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Pretec, a leading supplier of steel products to the construction industry, has chosen RamBase Cloud ERP as its new digital platform. The company wanted to modernize its systems and move away from on-premise solutions to a flexible, cloud-based platform that can support its growth and future IT needs. Limitations with on-premise Pretec has grown from a small business in Sarpsborg, Norway, to an international player with 300 employees and operations in seven countries. Before implementing RamBase Cloud ERP, they used Visma Business and SuperOffice – both on-premise solutions that no longer satisfied the need for flexibility and integration. A comprehensive IT analysis conducted in 2023 revealed that the company required enhanced system support for several of its core processes. Additionally, the desire to provide customers with better digital documentation for products, quality, and environmental standards played a key role in the decision to switch systems. The choice fell on RamBase Cloud ERP Pretec considered several ERP solutions before choosing RamBase, including alternatives such as Jeeves, Microsoft Dynamics 365, Visma Business NXT and NetSuite. What really appealed to Pretec about RamBase Cloud ERP was the holistic user interface for all users and main processes. A decisive factor was also the ability to follow documentation and status at line level throughout the process in the system. Block Quote This, combined with the fact that RamBase was a cost-effective choice, fitted perfectly with Pretec’s needs for both future growth and modern IT solutions. Goals for the future Pretec is in the process of implementing the system and has already held its first workshop with the RamBase team. The aim of the implementation is to give Pretec’s employees a more efficient and streamlined working day. RamBase will support the most important business processes and provide employees with an efficient and modern solution for handling daily tasks. Through good collaboration, Pretec will be well prepared to meet future requirements in an increasingly digitized world.

The reshoring trend, primarily driven by large manufacturers, has been gaining momentum in recent years. It represents a major opportunity for businesses to re-establish their industrial processes closer to home – but you might be nervous about winning new business because of the daily challenges you face.  It’s important to remember that these challenges are shared by most of your industry peers, at least to some extent. That doesn’t mean that you can’t benefit from the reshoring trend – in fact, it’s a chance to grow and future-proof your business.  We’re seeing more firms making strategic investments in skills and technology, which puts them firmly in control of their operations, and is already helping them to attract new domestic customers and gain a competitive advantage.  Here, we look at some of the factors that could be standing in your way of trying to win new contracts – and how you can overcome them.  Worker shortages Ongoing labour shortages are impacting nearly everyone in the industry, exacerbated by an ageing workforce, Brexit, and the lasting impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Earlier this year, the House of Commons reported details of a survey conducted by the ONS in November 2022. It revealed that 13.3% of businesses in the UK reported experiencing a shortage of workers.  This isn’t just a UK issue. By November 2022, more than 30% of EU building contractors could not complete all their work because of personnel shortages.  Additionally, a quarter of the 25 million SMEs in Europe say hiring good quality managers and staff is their biggest concern. Last year, the vacancy rate in the EU was 2.8% – which is now higher than pre-pandemic levels in most member states. Reshoring is the perfect opportunity to develop the skills of your current and future workforce, creating high-quality well-remunerated jobs. There may be opportunities to work with OEMs to build skills via their training academies, giving people access to cutting-edge technologies.  Look for ways to attract the next generation of talent via partnerships with schools and colleges, and see if you can secure funding for in-house training initiatives.  Inefficiencies Inefficiencies in industrial processes can lead to increased costs, impacting the competitiveness of reshoring initiatives. These often result from outdated equipment, inefficient factory layouts, and overly complex supply chain structures.  Supply chain technology offers the visibility needed to streamline long-standing inefficiencies. With relevant business insights available in a central location, staff immediately save time because they are not keying data into different systems – and with better visibility of your operations you can see where resources are being over or under-utilised. Addressing these helps you to reduce overheads, and either pass the lower costs onto your customers or improve profit margins.  Low productivity This remains a significant hurdle for businesses looking to reshore their operations or win new contracts. A government report released in 2022 suggested that the UK suffered from comparatively lower productivity levels than some of its global counterparts.  In fact, compared to other G7 countries, the contribution of capital deepening to labour productivity growth in the UK has been weak. At the same time, labour productivity per hour worked in the EU grew by 0.7% in 2022, maintaining a growth trend even during the COVID-19 pandemic. Once again, supply chain technology offers a solution to this – without inefficiencies holding them back, teams can get more done and increase output.  What’s more, using the latest industry systems is a powerful motivator for people, especially younger employees who are likely to be frustrated and demotivated by time-consuming and old-fashioned manual processes.  Scalability  SMEs may struggle to scale their production quickly in response to fluctuating demand, potentially leading to missed opportunities and customer dissatisfaction. However, with good planning, you can be both agile and efficient when orders come in.  Supply chain technology can support you in both of these areas, helping you to adapt production to changing demand patterns with ease. By integrating operations with your ERP, you can optimise resource allocation and respond effectively to market fluctuations. Sustainability  While bringing supply chains closer to home reduces mileage, manufacturing processes can still have significant environmental footprints. Waste is one of the biggest issues – and is often caused by poor planning and processes that result in overproduction or defects. The sustainability requirements of OEMs might also feel like a barrier to smaller firms, who generally don’t have the resources for consultants or on-site renewable energy sources. But improving sustainability doesn’t have to be costly or time-consuming, and could bring wider benefits to the business. Eliminating waste, consolidating orders to reduce mileage, and optimising production are all good practices that save energy and resources.  Discover how Forterro’s ERP products could help you overcome the most common barriers to reshoring.

