Mobility is a top technology priority for CIOs in 2012. By 2013, 33% of Business Intelligence functionality will be consumed via handheld devices. There are many reasons to choose SAP for your enterprise mobility needs, but these are the top 10.

1. Market Leader

2. End to End Solution

3. Support Leading Devices

4. Mobile Enable Any Application

5. Opens Access to Wide Range of Users

6. Unlock Innovation

7. Deployment Flexibility

8. Enterprise-level Security

9. Rapid Business Value

10. Industry Focus

Lauren International is a vertically integrated company with a horizontal perspective among their six subsidiaries that are united by the same goal: to bring the latest innovations to their respective industries using the most advanced technology.

Headquartered in New Philadelphia, Ohio, Lauren International’s six subsidiaries - Lauren Manufacturing, Edgetech I.G., LMI Custom Mixing, Lauren AgriSystems, Lauren Innovations and Nurtured Pets - have a global reach and serve a diverse spectrum of markets:

• Vehicle and Transportation
• Building and Construction
• Wastewater Management and Water Treatment
• Agriculture
• Lighting Enclosures
• Enclosures and Containers
• Software
• Pets
• Rubber and Plastics
• Fenestration

With their strategic goal guiding them, Lauren International has assembled a very competent team of technology experts to support their global operations. However, when it comes to supporting their Exact Macola ES and Exact eSynergy systems, they rely heavily on Algorithm.

“We’re confident that our large internal team of programmers and system administrators could provide an acceptable level of support for our Macola and eSynergy system, but at Lauren International we’re not into maintaining an ‘acceptable level’. Our IT department mirrors the companies’ passion to perform at the highest levels. That’s why we have chosen to partner with Algorithm to support us on that strategic front”, says Ted Gentsch, Director of Information Technologies at Lauren International. “Algorithm has a proven methodology to implementing systems. By following this methodology, their projects consistently come in on time and easily within budget.”

Real Results

In 2009, Lauren Manufacturing and Edgetech were running two different and older versions of Macola ES and eSynergy. Because of some unique business requirements, both Macola ES systems had some modifications. To reduce complexities and streamline operations, the decision was made to get both companies on the same version of Macola ES and eSynergy.

“The process to bring these systems forward is complex, but you wouldn’t have known it”, says Gentsch. “Algorithm did their homework, they arrived onsite prepared. Over two consecutive Saturday mornings they upgraded both our Macola sites and 180 workstations with no unplanned disruption to the businesses. On Saturday afternoon, our people were working on the new system.”

A Solid Foundation for Continued Innovation

“Partnering with Algorithm allows us to stay focused on our core competencies in the IT department, while we support all of our divisions,” says Gentsch. “Our long-term plans include staying current on the Macola ES and eSynergy systems, while continuing to utilize Algorithm as a strategic partner.”

 

 

Algorithm is continuing to offer free webinars this fall. On September 13, Algorithm will host a webinar on PULSE Dashboard, an easy to configure, Macola-centric dashboard that provides insight into business data. Algorithm software experts will review the benefits of working with PULSE Dashboard for real-time data management within the Macola software system.

On September 27, find out how to escape from data prison at the free SAP Business One webinar hosted by Algorithm President, Mike Oswalt. "If your growing company is still relying on stand-alone solutions and spreadsheets for critical business functions, then this is the webinar for you," says Oswalt. Learn if you can benefit from the complete business management functions that ERP software from SAP provides.

During this webinar, attendees will see how SAP Business One software allows them to: 

• Gain deep visibility into the organization through business analytics to increase profitability with improved financial control. 
• Optimize IT spending by eliminating the need to purchase third-party software. 
• Improve operational efficiency and productivity within the organization through real-time access to the right information.

Algorithm will host two webinars in November before revisiting the benefits of working with a managed IT services partner on December 13. On November 11, Algorithm President Mike Oswalt will discuss the top ten reasons to upgrade to Macola ES. Oswalt will discuss the advantages of moving from Macola Progression to ES, hardware and software requirements, and answers to the most frequently asked questions from current ES users.

During this webinar, attendees will learn how Macola ES software:

• Enhances reporting with dynamic views, more filters on data and an Excel-based reporting tool that pulls information from any Macola table. 
• Improves accounting functionality with real-time financial transactions and the ability to easily run financials for previous periods of time. 
• Saves you time by simplifying Purchase Orders and Order Entry onto a single screen.

Once you’ve decided you want to upgrade to Macola ES, Algorithm’s November 22 webinar will review the Macola ES upgrade and installation paths. Mimi Bertram, Vice President of Algorithm, will discuss the different options available to Macola Progression users wanting to upgrade to ES and will walk through the steps involved with a successful upgrade.

To learn more about these webinars and to register, visit http://www.algorithminc.com/training/webinars.php.

