buy additional modules, features, functions, bolt-ons, etc. later on? Could my annual maintenance fees increase over the next five years?”

The reality of the situation is that, the last I checked, there aren’t a whole lot of ERP companies classified as charitable organizations. Businesses need to turn a profit to stay in business. Now, can an ERP company realistically realize a profit on software licenses by selling those licenses at a rate of 3 for $1? Highly doubtful, unless of course the software is really worth $1, in which case no business should buy it in the first place! The more likely situation is that the ERP company is willing to take a short-term financial loss for software licenses in order to execute a more long-term revenue strategy in the future. For the small business, these future, unexpected, hidden costs are simply bad for business.

12 Process Manufacturing Software Requirements for Growing Manufacturing Businesses

2010-03-17T21:06:00.000-04:00

In a recent article published by BusinessWeek, manufacturing in the United States grew in January 2010 at its fastest pace since August 2004. Despite a troubled global economy, it appears manufacturing in the United States is heading in the right direction. Given this surge in growth, there is a fairly good probability that many of these growing manufacturing companies will turn to technology to continue to streamline operations and increase bottom-line profits. For process manufacturers specifically, there are a number of key ERP software selection criteria that proposed technology solutions must meet to provide the foundation for future growth, lower operating costs, and increased manufacturing output expanding manufacturing businesses require. Below are twelve requirements every process manufacturing software solution must meet.

1. The software must provide both forward and backward lot traceability.

2. The ERP software solution must be able to track ingredient and finished good shelf lives and expiration dates.

3. The ERP system should allow the manufacturing organization to specify guaranteed minimum shelf life requirements for its customers who demand that products shipped to them have specific shelf life characteristics.

4. The system should allow the organization to establish formulas with multi-level bills of material.

5. The ERP solution should allow for multi-level manufacturing routings, which enable separate batch processing and filling operations, or “recipe cards.”

6. Proposed manufacturing software solutions should allow for scaled batch size quantities for manufacturing and recognize that there is increased volume of raw ingredients required for production.

7. The system should allow for multiple units of measure and the establishment of unit of measure conversions.

8. The ERP system must be able to identify raw ingredients and finished goods that should be put on quality hold for QC inspection immediately upon receipt into inventory and/or following production.

9. The system should have a built-in wireless warehouse management system to streamline warehouse operations and to improve the data entry process for ingredient and finished good lot numbers.

10. The system should be a fully-integrated ERP software product and deliver software functionality for order management, inventory control, warehouse management, manufacturing, purchasing, financial management and accounting, e-Commerce, business intelligence, and customer relationship management.

11. The system must be able to account for sample products that have a production cost and value in inventory but have a $0 price for customer shipments.

12. For growing process manufacturing organizations, the manufacturing software solution must be highly scalable in nature – it should allow the business to grow in revenue without a proportional expenditure on additional software functionality in the months and years following software implementation.

By selecting a process manufacturing software solution that can meet such criteria, process manufacturers can receive the technology necessary to continue to compete in a global market and continue to expand their respective businesses with increased productivity, efficiency, and profitability.

Why “CRM” Should Go Beyond CRM in ERP Systems

2010-02-25T11:19:00.000-05:00

Customer relationship management (CRM), as a stand alone software application, can provide sales representatives and account managers with an easy to use contact management system for storing email addresses, phone numbers, fax numbers, etc. It can also provide a means for improved customer contact tracking, scheduling follow up activities, recording notes from conversations with customers, and directly emailing customers from a single application.

When a manufacturer or distributor considers selecting an ERP software solution with a fully-integrated CRM application, however, the business’s ERP selection team should ask itself to what extent the phrase “customer relationship management” applies to other functions and applications within the ERP system, such as customer order frequency, customer buying habits, order and line item fill rates, and on-time delivery for customer shipments. Why? Because when the concept of “customer relationship management” is applied to other functional areas within an ERP system, businesses can see improvements not only in customer and prospect tracking but improved levels of customer satisfaction, faster order entry, and improved visibility to real-time customer order status as well. Organizations engaging in an ERP selection project should consider the following criteria when selecting an ERP CRM software system with true customer relationship management capabilities:

1) Does the ERP system track how frequently a given customer orders a specific product? By tracking customer order frequency on a product-by-product basis, organizations can minimize instances in which a customer stops purchasing a product without the organization’s knowledge of the loss in business until a significantly later date. A manufacturing or distribution software system that tracks customer order frequency on a product-by-product basis can automatically send a message to a customer’s designated sales representative or account manager notifying him or her when a specific customer has not ordered a product within its normal frequency. This can initiate a follow up call to the customer to make sure they are still satisfied with the products and services that have been provided to them and minimizes the likelihood of a customer ceasing purchases from the organization without the organization’s knowledge. It can also initiate a proactive response on the part of the manufacturer or distributor to ensure the customer’s requirements are being met with each customer order.

2) Does the ERP system track customer buying habits and recommend the customer’s most frequently ordered items to the sales or customer service representative at the time a customer places an order? A sophisticated ERP software system can track those items a customer orders on a routine basis. At the time a sales or customer service representative begins an order for a customer, the system can automatically generate a list of the customer’s most frequently ordered items, allowing for fast order entry and reducing the amount of time it takes for a customer to place an order. This also reduces the amount of time it takes a customer service or sales representative to enter a customer order, giving the representative the ability to process more orders on a daily basis.

3) Does the distribution or manufacturing software solution have the ability to track order and line item fill rates on a customer-by-customer basis? Order and line item fill rates can be a strong indicator of a manufacturer’s or distributor’s overall level of customer service. An organization’s ability to service customer orders in full directly from inventory while meeting the customer’s requested delivery date can result in an increased likelihood of repeat customer purchases. An ERP system with integrated forecasting, planning, inventory management, warehouse management, and business intelligence capabilities can improve customer order and line item fill rates while simultaneously reducing on-hand inventory and associated carrying costs. Using the ERP system’s business intelligence features, the organization can gain real-time access to its order and line item fill rates for all customers in aggregate and drill down to see order and line item fill rates on a customer-by-customer and customer-product combination basis. The organization can then use this information to see those customers and/or products in which their service level is lacking and implement new internal business processes to improve its service level in these areas. The end result, again, will be improved overall levels of customer service and satisfaction.

Customer relationship management software functionality is a key requirement when selecting an ERP solution. That being said, the proposed ERP solution’s CRM features must extend well beyond those of basic contact management; the concept of customer relationship management must be applied to other functions within the ERP system to improve the organization’s overall level of customer service and give the organization a competitive advantage in the market.

Should Executives Use Their ERP Software System's CRM Functionality? Absolutely.

2010-02-08T15:30:00.001-05:00

A few years ago, I heard a great story about former U.S. President George H. W. Bush. When President Bush was in office in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s, the President kept a Rolodex on his desk in the oval office. This Rolodex contained some 200+ names of the President’s closest friends, business partners, executives of large corporations, important campaign contributors, etc. It is said the President would make it a point to call each and every one of these 200 or so people every six months, not to ask them for anything, but really just to say, “Hi,” check in, and see if there was anything he could do to be of service.

One could argue that this practice of routine follow-up with the use of a Rolodex was really just a primitive form of what we know today as customer relationship management. Political opinions aside, President Bush’s methods of keeping tabs on those whom he believed to be most important to his job should serve as an example to small business owners and executives everywhere that customer follow-up is not solely the responsibility of regional sales or customer service representatives; owners and executives should take advantage of their ERP software’s customer relationship management capabilities to schedule routine calls to their customers, suppliers, and business partners.

Executives who leverage their small business ERP system’s CRM software functionality can accomplish two things. First, CRM software provides an easy way to schedule routine follow up calls with customers, suppliers, and business partners, maintain a history of prior discussions with these individuals, and easily recall what was discussed in prior conversations by maintaining electronic contact notes. For the small business owner, using the company’s ERP software system can provide an organized view of customer contact history well beyond that of Microsoft Outlook, calendar reminders, paper notes, etc.

Secondly, a small business can achieve higher levels of customer satisfaction and increase the likelihood of repeat customer purchases when an owner or executive places a non-sales call to a customer. The business owner can listen to customer requests and come to realize new opportunities for both business process and customer service improvements. In addition, small business executives who make it a point to call their customers on a routine basis enable the business to further differentiate itself and its service offerings from its larger competitors. These distinctions, in turn, will ultimately lead to increased revenues and continued business growth.

Food Processing Software: Using Wireless Warehouse Management Technology for Lot Tracking and Traceability

2010-01-25T00:00:00.001-05:00

The Institute for Food Technologists (IFT) recently submitted a report to the FDA identifying, among other things, the use of RF and barcode scanning devices in food processing plants as a means to ensure accurate ingredient and finished good lot tracking and traceability. Through the deployment of a food processing software solution with integrated wireless warehouse management functionality, food and beverage manufacturers can achieve streamlined warehouse operations and improve warehouse productivity while simultaneously improving accuracy for product and ingredient lot history.

