Part 5: 3 Questions Manufacturers need to ask before selecting a new ERP system
Posted on: March 31, 2020 | By: Guy Logan | Microsoft Dynamics Business Central
3 Questions from a Microsoft Dynamics Business Central Partner
Welcome to blog #5 in this series, “Questions manufacturers need to ask before selecting a new ERP System”. This week we are focusing on these 3 questions which will help manufacturers choose the most valuable ERP system. Do you need current data imported? How important is shop floor data collection? And how will key reports be generated? We are a Microsoft Dynamics Business Central partner, which is a complete cloud-based ERP and CRM solution that removes silos of data and allows companies to collaborate and drive efficiency.
Do you need current data imported?
Data Conversion is a mundane task, but it can have a huge impact on the success of your implementation. The key is to find a balance between migrating enough data to make the system useful. Importing a lot of information can cause you to burn through a huge chunk of your budget on data conversion. Certain data elements such as bills of material and routings can be tricky to convert and need extra attention.
How important is shop floor data collection?
Do you need to track labor at the detailed line or even the machine level? Some manufacturers have a product where labor is a major component of the cost and therefore shop floor data collection is paramount. Others have less labor cost and the effort to do detailed tracking isn’t worth the information they would get in return.
How will key reports be generated?
Every ERP system allows you to enter information, some easier than others. However, the big bang for the buck is in producing reports and gathering information. ERP systems are typically good at basic financial reports, but you need to ensure manufacturing centric information like lead times, scheduling and reorder points are available. Define the outputs you need from the system as part of requirements gathering.
These are three questions Logan Consulting believes manufacturers need to ask before selecting an ERP system. If you want to learn more about selecting an ERP system for a manufacturing company download our whitepaper “24 Questions Manufacturers Need to Ask Before Selecting a New ERP System” or feel free to contact Logan Consulting, a Microsoft Business Central partner.
