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How to Stay Ahead of the Curve with Automated Solutions

Posted on by Lauren Prentiss

How do you ensure your business stays competitive by adapting quickly and using its resources efficiently?

Automation. 

Automation is no longer a buzzword or a short-lived trend. It’s emerged as a critical tool for achieving these goals in businesses of all sectors and sizes. From streamlining repetitive tasks to providing actionable insights that facilitate data-driven decisions, automated solutions can empower your business to optimize its operations, reduce costs, and scale seamlessly. 

Want to maximize automation’s potential to stay ahead of the curve? We’ve explored the challenges businesses face, solutions provided by automation, and the automation tools that can drive meaningful change.

Understanding the Need for Automation

Businesses today face several challenges that make automation an essential tool for success. The most common challenges include:

Time & Resource-Intensive Manual Processes

One of the most significant issues is the reliance on time-consuming manual workflows. Manually completing tasks such as orders, data entry, payroll, and invoicing can take hours and often result in inaccuracies, leading to inefficiencies and strained resources.

Data Overload

With data pouring in from multiple sources, you may frequently struggle to collect, organize, and analyze it effectively. This inability to manage data can result in missed opportunities and poor decision-making. It can also lead to inefficiencies, increased costs, and a lack of clarity in strategic planning.

Limited Workforce Productivity 

Your employees often spend substantial portions of their workday performing repetitive tasks, such as data entry or sending follow-up emails. These activities prevent them from focusing on higher-value responsibilities that could drive business growth.

Ever-Evolving Customer Expectations 

Today’s digitally driven customers demand faster responses, personalized marketing experiences, and seamless interactions. Without automated support, it can be nearly impossible for your business to deliver the level of service that consumers now expect.

Successful Scaling

Managing increased workloads and maintaining consistent quality can become overwhelming as your business grows. Without automation, these scaling challenges can limit your company’s ability to expand efficiently and sustainably.

Business Automation Solutions That Solve Common Challenges

With every challenge comes an automated solution, and these are some options available to help your business remain competitive and outpace the competition.

Process Automation

Automating processes reduces the risk of errors and delays. By investing in automation tools that automate payroll calculations, tax filings, and compliance checks, you can save time and ensure accuracy. Other business-related processes, such as ordering, invoicing, and dispatching, can also be automated to speed up fulfillment and provide a better overall customer experience.  

Data and Analytics Automation

Analyzing data manually is time-intensive and often outdated by the time it’s complete. However, automated dashboards that provide real-time insights solve this issue. With real-time insights readily available, you can assess your business’s current position, review past data and create forecasts all based on solid information. 

Certain data automation tools, such as Microsoft’s Power BI, also automate data visualization, making complex datasets easy to interpret for every department or stakeholder.

Workflow Automation

Automating workflows can enhance productivity by increasing visibility and improving communication. With tools that enable workflow automation, everyone has a clear view of tasks and assignments, the stakeholders involved, milestones met, and objects that need to be achieved. Task management software is one way to organize and prioritize work and generate automatic reports based on your team’s task efficiency.

Marketing Automation

Running personalized marketing campaigns based on user behavior is far easier with automation tools. Numerous automation platforms, like HubSpot, can help your business schedule, segment, and track marketing campaigns for better ROI. These solutions can be used in conjunction with tools like Jasper AI or ChatGPT to create content for different types of marketing, including targeted emails, guest posts on high-traffic websites, and social media campaigns. 

Sales Automation

CRM systems for lead management are crucial for automating sales processes and driving growth. The best CRMs automate lead scoring, follow-ups, and pipeline tracking to help you successfully nurture leads through the sales funnel. These automation tools ensure that you don’t waste time tracking leads manually and that your follow-ups are always efficient. 

Customer Support Automation

AI chatbots providing 24/7 support are no longer a novelty; they’re an expected feature of any e-commerce site. 

Scaling customer service without hiring more agents can be expensive and inefficient, but tools like Zendesk and Intercom offer automated chat and ticketing systems that can handle common queries and escalate complex issues to human agents. Although a human element is included in the equation, this is crucial for staying connected with customers and maintaining the personal touch. 

How to Implement Automation in Your Business

As you can see, implementing automation in your business is a strategic step toward improving efficiency, reducing costs, and staying competitive in an increasingly fast-paced market. However, successful implementation requires a thoughtful approach to ensure the tools and processes align with your business goals and operations.

To effectively implement automation, you need to identify pain points and map out repetitive, time-consuming, or error-prone processes.

Once you have done this, define your objective for implementing automation: reduce costs, improve productivity, enhance customer satisfaction, or all three.

Then, research tools that fit your needs, scale, and budget, and if necessary, consider integrating multiple tools for comprehensive automation. It’s best to begin by automating one or two processes, monitoring their performance, and gradually scaling. This gradual introduction also makes it easier to train your team and ensure they understand and can effectively use the automation tools.