Many food and beverage manufacturers, large and small, enter lot data for ingredients and finished goods into Excel spreadsheets or paper-based logs. This process, in addition to being time consuming for employees in the receiving and manufacturing departments, can increase the likelihood of inaccurate data entry. With lot codes potentially being sixteen or twenty digits long, there is significant potential for human error. By using manufacturing software systems with RF and barcode-enabled warehouse management technology, however, lot codes can be generated automatically and barcodes applied for receipt of ingredients into inventory, finished goods produced and placed into inventory, and finished goods shipped to customers. An employee in the shipping and receiving or manufacturing department would simply scan the barcode and enter the quantity received, produced, or shipped – the system would automatically identify the lot number(s) for the items and store the data, reducing the likelihood of inaccurate ingredient or finished good lot information.

In addition, ERP software solutions with fully-integrated forward and backward lot traceability can track the lot numbers of all ingredients received into inventory, when these ingredients were received, when these ingredients (and their associated lot numbers) were used in manufacturing, the lot numbers of the finished goods that were produced with these ingredient lots, and which of the food processor’s customers were shipped a particular lot number for a finished good. Should a supplier initiate a recall for a given ingredient, the food processor, thanks to accurate lot data as a result of using RF and barcode devices, will have the necessary information to initiate a product recall for its finished goods that were produced with the contaminated raw ingredient lot. These processes will reduce the time between notification of an ingredient recall and an associated recall of finished goods while also minimizing the amount of product being recalled due to more pinpoint accuracy of the specific finished goods lots that were affected.

By taking advantage of ERP systems with fully-integrated wireless warehouse management functionality, food and beverage processors will have the necessary technological tools to ensure accurate lot tracking and traceability.

ERP Manufacturing Software: Gaining Complete Visibility to the True Cost of Manufactured Items

2010-01-14T09:00:00.002-05:00

A key functional requirement for ERP manufacturing software systems is the ability to associate a variety of costs to a manufactured item. In order to achieve the most accurate view of the total cost to produce a given item, manufacturers must look well beyond the purchase cost of each of the item’s raw material components; it must account for all material costs as well as all labor, burden, and commission costs associated with the production and sale of each item. In doing so, manufacturers will be armed with the necessary information to price their products appropriately to meet desired sales margins.

When manufacturers engage in an ERP software selection project, they should require each ERP vendor to demonstrate how all material, labor, burden, and commission costs are associated with the production of finished goods. Some ERP systems, such as TGI’s Enterprise 21 ERP software, allow for all labor and burden to be associated with a given bill of materials. The system should also account for variances in the purchase price of a raw material component and have that cost rolled into the cost of the item. When an item is produced, a given material that is used may have cost the organization one price two months ago but cost the organization a different price today. The ERP system should be able to associate the cost of the raw material component that was used to produce a finished good when it calculates the cumulative cost of the final product. Going one step further, should an item be returned, the ERP system should be able to account for the cost of the item at the time when it was produced, not what the cost of the item may be today should the two costs differ from one another. This provides the organization with an accurate view of its true inventory value.

So, what does all of this mean for the manufacturer? Often times, when an organization migrates to an ERP solution and begins associating all material, labor, burden, and commission costs with a manufactured item, it will see a decline in its average sales margin for that particular item. This is not a bad thing. This simply means that the organization has a more accurate picture of what its cost was to produce the item all along, and the business is now merely seeing this cost reflected in its sales margins. The organization is then in a better position to make strategic business decisions as to how it should price the item in the future based on accurate product costing data.

ERP Accounting Software: Leveraging Paperless AP Functionality

2009-12-31T09:38:00.003-05:00

Many ERP accounting software packages on the market today feature paperless accounts payable functionality (paperless AP). Paperless AP allows the organization’s accounts payable department to operate in a completely paperless environment, ridding the organization’s back office of excessive filing cabinets and mounds of paper invoices to be entered into their ERP system manually for processing. Should an organization wish to adopt paperless AP, it needs only three things: 1) an ERP system with integrated paperless AP functionality; 2) sufficient electronic storage space on the company’s computer; and 3) a document scanner.

For organizations using paperless AP functionality, a typical process flow would be as follows:

1) The accounts payable department receives an invoice from a given vendor or supplier, the invoice is scanned using the document scanner, an image of the invoice (usually a PDF) is generated and stored on the organization’s computer, and the associated purchase order document numbers are recorded.

2) The ERP system then automatically assigns a document number, creates an open AP matching record, and chooses the lowest value of the invoiced/received amounts to pay

3) AP personnel would then review the batch entries, view the invoices online as needed, make any necessary corrections to the batch entries, flag the purchase order(s) as complete where applicable, and commit the batch to be processed.

Simple, right? Organizations who leverage their ERP’s paperless AP functionality can not only streamline the flow of information through the accounting department, they can improve visibility to vendor invoices through electronic storage and reduce employee man hours spent processing invoices. Furthermore, should one of the organization’s vendors inquire about an invoice, the AP department would have the ability to retrieve the invoice quickly and easily without having to sort through potentially hundreds or thousands of paper invoices in a filing cabinet hoping that no one else has pulled that same invoice from the file.

In addition, this form of electronic document management is frequently found throughout the ERP system for other departments within the organization, not just the AP department. Sales reps, for example, can have the ability to scan contracts or purchase agreements and attach them to a customer record; purchasing managers can store product specification sheets from suppliers; and quality control personnel can store Certificates of Analysis (COA’s) that accompanied products, materials, components, or ingredients that were received into inventory. The opportunities to deploy electronic document management throughout the organization while still accessing information contained in the organization’s ERP system are nearly limitless.

Given the relatively low cost of additional electronic storage space and the development of new, high-tech document scanners, organizations who adopt paperless AP processes can save time and money with minimal upfront cost.

Top Four Small Business ERP Software Selection Criteria

2009-12-21T13:47:00.002-05:00

When a small business engages in an ERP selection project, it is important for the business’s selection team to gain a full understanding of both the small business ERP software that is being demonstrated and the ERP vendor who is selling the proposed software solution. By conducting a thorough analysis of both the software and vendor, the small business will be in a position to make a well-informed ERP selection. Below are four key criteria to keep in mind when selecting a small business ERP solution and ERP vendor.

1. The Small Business ERP Solution is a fully-integrated software product. For small businesses, it is imperative that the business select a fully-integrated ERP solution. One of the single most significant benefits to be realized from ERP implementation is that all of the business’s departments can operate on a single software platform. With a fully-integrated ERP product, data is updated in real-time, the need for entering data into multiple software products is eliminated, and the organization can achieve significant time and cost savings due to more streamlined, efficient operations as a result of an increased technological linkage across all of the organization’s departments.

2. Scalability. When selecting a small business ERP system, it is important to select a system that offers the business significant room for future growth without the need to purchase additional modules, add-ons, bolt-ons, “pieces” of functionality, etc. When talking to various ERP vendors, the business’s selection team should make sure to ask the vendor what the smallest customer they have using the proposed software solution is in terms of number of concurrent users, and what the largest customer they have using the proposed software solution is in terms of number of concurrent users. The difference between the smallest and largest concurrent user figures for each ERP system is a fairly good indicator of each ERP’s degree of scalability. Scalability is also important in that by selecting an ERP solution that provides the business room for future growth, the business should have an opportunity to realize significant cost savings in the years following ERP implementation due to existing software functionality that is already built into the ERP system.

3. Customer Support and Successful ERP Implementation. Customer support and implementation methodology should be critical elements to every ERP selection project. When selecting an ERP vendor, the business’s selection team should look for a software supplier with a proven track record of successful ERP implementation (“successful” being defined as on-time, on-budget, and capable of performing normal business operations at go-live without disruption to the organization – entering, shipping, and invoicing customer orders, etc.). The selection team should ask potential software suppliers if they themselves provide implementation services directly or if they outsource their implementation services. Similarly, it is equally important to select an ERP vendor who is capable of delivering exceptional support, training, and ongoing functional enhancements for the ERP system long after initial go-live. Again, the selection team should ask potential ERP vendors if they provide direct technical support or if they outsource their technical support services to a third party and/or overseas.

4. Long-term ERP vendor viability. Selecting an ERP vendor with a long-term approach to technological development and who has continuously demonstrated long-term profitability and organizational sustainability is key. The ERP industry, unfortunately, is wrought with frequent acquisitions in which one software supplier will purchase the rights to one or more ERP products from another software supplier. When such an acquisition occurs, companies using an ERP system that is being acquired become vulnerable to increases in technical support costs and annual maintenance fees in order for the new software supplier to achieve a return on investment. Selecting a software supplier with a long-standing history of organizational longevity and profitability helps mitigate this risk.

