Precision data tracking for delivered goods is not just important; it’s a critical necessity in the food & beverage sector.

Any room for error is unacceptable in an industry where product quality and consumer safety are paramount to a company’s profitability and reputation.

Manual data tracking is not just inefficient; it’s a risk that may result in lost or unsafe products. It’s why many manufacturers understand the importance of pallet barcoding today.

Automation solutions, like industrial barcode scanners, offer the only reliable data tracking methods for preventing these errors and ensuring product traceability throughout Food and Beverage logistics.

Pallet labeling is not just a formality; it’s a necessity for food manufacturers. Barcode labeling is vital in product traceability, regulatory compliance, and efficient inventory management.

As food products go through the supply chain, clear and accurate pallet labels provide essential information to handlers, distributors, and retailers.

Some critical considerations for adequate pallet labeling of food products:

Regulatory Requirements

Food labeling is heavily regulated, with strict guidelines from the FDA, USDA, or other regulatory bodies. Pallet labels must include all mandatory information, such as product name, ingredients, allergen statements, nutrition facts, and lot/batch codes. Compliance issues may result in costly recalls and penalties.

Traceability

Traceability is crucial in food and Beverage manufacturing should a food safety issue or recall occur.

Pallet labels should feature GS1-compliant barcodes, lot numbers, and production dates to enable tracking of products through the supply chain.

This data allows for rapid identification and isolation of affected products.

Legibility

Pallet labels must be legible to workers handling the products at every stage.

They must also be made of high-quality materials resistant to tearing, smearing, and environmental factors like moisture and temperature extremes.

The text should be printed in a large, easy-to-read font.

Product Identification

Beyond regulatory data, pallet labels should display product descriptions, SKU numbers, and quantities to assist inventory management and order fulfillment processes.

Using separate labels for human-readable text and barcodes can improve scanning accuracy.

Handling Instructions

For perishable or fragile food items, include any necessary handling instructions on pallet labels.

That may include temperature requirements, stack height limits, “This Side Up” arrows, or icons indicating if items are frozen or require refrigeration.

Branding

While not a regulatory necessity, many food brands incorporate logos, slogans, and branded colors into their pallet labels. That supports brand recognition and consistency throughout the distribution chain.

Sustainability

With growing environmental concerns, eco-friendly label materials derived from recycled or plant-based sources are increasingly important for food manufacturers’ sustainability initiatives.

5 Pitfalls to Avoid in Pallet Barcoding Implementation

Implementing adequate pallet labeling processes requires careful consideration of regulatory standards, product traceability needs, and supply chain efficiencies.

Well-designed labels ensure food products remain identifiable, secure, and compliant every step of the way to the consumer.

Correct pallet labeling in warehouse operations and inventory management is essential in Food and Beverage supply chain management. However, many companies make preventable errors that lead to inefficiencies, wasted time, and mistakes down the supply chain.

Here are some of the most common pallet labeling mistakes and recommendations on how to avoid them.

1. Unclear, Inaccurate, or Missing Information

One of the biggest problems with pallet labels is that they often need more vital details or contain unclear descriptions. The pallet label should identify the contents, quantity, weight, destination, and special handling instructions. Vague labels like “Assorted Goods” or labels with missing quantity information can lead to confusion and mistakes. Make sure labels accurately and readably describe the pallet contents.

• Poor Label Placement

Where you place the pallet label matters; labels should be visible on at least two sides of the pallet at eye level. That avoids situations where workers can’t find the label during put-away or picking processes because it is buried under wrap or facing the wrong direction. Consistent label placement also helps when searching for pallets in storage. Having a company standard for label placement is recommended.

• Label Damage and Wear

Cheap label materials, improper application, and wear over time can lead to damaged labels that are unscannable or unreadable. Investing in high-quality label materials suitable for warehouse environments can prevent many issues. Periodic audits of label conditions and relabeling worn pallets also help maintain accuracy. Protecting labels with clear tape or laminate can extend lifespan as well.

• Incorrect Labeling Methods

Applying labels by hand is inefficient and prone to human error. Using automated labeling systems dramatically improves consistency and accuracy. For hand labeling, provide clear protocols and training to reduce mistakes. Well-defined label contents, formats, and barcoding standards across products also help promote accuracy regardless of labeling method.

