That being said, not every ERP system is meant to handle the operations of all industries. Integrated ERP modules make the difference. For example, as a manufacturer, you have to manage multiple bills of materials (BOM) and so you need a dedicated module to be equipped with this capability.
Likewise, there are other operations that are unique to your industry. Your ERP’s modules makes it easy for you to manage these varieties of workflows.
ERP Modules for the Manufacturing Industry
Automation and centralization are the core ideas behind ERP software implementation. Though these modules are capable of functioning separately, but establishing the synergy between all the business operations is something that makes the manufacturing ERP system’s value grow exponentially.
Here, we’ll be exploring the must-have manufacturing ERP modules that would significantly impact the process optimization and productivity.
Inventory control
Inventory is an important part of manufacturing process. Both unused raw materials and unsold finished goods are sources of wastage that cause loss to your business. So, as a manufacturer, it is crucial for you to control and use inventory optimally.
The inventory management module keeps track of raw materials and finished goods in-store, helping you initiate the purchase process based on forecasts or unique order requirements. It also instills superior control on materials, allowing you to immediately identify their locations while easing their movement to and from production.
Production management
Products are manufactured to meet customers’ needs. Therefore, they must be ready when the customer expects their delivery. The manufacturing module in ERP ensures that machinery, workforce and material components are available in order to yield the desired finished products as scheduled.
Order management
The manufacturing requirements planning module documents every customer order efficiently. The ERP system uses this information to notify you when customer demand evolves or deflates. Thus, it enables you to schedule or retract production fulfilling the needs of your customers based on their demand.
HR module
In an industry that deals with labor extensively, the HR module plays a vital role in operations. Industry trends show that total control over employee engagement, benefits and payroll compensation helps you simplify resource management and create a more efficient workforce.
The HR module in manufacturing ERP software tracks what employee skills are needed to perform current tasks and uses the information to analyze and predict skills that would be required when operations are scaled up.
Customer relationship management
The CRM tool records all communication between your sales team and the customer. The available data enables you to understand your customers better and makes it easier to prepare sales-pitches based on their preferences.
Making the effort to understand your customer’s expectations can save a lot of friction and extra work.”
- Rapid Development, Steve McConnell.
Vendor management
The vendor management module documents every quotation from your suppliers and maintains records of their quality standards certifications. The manufacturing ERP system enables you to use the data for rating the suppliers and improve quotation management in the future.
Artificial intelligence (AI)
Gone are the days when BI was sufficient for business analytics. The pace with which the manufacturing industry is progressing needs advanced technology to handle all its operations with complete efficiency.
This is fulfilled by AI or artificial intelligence. An AI-enabled ERP system tracks every transaction and allows you to make use of the data for making information-driven decisions and imposing necessary control over all aspects of your business.
Other Modules that You Might Need in an ERP System
A modular ERP software is built collaborating multiple modules that enable you to handle all your business operations from a single system.
Apart from the above-mentioned manufacturing ERP modules, other popular modules that are integrated into an ERP system are:
- Sales and marketing
- Warehousing
- Supply chain
- Project management
- Accounting and finance
Summing Up
The benefits of modular ERP systems have made them the most preferred solutions to streamline your daily tasks, offer centralized platforms to store tons of data and access them as needed.
If you need expert guidance related to modular ERP, feel free to connect with us.
Learn about the must-have modules of manufacturing ERP software that significantly impact the process optimization and productivity of your business.
