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Chapter 6 • Software and Vendor Selection 181

The few technology solutions providers who understand the range of these special
needs recognize that one size does not fit all when it comes to fruit and vegetable beverage
manufacturers; the unique issues of this beverage sector requires unique solutions.
Thomas R. Cutler, President and CEO of TR Cutler, Inc. (www.trcutlerinc.com), Fort
Lauderdale, Florida, is the founder of the Manufacturing Media Consortium of 3,000 jour-
nalists and editors writing about trends in manufacturing. It is the largest manufacturing
marketing firm worldwide. Cutler is also the author of the Manufacturers’ Public Relations
and Media Guide. He is a frequently published author within the manufacturing sector with
more than 300 feature articles authored annually; he can be contacted at trcutler@
trcutlerinc.com.

CASE QUESTIONS
1. What are some of the tracking issues a fruit and vegetable manufacturer must utilize
in an ERP to better ensure success?
2. What is an “organic system plan,” and what are some of the key features an ERP must
include?
3. Why are some manufacturing systems specific to a product?