• Lack of Unique Identifiers

Unique serial numbers, batch codes, and barcodes should be used on labels whenever possible. This allows for precise pallet identification and simplifies inventory tracking and management compared to general descriptions alone. The unique numbers on the label also provide an additional lookup method if it is damaged or otherwise unreadable.

Conclusion

Food and Beverage manufacturing companies can prevent common pallet labeling issues through training, standardized labeling protocols, durable label materials resistant to damage, and automated systems.

Precise, readable labels with unique identifiers applied consistently improve warehouse efficiency and inventory control. Avoiding these pitfalls allows companies to reduce errors and optimize their supply chain.

Is Your Food and Beverage Company Taking Advantage of Pallet Barcoding Technology?

Liberty Grove can help you implement an effective pallet barcoding system that lets you track your products and be prepared should a recall occur.

Contact Liberty Grove for a complimentary consultation on how the Liberty Grove team can help you maximize your raw materials and track your products throughout the supply chain.

Related reading:

Food Traceability | How Cloud ERP Can Help

Compliance Matters: 8 Ways ERP Can Help Food and Beverage Manufacturers

About the author

Liberty Grove Software is an established Microsoft Partner that focuses on providing customers with sales, service, and support for Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central/NAV solutions and training and upgrades.

Over more than 25 years, Liberty Grove has assisted hundreds of customers with businesses ranging from small to mid-sized to Microsoft Partners in implementing, training, customization, and upgrading Microsoft Dynamics ERP solutions.

The organization is one of only a few companies worldwide that Microsoft recognizes as qualified to provide Business Central/NAV Upgrade Service Centers.

In the fast-paced realm of business, it is crucial to prioritize efficiency and precision in financial transactions. Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central provides a solid solution to this requirement with its payment automation feature.

It’s more than just a convenience; it’s a strategic tool that offers many benefits for businesses of all sizes.

Integrating payment automation into a business’s financial strategy goes beyond simply staying current with technology; it involves proactively striving for operational excellence.

With the help of tools like Dynamics 365 Business Central’s payment automation, businesses can stay ahead in a rapidly evolving business landscape and gain a competitive edge. 

Small and mid-sized businesses can rely on Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central to manage all their business operations, including sales, services, finance, and operations. 

Here, we explore the benefits of using payment automation in Dynamics 365 Business Central.

Efficient Financial Operations 

Payment automation streamlines the entire payment process.

By streamlining routine financial transactions, businesses can significantly decrease the time and effort required for manual data entry and processing.

The result is a more efficient operation, enabling staff to concentrate on higher-level tasks and contributing to the business’s success. 

Improved Precision and Minimized Errors

Manual processes are susceptible to human error, resulting in discrepancies in financial records and potentially expensive mistakes.

Payment automation in Business Central reduces these risks by guaranteeing accurate transaction processing according to predefined rules and parameters, thus preserving the integrity of financial data. 

Enhanced Cash Flow Management 

Automated payment systems enable businesses to manage their cash flow effectively.

The system offers up-to-date insights into financial standings, empowering users to make better-informed decisions.

It also guarantees prompt payments to vendors, which can result in more favorable negotiation terms and discounts, further enhancing cash flow. 

Enhanced Security 

Payment automation in Dynamics 365 Business Central prioritizes security.

It enhances security measures by implementing secure transaction protocols and access controls, reducing the risk of fraud and unauthorized access.

That protects valuable financial information and offers reassurance to businesses and their clientele. 

Compliance and Reporting 

Adherence to financial regulations is a significant priority for businesses.

Business Central payment automation ensures strict compliance by meticulously documenting every transaction.

It also streamlines reporting, making it more convenient to generate financial statements and audits that comply with regulatory standards. 

Ensuring Customer Satisfaction 

Automated payment systems have the potential to enhance customer satisfaction. By prioritizing prompt and precise billing, businesses can bolster their image as dependable and professional.

That can boost customer loyalty and deliver a higher rate of repeat business. 

Scalability

As businesses expand, their financial operations tend to become more intricate.

Payment automation in Dynamics 365 Business Central handles increasing transaction volumes seamlessly, ensuring minimal errors and processing time.

This level of scalability guarantees that the system can accommodate business expansion without requiring substantial additional investment. 

Maximizing Savings 

With payment automation, businesses can save substantially by eliminating manual processing. It helps avoid hiring more staff to manage higher transaction volumes and minimizes the risk of expensive mistakes.