Today we welcome guest blogger 1 EDI Source, Inc., a leading provider of electronic data interchange (EDI) software and outsourcing solutions. For more than 20 years, the company has served the EDI needs of businesses ranging in size from single-person operations to Fortune 500 corporations. Exact recently designated 1 EDI Source as their on-site EDI solution and you can read about this in our review of EDI solutions available for Macola users.

If you’re an automotive supplier and you’ve been slow to become compliant with electronic data interchange (EDI) standards, it’s time to get moving... now. While EDI may be a new concept for you, it’s actually been used across a range of industries including the automotive sector, for more than 30 years. Today, Ford Motor Company and other large corporations require that their suppliers be EDI capable.

What is EDI?

EDI allows companies to electronically exchange purchase orders, invoices, advance ship notices and other critical business documents. This technology provides a highly secure environment to send and receive sensitive information that’s coded and translated into the standard-looking purchase orders, invoices, etc. Implementation of an EDI solution eliminates manual entry and improves efficiency - which can greatly reduce costs.

The following steps will help you quickly assess your needs and choose the best EDI solution for your business.

Step 1: Analyze Your Business Needs

Take a look at your current business processes to determine task automation opportunities. You should also consider your technical abilities. Can your staff manage EDI software or will you require outside support? EDI professionals will help you choose a solution that can integrate with your back-end systems and meet your transactional needs.  

Step 2: Weigh EDI Options

Every good business decision must start with research, and adopting EDI practices is no different. EDI products and services have grown substantially over the past 30 years. Today, you can choose from installed software, outsourcing services, web- or cloud-based solutions and various technology hybrids.

Step 3: Talk to EDI Solution Providers

We understand that staying within your budget is important, but you should also consider functionality, usability and support services. It’s critical that you choose a provider that offers minimal system downtime, knowledgeable technical support, training and various other services beyond the technology.  

The options may be overwhelming, but a good EDI firm will explain the various solutions to you and propose one that makes the most sense for your business. For example, if you don’t have EDI knowledge, installing the software may not be the best option for you. However, if you know how to use e-mail (which most business owners do), then you may consider a web- or cloud-based solution.

EDI has changed the way businesses interact. For decades, large companies benefited from the reduced costs and improved efficiency of the technology. Now companies, like Ford for example, are going deeper into the supply chain to require Tier 1 suppliers to enforce EDI usage among their suppliers. Stay tuned for more details on Ford EDI requirements.

MAC Trailer, based in Alliance, Ohio, is a long-time Algorithm customer and respected as the nation's foremost manufacturer of steel and aluminum trailers and straight truck bodies. We are proud to say that MAC Trailer has been with Algorithm since 1999.

Until recently, Algorithm services used by MAC Trailer were primarily Exact Synergy and Macola Progression software implementation and support. In 2011, MAC Trailer enlisted the support of Algorithm's Managed IT Services because of turnover within their IT department. MAC decided to use Algorithm IT support instead of hiring a new staff member. They were looking for an IT partner that would provide the expertise and responsiveness they had received through Algorithm's other support services. It was a perfect fit!

Dennis Postiy, VP Business Administration at MAC Trailer, describes the relationship between his team and Algorithm's Network Services Manager, John Jones. "John learned about our company and environment and very quickly fit in with our IT group. He was able to work with our group to fix a number of lingering problems and address issues that could become problems down the road. At the same time, John is able to educate our IT team and help them be better at their own jobs."

Managed IT Services used by MAC Trailer:

• Guardian Monitoring
  
  The Guardian Network Monitoring Sercive provides affordable peace of mind to businesses. Think of Guardian as a dedicated team of experts providing continuous, in-depth monitoring of your servers, databases, websites, applications and network.

• Guardian Backup
  
  Guardian Backup is a server backup service that places a disk array appliance on your network that takes over the backup duties and is monitored by the Algorithm Network Services team. Guardian Backup backs up all of your servers on a daily basis and provides a safe location for your hourly transaction log files.

• Onsite support once each week
  
  Algorithm's Managed IT Services team spends one day each week onsite with MAC Trailer to address server issues and work with their IT team to fix them.

• On call 24/7
  
  The 24/7 on call service provides daily network monitoring along with server health reports that are monitored by Algorithm's Microsoft certified engineers.

Managed IT Services Successes:

• Reduce network alerts from 50-100 per day to less than 10 per day
• Network connection is stronger and more secure than ever
• Moved the Macola system to a new server and the software now runs faster with no crashes
• Upgrade Windows Server from 2003 to 2008
• Upgrade to Event Manager software for business activity monitoring

"The most important thing for me is the peace of mind during off hours and knowing that Algorithm and Guardian Monitoring are keeping an eye on things for us," Dennis explains. "I know that if a problem arises, their IT team will respond to it quicker and more accurately than I ever could before. Algorithm has filled a huge hole that we had in our company."

