Archive for September, 2009
NEWS RELEASE: Ninety-Three Percent of Cincom Customers Report Good, Very Good, or Excellent Service
Nine out of 10 customers would recommend Cincom software to others
CINCINNATI – Software and services provider Cincom Systems announces the quarterly results of its customer-service survey conducted from May 2009 through August 2009. Over 450 surveys were sent only to customers who had actually used Cincom support services.
Ninety-three percent of customers rated the overall quality support received from Cincom as good, very good or excellent.
Ninety percent of customers rated the support skill level as good, very good or excellent.
Ninety-three percent of customers rated Cincom support engineers’ sense of urgency in resolving the problem as good, very good or excellent.
Ninety percent of customers would recommend Cincom software to another company.
Sherrie Eimer
Manager, North America Customer Contact Center
Cincom Systems, Inc.
513.612.2133
seimer@cincom.com
NEWS RELEASE: A&D Firms Struggle with Inventory Accuracy
Aberdeen report offers insights into best-in-class ERP in A&D sector
CINCINNATI – Despite almost half of aerospace and defense (A&D) manufacturers citing cost reduction as a key business driver, the industry as a whole lags behind best-in-class standards for inventory level reduction and inventory accuracy, according to a recent research study completed by Aberdeen and Cincom Systems.
According to the jointly published report, “ERP in Aerospace and Defense” (www.cincom.com/aberdeen), A&D firms are most concerned with cost reduction and customer satisfaction (38%). Yet, A&D firms admit improvement is needed in controlling schedules and managing inventory—two factors that are absolutely critical to reducing cost and improving customer satisfaction.
In the report, Aberdeen offers insight into what most concerns A&D firms regarding ERP implementations and how to improve them.
Download this report to learn:
- The top strategic actions planned by A&D firms
- The performance of the A&D industry compared to similar industries
- The top key internal capabilities being evaluated for implementation
- The four initial steps toward improving ERP implementations and reaching best-in-class performance
To download “ERP in Aerospace and Defense,” visit www.cincom.com/aberdeen.
About Cincom
RELATED LINKS:
Cincom Systems web site
http://www.cincom.com
Cincom Enterprise manufacturing web site
http://www.cincomerp.com
Aberdeen ERP in Aerospace and Defense report
http://www.cincom.com/aberdeen
Media Contact:
Donna Hedge Burns
Corporate Public Relations
Cincom Systems
dburns@cincom.com
513-612-2305
PRODUCT UPDATE: European Smalltalk User Group (ESUG) Uncovers Technology Built with Cincom Smalltalk
Sixteenth-annual event had record breaking 21 registrants for Innovation Awards
CINCINNATI- Since the early 90’s, industry technology buffs and academics have participated in ESUG’s annual conference. Cincom was the platinum sponsor for the 2009 event held in Brest, France, August 31st – September 4th; presentations, tutorials, and product updates including Cincom VisualWorks and Cincom ObjectStudio made up the week-long activities.
To attendees, though, the Innovation Technology Awards are the main highlight; developers promote new technology created with Cincom Smalltalk. This year’s winner was Retrobjects by Gabriel Eduardo Honoré.
“[Honoré’s] project emulates two gaming platforms (Commodore 64 and Nintendo NES) by emulating them, chip by chip!” said Arden Thomas, Cincom product manager. “A lot of detailed work and understanding went into this… the result? It plays the original games faithfully! [And] the emulator runs at 100% of the original hardware speed. Amazing.”
“The first place winner was the project that I thought was the coolest, a C64 and NES emulator written in [Cincom] VisualWorks,” said Michael Lucas-Smith, Cincom senior software engineer. “The second place was also very cool – Phidget Lab which uses etoys to control robots and electronic toys. Very fun stuff.”
Lucas-Smith also introduced to the world Cincom’s latest product, WebVelocity 1.0, which was well received.
“ESUG was a blast, totally. One of the best conferences I’ve ever been to,” said Lucas-Smith. “There was a lot of community, a lot of life blood and excitement and many many interesting talks.”
For more information on ESUG 2009, James Robertson, Cincom product evangelist, provides a podcast wrapup.
ESUG 2010 will be held in Barcelona, Spain.
NEWS RELEASE: Manual Quoting and Product Configuration Steals Margins: Cincom Report
Lack of process forces high cost for engineer-to-order projects
CINCINNATI ― The 15% of industrial and plant-equipment manufacturers that rely on manual approaches for bidding, estimating and quoting are losing gross margins and precious time. That’s one of the key take-aways from a recent research report completed by software maker Cincom Systems (http://www.cincom.com/acquire) based on a national survey of sales and IT executives.
