Is your ERP Optimized to Support Supply Chain Visibility?
Access to the right information easily at every step of the supply chain – from raw materials to shipment is very critical in today’s business environment. Integrated supply chain management systems enable better decision-making and improve operational efficiency." Your ERP system plays a vital role in a manufacturing business as it integrates data and process from all functions of an organization. Let us look at how ERP optimization helps you manage from procurement to product delivery, extending visibility into your supply chain:
Make procurement a profit-driving factor
Your procurement activities should be mapped against the demand to ensure reduced costs and build a better bottom line. "Smart and integrated solutions enable complete visibility, control, and efficiency in critical aspects like vendor managed inventory, quotation information, payments etc., improving profitability."
Manage your inventory effectively
Proper control and management of inventory help manufacturing businesses gauge demand, monitor supplies. This helps avoid incurring huge losses due to unused and/or over purchased inventory. "ERP systems help maintain optimum inventory levels by allowing visibility to market demand, supply information, and specific product data."
Improve demand planning and forecasting
"Visibility into the right information for production, manufacturing, and supply units to be more efficient thereby ensuring happy customers is not overrated. ERP systems can help users get complete visibility into demand through a unified view if various demand streams."
Streamline production processes
Production is a big part of the supply chain. Visibility into the production processes would mean an increased ability to manage resources efficiently, automate processes, and increase production. Streamlining production would also result in timely delivery and customer satisfaction. ERP optimization would help manufacturing business to produce products with speed, ease, and quality.
So, the question is – how would an ERP optimization plan look like if you were to ensure supply chain visibility? The first step that I would suggest is – Analysis. Whether you are deploying an ERP system for the first time or looking to enhance your existing ERP system, analyze the pain points of your manufacturing business. Get a comprehensive view of all the features, functions and the alignment of your business systems to your current and future business processes. Secondly, identify and prioritize what needs to improve. Thereafter, implement a solution, which is going to bridge the gap. Remember, ERP optimization is a continuous process. So, keep optimizing!
Hundreds of manufacturing companies around the globe rely on STAEDEAN discrete manufacturing software to manage their production, innovate competitive products and services, and digitally transform their business. In doing so, they build on our knowledge of the manufacturing industry and the pains and opportunities companies face. Know more on STAEDEAN Discrete Manufacturing Solutions, and understand how you can Optimize discrete manufacturing to compete, grow, and create value for customers.
Eric Van Hofwegen