In time, savings can add up significantly, boosting the overall profitability of the business. 

Case Study

A mid-sized manufacturing company grappling with issues in its accounts receivable (AR) processes strategically shifted its payment processing to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central.

Before the move, the company faced payment processing delays and high transaction costs caused by manual entry and a lack of interchange optimization.

With the implementation of an integrated payment solution, it optimized its AR operations, resulting in a 68% reduction in overdue accounts and a substantial decrease in processing costs.

The company improved its payment efficiency and financial management capabilities with this strategic move.

Conclusion

Utilizing the payment automation function in Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central can give businesses a distinct advantage.

It optimizes financial operations, improves accuracy, enhances cash flow management, enhances security, ensures compliance, increases customer satisfaction, offers scalability, and delivers cost savings. Companies can maximize their financial processes and prioritize strategic initiatives that lead to growth and success. 

In addition, payment automation helps with cash flow management by ensuring timely supplier payments.

That helps maintain good relationships with suppliers and opens the possibility of receiving discounts for prompt payments. 

Does Your Company’s Payment Processing Deliver the Results You Need?

Liberty Grove can help you use the many tools and services in Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central to optimize payment processing and streamline accounting processes.

Contact Liberty Grove for a complimentary consultation on how Dynamics 365 Business Central can improve your accounting processes and give your business a competitive edge.  

Related reading:

Leveraging AI in Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central

What is Dynamics Copilot? How Can It Elevate Your Business

About the author

Liberty Grove Software is an established Microsoft Partner that focuses on providing customers with sales, service, and support for Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central/NAV solutions and training and upgrades.

Over more than 25 years, Liberty Grove has assisted hundreds of customers with businesses ranging from small to mid-sized to Microsoft Partners in implementing, training, customization, and upgrading Microsoft Dynamics ERP solutions.

The organization is one of only a few companies worldwide that Microsoft recognizes as qualified to provide Business Central/NAV Upgrade Service Centers.

You already know how powerful Microsoft Business Central can be for optimizing your business processes. So, are you interested in how AI can be used within Business Central to take your business to new heights? Let us introduce your new business partner: Dynamics Copilot.

This blog will explore Microsoft Dynamics Copilot and highlight how businesses can use it for increased flexibility and efficiency.

A little history

• The concept of using computer power emerged in the 1940s-1950s (think about how computers were used to decode messages during WWII)
• 1960s – the first use of Materials Requirements Planning (MRP) – helping people to use computing power to assess inventory levels
• 1980s – Oliver Wight introduced MRP II to enrich supply chain planning processes
• 1990s – Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems emerged
• 2010s – Mobile computing integrated into ERP and the addition of Public Cloud – Microsoft began investing in technology infrastructure and laid the foundation for the technical functionality we all enjoy today
• At its inception in 1984, Business Central had a different name and was a single-user entity
• Re-branded to Business Central, it was officially launched in 2018 – look how far it’s come!

How can you use Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central Copilot?

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is rapidly using AI, or artificial intelligence, in a number of its features to improve it and give users wise insights. The following are some significant applications of Copilot in Business Central:

• Development of Marketing Text: imagine the time savings when you can produce concise information that will explain your products’ features and benefits to prospective customers
• Cash Flow Projections: knowing when a customer will pay based on their payment terms gives you insight into monies you can expect to leverage when needed.
• Late Payment Predictions: even though they’re not ideal, knowing when payments might be delayed is vital to business planning.
• Data Analysis and Reporting: Business Central analyzes a lot of data using AI algorithms. Businesses can make wise judgments based on precise insights thanks to their assistance in identifying patterns, trends, and anomalies.
• Intelligent Forecasts: Predictive analytics driven by AI can evaluate historical data and forecast future events. AI algorithms in Business Central can estimate sales, inventory levels, cash flows, and other critical performance metrics, assisting in improved resource allocation and planning.
• Process Automation: AI can automate tedious and repetitive operations, giving people more time to concentrate on strategic duties. For instance, Business Central can employ AI to automate expenditure management, invoice processing, and other typical administrative processes, saving time and increasing productivity.
• Customer relationship management (CRM): Business Central uses AI to improve CRM features. It can evaluate customer data, interactions, and purchase history to make personalized recommendations, improve marketing campaigns, and increase customer happiness and retention.
• Natural Language Processing (NLP): Business Central uses NLP to support commands and inquiries in natural language. Users can communicate with the system using voice or text to ask questions, give directions, or seek information. Business Central can process and reply to these interactions utilizing AI-based language comprehension capabilities.
• Fraud detection: AI algorithms can examine Business Central transactional data to detect fraud. It can assist companies in preventing financial losses brought on by fraudulent transactions by identifying patterns and abnormalities.
• Supply Chain Optimization: Using historical and current data on inventory levels, demand, and supplier performance, AI may improve Business Central’s supply chain operations. It can help with supply chain planning, inventory optimization, and demand forecasting, increasing productivity and lowering costs.
• Intelligent Document Management: Business Central’s AI-powered document management tools can automatically extract pertinent data from receipts, purchase orders, and invoices. Data entry is made more straightforward, there are fewer mistakes, and document processing is quicker, thanks to automation.

