ERP Manufacturing

Process Manufacturing ERP

Stories abound in the business world of companies that are operating two to four separate software systems.  These companies have a specific solution for manufacturing, distribution, financing, human resources, and even customer management.  The result: no communication; no clarity of purpose; and no real-time, uniform set of data accessible to be used by all departments in the company.

From the outside looking in, it is clear these businesses need Process Manufacturing ERP (enterprise resource planning) to resolve their problems. Process Manufacturing ERP Software is intended for use by the part of the manufacturing industry that mingles and blends formulas in order to produce their product; a product which is usually made in batches. The food, drug, and paint industries are but a few of the industries that require special ERP. These manufacturers need to manage the product development process from sample requests, to material property-based formulation, to version control –all the way through to production management.

The true goal of Process Manufacturing ERP Software is to manage data that creates the recipes or formulas so that batches of the product being made can stream through the factory without interruptions; all while maintaining quality and ingredient consistency. Many experts believe the key to running this type of plant is strong inventory management.

Inventory Management has to do with a series of procedures that plan, facilitate, and execute effective and efficient raw material and ingredient sourcing and production operations.  This means being able to buy and produce the exact amount of product needed to support customer demand without incurring excess inventory; no matter if the business manages its production operations as  ‘make to stock’ or ‘make to order’ methodology. As a type of manufacturing, process manufacturing represents a small market, particularly when compared to the discrete manufacturing market.  Perhaps this explains why there are only a small number of software solutions for process manufacturers, whereas discrete manufacturing and retail have hundreds of software solutions to choose from, all the way from entry level enterprises through Tier One.

Nevertheless, this does not mean good Process Manufacturing ERP cannot be found. Enterprise 21, for example, stands out as a powerful software solution for the process manufacturer. And, a major component of Enterprise 21 software, like that of many other examples of process manufacturing ERP, is inventory management. Enterprise 21 software includes fully-integrated RF/barcode-enabled warehouse management that provides software functionality so companies can maintain strong inventory control. 

Written by :

tracey boxer