Every manufacturer’s goal is continued growth and sustained profitability. To achieve this, those primarily in the robotics and automation industries strive to cultivate client loyalty, develop high-quality products, and endure disruption in volatile global markets.

Therefore, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software is an invaluable asset in modern manufacturing. This software enables manufacturers to meet their complex needs by providing the tools they need to streamline operations, extract valuable information from data, and uphold fruitful business relations with partners and clients.

Competitive Benefits of ERP Software

Robotic component manufacturers of all sizes are increasingly contemplating what they should modernize first now that digital transformation is a reality, and ERP is frequently considered a high-priority choice for tech adoption.

An ERP solution offers a complete set of supply chain management tools that go far beyond supplier relationship management tools. These tools include:

  • Purchase Management
  • Inventory Management
  • Manifesting and Freight Management
  • Supplier Connect
  • Warehouse Management
  • Advanced Material Management

An ERP system enables you to manufacture more effectively than your industry rivals, resulting in higher profit margins and a surefire competitive advantage. Here’s how:

Well Managed Manufacturer-Supplier Relationship

Small and medium-sized manufacturers frequently depend on outside suppliers to provide specific parts for manufacturing operations, which prevents them from being self-sufficient. The immediate issue is that if a manufacturer’s sole supplier of parts fails or is incapable of providing what is required, production stops, and the company is unable to fulfill orders.

Companies must adopt a systematic sourcing strategy to maintain profitability and efficiency at their peak. The supplier relationship tools provided by ERP software make this job easier for the manufacturer.

Some of the advantages realized from supplier relationship tools include:

  • Lower Cost: Dealing with new suppliers can be costly; however, a supplier relationship management program can often reduce or eliminate those costs.
  • Consolidated Supply Chain: The more the manufacturer and supplier are aware of one another’s businesses, the more likely they collaborate.
  • Continuously Enhanced Operations: Suggestions and feedback shared between a manufacturer and supplier will help streamline the supply chain, cut costs, and improve customer service simultaneously.
  • Outsourcing Activities: ERP’s supplier relationship tools bring about trust. This enables the organization to permanently delegate to the supplier non-core tasks like maintaining inventory and providing customer support.

Enhanced Automation of Processes 

Spreadsheets with user-entered data previously went hand in hand with past ERP systems. Modern ERP software connects to technologies like robots and Internet of Things (IoT) sensors via the internet. This seamless integration enables automatic, real-time data capture and processing to identify business needs proactively.

Robots improve ERP’s strengths of automating repetitive tasks and incorporating transactions between various departments but also eliminate human intervention necessary for data entry and routine departmental follow-ups. 

For instance, in the past, automation enabled automatic reordering whenever stocks reached a predetermined level, but it still required an employee to manually input changes in the inventory level. With current ERP systems, however, modern robotics constantly monitor inventory levels and automatically transmit real-time data to all business operations.

Modern ERP systems receive real-time data from IoT sensors as well. They can continuously gauge motion, acceleration, pressure, proximity, water, temperature, and other variables that can be measured remotely. The data is autonomously entered into the system, and the relevant departments are alerted.

Employees can handle more productive tasks that directly contribute to achieving the company’s goals by integrating robots and IoT technologies into present-day ERP systems. Additionally, it lessens accidental double entry and human error, saving time and lowering operating expenses.

Improved Performance and Productivity

Manufacturers are acquiring faster and more detailed insights into their production line operations by relying on real-time data from enterprise resource planning. In addition, they can identify which aspects of availability, performance, and quality significantly impact productivity. 

By analyzing production processes and cycles, ERPs help you better understand how your organization operates. As a result, you’ll realize which operations on the factory floor need to be changed to boost productivity and get more out of your production line.

Likewise, an ERP will provide you with production statistics such as worker productivity and machining time, improving your performance metrics and providing a new perspective to your organization. 

Further, what previously required hours of careful data collection and report creation can now be completed automatically with an ERP. To maximize the capacity of your plant and boost throughput, you can use this information to optimize your plant’s equipment, workforce, and production schedules.

Boost in Business Efficiency

To increase efficiency and profitability and address labor issues manufacturers are automating processes and integrating robotics. This is driving a need for more Make-to-Order (MTO) and Engineer-to-Order (ETO) Robotic Solutions necessary for customization and streamlining production. 

According to a recent ERP study, an impressive 49% of organizations in the survey stated that implementing enterprise resource planning in their business drastically improved all business processes. In comparison, only 5% didn’t realize its benefits. 