Once in operation, continuously monitor the effectiveness of your automated processes and make adjustments as needed. As updates are released, new tools hit the market, and processes and procedures change, your tools should, too. 

The Present and Future of Automation in Business

With the rapid growth and innovation in AI and machine learning, automation is set to evolve at an unprecedented scale, transforming how businesses operate across all sectors. 

These advanced technologies are no longer limited to tech giants but are increasingly accessible to businesses of all sizes, offering cost-effective tools that were once considered out of reach. 

Predictive analytics, for example, enables companies to anticipate customer behaviors, optimize supply chains, and proactively address operational challenges. 

According to a report by McKinsey, businesses that integrate AI-driven analytics into their operations see productivity gains of between 30 and 45%, highlighting the enormous power of these tools.

Hyper-personalized customer interactions are also becoming a reality, with AI enabling businesses to deliver tailored experiences based on real-time data. This shift has already shown results, with companies using AI-driven personalization experiencing a 10-15% increase in sales conversion rates.

Beyond customer engagement, machine learning is paving the way for autonomous decision-making systems that can adapt and optimize processes without human intervention, offering a competitive edge in dynamic markets.

Integrating these technologies early is no longer optional—it’s a necessity if your business wants to stay ahead of the curve. By investing in automation tools, you can position yourself as an industry leader equipped to navigate current and future challenges with agility and innovation. 

ERP Implementation Consultant: Do You Need One, and How to Find the Right Fit?

Posted on by Will Zane

You’ve made the decision to implement an ERP system—a powerful tool that can bring together all the critical aspects of your business into a single unified platform. But as the excitement of transforming your operations takes hold, another question emerges: Do you need an ERP implementation consultant to help guide the way?

ERP implementations are complex. From selecting the right system to configuring it to fit your business’s unique processes, the road to a successful ERP implementation can be full of twists and turns. That’s where an ERP implementation consultant comes in—a seasoned expert who can help navigate the challenges and ensure that your ERP system implementation is tailored to your needs.

In this blog, we’ll explore when you should consider hiring an ERP implementation consultant, what they bring to the table, and how to find the right one for your business.

Why You Might Need an ERP Implementation Consultant

ERP implementations often require a blend of business acumen, industry experience, technical know-how, and project management skills. For many businesses, especially those undertaking ERP system implementation for the first time, having an expert to guide the process can be invaluable. Here’s why:

1. Specialized Expertise

ERP implementation consultants bring a deep understanding of ERP systems and how they work across various industries. They’ve likely overseen ERP implementations for businesses similar to yours and understand the unique challenges you may face. Whether it’s customizing the software, managing data migration, or integrating the ERP system with other tools you rely on, an ERP implementation consultant ensures that every aspect of the implementation is handled correctly.

2. Project Management

ERP system implementation is a major project, and like any project, it requires careful planning, scheduling, and execution. An ERP implementation consultant often serves as the project manager, ensuring that timelines are met, budgets adhered to, and that every member of your team knows their role in the process. This level of oversight can help prevent costly delays and keep your implementation on track.

3. Customization

Your business is unique, and your ERP system should reflect that. One of the greatest advantages of working with an ERP implementation consultant is their ability to customize the system to match your specific needs. Rather than forcing your business to conform to a rigid, out-of-the-box solution, an experienced consultant can tailor the ERP system to fit your existing workflows, industry regulations, and strategic goals.

4. Training and Support

ERP implementations don’t end when the system goes live. One of the most critical steps in the process is ensuring that your team is trained and ready to use the system effectively. An ERP implementation consultant can provide comprehensive training and ongoing support, ensuring that your employees understand how to navigate the system and leverage its full potential.

When Do You Need an ERP Implementation Consultant?

Not every business will need to work with an ERP implementation consultant, but there are several scenarios where bringing in an expert is a smart choice. Consider engaging a consultant if:

  • You’re new to ERP systems: If this is your first time implementing an ERP system, having a consultant to guide you through the process can help you avoid common pitfalls.
  • Your business is complex: If your company has intricate operations, multiple departments, or industry-specific requirements, an ERP implementation consultant can help ensure that the system is configured to handle your complexities.
  • You lack in-house expertise: Not every business has an IT department or staff members with experience in ERP system implementation. A consultant fills this gap, providing the technical and functional expertise you may not have in-house.
  • You have a tight timeline: If you need to implement your ERP system quickly to meet business goals, a consultant can accelerate the process by managing the project and ensuring that each phase is completed efficiently.