Future areas of Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central Copilot’s capabilities include creating extended text, generating copy in multiple languages to facilitate international business endeavors, seasonal forecasting to assist production and sales teams, monitoring operational KPIs, and code creation.

It’s vital to remember that the specific AI capabilities offered by Business Central may change based on the software’s version, updates, and configuration. Microsoft is still investing in AI research and development, so additional AI capabilities and improvements will eventually be available.

Conclusion

Liberty Grove can help companies identify areas where a solution like Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central Copilot can make business administration a breeze, freeing time for more critical tasks and increasing profitability.

Contact Liberty Grove for a complimentary consultation on implementing Copilot into your ERP system for greater flexibility and functionality.

About the author

Liberty Grove Software is an established Microsoft Partner that focuses on providing customers with sales, service, and support for Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central/NAV solutions and training and upgrades.

Over more than 25 years, Liberty Grove has assisted hundreds of customers with businesses ranging from small to mid-sized to Microsoft Partners in implementing, training, customization, and upgrading Microsoft Dynamics ERP solutions. The organization is one of only a few companies worldwide that Microsoft recognizes as qualified to provide Business Central/NAV Upgrade Service Centers.

Looking back a little, in September 2021, Microsoft launched the Bridge to the Cloud promotion to help current SMB customers (Dynamics NAV, GP, SL, and Business Central on-premises) who are committed to moving to the Cloud and are on an active Enhancement Plan (EP) get discounted cloud licenses through the Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) program. Roll forward and now we have Microsoft Bridge to the Cloud 2023.

What will the Microsoft Bridge to the Cloud 2023 promotion change in 2023?

In anticipation of the shift, many businesses created budgets and made plans for change. Investing heavily in new business software and technology is a strategic decision that can position your company for future success. Businesses and organizations still using legacy ERP may experience sluggish productivity, mediocre functionality, laborious procedures, and an antiquated user interface and would benefit from a more up-to-date, comprehensive system.

With Business Central available for an inexpensive license and a guided migration path from a reputable technology solutions partner, the Microsoft Bridge to the Cloud campaign is a fantastic opportunity to adopt a cloud-hosted ERP solution at a fraction of the usual cost.

The promotion was planned to run until 2022, then extended to allow more firms to switch to Business Central, ending on December 31.

Continue reading to learn more about the promotion and what you need to know moving ahead.

What’s new?

The promotion began on February 1, 2023. With a three-year migration period, eligible customers will enjoy a 40% discount on licensing expenses.

It’s a fantastic chance to upgrade to Business Central for less money.

What happens when the promotion period is over?

This deal is a one-way transition, which means customers will completely switch to Business Central online when the promotion expires and will no longer have access to their old ERP solution or licenses.

It’s a fantastic chance for companies who intend to relocate but aren’t quite ready to commit.

What are the rights to dual access?

Dual access privileges are available to promotion customers, allowing you to continue using your current ERP system throughout the migration until the end of your offer period. You can use your existing ERP normally while implementing, customizing, and testing Business Central. You should know that only one of these solutions can be active simultaneously. Therefore, Business Central will only be used for testing while you continue to utilize your Dynamics GP, Dynamics NAV, or Dynamics SL solution.