By evaluating ERP vendors’ software functionality, the software’s degree of scalability, vendors’ approach to customer support and implementation, and vendors’ organizational longevity, small businesses engaging in an ERP software selection project will have the information necessary to make an educated final ERP selection.

2009 – The Year of the Product Recall for Food Processors

2009-12-10T16:50:00.001-05:00

For the food and beverage industry, 2009 was the year of the product recall. With widely-publicized food recalls that ranged from peanuts and pistachios to pre-packaged refrigerated cookie dough, food and beverage manufacturers and distributors were left with little choice but to find food processing software solutions to facilitate improved lot tracking and traceability for raw ingredients and finished goods. Furthermore, with the launch of the FDA’s reportable food registry program to report potential food-borne illness threats, food processors and distributors large and small were forced to respond to tighter regulatory compliance requirements as well as customer demands for improved product traceability and more adequate quality inspection reporting.

To respond to such FDA, USDA, and customer requirements, businesses turned to food manufacturing and food distribution software packages, such as TGI’s Enterprise 21 ERP, as potential solutions that could deliver the lot tracking, quality control processing, and customer relationship management capabilities needed to meet such demands. In the case of TGI’s Enterprise 21 ERP software, Enterprise 21 delivers fully-integrated warehouse management, inventory control, order management, shipping, receiving, lot tracking and traceability, manufacturing management, quality assurance processing, and financial management. As a result of such functionality, TGI customers are able to track raw ingredient lot numbers and their receipt dates into inventory from suppliers, which raw ingredient lot numbers were used in each manufacturing run, the lot numbers of finished goods that were produced for each manufacturing run, and the lot numbers of finished goods that were then shipped to end customers. They are then able to gain visibility to the complete history of an ingredient’s lot number from receipt into inventory, consumption in manufacturing, and shipment to customers. Should a product recall need to be initiated, food processors and distributors are then able to recall all products that were produced with a contaminated raw ingredient lot with more pinpointed precision rather than having to recall all products that were produced with a given ingredient over some estimated range of manufacturing dates.

TGI is committed to further enhancing its Enterprise 21 ERP application as food processing and distribution industry requirements and government compliance regulations continue to evolve over time.

Leveraging ERP Software with Back End e-Commerce Website Integration

2009-11-19T08:36:00.006-05:00

One of the greatest benefits to be realized from the purchase of a manufacturing or wholesale distribution software solution is fully-integrated e-Commerce functionality that allows customers to place orders online and further automate the order entry process. Sophisticated e-Commerce solutions tie directly into the ERP’s data tables, so all customer-specific pricing, promotions, volume discounts, bill-to and ship-to addresses, and available products are displayed to customers over the Internet when logged into their customer account. In addition, customizable e-Commerce solutions allow the manufacturing or distribution organization to integrate back-end e-Commerce functionality into the company’s website while still maintaining the website’s aesthetic characteristics, resulting in a completely transparent site visitor experience when viewing a page that uses e-Commerce or content management system (CMS) functionality on the back end.

A great example of e-Commerce functionality in action can be found at More Than Gourmet’s new website. While More Than Gourmet, a gourmet French sauce manufacturer, uses a CMS for the vast majority of its web pages functions that allow customers to log into their accounts or add products to an online shopping cart are accomplished through e-Commerce software functionality that is integrated with the company’s website and ERP system. When a customer places an order, the data is transmitted directly to the organization’s ERP system via e-Commerce. In addition, the site visitor does not see any difference between pages on the organization’s website that were created with a CMS vs. those that were created with back-end e-Commerce software (unless of course they bother to look at the change in the URL).

By integrating e-Commerce functionality, manufacturers and distributors are able to streamline the order entry process and fulfill a larger volume of customer orders on a daily basis. The end result is an improved overall level of customer satisfaction and an increased opportunity for repeat customer purchases.

For ERP Selection Resources, Visit TGI’s New Online Resources Library

2009-11-13T14:31:00.003-05:00

The ERP selection process is one of the most important, time-consuming tasks an organization undertakes, as the selected ERP software solution will serve as the future informational and transactional backbone of the organization. It is imperative that the company’s software selection team conducts a thorough, quantitative analysis of various software suppliers and solutions to determine the best functional and organizational fit for the company.

To assist manufacturers and distributors in this process, TGI, an ERP software provider to small and mid-market businesses, has developed a free software selection tool kit, which is available for download from TGI’s new online resources library. From gathering information about software vendors, developing key ERP selection criteria, and preparing requests for proposal, to developing software demonstration scripts and conducting onsite scripted software demonstrations, the free tool kit contains numerous white papers, templates, and instructions for each phase of the software selection process.

In addition to TGI’s software selection tool kit, the TGI Resources Library also contains online software demonstrations of the company’s Enterprise 21 ERP software, product literature, webinars on demand, white papers, and more. For more information, please visit http://www.tgiltd.com/resources/tgi-resources-library.html.

Technology Group International Awarded Food Logistics 2008 FL100 Award

2009-01-07T08:14:00.002-05:00

Technology Group International (TGI), a leading ERP software solution provider, announced today that they have been recognized as a leader in food ERP software and is being honored with the 2008 FL100 Award by Food Logistics magazine.

The FL100 is an annual listing of technology solution and service providers that are helping grocery and foodservice manufacturers and distributors gain a competitive logistical advantage. The goal of the FL100 listing is to highlight a broad range of technology solutions and services targeted at the food industry, addressing the needs of companies of varying sizes that make up the food supply chain.

Food Logistics is a publication exclusively dedicated to covering the movement of product throughout all channels of the supply chain. Food Logistics serves the information needs of food, beverage, and consumer packaged goods executives involved in warehousing, transportation, and information technology, as well as third-party and refrigerated service providers. Through the magazine’s print and online products, the publication provides news, trends, and best practices that help more than 25,000 grocery and foodservice suppliers, distributors, and retailers make better business decisions.

“The FL100 is a source of technology solution providers that offer products and services that specifically focus on the unique needs of the food industry,” said Katherine Doherty, Editor-in-Chief of Food Logistics. “Our readers turn to Food Logistics to learn about solutions and services that help them better manage their businesses. The FL100 recipients have demonstrated that they can meet our readers’ specific needs.”

A leader in the Food ERP Software category, Enterprise 21 provides food processors and distributors with a fully integrated system that is capable of managing all requirements associated to food and beverage processing and distribution.

“We’re proud to have been selected to the FL100 by Food Logistics magazine,” said Dave Litzenberg, Vice President of Sales for TGI. “We know we’ve been recognized because TGI’s customers in the food, beverage and CPG industries leverage our Enterprise 21 software suite to manage food safety and lot traceability, meet industry compliance requirements, improve customer service, and gain operational efficiencies.”

TGI will be featured with the other FL100 recipients in the cover story of the November/December 2008 issue of Food Logistics, as well as online at http://www.foodlogistics.com/.

Additional information is available at http://www.tgiltd.com/.

TGI Donates Corporate Airlines Miles and Provides Annual Financial Contribution to Support Fisher House Foundation’s Hero Miles Program

2009-01-07T08:09:00.002-05:00

Technology Group International (TGI), a leading ERP software solution provider, announced the donation and annual pledge of 50,000 corporate airlines miles and financial assistance to help Fisher House Foundation’s efforts in supporting service members and their families through the nonprofit’s Hero Miles program.

The nonprofit Fisher House Foundation administers the Hero Miles program for the Department of Defense in accordance with Public Law 108-110, the FY 05 Defense Authorization Act. The program is comprised of individual airlines whose passengers donate their frequent flier miles to assist service members and their families. Specifically, Fisher House Foundation provides free airline tickets to military men and women who are undergoing treatment at a military or VA medical center incident to their service in Iraq or Afghanistan, and their families.

To date, project Hero Miles has provided more than 15,000 tickets to Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom hospitalized service members and their families, worth more than $20 million.

Scott Smith, president and CEO of TGI, stated “Our troops and their families routinely sacrifice a great deal to protect our country. At TGI, we are extremely pleased to support Fisher House Foundation’s mission of assisting military personnel and their families as they obtain medical and rehabilitative treatment.”

Additional information on TGI’s charitable activity and the Hero Miles program is available at www.tgiltd.com or www.fisherhouse.org/programs/heroMiles.shtml.

TGI and Versatile to Present an Educational Webinar Titled ‘Improving Efficiency and Safety of Food Distribution Systems by Extending ERP Software'

2008-10-21T15:52:00.004-04:00

TGI announced an educational Webinar scheduled for Thursday, November 13, 2008, at 2:00 pm Eastern Standard Time. This event is a collaborative session that is co-hosted with Versatile Systems Inc. and sponsored by Motorola and Zebra Technologies. This educational Webinar will review techniques for improving food distribution software efficiencies, increasing food safety, and improving FDA compliance via handheld computer solutions. Attendees will also learn how to extend the reach of their existing ERP software data to make it readily available to field sales and delivery personnel.

