An ERP system is software that helps companies manage their operations and processes. It is designed to be integrated with other IT systems, like accounting, inventory, and customer relationship management systems.
ERP systems are usually deployed in the manufacturing industry, where they help companies track production, manage inventory, and forecast demand for their products.
This article will discuss how to implement an ERP in your plastics manufacturing business.
What is an ERP and Why Does Your Plastic Manufacturing Business Need One?
An ERP is a software system that automates and integrates a company’s business operations. It is used to manage all the processes in an organization, including sales, marketing, production, inventory, human resources, and finance.
An ERP provides a comprehensive overview of a company’s operations. Having all the data from all aspects of the business supplies information that can be used to make more informed decisions.
Benefits of Using an ERP System for Your Plastic Manufacturing Business
ERPs are very beneficial for business owners because it helps them keep track of their finances, see how much inventory they have, know what parts are needed for production, etc. It also helps them keep up with any changes in the market or industry.
One key benefit is that an ERP helps to reduce costs and increase efficiency. This is because it reduces the need for manual data input and automates many processes that employees would otherwise have to do manually.
The benefits of an ERP for plastic manufacturers are:
- Reduced operating cost
- Increased productivity
- Improved customer service
How to Choose the Right System for You?
The ERP system is the backbone of your company’s operations and can be the difference between success and failure.
Learn as much as you can about ERP software. For example, look into how the system handles employee hours, payroll, billing, and inventory. If a system talks to other systems, ensure all those systems are integrated with the ERP system. Understand what the fees for each option in your search might cost so that you can weigh your options further.
There are many ERP software providers to choose from, but you will need to find the one that is best tailored to meet your needs.
The answer depends on various factors, such as:
- The size of your operation
- The level of customization required
- The budget for the ERP software
Many ERPs provide manufacturing modules that would be tailored to your needs. Some even have customization specifically for plastics manufacturing. These more niche solutions are commonly found in open-source ERPs, where others have already filled the need.
Remember to consider your company’s culture in determining which option would be best for you and your team members.
How to Implement an ERP Solution in Your Business
Implementing ERP solutions in plastics manufacturing is a process that requires a lot of planning. It is something that takes time. A rushed job can result in wasted time, lost data, and angry customers.
1. Find a vendor
The first step after choosing the ERP you want is to find a vendor to tailor the software to your specific needs. There are many different vendors out there, and you want to ensure you find one that understands your industry and has experience implementing an ERP solution in this environment before spending any money on them.
2. Migrate Data
Once you have found a vendor, it’s time to start thinking about the data migration process and how it will affect your employees and the company as a whole. You need to consider all data sources, including third-party providers, databases, spreadsheets, email accounts, etc., as well as how long the process will take and the cost.
3. Create an implementation team
Once you understand the migration process better, it’s time to get an implementation team to do all of the groundwork for you. This team will help discover what third-party providers are needed for your ERP software, which databases need to be connected with your ERP solution, how data needs to be migrated from different sources into your ERP software, and more.
4. It’s Go time
After all this preparation is done—and you know what needs to be migrated, have any third-party providers already been found and set up, and have a plan in place for the migration process—it’s time to get started. Again, you will want to use your implementation team as your go-to resource for all aspects of the ERP upgrade process.
They will help with installing software, configuring it once it is installed, and setting up data ownership rules so that employees can access their data while maintaining compliance with federal regulations.
8 Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Implementation of an ERP System
The implementation of an ERP system can be a long and tedious process. Many mistakes can be made during this process, wasting a lot of time and money. Here are some common mistakes made during ERP implementations:
- Not understanding the scope of your project
- Failing to plan for the implementation of the system before it is purchased
- Not considering the needs of all departments in the company
- Focusing too much on cost savings instead of benefits
- Implementing a system that is not customized to your company’s needs
- Not considering how your employees will react to the new system
- Expecting instant results
- Not planning for a post-implementation phase
Give Your Plastics Manufacturing Business the Boost It Needs
An ERP can revolutionize your manufacturing business. The real-time data and organization it provides can save you money and improve profits. But implementation can be tricky, and it’s essential to take things slow and ensure you don’t make mistakes.
In some cases, you may also find partners who can help with the ERP project. Confianz can provide expertise in all areas of implementation.
As a certified Acumatica Partner, Confianz employs a team of Acumatica implementation experts. Our budget-friendly price structure keeps Acumatica ERP within reach for most SMBs. We partner with businesses across the United States to effectively implement Acumatica using customized features.
However, choosing, implementing, and customizing an ERP can be a lot to take on. That’s why Confianz partners with manufacturers trying to make the switch. Our team of experts can help you every step of the way.
Register for free Acumatica Demo Now!
Call us today to get assistance with your plastics manufacturing ERP.
