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Production – Planning and scheduling
As you know proper planning and scheduling is of key importance for production companies. Dynamics 365 supports this process by optimization through the preparation of plans and schedules in the area of materials. The preparation of demand forecasts and the building of a flowchart on them is essential to ensure smooth production. Whole process depends on warehouse, logistics and shipment management. Efficient planning enables the calculation of delivery times and the creation of a realistic schedule. Production scheduling is based on the allocation of specific material resources, meeting specific guidelines, to carry out selected production orders, taking into account the specified time and in accordance with the adopted planning rules. The effect of scheduling is to define the dates of commencement and completion of production works. The goal of scheduling is, in the simplest terms, to efficiently use the available resources in specific time intervals. Main thing is to realize what is production planning and scheduling? The basics of production planning is to: determine the size of the production volume that should be performed in a specific time period. By controlling and managing production process in terms of capacity, it is possible to ensure the best possible use of the production capacity at company. We can minimize production downtimes and maintain optimal stock levels. However, it should be borne in mind that the production plan should be a process integrated with the complex strategy of activities of the entire company. Capabilities of Microsoft Dynamics 365 The functionality of Dynamics 365 enables the prediction of various demand resources and takes into account data on the said demand and its coverage. The most important thing is to remember about the need to balance both of these areas. In the Microsoft Dynamics 365 software, you can plan production and the system allows you to make whole or certain parts of operations or tasks. The basic elements of operation planning include planning direction, resource capacity, and material optimization. By using the option of planning operations in the Microsoft Dynamics 365 system, it is possible to define a planning method and optimize the use of materials. The Microsoft Dynamics 365 program enables: creating schedules for materials and semi-finished products scheduling machines, tools defining the planning direction, creating schedules forward or backward from a specific date preparation and modification of schedules delivery time definition using Availability to Promise (ATP) or Captable to Promise (CTP) method. Integration with Overall Production Management It is worth to remember that the planning of operations and tasks in Microsoft Dynamics 365 affects the master planning and the calculation of material requirements, taking into account such aspects as resources required for production, inventory, sub production and deliveries, as well as products that are already scheduled, released or started. Right now, as we know ale companies at the world have problem with planning their production because of broken supply chain processes, market demand is higher than production capabilities because of subcontractors have not got parts. In addition, the system is prepared to work with limited materials – in this case, planning is even more important in managing the entire production and guaranteeing its smoothness. It is worth to remember that the planning of operations and tasks in Microsoft Dynamics 365 affects the master planning and the calculation of material requirements, taking into account such aspects as resources required for production, inventory, subproduction and deliveries, as well as products that are already scheduled, released or started The entire production management process using the ERP system is completed – in the case of Microsoft Dynamics 365 – with other modules, such as resource management, production routes, tracking and reporting of production processes. Microsoft Dynamics 365 enables a comprehensive approach to production control, which ultimately enables smooth operation of the entire production plant without the risk of problems with.
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Sandvold & Velde Supply strengthens processes with RamBase QMS
Sandvold & Velde Supply (SVS) has built a reputation on solving their customers’ toughest challenges, but their internal systems weren’t keeping pace with their growth. As a supplier of critical components to shipping companies and industrial businesses worldwide, SVS understands the importance of quality. Their decision to adopt RamBase Quality Management System (QMS) was driven by a need to enhance their internal processes and meet growing demands from customers. General Manager Håkon Sandvold and Executive Chairman Per Sigurd Velde are actively engaged in their company’s operations. At the RamBase offices they are receiving dedicated training and expert guidance from Pia Heia, Customer Success Manager at RamBase. They also set some time aside to discuss why they chose the RamBase Quality Management System. From SVS, Per Sigurd Velde and Håkon Sandvold, and from RamBase, Pia Heia. From complexity to clarity SVS has