Enterprise resource planning (ERP) software is an essential tool for businesses in the manufacturing industry. Custom ERP software can positively influence nearly all aspects of a manufacturing company. A strong ERP solution can help manufacturers become more productive, secure and cost-efficient, as well as promote collaboration and aid in decision-making.
Today, manufacturers face heavy demand for faster processing, higher output and streamlined production. Many challenges faced by businesses in the manufacturing industry can be resolved with the right tools. Learn more about ERP software and how the manufacturing industry can benefit from custom enterprise resource planning.
What Is ERP Software?
ERP is a process used by businesses to manage and integrate critical aspects of an organization. With ERP software solutions, a business can integrate all of the processes necessary to successfully operate a company. This consolidation process involves gathering and organizing business data by using a software suite that contains applications which automate common business functions including sales, production, accounting and quoting.
It can be challenging to manage information across the numerous departments within an organization. Enterprise resource planning promotes the free flow of communication between departments using a single source of accurate information that is available in real-time. Business resources, from staffing in human resources to the ordering of raw materials in purchasing, can all be managed through ERP.
The unique components of an ERP system are based on the specific requirements of the business. However, there are some basic features that every piece of software should include, such as automated features to reduce errors and mobile access to allow users to access the software on any device. ERP solutions should also include productivity tools that enable business leaders to analyze and measure performance.
How To Choose The Right Custom ERP Software For Your Organization
When organizations choose the correct type of custom ERP software, they are able to vastly improve workflow efficiencies through advanced automations & integrations.
View Custom ERP Software Guide
Benefits Of Custom ERP Software For Manufacturers
Custom enterprise resource planning software has been found to be increasingly beneficial to the manufacturing sector. Companies of all sizes are discovering the importance of having a custom ERP solution to streamline business operations, boost efficiency and reduce costs.
Packaged ERP solutions do offer some advantages but most fall short when it comes to meeting the needs of a growing enterprise. Flexibility is often limited with off-the-shelf ERP software, while custom ERP systems aim to meet an organization’s unique preferences, requirements and boundaries. Custom ERP software enables businesses in the manufacturing industry to stay ahead of the curve.
Some of the top ways that custom ERP software can benefit the manufacturing industry include the following:
Optimized Production Management
Manufacturing companies are under immense pressure to meet strict product timelines to keep up with customer demands. This requires manufacturers to optimize their production cycle while complying with required industry standards. Custom ERP software often includes a production module that allows manufacturers to accelerate the production cycle and boost efficiency throughout the workplace.
With custom ERP software, businesses have the tools needed to easily track on-site activities, automate task scheduling and streamline product planning. Automation within ERP software helps ensure that manufacturers are never caught off guard without the raw materials and equipment they need to continue normal operations.
Greater Workflow Visibility
Before the introduction of ERP systems, the process of coordinating between multiple worksites took considerable time and effort. Companies had to make phone calls or visit physical sites in person to get updates on specific areas of the business, wasting considerable time and money, especially among businesses with locations in different time zones.
With the revolution of custom ERP software, businesses in the manufacturing industry can now enjoy greater workflow visibility. Regardless of location, a person can open a database from any device to access information in real-time allowing members of the team to remain on task, while streamlining operations in manufacturing plants and distribution centers.
Enhanced Inventory & Warehouse Management
Inventory management is a critical component of manufacturing. Proper inventory and warehouse management are necessary to track inventory movements, prevent stock outages and maintain accurate records. Maintaining adequate stock inventory and effective warehouse management conserves valuable resources including time, money and manpower.
Custom ERP software enhances inventory and warehouse management by providing real-time insights into operations. The right software solution enables businesses to easily track stock movements through every stage of the production cycle. ERP software can also be enhanced with auto-replenish features eliminating stock outages.
Improved Business Intelligence
Every day, businesses are forced to make difficult decisions regarding their projects, processes and operations. Without accurate data to support these decisions, one mistake could result in significant financial losses. ERP solutions generally include business intelligence tools that provide business leaders with up-to-date analytics, data and reports which can be easily analyzed in real-time and allowing leaders to implement modifications to the production process without delay.
