An enterprise solution that sits atop Microsoft Dynamics NAV's world-renowned technology platform, VerticalSoft Chemical Processing software offers industry-specific functionality for chemical manufacturers and distributors. VerticalSoft Chemical Processing addresses every business area, and is truly a fully-integrated program that provides unparalleled access to data and complex analytical capabilities, resulting in improved efficiency, reduced costs, increased process automation, reduced data replication, and elimination in data errors.

VerticalSoft Chemical Processing Software for Chemical Manufacturers
The unique challenges that are a daily part of the chemical processing industry give rise to a very specific set of demands. Document management, regulatory compliance, process formulization, production planning, and quality assurance are just some of the concerns that must be addressed in any vertical solution that is designed with the chemical manufacturer in mind. VerticalSoft Chemical Processing software speaks to all of these points, giving the user the ability to review and regulate activities throughout the manufacturing and distribution cycles.

VerticalSoft Chemical Processing Software for Chemical Distributors
Chemical distributors require tight control over audit procedures, recall activities, container tracking, distribution planning, and inventory management. VerticalSoft Chemical Processing software is an integrated solution that meets the needs of the chemical distributor.

Highlights

Detailed item setup, including chemical properties
Formula definition tailored specifically for a batch processing environment
Quality control
Complete lot tracing capabilities
MSDS generation and maintenance
Warehouse management features, supporting varying levels of complexity
Financial data captured with all system transactions

Finance
Microsoft Dynamics NAV’s financial management features provide the backbone for the rest of the system. Financial functionality makes it easy to access the relevant information necessary to spot trends and gain insight into business activities. This lets a company obtain a complete picture of operations, and unearths data that otherwise might have been difficult to spot. Microsoft Dynamics NAV offers much more than basic accounting tools; the software helps the user understand what the numbers represent, as well as ascertain their source.

bullet Full integration with other application areas
bullet Flow fields and drill downs to underlying financial data
bullet Easy-to-maintain chart of accounts
bullet Flexible accounting periods
bullet A “Navigate” function that instantly locates all entries from single transaction
bullet Complete transaction traceability
bullet Security and business rules
bullet General journal templates
bullet Budgets
bullet Analysis views
bullet Foreign trade and multicurrency management
bullet Fixed assets
bullet Bank account management

Sales
The sales module is a complete order entry system that streamlines the entire sales process, including quotes, blanket orders, sales orders, shipments, and back orders.

bullet On-hand availability look ups and extensive item query
bullet Customer and item-specific discount definition
bullet Multiple ship-to addresses for each customer, which can be assigned to sales orders on the fly
bullet Item reservation tools
bullet Credit management capabilities that include all relevant information on one screen, including open orders, aged receivables, and prior comments
bullet Document copying features that apply to open or closed orders, shipments, or invoices
bullet Full retention of all historical sales documents

Relationship Management
Superior information about business relationships leads to smarter business decisions. Dynamics NAV’s tightly integrated relationship management features ensure that precise data is always available, making everyone in the company a customer expert.

bullet Contact management and classification capabilities
bullet Task management
bullet Campaign organization resources
bullet Document and interaction logs

Purchasing & Inventory Control
Microsoft Dynamics NAV’s inventory control functionality allows for complete inventory valuation through the tracking and managing of detailed records with every purchase. Efficient features for managing orders and payments to vendors are also offered.

bullet Planning tools provide the user with multiple inventory reordering policies
bullet Requisition system that automates the entire purchasing process
bullet Drop shipments link purchases to sales orders
bullet Approved vendor list for inventory items

Human Resources & Payroll
A powerful, integrated human resources and payroll solution can improve labor productivity and efficiency, as well as assist in the control of labor-related costs, all of which directly contribute to a company’s bottom line.

bullet Extensive employee setup options allow for a comprehensive recording of employee data
bullet Absence registration functionality manages employee absences
bullet Easy exporting of data to external payroll systems

Process Design
VerticalSoft Chemical Processing software allows the user to define bills of material for the various blending, mixing, extruding, pulverizing, and converting activities that take place within a manufacturing environment.

bullet Formula/recipe definition for mixing and blending operations
bullet Package BOM definition supports a variety of packaging configurations
bullet Version control that lets the user define multiple BOM versions
bullet Free-form text capabilities allow the user to enter processing instructions
bullet Dynamic batch sizing features
bullet Equipment functionality that links BOMs to production machinery
bullet Activity-based costing features that let the system go beyond material costs when valuing production output