How to Find the Right ERP Implementation Consultant

Finding the right ERP implementation consultant is critical to the success of your project. Here’s how to go about selecting the right fit for your business:

1. Look for Relevant Experience

Not all ERP implementation consultants are the same. When evaluating potential partners, look for someone with experience in your industry and with your chosen ERP system. If you’re implementing an all-in-one ERP system like Striven, for example, find a consultant who has successfully implemented that specific software for businesses like yours. Industry experience matters—someone familiar with your sector will better understand your unique challenges and regulatory requirements.

2. Evaluate Their Track Record

Ask for case studies, references, and testimonials. A seasoned ERP implementation consultant will have a portfolio of successful ERP implementations they can share. When reviewing their track record, pay attention to the types of businesses they’ve worked with, the size of the projects, and the outcomes achieved.

3. Assess Their Communication Skills

ERP system implementation is a collaborative effort that requires clear communication between your business and the consultant. During the evaluation process, take note of how well the consultant communicates. Are they responsive to your questions? Do they explain complex ideas in a way that’s easy to understand? Good communication is essential for ensuring that your project stays on track and that all stakeholders are informed.

4. Consider Their Approach to Customization

Customization is key to ensuring that your ERP system works for your business. Ask potential consultants how they approach customization and whether they’ve successfully tailored ERP systems to fit the needs of other businesses. You want a consultant who’s flexible and willing to adapt the system to your specific processes rather than forcing you to adapt to the system.

5. Review Their Project Management Capabilities

Finally, make sure that your ERP implementation consultant has strong project management skills. They should be able to provide a detailed implementation plan with timelines, milestones, and deliverables. A good consultant can quickly draw up a contingency plan should an unforeseen challenge arise during your ERP system implementation.

Final Thoughts

An ERP implementation is a significant undertaking, and having the right partner can make all the difference. An ERP implementation consultant brings proven business expertise, exceptional project management, and focused customization capabilities needed to ensure that your ERP system implementation is not only successful, but tailored to your unique business needs.

Whether you’re implementing an ERP system for the first time or looking to refine an existing system, the right consultant can guide you through every step of the process, from selection and customization to training and post-launch support. With their help, you can avoid common pitfalls, meet your project goals, and position your business for long-term success.

Choosing the right ERP implementation consultant is about more than just finding someone with the technical skills—it’s about finding a partner who understands your business, communicates effectively, and is committed to helping you achieve your goals.

ERP Implementation Tips: Ensure a Smooth Business Transition

Posted on by Will Zane

Making the decision to implement an ERP system is like choosing a new engine for your business. It’s not just about finding the right fit—it’s about preparing for the road ahead. An ERP implementation may seem daunting, but with the right approach, you can keep your business running smoothly through the process.

If you’re reading this, you’ve probably already decided that ERP system implementation is the way forward. Now, the question is: how do you get from Point A (your current operations) to Point B (a fully functioning ERP system) without derailing your daily workflow? Let’s take a look at how to make the transition as smooth as possible.

Start with Clear Goals

Every successful ERP implementation begins with clarity. Before diving into the technical details, you need to ask yourself: what exactly do you want this ERP system to achieve for your business? Whether it’s simplifying your financial tracking, improving order fulfillment, or better managing customer relationships, your goals should be specific and actionable. Having clear objectives will help guide every decision throughout the ERP system implementation process.

Select an ERP That Matches Your Business

Not all ERP systems are the same, and that’s a good thing. Your business has its own unique challenges and needs, so your ERP should reflect that. Choosing the right system isn’t about picking the most popular option—it’s about finding the one that works for your specific situation. If you’re a small or mid-sized business, for example, look for an all-in-one ERP solution that offers the flexibility to grow with you. The right system will make your ERP implementation smoother, without the unnecessary complexity that larger organizations may require.

Work with an ERP Implementation Consultant

You don’t have to go it alone. An ERP implementation consultant can be your best ally during this transition. They bring a wealth of experience and can provide insights you might not have considered. Whether you need help customizing the system to fit your existing workflows or simply need advice on best practices, a consultant can make sure your ERP implementation is on the right track. More importantly, they can help avoid costly mistakes that could set your project back.

Test, Test, and Test Again

Testing isn’t just a box to check off—it’s the phase that can make or break your ERP system implementation. Before your system goes live, you’ll need to put it through its paces. This means running real-world scenarios and making sure every feature functions as expected. Your team should be involved in this process, as they’ll be the ones using the system day in and day out. Testing might seem tedious, but it’s better to catch issues now rather than when you’re trying to meet a critical deadline.

Support Your Team with Training

When it comes to ERP implementations, your system is only as good as the people using it. Once your system is up and running, make sure your team is prepared. Training should be tailored to the roles and responsibilities of each user. Some might need to understand the big picture, while others need a more in-depth understanding of specific features. Whatever the case, ongoing training and support will help ensure that your ERP implementation is not just a one-time event, but a long-term success.