Enterprise resource planning gets its name by emphasizing unifying business processes into a single system, eliminating redundant, unnecessary, and isolated processes. With ERP, businesses can organize their departments company-wide and prevent common inefficiencies caused by departmental isolation by integrating every computer system of an organization, including sales, human resources, planning, finance, marketing, and more.

How Automation Addresses Labor Shortage

In the era of Industry 5.0, automation is one of the most efficient tools for increasing manufacturers’ productivity. Through ERP software, manufacturing automation is combined with cutting-edge technologies like robotics and robotic process automation to further boost productivity.

Manufacturers are automating and integrating robotics to drive efficiency and profitability and solve labor issues. Automation solves the labor shortage problem by:

  • Improving retention and cutting recruitment costs
  • Increasing production while improving safety
  • Freeing the workforce for less repetitive tasks
  • Increasing production quality

Download our Free Epicor Kinetic Catalog for Manufacturing

Invest in the knowledge you need to accelerate business momentum and growth while future-proofing your manufacturing operations. In our Free Epicor Kinetic Catalog for Manufacturing, learn how to unlock cloud ERP’s true potential and manufacturing expertise to boost your business’s growth and profitability.

Our Epicor Kinetic Catalog is built with you, for you. Trust our expertise to maximize your capabilities to compete, scale, and recruit top talent!


Spreadsheet Server significantly improves your Excel-based reporting experience when compared to XL Connect. Access data with customizable drill-downs, use live ERP data from on-premises and cloud-deployed systems simultaneously or change the data set for your reports easily.

 

About Encompass Solutions

Encompass Solutions is a business and software consulting firm that specializes in ERP systems, EDI, and Managed Services support for Manufacturers. Serving small and medium-sized businesses since 2001, Encompass modernizes operations and automates processes for hundreds of customers across the globe. Whether undertaking full-scale implementation, integration, or renovation of existing systems, Encompass provides a specialized approach to every client’s needs. By identifying customer requirements and addressing them with the right solutions, we ensure our clients are equipped to match the pace of the Industry.


Spreadsheet Server works as an intuitive Microsoft add-in providing live reporting and analysis from your Epicor ERP into Excel. Save time and reduce risk by eliminating manual reporting processes.

 

About Encompass Solutions

Encompass Solutions is a business and software consulting firm that specializes in ERP systems, EDI, and Managed Services support for Manufacturers. Serving small and medium-sized businesses since 2001, Encompass modernizes operations and automates processes for hundreds of customers across the globe. Whether undertaking full-scale implementation, integration, or renovation of existing systems, Encompass provides a specialized approach to every client’s needs. By identifying customer requirements and addressing them with the right solutions, we ensure our clients are equipped to match the pace of the Industry.


Epicor understands that as an aerospace and defense (A&D) manufacturer, you must identify, consider, and respond to a new set of challenges each day. Change in this industry is a given; managing the change with tools and services to distinguish your business from local and global competition is fundamental.

With increasing pressure to reduce prices in a business climate of expanding raw material costs and reduced labor availability, businesses like yours are streamlining and adopting new technology to automate business processes for more competitive lead times and to reduce waste in the organization.

Epicor for Aerospace and Defense is a global enterprise resource planning software solution designed for manufacturing organizations that supply products and services to the aerospace and defense industry.

 

About Encompass Solutions

Encompass Solutions is a business and software consulting firm that specializes in ERP systems, EDI, and Managed Services support for Manufacturers. Serving small and medium-sized businesses since 2001, Encompass modernizes operations and automates processes for hundreds of customers across the globe. Whether undertaking full-scale implementation, integration, or renovation of existing systems, Encompass provides a specialized approach to every client’s needs. By identifying customer requirements and addressing them with the right solutions, we ensure our clients are equipped to match the pace of the Industry.


Proactivity is vital to improving quality management. With real-time visibility into quality and compliance—at every step and across all stakeholders—an organization can tip the balance from reactive to proactive. Epicor Advanced Quality Management (AQM) can act as your intelligence gateway into global performance—objectively and truthfully delivering the information you need on all things quality. Reporting and analytics are built into the Epicor AQM solution to provide on-the-fly data visualization and deep analysis of multiple measures, across different processes, and for all levels of the enterprise—providing the insights to help you meet quality objectives.

 

About Encompass Solutions

Encompass Solutions is a business and software consulting firm that specializes in ERP systems, EDI, and Managed Services support for Manufacturers. Serving small and medium-sized businesses since 2001, Encompass modernizes operations and automates processes for hundreds of customers across the globe. Whether undertaking full-scale implementation, integration, or renovation of existing systems, Encompass provides a specialized approach to every client’s needs. By identifying customer requirements and addressing them with the right solutions, we ensure our clients are equipped to match the pace of the Industry.