“In today’s economic environment, a distributor must take advantage of every opportunity to increase operational efficiencies and protect their market share.” says Andrew Lynch, Sr. V.P. for Versatile Systems. “Simply trying harder with current technologies isn’t working for most companies. This webinar will present concrete steps distributors can take to improve their processes, resulting in better customer service and reduced costs.”

“In addition to improving operational efficiencies, effectively managing food safety and FDA compliance are critical success factors for food processors and distributors.” says David Litzenberg, Vice President for TGI. “With the growing number of food-based product recalls, the ability to track through lot traceability the entire chain of custody from in-bound ingredients received to products produced, which are ultimately delivered through various channels to the consumers, has moved from a nice-to-have to a must-have capability. This Webinar will examine how companies can track their products from the field or production line to the store shelf. It will explore new technologies that make it possible for distributors to keep their costs low, while raising safety levels and protecting their customer base.”

“Greater efficiency and better safety compliance requires measures beyond the simple data collection systems of the past.” said Lynch. “Distributors have to look at their entire distribution system from order creation and order fulfillment to proof of delivery and billing. We’ll show attendees how integrating a mobile computing solution with their ERP system will provide the data driven business intelligence that enables better decisions to be made in the field.”

The Webinar is designed to educate business and functional executives, CFO's, project managers, and information technology professionals of food-based processors and distributors.
In addition to TGI and Versatile, Motorola, maker of Symbol ruggedized handheld computers, and Zebra Technologies, creators of a wide range of mobile printers, will sponsor the event, providing additional speakers. Motorola has agreed to give away a new MC75 handheld computer as a door prize to be drawn at the end of event.

This free online event with fill up quickly, so early registration is encouraged.

TGI Releases New Workbench Functionality to Provide Personal Workspace for Enterprise 21 ERP Software Users

2008-08-25T15:59:00.002-04:00

Technology Group International (TGI), a leader in ERP software for small to midmarket businesses (SMB), today announced it has added personalized workbenches to its award winning Enterprise 21 ERP software.

The newly released workbenches are unlike other dashboards or inquiry screens available in traditional ERP systems. Enterprise 21’s workbench technology allows for a personalized workspace environment that is generated by the user for the user.

A given workbench will provide a consolidated view of information within Enterprise 21. A workbench allows a user to accumulate and assembly various points of data within one easy to use inquiry screen. This newly created screen is designed by the user based on the user’s individual visual and data preferences. When constructed, a given workbench will display information pertinent to an individual user’s functional area and responsibility level. While workbenches can be shared among a group of users, they are intended to allow an individual to personalize his workspace without the need for customizations or changes to the application source code.

Workbenches may consist of data viewable in either a tabular or graphical format. A user’s workbench can consist of an infinite number of tabs with each tab extracting data from one or more data tables within the Enterprise 21 system. Workbenches allow for a user to easily group data, as well as accumulate a number of records to provide a group or dollar amount total.

Key workbench features highlights include:

User defined inquiry screen
Tabular or graphical presentation of data
Individual selection of table and fields displayed
Personalized field placement
Ability to filter and group data in both design or live mode
Ability to display, hide, or move columns in both design or live mode
Ability to quickly drill down to detail information via workbench hot buttons

When deployed properly, a given user can create his workbench to efficiently manage his workday via one, convenient screen. From the personalized workbench, the user can quickly navigate to all other areas in the system to perform transactions, run reports, or drill down to lower level data.

A real world example of workbench usage is a sales representative or sales manager’s workbench. A sample workbench for a sales representative could include pending activities, pipeline reports, open quotes, sales order history, open customer issues, aged receivables, quota attainment, and virtually any other data that resides with the Enterprise 21 application.

While the above workbench is a sales focused example, Enterprise 21’s workbench technology is intended for all functional areas and would include other relevant such as customer service, production planning, production operations, procurement and sourcing, warehouse operations, financial management, and a variety of other areas.

ERP Software Webinar: Failing to Plan Means Planning to Fail

2008-08-19T14:29:00.004-04:00

Toledo, Ohio & Denver, Colorado – August 14, 2008 – Technology Group International (TGI) and Panorama Consulting Group today announced a joint educational Webinar offering tips and techniques for successfully organizing and managing ERP software selection projects in the small to medium business (SMB) market. This free Webinar titled, “ERP Software: Failing to Plan Means Planning to Fail,” will be held on Thursday, September 18, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. EDT.

To register for the free online Webinar, please visit www.tgiltd.com/webinars.html.

This collaborative Webinar is an educational and informational resource for organizations currently engaged in or considering a project to replace their existing business software. The Webinar will provide valuable insight from Panorama Consulting’s President, Eric Kimberling, and Technology Group International’s Vice President of Sales, Dave Litzenberg. The speakers’ combined expertise offers decades of real world experience in the selection and implementation of ERP software solutions. Mr. Kimberling will offer an unbiased perspective from an experienced independent consultant, while Mr. Litzenberg will provide an uncensored view of software selection direct from an ERP software developer.

In this sixty minute session, attendees will learn:

The complete industry definition of ERP software.
What type of companies benefit from the use of ERP software.
How to perform a self-evaluation to determine if your organization needs new business software.
How to estimate potential ERP software benefits objectively.
How to perform an effective and structured ERP software evaluation process.
How to select the best ERP software for your organization’s unique business requirements.
How to validate the cultural fit between your organization and the prospective ERP software vendor.

The Webinar is designed to educate business and functional executives, CFO’s, project managers, and information technology professionals at small to medium-sized manufacturers and wholesale distributors.

This free online event with fill up quickly, so early registration is encouraged.

Technology Group International Named as a START-IT 2008 Hottest Companies Winner

2008-05-14T16:21:00.002-04:00

Technology Group International (TGI), a leading ERP software solution provider, announced today that TGI has been honored with the 2008 Hottest Companies Award by START-IT magazine.

The Hottest Companies Awards honor software and technology providers who target the manufacturing industry and have developed innovative applications or products. Winning companies are judged on a variety of criteria, including revenue growth, important client wins, and significant events and accomplishments during the past year.

Since the inception of the annual START-IT Hottest Companies Awards 11 years ago, more than 200 companies have been named "hot" by demonstrating their commitment to providing innovative technologies to manufacturers. This listing historically features an assortment of companies, some that are just getting their footing in the manufacturing industry, and others that have long-established expertise in the manufacturing space. And 2008 is no different.

The Hottest Companies Awards recognized 25 winners for 2008. “The companies who have been named ‘hot’ this year are among the leading-edge technology providers within manufacturing. These innovative companies are driving manufacturing solutions into the next generation,” said Peggy Smedley, Editorial Director of START-IT. “As the manufacturing industry evolves, so must the technology companies that provide solutions to advanced manufacturers. The 25 winning companies this year are having a great impact on the manufacturing space as they strive to provide the most complete, innovative technology possible to their customers.”

Additional information is available at www.tgiltd.com or www.specialtypub.com.

TGI Offers ERP Solutions for 2008 California Accounting & Business Show Attendees

2008-05-12T09:00:00.002-04:00

Technology Group International (TGI), a leading ERP software solution provider, announced today that it will be exhibiting at the upcoming 2008 California Accounting & Business Show in Los Angeles, California.

The conference will focus on new software solutions for CPA practices and client operations, as well as provide an exceptional opportunity for attendees to hear nationally recognized speakers offer new information vital to practicing CPAs and their clients. Over 2,000 CPAs and business executives will attend from San Diego, Anaheim, Fresno, Santa Barbara, Central and Eastern Los Angeles, and the San Fernando Valley.

TGI representatives will be on-site and will be available to provide personalized software demonstrations and discussions. From ERP and accounting solutions to dashboards and workbenches, TGI’s Enterprise 21 software is the perfect solution for small to mid-market manufacturers and distributors.

Trade show exhibits are open daily at the LAX Hilton Hotel on June 12-13. After hours meetings are available, and appointments may be scheduled in advance by contacting TGI directly at (800)837-0028.

Additional information is available at www.tgiltd.com or www.flaggmgmt.com.

Enterprise 21 Cooks Up Technology Solutions for IDDBA Dairy•Deli•Bake’s Exhibitors and Attendees

2008-05-09T08:00:00.002-04:00

Technology Group International (TGI), a leading ERP software solution provider, announced today that it will be exhibiting at the upcoming IDDBA Dairy•Deli•Bake 2008 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

This is the largest show for processors of dairy, deli, bakery, and cheese related products, as well as foodservice, packaging, and services providers. This event is called the Show of Shows because it is the one conference that offers a full-service package: a seminar program that has meaningful content for personal and professional growth; a 1,600 booth expo filled with the very best products and services for the fresh-food categories; and world-class merchandising ideas and demonstrations.