Monitor and Adapt Post-Launch

Once your ERP system implementation is live, the work isn’t over. In fact, this is just the beginning. You’ll need to keep an eye on how the system is performing and make adjustments as needed. New challenges will arise, and your business needs might evolve. That’s why it’s crucial to stay engaged with your system and be ready to adapt. Working with your ERP implementation consultant, you can fine-tune the system to meet changing demands and ensure that it continues to drive value for your business.

Final Thoughts

ERP implementations are more than just a technical project—they’re a transformation of how your business operates. By starting with clear goals, selecting the right system, leveraging expert help, and providing ongoing training and support, you can ensure a successful transition. The road to ERP system implementation may be long, but with the right preparation and mindset, you’ll get to your destination without unnecessary detours.

ERP Adoption: Setting Expectations for a First-Time Success

Posted on by Will Zane

So, you’ve finally decided it’s time to shift gears and move to an ERP software solution to take your business to the next level. Starting your first enterprise-level software implementation can feel pretty overwhelming for any business owner. The good news is that professional ERP implementation teams have performed this migration process for businesses like yours hundreds of times; they know where the landmines are. 

Still, it takes planning, coordination, and effort to get your company to the finish line and beyond. Knowing what you’re getting into and what’s expected can really help make the whole process smoother. This guide is here to help you along the way, breaking down the roles and responsibilities of both your organization and those of your experienced implementation team. 

Let’s walk you through what an ideal implementation looks like and how to work together effectively to ensure everything goes off without a hitch.

Implementation Team Responsibilities

Your experienced ERP implementation team takes a consultative role and drives the successful deployment of the ERP system. Here’s what they do:

1. Project Management

Scope and Planning: The implementation team is responsible for defining the written project scope, setting timelines, and planning each phase of the implementation. This includes creating a detailed project calendar with key milestones and deliverables.

Coordination and Communication: Effective communication is essential. The team ensures that all stakeholders are informed about progress, potential issues, and any changes to the project plan.

2. System Setup and Customization

System Configuration: After significant and ongoing consultation with your business’ department heads and priority stakeholders, the implementation team configures the ERP system to meet your specific needs, setting up workflows, user permissions, and the like.

Customization: Some companies may charge extra for developing complex reports and customizations, but most all-in-one ERP systems run right out of the box. You may decide some level of customization is helpful to more closely align your new ERP system with your unique business processes. 

3. Data Migration

Data Assessment and Cleaning: Before migration, the team assesses the quality of your existing data, scrubbing and massaging it to ensure accuracy. Garbage in, garbage out.

Data Migration: They develop and execute a systematic data migration plan based on your ongoing needs, testing to confirm data integrity and completeness.

4. Pre-Cutover

System Verification: Make sure the initial ERPsystem config meets the written project scope, and review any items uncovered during initial testing to identify those that may require additional enhancement or priority development. 

Training: To get your employees ready to use the new system, the implementation team offers training programs tailored to different user roles.

5. Post-Rollout

Ongoing Support: Post-implementation, the team is there to support and work through any issues, answer questions, and ensure smooth system operation. Some companies offer paid levels of premium or priority support.

Responsibilities of Your Organization

Failure is not an option! For a successful ERP implementation, your company must actively participate and take on several key responsibilities:

1. Executive Sponsorship and Leadership

Executive Support: Senior leadership must actively support the project, allocating necessary resources and driving the strategic vision.

Project Champion: Assign a project champion with the authority to make decisions, resolve issues, and meet project milestones.

2. Clear Requirements and Goals

Needs Assessment: With your implementation team’s guidance, conduct a thorough needs assessment to define clear goals and requirements for your ERP system. This includes identifying key functionalities and expected outcomes.

Process Documentation: Clearly document all requirements, workflows, and processes. This provides a clear reference for the implementation team and can be included in the project scope.

Success Metrics: What does success look like to you? Define success metrics that all teams agree on and regularly track them.

3. Dedicated Project Team

Inter-Departmental Team: Establish your internal implementation project team with members from each area to provide insights and feedback.

Time Commitment: Make sure those team members can dedicate sufficient time to the project to avoid delays and miscommunications. This is a key hurdle. Any delays would come from the business’ level of commitment and responsiveness, not the implementation team’s.

4. Change Management

Communication: Develop a communication strategy to inform and engage employees throughout the implementation process, explaining the benefits and impact of the new system.

Managing Resistance: Address resistance proactively by involving employees in the process, seeking their input, and providing support. Your implementation team can share some strategies.

5. Data Prep

Data Quality: Work with your team to ensure your data is clean, accurate, and consistent before migration. This involves removing duplicates and correcting errors.

Data Ownership: Assign data stewards responsible for maintaining data quality and integrity during and after migration, as well as who has access to what information.

6. User Training and Adoption

Training Participation: Ensure employees participate in training sessions and lean into the learning process. (You know the ones who will be the most change resistant.)