Algorithm customers, as well as curious local Macola users, are invited to our annual customer event on October 17 and 18. This is a great opportunity to network with other Macola users and learn about best practices from our software experts and partners. Please visit the Customer Event Page to RSVP and review event details, including a session schedule. 

The first day, October 17, is filled with sessions on Macola product training and updates as well as sessions with our partners WiSys, Lynq and Sniperdyne. There will also be a room dedicated to executive level training and topics, including accounting and materials management.

On the second day, October 18, we will run two hands-on labs to provide in-depth and personalized training to customers. Topics include Macola ES, Synergy, Visual Planner and more! This is a great opportunity for our customers to dig deep into their business solutions and learn about best practices for success. 

Feedback from Past Customer Events

Curious about what customers have thought about previous events? Below is feedback we received from last year's event. 

"The size of the meeting allowed me to get one-on-one time with specific vendors."

"I learned a tremendous amount from the Dashboard training and ideas for using Event Manager."

"I was able to discuss an issue with a third party vendor that had been lingering for too long. The discussion triggered an immediate response and a new solution is being evaluated."

"I learned about solutions that Algorithm offers and I am in the market for that I didn't know were offered before."

For more information about the customer event and to RSVP, visit the Customer Event Page here.

There are two methods for creating shortcuts for non-Macola ES applications (e.g. Crystal Reports) within Macola ES - drag and drop and adding custom menu selections. The steps for creating shortcuts using these two methods are described below.

Creating a Macola ES Shortcut Using Drag and Drop

The first way to create a shortcut in Macola ES is to drag the icon from your desktop (or wherever) into Macola ES. Here are those steps:

1. Open Macola ES

Make sure that Macola ES is open and that you are using the Explorer menu style. Macola ES must be the active application in Windows. If necessary, resize the Macola ES shell to create room to select the appropriate icon.

2. Make sure icon is visible 

If the icon that you want to create a shortcut for is in a window and not on the Windows desktop, open that window.

Note: You can drag-and-drop any shortcut from the desktop, Windows Explorer, or Internet Explorer Favorites list. You cannot copy shortcuts from the Start menu. Also, icons on your desktop must be actual shortcuts displaying the box containing the Windows shortcut sign in the bottom left of the shortcut.

3. Click the icon

Click on the icon and hold down the mouse button.

4. Drag to shortcut area

Drag the icon onto the Shortcut area of the Explorer menu. As you drag the icon, the cursor will appear with a blank box and a box containing the Windows shortcut sign. This indicates that the shortcut is being copied to the Explorer menu.

5. Drop the icon

Release the mouse button. Macola ES displays the new shortcut in the Shortcut Area of the Explorer menu.

Creating a Macola ES Shortcut by Adding Menu Selections in the Panels Interface

This is the second way to create a shortcut in Macola ES. Here are the steps to follow: 

1. Customize Menus

First, go to the System tab - Utilities - Customize Menus and click to open the screen. Select the menu you wish to be customized.

2. Change Target Type

Click the Target Maint button and change the Target Type to Report. Then enter the name for the report that will display on the menu.

3. Find the Report

Browse to the report you wish to run from this shortcut and click Save. If you wish to add more menu picks, click New or click Cancel to finish.

4. Create an SQL Script

Next click the Create Script button to create an SQL script to add the menu customizations. Enter the directory where the SQL script will be stored in the Script File window. The default menu name for the SQL script is "ESCustomizeMenu.sql". You can change this name if you wish.

Click OK to create the script. On the Menu Builder screen, click Close to load the menu changes.

5. Open Macola ES

Finally, open Macola ES to see the new menu selections.

We are excited to welcome back guest blogger 1 EDI Source, Inc., a leading provider of electronic data interchange (EDI) software and outsourcing solutions. For more than 20 years, the company has served the EDI needs of businesses ranging in size from single-person operations to Fortune 500 corporations. You can visit www.1edisource.com for more information about their products and services.

In our previous blog, we provided some guidelines to automotive suppliers on how to become compliant with electronic data interchange (EDI) standards established by their trading partners. Today, we’ll dig deeper and discuss tips on finding an EDI application that meets not only your needs, but also your trading partners’ requirements. We’ll highlight trading partner, Ford Motor Company, for the purposes of this discussion.

Ford first used EDI standards in the mid-1980s. Since that time, EDI has become a standard application in the automotive industry. Today, Ford requires Tier 1 suppliers and their suppliers to be EDI capable. What does it mean to be EDI capable?

Tier 1 Ford suppliers and their vendors must have the necessary computer equipment and technology to communicate electronically and exchange EDI data. Ford defines an EDI interface with which suppliers must comply. However, the auto manufacturer doesn’t enforce or recommend a specific EDI solution.

