Medical device, equipment, and supplies manufacturers often rely on numerous pieces of software for their success. Both Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Quality Management System (QMS) software is popular, but which should you be using? In this blog, we will cover the difference between ERP and QMS and how to maximize your quality management.
What is a Quality Management System (QMS)?
A Quality Management System is a system that documents processes, procedures, and responsibilities for achieving quality policies and objectives. There are many specific QMS software systems on the market.
What is an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) System?
An Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system is software that is meant to support day-to-day activities and core business processes that are necessary to run a company. This includes quality as well as finance, HR, manufacturing, supply chain, services, procurement, and others. Like with QMS software, there are many ERPs on the market, with some being especially suited towards medical manufacturers.
While a QMS is specific to supporting quality, an ERP is the total package because it supports all the major business processes (if you have the right one). An ERP can also be integrated with other software like LIMS or a CRM if helpful. To find out more about creating a tailored ERP-ecosystem for your business, talk to Datix. We take the time to understand each of our clients and their unique software needs with our business-first approach.
Both QMS and ERP can Support Quality Management
Part of the confusion about choosing between an ERP or a QMS comes from the fact that both systems are designed to handle quality management. In terms of regulatory compliance, both an ERP or a QMS could be used to maintain compliance.
There are successful companies that use only QMS, only ERP, or use a combination of the two for effective quality management. That is good news, but it is probably making your head spin. If you are trying to set up the best quality system for your business, how do you move forward?
ERP systems have the advantage of offering comprehensive business solutions in quality as well as other critical areas of your business. There is more than one way to approach creating a consistent, simple quality system as a medical manufacturer, but we recommend using Infor’s CloudSuite Industrial (CSI) ERP.
Why We Recommend Infor CloudSuite Industrial ERP
Not every ERP (or QMS, for that matter) is equal and CloudSuite Industrial stands apart for its quality functions. CSI is exceptional at tracking and tracing data within the manufacturing process. With CSI, you can track quality tests at receipt, vendor certifications, discrepant materials and in-process testing, which are usually core requirements for medical device manufacturers. Many QMS systems offer the same capability, but with CSI this function is built in and fully integrated to inventory and jobs. This integration represents a significant advantage because it offers you full data visibility for both quality related issues and for planning for inventory affected by quality issues.
When it comes to documents, forms, dashboards, and reporting, CSI is simple, but effective. CloudSuite Industrial offers medical manufacturers embedded document management, which is critical for software validation. It has the flexibility to readily deliver dashboards and reports that align with the needs of your business. In fact, many of the dashboards, forms and reports needed to communicate quality issues internally and externally are already a native part of the CSI solution.
If you are looking for Infor CloudSuite consulting for quality management, schedule a call with Datix. As a one-stop shop with 25 years’ experience, we know how to find the best solutions to software challenges.
Wrap Up
Although there are many paths to creating a sound quality system, CloudSuite Industrial is one of the best options for medical manufacturers. In addition to supporting quality, CSI also excels at supporting supply chain management. Learn more in our free e-book.
Want to hear how LIMS and ERP compare? Read more here.
About Datix
For medical manufacturers, Datix is the software consultant of choice. We recognize that each manufacturer is unique and requires a tailored solution to meet their business goals. Our team will partner with you every step of the way to bring your organization to the next level.