Feedback Mechanism: Establish mechanisms for employees to provide feedback on the training and the ERP system.

Final Thoughts

ERP implementation is a complex and challenging process, especially for those new to it. However, with clear responsibilities, a structured approach, and effective collaboration, it can be successful and rewarding. Keep your eyes on the prize. Both the implementation team and your organization must work closely together, leveraging their strengths to ensure the ERP system delivers its full potential.

The Top 10 Best Contractor Management Software Solutions: 2024 Edition

The Top 10 Best Contractor Management Software Solutions: 2024 Edition

In today’s fast-paced and increasingly outsourced business environment, small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) often rely on contractors to fulfill various operational needs. Managing these contractors effectively is crucial to maintaining productivity and ensuring compliance with legal and contractual obligations. 

Contractor management software can be a game-changer for SMBs, simplifying and enhancing the process of working with external vendors and freelancers. 

Here are 10 reasons your business should consider implementing contractor and subcontractor management software:

  • Centralized Information Management: Contractor management software centralizes all information related to contractors, including contracts, contact information, work orders, and payment details, making it easy to access and manage.
  • Streamlined Onboarding: Automate and streamline the process of onboarding new contractors, ensuring that all necessary documentation and credentials are collected and stored efficiently.
  • Compliance and Regulatory Adherence: Ensure compliance with industry regulations and labor laws by maintaining an organized record of all contractor agreements and compliance documents.
  • Enhanced Security Measures: Control access to sensitive company information by implementing robust security measures within the software, which can be customized to limit contractor access to only what is necessary.
  • Improved Contractor Performance Monitoring: General contractor management software lets you track and evaluate the performance of contractors, facilitating feedback and continuous improvement in the quality of work.
  • Automated Payment Processes: Automate invoicing and payments to contractors, reducing errors and delays while improving financial transparency.
  • Risk Management: Identify and mitigate risks associated with contractor work, such as non-compliance, project delays, or quality issues, by having structured oversight and monitoring tools.
  • Efficient Resource Allocation: Allocate and track resources and budgets more effectively by having detailed insights into contractor costs and timelines.
  • Better Communication Tools: Enhance communication with contractors through integrated messaging systems, ensuring that all parties are informed and aligned on project goals and updates.
  • Scalability: As your business grows, contractor management software can scale to accommodate an increasing number of contractors and more complex projects, supporting your SMB’s expansion without the need for additional administrative resources.

By using contractor and subcontractor management software, your business can achieve higher efficiency, better compliance, and improved contractor relationships, all of which are indispensable for sustaining and growing your business in a competitive market.

For a lot of growing businesses, it’s not always easy to find the right general contractor management software solution. With so many choices out there, it can be hard to know which sales and general contractor management software really fits the budget and unique needs of your business and your industry.

Don’t worry, there’s good news—finding the contractor project management software for your business has never been easier.

We’re here to help. Our software experts have compiled a comprehensive breakdown of The Top 12 Best Contractor Management Software Solutions of 2024.

*Note: Our contractor management software reviews are for informational purposes only. We encourage you to perform research and demo contractor project management software systems to achieve the most comprehensive comparison.

1. Striven

Striven Logo

Striven is an all-in-one ERP business management software solution built with small to mid-market businesses in mind. Our sophisticated software combines contractor and subcontractor project management tools, CRM, sales performance metrics, lead tracking, collaboration tools, accounting, purchasing, HR and payroll, operations, inventory, task management tools, (and so much more) into a single, easy-to-use interface. Striven is an infinitely capable software solution that supports every type of employee within your company.

Highlights:

  • Project, task, and time management w/ interactive calendar
  • Detailed financial and productivity reports generated in seconds
  • Fully integrated CRM
  • Contractor and subcontractor management
  • Self-service portals
  • Scheduling & dispatch route planning
  • Fully integrated accounting
  • Process optimization & automation

What Sets It Apart: Striven’s expert team of business analysts personally see to your success. From training and onboarding, technical support, and business-specific customizations, our US-based Striven Support Team is available 24/7. On top of that, Striven’s automation capabilities allow you to work more efficiently.

Pricing: Free trial and custom demo, packages begin at $35/user.

More info:  Striven Earns Numerous Awards For Q4 2023

2. Contractor Compliance

contractor compliance logo striven alternative

Contractor Compliance is a cloud-based contractor management software that empowers organizations to easily collect, track and manage third-party contractor and vendor compliance requirements.

Highlights:

  • Automate workflows
  • Contractor scoring
  • Contractor compliance modules

What Sets It Apart: Through both iOS or Android, workers of respective contractors can check in to defined facilities and show a time stamped badge to demonstrate compliance.

Pricing: Plans start at $499/year.

