Are you in the Cloud?

Unless you are doing business on another planet, you surely have heard the term Cloud Computing, Cloud ERP, Cloud Accounting. You may also have heard of some horror stories of the early adopters of cloud ERP.  Now let’s not cloud the issues and let us separate the reality from the hype.

Speed - Dial up access to the internet is not enough. It takes cable, DSL, or business class high-speed internet access to make web-based ERP work at acceptable levels of performance. If you have dial-up access, don't even bother.

Reliability - Web-based accounting relies 100% on the internet being up and running and available. I can assure you, the internet is not always up and running and available. Ask yourself, how many times has your internet access been down this year? If the internet is down - you are down, and most likely your business is down as well.  

Who can blame a CFO for being reluctant to go through it all over again — even if the ERP that’s currently in place is cumbersome to customize, update, and maintain? Companies still running on-premise ERP software have some difficult choices ahead. The most difficult of those being deciding whether to stay with their on-premise investment or making the choice to keep up with current technology and migrate to a brand new system.

The good news is that, Sage 300 (Accpac) which has been around for decades have kept pace with the current technology and emergence of Hybrid cloud, HTML 5, etc, moving to a new ERP solution doesn’t have to be the high-risk proposition it once was. If you’re dead-set on using an on-premise solution, you still have that option when using Sage 300 as your ERP. But you also have the option to access your Sage 300 system from the cloud as well.

Upgrade to the new Sage 300 2017
The main difference from the standard Sage 300 product is that Sage 300c features a totally new and modern Web user interface along with unique screen and desktop personalization options. The new interface is also designed around mobile technology so you get a more modern Sage 300 experience across multiple devices from your desktop or laptop to your mobile phone or tablet.

Choice of Deployment
Sage 300 2017 -   A hybrid cloud approach enables the best of both worlds, delivering cloud-like flexibility, with the confidence of on-site hardware. The low cost of entry and flexibility of the cloud paired with the stability and comfort of on-premises hardware make this a very attractive model for many businesses.

Sage 300c 2017 – access via your browser anytime, anywhere and any devices.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

To learn all about Sage 300c on cloud, contact CAREWARE Account Manager today at:
Tel:  (03 2714 3855) or by emailing to:  sales@careware.com.my. There are multiple licensing options; one is sure to be a perfect fit for your company.  Website: http://www.careware.com.my/sage-300-erp/

Manufacturing – Simplify it with Sage 300 Manufacturing.

The major area of concern to many manufacturers is keeping the cost of production down. Over the last decade there is no lack of management gurus with theories and principles that is been put out in the internet and that has continued to be refined and practiced.

Highly influential management guru and author Stephen R. Covey teaches that each of us has a multitude of things that concern us.  Covey labels this as Circle of Concern. He divide this into two parts, the other is Circle of Influence - something that you can do something about. (Manage & control) ~ The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People ~

Market volatility and some internal circumstances may be beyond a manufacturer control. But what is within our control is proper planning. To maximize productivity, every company needs a sound production plan. However, effective planning is a complex process that covers a wide variety of activities to ensure that materials, assembly line/work-centre and working capital resources are available when and where they are needed.

Manufacturing industry challenges

• Increasing operational costs
• Increasing material costs
• Inconsistency in order volume from customers
• Need to maintain profitable output with fewer headcount
• Increasing global competition
• Increased competition from large suppliers moving down market
  
  

As the inventory assets (raw material & finished goods) continued to make up a major chunk of your balance sheet, apart from your plant and machineries. So the major area of focus is on production optimization seems to come down to getting Control of your manufacturing business by reducing your inventory, keeping it as low as possible and reducing waste at every step. (Lean Manufacturing Concept)  This will help you get control of your production, and streamlining your production activities because it has been reported that almost up to 80% of cost in COGS is incurred during production.

If you fail to plan, you plan to fail

Forecasting production or demand as it is a significant problem for most businesses. (Seasonal businesses also have to match resources to the seasonal peaks.) Production planning should cover the following essentials:

1.       On Demand Forecast

2.       On Sales Order integration.

3.       BOM & Sub-Assemblies

4.       Raw Material & Finished Goods.

5.       Purchasing integration

Production planning is like a roadmap: It helps you know where you are going and how long it will take you to get there.

Sage 300 - Production Planning

Potential for Returns

For a system that is successfully implemented and knowledgeably operated, here are some benefits of an effective production plan and scheduling.