Custom ERP software allows businesses to collect relevant data and create customized reports. These reports will provide great value to third parties such as business partners, shareholders and team leaders requesting key performance indicator (KPI) metrics. Easily email or print reports for meetings and other instances where information should be shared and analyzed.
Easier Collaboration
It can be challenging for business leaders to work together when they do not have access to the proper tools and resources. Team members across different departments may be forced to make phone calls, send emails or physically go to the desired location to share information with other team members.
With custom ERP software, team members can achieve the ease of collaboration through useful and innovative tools. The entire operation can work off of a shared centralized database that can be accessed from any device, including computers, smartphones and tablets.
Collaboration tools allow staff to quickly and easily share data and information with one another, from any location. ERP solutions enable businesses to break down information silos and promote a more open and transparent workplace.
Advanced Sales & Purchasing Tools
Sales and purchasing are critical aspects of any manufacturing business. However, poor management in these areas of business can lead to a loss of efficiency and ultimately revenue.
Custom ERP software provides businesses with advanced sales and purchasing tools to make it easy to track and manage sales. Companies are able to use ERP to request quotes, purchase orders and receive real-time stock updates. Automation tools enable businesses to automatically place stock orders and maintain relationships with vendors and suppliers.
Increased Data Security
In today’s digital age, it is more important than ever for companies to have the proper safeguards in place to protect their business from data theft and similar events. Any business that has an online presence or uses online resources as part of its normal operations may be at risk for a cyberattack.
Custom ERP software offers real-time risk management tools, providing companies with advanced security through services such as fraud monitoring and automated audits. These tools are essential for any business that collects and or utilizes large amounts of sensitive data.
Enterprise resource planning systems organize documentation and data, making it readily accessible. This streamlined efficiency reduces duplicate documents and ensures that data is accurate and current. Proper data storage and management helps minimize many of the common cyber risks that modern businesses currently face.
Reduced Operational Costs
Business leaders are always on the lookout for new ways to reduce their operational costs. Standard processes may earn sufficient revenue but they also incur significant costs to maintain. Custom ERP software can save companies money in a number of ways.
Manufacturing businesses are finding greater cost benefits in management by a single centralized system instead of multiple different systems, each of which requires separate maintenance and operation costs.
Savings are seen in not only the warehouse and distribution centers, but also in operational and administrative costs, when streamlining common processes. Work can be done quickly and efficiently, with higher productivity, all of which have a direct effect on a business’s bottom line.
Customizable Business Solutions
The most desirable aspect of custom ERP software is that it is made to meet the specific needs of the business. No two manufacturing companies are exactly the same and each business has its own unique set of needs. Some manufacturers are small and have just one location, while others are large and may also work with international companies.
ERP software can be customized to meet the ever-changing needs of modern manufacturing businesses. These innovative solutions also include the latest technologies, such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence computing solutions.
Higher Level Of Customer Satisfaction
Customer satisfaction is one of the most important assets a business can have. Businesses establish working relationships with their customers with the goal of ongoing purchases to support their mutual bottom lines. To keep customers satisfied, businesses must deliver high-quality products on-time and at a competitive price.
Custom ERP software solutions help manufacturers meet customer demands and expectations. Through real-time data, business leaders are able to make important decisions regarding production, ensure that customers receive the products that they need on time and eliminate problems throughout the process.
Businesses that continue to satisfy clients will often see a higher rate of repeat sales. These businesses are also more likely to develop a positive reputation in the industry as a trusted provider of quality products and services.
Reach Out To Experienced Custom Software Developers
Manufacturing companies look for a variety of features when shopping for ERP software. Most need a robust inventory management system to effectively track and organize inventory; they also require scheduling tools to remain on task and prevent delays in production. Other features such as CAD-ERP integration, customer relationship management solutions and executive information systems can also be useful additions to custom ERP software.
To learn more about how businesses in the manufacturing industry are benefiting from custom ERP software, or to speak with an experienced custom software development team about creating custom enterprise resource planning solutions for your business, contact Orases today by calling 301.756.5527 or by requesting a consultation online.