The report shows the stark contrast in profits attained by companies that have automated their special or engineer-to-order project workflows versus those that still manually do bids, estimates and quotes. The report shows the payoff of automating these processes so the two most precious resources any company has — profits and time — can be more effectively managed.
It’s clear from the report that the 15% of companies still manually doing these processes are letting their gross margins get stolen by a lack of accuracy and efficiency. “Stopping this profit drain begins with looking at how the bidding, estimating and quoting processes can be made more efficient and more responsive to customers at the same time,” says Louis Columbus, co-author of the report.
“By relying on inefficient, manual processes, industrial manufacturers may end up not being able to change their sales and channel strategies fast enough to keep up with competitors,” says Columbus.
What should these industrial manufacturers do to catch up to their peers? “Industrial manufacturers need to concentrate on those process areas that don’t have much variability in them, including bidding, estimating or quoting, and automate them first,” says Columbus, “and then concentrate on tailoring these processes for their highest-growth and highest-value customer segments second.”
Information at the Ready
The one area where all industrial manufacturers excel, compared to their peer companies across all studies, is their ability to provide updated information to their sales channels. In fact, a larger than average amount of industrial and plant-equipment manufacturers had real-time availability (30%) of catalog content, pricing and sales data.
A larger than average amount of industrial and plant-equipment manufacturers had real-time availability (30%) of catalog content, pricing and sales data.
Significantly more industrial and plant-equipment manufacturers also centrally manage their RFQs through a customer/partner portal compared to the composite benchmark.
“Time is the ultimate competitive weapon for any company, and for manufacturers it is essential,” says Columbus. “Being able to manage RFQs in a central portal saves hours of matching up RFQs and responses. Time is of the essence with RFQs, and managing them through a portal streamlines and simplifies the process.”
For a copy of Cincom’s “2009 Industrial and Plant-Equipment Industry Survey Report,” visit www.cincom.com/I&Pebook.
About Cincom
RELATED LINKS:
Cincom Systems website
http://www.cincom.com
Cincom Acquire™ manufacturing website
http://www.cincomacquire.com
Cincom Enterprise manufacturing website
http://www.cincomerp.com
2009 Industrial and Plant Equipment Industry Survey Report
http://www.cincom.com/I&Pebook
Media Contact:
Donna Hedge Burns
Corporate Public Relations
Cincom Systems
dburns@cincom.com
513-612-2305
NEWS RELEASE: Cincom Launches Social Media Newsroom
CORPORATE NEWSROOM 2.0 PROVIDES MORE THAN NEWS
CINCINNATI - Software and services provider Cincom Systems (http://www.cincom.com) launched its beta social media newsroom (http://newsroom.cincom.com) today.
OLD NEWS
Corporate newsrooms are traditionally self-serving repositories of grandiose corporate gobbledygook and steroidal marketing fluff. Real news and information is hard to find, hard to understand and even harder to realistically use.
NEW NEWS
The Cincom social media newsroom was created not just to provide the latest in company news, but also easy access to helpful information, ideas, insights and even inspirations– for Cincom clients, prospective buyers, media, and industry analysts.
THE CORPORATE NEWSROOM 2.0
Additional content is provided through a link to Cincom Expert Access, (http://expertaccess.cincom.com), award-winning bi-weekly online business magazine with 190,000 subscribers, directly to the newsroom through high-tech whizamaztaz what-the-heck widgetry.
CONNECT
Using social media and web 2.0 sharing, tagging and commenting features, readers can access and share content through video, audio sound bites, photos, widgets, social networking sites (Twitter, YouTube, Flickr, or LinkedIn), and give feedback through moderated online commentary. Readers can also keep updated with the latest news and information (by product or category) by simply subscribing to the appropriate RSS feed.
IT’S A NEWSROOM – WHAT ABOUT THE MEDIA NEEDS?
A Media Resources section is located on the home page with one-click access to anything the media might need for a story, including corporate fast facts, leadership information, a multimedia library, financial information, awards and other recent media coverage.
LISTEN-LEARN 1.0
“One of the greatest values of a social media newsroom is the ability to connect with readers in real-time through their comments and feedback. They’ll tell you when you’re delivering real value – and they’ll also tell you when you’re blowing smoke,” said Steve Kayser, public relations director, Cincom. “It’s Listen and Learn 1.0.”
