ERP or enterprise resource planning provides manufacturing businesses with a wealth of data. With the click of a mouse, your business can access instant, real-time reports on all departments and activities. The insights gained from this data can help you improve performance, decrease costs, and increase profits.
As with all things related to technology. the world of ERP changes constantly. Global trends in technology and innovation shape the ERP systems of the future. What will your system look like, and what trends today are shaping it? Take a look at these trends that are filtering into the world of ERP, manufacturing, and warehouse management. It’s fascinating to see how things are shaping up for our future world.
- The Internet of Things: IoT, or the Internet of Things, is the interconnection of data from devices that normally would remain disconnected from the internet. With IoT, companies can collect and use data directly from the devices they produce. Connect a household item such as a dishwasher to the IoT, and you can assess error messages, water consumption, and maintenance needs. Newer devices with electronic displays even flash reminders about changing filters, routine maintenance, or better usage. The latest trend is to blend ERP systems with IoT data. The two together can crunch through the enormous amounts of data generated by IoT devices. Manufacturing facilities using IoT can merge ERP data with IoT findings to compute how equipment is used, where goods are in shipment, and much more.
- Small companies, big data: Once the purview of the large companies with deep pockets, big data is now accessible by small companies, too. Small companies using cloud computing technology can harness the power of a multi-cloud solution to power their ERP systems and other important business systems. Data collected from all points of the company can now be processed, analyzed, stored, and reported with ease. No longer do companies need to purchase expensive hardware and hire technicians to maintain it just to manage big data. Today’s swift, nimble cloud-based systems can handle reams of data in a cost-effective manner.
- Wearable technology: Wearable technology is so ubiquitous that we think nothing of watches that synchronize with our smartphones and FitBits that provide data on heart rate and step counts. Wearable technology has even moved into the realm of implantable technology, with new heart pacemakers containing chips that can send data through the telephone to a doctor’s office so that they can check a patient’s vital signs without the patient stepping foot into the office. Google Glasses and 3D glasses are now turning virtual technology from a nice idea into reality. Schools are considering using virtual reality as a teaching tool, switching anatomy and physiology classes to 3D technology (much to the relief of all those frogs scheduled for dissection). Manufacturers may someday use VR glasses for training, warehouse management, and other uses. The technology holds great promise as yet another tool to improve production efficiency.
We live in an interconnected world. An idea spreads quickly, infusing technology with ever-changing and growing tools that enhance the quality of life, workplace productivity, and overall business and personal benefits. Now is a great time to add an ERP system to your business. Cloud-based systems are at the point where they are a must-have rather than a nice-to-have technology. Real-time synchronization of data, great reporting capabilities, and flexibility can all help your business grow.
ERP Software with ASI
Accounting Systems Incorporated (ASI) provides ERP, accounting, and other software and systems to help your company grow. We focus on helping small to mid-sized companies improve operational efficiencies through the power of software and technology. Software such as Sage 100 and Acumatica ERP can provide the business intelligence you need to grow your company. For more information, visit our website, or call us at 803-252-6154