Enterprise resource planning (ERP) software may not be top of mind when one hears the words “hot trend” the way video games and virtual reality might be. But, while ERP might not sound trendy, its developers certainly keep tabs on business and software trends to eventually filter into their products. 

As manufacturing itself continues to transform, manufacturing ERP systems evolve right alongside it, enabling manufacturing to embrace change in ways that business may still be catching up on. As these five developments prove, manufacturing continues to push to the forefront of trendiness.

1. More Automation

Productivity in manufacturing has steadily increased because of the growing use of machines and digital technology. Generally, the U.S. industries that have prospered in the past decade have been those where the most automation has been deployed and the level of technology is highest. ERP software plays an important role here by automating and optimizing important business processes and activities previously done by hand. 

For example, promising a customer a fast turnaround but then failing to deliver risks more than just one lost sale, it risks a lost customer. Using an advanced planning and scheduling system through your ERP is an easy way to keep both your business and your customers happy. 

2. Increased Outsourcing and Leasing

Manufacturers constantly seek ways to increase operational efficiency by concentrating resources on primary production and marketing functions. As a part of this ongoing efficiency push, many manufacturers have outsourced non-core functions and services they previously did in-house, such as parts manufacture, maintenance, payroll services, and benefits management.

The results are cost savings, increased competitiveness, more efficiency, and an enhanced capacity to focus on core business. By outsourcing or leasing, manufacturers have been better able to focus their resources on differentiators and core competencies, allowing them to strengthen their competitive advantages.

Customizable ERP cloud solutions such as Sage 300 have been part of this efficiency drive. Manufacturers find great benefit in outsourcing their IT to the cloud, along with the easy customization cloud software affords.

3. More Services

The more technology becomes integrated into machines and products, the more support is required. This support is crucial to keeping your business running at optimal efficiency. In fact, a growing number of companies—such as IBM—actually sell more services related to their products than they do the products themselves. This “service trend” is growing right along with the large-scale use of computers in manufacturing, which is, of course, no accident. 

ERP is a key place where this service trend is playing out, with manufacturers partnering with ERP vendors for more than just software. Vendors like PositiveVision help businesses analyze and improve, making the most of their ERP systems as well as helping them automate, digitize, mobilize, and modernize their facilities, reporting, and processes. 

4. Globalized Manufacturing

With improved technology and streamlined global logistics, supply chains have released manufacturing from the limitations of geography. Moving information, data, and products from one location to another has never been easier, faster, or cheaper. Emerging international logistics networks allow manufacturers to efficiently deliver or source raw materials and finished products to and from anywhere around the world.

Cloud ERP is a huge advantage for global companies because it makes syncing data so much easier. With the cloud, it does not matter how many locations you have; users can all access the same system from their web browser or mobile device. And, with ERPs such as SYSPRO and Sage 300, you can deploy your application in multiple regions around the world with just a few clicks. 

5. Increased Global Partnerships

In order to be optimally efficient on a global scale, manufacturers have increasingly looked to partner internationally. In some cases, global partners produce components for the U.S. manufacturer’s production process, and in others cases, an international partner may make the product while the U.S. partner manages distribution, design, and other important functions. Some global partners might even offer distribution. The possible business relationships enabled globally by technology and logistics are endless.

ERPs enable this trend by integrating key business processes into one system for better management and more efficient operations, no matter where you do business, or with whom. A U.S. manufacturer with global reach and relationships simply can’t work without a good ERP system to manage and coordinate operations efficiently at multiple global locations to manage varying requirements and local needs for compliance and other strategic concerns.

PositiveVision, a Leader in Manufacturing ERP Systems

If you’re ready to see how adding an ERP to your manufacturing business can positively impact your organization, then you’re ready for PositiveVision. For more than 15 years, PositiveVision has provided small and mid-sized manufacturing and distribution companies implement solutions such as SYSPRO and Sage 300 for their businesses. Let PositiveVision find the best technology for your business today.