TGI representatives will be on-site in booth 2857 and will be available to provide personalized software demonstrations tailored specifically for the needs of food-based manufacturers, distributors, and vendors. From ingredient management and scalable batches to multiple units of measures, lot tracking and compliance management, TGI’s Enterprise 21 ERP software is the perfect solution for dairy and deli companies.

Trade show exhibits are open daily in the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on June 1-3. After hours meetings are available, and appointments may be scheduled in advance by contacting TGI directly at (800)837-0028.

A video-based show invitation is available at www.youtube.com/tgiltd. Additional information on the conference is available at http://www.tgiltd.com/ or http://www.iddba.org/.

Inbound Logistics Lists Technology Group International in Top 100 Logistics IT Provider for 2008

2008-05-08T14:37:00.005-04:00

Technology Group International (TGI), a leading ERP software solution provider, announced today that TGI has been selected as an Inbound Logistics Top 100 Logistics IT Provider for 2008.

Every April, Inbound Logistics editors recognize 100 logistics IT companies that support and enable logistics excellence. Selecting the annual Top 100 Logistics IT providers is no small task given the pace of change and the number of new entrants in the logistics technology market. Inbound Logistics editors chose this year's list from more than 300 companies through a comprehensive process of evaluating questionnaires, conducting research, and soliciting reader feedback. Inbound Logistics’ goal is to provide a balanced and accurate assessment of its readers' needs and the logistics IT companies they believe are best suited to meet their readers’ specific requirements.

Felecia Stratton, Inbound Logistics Editor, stated, "Inbound Logistics readers face complex, demanding challenges: matching demand to supply and aligning their business to support that business process evolution; speeding and reducing inventory; managing complete visibility of products from one end of the supply chain to the other. Logistics technology has become the enabler, providing the tools global businesses need to compete. Inbound Logistics editors are proud to honor Technology Group International as a 2008 Top 100 Logistics IT Provider for excellence in providing solutions that answer our readers' need for ROI, ease of use, and efficient implementation."

Additional information is available at www.tgiltd.com or www.inboundlogistics.com.

TGI Updates Popular Software Selection Tool Kit By Adding New Evaluation Tools for End Users & Consultants

2008-04-01T16:15:00.006-04:00

Technology Group International (TGI), a leading ERP software solution provider, today announced a major update to the company’s free Software Selection Tool Kit.

Since its original release three years ago, the Software Selection Tool Kit has been used by hundreds of companies to drive successful software evaluation projects. The reference guide is free to all manufacturing and distribution companies who are engaged in a technology evaluation project and covers a wide range of enterprise level software packages including ERP, accounting, distribution, manufacturing, and warehouse management systems. Unlike other reference tools on the market today, TGI’s Software Selection Took Kit offers a complete reference guide that is free and available for immediate download via TGI’s website. This unique approach offers the fastest and easiest methodology for obtaining software selection assistance in an economical and time efficient manner.

The reference tool is focused on assisting companies who are evaluating new software solutions for their organization from project inception through final selection. The tool kit helps project managers and their selection teams to identify the best enterprise package for their firm in an organized, analytical manner with substantial quantitative data to support their decisions. Primarily used by the small to mid-market sector, the tool kit continues to expand its reach and now goes well beyond the SMB market to cover companies from start-ups to large publicly-traded organizations.

In addition to manufacturers and distributors, TGI also allows independent consultants to access and use the Software Selection Tool Kit. Independent, unbiased consultants who assist their clients to evaluate and select enterprise software solutions are welcome to utilize the templates and worksheets within their consulting practices with TGI’s prior approval.

The tool kit’s previous release included tools for developing a project budget, calculating potential return on investment (ROI), identifying and prioritizing functional requirements, preparing a request for proposal (RFP), and performing on-site software demonstrations. The newest release of the tool kit includes substantial enhancements to each of the tools previously included plus additional tools for preparing a request for information (RFI) and performing remote software demonstrations, customer reference checks, and customer site visits.

All evaluation documents are available for immediate download twenty-four hours a day from TGI’s website. US- and Canadian-based manufacturers, distributors, and independent consultants may also request a copy of the Software Selection Tool Kit to be sent to them on CD format by completing a short request form, which is also available via TGI’s website at www.tgiltd.com.

TGI Listed on START-IT Magazine’s 125 Top Technology Providers for 2008

2008-03-20T15:10:00.003-04:00

Technology Group International (TGI), a leading ERP software provider, announced today that it has been selected by the editors of START-IT magazine as a START-IT 125 technology vendor. This prestigious listing is an annual review that compiles the top 125 companies providing technology solutions to the manufacturing market.

Companies listed on the START-IT 125 must meet certain criteria in order to qualify for a place in this annual listing. Such criteria includes being a technology-driven organization; having a business that is focused on manufacturing; provides respectable business practices; company’s vision and focus align with the objectives of START-IT’s editorial focus; focuses on educating directors, managers, vice-presidents, and chief executives; and focuses on the SMB market and larger.

“Each year, we see more change in the manufacturing industry and the available technology, and each year the editors of START-IT must be more critical in examining the top 125 technology providers,” said Peggy Smedley, editorial director of START-IT. “The START-IT 125 lets our readers know what the best solutions are, who can provide them, and how they can help manufacturers improve business practices.”

The START-IT 125 can be found in the 2008 START-IT Factbook, which is a reference guide provided for the manufacturing industry. Along with the START-IT 125, the Factbook offers an in-depth look at the current state of manufacturing employment and productivity; snapshots of key import and export trends; analysis of economic trends and their impact on the manufacturing industry; a list of today’s leading manufacturers by vertical industry; and much more.

TGI Reaches Industry Milestone as Technical Support Staff Celebrate Ten Years Average Tenure with Enterprise 21

2008-03-12T14:53:00.003-04:00

Technology Group International (TGI), a leading ERP software solution provider, today announced the achievement of record technical support tenure for TGI’s flagship ERP software product, Enterprise 21.

TGI’s technical support department currently averages over ten years of direct experience with programming and support of the Enterprise 21 ERP system. This average is over twice the national average according to data released by The Bureau of Labor Statistics. The bureau states official numbers for “this occupation had a median of 4.1 years of continuous employment with the same employer”.

In addition to TGI’s high tenure rate, the technical support team provides exceptional service to the Enterprise 21 customer base by providing:

A support line which is available 24/7
A support line that is staffed solely by software developers
A practice of working all critical “fixes” until closed
A practice of closing non-critical “fixes” within 8-24 hours of notification
A practice of all making all “fixes” immediately available to the customer
Automatically emailing nightly status reports to all maintenance customers

In addition to TGI’s superior technical support personnel, Enterprise 21 customers also receive online access to frequently asked questions, how-to based guides, video tutorials, and an integrated training system. This holistic approach to customer satisfaction places TGI as an industry benchmark for ERP system support.

Magic Meets Business as TGI Holds Annual Conference For Enterprise 21 ERP Software Customers

2008-03-12T14:48:00.003-04:00

Educate, Energize, and Empower was the theme of Technology Group International’s annual conference titled Enterprise 2008. The conference is held each year for users of the Enterprise 21 ERP software package to network, collaborate, and learn about the newest functionality in Enterprise 21.

This year’s conference was hosted at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort and was attended by Enterprise 21 users from across the United States and Canada. The conference agenda focused on topics that included the latest functionality in Enterprise 21, educational workshops, and brainstorming sessions for user driven enhancements in the upcoming release of the ERP solution.

Of particular importance this year was TGI’s further enhancements of Enterprise 21’s frequently asked questions, how-to based help, video based tutorials, and TGI’s integrated training system. TGI representatives also reviewed the latest ease of user features available in Enterprise 21 v7.0. These new enhancements allow the Enterprise 21 user to design their own ERP screen by tailoring the look, feel, and function of the screen layout to meet their individual requirements.

In addition to the educational content, TGI hosted a welcome reception and an additional night out at Epcot for participants. Users were taken to Epcot’s American Adventure Parlor for dinner and then escorted to a private dessert party and viewing of Epcot’s world renowned IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth presentation.

Additional information is available at TGI’s website at www.tgiltd.com.

TGI Announces New ERP Software Solution for the Pharmaceutical Industry

2007-11-13T16:43:00.002-05:00

Technology Group International (TGI), a leading ERP software solution provider for small to mid-market manufacturers and distributors, today announced a new industry based ERP software solution for pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors.

Focused on regulatory support and compliance, the new pharmaceutical based solution offers a wide range of functional features specific to the life sciences industry. This new industry solution provides pharmaceutical manufacturers with increased lot control, identification, and tracking capabilities. The enhancements for pharmaceutical based lot tracking goes beyond manufacturing and extends well into order management, inventory control, and shipping to deliver increased product safety and facilitate quick response should a recall campaign occur.

