What is the Role of ERP in Manufacturing?

MRP and ERP are technological solutions businesses can leverage to optimize their resources. This software help the company be more flexible and profitable. 

MRP for Manufacturing

MRP stands for Material Requirements Planning and is your standard inventory management and supply management software designed to help businesses be more effective at the core of it.

MRP is a decision-making tool that can streamline processes, analyze and optimize inventory levels, minimize lead times, schedule production, and serve your customers in less time with more efficiency. MRP speeds up the manufacturing process by enabling businesses to decide what, when and how much raw material and other essentials are required. It automates this whole planning process.

ERP for Manufacturing

ERP stands for Enterprise Resource Planning and is an integrated business process management software that ties together all the core business processes in a single database. This centralized system allows the organization to have a single connected platform that overlooks and links the firm’s HR, finance, supply chain, sales and manufacturing, and inventory management.

ERP for Manufacturing means the integration of manufacturing, inventory, workforce management, sales, and accounting, as all these departments need to have their hands on deck for a streamlined manufacturing process. Businesses need a good ERP for manufacturing software to support all integration of all these activities on one platform.

Manufacturing ERP performs manufacturing-specific functionalities and processes. These ERPs for manufacturing systems follow the main phases of ERP implementation with everyday business databases, meaning a complete business management system. ERP for simulating systems with its end-to-end solution gives the firm control over manufacturing activities. For starters, ERP for manufacturing improves how a company uses its resources. It also facilitates company-wide communication. It supports scheduling, quality assurance, maintenance, production control, and more.

There are numerous ERP benefits and limitations to be aware of as you plan for your ERP in manufacturing. The best ERP features are generally considered an ERP advantage as long as the system is properly implemented and integrated.

Inventory Management

A manufacturing ERP helps track inventory, inventory analysis, and optimization.

Supply Chain Management

ERP for manufacturing automates the supply chain processes like demand planning, production scheduling, and warehouse management. The warehouse management feature helps in managing the product's inventory shelf life. It helps reduce carrying costs as well. 

Production Management

Firms use ERP for manufacturing as it lets them have real-time production dashboards and helps in BOMs and routing. ERP for manufacturing can also be used for quality assurance, work center management, and analysis of the subcontracting operations and the plant floor’s data collection. It can even help in identifying or avoiding bottlenecks.

Advanced Planning and Scheduling

The APS feature of the ERP for manufacturing has advanced capabilities and helps streamline processes. It helps in production scheduling, optimizing changeover times, visualizing the bottlenecks, and other what-if scenarios.

Equipment Management

With its integration capabilities, ERP for manufacturing can integrate with equipment management software and manage the complete equipment life cycle. ERP for manufacturing even has modules that can help track, record, and analyze the equipment performance data, allowing for more timely targeted maintenance. 

All these benefits of ERP cloud vs ERP for manufacturing also ultimately lead to enhanced customer satisfaction and streamlined business operations.

• Streamlined business processes and increased productivity.
• Enhanced decision-making.
• Real-time data analysis allows better insights and adaptability to the market environment. 
• ERP for manufacturing also allows companies to forecast better and generate sales reports.
• Automation is one of the many features that help save costs and time. 
• The interdepartmental collaboration uses a centralized database created by the ERP for Manufacturing. It helps improve company-wide communications.
• Better mobility and flexibility as the ERP for manufacturing systems can be accessed through mobiles, laptops on the go. 
• Increased employee efficiency.

Before creating an ERP project, it's also helpful to understand the challenges you may face in successfully integrating an ERP.

• Choosing the right ERP for manufacturing system/vendor.
• Integrating the ERP for manufacturing systems with the existing systems.
• While it may save time, the implementation cost is high for the ERP for Manufacturing. It also requires proper investment in internal hardware.
• Getting the team on board and proper training during each of the steps of ERP implementation.

Maintenance cost can also be a challenge of both enterprise and small business ERP for manufacturing as it might require continuous improvement. As the business’s needs and the technology will keep evolving, keeping the sustainability of both the company and the ERP for Manufacturing systems in mind is essential.

To find the best ERP for Manufacturing, it is essential to identify the needs of the business, the gaps and opportunities in current systems, and consider the ERP integration benefits and challenges between the existing systems like CRM vs ERP systems. It is also necessary to keep the future growth of our business in mind and find a scalable option so the firm can keep up with the evolving technology. Some of the best ERP for manufacturing systems are mentioned here.

SAP

SAP is an integrated ERP system, uses AI and machine learning and can be leveraged by all businesses. SAP offers on-premise, cloud, and hybrid deployment.

Oracle

Oracle NetSuite is a cloud-based ERP system and allows customization as well. It fully supports the manufacturing execution system. A relatively low cost of ownership is something that makes NetSuite. Oracle Fusion ERP Cloud is a complete ERP suite that enables workflow visualization and process centralization. It is suitable for businesses of all sizes.

Microsoft Dynamics 365

Microsoft Dynamics 365 is a cloud-based enterprise suitable for SMEs and large enterprises.

Acumatica

Acumatica is an entirely cloud-based ERP system suitable for small and medium enterprises. It is a practical tool for the manufacturing industry, among many others.

Comparing the best ERP systems and carefully considering ERP pricing, features, and reviews will help as you strive to select and implement the best ERP in manufacturing.