Jim Lierow Sample Articles

5 tips on how to select an ERP system for the hard goods distribution industry

Here are five tips on how to select an ERP system for the hard goods distribution industry.

Choosing an ERP system is intimidating. You are impacting the entire organization with an ERP System. Choosing your ERP System and the vendor to install it is a major task for any organization.

Tip 1. Choose the right team

You should have as broad a representation of your organization as you can because this is an enterprise system. Have a representative of each of the departments represented. The team’s composition provides an opportunity for everyone involved to be a part of the project early. It is better to learn soon in the project how each component impacts the choice.

Think about the unique perspective each team member can provide. A senior leader offers a broad vision for your project. Accounting clerks know how the numbers are processed.

The sales team always has an opinion. They may want to know how sales are credited or how easy it is for the customer to read the correspondence.

Tip 2. Be clear about what the enterprise needs

Build a requirements list with a deep explanation of their needs. Include why they are important. Consider using weights for your list to establish the components' value. The weighted list establishes the why and helps evaluations later in the process.

Team members can take the requirements list back to their teams. Stakeholders who are not in the room can feel empowered. Everyone's buy-in early in the process will make things smoother later.

Tip 3. Check vendors' proposal with your requirements list

A response to your request for a proposal can provide additional information to your team beyond costs. It may tell you what kind of partner a potential vendor will be in the future.

Confirm that their proposal matches the details of your request. Communications make projects successful. You will need to adjust your request if everyone gets a detail wrong.

A response from a potential vendor that is unique from others doesn’t mean their proposal is wrong. It may be a solution worth considering that you hadn't considered. Check with your team to see if they feel the difference is worth consideration.

Tip 4. References Determine your vendors' experience in launching an ERP like the one offered. How successful were they in launching the system? What would their reference do differently?

These are some of the questions that your team should ask.

Vendors who specialize in selling and servicing the systems they propose have more skin in the game. They have experience in applying the systems they propose with many industries. Their experience is the added value they bring to you.

Tip 5. Determine the proposed system's technical fit

You have probably already built the technical details into your request. How do the screens and forms fit your team? Systems tools for the management group may not work for the forklift operator. Managers can view details on their desk.

A user in a dark warehouse or bright dock may find the screens don't fit their needs. Will the system fit on the mobile device your sales force is carrying? You may have the ability to build forms and screens to match your organization. What is the cost of that ability regarding time and dollars invested?

A bonus tip: A vendor with the team and commitment to get your system running quickly and without disruptive errors is a major benefit. It is important to know who has your back in those late hours of the evening or on major holidays.

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5 Tips on How to Select an ERP System for Hard Goods Distribution Industry

Ten Myths About Radiant Floor Heating Radiant floor heating has been with us since the time of the Romans. For some, it may be new. Here are ten myths to help you discern the facts about choosing the radiant floor you will enjoy.

Myth #1 Heat Rises I’ll bet you are surprised to learn what science teachers taught you were wrong? They probably said, “Hot Air Rises.” That would be correct.

So, what does a furnace do? It blows hot air, and that air goes to the ceiling. The cold air is left behind.

A radiant heated floor warms the air. It warms the coolest things it encounters. That would be you, your family and the furniture. And that is no hot air.

Myth #2 Only Tiles and Concrete Floors Can Use Radiant Floor Heating Radiant floor heating works on many types of floors. Even carpeted floors can use radiant floor heating. Carpet can even add some insulation to the heat energy of radiant floor heat. It can do this without the possibility of the allergens usually found on the carpet from blowing around.

There are many installation options for just about every type of flooring.

Myth #3 Radiant Heat Takes A Long Time to Get You Warm The truth is that radiant heat is responsive to your needs. You immediately feel warm when you open a blind, and the sun pours through. The warmth you feel from the sun is called Thermal Performance. Radiant heat’s thermal performance is instantaneous.

This instantaneous performance does not mean that radiant floor heat is instantaneous. It does mean that you feel warmer because of the thermal power performance. The warmth felt from a radiant heated floor feels neutral because our bodies are warmer than the floor.

Myth #4 Radiant Heat Makes Your House Too Warm Insulation and sealing cracks impacts your house’s temperature. A breezy or uninsulated home will feel hot with any heating system.

The advantages of radiant floor heat are always available to well-constructed dwelling. Radiant floor heating systems are usually 75° at the floor level, 68° degrees eye level, and 61° at the ceiling.

Myth #5 Energy Efficient Homes Don’t Need Radiant Floor Heat Dwellings with radiant floor heat enjoy the advantage of improved air quality. They are able to provide efficient heat to almost any space.

Radiant Floor Heating systems run at lower temperatures than many systems. It only warms the proper things needing warmth. Installation costs for most radiant floor heating systems are lower than the conventional choices. You will not be seeing your heat going up a flue with radiant heating systems.

Myth #6 Radiant Floor Heating Damages Hardwood Floors Hardwood floors are damaged from the moisture. A radiant heated floor does not generate moisture.

Hardwood floors can be damaged by any heating system. Outside temperatures applied to the house are usually much warmer than radiant floor heating systems. A house in southern areas will reach temperatures well beyond any system’s operating temperatures.

Myth #7 Stale Air is Caused by Radiant Floor Heat A forced air system forces allergens and dust around the house. A radiant floor heat system does not.

The best way to get good quality air – regardless of the system – is to have a well-designed dedicated ventilation system.

Myth #8 Floor Heating is Expensive The cost to install a radiant floor heating system is between $1,800 and $4,800. Costs vary from climate conditions to the builder installing.

Even small rooms can enjoy a reasonable price radiant floor heating system. Estimates are that the averagesize bathroom may only cost $400 to $700.