Specific lot control enhancements include: optional lot designation at time of work order creation; finished good lot control which tracks lot numbers based on a variety of criteria such as machine, manufacture date, sequence, prefix, or class; the ability to preserve lot integrity when repackaging or renumbering; pharmaceutical based shelf life tracking; optional lot directed and expiration date allocation.

With the newly added functionality, Enterprise 21 now offers a complete end to end ERP software solution for pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors.

Enterprise 21 Achieves Certification by Technology Evaluation Centers Analysts

2007-11-13T16:35:00.001-05:00

Technology Group International (TGI), a leading ERP software solution provider, today announced it has achieved certification by Technology Evaluation Centers (TEC) analysts for both the distribution and process based ERP solution verticals.

By reaching “TEC Certified Vendors”, TGI has demonstrated and met the stringent requirements set forth by the TEC analysts.

Technology Group International and its Enterprise 21 ERP software are now listed in five categories within the Technology Evaluation Centers Vendor Showcase. TGI is listed in ERP for Distribution; ERP for Process Manufacturing; Discrete Manufacturing; ERP for Mixed-Mode Manufacturing; and CMMS/Enterprise Asset Management.

TEC originate in 1993 and since then has focused on a mission to reduce the cost, risk, and time associated with software selection. TEC's solutions include research, comparison reports, selection tools, and consulting services.

TGI Announces the Newest Release of Enterprise 21 ERP Software

2007-10-22T15:02:00.002-04:00

Technology Group International (TGI), a leading ERP software solution provider for small to mid-market manufacturers and distributors, today announced the general availability of Enterprise 21 v6.6.

The newest version of Enterprise 21 offers significant enhancements designed to improve the user’s experience by allowing more individual control ever the application’s look and feel. In addition to interface improvements, substantial functional enhancements were added that cover all aspects of manufacturing, distribution, and accounting.

Distribution highlights include tender processing, SKU level service factors, lead-time based customer pricing, drop ship based costing, core processing, and yard management. Manufacturing highlights include increased flexibility in forecasting and long-term planning, enhancements to make-to-order processing, more robust labor reporting, and increased availability to machine maintenance scheduling and repair tickets. Accounting highlights include increased flexibility in credit card processing and receivables posting, payables matching, and multi-currency processing.

Functionality enhancements include the following areas:

Enhanced User Interface
System Assisted Software Implementation (SASI)
Online Testing and Scoring via ITS (Integrated Training System)
EDI Processing
Job Control
Core Processing
Forecasting and Long Lead-time Based Planning
Manufacturing Recording and Maintenance Tracking
Purchasing and Requisition Maintenance
Commission Processing
Accounts Receivable Matching and Processing
Accounts Payable Matching and Processing
Multi-Currency Processing
Integrated Financial Report Writer

The newest release of Enterprise 21 and the ITS source code is available to all maintenance customers as part of the standard support agreement.

System Assisted Software Implementations Made Possible with Enterprise 21’s ERP and Accounting Software

2007-09-29T19:38:00.001-04:00

Technology Group International (TGI), a leading ERP and accounting software solution provider, announces the release the newest version of Enterprise 21 which is poised as the ERP industry’s first “System Assisted Software Implementation” or SASI.

Designed to hedge against project delays, budget overruns, and overall failures, TGI’s new System Assisted Software Implementation is an ideal solution for small to mid-market companies. This new approach to software implementations is innovative and truly the first of its kind for higher end ERP and accounting systems.

The System Assisted Implementation Software process delivers fast and efficient project management right from within the Enterprise 21 software application. The new SASI format is designed to lead a project team through a structured implementation process, while also facilitating a plan to deliver an on-time and on-budget go-live.

This methodology includes the following key concepts:

1. System defined project template that provides a complete plan which includes:

Project phases and lower level tasks
Associated due dates, start dates, and ultimate end dates per item
Owners or responsible parties
Cost accumulation and tracking

2. System directed implementation that leads the user through the proper path of defining system base tables, entering records, and defining configuration options.

3. A fully Integrated Training System (ITS) that provides online tutorials and exams for users based on module subject matter.

4. Online training tools that provide an avenue for self training and subject mater review for use during implementation, go-live, and ongoing support. These training materials include:

Frequently asked questions or FAQ’s
How to based help
Online video based training provided by Kate, TGI’s virtual tour guide and online trainer

Scott Smith, President of Technology Group International, states “Our System Assisted Software Implementation is truly revolutionary. It exemplifies TGI’s corporate mission statement and our quest to provide world class business software at a price level and implementation timeframe that can be readily accepted by organizations of all sizes. It further demonstrates our dedication and commitment to the small to mid-market sector.”

In addition to standard source code for the Enterprise 21 application, newly signed customers and existing maintenance customers will also receive full source code for the Integrated Training System. This allows each company to tailor and modify the training material and system to meet the needs of their specific organization’s implementation footprint and ongoing training needs.

David Litzenberg to Speak at Worldwide Food Expo

2007-08-31T13:20:00.001-04:00

Technology Group International, a leading ERP software solution provider, today announced that its Vice President, David Litzenberg, will be speaking at 2007 Meat Tech session at the Worldwide Food Expo in Chicago, Illinois on October 26th.

Sponsored by the American Meat Institute (AMI) and the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), Worldwide Food Expo ‘07 will be held October 24-27, 2007, at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois. The biennial event attracts 25,000 industry leaders from 100 countries to see the largest North American display of food industry suppliers in one location. Attendees will view the innovations of more than 1,000 exhibitors in one million square feet of floor space, and attend more than 40 educational workshops emphasizing new technologies in the food processing industry. Worldwide Food Expo ‘07 is comprised of the Food, Dairy & Beverage Exposition and the International Meat, Poultry & Seafood Exposition.

Mr. Litzenberg will be presenting an educational session titled “We have a Lot to Talk About…Lot Traceability for Food Processing and Distribution”, at 2007 Meat Tech session on Friday, October 26th at 9:15 AM. The session will focus on compliance requirements, recall management, and lot management best practices.

Additional information on the conference is available at http://www.tgiltd.com or http://www.worldwidefoodexpo.com.

Scott Smith to Speak at National Manufacturing Week

2007-08-31T13:17:00.000-04:00

Technology Group International (TGI), a leading ERP software solution provider, today announced that TGI President and CEO, Scott Smith, will be presenting at the National Manufacturing Week on September 25th in Chicago, Illinois.

National Manufacturing Week® is the only event in the U.S. for engineering teams, executives, and practitioners responsible for the entire manufacturing endeavor, from design to manufacturing process to customer fulfillment to business success. The U.S. manufacturing community comes together for in-depth education across a broad spectrum of enabling technologies, systems, products, and solutions that can’t be found anywhere else in one place.

Mr. Smith will be presenting session 255, titled “Embracing Existing Technology to Drive Increased Productivity and Profitability”, at one o’clock on September 25th. The session will teach attendees to go beyond basic operational requirements, production schedules, and financial statements. Attendees will learn how to utilize their existing systems to empower their employees through improved data and more sophisticated processing techniques; thus increasing productivity and profitability throughout the organization. The session will include real-world case studies and technology examples will provide a better understanding of fully integrated enterprise based systems and how successful utilization of these systems can rejuvenate stagnant operations.

Additional information on the conference is available at http://www.tgiltd.com/ or http://www.devicelink.com/expo/nmw07/conference.html.

Rebecca Gill Named to CPA Technology Advisor’s 2007 40 Under 40

2007-08-31T13:13:00.000-04:00

Technology Group International (TGI), a leading ERP software solution provider, today announced that its Vice President, Rebecca Gill, has been named to The CPA Technology Advisor’s 2007 “40 Under 40” list.

The CPA Technology Advisor is the nation’s leading technology publication and online resource for practicing public accountants and tax professionals, providing independent reviews, implementation strategies and technology advice for small and mid-sized professional tax and accounting practices.

Each year The CPA technology Advisor recognizes a select group of accounting, tax and technology professionals as future leaders in the public accounting space. In addition to core accounting professionals and CPA’s, the 40 Under 40 program also honors those in fields around tax and public accounting such as technology developers who have a significant impact on these professions by providing innovative products and services that help streamline workflow processes, aid in productivity or increase profitability. As a highly technology-reliant profession, technology developers are integral to the success of practitioners.

Additional information on this and other industry awards is available via TGI’s website at http://www.tgiltd.com/ or http://www.cpatechnologyadvisor.com/article/article.jsp?id=1701.

TGI Goes Head-to-Head with Oracle in TEC’s ERP – Distribution Showdown

2007-08-03T11:04:00.001-04:00

Technology Group International (TGI), a leading ERP software solution provider, today announced highly favorable results from Technology Evaluation Centers’ (TEC) “ERP Distribution Showdown”.

