Enterprise Resource Planning, popularly known as ERP is the streamlining and integration of processes and key functions of any business. This can include finances, personnel management, supply chain management, procurement and even customer relationship management.

Getting an ERP software implementation for a business, especially those involved in the manufacturing sector, is vital in today’s competitive and modern markets. Automation can deliver competitive advantages such as operational efficiency and profitability. This is why there is a surge in the demand for ERP software for manufacturing companies on a global scale. Selecting such a provider can be a daunting task, especially since the factors involved can change over time. Some critical factors that should be involved in the decision-making process are explained in brief below.

1. Defining Your Requirements: Before beginning to make a short list of software solutions, you should always define the ERP requirements of the business first. One way to do this is to identify specific processes or functions that need to be digitalised, integrated and improved. Important preferences such as server requirements, remote access needs and software integration specifications should be sorted out first.
2. Infrastructure: The type of ERP architecture you choose would depend on your company’s budget and the nature of your business. Some features that should be considered include:

• Features like Single Sign-on user authentication or HTTPS encryption for cyber security.
• A third-party service like Amazon Web services to host the ERP platform.
• Hosting the ERP on a cloud to provide full time access to system resources.

3. Reliable Provider: Always select an ERP software provider who has a proven track record in your market and a solid reputation for building robust and scalable solutions. They need to provide specialised services for various business and industrial applications involved, streamlining and integrating functions related to finance, payroll, payment systems, HR, CRM and other critical functions.
4. Artificial Intelligence: Modern ERP solutions use AI (Artificial Intelligence) to enhance the autonomous recognition of trends and perform core activities every day. In the manufacturing sector, machine learning can be used to predict demand levels, helping the management team to plan the procurement of raw materials as required and schedule production runs.
5. Integration: Integration plays a key role in the modern business world when it comes to the agility, growth and efficiency of a modern business. So, the software solution chosen should enhance the backend management of the business, working towards the seamless integration of the required digital resources used by employees. It also enhances the sharing of the required resources with critical business elements such as suppliers, customers, stakeholders and manufacturers.

Before implanting a particular ERP solution, it is always necessary to consider the challenges facing your business. The above-mentioned factors can help you pick an effective product from a reputed brand, with Artificial Intelligence capabilities to perform complex tasks efficiently. If implemented the right way, ERP software solutions can turn the fortunes around for any business or organisation.