Radiant floor heat could reduce your building heat load by 25% with savings as much as 40% or more on energy Myth #9 Radiant Heat is Dry Heat Radiant floor heat does not put moisture in the air. So, the heat provided is what is in the atmosphere.

If you live in a dry climate than the conditions felt are dry and the same for humid locations.

Myth #10 Installation of Radiant Floor Heating is Difficult Radiant floor heating can be installed by contractors, home owners or a combination of installers.

Client Name has over 1,500,000. customers who would agree that Client Name can improve your next project.

We have many well-trained and certified installers ready to show you.

The mission of Client Name is to “Removed.” We have been doing that for over 20 years.

You can take advantage of our many fine features and applications. Check us out at: Client URL

Warning: You Are Old Enough for Medicare While 60 is supposed to be the new 50 you will soon be on Medicare. It snuck up on me and it could sneak up on you.

The truth is approaching the age of 65 is much different than our parents’ time. If you are 64 you will be on Medicare before you know it. Forget the images of seniors in Florida wearing shorts with tall socks or large floral dresses.

NOTE: Even if you are not yet 64 years old, this article is important to your funds.

We want you to be ahead of the curve and not feel overwhelmed as you approach 65. This article is about the options available to you. They can be upsetting if you are not prepared. The important thing to remember is that you will be insured on the month of your 65th birthday. You still must take some steps to get the coverage that right for you.

MAIL The first sign that you are reaching Medicare age will be the flurry of mail you will begin to receive. It will be from local and long-distant insurance carriers and agents. Pictured below, are just some of the mailings and correspondence that I have received in the past couple of months.

I recommend that you start a folder to hold the flyers and letters that will be filling your mailbox. You can then set down at your leisure to review the material.

Be careful of looking online until you have had a chance to review your options. Because, asking for information about choosing a plan will bring you loads of phone calls from marketers – even after you have told them you chose a plan. I would say that some of the callers were an immense help to me.

Being armed with the basics saved time and helped organize the decision process.

THE BASICS STEP ONE – Sign up with the government. You can do this three months before your birthday.

The location to start the process can be found at Medicare.gov.

There are two parts to Medicare. The government named them: Part A (Hospital Insurance) Part B (Medical Insurance) Each of these require some sort of decision. Part A is given to you. By given I mean all the Medicare Taxes you have seen on your paycheck are now being returned to you. There is no charge for Part A. Part B is not free, but it is reasonable. Most Americans pay a standard premium for Part B. The premium for 2018 is $134 per month. A few individuals pay a higher fee based upon income and circumstances.

Part B choices get complicated. The options may look like the insurance you probably have been using in the past. However, the limits of what it pays can cause a financial gap for most people. Insuring Not Too Young for Medicare

Jim Lierow

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yourself against these gaps is sometimes called a Medicare Gap Coverage or Medigap Insurance. It is private insurance and you will be required to pay an additional premium. (See The Math, below for a presentation of possible costs.)

There are some extra things to think about when signing up for Part B. 1. If you plan to continue to work and already receive health insurance, you should review your options with your employer’s Benefits Coordinator.

2. Not signing up on Part B may cost more later as enrolling during your initial signing waives pre-existing conditions and there could also be a penalty for carrying insurance.

3. Part B Coverage requires you to think about such things as the deductible and out-ofpocket fees that you want. There is: a. Medicare Supplement Insurance b. Medicare Advantage (HMO or PPO) NOTE: If your provider takes Medicare, then they also take the gap insurance you choose. Remember that the Advantage plan is usually an HMO or PPO and you are required to see those doctors to take full advantage of your plan.

The government calls advantage plans Advantage Plans or Part C. To review, we have Part A (Hospital Insurance), Part B or C (Medical Insurance). But, what about the drugs that you may need to take care of your health?

DRUGS Many of us are familiar with the prescription plans we received from our employer. The government calls a prescription plan with Medicare Part D. Part D is another insurance that you must pay for, but you may find it worth your inspection. (Some plans include Part D as a part of their coverage.)

The government helps you choose a Part D plan by helping you find a plan that works with the medicines that you are currently used. Using this service should also help your budget. This service can also be accessed at the site where you enrolled.

I used this site and determined that not signing up for Part D could cost me nearly $1,3000 per month out of pocket while others ranges from $65 to $105 per month (my premium included). It looks like I need either a stand alone or drugs included plan for my particular needs.

OTHER SERVICES Some plans include dental and hearing coverage. You may want to examine these options to determine if they fit your budget.

ASK A PROFESSIONAL The choice regarding Part B can be overwhelming There are various plans that range from Option A to Option N. These choices range from deductible amounts, out-of-pocket costs, and whether you want a Preferred Provider Option or not.

Not Too Young for Medicare

Jim Lierow

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As promised, this article will not go into all the choices between Medigap Insurance and Medicare Advantage. You probably already have an insurance agent who can help you sort out your choices. The best recommendation that I can make is for you to reach out to someone who can help you decide what the best plan is for you. Yes, they make a small commission, but it is not much and worth even more if you need coverage and find out that your plan did not work the way you thought it would.

THE MATH The following are some examples of what you should budget for as you use your upcoming Medicare coverage:

MONTHLY COST EXAMPLES The Basics Part A Part B Part B Medigap Part C Part D Out-of-Pocket*

$ 0.00 $ 134.00 $ 0.00 $ 0.00 $ 0.00 $1,615.51

Part B Medigap $ 0.00 $160.00 $ 65.50 $ 0.00 $ 65.50 $439.58

Part C Advantage $ 0.00 $134.00 $ 0.00 $ 74.00 $ 22.70 $966.36

*If you use expected services:

Not Too Young for Medicare

Jim Lierow

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