Small businesses have a lot to worry about, from dealing with competitors and changing markets to everyday processes that help keep their doors open. That's why small manufacturing companies need a way to address their issues (some of which we describe in this article). This solution is Enterprise Resource Planning solutions.

Let's discuss each of these issues and how ERP systems are the perfect problem solvers.

1. Manual data processing
We hope you're not manually logging data into Excel spreadsheets and then sending documents to their respective parties. A decade ago, you may have been able to get by doing this, but today's business world moves much quicker, and customers have become more savvy and competitors far fiercer. More so, it's difficult to track and report accurate data when multiple business silos exist.

ERPs help integrate this data into a single point, allowing employees in marketing departments to see the same information that others from sales are analyzing. This increases accuracy and minimizes do-overs.

2. Poor customer service
Great customer service can be the difference between hitting weekly sales projections or coming up short. Companies that are consistently missing their goals should think about turning to ERP solutions.

ERP solutions will provide sales members and other employees instant access to deal with interruptions or gaps in the supply chain. This information will allow them to provide customers accurate updates about delivery times and reduce cancelations and refunds. 

3. Inaccurate scheduling
The right ERP solution can increase throughput and profit, reduce inefficient warehouse and manufacturing practices and improve on-time delivery. The end result is an improved bottom line due to an increase in sales and retention.

Many smaller companies have trouble with scheduling, whether that's with tracking employee hours or product delivery. The best ERP will allow you to consolidate procedures, reduce wasted overtime hours and better plan material shipments and orders.

4. Increased competition
Every business has competition, but small businesses really aren't as foolproof as larger corporations, which can practically have unlimited resources to fight off competition.

Smaller manufacturing businesses need to get more creative to ward off their competitors, and they can start by using ERP software. These systems will allow smaller companies to decrease operating costs by better streamlining processes.

Small manufacturing companies have a range of problems they must overcome on a daily basis. And it's often not easy to do so, considering how quickly their industries change. However, they can take stress off themselves by using the latest technology, such as an advanced ERP.