·       Reduced inventory costs by decreasing the need for safety stocks and excessive work-in-process inventories.

·       Reduced labour costs by eliminating wasted time and improving process flow.

·       Optimized equipment usage and increased capability.

·       Improved on-time deliveries of products and services.

·       Improved Operational Cash Flow.

Low Total Cost of Ownership

Sage 300 – is one of the most affordable and easy to use manufacturing software systems available, not just because of its low purchase price, but because the software is designed to be easy to understand and fast to deployed. Also any unexpected expenses that can escalate the total cost of owning software have been eliminated in the design. It is totally scalable: starting from Standard Editions (up to 10 users) to Advance Editions (up to 20 users) up to Premium Editions. (Up to 255 > users)

Sage 300 – Manufacturing Systems covers the following area of your manufacturing practice.

Financial + Logistic + Manufacturing + Plant Maintenance

The design of Sage 300 ERP is certain to give companies greater value for their investment than any other manufacturing system available.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

About Careware: To learn all about Sage 300 Manufacturing Solution, contact CAREWARE Manufacturing Account Manager today by calling: Tel:  (03 2714 3855) or by emailing to :  sales@careware.com.my.
There are multiple licensing options; one is sure to be a perfect fit for your company.
http://www.careware.com.my/sage-300-erp/sage-300-manufacturing/

Sage 300 Manufacturing Solutions 2016

Careware Systems has been providing software and support to the manufacturing sector for more than 25 years. Over this time they have built up a deep understanding of the needs of all sizes and types of manufacturers. It is this cumulative experience and domain knowledge that has molded Careware into one of the Malaysia leading suppliers of manufacturing business management solutions.

Meeting your main challenges in manufacturing

Today’s manufacturers face an array of challenges — everything from global market volatility to rapidly changing consumer demands. SME in particular face new challenges in today globalization of market. Evolving a manufacturing company to a new level of growth is more challenging than ever.

However, these challenges are dwarfed by the exciting opportunities available to manufacturers that embrace digital business transformation — and leverage modern ERP software for its competitive advantage. 

Sage Manufacturing Solution solves these challenges. And it does so with a comprehensive solution that is both easier to use and less expensive than the alternative.

Sage 300 ERP is a comprehensive system, covering finance, distribution, manufacturing, supply chain management, services, customer relationship management and business intelligence. The Sage 300 manufacturing modules comprises Manufacturing Order, Production Planning, Shop Floor Control, Lot Traceability, Manufacturing Bar Code & others.

In short, when you choose Sage 300 ERP, you are able to face the future with confidence.

(Sage 300 Accounting and Sage 300 Operational modules provide the backbone for the Sage 300 Manufacturing solution.)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

To learn all about Sage 300 Manufacturing Solution, contact CAREWARE Manufacturing Account Manager today by calling:
Tel:  (03 2714 3855) or by emailing to :  sales@careware.com.my.
There are multiple licensing options; one is sure to be a perfect fit for your company.
http://www.careware.com.my/sage-300-erp/sage-300-manufacturing/

Sage Asia Honours Partners for Top Performance and Excellence with 2016 Partner of the Year winner.

Petaling Jaya, — October 19, 2016 — Sage Asia on Wednesday, 19^th October held the Sage Partner Executive Summit Asia  at the One World Hotel, Petaling Jaya.

At the summit Sage launched the Platinum Partners Scheme which recognises and rewards the elite Sage Business Partners that provide outstanding sale performance and customer service and adopt a fully collaborative approach to joint business planning.

Careware Systems, one of the most experiences Sage Partner in Malaysia has been awarded:

Sage Platinum Partner 2016.

Robert Tan the Managing Director of Careware receiving the award from 

Yaj Malik, Executive Vice President & Managing Director Asia.

Robert Tan, our Managing Director, has all praise for his team, “At Careware we consistently strive to give our customers the best possible service to ensure they get the most from their Sage 300 ERP, and the Platinum Partner status awarded to us by Sage recognises this commitment. Each accolade we receive from Sage is a great testament to the efforts put in by the entire Careware team and motivates us to continue to exceed the expectations of our loyal customers.”

Congratulations to Careware management and staff on this tremendous achievement.

 -------------------------------------------------------------------

About Careware
Through its partnership with Sage, Careware Systems helps small and mid-size companies in Malaysia reach productivity levels at the top of their respective industries. Careware represents the full range of Sage business management software including Sage 300 ERP, Sage 300 Project, and Sage 300 Manufacturing. For companies interested in growth, profitability and superior software support, Careware is the Sage business partner for you. For more information, please visit our website: http://www.careware.com.my/.

