Issues are inevitable in any business. You can turn to software like Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), but it will never fully eliminate challenges. Certainly, you want an ERP system that prevents problems, but how well does your system allow you to respond to issues? Does it give you the tools you need to identify, troubleshoot, and resolve problems quickly? In this blog, we will cover how the right ERP helps you respond to common challenges experienced by manufacturers.
Supply Chain Issues (Restocking Delays from Suppliers)
Supply chain issues have been a common trend for manufacturers since the start of the pandemic. Even if you have utilized thoughtful forecasting with your ERP, what do you do if your supplier says that they cannot (or don’t know if they can) get you critical items in time? Yes, you can proactively set clear expectations with suppliers about meeting your restocking deadlines, but it seems hard to enforce those expectations when there are global shortages and delays in play.
To respond to a supply chain issue, manufacturers need to take decisive action and run a cost-benefit analysis. Using a modern ERP like CloudSuite Industrial (CSI) from Infor, you can send out automated bid requests to other suppliers in your database if one is unable to deliver. When you have your responses back, you can quickly compare them to find the best option and potentially strengthen your relationship with a more reliable supplier. In addition, you can keep suppliers accountable by keeping track of their lot failures right from your system and implementing a supplier validation process if necessary. For Infor CloudSuite consulting to navigate supply chains, talk to our team at Datix. We take a business-first approach with each of our clients by understanding their needs and objectives first, so we can recommend the best possible solution setup.
Inventory Management Challenges
Outside of the supply chain component, inventory management is still an extremely complicated aspect of manufacturing that requires a wide array of tools to resolve. Managing inventory for multiple locations is an even tougher task.
With CSI, you can manage inventory by:
- Maximizing your facility layouts
- Executing a FIFO (First In, First Out) system
- Forecasting effectively
- Taking advantage of barcode configurations
- Using ABC analysis
- Reviewing real-time inventory data to see exactly what is happening
If creating the ideal inventory management setup sounds complicated, we can make it easy. At Datix, we are a one-stop shop that has implemented thousands of software solutions, so we can help you with every aspect of your ERP, CRM, integration, hosting, or disaster recovery needs. Talk to one of our experts.
Production Lagging
One of the biggest problems that manufacturers face is production lag. Production lag can, and often is, caused by a hundred small issues and a few overarching ones. With an ERP, you can weed out each of these problems, starting with the largest ones.
With real-time data from CSI, you can see exactly where the slowdowns are occurring in your line. Let’s just say you look at your data and see that the average time it takes to inspect your product is higher than it should be. Next, you can analyze your inspection process and look at how long it takes for dropped off products to be inspected, how long the inspection takes, and if there is a high rate of issues that require work to be redone. These numbers inform you on what approach to take next. For instance, if inspectors are simply taking too long to inspect jobs, then that could be an indication that they need to be retrained or your inspection process is too cumbersome and needs to be streamlined. No matter what findings you see, you can find resolutions to your challenges. And if you need any support, look to Datix. With 25 years’ experience, we know how to resolve manufacturing challenges by maximizing ERP. Our team will support you every step of the way, from the planning to the implementation and beyond.
Wrap Up
Manufacturers have to deal with a lot of problems, but it is possible to find permanent solutions to the major obstacles holding you back. Take advantage of an ERP solution like CloudSuite Industrial that will allow you to respond to issues and prevent them from happening in the first place.
Read Why Infor CSI is the Top ERP Software
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.