As part of TEC’s ongoing education series, senior analyst Dylan Persaud compared Oracle's EnterpriseOne with TGI’s Enterprise 21. The results were based on the most recent request for information (RFI) data supplied by TGI and Oracle. The RFI consisted of 3,414 functional criteria from TEC’s ERP - Distribution Evaluation Center.

TEC’s analysis and scoring covered a wide range of functionality from a complete ERP system to specific functional segments such as supply chain management and distribution process management. In addition to TGI’s overall high performance, Enterprise 21 excelled in the areas of warehouse management system and web commerce.

The complete ERP Distribution Showdown report is available on TEC’s website.

Technology Group International and Oracle are among hundreds of software vendors features in Technology Evaluation Centers’ Vendor Showcase.

Enterprise 21 ERP software can be found in five categories consisting of:
- ERP for Distribution
- ERP for Process Manufacturing
- ERP for Discrete Manufacturing
- ERP for Mixed-Mode Manufacturing
- CMMS/Enterprise Asset Management

TGI Named to the 2007 Supply & Demand Chain Executive 100

2007-07-18T10:58:00.000-04:00

Technology Group International (TGI), a leading ERP software solution provider, today announced it has been named one of the 2007 Supply & Demand Chain Executive 100.

The 2007 Supply & Demand Chain Executive 100 are supply chain solution and service providers that are at the forefront of enabling the 21st century supply chain. The goal with the "100" is to highlight a broad range of solutions and services targeted at a variety of industries, addressing the needs of companies of varying sizes, and assisting in the transformation of the diverse mix of the functions that make up the supply chain.

This year the magazine focused the criteria for its "100" feature on the 21st century supply chain. "Our readers turn to Supply & Demand Chain Executive to learn about new solutions and best practices for enabling the supply chain, to understand trends in supply chain technology, and to benchmark their own companies' enablement initiatives with those of other enterprises across industry verticals," explained Andrew K. Reese, editor of Supply & Demand Chain Executive. "The corporate executives and line-of-business leaders who rely on the magazine want to know what the different supply chain solution and service providers are doing to help them meet the challenges of the 21st century supply chain."

Additional information on this and other industry awards is available via TGI’s website at http://www.tgiltd.com/.

About Technology Group International, Ltd.

Founded in 1990 and headquartered in Toledo, Ohio, Technology Group International is a proven technology leader delivering Tier 1 application software functionality at a price performance level that can be readily accepted by organizations of all sizes. Specializing in software systems for small and mid-market manufacturing and distribution companies, TGI’s integrated Enterprise Series software suite is a complete business process management solution. The product offering includes Enterprise Resources Planning (ERP), Manufacturing Resource Planning (MRP), Supply Chain Management (SCM), Warehouse Management System (WMS), Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS), Decision Support System (DSS), Business Intelligence, Manufacturing Execution System (MES), and eCommerce.

About Supply & Demand Chain Executive

Supply & Demand Chain Executive is the executive's user manual for successful supply and demand chain transformation, utilizing hard-hitting analysis, viewpoints and unbiased case studies to steer executives and supply management professionals through the complicated, yet critical, world of supply and demand chain enablement to gain competitive advantage. On the internet at www.SDCExec.com.

TGI Proudly Introduces Kate the Talking Avatar

2007-07-18T10:57:00.001-04:00

Technology Group International (TGI), a leading ERP software solution provider, proudly introduces Kate, TGI’s new virtual tour guide.

Kate is an avatar or talking online character. She is available to offer website visitors a virtual tour of TGI, describe TGI’s business philosophies, and demonstrate TGI’s flagship ERP software product, Enterprise 21.

Scott Smith, TGI president and CEO, states, “Initial reaction to Kate has been great. We’re using Kate on the internet to connect with prospective customers, as well as in our online training tools for our existing customers. She not only provides a more personalized view of TGI, she significantly augments our training material.”

A visit to TGI’s website allows users to meet Kate and explore TGI through their online tour. The tour has five stops and includes:

Stop One: TGI’s Business Philosophy
Stop Two: Product Highlights
Stop Three; Product Demonstrations
Stop Four: Software Selection
Stop Five: Customer Case Studies

Additional information on TGI’s talking avatar and the virtual tour is available on TGI’s website.

About Technology Group International, Ltd.
Founded in 1990 and headquartered in Toledo, Ohio, Technology Group International is a proven technology leader delivering Tier 1 application software functionality at a price performance level that can be readily accepted by organizations of all sizes. Specializing in software systems for small and mid-market manufacturing and distribution companies, TGI’s integrated Enterprise Series software suite is a complete business process management solution. The product offering includes Enterprise Resources Planning (ERP), Manufacturing Resource Planning (MRP), Supply Chain Management (SCM), Warehouse Management System (WMS), Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS), Decision Support System (DSS), Business Intelligence, Manufacturing Execution System (MES), and eCommerce.

TGI Joins Technology Evaluation Centers Online Vendor Showcase

2007-07-18T10:56:00.001-04:00

Toledo, Ohio – July 17, 2007 – Technology Group International (TGI), a leading ERP software solution provider, today announced it has joined Technology Evaluation Centers (TEC) online vendor showcase.

Technology Group International and its Enterprise 21 ERP software are now listed in five categories within the Technology Evaluation Centers Vendor Showcase. TGI is listed in ERP for Distribution and ERP for Process Manufacturing, each of which will become “TEC Certified.” Additionally, TGI is listed in ERP for Discrete Manufacturing, ERP for Mixed-Mode Manufacturing, and CMMS/Enterprise Asset Management.

Commenting on TGI’s new relationship with TEC, TGI’s Vice President of Sales, Dave Litzenberg, said, “We encourage our potential customers and independent consultants with whom they work to perform an eyes wide-open evaluation of our Enterprise 21 ERP software with our competitors using analytical tools such as those available through TEC’s web site (www.technologyevaluation.com). When they do, we know Enterprise 21’s superior functional capabilities, across a broad set of manufacturing and distribution industries, will become obvious. This, coupled with TGI’s unique business philosophy which sets us apart in the ERP software marketplace, makes TGI and E21 a clear winner.”

TEC originate in 1993 and since then has focused on a mission to reduce the cost, risk, and time associated with software selection. TEC's solutions include research, comparison reports, selection tools, and consulting services.

About Technology Group International, Ltd.

Founded in 1990 and headquartered in Toledo, Ohio, Technology Group International is a proven technology leader delivering Tier 1 application software functionality at a price performance level that can be readily accepted by organizations of all sizes. Specializing in software systems for small and mid-market manufacturing and distribution companies, TGI’s integrated Enterprise Series software suite is a complete business process management solution. The product offering includes Enterprise Resources Planning (ERP), Manufacturing Resource Planning (MRP), Supply Chain Management (SCM), Warehouse Management System (WMS), Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS), Decision Support System (DSS), Business Intelligence, Manufacturing Execution System (MES), and eCommerce.

TGI Launches New Blogs to Cover ERP & Evaluation

2007-07-18T10:55:00.001-04:00

Toledo, Ohio – July 17, 2007 – Technology Group International (TGI), a leading ERP software solution provider, introduces two new blogs that provide coverage of ERP industry related information.

TGI’s Rebecca Gill and David Litzenberg will be blogging about ERP evaluation and selection, implementations and project management, and ongoing daily usage.

Rebecca Gill’s blog, ERP Etc., discusses ERP selection, implementation, and ongoing usage. Topics include prospect stories, customer implementations, and real world examples of technology application. Rebecca’s blog is located at http://erp-etc.blogspot.com/.

Dave Litzenberg’s blog, ERP Software Evaluation: The Good, the Bad, & the Ugly, examines the ERP software evaluation process from various aspects. Topics include encounters with customers, other software vendors, and industry consultants. The blog offers information of value as well as some humorous items of interest. Dave’s blog is located at http://erpsoftwareevaluation-good-bad-ugly.blogspot.com/.

About Technology Group International, Ltd.

Founded in 1990 and headquartered in Toledo, Ohio, Technology Group International is a proven technology leader delivering Tier 1 application software functionality at a price performance level that can be readily accepted by organizations of all sizes. Specializing in software systems for small and mid-market manufacturing and distribution companies, TGI’s integrated Enterprise Series software suite is a complete business process management solution. The product offering includes Enterprise Resources Planning (ERP), Manufacturing Resource Planning (MRP), Supply Chain Management (SCM), Warehouse Management System (WMS), Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS), Decision Support System (DSS), Business Intelligence, Manufacturing Execution System (MES), and eCommerce.

TGI Named to START-IT's Hottest Companies

2007-05-22T09:08:00.002-04:00

Technology Group International (TGI), a leading ERP software solution provider, today announced it has been named one of START-IT magazine’s 2007 Hottest Companies for manufacturing technology.