Planning & Scheduling
Designed with the batch processor in mind, the unique planning and scheduling tools found in the VerticalSoft Chemical Processing solution offer an easy-to-use, streamlined methodology for creating and maintaining production orders. For more complicated operations demanding time phase planning for production (and related purchasing activities), Microsoft Dynamics NAV’s Materials Requirement Planning (MRP) and Master Production Scheduling (MPS) functionality is available.

bullet Simple planning system supports both make-to-stock and make-to-order items
bullet Planning accommodates factors such as current demand, item availability, and equipment capacity
bullet Production grouping tools that generate a batch order and multiple associated package orders
bullet Straightforward production schedule screen for reviewing current production plans

Production Reporting
Production order activities are recorded through a production reporting system that can simultaneously capture production output and consumption information.

bullet Batch reporting combines multiple reporting steps into a single activity
bullet Lot tracing requirements are fully supported for both output and consumption
bullet Yield calculations inform the user of variances in expected production results
bullet Intermediate balancing manages discrepancies between batch and package orders

Co-Product/By-Product
The Co-Product/By-Product granule accommodates production environments where it is necessary to record multiple outputs from a single production order. Outputs can be identified as co-products or by-products, with this definition playing a role in the system’s cost allocation processes.

bullet Bills of material that maintain consistency with other process design forms
bullet Supply-driven planning capabilities
bullet Utilizes VerticalSoft Chemical Processing’s standard production reporting tools

Enhanced Lot Tracking
VerticalSoft Chemical Processing software augments Microsoft Dynamics NAV’s already impressive item tracing capabilities, letting the user record critical information on a lot-by-lot basis.

bullet Loose lot control features that relax standard Dynamics NAV’s lot restrictions
bullet Lot specification data that accommodates different types of information
bullet Lot aging profiles categorize and then re-categorize item lots as they age
bullet Comprehensive lot availability information

Quality Control
VerticalSoft Chemical Processing’s Quality Control granule allows a company to assign quality tests to items. Testing activities can then be planned and completed on a lot-by-lot basis.

bullet Supports the definition of different test types, such as numeric, boolean, and lookup procedures
bullet Quality test recording available for both purchased and manufactured items
bullet Re-testing features that allow for multiple rounds of quality testing to be assigned to the same item lot
bullet Quarantine setup that prevents the release of items prior to quality testing
bullet Full lot history, including quality test results
bullet Certificates of analysis

MSDS
VerticalSoft Chemical Processing’s MSDS tools provide an expert system that facilitates the rapid generation of material safety data sheets.

bullet Extensive chemical property definition
bullet Utilizes formulation data to instantly build MSDS, complete with data elements such as text statements and physical properties
bullet Fully customizable format and appearance settings
bullet Version control tracks all changes between MSDS versions
bullet Multilanguage functionality

Dual Units of Measure
VerticalSoft Chemical Processing software lets the user assign an alternate unit of measure to an item. All inventory transactions against an item will be recorded in both the item’s base and alternate units, leading to greater accuracy and flexibility in terms of inventory control.

bullet Alternate unit data is captured on a wide variety of transactions, including sales, purchases, production output, production consumption, transfers, and warehouse activities
bullet Alternate unit costing instructs the system to stock items by a unit, but price/cost them in an entirely different one
bullet Catch weighting provides precise recording of alternate unit quantities on transactions

Warehouse Management
Microsoft Dynamics NAV’s strong warehousing foundation is streamlined with improvements that are exclusive to the VerticalSoft Chemical Processing solution. The system fully organizes the receipt, put-away, assignment, picking, and shipment of items to and from each warehouse.

bullet Supports varying levels of warehouse complexity, for multiple locations
bullet Convenient forms provide a single place for managing shipments and receipts
bullet Efficient pick and put-away features
bullet Unique staged picking tool that consolidates multiple picking requests into a single action
bullet Comprehensive bin management capabilities
bullet Bar code transactions

Distribution Planning
VerticalSoft Chemical Processing software offers fast and easy distribution tools for both inbound and outbound transactions, leading to comprehensive route management, expedited truck loading, and improved overall efficiency.

bullet Delivery trip management utilizes pre-defined customer route information to dictate delivery activities for a specific departure date
bullet Route settlement allows for quick and easy review of daily delivery events
bullet Supports the grouping of multiple purchase orders into a single truckload receipt

Enhanced Pricing
VerticalSoft Chemical Processing software addresses the complex pricing requirements that can be found within the chemical industry by expanding on Microsoft Dynamics NAV’s standard pricing options. The Enhanced Pricing granule allows for greater pricing customization, leading to a multi-faceted sales operation.

bullet Broad range of price calculation methods
bullet Cost references can be obtained from either internal system data or external sources
bullet Simple price updating functionality rapidly brings customer prices up-to-date
bullet Printable price lists
bullet Sales and purchase order guides that simplify the order entry process