3. Jobber

General contractor management software like Jobber helps project managers send estimates, organize job details, schedule technicians and specialty contractors, and provide a better customer experience—from the office or the job site.

Highlights:

  • Jobber connects with your favorite apps and software to save you time.
  • QBO sync
  • Marketing and AI tools

What Sets It Apart: Jobber makes it easy for customers to refer friends online, and to thank service pros with a tip.

Pricing: Starts at $69/month.

4. Workday

workday logo striven alternative

Workday empowers small to medium businesses like yours to face uncertainty and change with unwavering confidence. Finance, HR, planning, payroll, and analytics work as one to streamline processes, accelerate growth, and even uncover new opportunities.

Highlights:

  • Deploy at lower cost and lower risk
  • Realize rapid time-to-value
  • Flexible costing and automated billing

What Sets It Apart: Workday’s ‘Launch’ program gets your business live quickly so you can get, and stay, ahead faster.

Pricing: From $10/seat/mo.

 

5. Workmarket

workmarket logo striven alternative

Workmarket contractor management software lets you onboard, verify, and pay your independent contractors (1099 workers, freelancers) efficiently and compliantly. Plus, leverage our platform to manage the details of the work to help ensure timely completion.

Highlights:

  • Attract top-tier talent
  • Improve compliance
  • Quickly identify the right workers for the right jobs

What Sets It Apart: Onboard, organize, and pay at scale—painlessly and with competitive automation features.

Pricing: Contact Workmarket for pricing details.

6. Remote

remote logo striven alternative

Remote subcontractor management software lets you manage international contractor status, contracts, time off, invoices, payments, tax forms and more.

Highlights:

  • Enable contractors to add their own details and verify their identity
  • Easy reporting and tax filing
  • Create, edit, sign localized contracts

What Sets It Apart: With Remote, your contractors can get access to exclusive health benefits and perks at discounted rates.

Pricing: From $29 /contractor/mo.

Read More: If you’re outgrowing Quickbooks, you need to read this

7. Deel

With Deel Contractor Management contractor project management software, onboard, manage and pay international contractors compliantly.

Highlights:

  • Financial automation capabilities
  • Withdraw payments in 150 currencies including Crypto, Wise, Revolut and more.
  • Global-first, integrated HR system

What Sets It Apart: Deel’s always-on compliance has an award-winning risk management department.

Pricing: Business Package: $12.00 /member /mo.

8. Payzer

payzer logo striven alternative

Payzer general contractor management software helps you operate better because we care more. Experience seamless workflows from appointment to payment, and everything in between.

Highlights:

  • Drag & drop scheduling
  • Dispatching & navigation
  • QuickBooks sync

What Sets It Apart: Leverage the power of real-time alerts, geofencing, easy-install devices, vehicle cameras, and AI capabilities to optimize driver and vehicle performance.

Pricing: Starts at $349/month.

9. Talentdesk

talentdesk logo striven alternative

We’ve built TalentDesk specifically for businesses that rely heavily on freelancers and contractors as an all-in-one solution for everything freelancer management. Onboard, manage and pay your freelance workforce seamlessly from one place, minus the headaches.

Highlights:

  • Custom built workforce directory
  • Rapid task assignment interface
  • Download freelancer expenditure reports at a click

What Sets It Apart: Execute contracts with your freelancers through our AOR service, offering a safeguard for your business.

Pricing: Contact Talentdesk for pricing plans.

10. Salesflare

salesflare logo striven alternative

Use Salesflare contractor project management software and make more sales while spending less time managing data and emails.

Highlights:

  • Automated address book
  • Email, meeting and call sync
  • Email sequences

What Sets It Apart: Targeted for small and medium-sized businesses selling exclusively B2B.

Pricing:  From $29 user/mo.

Contact a Contractor Management Software Expert

Over the years, our software support team has been instrumental in helping business owners and their employees get up to speed quickly. The small business analyst team at Striven boasts decades of experience across various industries, including contracting and subcontracting.

It’s your business, and you’re the expert—our team is here to support you in every way possible.

Have a question?

Contact Us

Read more:

Best ERPs for
Your SME in 2024

Top Field Service Management Software Solutions of 2024

The 10 Best Business Management Software Systems

The Top 10 Best Process Manufacturing Software Solutions: 2024 Edition

The Top 10 Best Process Manufacturing Software Solutions: 2024 Edition

Process manufacturing is a method of production that involves combining and processing raw materials or ingredients through a series of steps to create a finished product. Unlike discrete manufacturing, which produces distinct items (like cars, sports equipment, or electronics), process manufacturing produces goods in bulk that cannot be easily separated into individual units.

Process manufacturing ERP software is a specialized type of ERP system designed to support the unique requirements of businesses in process manufacturing industries. These industries include food and beverages, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics, where the production processes involve continuous or batch processing, complex recipes or formulas, and stringent regulatory compliance requirements.