In the ever-evolving landscape of sustainability regulations, the European Commission’s recent “Omnibus” package introduces significant amendments to the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), EU Taxonomy and Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD). These changes aim to streamline reporting requirements, reduce administrative burdens, and enhance the competitiveness of EU companies. Let’s explore these changes and their potential impact on your business.  Why the changes?  The European Commission’s motivation behind the omnibus legislation is clear: to foster a favorable business environment while ensuring companies are not overwhelmed by excessive regulatory demands. This recalibration is designed to support the EU’s ambitious Green Deal objectives while boosting economic growth and job creation.  What’s next?   The proposal has been adopted by the EU Commission but still requires approval from the European Parliament and the Council of the EU, so it’s likely we will see further changes.   Companies preparing for CSRD reporting, especially where it has been transposed into national law, should continue as planned. Investments made to align to CSRD, such as double materiality, data automation and upskilling, lay the foundation for improved sustainability and reporting practices. With sustainability regulation increasing across the globe, those companies who have already taken these steps are better equipped for the rise in demand for transparency on this topic.   Key changes to the CSRD  Reduction in scope: The new amendments significantly reduce the number of companies required to report under the CSRD. Only large undertakings with more than 1,000 employees and either a turnover above EUR 50 million or a balance sheet total above EUR 25 million will be in scope. This change is expected to reduce the number of companies in scope by about 80%.  Voluntary reporting for smaller companies: Companies with up to 1,000 employees will no longer be required to report under the CSRD. However, they can choose to report voluntarily using a simplified standard developed by EFRAG.  Simplified reporting standards: The European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) will be revised to reduce the number of data points, clarify provisions, and improve consistency with other legislation. This simplification aims to make reporting more manageable and less burdensome.  Postponement of reporting requirements: The application of reporting requirements for large companies that have not yet started implementing the CSRD and for listed SMEs will be postponed by two years. This gives companies more time to prepare and adapt to the new framework.  Impact on our customers  For our customers, these changes bring both opportunities and challenges. Here’s what you need to know:  Reduced administrative burden: The reduction in scope means that many of our smaller customers will no longer be required to comply with the CSRD.   Voluntary reporting: For those who choose to report voluntarily, the simplified standards will make the process more straightforward. This can enhance your company’s transparency and sustainability credentials without the heavy administrative load.  Extended deadlines: The postponement of reporting requirements provides additional time to align your processes and systems with the new standards. This extension is particularly beneficial for companies that are still in the early stages of implementing sustainability reporting.  Enhanced competitiveness: By reducing the regulatory burden, the amendments aim to boost the competitiveness of EU companies. This creates a more favorable business environment, encouraging growth and investment.  Tracking and managing your sustainability data is not just about meeting regulatory requirements; it also provides significant business benefits. Effective sustainability reporting can lead to improved operational efficiency, enhanced brand reputation, and increased investor confidence. By demonstrating your commitment to sustainability, you can attract new customers, retain existing ones, and differentiate your business in a competitive market.  At IFS, we understand the importance of managing sustainability data effectively. Accurate and efficient reporting is crucial for demonstrating your commitment to sustainability and meeting regulatory requirements. Our solutions are here to support you in this journey, ensuring that you can focus on what matters most, driving your business forward while contributing to a sustainable future. 

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.

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

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.

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.

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.