Data is fast becoming the lifeblood of the modern manufacturing marketplace. An estimated 86% of manufacturers worldwide have implemented formalized production insight collection programs, intent on bolstering productivity and quality through deep information analysis, per research from The Economist Intelligence Unit. However, this widespread embrace of industrial data gathering tools has not been without issue. The Economist report also revealed that 86% of the manufacturing firms that have shop floor analytics systems in place struggle with data management. This particular problem weighs on productivity and drags down the bottom line, Industry Week reported. 

That said, there is an effective solution to defective data management: the enterprise resource planning platform. This software allows manufacturers to take control of their information and use it to catalyze sustained organizational growth. Here are three common data management dilemmas ERP technology can address:

1. Too much data

Automated data collection tools generate massive amounts of information. One piece of shop floor machinery might contain dozens of sensors, each gathering second-by-second mechanical insights that quickly congest internal caches and make effective analysis and data-based improvement almost impossible. ERP solutions make it possible for manufacturers to handle large amounts of information and use it to boost their operations via sophisticated integration and dashboard modules.

2. Siloed data

Information silos are as problematic as the operational ones modern production specialists decry. Isolated data sources — sometimes called data islands — muck up internal communication and decision-making and inhibit shop floor flexibility, an essential production capability in today's mercurial marketplace. ERP platforms eliminate data islands by connecting with all applicable endpoints and sensors, and cultivating centralized sources of analytical truth ideal for production planning.

3. Inaccessible data

To benefit from shop floor insights, manufacturing firms must facilitate data access. Executives and on-the-ground production stakeholders cannot make bottom line-building adjustments without the right information, presented the right way at the right time. Unfortunately, a good number of manufacturers fail to support this functionality and instead store information across disparate, difficult-to-navigate systems. ERP technology makes it possible for manufacturing firms to abandon this ineffective strategy and lend essential personnel seamless information access through easy-to-use dashboards with just-in-time data.

Is your manufacturing company looking to solve these and other data management issues? Consider connecting with Accent Software. As a certified Microsoft Business Solutions partner, we provide vendor-vetted Microsoft Dynamics NAV implementation services, giving manufacturers of all sizes the opportunity to adopt an impactful ERP solution that allows them to take full advantage of their data.

Contact us today to learn more about our proven products and services.