ERP Systems

Discussing Manufacturing ERP Systems

The subject is manufacturing ERP systems, and there are quite a few of them. ERP stands for Enterprise Resource Planning. It started off about 40 years ago as Manufacturing Resource Planning (MRP). The marketplace is full of ERP software vendors specializing in different industries. Manufacturing is one in which there are many service providers for both discreet and process manufacturing. These systems can provide all of the applications modules a company needs to be an effective manufacturer, especially small and midsized firms. So, who are these
software vendors and what are they offering?

1. Abas ERP: This company offers flexible solutions for small and midsized businesses that can be upgraded as needed. They specialize in the Engineer-to-Order, Make-To- Order and Assemble-to-Order environments.

2. BatchMaster ERP: This company is headquartered in Southern California, but supplies ERP systems globally. It provides systems for the process manufacturing industry, exclusively. It is known for (recipe-based) manufacturing, and recognized for developing the original formula / recipe management system.

3. CDC Ross ERP: Another process manufacturing vendor, it offers software and business tools. It has document over 100 documented “critical needs” in process manufacturing.

4. Compiere: Part of the Consona ERP solution company, Compiere is an open source alternative. It’s known for its broad, dynamic set of integrated business functionality; it has a platform that is quite extensive, ready to go, and is scalable and adaptable, as needed. This vendor offers one of the top manufacturing ERP systems.

5. Microsoft Dynamics AX: This big software company offers solutions for midsized and larger companies. Its software is for both discreet and process manufacturing modes and it can support build-to-order, engineer-to-order, and build-to-forecast supply chain models.

6. Visual Ledger: This vendor provides a flexible, customizable solution for businesses as they grow. Its software allows for online, real time information and data, and provides applications modules for everything from accounting to manufacturing.

7. Sage ERP X3 Process Suite: This is an enterprise -wide software application that is targeted towards midsized process manufacturers. Its software not only manages the manufacturing process, but also has application modules for customer relationship management, distribution, warehouse management and distribution, quality control and regulatory compliance.

8. Encompix ERP: Also part of Consona ERP, Encompix provides solution for project-based companies. It has raised the bar that was manufacturing resource planning (MRP) and has added significant enhancements to address the problems of project-based and job-based manufacturers.

Written by :

Don Cooper