Is Sage 300 a true ERP?

Many have said this to me, during my course of meeting with prospect with my sales team. “Sage 300 only is only strong in accounting formerly Accpac. This should tell you something”. They learned the FUD (Fear, Uncertainty & Doubt tactics) from the competitors.

While it is correct that Sage 300 started out as Accpac a financially oriented product (and is still strong there), ERP does not mean exclusively manufacturing, although manufacturing is certainly part of it.

Enterprise resource planning is an integrated software solution used to manage a company’s resources. ERP’s was preceded by MRP 1 & 2 (material requirements planning). These earlier systems had limitations addressed by a fully integrated ERP system. Today, Sage 300 ERP systems integrates, inventory, purchasing, engineering, project, distribution, customer relationship, planning, manufacturing and accounting.

So there is no shame or disadvantage to start with a good and strong foundation (accounting) on which to build upon. I can immediately name a numbers of well know ERP that started with financial systems first and grow from there. Not the other way round. Some of them are competing right here with Sage 300 SME space, yet their salesman continued with their unfounded FUD. (Fear, Uncertainty & Doubt tactics)

Sage 300 is very strong if you need complex, manufacturing accounting. After all what you do at the shop floor will impact your manufacturing accounting.

I am not an accountant, my background is more engineering based, but have the view that an integrated ERP system will be able to have the following.

Manufacturing a/c will show Manufacturing cost or Production Cost which will consist of  Raw material consumption, direct labor & overhead.

In accounting services, P&L will show Revenue less all Cos & Expenses, Cost of Goods Sold should equal to all direct operating cost.

Trading a/c will show P&L on finish good sold with include Sales, Manufacturing cost, opening & closing stock & marketing cost & expenses

Sage 300 ERP is a product that has a solid foundation on which the manufacturing modules are built upon. In the market space that I compete in my competitor’s presale usually sell on price cutting. Having seen and evaluated our competitors’ product I do think they are a good enough manufacturing system, but fortunately for us their consultants are newbie’s and seems to be repeating on how great their technology is. Rather than how good their project or manufacturing functionalities will help the end-users and shows a full cycle demo with integration up to financial reporting on manufacturing accounting.

So it comes down to supports and implementation and domain experience. I have seen a numbers of  ERP implementations fail. If they are as good as they claim they why would they be selling on price?

The puzzle doesn’t fit here. Good product, Good after sales support, Good consultancy but cheap price- go figure.

 

                      Sage 300 Manufacturing Experts Excellent Award

To learn all about Sage 300 Manufacturing Solution, contact CAREWARE Manufacturing Account Manager today by calling (03 2714 3855) or by emailing sales@careware.com.my.  There are multiple licensing options; one is sure to be a perfect fit for your company.

http://www.careware.com.my/sage-300-erp/sage-300-manufacturing/

Careware - Mascot

Mascots are representations of groups and organizations such as schools, sports teams and corporations. Typical examples of mascots include people, animals or objects that embody a desired character trait or symbolize the mascot's organization and purpose.

Malaysia has used various animals as mascot such as Orangutan, (KL commonwealth Games) Mouse deer (Sukma game) to Turtle. (Monsoon cup) And off course all of us can remember the famous DiGi slightly overweight man in yellow spandex suit that epitomized DiGi liveliness and couldn’t care-less youth culture.

Mascots generally symbolize something relevant to the country (where games are held) or company in connection with company concept and ideal. The recent RIO Olympic has Vinicius as the game's mascot, a mixture of all the Brazilian animals out of the expression of joy when Brazil was selected to host the 2016 Olympic and Tom a magical creature, a fusion of all the plants in the Brazilian forest out of the explosion of happiness when we found out that the Paralympic Games were coming to Rio.  

A person, animal, or object believed to bring good luck, especially one kept as the symbol of an organization such as a sports team.

While Careware do not actually believe in lady-luck (see articles here) but, we have decided to adopt a Golden Retriever as our official Mascot.

Golden Retrievers has a kindly expression, pretty dark eyes, and a wagging tail, the Golden Retriever has captured the hearts of many. Known for its temperament, a well-bred Golden Retriever is gentle, kind, loving, happy, confident and outgoing. (See about My dogs)

Golden Retriever was chosen as Careware mascot as it portray the friendly & caring personality of the company, strong and proud and yet gentle and humble.