START-IT reviewed companies providing technology to the manufacturing industry and judged applicants on such criteria as revenue growth, client wins, technological developments, and significant events and accomplishments that help set a company apart from the competition.
According to Peggy Smedley, editorial director of START-IT, the magazine called TGI “refreshing” and provided a long list of criteria which they considered differentiators for TGI (www.tgiltd.com). “START-IT editors applaud TGI for providing a solution that is the right fit for the right company. TGI’s honesty with its customers and prospects is quickly inspiring an industry that is looking to grow and prosper despite increased competition. From the editors’ perspectives, it’s a wonderful way for a software company to form lasting relationships and partnerships with its customers.”

As part of this award, the START-IT editors interviewed two TGI customers and wrote an article describing TGI’s unique business philosophy and those items that set the company apart from other ERP providers. Included in the list of items that “impressed the editors” and were considered differentiators were the following:

All products are written in Delphi so there is no proprietary technology

Source code is provided to customers with each sale

Unlimited licenses are available

Maintenance is free for the first year

TGI offers a money-back guarantee

TGI’s free Software Selection Tool Kit

In addition to the above list of criteria, the START-IT editors were “equally intrigued with how TGI is serving small and mid-market manufacturers with the type of functionality that is just as good—if not better in some cases—than the tier-one technology providers that like to toss their hat into the same competitive ring as TGI.”

Inbound Logistics Lists TGI as Top 100 Logistics IT Provider for 2007

2007-04-17T13:13:00.001-04:00

Technology Group International, a leading ERP software solution provider, today announced that TGI has been selected as an Inbound Logistics Top 100 Logistics IT Provider for 2007.

The Inbound Logistics editorial staff selected 100 technology solutions leaders from a pool of 500+ potential candidates. The Top 100 list appears in the April 2007 publication and is also online at www.inboundlogistics.com.

In compiling this list, the editors utilized questionnaires, research, personal interviews, and such to find the best of the best for IT providers. The list includes a blend of technology vendors of various sizes, industries, and platforms.

“All of us at TGI are very proud of the recognition provided by Inbound Logistics. Including TGI in the list of Top 100 Logistics IT Providers is a testament to TGI's dedication to providing excellence within the supply chain management marketplace." said Scott Smith, President and CEO of TGI.

DCI Cheese Company Seeks Growth through ERP Software Enterprise 21

2007-03-29T12:00:00.001-04:00

Technology Group International (TGI), a leading ERP software solution provider, today announced that DCI Cheese Company has selected and implemented Enterprise 21 ERP software as the replacement package for its existing legacy systems.

Founded in 1975 and headquartered in Richfield, Wisconsin, DCI Cheese Company (DCI) is the leading supplier of high-quality, value-added specialty cheese. The DCI unique business model has evolved to comprise a portfolio of leading company-owned or exclusively managed brands, dedicated supplier partnerships and a full service consolidation warehousing program. The company’s brands include: Black Diamond, Salemville, Organic Creamery, Meza, Goldy’s, Joan of Arc, County Line and King’s Choice among others.

Over the past year DCI had grown rapidly through several acquisitions. Managing these acquisitions effectively required a fully integrated system that was capable of managing the functionality requirements of four existing legacy systems. According to DCI’s Chief Financial Officer Tim Preuninger, “We needed a software system that allowed us to effectively manage our multiple businesses. One of those acquisitions was a spin-off of a much larger food processing company, so time was of the essence to effectively implement a software package that provided us the financial reporting and operational management capabilities that we required.”

In addition to the technical challenges involved with managing four separate entities operating on four different systems, DCI faced additional supply chain challenges. Preuninger states, “As we continue to grow, it’s becoming more critical that we identify and use key information to help us to quickly and accurately complete our financial reporting needs as well as achieve operational excellence within our supply chain. We also wanted to select a user-friendly software package that provided a certain level of flexibility to allow us to tailor it to our needs.”

Preuninger and his team selected Enterprise 21 from Technology Group International due to the company’s extensive experience with the cheese industry. In addition to the multi-company support required by DCI, Enterprise 21 also met a wide range of functionality requirements needed to manage food and beverage products. From market based pricing to complete lot control and reporting, Enterprise 21 was a strong leader in the packages reviewed. “We found that Enterprise 21 offered superior production planning support and data extract capabilities. We also found Enterprise 21 to be more user-friendly than most packages we evaluated, and the quality of technical support has been excellent.”

When asked about the implementation process thus far, it is clear that DCI and TGI create a solid technical partnership. Preuninger states, “Once we are fully operational on Enterprise 21, we expect to achieve substantial operational efficiency improvements through better production planning, less downtime due to inefficiency and changeover, and better raw material inventory management, all of which should lower cost and improve customer service. Additionally, we expect to see our period-end closing process become more efficient, allowing us the ability to close our financial statements faster and more accurately as well as provide our financial group more time to drive our business results.”

The implementation of Enterprise 21 is being rolled out to DCI’s various companies in a well planned, controlled manner. Overall both DCI and TGI are happy with the implementation process and rate of user adoption. DCI proclaims the project to be an ongoing success and states “Our systems conversions so far have been nearly seamless and trouble-free. We were able to convert the spin-off of the much larger company within six months of acquisition, and the conversion was seamless to the customer. We are now able to get faster and more accurate access to our business data.”

TGI Empowers Users at Annual Users Conference

2007-03-29T11:20:00.001-04:00

Technology Group International a leading ERP software solution provider, convened with users last week at the annual user’s conference in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The conference agenda focused on topics such as new software functionality in Enterprise 21’s v6.6 release, functional workshops, and brainstorming sessions for additional customer driven functionality.

Of particular importance this year was TGI’s desire to empower the user community by adding a substantial amount of additional ease of use features and in house configuration options. In addition to a large number of functional based enhancements, TGI’s development team drove significant product enhancements that focused on empowering the every day user. These updates consisted of user controlled interface options and screen preferences to additional online help such as FAQ’s, video tutorials, and self guided online user training.

Scott Smith, President and CEO of TGI, stated “I think the conference was a great success and provided a significant value to the participants. Not only does the conference offer our customers an exceptional venue for learning and open discussion, it also provides a wonderful opportunity for our development staff to interact directly with the customer base. We make a rule of bringing actual programmers and technical support staff to the conference. This provides an excellent opportunity to strengthen our technical partnership with our customer base and reiterate our goal of using technology to drive their corporate goals. Bringing together the entire group of stakeholders allows us to be more engaged with our customers and proactively partner with them for joint success.”
Participant reactions to the content and structure of the conference were tremendously positive. Enterprise 21 users provided their own feedback on the event by offering comments such as:

"I enjoyed the conference and enjoy working with TGI. All of the associates are very helpful and work hard to keep their customer focus high.”
“Thanks for everything TGI has done to make us successful with our own customers."
"I thought the user’s conference was extremely enlightening and it has pushed me to further take advantage of all of what TGI has to offer."
"The staff at TGI is truly customer focused. From the president down to the technical support staff, you really feel that the customer is the main priority."

In addition to the educational content, TGI hosted a welcome reception and an additional night out at the MGM Grand for participants.

The TGI staff is already in preparation for next year’s conference which will be held at a resort in Orlando, Florida.

Start-IT Lists TGI in 125 Top Technology Providers for Manufacturing

2007-03-29T09:18:00.001-04:00

Technology Group International, a leading ERP software solution provider, today announced it has been selected by the editors of START-IT magazine for its 2007 START-IT 125 listing. This prestigious listing is an annual review that compiles the top 125 companies providing technology solutions to the manufacturing market.

Companies on the START-IT 125 must meet certain criteria in order to qualify for a place in this annual listing. Some of the criteria include being a technology-driven organization; having a business that is focused on manufacturing; provides respectable business practices; company’s vision and focus align with the objectives of START-IT’s editorial focus; focused on educating directors, managers, vice-presidents, and chief executives; focused on the SMB market and larger.

“We are excited about this year’s winners. The editors were more discerning this year, and some companies that have made it in the past have been removed, truly making this a remarkable and useable list for manufacturers,” said Peggy Smedley, editorial director of START-IT.

TGI Announces Significant Revenue Growth for the Third Consecutive Year

2007-01-31T09:22:00.001-05:00

Technology Group International (TGI), a leading ERP software solution provider, today announced significant revenue growth in 2006.

New license sales of TGI’s flagship product, Enterprise 21, increased 20% from the 2005 to 2006 fiscal year. In addition to extremely strong revenue growth in 2006, TGI’s average revenue per employee increased by 60% and over all profit grew by 50%.

Scott Smith, President and CEO of TGI, stated “I am extremely pleased with our company’s performance this year. Our double-digit growth in 2006 followed two consecutive years of 100% growth rates. Not only did we sustain this previous growth, we continued to improve upon it. We have a powerful product line that is backed by a dedicated and knowledgeable support staff. We will easily see another strong year in 2007 and we will continue to capture additional market share.”