In an industry currently undergoing a revolution, it’s quite easy to become distracted by all the noise. Between researching whether you should invest in Cyber-Physical-Systems and getting to grips with Servitization, you’ve still got a manufacturing company to run! Which is why we think it is important to not to overlook the everyday challenges faced by manufacturers on a daily basis. ERP is not perfect, it can’t do everything (yet), but it can play an important role in solving your day to day gripes.

So for all those businesses that are still unclear on the benefits ERP can deliver we’ve addressed a few stumbling blocks,

Challenge 1: I have a number of disparate systems which don’t communicate data.

Industry problem:

This is a common issue within manufacturing; when a company is set up systems are created or installed to ensure the business runs smoothly, but as the business naturally evolves and expands its services, new systems are needed. The result? Before long a business can have any number of systems all working individually and not communicating data between each other, which can mean business critical information is not captured and reported, and in the worst cases, this can stunt growth.

Our solution

DataSwitch is a powerful data manipulation and systems integration tool, which is capable of processing data from EDI files or database transactions. DataSwitch works with SYSPRO, and offers a user friendly interface for a business to automate tricky repetitive data import and export tasks. For example, DataSwitch can generate multiple transactions from a single input, bringing together your disparate systems to provide you with one version of the truth.

Challenge 2: My business operates over multiple sites, and so business information is often inaccurate.

Industry problem:

Today, the manufacturing industry doesn’t sleep; so it’s important your business critical systems don’t either. In order to remain competitive manufacturers need access to real time data, on the move. Manufacturers operating in a highly competitive industry no longer have the time to afford to manually generating lengthy reports.

Our solution:

K3 Reports provides powerful Crystal Reporting capabilities. Working alongside SYSPRO it allows manufacturers real-time access to critical business information, from anywhere, using variables such as stock codes, previous orders, customer order history. K3 Reports affords your business clarity of important business information, which your company can use to drive its future growth plans.

Challenge 3: I don’t have time to dedicate to ERP, my primary focus is ensuring my current operations remain profitable.

Industry problem:

This is a common challenge we hear at NexSys, often manufacturers mistake ERP as a project that will take their vision away from how to remain competitive in the here and now. However, manufacturers also need the foresight to acknowledge what lies ahead, and how best to react to any changes and remain competitive.

Our solution

While many manufacturers believe that they don’t have the time to invest, instead focusing on day to day operations, Advancement Warehouse Management from NexSys can help you keep control of the day-to-day from one single, central system. Our solution allows you real time control over raw materials, usage and the associated costs, eliminating the need for annual stock checks, allowing your business to streamline its warehouse environment, while recommending ways in which your business can further improve its day-to-day operations.

Challenge 4: But surely ERP only looks at materials and financials, I would still need a separate system to manage my HR and payroll functions?

Industry problem:

For many manufacturers, managing their resources is rarely confined to materials and machinery, often some of the biggest factors manufacturers would like to get greater insight on include time and human resources.

Our solution:

Integrating Equator HR into your SYSPRO solution, manufacturers are able to gain business critical information across their entire workforce, from monitoring payroll information and reviewing employee holiday requests to recruitment, and health and safety monitoring, all available at the touch of a button. What’s more, it’s developed by us, so we can work with you to drive any changes to the product roadmap.

And to further drive your productivity, Equator puts your employees in control of updating their own records, meaning that you can focus on other important tasks.

Challenge 5: I understand the value of ERP, however, I don’t have the man power internally to support such a project.

Industry problem:

We understand that for many manufacturers the thought of life after go-live often presents a series of challenges; who will ensure the project retains momentum? Who will install and monitor future updates? In order to support manufacturers with their ERP project we have created the K3 Advice Centre, which contains a number of resources all geared towards helping manufacturers gain maximum ROI from their ERP investment. What’s more we also provide on-going support which is tailored to your specific business needs, providing in-depth technical knowledge when you need it.

Our solution:

With ERP from NexSys, you do not only access an ERP solution which truly understands the issues facing today’s manufacturers, you also access a service team that has real experience of the industry. SYSPRO is an application that was initially designed with the needs of manufacturing businesses in mind, and NexSys has always worked closely alongside this industry to solve the challenges that it faces. So whether it’s data analysis, systems integration or just the power to unlock data in your business and use it to make meaningful decisions, the chances are, we have already helped a similar business solve these issues – so just ask us!