Rainbow-sky actually is the golden retrievers of our Managing Director and aptly use as Careware Mascot because it epitomized our character & Ideals. (See our Ideals)

A Picture of Sky Smiling after a bath. He is a handsome dog.

McBride FortLab upgrade to latest version of Sage 300 Manufacturing ERP Solutions.

McBride Fortlab is one of the leading manufacturers of choice for many private label customers and brand owners in the South East Asia region offering a comprehensive range of products across many categories in Personal Care liquids, Pharmaceutical, Skin care. With 30 years of manufacturing process experience and strong Research & Development capabilities McBride Fortlab can custom formulates for customers private requirement or make to specification for personal care liquid, toiletries and therapeutic goods.

In 2008 FortLab decided their accounting system was no longer supporting the business processes and requirements with it rapidly expanding business. After a detailed selection process of various ERP brands, the company decided to engage Careware Systems to implement Sage 300 ERP Solutions for their company. 

The area of coverage includes: Sage 300 Financial Modules, Distribution Modules and Manufacturing Module with 35 users. In the year 2014, McBride Fortlab upgraded their Sage 300 ERP to the version that was certified for Malaysia GST by Royal Custom of Malaysia and as of in July 2016 has added extra lan users and module to improve its operation.

A spokesman says “With its rich functionality and ease of used we believe that Sage 300 ERP is well suited for the small to mid-sizes manufacturing company and will help us fuel our next phase of growth.”
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

About CareWare Systems

Through its partnership with Sage, CareWare Systems helps small and mid-size companies in Malaysia reach productivity levels at the top of their respective industries. CareWare represents a variety of business management software including Sage 300 ERP, SageCRM, and Sage 300 Manufacturing Software. For companies interested in growth, profitability and superior software support, CareWare is the Sage business partner for you. For more information, please visit our website: http://www.careware.com.my/.

Sage Solutions Summits 2016 – Post Seminar Updates.

The Sage Solutions Summits 2016 on the 17th August concluded on a great high! It was attended by over 100 attendees representing difference industries. It was a resounding success and a true celebration of the mobile revolution and the challenges it poses for Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Customer Relationship Management (CRM).

 The seminar kick start with the opening address by our Managing Director, Robert Tan explaining on how Careware can help small to medium size company progress and compete successfully in today economy with Sage Business’s solutions. Our vision is to partner with our customers for the purpose of better understanding their business process and improving our value to them. This vision will be realized by adopting a high-standard of communication and operating in a manner consistent with our core values.

Mr Anthony Tian, Sales Director of Sage Asia then takes the stage to present Sage corporate & solution profile and the product roadmap. Certainly customer can be assured of the investment in Sage business applications as Sage is committed to continuous enhancement of their software. Going forward all Sage products will be built with a mobile and cloud strategy in mind. This is not a trend with an end in sight; it is a new way of life.

Our senior consultant for Sage 300 ERP, Mr Frankie Chan did a demonstration on what’s new and Sage Manufacturing Shop Floor Control & AutoSimply Bar Coding solutions.

The Sage CRM was introduced by Sage Asia Business Manager Mr Nicholas Lim on how the important of an integrated enterprise system between Sage 300 with Sage CRM. And Sage CRM consultant, Lim Rong Chuan did a demo on Sage CRM mobility and social media capabilities. Surely the combination of both applications would help your company meet the demand of today’s market place and be on the forefront of progress.

Mr. CK Chong of Sage Asia takes the stage to explain how Sage Easy Pay/HR complements the Sage Solutions Suites for a total solution between Sage ERP, Sage CRM and Sage EasyPay.

This focus solutions summit closed with some networking & collections of gifts and we had a good lunch at the Cinnamon Coffee House in The One World Hotel.

---------------------------------------------------------------------
About CareWare Systems : Through its partnership with Sage, CareWare Systems helps small and mid-size companies in Malaysia reach productivity levels at the top of their respective industries. CareWare represents a variety of business management software including Sage 300 ERP, Sage CRM & Sage EasyPay. For companies interested in growth, profitability and superior software support, CareWare is the Sage business partner for you.
For more information, please visit our website: http://www.careware.com.my/.

UMW Equipment upgrades its Sage Accpac ERP to the latest version of Sage 300 v. 2016.