Finding the right EDI application depends on your various needs as well as the solution’s ability to adhere to Ford’s requirements. Considering the topics below will assist you with ensuring your EDI application is designed to help – not hinder – your ability to efficiently exchange business documents with Ford.

1. Choose an EDI services provider knowledgeable about Ford EDI standards

Before discussing transaction sets, ask the provider about available EDI solutions for your suppliers. For example, some EDI solution companies offer portals that allow suppliers to exchange EDI data with their vendors. 

Most EDI services providers can easily help you comply with Ford’s basic transaction sets such as the 850 purchase order. However, some may not support all Ford transactions including the manufacturer’s EDIFACT equivalents. Be sure to inquire about the provider’s ability to support all Ford transaction sets.

You also may want to ask if the EDI software company provides any special modules for managing specific transactions such as the 830 materials release and the 862 shipping delivery schedule transactions.

It’s also important to ensure the provider can support Ford communication requirements through the Automotive Network Exchange (ANX). The ANX is a secure, private extranet designed to connect automotive suppliers and manufacturers.

2. Ask about the implementation schedule and timeline

Be sure to inquire about the timeline for implementing and using your EDI software. For example, some EDI web-based solution providers can have you up and running in just a few days, while others may take weeks.

3. Inquire about integration capabilities

You’ll also want to ensure the EDI software solution can integrate with your back-end accounting and other business systems. Seamless integration with your back-end systems can help you minimize errors and reduce manual entry. It’s important to note that data integration is required for Ford production parts suppliers.

Algorithm is excited to host a free webinar this month for small businesses and midsize companies that are looking for a complete business management solution. This webinar will explain the benefits of SAP Business One software to growing company that may still be relying on spreadsheets or stand-alone solutions for critical business functions.

"When you’re moving your business forward, the right technology can make a big difference. SAP software lets you focus on your business goals by providing one system on which to run your entire organization, from financials to customer relationship management," explains Algorithm President Mike Oswalt.

During the webinar, Oswalt will discuss how SAP Business One allows companies to: 

• Run the entire organization from end to end within one application 
• Optimize IT spending by eliminating the need to purchase third-party software
• See ROI faster by using SAP's rapid-implementation techniques that cost less than half what traditional approaches cost
• Improve operational efficiency and productivity within the organization through real-time access to the right information

"This is a great time to consider complete business management software from SAP," explains Oswalt. "We are approaching the end of the calendar year and businesses are evaluating what worked this year and where they hope to improve next year. I believe that SAP Business One software can help growing companies to be more successful in 2013."

The SAP Business One webinar takes place on September 27 at 2pm EST. To learn more and to register, visit http://info.algorithminc.com/sap-business-one-webinar.

A common question we hear from customers is that their Macola ES application is generating Microsoft Visual Basic errors. This error is usually seen on screens with Flexibility (VBA) Code attaced to them or when users try to use a report from the Excel Add-in. In this post, we walk through the steps Macola ES users can take to fix these errors. 

These two errors can occur on screens with Flexibility (VBA) Code attached to them: 

Microsoft Visual Basic
System Error &H8004005 (-2147467259). Unspecified Error.

Microsoft Visual Basic
Automation error
Unspecified Error

This error may be seen when attempting to use any report from the Excel Add-in: 

Microsoft Visual Basic
Automation error

How Macola ES users can fix the Microsoft Visual Basic System and Automation Errors

The recent Microsoft Windows Updates have affected the Microsoft Windows Common Controls 6.0. Both of the updates KB2687323 and KB2687441 affect the Microsoft Windows Common Controls 6.0 components. Re-registering the file for the Microsoft Windows Common Controls will correct this issue.

The following steps will take you through manually re-registering this file:

1. Go to Command Prompt

Go to Start \ All Programs \ Accessories \ Command Prompt.

Please note that if you are running Windows 7 or Windows 2008, you will need to right click on the Command Prompt application and launch it with the “Run as Administrator” option.

2. Enter Operating System Command Line

Enter one of the following command lines depending on the type of operating system which you are using:

For 32-bit Operating Systems: regsvr32 c:\windows\system32\mscomctl.ocx

For 64-bit Operating Systems: regsvr32 c:\windows\syswow64\mscomctl.ocx

3. Click OK

Click OK on the message box that the file has registered successfully. If the message box indicates that the file could not be found, then please verify that you are running the correct command line for your operating system or that the path to the Windows Folder is correct.

Beware: The next time you get an email from privacy@microsoft.com in your inbox, click delete. That’s because you’re likely the target of a phishing scam designed to steal Gmail, Yahoo, Windows Live and AOL passwords, according to Naked Security, a blog by IT security firm Sophos.

Titled, “Microsoft Windows Update,” the email urges recipients to verify their email accounts by entering personal login information.

Dear Windows User,

It has come to our attention that your Microsoft windows Installation records are out of date. Every Windows installation has to be tied to an email account for daily update.