long been a trusted supplier of specialized parts and solutions, working with thousands of suppliers worldwide to deliver essential components such as pipes, electronics, valves, and more. Their motto, “The easy way, to the hard-to-find” reflects their unique ability to go beyond their extensive product catalogue. What truly sets them apart is their expertise in helping customers locate those rare, hard-to-find parts that others cannot provide. However, their impressive growth has also brought operational challenges. As Per Sigurd Velde explained: Block Quote Wide selection: SVS goes the extra mile to find what the customer needs. Recognizing these challenges, SVS evaluated several systems, ultimately selecting RamBase QMS for its comprehensive approach to quality management. Velde highlighted the decisive factor: Block Quote Another key factor in their decision was RamBase QMS’s use of visual tools. Block Quote Supporting ISO standards As SVS continues to expand, meeting rigorous ISO standards has become a strategic priority. The company is working towards compliance with ISO 9001 for quality management, ISO 14001 for environmental management, and ISO 45001 for occupational health and safety. General Manager Håkon Sandvold elaborated: Block Quote This structured approach will enable SVS to not only meet customer expectations but also enhance internal processes and ensure that their quality management system scales with their growth. A perfect fit for SVS Customer Success Manager Pia Heia emphasized how well SVS and RamBase QMS align. Block Quote
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Salesforce Joins Technology and Academic Leaders to Unveil AI Energy Score Measuring AI Model Efficiency
Salesforce, in collaboration with Hugging Face, Cohere, and Carnegie Mellon University, today announced the release of the AI Energy Score, a first-of-its-kind benchmarking tool that enables AI developers and users to evaluate, identify, and compare the energy consumption of AI models. Salesforce also announced it will be the first AI model developer to disclose the energy efficiency data of its proprietary models under the new framework. Why it matters: The AI Energy Score aims to address the lack of transparency about the environmental impact of AI models. Similar to how ENERGY STAR transformed energy efficiency standards for appliances and electronics, this initiative establishes a clear, trusted benchmark for AI model sustainability. Go deeper: The AI Energy Score will debut at the AI Action Summit, where leaders from over 100 countries, the private sector, and civil society will convene to harness AI for good. By enhancing transparency, the score can drive market preference for efficient models and incentivize sustainable AI development. Recognized by the French Government and the Paris Peace Forum for its transformative potential, the AI Energy Score features: Standardized Energy Ratings: A standardized framework for measuring and comparing AI model energy efficiency. Public Leaderboard: A comprehensive leaderboard that features scores for 10 common AI tasks — such as text generation, image generation, and summarization — performed by 166 models, including Salesforce’s SFR-Embedding, xLAM, and SF-TextBase. Benchmarking Portal: A platform where AI developers can submit their open or proprietary AI models to be evaluated and added to the leaderboard. Open models can be automatically tested, while closed models can be evaluated through a secured testing sandbox. Recognizable Energy Use Label: A new 1- to 5-star label that rates AI model energy use, with five stars indicating the highest efficiency. This helps developers and users easily identify and choose more sustainable models. Once rated, AI developers can generate standardized labels to share their models’ energy score, with built-in guidance on the proper label display for visibility and impact. Block Quote How Salesforce addresses sustainability through Agentforce: Last fall, the company introduced Agentforce, the agentic layer of the Salesforce Platform for deploying autonomous AI agents across any business function. Agentforce offers tools to build and customize agents, as well as a library of ready-to-use skills for sales, service, marketing, commerce, Tableau, Slack, and more. Agentforce is built with sustainability at its core, delivering high performance while minimizing environmental impact. Unlike DIY AI approaches that require energy-intensive model training for each customer, Agentforce is optimized out-of-the-box, eliminating the need for costly, or carbon-heavy training. Its agentic architecture goes beyond reliance on a single large language model (LLM), instead leveraging efficient small language models combined with agentic reasoning and other advanced AI tools, significantly reducing energy consumption. For example, Salesforce’s SFR-RAG is a small language model optimized for accurate, reliable tasks. It cites sources, extracts precise facts, and handles complex questions, delivering trustworthy answers with greater efficiency and lower energy use. Additionally, Agentforce leverages tailored data and metadata from Salesforce Data Cloud and the Salesforce Platform, enabling high accuracy and responsiveness while minimizing wasted computational resources.
