ERP systems are a relatively recent trend in the manufacturing industry, but even so, many of them are quickly becoming outdated. Every day brings novel technology that's designed to make business processes leaner and more efficient. With the wheel turning so quickly in the world of manufacturing, many businesses have been taking time to examine the system they have in place in order to determine if they're in need of a shift, and if so, where to look for that change.

Jim Minnick of Manufacturing Business Technology understands this, and interviewed Melissa Cook, the senior director of Microsoft Dynamics Global Manufacturing, on that very topic. Here's what she had to say about how to identify the time for change and what to do about it:

• Causes for concern: Cook explains that, when it comes to manufacturing ERP software, many times the primary reason for companies looking to transition is money. Legacy ERP systems are often more financial trouble than they're worth, especially when compared to the bottom line results newer ERP structures help create.
• Newer features: ERP has become so much more than it used to be, and manufacturers may see all the capabilities these younger systems present, such as mobile integration and cloud-supported efficiency, and wonder how those offerings can aid their business goals.
• Which ERP system: There is a bevy of software vendors from which to choose, so which one is the best for you? Says Cook about Microsoft, "It's about innovation and optimizing. We think we have a great suite of products on both the ERP and CRM side . . . [and] we think we can bring all that to bear on the combination of the need to innovate and the need to optimize, both of which are critical for manufacturing companies."

But how to implement that Microsoft technology? At Accent Software, we have the expertise with manufacturing software Microsoft Dynamics NAV to make your Indiana, Ohio or Kentucky business's transition a smooth one.