Fight Data Overload with ERP 

Enterprise data used to originate from only a few sources, but now we have data spilling out from every direction—software, social media, machines, you name it. On one hand, this information has the power to unlock deeper insights about enterprise performance and customer experiences. On the other hand, there’s often too much data for users to know what to do with.  

This creates data paralysis. Overwhelmed with masses of data, 35 percent of workers are stressed everyday from information overload, and 60 percent claim that all this data can complicate decision making. 

If this sounds like your workplace, then you’re dealing with big data. Named for its high volume, velocity and variety, big data can drive smarter decision-making and greater productivity—when managed effectively. The best way to combat data overload and transform this information into value-added insights is to implement enterprise resource planning (ERP) software. Below, we explain how ERP enables manufacturers and distributors to leverage big data to elevate their performance.  

Performance Metrics 

Are you operating at peak capacity? Are you improving from quarter to quarter? Are you maximizing the value of your assets? From historical data to real-time notifications, ERP delivers the insights businesses need to drill into their performance. That means you can answer every question about your supply chain. With data disorganized across multiple platforms, organizations often struggle to quantify their performance and maintain clarity across production lines. Here’s just a few ways that ERP reverses this trend by capitalizing on big data: 

• The Internet of Things (IoT) contributes new insights into products and machines using embedded sensors, but without ERP, this data becomes disorganized and difficult to interpret. Your ERP instance includes data analytics to capture, analyze and display IoT data in user-friendly formats. 

• ERP systems display data in dashboards to fuel instant insights. Epicor, a leading ERP vendor, includes role-based dashboards that each user can personalize to show relevant data in their preferred charts and graphs. With just a few simple clicks, users can drill into this information to quickly discover the root of problems.

• Epicor’s Enterprise Manufacturing Intelligence (EMI) module collects data directly from equipment and operators in real time, enabling users to eliminate time-consuming manual entries and respond instantly to issues. 

With instant access at your fingertips, ERP ensures your big data produces actionable insights to elevate your enterprise performance.

Quality Assurance 

Complete visibility across the supply chain is essential for maintaining product quality and compliance. With big data, you can enforce quality by creating a closed-loop process. Epicor ERP will collect big data directly from equipment to assess problems and eliminate downtime. Its quality assurance module is designed to track and trace parts and products at every stage of the supply chain to mitigate risk. When you have access to information such as product lifecycles and cost of quality reports, you can implement strategies to improve product design, streamline workflows or reduce costs. Big data helps manufacturers maintain the high quality that consumers expect.  

Predictive Analytics 

The most effective enterprises have their eyes on the future, and that’s only possible through predictive analytics. With the analytics capabilities of your ERP system, you have the power to transform historical data into accurate predictions and forecasts.  

Predictive analytics can save enterprises millions. Predictive maintenance can prolong the life of equipment and detect issues before they create substantial downtime. Precise forecasts can help manufacturers order materials and schedule production based on customer demand. With better demand planning, businesses can increase customer satisfaction while preventing waste. Predictive analytics allows users to proactively cut costs and mitigate risk. 

Customer Experience 

Big data doesn’t just include information on your internal operations. With an array of data on your customers, manufacturers and distributors can deliver the personalized experiences that today’s consumers crave. However, ERP alone won’t fully unlock customer insights.  

By integrating ERP and CRM, users gain a complete picture of consumers. Sales reps gain critical back-end information such as inventory, order history and delivery status to provide buyers with accurate information. Back-end users can also leverage CRM data for expedited order fulfillment and precise demand planning. Software integration prevents big data from becoming siloed, enabling businesses to truly center their operations around the customer.  

Wrap Up 

As much as industry leaders tout the advantages of big data, it’s common for all this information to become more of a burden than an asset. Providing ERP solutions for over 45 years, Epicor knows how to maximize the value of your data, no matter how much you generate. Its comprehensive modules, agile reporting and intuitive dashboards give users the information they need, when they need it. 

A certified Epicor partner, Datix ensures each client utilizes Epicor to the fullest to gain relevant insights. Our variety of ERP services are designed to align your software with your unique processes, so you have the right data to elevate enterprise performance. Plus, with our Unity integration solution, our consultants can seamlessly connect Epicor with a variety of front-end systems to fuel even greater visibility and efficiency. 

Drive big improvements with big data. Contact Datix today to transform your business with software! 

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