Top 10 ERP Systems to Explore for Manufacturing in 2024

In response to supply chain disruptions and prevailing industry challenges, manufacturers are increasingly opting to replace obsolete technology. If you're contemplating a similar move, this compilation of the leading manufacturing ERP systems is tailored for you.

The 2024 Top 10 Manufacturing ERP Systems Report aims to provide manufacturers from various sectors with insights into the available functionalities in the current market.

(Note: The vendors highlighted in this report were selected by our ERP experts based on the frequency with which vendors are requested for RFPs and demos by manufacturing clients.

Leading ERP Systems for Manufacturing

1. Acumatica

The Acumatica Manufacturing Edition comprises a set of interconnected business applications offering comprehensive manufacturing capabilities across production, estimating, engineering, material planning, scheduling, product configuration, and manufacturing data collection.

2. SAP S/4HANA

SAP S/4HANA caters to businesses of varying sizes and supports on-premise, cloud, and hybrid deployment options. Tailored to meet industry-specific needs, it incorporates AI and machine learning capabilities. The platform offers operational management functionality, enabling organizations to conduct system-optimized monitoring of all shop floor operations.

3. Oracle NetSuite

NetSuite ERP streamlines and consolidates operations across various departments, encompassing responsibilities such as financial management, distribution, CRM, and supply chain management. This cloud-based software is customizable and includes automated software maintenance features.

4. Oracle

Oracle Supply Chain Management (SCM) & Manufacturing constitutes a comprehensive suite of cloud-based supply chain and manufacturing applications, providing a unified solution for sales, service, and supply chain management.

5. Sage Business Cloud X3

Sage X3 offers both on-premise and cloud deployment alternatives, catering to businesses of all sizes and across various industries. It allows users to tailor it according to their specific business needs and enables the utilization of APIs for integrating external services.

6. Syspro

SYSPRO ERP is a scalable solution that can be implemented in the cloud, on-premise, or a combination of both, and can be accessed via the web on any device.

7. Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations is an ERP system based in the cloud, tailored for large or diversified companies. Manufacturing firms can execute supply planning and production planning multiple times a day through the system's in-memory services.

8. Infor CloudSuite

The Infor CloudSuite solution is apt for both enterprise and SMB manufacturing companies, offering a comprehensive planning system tailored to specific manufacturing industries. This solution facilitates connectivity between suppliers, manufacturers, brokers, 3PLs, and banks within the supply chain.

9. Epicor Kinetic

Epicor Kinetic serves as a manufacturing tool that integrates diverse workflows and departments within a business. With a cloud-based deployment option, it encompasses a comprehensive set of supply chain management capabilities.

10. IFS Cloud

IFS Cloud offers a comprehensive solution that combines Enterprise Resource Planning functionalities with Service Management and Enterprise Asset Management. This solution is crafted to cater to the needs of both large and mid-sized organizations.

Meanwhile, we would like to impart some best practices for choosing the most suitable ERP for manufacturing companies. We'll provide expert insights to equip you for a successful ERP selection and implementation in the manufacturing industry.

The Initial Phase in Selecting Manufacturing ERP

Before embarking on ERP selection, obtaining executive approval and defining clear business objectives are essential. An ERP business case serves a dual purpose in addressing these needs.

During the creation of a business case, reflect on the factors prompting the search for new manufacturing ERP software. Is it a requirement for advanced analytics in production scheduling or a realization that improvements are needed in order management or customer experience?

Regardless of the motivations, it is crucial to outline them and quantify the expected benefits of the ERP business case. A robust business case that delineates tangible advantages and correlates them with bottom-line revenue significantly persuades executives to invest in ERP.

The advantages of modern manufacturing ERP software are diverse. For instance, if you manage numerous SKUs as a manufacturer, tracking inventory can be a daunting task. This challenge intensifies when dealing with a large product with many components or small widgets with a myriad of SKUs.

In such cases, you can advocate for implementing a contemporary manufacturing ERP system by showcasing how the system integrates various departments, simplifying inventory management and control. Most modern ERP solutions incorporate CRM functionality that seamlessly integrates with the shop floor, enabling more precise reporting.

Another pertinent example for today's manufacturers is meeting customer expectations for a flexible purchasing process. In your business case, emphasize ERP's capability to facilitate user-friendly purchasing aligned with the expectations of B2B consumers.

Once your business goals are clear, you can assess the top ERP systems for manufacturing based on their alignment with your objectives and digital strategy. This approach aids in identifying not only the best ERP for manufacturing but also the most suitable ERP for your specific needs.

Key Factors Contributing to Successful ERP Implementation

Our clients in the manufacturing sector have traditionally operated in industries like industrial manufacturing, chemicals, food and beverage, and consumer products, among others. Drawing from this extensive experience, we have observed that companies, regardless of their specific sub-vertical, often encounter similar challenges and opportunities.

In consideration of this, here are some recommended ERP implementation practices for manufacturers, aimed at overcoming industry challenges and capitalizing on growth opportunities.

1. Emphasize Integration

ERP platforms, particularly those with IoT capabilities, can accumulate and analyze vast amounts of data from various sources. However, this data becomes beneficial for your organization only when you have processes that facilitate data integration. It's crucial to define these integrated business processes before selecting and implementing ERP. In the early stages, concentrate on designing processes that transform data into actionable information by integrating it across functional areas. For instance, ensure that your demand forecasting and advanced planning processes are integrated with inventory and sales processes.

2. Prioritize Usability

Considering usability is vital when assessing manufacturing software systems, especially with the entry of younger individuals into the workforce. These new employees have different expectations for user experience and are less enthusiastic about older technologies commonly used in manufacturing. Evaluating the user interface of each system you're considering will help you identify a manufacturing ERP system that ensures high employee retention.

3. Ready Your Workforce

User adoption is critical for realizing the anticipated benefits of ERP implementation. However, most individuals naturally resist change, leading to low user adoption in many organizations. Those achieving high user adoption focus on organizational change management. Developing a change management plan assists in handling resistance to change and provides your workforce with the knowledge needed to embrace new manufacturing processes and technology.

Success in ERP Implementation Goes Beyond Choosing the Best Manufacturing ERP

The path to ERP success doesn't solely rely on having a list of the top manufacturing ERP systems, but it is a crucial aspect of the process.

For a deeper understanding of manufacturing ERP functionality, you can access our 2024 Top 10 Manufacturing ERP Systems Report. Additionally, if you want to discover how to find the best ERP tailored to your company's specific requirements, request a free consultation below. This will provide you with the chance to engage with our ERP consultants and delve into discussions about your distinct business needs.

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