In today’s fast-paced manufacturing industry, it’s nearly impossible to get ahead without using manufacturing ERP software.
Good ERP software helps you increase your productivity, makes decision making easier with improved visibility, and helps you streamline the manufacturing process.
ERP Software is a big investment and you want to make sure you’re using it in the best way possible so you can reap the full benefits of your manufacturing ERP software.
Not only do you want a platform that meets your manufacturing needs, but you also need software that meets the needs of your finance, marketing, customer service, and other users as well. The key to maximizing your manufacturing ERP software is to understand how your current systems operate, plan for future needs and objectives, and involve other users in determining goals and outcomes.
Manufacturing ERP Software
With so many different types of ERP manufacturing software available, it can be difficult to know where to start. Some examples of software for small and/or medium-sized businesses include:
- infoplus
- aACE
- MIE Trak Pro ERP
- xTuple
- Realtrac Performance ERP
- SYSPRO ERP
- Foremost ERP
- QAD Enterprise Applications
- Process Pro
- NetSuite ERP
- Infor LN
- Oracle ERP Cloud
Before you jump on board with a new manufacturing ERP Software, you should consider a few important questions such as:
- What are your current processes?
- How can you improve on the process you have?
- Why do you need this technology?
Understanding what you need and why gives you the information you need to help you find the best manufacturing ERP system for your business and get the most from it.
Correctly implemented ERP systems serve to help users get the information they need when they need it. Here are some steps to help you get the most out of your ERP system.
1. Review Current Processes
In order to get the most from your new manufacturing ERP software..
You need to take note of where your current process is at and review your plans for the future. Investing in ERP software that won’t keep up with your future business objectives will cost you more money and time in the future.
Take time to really determine what your company needs from your ERP and what you will need in the future so you can make the most of your manufacturing ERP software.
2. Find the Right Software
Finding the right software can seem overwhelming.
There are so many options with seemingly identical functionalities that it can be hard to know where to start. While they might seem similar at first glance, they vary widely in operation and purpose. Some manufacturing ERP software is only designed for small businesses and isn’t ideal for businesses looking to scale. Others may have more capabilities than your team will need now or in the future.
Start your search off by examining your company goals and needs, and compare ERP software based on your requirements.
Once you find some options you like, compare their capabilities and take advantage of free software trials to get a feel for each system. This way you can make an educated decision on which software is right for your company.
3. Train Your Employees
Your employees may be familiar with your old ERP system or your current method of manufacturing management, but odds are they won’t be familiar with your new software.
A major key to your success is correctly training your employees and providing continuing education to keep them up to date on how to use software and get new employees up to speed.
4. Update Your System Regularly
Getting the most out of your manufacturing ERP software involves preparing for and anticipating future business needs. Many companies incorporate feedback from customers and users to update and develop a great ERP platform.
This means that you will not only need to find an ERP system that allows for changes as you grow but also plan to keep your system as up to date as possible so it can keep up with your changing business needs.
Thankfully..
Updating your system and improving it is often included by the company when you purchase your software.
Updating your system also means keeping your software integrations up to date and getting custom integrations between your ERP and new software as your companies needs expand or develop.
5. Get Custom Integrations
Manufacturing ERP software offers a lot of capabilities on its own; however, custom integrations with your other software platforms can significantly impact your operational efficiency.
SaaS companies like DocInfusion build custom APIs so you can enjoy the benefits of your Customer Relationship Management systems, Manufacturing systems, finance, Marketing, Supply Chain Management, Warehouse Management Systems, and more, all in one place.
Custom integration eliminates the need for manual entry, reducing errors and saving you time and money. You don’t need to keep your system capabilities the same way they were when you set them up. Integrating allows you to expand your options and really get the most from your ERP system.
6. Take Advantage of Mobile Apps
Your ERP access doesn’t have to be confined to a desktop. Mobile apps allow employees to take data with them and access them whenever they need during the manufacturing process. This helps keep them up to date whether they work remotely or are on the road.
Add Value with Custom Integrations
Custom integrations between your ERP and other software platforms offer a variety of benefits for small and medium-sized businesses.
While an ERP system on its own helps you increase your efficiency, minimize errors, cut costs, and provide better customer service, if you haven’t integrated with your other systems, you’re not getting the most out of your manufacturing ERP software.
Custom integrations with CRM, marketing automation, finance, and more allow you to:
- Get a full picture of your customers
- Synchronize your data between platforms
- Get quick, up-to-date business information and data
- Save time and money
With custom integration, all of your software can work together to help you reach your business goals and objectives and scale for future growth.