Your manufacturing processes are slowing you down. How can you speed them up?

Un ERP es una aplicación integral y centralizada, que ayuda a las organizaciones a gestionar y automatizar una variedad de procesos comerciales. Las funciones clave que un software ERP debe abordar son: Gestión de Recursos Humanos Gestión Financiera Gestión de Inventarios y Cadena de Suministro Producción y Operaciones Gestión de Clientes y Relaciones con los Clientes (CRM) Informes y Análisis La integración de todas estas funciones en un único sistema permite mejorar la colaboración interna, reducir la redundancia de datos, agilizar los procesos y facilitar la toma de decisiones estratégicas. Suelen estar personalizados para adaptarse a las necesidades específicas de la organización, mejorando la eficiencia y la productividad a largo plazo

Improving manufacturing processes to increase efficiency and speed requires a systematic approach and a commitment to continuous improvement. By adopting a holistic approach that combines technology, process optimization, employee empowerment, and a commitment to continuous improvement, you can significantly improve the speed and efficiency of your manufacturing processes. Regularly reassess and adapt your strategies to stay competitive and responsive to market demands.

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software is a comprehensive business management solution that integrates various processes and functions across an organization. It facilitates seamless communication and data flow between different departments, such as finance, human resources, supply chain, and more. ERP systems typically include modules for accounting, inventory management, customer relationship management (CRM), and other core business functions. By providing a centralized platform, ERP software enhances efficiency, data accuracy, and collaboration, ultimately helping organizations make informed decisions and optimize their overall operations.

An ERP with in-memory column-oriented database capabilities enables extremely fast transaction processing and real-time advanced analytics completing within seconds or split-seconds. Accurate and timely predictions ease operational decision-making for prompt actions. Just-in-time manufacturing process can be implemented by interfacing the ERP with the preferred suppliers' systems for timely information to procure the needed quantity of materials on time. Manufacturing can be pull-based on actual demand meaning no overstocking of goods and no waste of resources. IoT devices can notify when manufacturing equipment needs maintenance to avoid bottlenecks caused by machine breakdown. Quality inspection is done during and not after manufacturing.

The choice of right ERP is dependent on the problem analysis of the process and willingness to adopt change for improvement. The gap analysis and velocity mapping are the best method for it to identify the issue. Then the selection of ERP should be based on the process agility and the training need for the resource included in training. Ideal system should be that which limits the resource induction and process change, as well as the training and improving upon can be made home grown rather than the consultant provision. The cost calculator should be able to ascertain the ROI based upon the improvement possible and it's impact to the bottom line.

Technically speaking ERP functionalities can be divided in two parts; core and advanced features, where core include all necessary functions to manage day to day business operations, the good thing is almost all renowned ERPs offer more or less same services, so the decision lies on cost part only. However there is remarkable difference among ERPs if we talk about advance features like ‘business planning and consolidation’, ‘Analytics like profitability analysis’, ‘Advance Planners in production setup’, ‘Materials requirements planning’ etc.. if company tends to use advance features e.g large enterprises compare these advance functionalities before opting ERP solution.

Selecting the right ERP software for your manufacturing company involves evaluating key factors. Identify specific business needs, such as inventory control and production planning. Ensure scalability to accommodate future growth. Assess user-friendliness for smoother adoption. Consider integration capabilities with existing systems. Look for industry-specific features and compliance with regulations. Evaluate vendor support, updates, and customization options. Obtain references and conduct thorough demos to validate the software's suitability. Ultimately, choosing an ERP system aligned with your manufacturing requirements and long-term goals is essential for maximizing operational efficiency and success.

It’s important to first streamline the process and remove bottlenecks before implementing any sort of ERP. Tools like Six Sigma, TOP, Lean and TOC help. In case we jump to implementation without optimising the process then we would be automating / digitising chaos which would be counterproductive and lead to frustration among the workforce.

Mere ERP implementation ( however best they may be) will not yield manufacturing productivity better. It will throw data where are bottlenecks and through operational excellence we should decimate those bottlenecks. We can use six sigma like tools . Tracking the right metrics based on bottlenecks are important to improve performance. Board display with those KPI will automatically help us to improve the productivity. Also establish RCA process for the deviations along with CAPA will help us sustainable results.

ERP implementation necessitates meticulous planning, transparent communication, and active engagement with key stakeholders. A comprehensive business process analysis lays the foundation, ensuring alignment of the software with organizational needs. User training is paramount for widespread adoption and optimal system utilization. Continuous improvement is driven through regular performance metric monitoring and evaluation. A dedicated support system and open communication channels facilitate prompt resolution of challenges. Periodic reviews and updates to the ERP strategy guarantee long-term efficiency, adapting to evolving business objectives and technological advancements.

Na implementa??o é crucial escolher os melhores funcionários dos setores envolvidos, que se tornar?o Key-users, o que fará um desenvolvimento do Business Blueprint mais consistente e coerente. toda documenta??o deve ser preenchida de forma clara e objetiva. N?o se deve descrever como "seria" o ideal método de trabalho, mas, sim, como se trabalha. Desta forma, após a implementa??o, será possível reanalisar e definir melhorias do processo.

This is an area that is very often neglected. Initial ERP system implementation is often a huge effort for a business, and once the system is in place, there is often a temptation to get back to dealing with other priorities and stay away from further system or process changes. This is a mistake, adopting a continuous improvement mindset to making enhancements to the system and business processes can yield big benefits.

The key is adaptability. Regularly revisiting business objectives ensures the ERP system aligns with evolving company goals. Innovation in product and service offerings, spurred by the ERP's insights, keeps the business at the forefront. Integrating cutting-edge technologies like AI or cloud computing transforms the ERP from a mere tool to a strategic enabler, opening new horizons of efficiency and capability. Crucially, involving staff, customers, and partners in the ERP's evolution fosters a sense of ownership and collaboration, making it a shared journey towards excellence. Sharing success stories and best practices isn't just about celebrating achievements; it's a learning tool, a beacon for others navigating similar paths.

Understand your product's demand and perform capacity utilisation wisely, understand time taken to produce the product, bottleneck resources in your manufacturing line and if it is worth to expand the line, go for the expansion, if you see subcontracting is an option then evaluate it. Thanks

Introducing robotics/Automation & IoT devices will help in real-time monitoring & predictive analysis. Supply chain optimization will help in adopting Just-In-Time method to reduce excess inventory.