If you are researching ERP systems, then it’s probable that something at your business isn’t working. Those who turn to an ERP usually know that their teams are struggling, production is slower than it should be, and it is a constant need to “put out fires” and resolve issues before deadlines.
An Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system is the answer most manufacturers turn to for supporting their business against confusion and inefficiency. That’s because an ERP system supports day-to-day operations throughout organizations in areas like accounting, procurement, project management, risk management and compliance, and supply chain operations.
There are a lot of advantages to ERP, but is a system right for you? In this blog, we will cover some of the main benefits to ERP so you can see why so many companies consider it essential to their business.
What You Need When You Need It
Perhaps the biggest benefit to an ERP system is having accessible data at your fingertips. Through a cloud system, you can make your software available on multiple devices like phones, tablets, and laptops. Your team will be able to access key information both on the shop floor (so they aren’t tied to one station) and out in the field.
ERP tracks and shares real-time information, which has a positive ripple effect throughout businesses. Workers know where to input data or find answers to the questions they have, managers can quickly spot if something is amiss to prevent problems from snowballing, and leadership can make informed decisions rather than guessing how to move the company forward.
CloudSuite Industrial (CSI) from Infor is an example of an ERP designed to offer the data you need. Obviously, CloudSuite Industrial works on the cloud, but it also can include on-premises hosting and was set up to deliver up-to-date data throughout organizations. No matter how big or small your enterprise, CSI can help.
If you are looking for an ERP implementation, talk to the team at Datix about Infor CloudSuite consulting. With 25 years of experience, we offer a business-first approach to ERP by tailoring our solution to your needs.
Why ERP Beats Excel Spreadsheets
Some businesses rely on Excel or Google Spreadsheets when they are just starting out. They may have limited funds to spend on software, and the numbers seem easy enough to manage…at first. However, as businesses grow, employees are added, and more orders come in, so it becomes harder and harder to effectively maintain a business just on spreadsheet software.
As we already mentioned, an ERP has the distinct advantage of offering real-time data to users instead of requiring constant upkeep and manual entry. This manual entry means data is more likely to have human errors, is more likely to be accidently erased (and that would be a disaster, wouldn’t it?), and is slowing your team down. Data entry should work for your business, not hold you back.
In particular, many organizations depend on spreadsheets for their finances, but this is a bad idea. In addition to requiring manual entry and compromising data safety, tools like Excel simply aren’t designed to calculate the numbers you need. For instance, with CloudSuite Industrial, you can have your system automatically calculate the latest profit returns for your orders by factoring in current raw materials, labor, and equipment costs. Trying to consistently calculate that type of metric in Excel simply isn’t feasible, but it is available within moments with CSI.
As a one-stop shop, Datix goes beyond simply implementing an ERP OOB (out of the box). We listen to your unique requirements for the system and set it up so you have all the functionalities you need. Learn more about working with Datix.
Run Like a Well-Oiled Machine
Most companies looking at an ERP system want the same thing: they want their organization to run better. Instead of being stuck reacting to problems, they want operations to run smoothly so they can proactively set themselves up for greater success in the future.
The right ERP can offer that. Because the system should allow you to automate numerous tasks throughout your organization, it creates an opportunity to streamline business processes. By simplifying your business processes, your teams will be working smarter and faster towards achieving their objectives. Instead of acting as disconnected parts, your business can truly operate as a whole to accomplish your company goals.
Wrap Up
An ERP system gives you the data and the tools to unlock your company’s potential. If the prospect of adding an ERP is exciting but intimidating, we can help. At Datix, we guide and support our clients through every step of the ERP process, from the planning to the implementation, and beyond.
Read more in The Ultimate CRM & ERP Implementation Plan E-Book
About Datix
With over two decades in the industry, Datix is the ERP consultant of choice for manufacturers and distributors. We believe in “being the best with the best” and look for partners who match our commitment to solving real issues and doing what it takes. Our in-depth analysis of our clients and their business needs allows us to maximize their software investments to the fullest.