SPECIAL THANKS TO THESE THOUGHT LEADERS
“In developing the newsroom, Cincom drew heavily on the expertise of public relations and marketing thought leaders,” said Kayser. “They shared hard-earned-and-learned lessons about the value and opportunities social media newsrooms could create. They blazed the trail, led the charge, and continue to do so”:
FOUR PR & MARKETING THOUGHT LEADERS … 1 WIDGET
Todd Defren, principal at SHIFT Communications, is the originator of the social media news release and newsroom concept. “His original social media newsroom template was used as guidance – first place to start,” said Kayser, when considering a social media newsroom.
Brian Solis, co-author of “Putting the Public Back in Public Relations”. Solis was an advocate of social media news releases and the newsroom concept from the very beginning. He shares valuable information and e-books on his PR 2.0 blog.
David Meerman Scott, bestselling author of “The New Rules of Marketing and PR”. Scott’s insights and his ongoing battle to eradicate corporate gobbledygook wherever it arises greatly influenced the decision to connect Cincom Expert Access with the newsroom.
David Henderson, Emmy award-winning former CBS news correspondent and author of “Making News in the Digital Era”, contributed his expertise on what a journalist really needs in a newsroom, and fast; this is reflected in Cincom’s Media Resources section.
About Cincom
For 40 years, Cincom’s problem-solving software, services and people have helped thousands of companies all over the world grow and manage their businesses. For more information about Cincom’s products and services, contact Cincom at 1-800-2CINCOM (USA only), send an e-mail to info@cincom.com or visit the company’s website.
Media Contact:
Steve Kayser
Public Relations Director
Cincom Systems
skayser@cincom.com
http://www.cincom.com
A Vanishing Skill: Stories, Storytelling, Story-Selling in Business
By Cincom CEO Thomas Nies.
Good stories fascinate us all. They always have. They always will. Basically, there are two types of stories: Truth Stories and True Stories. Sometimes truthfulness doesn’t matter. That’s right … but meaning always does.
Read the complete story, “A Vanishing Skill: Stories, Storyelling, Story-Selling in Business” via Cincom Expert Access.
The Big Presentation
Question: Our company is really struggling. I have to give a presentation to upper management about new ideas or new ways to try to help grow our business. It’s a big presentation. I’m afraid if it doesn’t go well, our department will face serious cuts, and people will lose their jobs. Any suggestions from your experts or people you’ve dealt with in the past?
Answer: Yes to both, and they require moving mountains and making miracles.
MOVING MOUNTAINS—MAKING MIRACLES
In answering your question, we’re going to steer clear of the mechanics of giving presentations. If you want that, pick up “Moving Mountains: Or the Art and Craft of Letting Others See Things Your Way.” It’s a classic, and the only book you ever really need to read about giving presentations.
Read the complete story, “The Big Presentation,” from Cincom Expert Access.
NEWS RELEASE: EcoSoft, LP Signs Partnership with Cincom Systems
Partnership focuses on Cincom Acquire Sales and Product Configurator for Microsoft Dynamics
CINCINNATI ― EcoSoft, LP (http://www.ecosoftlp.com), one of the most experienced Microsoft Business Solutions resellers in Western Pennsylvania, has signed a partnership agreement with worldwide software provider, Cincom Systems (http://www.cincom.com) to resell and provide consulting services for Cincom Acquire™ Sales and Product Configurator for Microsoft Dynamics (http://www.cincomacquire.com). Cincom Acquire Sales and Product Configurator for Microsoft Dynamics enables complex businesses to capture and deliver critical application, product, pricing, and process knowledge to the point of sale in real time – ensuring the optimal fit between product offerings and customers’ needs.
“I really like Cincom’s configuration technology because it’s easy for companies of any industry to customize to their unique needs,” says Dan Shepherd, partner, EcoSoft, LP. “Our broad base of customers can now have configuration technology uniquely designed for them that’s also fully compatible with their existing Microsoft CRM infrastructure. This not only makes it easier to implement but configuration technology is a great way for businesses to lower costs and improve sales processes.”
To the end-user, the interoperability between Cincom Acquire Sales and Product Configurator and Microsoft CRM is seamless. Microsoft CRM toolbar buttons open Cincom’s Sales and Product Configurator within the system that lists all of the products that can be configured. Products configured in the Cincom Acquire Sales and Product Configurator are stored and routed in the Microsoft CRM applications.
