Investing in business management software for the first time can be intimidating, however tools like ERP can be an immense resource to manufacturing firms. As more companies are integrating digital options into daily operations, it will be easier to keep pace with the competition and continue to offer customers complete solutions with a strong software system in place.

Along with ERP and cloud technology, mobile devices are becoming more prevalent in architecture, engineering and manufacturing companies. A Bloomberg Businessweek article further explored this trend, and explained that implementing iPads and cutting down on paper usage has pushed many organizations forward.

For example, according to a Delft University of Technology study, the U.S. unit of Stockholm-based Skanska, Sweden's largest builder, saved 9.1 hours per week on average using field data tools.

Furthermore, Jennifer Macks, a Skansa AB supervisor, said that using iPads and modeling software helped them reduce paper while still ensuring that architects and suppliers were able to request information.

Christopher Heger, a project manager for New York-based Turner, explained to the news source that daily operations for his company have been streamlined and even subcontractor and vendor requests for information were one-quarter to one-third of what they could have been.

"We're able to do things faster and have less down time," Heger said. "When you have to walk back to the trailer you lose time so we were able to transmit this information real time."

A business management software solutions provider can help manufacturing companies make a similar transition into ERP technology. That way, employees are kept in the loop, customers remain satisfied and the process is smooth.