This requires you to verify the Email Account. Failure to verify your records will result in account suspension. Click in the Verify button below and enter your login information on the following page to Confirm your records.

VERIFY

Thank you,
Microsoft Windows Team.

While the hoax is pretty slick, eagle-eye Internet users will notice odd instances of capitalization and grammar that betray the email’s insidious intentions.

Clicking on the “verify” link leads you to a third-party website that purports to be Microsoft.com, but actually isn’t the real deal, Naked Security says. Here, users are warned that their computers are out-of-date and at high risk; they are then “required” to select one of four email providers and enter their username and password. Naturally, this information is sent directly to the scammers — putting recipients at risk of online identity theft.

Today Vineyardsoft announced increased security for their business activity monitoring software, KnowledgeSync, via multi-tenancy enhancement. Version 8.1 of KnowledgeSync introduced multi-tenancy, which is the ability to host multiple client installations in just a single installation of KnowledgeSync. Another possibly lesser known but significant benefit of multi-tenacy is increased security for businesses using this event management software.

Periodically, KnowledgeSync users want to be able to apply security to the various events that are configured, for example only give certain users access to the HR events. The need to secure certain information is most evident when KnowledgeSync is used to monitor areas such as ERP (receivables and payables) and HR (salaries and social security numbers). Until multi-tenancy, KnowledgeSync could not restrict certain users to see and/or modify only certain groups of events.

In version 8.1, it can.

With version 8.1 of KnowledgeSync's event manager software, users can divide up their events by business area. That is, instead of an ERP Application branch, it now may make more sense to have separate branches for A/R Events, A/P Events, Purchasing Events, Inventory Events, etc. Keep in mind that breaking up the applications in such a way will not affect licensing, since all those business-specific branches all use the same ODBC data source.

So, how do you start using multi-tenacy for increased security within your business?

1. Make sure you have version 8.1 installed
2. Open up the Administrator module
3. Go to Logins and select a user
4. You'll see a new tab called "Multi-tenancy Access Rights" and from there you will be able to specify exactly which application event branches each user will have access to within the Navigator and Event Manager modules.

That's it! We hope this event managment software tip helps you use your KnowledgeSync software to its full potential. 

Thanks to all who attended our customer event this year! We had a great day and a half and enjoyed seeing you all. We would love to hear your feedback on the event. You can let us know what you liked, didn't like and would want to see more of by following this link. 

Photo Recap

Mike kicks off the customer event:

Andy kicking off his Synergy presentation: 

Andy presenting on Exact Navigator:

Jonathan discussing business intelligence:

Happy hour at Muirfield:

Kicking off day 2 of the customer event:

In-depth training with Rick and Jonathan:

Andy providing some hands on event manager training:

Mike and John Grima talking advanced manufacturing concepts and best practices:

We are excited to again welcome back guest blogger 1 EDI Source, Inc., a leading provider of electronic data interchange (EDI) software and outsourcing solutions. For more than 20 years, the company has served the EDI needs of businesses ranging in size from single-person operations to Fortune 500 corporations. You can visit www.1edisource.com for more information about their products and services.

Companies that rely on EDI data often ask how they can receive alerts when a trading partner starts to buy a new item or changes pricing and payment terms without their knowledge. Some address these challenges by creating custom code while others manually review all purchase orders and invoices. However, both options are time consuming and can detract attention from other essential business tasks.

In addition to helping manage your EDI data, your EDI solutions provider also should offer tools and applications to help you do more with your EDI system, like fact check invoices and purchase orders. For example, 1 EDI Source recently introduced its Business Sense Module. This module actively monitors trading partner purchase orders and invoices and compares new versus old transaction details. The user is immediately notified as soon as the module detects a discrepancy. Applications like Business Sense can save you time and money.

Protect your business by keeping a close eye on these four purchase order and invoice changes typically made by trading partners. 

1. New items
   

   Have you ever received an invoice or purchase order with a new item that was not on previous transactions? We’re sure many of you have experienced this and know firsthand how an undetected change like this can affect your accounting and inventory processes.

2. Price changes
   

   Unknown price changes – even by a few cents – can wreak havoc on your accounting department. A purchase order is a legal agreement between a buyer and seller of goods. Therefore, once you deliver products based on the new price, you are accepting the purchase order as is – even if your trading partner did not alert you of the change beforehand.

3. Payment term changes
   

   As with price modifications, you accept the new payment terms if you continue to deliver goods despite the revision. So let’s say a trading partner sends you an 850, for example, with net 30 payment terms and all of a sudden the terms change to net 60. This can greatly affect your business operations.

4. Changes to existing items
   

   Has a trading partner ever modified a UPC code or vendor item number without letting you know? A change to existing items could be your company’s trigger to start shipping new packaging or an updated version of a product. That’s why it’s so important to have a solution capable of alerting you immediately so you can review the changed items as soon as they are received by the system.

