What to Look for in an ERP for the Manufacturing Industry

Successful manufacturing businesses rely on Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software to streamline operations, automate processes and improve visibility. But choosing the right system for your manufacturing business can seem daunting.  

In our Beginner’s Guide to ERP Software for the Manufacturing Industry, we guide you through the important features and functionality to look for in an ERP. We also discuss some of the challenges associated with the manufacturing industry and how to go about choosing the right solution for your business.  

Below are some of the benefits of a well-designed ERP solution for your manufacturing business. 

What to Look for in an ERP in Manufacturing

Benefits of ERP for the Manufacturing Industry

When considering an ERP for your business, it’s critical to look for a system that includes functionality specific to the type of manufacturing you do. Discrete manufacturing refers to the production of identical products using materials that remain the same from one phase to the next. Some examples of discrete manufacturing are medical supplies, machinery components, biotech, computer equipment or electronics. Process manufacturing, on the other hand, is the process of transforming raw materials and ingredients into finished goods. This includes chemicals, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals.  

NexTec’s Beginner’s Guide focuses on discrete manufacturing and the ways a flexible system can help companies improve quality and cut costs. Here are some of the benefits of an industry-specific ERP solution for discrete manufacturers: 

1. Greater Collaboration 

We hear it from our customers all the time: since switching to an ERP for the manufacturing industry, data silos are no longer an issue. That’s because an ERP system acts as a single source of truth for users across an entire company. When each component of a business operates in its own bubble, it stifles collaboration, visibility and resource-sharing. An ERP solution connects processes, departments and systems so teams can share and access data in real-time to make better business decisions. 

2. A More Streamlined Supply Chain 

Manufacturers often deal with complex supply chains that consist of numerous suppliers, transporters and retailers, all of which require specific documentation, labels and requirements. With all these specifications, it can be incredibly difficult to manage each moving part. 

An ERP helps streamline the supply chain by optimizing inventory management, production processes and distribution. By centralizing tasks such as order filling, quality control, vendor management and production forecasting, users can improve their planning and ensure more efficient production and distribution. 

3. End-to-End Compliance 

When it comes to product quality, manufacturers have an obligation to their customers to provide the best possible product. Ensuring compliance with strict regulatory standards and requirements can be difficult without software to help streamline and automate quality control processes. 

With an ERP for manufacturing, users can create robust quality metrics to ensure compliance at every stage of a product’s lifecycle. From the time a material enters your facility, until it reaches your end-customer, an ERP solution will be there to track compliance, perform automated quality checks and collect critical data required for regulators. 

NexTec Group has been implementing ERP solutions for 26 years. Our technology experts have decades of experience helping companies like yours connect their data and systems, update legacy software, ensure compliance and streamline operations with the goal of saving you money and increasing your profits.  

For manufacturers, we recommend Acumatica Cloud ERP – Manufacturing EditionAcumatica is built to run your entire company and integrates manufacturing, inventory management, accounting, distribution and supply chain management into one centralized solution. It is the winner of multiple awards and the best business solution for small and mid-sized companies. To learn more about how ERP software can help your company, download our Beginner’s Guide to ERP for Manufacturing. To speak with one of our ERP experts, reach out to us. We’d love to chat.

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