ERP, Enterprise Resource Planning software encompasses a set of tools that collects, organizes, and updates the business data in one system. Manufacturing ERP software offers functional choices to buyers, which can be overwhelming.
Enterprise Resource Planning software has become a bedrock in the manufacturing industry. It not only streamlines business operations, but also allows organizations to plan, adjust, and respond quickly to changing market conditions.
ERP comprises all the basic functionalities for every department – accounts, sales, procurement, finance, production, inventory, quality control, supply chain management, etc. Though it is an integrated software, there are still some of the organizations which realize after a while that the ERP they purchased is not satiating their overall business needs.
Therefore, such businesses analyze their functionalities and strive to get the existing ERP integrated with other software such as CRM, a warehouse management tool, fleet management, and more. To assist you with the research process, we have compiled a list below of tools that integrate with ERP software.
Manufacturing Execution System
A manufacturing execution system (MES) is a computerized system that enables tracking, controlling, and documenting the transformation of raw materials to finished goods. It facilitates the orchestration of multiple resources on the shop floor. Connecting MES with an ERP system eliminates the latency of information and improves visibility so production schedules are on time.
MES adds more relevance to ERP software by allowing businesses to track – quantity of materials used in the production process, the number of items produced, goods that pass/fail the quality test, etc., without human intervention.
Fleet Management Software
Fleet management software allows businesses to manage and complete an array of tasks related to the fleet of vehicles. Fluctuating fuel costs, increasing insurance costs, loss of productivity and regulatory government rules can hamper business transportation a great deal. It doesn’t matter whether you have 4 or 400 vehicles, you can integrate fleet management software with your existing ERP and maximize profits.
A robust fleet management software allows you to accomplish fleet operations, accident management, vehicle sales and acquisition, GPS tracking, price and quote management, fleet maintenance, dispatch and scheduling, and more. It enables quick response and improved vehicle performance.
Warehouse Management Software
Warehouse management software is specifically designed to improve order fulfillment time, execute and record inbound and outbound warehouse transfers, capture inventory, generate reports, and manage the overall activities of the warehouses.
Integration of warehouse management software and ERP eliminates data redundancy, errors, and increases business productivity.
Warehouse management software is rarely a standalone application. Mostly, a warehouse function goes hand-in-hand with manufacturing and distribution. When an ERP is integrated with a WMS solution, businesses can easily track resources and human efforts – irrespective of the location.
ERP Integration With IoT
Businesses that are streaming with IoT devices are likely to succeed at a rapid pace. Internet of Things can be connected with the entire organization to expedite speed and business productivity. In an IFS survey of 200 IoT manufacturers and contracting executives, only 16% of these conveyed that they consume IoT data in ERP systems. However, the fact is, to automatically operationalize this technology, ERPs should assertively be integrated with IoT devices.
IoT integrated with ERP will add more to the company’s digital transformation process. It will automate the overall business functions while enhancing the bottom line. In factories where ERP is integrated with IoT, you can find connected devices and machines, and less human effort in the production process.
Blockchain Integration
Integration of blockchain with ERP software has created a buzz around the world. It allows your business to draw existing data from ERPs and it can be tightly controlled as to who views this data.
For those who are still wondering about blockchain, it is an electronic ledger that can be shared with public and private users and is widely used by cryptocurrencies. Blockchain technology, when integrated with ERP software, offers comprehensive details to all the people involved in the manufacturing of the product in the supply chain process.
Integration of Barcode Technology With ERP
Gone are those days when the integration of a barcode reader in the manufacturing unit was a big dream for SMBs. Today, barcode technology has helped manufacturers eliminate human errors, reduce inventory levels, improve efficiency in the warehouse, enhance the tracking and managing of documents, and more.
Integrated barcode technology for ERP allows scanning during putaways, procurement, picking, and shipping of inventory. When the barcode system gets informed by ERP software, it encourages error-free working, informed employees, reduced cost, and improved inventory visibility.
E-commerce Integration
E-commerce is the channel that enables businesses to do online sales. In this internet-driven world, every manufacturer strives to fulfill their customers’ demands by having a strong online presence. An e-commerce solution has become crucial for organizations to reduce inventory costs and allow customers to self-track their shipment and order status.
Integration of ERP and E-commerce solutions offers B2B and B2C customers regular information including shipping status and order updates. Organizations can expand their sales horizons by adding multiple web stores.
Enterprise resource planning software is the lifeblood of modern businesses. Based on your specific business needs, it is advisable to evaluate extensions to your ERP software. These extensions enhance the ERP capability and add value. Such integrations enhance the overall business productivity by tapping unutilized resources.
To learn more about ERP and its integrations, feel free to contact us!
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