ERP Manufacturing

Process Manufacturers Had Best Be Prepared!

For all of you folks out there that need a refresher, process manufacturing is a type of manufacturing that deals with recipes and formulas.  Discrete manufacturing is entirely different type of manufacturing.  And, one Enterprise Resource Planning or ERP software solution will not work for both types of manufacturers because the functionality needed by each is not the same.  Typical process ERP software solutions are used by manufacturers in the food and beverage industry, pharmaceutical industry, chemical industry, oil industry, paper industry, textiles industry, ink industry, and the link.

A process manufacturer needs a process ERP software solution to produce batches of product with quality, tracking or tracing abilities, and recipe control.  Process manufacturers create product batches that are subject to recall.  In the event of a recall, the process manufacturer needs to be able to track or trace the lot for return processing.  A process ERP software solution will enable a process manufacturer to stay in compliance with controlling government agencies.  For example, if a process manufacturer creates a food product that is found to have Salmonella, the government will intercede and the process manufacturer had best be within regulation and prepared for such an event.  Expired lots need to be handled properly and expiration dates controlled.

Process manufacturers have complicated systems and require functionally robust process ERP software solutions.  However, finding a functionally robust process ERP software solution isn’t always easy for several reasons.  One reason is that the process manufacturing industry is itsy bitsy in size when compared to the discrete manufacturing industry.  Enterprise Resource Planning vendors can make more money by creating a solution for the discrete manufacturing industry because there is more profit to be had.  Why spend time creating a solution for two businesses when you can create a solution for two hundred businesses?  And, because the functionality needed by process manufacturers is so specific to the type of process manufacturer (food versus paper), it takes time and resources to build a successful process ERP software solution.

If you’re a process manufacturer looking for a process ERP software solution, you had best be prepared to commit a substantial amount of time and energy to this task.  Several process manufacturers with Enterprise Resource Planning solutions end up customizing their solution to suit their needs.  Unfortunately, sometimes customizations are the only answer.

Written by :

kristine H