An overview demonstration of the Advanced Production Management module within Epicor Kinetic.

 

About Encompass Solutions

Encompass Solutions is a business and software consulting firm that specializes in ERP systems, EDI, and Managed Services support for Manufacturers. Serving small and medium-sized businesses since 2001, Encompass modernizes operations and automates processes for hundreds of customers across the globe. Whether undertaking full-scale implementation, integration, or renovation of existing systems, Encompass provides a specialized approach to every client’s needs. By identifying customer requirements and addressing them with the right solutions, we ensure our clients are equipped to match the pace of the Industry.


An overview demonstration of the Advanced Material Management module in Epicor ERP.

 

About Encompass Solutions

Encompass Solutions is a business and software consulting firm that specializes in ERP systems, EDI, and Managed Services support for Manufacturers. Serving small and medium-sized businesses since 2001, Encompass modernizes operations and automates processes for hundreds of customers across the globe. Whether undertaking full-scale implementation, integration, or renovation of existing systems, Encompass provides a specialized approach to every client’s needs. By identifying customer requirements and addressing them with the right solutions, we ensure our clients are equipped to match the pace of the Industry.


Overview demonstration of Epicor Quality Management System (QMS), powered by ETQ Reliance. Epicor QMS is helping manufacturers deliver first-in-class delivery with quality from start to finish. Enable your customers to eliminate manual quality processes and reduce product defects and rework, increasing traceability and auditability. You can also access the full webcast here.

 

About Encompass Solutions

Encompass Solutions is a business and software consulting firm that specializes in ERP systems, EDI, and Managed Services support for Manufacturers. Serving small and medium-sized businesses since 2001, Encompass modernizes operations and automates processes for hundreds of customers across the globe. Whether undertaking full-scale implementation, integration, or renovation of existing systems, Encompass provides a specialized approach to every client’s needs. By identifying customer requirements and addressing them with the right solutions, we ensure our clients are equipped to match the pace of the Industry.


Epicor Advanced MES is a critical part of any Smart Factory. Manufacturers use Advanced MES to improve quality, reduce scrap, help ensure on-time delivery, and boost production throughput. It’s all about improving production execution and performance efficiency to gain a competitive advantage. How do you make more without more assets? Use Advanced MES to uncover and eliminate downtime, make more parts, or cut costs. MES can improve profitability by helping you find more capacity.

Epicor Advanced MES collects data directly from equipment and operators on the shop floor in real-time, minimizing inaccurate and time-consuming manual data collection. With information instantly in your hands, you can anticipate and solve production problems before they happen. Real-time insight helps you pinpoint critical issues, reduce waste, and improve quality and customer service. Everyone in the plant and throughout the business can then take action to improve manufacturing performance.

The latest release of Advanced MES, 8.3.3, introduces several new features.

 

About Encompass Solutions

Encompass Solutions is a business and software consulting firm that specializes in ERP systems, EDI, and Managed Services support for Manufacturers. Serving small and medium-sized businesses since 2001, Encompass modernizes operations and automates processes for hundreds of customers across the globe. Whether undertaking full-scale implementation, integration, or renovation of existing systems, Encompass provides a specialized approach to every client’s needs. By identifying customer requirements and addressing them with the right solutions, we ensure our clients are equipped to match the pace of the Industry.


Mohawk Fine Papers manufactures and distributes premium uncoated paper and coated stock. They pride itself on being the first major manufacturing company to derive 100% of its electricity from wind power. Mohawk ranks as the largest maker of premium printing, writing, and imaging papers in the country.

The privately owned, over 150-year-old company runs three paper mills—one in Cohoes, NY another in nearby Waterford, NY, and a third in Hamilton, OH. It also operates a distribution center in Albany, NY, a warehouse and converting center in Saybrook, OH, a sales office in Scotland, and a distribution center in the Netherlands. In all, the company employs roughly 725 people—including 75 corporate office employees. Today Mohawk distributes papers in more than 50 countries worldwide.

 

About Encompass Solutions

Encompass Solutions is a business and software consulting firm that specializes in ERP systems, EDI, and Managed Services support for Manufacturers. Serving small and medium-sized businesses since 2001, Encompass modernizes operations and automates processes for hundreds of customers across the globe. Whether undertaking full-scale implementation, integration, or renovation of existing systems, Encompass provides a specialized approach to every client’s needs. By identifying customer requirements and addressing them with the right solutions, we ensure our clients are equipped to match the pace of the Industry.