Manufacturers rely on innovative technology to successfully run and manage their manufacturing operations. Without an adequate ERP solution, many manufacturers run the risk of losing efficiency, incurring costs, and wasting valuable time in the manufacturing and distribution process. While manufacturers face many difficult strategic decisions on daily basis, one of the most challenging (and far reaching) is having to decide when to keep or replace an aging ERP solution.
Recent research has shown significant value in manufacturers relying on updated and modern ERP solutions. When ERP software becomes outdated, the value of the solution drops significantly and – if manufacturers aren’t careful – can wreak havoc on their efficiency and productivity levels. If you find that your ERP solution has become outdated, you have three options: modify, expand, or replace.
While modifying your existing solution or expanding its capabilities certainly has potential, we believe that in order to gain true efficiency you need to replace your system completely. We know this is not a decision to make lightly. ERP software, after all, is a fairly substantial investment and the benefits and challenges of moving to a new system need to be carefully weighed. ERP implementations involve a lot of work, time, and training. If your company is not willing to put in the adequate effort, you’re probably better off modifying or expanding your current solution.
Deciding whether or not to replace your manufacturing ERP software can be a difficult decision. In fact, according to a recent survey performed by MPI, 60% of the manufacturers queried said their current ERP system was lacking in the functionality they need to stay competitive. However, only 12% of those surveyed were planning on replacing their ERP system within the next 12 months. So the question begs to be asked: why are so many manufacturers settling with outdated and ineffective systems?
The answer? Many are unaware of how to make the proper decision when it comes to ERP replacement.
If your company is struggling to decide whether or not it’s time to replace your manufacturing ERP software, we’d like to help. We’ve created a quick list to help you determine if a new ERP solution is the right option for you. If you identify with any of the following statements, it’s time to upgrade to new manufacturing ERP software.
- Your company’s growth can be contributed mainly to acquisition and the integration of disparate systems will interfere with ongoing operations.
- Your company has created new strategies that are no longer supported by your legacy ERP system.
- You cannot adequately meet your customers’ needs or demands with your current solution.
- You’ve realized your ERP software never had the correct scope or vertical focus to begin with, and no amount of modifications or “fixes” can correct the solution.
- Your company has grown significantly (think multiple locations, regions, currencies, languages or global supply chains).
Do you identity with any of the above statements? If so, we can help you move to an innovative, modern-day manufacturing ERP software solution to relieve all of your technology concerns. Infor VISUAL is a manufacturing ERP software created especially for order-driven manufacturers. It has built-in lean concepts, allowing you to quickly plan production without any mistakes, easily eliminate wasteful practices to improve job pricing and delivery scheduling, and manufacture at a level of speed and efficiency that makes the best use of your resources.
Contact us today to learn if moving to a modern-day manufacturing ERP solution is the best decision for you. In the meantime, download our whitepaper, “Keeping Pace with the Manufacturing Evolution” to discover the key technology trends your manufacturing company should have an eye on in the upcoming years.