Cloud ERP is often ignored for job shop scheduling because job shop manufacturers perceive cloud ERP as “too much” for their company. Instead of upgrading to an enterprise resource planning system, these companies use spreadsheets and office productivity software to manage their accounting, finance, and inventory.
How would you feel if we told you there are better ways to manage your finances, inventory, and gain real-time information about your warehouse? Imagine being able to run reports with real-time data at the click of a button instead of having to enter formulas (and struggle to get the data visualization “just right” with spreadsheet software).
Some job shop manufacturing businesses believe their unique, small-scale, niche manufacturing jobs don’t lend themselves to ERP management. But we’re here to tell you that newer ERP systems are scalable, flexible, and offer the features job shop manufacturing companies need.
Cloud ERP and Materials Requirement Planning
Estimating the materials needed for a job helps companies plan their materials requirements. A job shop is often more concerned about accurate MRP than a large manufacturing plant. As job shops often operate on tighter margins, timelines, and specifications, they need to make sure they have the right raw materials on hand.
A cloud ERP system that includes MRP modules, or integrates MRP into the basic ERP system, enables smaller companies to estimate jobs as effectively as larger, complex ones. Small businesses like job shops can access these cloud-based systems on internet servers, allowing them to access vast computing power.
Unlike traditional software, cloud-based software does not require expensive hardware for installation. Maintenance is also handled by the software company, removing another burden from manufacturing. As a result, small businesses now have equal access to specialized software for MRP, job costing, inventory management, and financial management.
Cloud ERP for Job Shop Manufacturing: Three Benefits
Job shop manufacturing companies can benefit significantly from cloud ERP. Examples include:
1. Improved job shop scheduling: ERP systems that integrate with numerous applications can schedule jobs according to inventory factors, customer needs, and supply chain availability. Through cloud ERP, all information can be integrated, providing one central location to monitor all aspects of the manufacturing process. The result, in turn, is improved productivity and better meeting of deadlines.
2. Efficiently coordinate product: There is no room for downtime in a job shop manufacturing facility. Each order must be scheduled efficiently, and routine maintenance tasks must be planned around production schedules. With Cloud ERP, scheduling is coordinated seamlessly and wastes as little time between jobs as possible.
3. Reduce errors: Errors are costly, especially for job shops that work in small batches. Cloud ERP can reduce errors and save you from expensive mistakes by automating as much scheduling, inventory, and manufacturing processes as possible. Additionally, fewer errors lead to faster turnaround times, quicker shipping times, and better customer satisfaction.
As you can see, switching to cloud ERP for a job shop manufacturing business has many benefits. Far from being “too much,” today’s cloud ERP solutions are ideal for job shop manufacturing businesses.
Together, we can customize the ERP solution to help you meet your needs and reach your goals. Contact us today.