Implementing manufacturing process management software in your manufacturing operation can provide numerous benefits that address common challenges and drive growth. Here are several reasons why your business can benefit from manufacturing process optimization software:

  1. Improved Efficiency and Productivity. Process optimization software automates various production processes, reducing manual effort and the risk of errors, and provides real-time visibility into production operations, allowing for quick adjustments and proactive problem-solving.
  2. Enhanced Product Quality. Quality control checks throughout the production process ensures product consistency and helps with industry standards and regulatory requirements—crucial for maintaining quality and avoiding legal issues
  3. Better Inventory Management. Process manufacturing software monitors inventory levels to prevent stockouts and overstock situations, reducing holding costs and improving cash flow. Automated reordering sets reorder points and automates the procurement process to ensure materials are available when needed.
  4. Cost Reduction. Process manufacturing ERP software lets you track production costs, including materials, labor, and overhead, helping identify areas for cost savings. It also optimizes resource usage and reduces waste through precise formula management and efficient production scheduling.
  5. Data-Driven Insights. Manufacturing process management software provides comprehensive reporting and analytics on various aspects of the business, enabling informed decision-making while tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure efficiency, productivity, and profitability.
  6. Scalability and Growth Support. Adapts to the changing needs of your business, supporting growth and new product lines without significant changes to the system and adjusts production schedules and processes easily to accommodate increased demand or new market opportunities.
  7. Regulatory Compliance. Automates the generation of necessary documentation and reports to comply with industry regulations, reducing the risk of non-compliance and can even track batch and lot numbers from raw materials to finished products, ensuring full traceability for quality control and regulatory purposes.
  8. Improved Collaboration and Communication. Data and documentation are centralized, making it easily accessible to all relevant departments. Manufacturing process management software can improve relationships with suppliers and customers, facilitating better communication and service.
  9. Risk Mitigation. Helps to identify potential risks in the production process and provides tools to mitigate them proactively, which ensures that production can continue smoothly even when issues arise, minimizing downtime and disruptions.

For an SMB manufacturing business, implementing process manufacturing ERP software can be a game-changer.

For a lot of growing businesses, it’s not always easy to find the right process manufacturing ERP software. With so many choices out there, it can be hard to know which process optimization software really fits the unique needs of your  industry, your business, and your budget.

Don’t worry, there’s good news—finding the right process manufacturing software for your business has never been easier.

We’re here to help. Our software experts have compiled a comprehensive breakdown of The Top 15 Best Process Manufacturing Software Solutions for 2024.

*Note: Our manufacturing process optimization software reviews are for informational purposes only. We encourage you to perform research and demo process manufacturing ERP software systems to achieve the most comprehensive comparison.

1. Striven

Striven Logo

Striven is an all-in-one ERP business management software solution built with small to mid-market businesses in mind, including those involved in process manufacturing. Our sophisticated software combines project management tools, CRM, sales performance metrics, lead management, collaboration tools, accounting, purchasing, HR and payroll, operations, inventory, task management tools, (and so much more) into a single, easy-to-use interface. Striven is an infinitely capable software solution that supports every type of employee within your company.

Highlights:

  • Project, task, and time management w/ interactive calendar
  • Detailed financial and productivity reports generated in seconds
  • Fully integrated CRM
  • Contractor and subcontractor management
  • Self-service portals for vendors, clients, and applicants
  • Scheduling & dispatch route planning
  • Fully integrated accounting
  • Process optimization & automation

What Sets It Apart: Striven’s expert team of business analysts personally see to your success. From training and onboarding, technical support, and business-specific customizations, our US-based Striven Support Team is available 24/7. On top of that, Striven’s automation capabilities allow you to work more efficiently.

Pricing: Free trial and custom demo, packages begin at $35/user.

More info:  Striven Earns Numerous Awards For Q4 2023

2. Epicor

epicor logo striven alternative

Epicor Advanced MES collects data directly from equipment and operators on the shop floor in real-time, maximizing data accuracy and process automation.

Highlights:

  • Improve efficiency
  • Reduce waste
  • Improve quality
  • Increase uptime

What Sets It Apart: You can automatically capture data from machines and sensors on the shop floor. Find out in real-time when a machine is not running efficiently so you can make quick adjustments and improvements.

Pricing: Must contact Epicor.

3. Syspro

syspro logo striven alternative

SYSPRO Enterprise Resource Management (ERP) helps provide process manufacturers the right mix of business software applications to help you address these unique challenges, whether you’re making products in batch or configure-to-order mode.

Highlights:

  • Manage complex production recipes
  • Simplify regulatory compliance and raw material traceability
  • Improve forecast accuracy

What Sets It Apart: SYSPRO’s Work in Progress inspection system gives you the tools to record the inspection details of manufactured products and, depending on the results, select to receipt, scrap or rework quantities.