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Norwegian Offshore Rental strengthening quality with RamBase QMS
Since its founding in 2005, Norwegian Offshore Rental (NOR) has been dedicated to supporting the offshore, subsea, and renewable industries. Initially focused on ship management and personnel supply for the shipbuilding industry, the company shifted its focus in 2011 to specialize in equipment rental. Today, NOR is a key provider of rental equipment in the North Sea region and other major oil and gas markets. In line with its mission to prioritize safety, quality, and sustainability, NOR has integrated the RamBase Quality Management System into its operations. Norwegian Offshore Rental envisions a world where the offshore, sub-sea, and renewable sectors share a common pool of cutting-edge equipment to create a more efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable future. This vision aligns perfectly with NOR’s operational focus—investing in top-tier equipment, providing excellent customer service, and building long-lasting customer relationships. By implementing RamBase Quality Management System (QMS), NOR is taking a proactive step to ensure they continue meeting their customers’ stringent safety and quality requirements. Tore Gautesen, CEO at Norwegian Offshore Rental, shares his perspective on the implementation: Block Quote Why RamBase QMS? NOR’s operations require meticulous oversight of equipment, personnel, and processes to ensure safety and compliance in a demanding industry. With a growing rental pool of specialized equipment—ranging from lifting gear and ROV tools to buoyancy aids and subsea video inspection tools—the company needed a quality management solution that would simplify documentation, standardize procedures, and ensure compliance with industry regulations. Ingunn Nordbø, HSEQ Manager at Norwegian Offshore Rental, highlights the reasoning behind their choice: Block Quote Øivind Aasland Håkonsen, Sales Manager at RamBase, also emphasizes the perfect match between the two companies Block Quote A Partnership for growth and quality We are proud to welcome Norwegian Offshore Rental as a new RamBase customer. Their dedication to safety, quality, and sustainability is well supported by what RamBase delivers: tools for streamlining processes, enhance compliance, and building a culture for continuous improvements. If your company is looking for help to meet the highest standards of safety and quality, contact us today to learn how RamBase QMS can make a difference.
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What is an ERP System? – FAQ
An ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system is software designed for comprehensive business management. It oversees and organizes critical processes across various company sectors, including sales, finance, production, human resources, and logistics (such as warehousing and goods receipt and issuance). A key feature of an ERP system is its operation on a single database, ensuring that all information entered is immediately accessible to all users. History of ERP Systems MRP Software The first systems for managing enterprise resources emerged shortly after World War II, known as MRP (Material Requirements Planning) programs. The inaugural MRP system was developed and implemented for the American company Black and Decker. By 1980, over 8,000 companies were utilizing such systems, driven by the rapid advancement of computers, which replaced paper archives with electronic forms and databases. MRP systems had limited applications compared to modern ERP programs, primarily focusing on forecasting deliveries, production planning, determining raw material needs, and managing current inventory levels. Integrated Management Systems MRP systems evolved significantly until the late 1990s, propelled by advancements in computing that enabled the handling of larger information volumes, opening new possibilities for enterprises. This evolution led to the development of ERP software, which allows for the management of every business area by integrating various processes. The widespread availability of the internet facilitated the creation of integrated, modern ERP systems classified as 4.0. We are witnessing a digital transformation resulting in increasingly advanced technological solutions. Today’s ERP management systems are multifunctional software that combines numerous modules and applications into a cohesive whole. Implementing a modern ERP system offers unlimited benefits and possibilities compared to smaller solutions that manage only selected company processes. Seamless ERP System Implementation An ERP system features a multi-module structure, highlighting its flexibility. This design allows it to adapt perfectly to business processes and the specific needs of an enterprise. Leading solution providers enable clients to purchase only the modules and functionalities that are truly applicable to their operations. For instance, production modules may not be relevant in a trading company. ERP Systems Support Stability and Security Modern ERP systems can scale according to an enterprise’s size, structure, and business activities. This means that the number of users or the volume of data does not affect the software’s performance and stability. Advanced IT systems, such as those based on cloud infrastructure, facilitate this capability. ERP Systems Should Be Functional and Mobile The flexibility of ERP systems is also evident in their accessibility across various devices, including computers, tablets, and smartphones. This adaptability allows employees to perform their duties regardless of location, provided they have internet access. Such mobility is crucial in today’s dynamic business environment. Purchasing an ERP System Brings Numerous Benefits Investing in an ERP system offers several advantages, including: Process Optimization: Streamlining and automating business processes leads to increased efficiency and reduced operational costs. Data Centralization: A unified database ensures that all departments have access to up-to-date information, enhancing decision-making processes. Improved Communication: Enhanced information flow between departments fosters better collaboration and coordination. Scalability: ERP systems can grow with the company, accommodating new processes, users, and data volumes without compromising performance. ERP Systems from Users’ Perspectives Users often highlight the following aspects of ERP systems: User-Friendliness: Intuitive interfaces facilitate quick adoption and reduce training time. Customization: The ability to tailor modules and functionalities to specific business needs enhances relevance and usability. Reliability: Robust systems minimize downtime and ensure continuous business operations. Get to Know ERP Systems – Questions and Answers Is an ERP system suitable for small businesses? Yes, ERP systems are scalable and can be customized to meet the needs of small businesses, providing tools to enhance efficiency and competitiveness. How long does it take to implement an ERP system? The implementation timeline varies depending on the company’s size, complexity, and specific requirements. It can range from a few months to over a year. What are the costs associated with an ERP system? Costs include software licensing, implementation services, training, and ongoing maintenance. These expenses vary based on the system’s scope and the provider’s pricing structure. Implementing an ERP system is a strategic decision that can significantly enhance a company’s operations, efficiency, and adaptability in a competitive market.