Benefits specific to each eligible application: During the promotional period, all eligible Microsoft ERPs (NAV, SL, and GP) will enjoy substantial license cost reductions, dual access rights to their current system and Business Central, and a no-rush migration to Business Central. Of course, once they switch to Business Central, the ERP’s cutting-edge features and user-friendly design will be of immeasurable value to the company going forward. Each legacy application benefits specifically from a switch to Business Central on an individual basis:

• Dynamics NAV

Any organization using Dynamics NAV will want to upgrade to Business Central because it is the most recent NAV generation built on the same foundation as Dynamics NAV. Since Business Central is essentially the next stage of NAV’s development, people familiar with NAV will quickly adapt to the new system. It leads to quicker upgrade adoption and less disruption of daily operations.

• GP Dynamics

There is no sunset date for the ERP, and GP is still supported; however, there will be no future significant updates or features. Bug fixes and tax-related adjustments will be the only minor upgrades. Although many GP users are devoted to the old program, Microsoft has made it evident that Business Central is their top priority.

As a result, Dynamics GP will serve as a technological time capsule that will never again be in contact with cutting-edge technology. Users of Dynamics GP who switch to Business Central will see many advantages, including a more contemporary and user-friendly design, incredible customizability, the usage of dimensions, the absence of batch processing bottlenecks, and more.

• SL Dynamics

In January 2024, Microsoft will stop offering general support for Dynamics SL 2018. That alone should be enough motivation to look for a new, more advanced ERP that will continue to get updates and support. Beyond that, switching to a cloud-based ERP offers advantages like not relying on or investing in hardware or a remote desktop service, flexible licensing, scalability, and enhanced security.

A robust, out-of-the-box solution with a high degree of customizability to make it ideal for your industry and your procedures, Business Central is an excellent option for practically any company.

After the initial promotional period, what happens?

Three alternatives will be available to customers following the initial one-year promotional period:

1. The customer can stop the cloud migration and return to their old solution and licensing. For the promotional term, customers who choose this option and intend to re-enroll in their Enhancement will be responsible for any lapsed payments. A buyer can only alter their mind once during this deal.
2. At that point, the client can migrate to Business Central.
3. Bridge to the Cloud 2 has a fixed 3-year term from enrollment. If accepted, the customer is committed to moving entirely to the Cloud once they stop renewing the promotion’s yearly extensions.

Although the Microsoft Bridge to the Cloud 2023 campaign, which began in February 2023, offers customers several significant advantages. It’s a great chance to cut costs and is perfect for companies who need to switch to a new ERP soon but don’t want to rush the process or don’t have the time to devote to deployment.

Microsoft offers dual-use access to current on-premises licenses for qualified existing clients who move to Dynamics 365 Business Central online via Bridge to the Cloud. It’s now possible for clients to switch to Business Central on the Cloud while still using their existing system.

In contrast to the three years of the CSP-EP Renewal offer, Bridge to the Cloud has a maximum four-year term. Customers that sign up for the Bridge to the Cloud promotion commit to transferring to the Cloud, assuming they will eventually switch to a CSP license and complete a full migration to Business Central online once the promotional period has passed.

Changes to the promotion concern which customers are eligible for it as well as a reduction in the discount over a predetermined 3-year period.

Only on-premises Business Central, NAV, GP, and SL clients are eligible for the initial program. All on-premises Dynamics products, such as AX, Dynamics 365 for Operations, and Dynamics CRM, are included in the promotion with Bridge to the Cloud 2.

Additionally, the term restriction will now be three years, and the discount will reduce from 60% to 40%. The following table highlights the main variations:

Microsoft Bridge to the Cloud 2023 Overview

To see all the details behind the terms and conditions, partners can visit the Bridge to the Cloud 2 website, available to authorized Microsoft partners.

Are you eligible for the Microsoft Bridge to the Cloud 2023 promotion?

Not sure? Or perhaps you need help navigating how the changes will impact or help your organization.

Our complimentary consultation will assist you in determining your eligibility. If you decide that a Microsoft Bridge to the Cloud 2023 program is the correct move for you, the Liberty Grove experts can explain the process and get you started.

About the author

Liberty Grove Software is an established Microsoft Partner that focuses on providing customers with sales, service, and support for Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central/NAV solutions and training and upgrades.

Over more than 25 years, Liberty Grove has assisted hundreds of customers with businesses ranging from small to mid-sized to Microsoft Partners in implementing, training, customization, and upgrading Microsoft Dynamics ERP solutions.

The organization is one of only a few companies worldwide that Microsoft recognizes as qualified to provide Business Central/NAV Upgrade Service Centers.