What’s the bottom line? Letting changes made by trading partners go undetected can cost you a significant amount of money. You can easily protect your company from these unknown changes by obtaining a system like the Business Sense Module that automates purchase order and invoice fact-checking by immediately alerting users when a trading partner changes pricing or other purchase order or invoice details.

Are you running a small to midsize company? We understand that you need the right tools to be successful and this includes software that fits your business. So what about SAP Business One? You may have been told that SAP is too big to care about you or that SAP is more than you need. You may have even been told that when it comes to smaller businesses, SAP just doesn't get it. The facts about SAP tell a much different story. 

In this post we bust several myths about SAP Business One. 

Myth: SAP is too big for SMEs.

Fact: More than 79% of SAP customers are small to midsize businesses. That's over 82,000 SMEs already running SAP. 

Myth: SAP doesn't understand small business needs. 

Fact: SAP has been helping small and midsize companies for 38 years, across 25 industries. You really can get what you need. 

Myth: SAP is hard to implement and support.

Fact: SAP has almost 10,000 partners all around the world, like Algorithm, to help support your business and their products.

Is SAP Business One starting to look like a good fit for your business after all? We think so.

What SAP Customers Are Saying:

"We realized that SAP could scale down for a small company, it wasn't too big and it wasn't going to be too complicated. We have about 60 employees and SAP certainly put us on the right path for growth."
- Cano Petroleum, Inc.

"SAP is an excellent fit for the mid-market size."
- Smith Micro Software

"We originally thought SAP was only for large companies. After evaluating different systems, we realized that SAP basically designed their mid-market products for companies just like ours. By purchasing SAP, we have a system that will stay with us through the years."
- Atlas Electronics Systems 

To top it all off, SAP Business One is afforable, fast to implement and easy to use. 

1 EDI Source, Inc. is a leading provider of electronic data interchange (EDI) software and outsourcing solutions. For more than 20 years, the company has served the EDI needs of businesses ranging in size from single-person operations to Fortune 500 corporations. You can visit www.1edisource.com for more information about their products and services.

Manual electronic data interchange (EDI) data entry is a painstaking and time-consuming process for many companies today. Upon implementation of an EDI solution, it’s beneficial to find a user-friendly and powerful EDI mapping tool. Today, we’ll highlight a few important components of an EDI solution and mapping tool to ensure proper data formatting and full system integration.

Data mapping is the act of properly converting a user’s application data into an EDI file format and vice versa. Both inbound and outbound EDI data must be properly arranged and formatted to both EDI standards as well as the requirements of your trading partner and business or accounting software.

Mapping outbound data involves proper information placement from your business or accounting software into an EDI file. Once inbound EDI data is converted into an understandable format for your business or accounting system, you can map the EDI data into a variety of destination types including XML, readable documents and more.

Considering these three questions will help you achieve integration and data mapping success by choosing a robust EDI software and data mapping solution.

1. Does my EDI solution include integration capabilities with a variety of business programs?

It’s critical to find an EDI software provider capable of integrating with a variety of back-end software packages, including enterprise resource planning (ERP), warehouse and accounting systems. Data mapping is the foundation and catalyst to system integration. You may be starting with one accounting or business program today, but decide to switch programs in the future. An EDI software provider should be able to handle these changes and work with you in juxtaposition to your business goals and system changes.

2. Does our company team/individual have visibility to the EDI data being mapped?

Whether you have a team to work on the EDI data mapping or just one person, a real-time mapping feature provides visibility to the data mapping results. This ultimately saves time due to error reduction and the ability to see the internal format and appropriate external format, side-by-side. Most often, EDI mapping tools require the user to complete the mapping process and upon completion, locate the errors.

3. Is the EDI mapping tool user-friendly, yet still powerful?

Sitting in on a solution demonstration is a must. Map designers vary by provider, and it’s important that the designated team/user feels comfortable with the mapping feature. A “drag and drop” mapper improves user experience, mapping accuracy and efficiency. It also doesn’t require the skills of a developer or programmer to accomplish the EDI data mapping. 

You should also check for any updates that the provider is considering implementing regarding the mapping tool. Improved EDI map designer speed, visibility and customizations all prove to be worthwhile EDI solution considerations to benefit your team.

Production planning and management software benefits the entire manufacturing process, which leads to greater customer services through satisfaction and retention. We have partnered with Lynq to provide our customers with a production planning and scheduling solution that uses existing Macola data and is fully integrated into the ERP system. This solution is called Visual Planner.

Visual Planner is the best way to plan production because it allows users to easily see real resources and allocate them to each job. All of this information is shown through a clean graphical display. 

Implementing Visual Planner alongside Exact Macola Progression or ES helps improve customer service for the reasons below.