Marketing Plans
VerticalSoft Chemical Processing software gives the user the ability to define and monitor marketing campaigns such as rebates, promotions, bill backs, and growth programs. Values are accrued to pre-defined marketing plans, and then paid to the appropriate source at a later time. This functionality extends to the arena of sales commissions.

bullet Full accrual capabilities allow the user to review and control market plan payments
bullet Wide variety of marketing plan setup options, with calculation methods that range from simple to complex
bullet Accrual charge definition accommodates costs such as advertising fees and in-store promotions
bullet Integration with purchasing, letting the user link marketing invoices to specific marketing plans

Deduction Management
The Deduction Management granule assists companies in managing the remittance process, particularly customer deductions. A streamlined payment application and deduction resolution system lets the user quickly organize, allow, and defer the deductions that are claimed by customers on a regular basis.

bullet Intuitive tools that offer greater payment application flexibility than standard Dynamics NAV
bullet Deduction resolution capabilities allow for the easy management of unresolved customer deductions
bullet Integrated with the VerticalSoft Chemical Processing Marketing Plans granule

Maintenance Management
VerticalSoft Chemical Processing software allows the user to schedule and track maintenance activities that are performed on the company’s assets. The data obtained from these activities assists a business in obtaining insight into maintenance trends.

bullet Asset definition includes equipment, vehicles, and entire facilities
bullet Preventive maintenance templates generate work orders on a periodic basis
bullet Easy-to-use work order scheduling tools
bullet Complete cost reporting, with optional integration to the general ledger
bullet Integration with purchasing, allowing the user to associate vendor invoices with maintenance work orders

Container Tracking
VerticalSoft Chemical Processing software provides a facility to track both consumable and returnable containers throughout the system. Containers such as pallets, drums, totes, and railcars can be assigned a unique ID, making it possible to follow the movements of not only the containers themselves, but also any assigned container contents.

bullet Container definition includes capacity and tare weight information
bullet Supports serialized containers
bullet Container returns process facilitates the retrieval of reusable containers
bullet Full container history records transaction-by-transaction data

Columbus IT’s expertise extends beyond the realm of software. Our technological solutions offer a significant edge when it comes to maintaining competitive business operations.

Automated Data Capture
The use of hand-held devices with bar code scanning technology can lead to greater accuracy when reporting inventory movements. This in turn translates to heightened effectiveness throughout the rest of an organization. The VerticalSoft Chemical Processing ADC solution offers complete control over order shipping and receiving, as well as extensive warehousing activities. In addition, it improves catch weight efficiency, including full integration with scales. For companies utilizing the Container Tracking granule, an ADC solution can significantly simplify the container building process.

EDI
The VerticalSoft Chemical Processing EDI approach provides a single mapping tool that maps any Dynamics NAV data element to any EDI data element, without the requirement of programming. This tool can be further augmented with the addition of specific trading partners. This logical mapping approach is made possible by VerticalSoft Chemical Processing’s unique development and operational environment.

Web/E-Commerce
The internet provides a powerful new platform for collaborative commerce. A company’s supply chain can be strengthened and become more efficient with Web/E-Commerce. VerticalSoft Chemical Processing’s web features streamline commercial interactions, giving supply chain partners access to real-time information and self-service, ensuring that a company reaches its full potential.

Columbus IT provides technical and application training for your project team and end-user training for your employees. Long after the initial VerticalSoft Chemical Processing implementation is finished, Columbus IT is still on hand to provide further assistance.

Consulting
Our experienced consultants are present during each step of the implementation process. Working side by side with you to make sure that the product meets every one of your business needs, our consultants draw on years of industry experience and knowledge to ensure a smooth transition from your legacy system to VerticalSoft Chemical Processing that never fails to protect your critical operations.

Project Management
While the consultants are there to answer your specific application and business questions, our seasoned project managers keep an eye on the big picture. Working to guarantee a positive relationship with our customers, a project manager oversees critical activities for each account, making certain that key milestones are reached, deliverables are executed on time, and projects stay within budget.

Education & Training
Whether it’s a new employee that needs to get up to speed on your system, or a long-time user that needs a quick refresher, Columbus IT is there to provide the appropriate level of education. Training can be delivered anywhere throughout the country, either at your location or via the web. For those who prefer self-study, Columbus can still offer a head start, pointing you in the direction of relevant documentation or e-learning.

Support
Our dedicated support team keeps your system running smoothly with timely, accurate, and professional assistance. In addition to standard support activities, team members provide guidance in hardware, software, and network setup decisions. Whenever an outstanding issue falls beyond the realm of basic support, our technical staff will work with project managers to find the necessary resources to achieve a quick, effective resolution.