BlueCherry

Pluspunten

BlueCherry is a leader in the apparel and fashion industry from a software and offer industry experts to implement their software. BlueCherry has an efficient and effective apparel and ERP subject matter expert team and processes. We implemented the BlueCherry suite of integrated products to improve business functional tools and to support our growing business requirements in terms of function and volume. Before selecting BlueCherry, our internal steering team executed a thorough RFP process and looked at factors such as total cost of ownership, ease of use, service and support, references, R&D, scalability and others and BlueCherry came out on top via organizational steering team consensus.

With the integrated BlueCherry suite, we look forward to continuous improvement in supply chain performance, demand planning, inventory and order management.

Minpunten

The solution is robust so you need to ensure tight scope for your implementation. BlueCherry offers many modules to support multiple business processes. The solution will challenge your skills and ability to adopt new technology and you need to commit your time and resources to be effective. Ease of use varies based on users beginning knowledge of ERP conceptually as well as functional ERP experience. “Ease of Use” is subjective because BlueCherry is feature rich for the appeal industry and therefore a focus on proper end-user training is important. BlueCherry offers flexibility in features and functionality that needs to be closely managed and in-depth discussions on business process re-engineering are important.

Pluspunten

One of the best things about BlueCherry is its flexibility. I have worked for 3 very different apparel companies over the last 19 years, and each one has used BlueCherry in its own unique way. The product is flexible enough to use its multitude of functionalities to support existing business processes and also structured well enough to build business processes around.

In addition, I love that BlueCherry is truly a total ERP. From an integrated PLM module down to AWS to run your warehouses........it is nice to not have to worry about integrating multiple systems for the basics, when so much focus in the industry today is on Retail and Ecommerce, which by their very nature require integrations to multiple external systems. For smaller IT depts., this is big plus, as they are supporting additional modules within BlueCherry and not custom-built integrations to external systems for things like PLM, EDI, AWS, etc.

Lastly, the team at CGS is one of the best I have worked with. They are always thinking of how to make each release of the product better than the previous, and truly trying to provide value to their customers.

Minpunten

One of the cons with this software is the process for maintenance (applying fixes, upgrades, etc.), as CGS does the majority of that. I understand the rules they have put in place and why, but I would like to be able to do more for myself. I would even pay for the training, just so that I could have the flexibility to do these things when I needed to, instead of being put in a queue for the work to be scheduled with their team and then waiting for the work to be completed.

Pluspunten

I've used Blue Cherry for 14 years, and watched as the application grew, and evolved into the robust system that it is today. Anytime I've been tasked to come up with a 'way to do it' I've almost always found a Blue Cherry solution to address the need, or a suitable work around. There really is much more to the system that I think most people don't realize, that is until they need it to do something. My relationships that I've developed with CGS personnel, over the years is invaluable, and they have taught me more than I ever expected. We use several modules including ERP, PLM, Retail EDI, BI, EDI 3PL, as well as integrations with Retail and soon E-commerce systems. So many of our success stories have revolved around Blue Cherry, and their remarkable technical, and support staff, and Project Managers. Our entire organization completely changed many years ago, and Blue Cherry software was there to help us through the change without much of a hiccup. Although no product is perfect, I would not change it even if I could. Many challenges face us in the near future, and I always count on Blue Cherry to evolve, and help us meet the challenges.

Minpunten

Well this is a tough one, as I have little to be dissatisfied with, but as with any software company, it does get frustrating sometimes finding the right resource to address your problem, but ultimately it happens. Their staff always includes many experts on many subjects.

Pluspunten

The BlueCherry environment provides sound solutions to many of the challenges we face. The fashion industry is a fast paced and ever changing business. With the support of CGS and its offerings we've been able to meet the demands of the business and most importantly our consumer. ERP, BCEDI, and AWS are mission critical components that drive the business with great efficiency and accuracy. I have a tremendous respect and appreciation for their support and development teams. I have learned a great deal from them and look forward to working with them in the future. The management and executive teams are approachable and responsive. I know when I need them they'll be there. Lastly, CGS "Link-Up" events and access to the BlueCherry community is invaluable.

Minpunten

I'd like to see some innovation in respect to the upgrade process. While I don't think anything will ever replace manual testing (to an extent) I'd like to see CGS offer tools to help streamline and automate this process. This con may not be fair but if I could live in a world where I can upgrade frequently, trust that my upgrade wont disrupt the business, and get all the latest and greatest features it would be an obvious win.

Pluspunten

• Great allocation engine with plenty of options for allocating sales orders with inventory and WIP.
• Having multi-level product hierarchy (Product->Color->Size) built into the foundation of the product makes every business process that much smoother.
• Integrated EDI and the availability of standard EDI maps for our retail trading partners and logistics providers makes EDI processing less painful.
• Good reporting engine allows us to get data when we need it and how we need it, to make better decisions.
• The future plans to move to a more open platform allowing for APIs and workflows will be a game changer.

Minpunten

• Upgrades can be difficult if you have a customization or modules that aren't used by a lot of customers (Ex: BC Extender).
• Support is amazing at fixing "System is down" errors today, but not so great at resolving the less urgent issues (open tickets can drag on for weeks).
• Difficulties in the past with launching non-standard EDI/API integrations like Retailer Drop Ship programs.
• Production Order Modules need a bit of a rework. Can be glitchy when trying to mass update multiple Purchase Orders, or trying to track certain types of costs, or moving production stages.