IIn the year 2011 UMW Equipment (a wholly-owned subsidiary of UMW Group), the regional’s distributor of Toyota Forklift and industrial equipment, selected Careware Systems to implemented Sage Accpac ERP with Service Manage from Technisoft. The entire Total Service Maintenance ERP Solutions went live in record time of 4 months, computerizing it entire Sales-Service-Spares operations & fully integrated to back office Financial Accounting. This is despite the fact of its unique operational challenges of multi-locations, Multi-product mixed, multi-currency & multi-lingual requirements. This is truly a great accomplishment for Careware Project team & UMW Equipment team.

UMW Equipment has been using the system for five (5) years and in August 2016 decided to embarked on an upgrading exercises on their ERP systems to the latest Sage 300 2016 to enjoy the benefits of enhancement toward the software. This is In line with the growth projection and in improving operational efficiency, productivity and streamlining the technology processes to accommodate future growth.

The upgrading exercise was carried out successfully without any problems due to diligent preparation and Carware Systems experience technical team.

The Sage 300 Service Maintenance Suite by Technisoft is by far one of the most comprehensive ERP solutions available for Service Maintenance Business in the market. The Sage 300 ERP will continue to serve UMW for many years to come. This is truly a testament of how Sage protects your ERP investment.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------About CareWare Systems : Through its partnership with Sage, CareWare Systems helps small and mid-size companies in Malaysia reach productivity levels at the top of their respective industries. CareWare represents a variety of business management software including Sage ERP, Sage CRM, and Technisoft Service Manager Software. For companies interested in growth, profitability and superior software support, CareWare is the Sage business partner for you. For more information, please visit our website: http://www.careware.com.my/.

Newcastle University selects Sage 300 ERP for their two campuses.

Newcastle University joins a growing number of top-tier institutions and universities that are choosing Sage 300 end to end business solutions to drive competitive advantage.

Careware Systems will implement the following Sage 300 Suite solutions for financials, human resources and payroll, procurement and materials management, as well as Job Costing to better manage its operations.

 In their evaluation exercises that span 6 months Newcastle have selected Careware as their solution’s partner for the Sage 300 End to End business solutions. Careware Systems will set up the entire Sage 300 Web-based infrastructure to drive innovation across the entire enterprise. Newcastle will be able to access critical information via internet from their UK office. Implementation will be done simultaneously both at the Singapore and Malaysia campuses.

The signing of contract between Newcastle University and Careware Systems was held in the NUIS at the Ngee Ann campus, Singapore on April 4 2016.  Newcastle was represented by Mr.  Neil Addison, UK Head of Procurement, who flew in from UK and Careware representative Mr. Robert Tan, from Malaysia.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------About:
Newcastle University will provide affordable and quality education to the Far East, Newcastle opens its campuses in Singapore & Malaysia.

Newcastle University International Singapore (NUIS) is a collaboration with the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) and Ngee Ann and Nanyang Polytechnics to provide a world-class international university education in the specialized Engineering fields.

Newcastle University international Malaysia, (NUMed), offers affordable UK undergraduate medical and biomedical education in Malaysia. She is the first UK University to offer medical degrees overseas at the NUMed Malaysia campus.

Careware Systems is the Premier Partner of Sage and specializes in Sage 300 business solutions and have been successfully implementing Sage 300 to the education segments for 25 years.  Visit: http://www.careware.com.my/

APAC 25 Most Promising Manufacturing Technology Solution Providers by CIO outlook Magazine.

Thank you to all our valued customers, due to your support Careware has been chosen as the - APAC 25 Most Promising Manufacturing Technology Solution Providers by CIO outlook Magazine.

You can read it here :  http://manufacturing.apacciooutlook.com/vendor/article15/careware-systems
About Careware:

Careware Systems is the Premier Partner of Sage and specializes in Sage 300 ERP. Focusing in the Sage 300 Manufacturing, Sage 300 Distribution and Sage 300 Project.

Careware Systems was awarded Sage Manufacturing Expert – Excellent award and overall Asia Top #1 Premier Partner 2007-2008, 2014 -2015 has been serving customers for over 25 years. For more information visit : http://www.careware.com.my

About SAGE :

SAGE is the Leading provider of Business solutions for the small to mid –sized enterprise. With its world HQ in  Newcastle upon Tyne, Sage today supports over 6 million customers in 24 countries to work efficiently and successfully. So SAGE is the Top #1 provider of business software worldwide for SME.For more information visit : http://www.sage.com/company