Pricing: Contact Syspro for pricing.

4. Siemens

siemens logo striven alternative

SIEMENS Opcenter Execution Process is a manufacturing execution system (MES) designed to ensure the perfect quality required of process-manufactured products.

Highlights:

  • Manage materials, formula, recipe and batch management
  • Perform integrated quality sampling and testing
  • Process optimization software

What Sets It Apart: Siemens helps manufacturers meet both the special requirements of formulated product operations and the demands of secondary manufacturing operations, like packaging, labeling and palletizing finished goods.

Pricing: Contact Siemens for pricing plans.

 

5. Batchmaster

batchmaster logo striven alternative

Batchmaster ERP production scheduling software creates the optimal number of batch jobs required to meet current and forecasted demand, so that you can meet your customer service promises, in terms of perfect orders and delivery dates.

Highlights:

  • Consolidate supply and demand of facilities
  • Perform “what-if analysis” while planning production
  • Auto conversion of MPS orders to purchase orders and batch production jobs

What Sets It Apart: BatchMaster Software is a preconfigured “Out of the Box” application that supports the unique requirements of formula based, process manufacturers.

Pricing: Available upon request from Batchmaster.

6. SOS Inventory

sos inventory logo striven alternative

Process manufacturing management in SOS Inventory supports an unlimited number of inputs and outputs, offering complete flexibility to handle not only simple manufacturing but also cope with co-products and by-products.

Highlights:

  • Integrate with QuickBooks Online to eliminate duplicate data entry
  • Use sales orders to streamline your order management
  • Support multiple locations

What Sets It Apart: SOS Inventory’s most compelling feature is its tight integration with QuickBooks Online. Quickbooks Online is not an afterthought for us. Our software is built specifically for QuickBooks Online from the ground up.

Pricing: Starts at $59.95/month.

Read More: If you’re outgrowing Quickbooks, you need to read this

7. MRPeasy

mrpeasy logo striven alternative

With MRPeasy process manufacturing ERP, easily calculate material requirements, comply with traceability and quality standards, eliminate waste, and reduce holding costs.

Highlights:

  • Always know what you have in stock
  • Automatically calculate material requirements for incoming orders
  • Schedule production activities according to resource availability
  • Plan your purchases so that materials always arrive in time for production
  • Track your orders from quote to delivery

What Sets It Apart: Use the plethora of reports created by the software to drive positive change across the operation.

Pricing: Plans begin at $49/month.

8. Acctivate

acctivate logo striven alternative

Acctivate’s software for process manufacturing supports both recipe and formula process manufacturing allowing for components to be adjusted based on seasonal requirements, availability, or the requirement for substitutions.

Highlights:

  • Handle variations in input recipe to allow for substitute items and changes in quantities
  • Variable recipe and variable yield capabilities
  • Account for spillage and waste
  • Substitute ingredients in recipes
  • Handle multiple lots of the same ingredients

What Sets It Apart: Utilize your company’s live data in various ways via Acctivate, i.e., in standard/custom reports, customizable dashboard, and all the application windows to seamlessly handle operations.

Pricing: Contact Acctivate for pricing details.

Read More: 

9. Aptean

aptean logo striven alternative

With Aptean Process Manufacturing ERP, upgrade your operations with a full ecosystem of process manufacturing software from one trusted provider. Improve formula management, lot tracking, regulatory compliance and more with a full set of specialized tools.

Highlights:

  • Streamline new product development
  • Manage product risk
  • Enforce regulatory compliance

What Sets It Apart: Industry segments served: Cannabis, Chemical, Cosmetics & Personal Care, Nutraceutical.

Pricing: Contact Aptean for pricing plans.

10. Absolute ERP

absolute erp logo striven alternative

Absolute manufacturing process optimization software offers the best Production Management that allows you to balance daily schedules timely in a systematic manner. It also helps to promote centralized database support and assists to optimize each resource related to management.

Highlights:

  • Cloud-based solution
  • Unlimited users
  • Device responsive. Get the Absolute ERP access on any device

What Sets It Apart: Production accounting software helps to access business data from their mobile phone, tablet, computer, or laptop anywhere at any time. Production system software allows employees to access documents easily for editing and approval on the go.

Pricing: Contact for pricing.

Contact an Process Manufacturing Software Expert

Over the years, our software support team has been instrumental in helping business owners and their employees get up to speed quickly. The small business analyst team at Striven boasts decades of experience across various industries, including process manufacturing software.

It’s your business, and you’re the expert—our team is here to support you in every way possible.

Have a question?

Contact Us

Read more:

Top ERPs for Manufacturers

Best Discrete Manufacturing Software

Best ERPs for
Your SME in 2024