“Having EcoSoft as a partner helps us extend Cincom Acquire into new markets outside of the manufacturing sector where Cincom initially got its start,” says Gregor Newland, channel development manager for Cincom Acquire. “And having a partner with these high level skill sets and business acumen is a great addition to our growing partner channel.”
Cincom Acquire has helped companies selling complex products and services successfully streamline their sales, design, and proposal processes by delivering critical product and sales knowledge to the point of sale, while significantly reducing “quote to cash” time. For example, Cincom has helped manufacturers reduce proposal generation time from five days to 15 minutes, decrease time to close a sale by 80 percent, and cut lead times from 14 weeks to six weeks. For more information about Cincom Acquire Sales and Product Configurator for Microsoft Dynamics, call 1-888-317-3116 (USA only), send an e-mail to acquire@cincom.com, or visit www.cincomacquire.com.
About EcoSoft, LP
EcoSoft is a leading provider of business solutions and services combining valuable business and industry knowledge with the responsiveness to deploy complex business systems. EcoSoft’s core expertise lies in helping organizations become more productive, profitable, and competitive. Our team, with over 30 years of combined experience in technology and business operations, offers proactive strategies and solutions. We strive to foster lasting partnerships by continually placing client business needs first and promoting rapid return on investments.
Headquartered in Lower Burrell, Pennsylvania, EcoSoft has customers, offices and team members across the United States, Canada and Latin America. EcoSoft provides business services for the Cincom Acquire, Microsoft Dynamics CRM, Microsoft Dynamics GP and Microsoft Dynamics SL software solutions.
For more information, contact Lynn Shepherd, 1.800.691.9151, lynn.shepherd@ecosoftlp.com or visit http://www.ecosoftlp.com.
About Cincom
For 40 years, Cincom’s problem-solving software, services, and people have helped thousands of companies all over the world grow and manage their businesses. For more information about Cincom’s partner program, contact Cincom at 1-800-2CINCOM (USA only), send an e-mail to partners@cincom.com, or visit the company’s website at www.cincom.com/partners.
RELATED LINKS
Cincom Acquire web site
http://www.cincomacquire.com
EcoSoft, LP web site
http://www.ecosoftlp.com
Cincom Partner Program
http://www.cincom.com/partners
Media Contact:
Donna Hedge Burns
Corporate Public Relations
Cincom Systems
dburns@cincom.com
513-612-2305
CINCOM HIRING NEWS: Software Sales Manager
Cincom Manufacturing Business Solutions Group announces an immediate Software Sales Manager opening in its North American sales team.
Candidate minimum requirements:
- Bachelors Degree
- MBA or similar post graduate education a plus
- Eight years background in an application software selling environment
- Understanding of complex solution configuration and quotation processes
- Superior communication and presentation abilities
- Exceptional organizational and time management skills
- Six years selling into a complex manufacturing (high-value, low-volume) marketplace
- Consistently meets or exceeds sales goals and quotas
- Ability to close high value sales transactions in a team setting
- Four years experience as a Sales Manager or Sales Director
- Direct management of at least five distributed field sales representatives
- Record of successfully training, mentoring and coaching sales personnel
- At least 50 percent travel with some international travel
- Residency within reasonable commuting distance of Cincom Global Headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio
How to Apply
- If you are interested and qualified for this position, please apply VIA EMAIL: employme@cincom.com
- Attach your resume and reference Requisition 3163L in the subject line
CINCOM HIRING NEWS: Software Direct Sales Executive
Cincom Manufacturing Business Solutions Group announces an immediate Direct Sales opening in Cincinnati, Ohio. As a quota-carrying Software Sales Executive, this employee will identify, nurture, and close new direct sales opportunities within a defined territory in a market base predominantly centered in complex (high-value, low-volume) manufacturing.
Candidate minimum requirements:
- Minimum four years direct experience selling enterprise/application software to manufacturing end-users
- Working knowledge of complex ERP and CRM software systems
- Documented record of direct sales success with typical software deals greater than $100,000
- Outstanding verbal and written presentation and communication skills
- Ability to commit to up to 50 percent travel
- This is not a work-from-home or telecommuting position. Residence near Cincom Global Headquarters in Cincinnati is required.
How to Apply
- If you are interested and qualified for this position, please apply VIA EMAIL: employme@cincom.com
- Attach your resume and reference Requisition 3162L in the subject line