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The Biggest ERP Implementation Failures
ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system implementations play a crucial role in efficiently managing enterprise resources. However, some deployments have ended in significant failures, causing major financial and operational losses for companies. Below are some of the most notable cases of failed ERP system implementations: Leaseplan: A Monolith Unfit for the Digital Age In 2016, Leaseplan hired HCL Technologies to develop a new centralized leasing system based on SAP to manage operations across 32 countries. By March 2019, the project faced numerous challenges, leading to its abandonment and a €92 million loss. Leaseplan stated that SAP’s monolithic architecture hindered the ability to swiftly introduce improvements in a rapidly changing technological landscape. MillerCoors: Persistent Challenges In 2014, MillerCoors began consolidating seven different SAP ERP instances by hiring HCL Technologies to implement a unified system. The project encountered delays and budget overruns, ultimately resulting in a lawsuit against HCL Technologies. Revlon: Investor Discontent In 2018, Revlon implemented a new ERP system in one of its North American factories. Implementation issues disrupted production and distribution, negatively affecting the company’s ability to fulfill orders. As a result, Revlon faced lawsuits from investors who accused the company of poor project oversight. Lidl: German Supermarket Giant’s Struggles After years of using proprietary software, Lidl decided to implement SAP to standardize its processes. The project, launched in 2011, faced numerous difficulties, including challenges adapting the system to the company’s specific needs. In 2018, after spending approximately €500 million, Lidl abandoned the project and returned to its previous system. National Grid: A Perfect Storm National Grid, a U.S. energy company, invested about $1 billion in a new ERP system. The implementation faced delays and budget overruns, leading to operational disruptions. Consequently, National Grid filed a lawsuit against Wipro, the implementation partner, seeking compensation. Worth & Co.: A Rollout Ending in Litigation Worth & Co., a mechanical installation company, invested in a new ERP system to streamline its operations. Unfortunately, the implementation encountered numerous issues, including system errors and delays, resulting in financial losses. The company sued the software provider, alleging contract breaches. Vodafone: The Long Arm of Compliance Vodafone, a global telecommunications giant, invested in a new ERP system to integrate its global operations. The implementation faced issues such as data migration challenges and system integration problems, leading to delays and cost overruns. The company also faced regulatory investigations related to financial reporting issues. Woolworths Australia: Loss of Institutional Knowledge Woolworths Australia attempted to implement a new ERP system to modernize its operations. The project faced challenges related to inadequate employee training and the loss of critical institutional knowledge, leading to disruptions in business activities. PG&E: Data Breach Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) invested in a new ERP system to improve customer data management. Unfortunately, the implementation faced security challenges, resulting in a customer data breach and regulatory penalties. Hershey’s: A Bitter Lesson In 1999, Hershey’s implemented a new ERP system to automate its production and distribution processes. Implementation issues caused delivery delays, coinciding with a critical sales period. Conclusion ERP systems have the potential to revolutionize business operations, streamline processes, and enhance decision-making. However, as the cases presented illustrate, poor planning, inadequate change management, and unrealistic expectations can lead to disastrous outcomes. Companies embarking on ERP implementations must ensure robust project governance, thorough training, and effective communication between stakeholders. Key TakeawaysThorough Planning Is EssentialA well-structured roadmap, realistic timelines, and a clear understanding of business needs are critical to preventing project derailment.Stakeholder Involvement Is KeyEngaging employees and decision-makers at every stage of the project ensures smoother transitions and higher adoption rates.Flexibility and Scalability MatterChoosing an ERP system that adapts to evolving business needs can prevent obsolescence and enable long-term success.Invest in Training and SupportLack of user training and insufficient support often result in operational disruptions and employee resistance.Learn from Past MistakesBy studying notable failures, businesses can avoid repeating the same errors and improve their chances of success.ERP implementation is a challenging but rewarding journey, provided the right strategies and precautions are in place. Learning from these high-profile failures can guide companies toward more successful outcomes, transforming their ERP projects into strategic assets rather than liabilities.
MarekMac
MarekMac
MarekMac
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