Provide Reliable Delivery Promises

Visual Planner allows manufacturers to see exactly what resources are available and when the work can be done before tracking orders, making delivery promises more accurate. The order progress can be seen clearly all the way through to on-time delivery to the customer. If a problem arises, manufacturers can see what is happening and work to fix it right away.

Updated Information

Visual Planner provides clear, up-to-date information that can help the customer service team keep customers informed on what is going on. When customer requirements change, Visual Planner helps reschedule orders quickly and show what the impact will be on production and delivery.

Quality and Profit

Visual Planner improves the quality of each product by minimizing disruptions to production, allowing the manufacturing team to do their job with access to the needed documentation. By improving production efficiency and improving cash flow, Visual Planner helps improve profit margins and remain competitive on prices. 

For those of you keeping score at home, an ODBC DSN is simply a method of connecting a report or program to a database. It stands for Open DataBase Connectivity Data Source Name.

“Missing” DSNs are a common issue in environments running 64-bit servers and workstations (like Windows Server 2008 and Windows 7) with 32-bit applications. 

Let’s say you need to connect a 32-bit application, such as Vineyardsoft Knowledgesync (also sold as Exact Event Manager) to a database. You set up the ODBC DSN via the normal Control Panel/Administrative tools/ODBC interface, but when you look for the DSN from within the application, it is nowhere to be found!

This often happens because you are using the 64-bit ODBC interface that is the default on a 64-bit operating system.

To resolve this, you need to use the 32-bit ODBC interface. The 64-bit and 32-bit interfaces are virtually identical in appearance, but each normally only shows its own DSNs. The 32-bit version is typically located in the SYSWOW folder at C:\windows\syswow64\odbcad32.exe. Simply run that .exe, set up the DSN as normal, and it should appear within your application.  If it doesn’t, try closing and reopening the application.

We are excited to announce that our Network Services team has been chosen as a semi-finalist in the 2012 TechColumbus Innovation Awards! Winners will be announced on February 7, 2013 at the Awards Gala at the Convention Center. A big congrats to all the other semi-finalists!

The TechColumbus Innovation Awards celebrate the spirit of innovation by recognizing outstanding technology achievements in Central Ohio. This event showcases the region’s advancements and promising future. For more information, visit www.techcolumbusinnovationawards.org.

About Algorithm Network Services

In today’s economy, small businesses and midsize companies depend on increasingly complex technology to support their business processes. Many of these businesses find it very difficult to keep up with advances in network infrastructure technology. Other businesses realize the benefits of keeping their technology up-to-date, but would prefer to focus on their core business competencies. For these organizations with limited or no full-time IT personnel, IT management and maintenance can be a difficult job to do right. Routine system monitoring and maintenance can eat up time and resources that could be better used to help run the business more efficiently. When something does go wrong, it can be a nightmare - employees can’t get their jobs done, customers can’t get service, orders can’t be processed and supplies can’t be ordered.

Algorithm’s Network Services and IT team has been assembled to be able to take on all, or some, of these responsibilities for small businesses around Central Ohio. Our services can function as an extension of any business, providing proactive support that helps prevent problems before they happen, and fixes problems quickly and effectively when they do - minimizing the impact on business operations. From our proactive server monitoring system to on-premise deployment with managed services to complete cloud-based deployment with managed services, Algorithm is uniquely positioned to help supplement any IT department.

Algorithm Network Services include Hosted Solutions and Server Monitoring (Guardian).

Guardian is a cloud-based application that allows Algorithm's help desk to remotely monitor the health of customers' network and servers. Guardian contains over 200 metrics that it is continuously monitoring to ensure that customer’s IT infrastructure is operating at an optimal level. Guardian allows customers to focus on higher value projects rather than time consuming IT support.

Hosted Solutions offers a unified solution for all Exact products. Hosted Macola is a new total-managed technology option for SMEs. It works as a technology CO-OP so that instead of organizations purchasing their own servers, applications, licenses, and hiring expensive support staff, the companies subscribe to Algorithm Hosted Services. They share the infrastructure while maintaining complete and secure separation of their information.

Algorithm Network Services is a perfect fit for any small business with limited or no IT support. We allow customers to off-load their routine, yet vital IT infrastructure functions so that they can concentrate on what they do best - running their business.

Learn more about Algorithm Network Services available in Central Ohio in the video below or download our IT resume here. 

