Benefits of Using ERP Software to Manage Inventory

An inventory system tracks goods throughout the business’ supply chain, from purchasing and production to storage and end sales. Often, distributors and manufacturers face significant challenges keeping track of their products. While running out of stock can be frustrating, holding excess inventory is also a negative for business owners because it ties up capital. Business owners can use enterprise resource planning (ERP) software to ensure efficient stock management.

Small companies often use spreadsheets to monitor inventory levels. As they expand their business, they typically switch to an ERP solution that can interconnect all areas of the operation in real-time. If a shipment arrives and part of it was purchased the same day, the system can calculate the remaining inventory automatically. Products that have been returned but can still be sold are added back to the inventory ledger instantly.

ERP allows for better supply chain transparency. When businesses can integrate back-end operations and communicate directly with their partners and vendors, they can minimize disruptions, such as critical products not being delivered or priced erroneously.

ERP software also improves product identification and tracking through the use of serial numbers and lot codes. Businesses can set up their ERP software to identify illegitimate products and those nearing expiry. When there are product recalls, ERP software stores information about the supplier and customers so business owners can act swiftly to fix the error.

Businesses can perform quality checks on certain products using ERP software. If certain products must comply with safety standards, the ERP software can detect if they are out of compliance and inform the relevant employee, who can update it.

ERP software has automation capabilities to improve inventory management tasks, such as managing pricing and purchase orders. Prices of materials change depending on the supply and demand. When purchasing new supplies, employees might need to cross-reference prices and quantities to ensure the amounts are accurate and reconcile with their budget. Automating purchase orders speeds up this process and reduces the risk of human error.

ERP software allows managers to access historical data and develop sales forecasts. Purchasing supplies too soon takes up space in the warehouse and prevents business managers from buying more products that are actually in season. By integrating ERP software into their inventory management system, they can improve decision-making. Accurate sales forecasts also enable them to coordinate marketing efforts targeting particular customer segments. In doing so, they can keep an inventory of products in demand.

ERP software has cost-saving benefits in warehouse management. Because it allows for real-time visibility, businesses can optimize their warehouse layout, placing high demand products in the most accessible locations so that staff can pick and pack them faster and more efficiently.

ERP software also enhances customer service. When inventory data is available in real-time, businesses can fulfill orders faster, improving customer satisfaction. When all the information is in one place customers can inquire about stock quantity, price, and date of receipt, among other information, and place an order confident it will be filled correctly and efficiently.

Clavicle Fracture Treatment Using Rockwood Clavicle Pin

The “clavicle fracture” is a medical term for a broken collarbone, which joins the ribcage to the shoulder blade. Symptoms include swelling, joint deformation, and a drooping shoulder. It may make daily activities like lifting the arm painful and challenging. Treatment includes conservative options like physical therapy and more invasive interventions like the Rockwood clavicle pin.

To determine the best treatment approach, the surgeon examines the shoulder, applying gentle pressure to determine the extent of the damage. The surgeon may also perform tests to check for blood vessel or nerve damage in the affected area and utilize imaging techniques like X-ray scans to pinpoint the precise location and assess the fracture in detail.

The Rockwood clavicle pin is a metal pin with threaded ends and accompanying nuts. It is inserted into the collarbone to stabilize it. Surgeons favor it for its minimally invasive nature, eliminating the need for extensive implant surgery involving metal plates. Moreover, unlike metal plates, the Rockwood clavicle pin does not leave large holes after removal.

This implant is particularly effective for treating less complex fractures in the middle section of the collarbone. However, it may not offer the same high level of stability as metal plates because it takes time to stabilize fully and necessitates a second surgery for removal.

To initiate the procedure, the surgeon positions the patient with the torso elevated to facilitate access to the back of the shoulder, where the bone is. After preparing the fracture site for surgery, the surgeon makes a small incision, either in a curved line or along the length of the collarbone, to expose the fractured bone.

The surgeon then removes adhesions and soft tissues from the exposed fracture ends to enhance bone contact and carefully aligns the fractured bone ends into their correct anatomical position, a process called reduction. Afterward, they prepare the intramedullary canals, or channels within the bone, where the implant will pass. Preparing this path requires drilling small holes into the clavicle on each side of the fracture, with the drill size depending on the implant size.

Following the drilling, the surgeon proceeds with the pin placement and fixation by inserting it carefully through one of the drilled holes and advancing it across the fracture site until the curved end of the pin reaches the opposite fragment of the clavicle. The surgeon then adjusts the lateral locking nuts on the pin’s outer end to secure them.

If necessary, the surgeon will trim the pin to ensure proper fit and less protrusion. They may also use a compression device to adjust the fractured segment into position and promote stability and bone healing. Afterward, the surgeon seals the incision with stitches or metal clips and applies a sterile dressing to protect the wound.

Patients may experience pain post-surgery, which they can address by taking pain relievers or applying ice. Healing typically takes place within 8 to 12 weeks, during which the surgeon may advise limiting shoulder movement and avoiding heavy lifting with the affected arm. Once this healing period is over, patients should return to the operating room for removal of the clavicle pin.