In these difficult conditions, the choice of ERP is also becoming increasingly important - after all, state-of-the-art ERP systems are at the heart of your IT infrastructure, play a key role in digital transformation, and are closely linked to the long-term success of your company.
Regardless of your industry or manufacturing type, many of the issues with ERP choices are similar:
How can we better connect warehouse and production?
How do we effectively implement customer-specific production?
How do we control costs?
How can we shorten the lead time?
How can we optimize quality assurance?
How can we make the most of Big Data?
However the range of ERP solutions is vast, and many mid-sized companies feel overwhelmed by their ERP options. Of course, "must-haves" such as integrated software, user-friendliness, and browser-based installations have been established in various industries. But what characteristics are essential to manufacturing?
We've put together a list of the 2 most important ERP selection criteria:
ERP Selection Factor 1: The software is set up for your type of production
Discrete, series, or custom manufacturing - Depending on the type of production, special features may be required to accurately map processes in an ERP system. Therefore, businesses looking for ERP should carefully analyze their options to ensure that the software they are considering provides all the required features by default, such as an expanded workbench, growing bill of materials, or consignment inventory. Otherwise, the implementation phase can be significantly prolonged by costly customization, and a best-in-class ERP system can quickly become a cost trap.
ERP Selection Factor 2: The software is suitable for detailed/advanced planning
Increasingly complex order networks, fast orders, and a growing number of variants require extremely efficient production control. When it comes to reducing preparation times, avoiding delivery bottlenecks, and making the most of machines and people, the classic PPS is reaching its limits - a problem that will be exacerbated by the growth of smart factories. In a dynamic manufacturing environment, the integrated Advanced PlanningScheduling (APS) module becomes a must-have in the ERP software selection to automatically adjust order sequences while taking into account real-time data from all departments.