Full List of Semi-Finalists

Outstanding Startup Business

AboutOurWork
Acceptd
Acclaimd, Inc.
Azoti 
Bookwithus LLC
Churchsys
Coalesce Software
COHIE, Inc.
CUE YOU LTD
Cuptoopia.com, Inc.
DOmedia
EndoSphere Inc.
Fabrisonic, LLC
geoAMPS
Intelligent ID
IT Martini
LogoMyWay LLC
PaneraTech, Inc.
pH Matter, LLC
RealWeld Systems, Inc
Return On Ingredients LLC
SeeMore Interactive
SoftSyl Technologies
Terracal LLC
TheraVasc
Updox
Venture Highway
Venueseen
Zepheira LLC

Outstanding Product (company with more than 250 employees)

Battelle Memorial Institute
The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company

Outstanding Product (company with fewer than 250 employees)

Alpha Resources, LLC
Azoti
Capture Education
CUE YOU LTD
Cupcake Yum.Yum
Environmental Pest Management
Expesite, LLC.
Global Medical Foam, Inc.
HealthSpot
HR Services Inc.
Intelligent ID
LifeBio
MailTamer
Modern Medical, Inc.
Moncai
NanoBlox, Inc.
Nanofiber Solutions
Northwoods
Perfect Practice
ProcureSafe
RealWeld Systems, Inc.
Sevenex
Venture Highway
Venueseen
Whouter.com
WilData Healthcare Solutions, LLC
Zia Systems LLC

Green Innovation

Biobent Polymers, LLC
The City of Columbus, Mayor's Office of Environmental Stewardship
Corder Enterprises International (CEI)
Elytus Ltd.
G & J Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company of Columbus
InnovaGreen Systems/GreenBleaf
Jane's Dough Foods 

Outstanding Service (company with more than 250 employees)

ICC
OhioHealth Structural Heart Disease Patient Evaluation and Research Center
The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital 

Outstanding Service (company with fewer than 250 employees)

AboutOurWork
Algorithm, Inc.
Amperand
ARCOS, Inc.
Buckeye Interactive
Contactability.com
DataCenter.BZ
Dedicated Tech Services, Inc.
Elytus Ltd.
Exacter, Inc.
Expedient
Fidelity Voice and Data
Halcyon Solutions
IT Martini
Manifest Solutions
Manta
Pluto Networks
Revolution Group
Salon Lofts
The SmarTV Company, LLC
Updox

Outstanding Technology Team

Battelle - Selex LS10 Team
CareWorks Family of Companies - IT Team
The City of Columbus - Department of Technology
DataCenter.BZ
Fisher College of Business - Educational Technologies Team, The Ohio State University
Grange Insurance - Super Easy Quote Team
InnovaGreen Systems/GreenBleaf - Cigarette Butt Litter Solutions Network
Navidea Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. - Lymphoseek Development Team
Northwoods - Product Delivery Team
OhioHealth - Fibroid Center of Excellence
Quick Solutions, Inc. (QSI) - Primary Financial Company SimpliCD Development Team
Riverside Radiology and Interventional Associates - IT Team

Innovation in Non-Profit Service Delivery

Battelle for Kids
Center for Personalized Health Care, The Ohio State University
The City of Westerville, WeConnect
eTech Ohio
Experience Foundation
Junior Achievement of Central Ohio
State of Ohio, Department of Developmental Disabilities
ThirstRelief

Executive of the Year (company with more than 250 employees)

CVG-Commercial Vehicle Group, Inc. - Jerry Armstrong
Highlights for Children, Inc. - Kent Johnson
State of Ohio, Department of Developmental Disabilities - Bryant Young 

Executive of the Year (company with fewer than 250 employees)

Buckeye Interactive - Brad Griffith 
The City of Columbus, Department of Technology - Gary R. Cavin 
Pluto Networks - Larry Chaffin   

Outstanding Woman in Technology

Battelle Memorial Institute - Dr. Carol Sabourin
Beagle Bioproducts, Inc. - Dr. Stephanie A. Smith
Core Quantum Technologies, The Ohio State University - Dr. Jessica Winter
John Glenn School of Public Affairs, The Ohio State University - Victoria Boczkowski
Life Capsules, LLC/College of Education & Human Ecology, The Ohio State University - Ouliana Ziouzenkova
LifeCubby - Sue Testaguzza
Manta - Pamela Springer
Nationwide Children's Hospital - Valerie Hendren
Nationwide Insurance - Betsy Radley
OhioHealth Research & Innovation Institute - Patricia Eisenhardt
Revolution Group - Polly Clavijo
TDCI - Rhonda DeMuth
Ticket Fire - Tanisha Robinson

Inventor of the Year

Biodynamics Laboratory, The Ohio State University - Dr. William S. Marras
Core Quantum Technologies, The Ohio State University - Dr. Jessica O. Winter
Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University - Dr. Periannan Kuppusamy
EWI - Matt Short
MailTamer - Scott Greiff
Nanofiber Solutions - Jed Johnson
QuTel - Dr. Paul Berger
The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital - Peter White, Ph.D.
Senstronics, OSU Department of Biomedical Engineering - Dr. Stephen Lee
Tech4Imaging LLC - Qussai Marashdeh PhD MBA
Wexner Medical Center Program in Pharmacogenomics - Wolfgang Sadee, Dr.rer.nat.

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