ERP platforms trending

The marketplace for Manufacturing Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) platforms is growing with each passing day, with more and more improved software tools coming into play that have a variety of uses. Manufacturing is the process of conversion of raw materials into finished products. The traditional ERP software suppliers continue to offer features like Supply Chain Management (SCM), Customer Relationship Management (CRM), etc. that have remained the backbone of the business management ever since ERP software got introduced. Therefore, organizations are racing against time to make full use of data.


What is ERP?

ERP or Enterprise resource planning is an integrated management system consisting of key business procedures and real-time automation features supported by necessary business software and technology. ERP is generally referred to as a type of business management software. Basically, it is an assembled suite of many integrated applications which is used by an organization to extract, store, process, and interpret data from the business activities.


Objectives of ERP software

The main objective of an ERP is to provide an integrated and updated view of the main business processes.

ERP systems also track business resources like cash flow, raw materials, productivity of the manufacturing department, etc.

Other than that, ERP also helps to keep track of purchase orders, etc. It helps in facilitating information flow between connected departments like manufacturing, payroll, accounting, etc. and maintain contact with external stakeholders.



In-depth understanding on ERP

ERP software is an industry that produces components that support various types of business functions. It is a business in which billions of dollars have been invested, and IT investments are slowly becoming the largest source of capital expenditure worldwide. The early ERP systems were made predominantly for large enterprises, but nowadays, smaller enterprises are also availing of ERP software. The ERP systems specialize in integrating different organizational systems and helps in facilitating error-free transactions as well as production, thereby increasing the production capacity of the organization.

However, modern ERP systems' development differs greatly from traditional systems. ERP systems run on various computer hardware and complex network configurations, typically using the business database as an information storage facility and its work area.



The Best Manufacturing ERP Platforms

There are various ERP providers in today’s world. Some we refer to as ‘mega-vendors’, like Oracle, SAP, Microsoft, etc. There are also lesser-known ERP providers in the market who have come up with interesting products that work in niche areas, like IQMS, Workday, Workwise Software, Acumatica, etc. With the foresight to help you complete the daunting task of choosing the right product, these systems have become indispensable in the business community. The best ERP Software for manufacturing comes with key system requirements that business enterprises look for before purchasing; its job is to layout the steps, to create a comprehensive picture of the market beforehand, and last but not the least, to prepare complete profiles of top manufacturing ERP vendors, which also includes the “Bottom Line” analysis. As the industry keeps on growing, manufacturers are seeing an increase in complexity in their business, and thus there is a huge requirement for ERP software consisting of daily business processes which need a substantial manpower. And with the rapid growth in market, the manufacturers should focus their attention to software systems which are more modern and contemporary; the model is designed in such a way that it can sustain the growth of the manufacturing industry. This is the enterprise resource planning software, also known as ERP.


How can an ERP software help Manufacturers with Growth?

Manufacturing ERP software eliminates various challenges faced in the business sphere and provides innumerable benefits to manufacturers who are looking to reduce costs, streamline processes, and manage growth. Its ultimate aim is to achieve some kind of competitive edge in the market. ERP systems help improve profit margins by increasing manufacturing efficiency. There are various kinds of information available. Some have to be readily available and those kinds of information are stored in a central database which allows all the departments to access the data and also update the data in real time conditions. Various tasks are automated according to requirement, thus reducing the time that otherwise was wasted. This results in increased productivity.

The job of Manufacturing ERP software is to integrate all necessary areas of the manufacturing process. As a result, every significant business function is dependent upon one single database, which includes:

  • Inventory records
  • Production and sales figures
  • Operations and HR
  • Accounting and finance
A completely integrated ERP and manufacturing system helps you run your business better and makes your job much easier.


Manufacturing procedure management in ERP

During manufacturing, the first phase involves the beginning of a project as it enters the manufacturing process. It basically involves preparing various product designs, patterns, specs, etc. based on the final product's creation. The ERP system can have one or more attached business modules integrated under the same interface. Keeping exactly that in mind, the ERP providers have been coming up with software systems that have been tasked with assisting the manufacturing process.


ERP software companies and their features

If we try to look up the leading ERP providers and their products among all the ERP software companies, firstly what we see is a general rise in the number of newer companies coming up the ranks. More and more business of all sizes is looking for an ERP solution that can regulate their business processes in order to get higher efficiency, the ERP systems are becoming an obvious solution for any company, even the small sized businesses nowadays need assistance with regards to planning and management. Knowing about the product just isn’t enough in today’s world, it’s also your job to know about the companies that bring them to us. Frustrated customers, excess work due to misplacement, and incorrect orders are common problems faced in any business due to poor management and communication. You are in charge of a business model with different departments and associated systems, and a centralized system that can support your business processes helps you to keep things compact and in control. Thereby, the ERP software companies are developing models that fit the buyer's requirements. The digital revolution has made it possible for ERP software providers to develop any software interface with all kinds of customizations available in the ERP product. They come with specialized modules which can standardize any vital application depending upon the manufacturing process.


Popular ERP Vendors

We have discussed some of the leading ERP software companies and their products below.


Microsoft Dynamics

Microsoft Dynamics is the most extensively used ERP systems all over the world. This suite includes Microsoft Dynamics AX for accounting and finance automation, added HR and CRM software tool, the Microsoft Dynamics GP system, etc.


Oracle e-Business Suite

A modular type of ERP platform, this suite has many modules like the CRM software, Oracle Financials, Applications, Logistics suites, Oracle Order Management, etc. This software has the added superiority of being able to create their own database from the business layout.


SAP Business One

SAP is also a renowned company which specializes in SMEs. SAP Business One consists of several core business modules, like financials, sales, Purchasing, Banking, WebCRM, etc.


Infor Global Solutions

Infor Global solutions is a business software provider that brings to you several applications like the Infor ERP LN, Infor ERP SyteLine, Infor ERP VISUAL, etc.