Manufacturing enterprise resource planning software features alone cannot catalyze change on the shop floor. These components must square with mission-critical administrative and production processes in order to lay the groundwork for transformation.

Sadly, a significant number of ERP adopters in the manufacturing space disregard the issue of solution fit and put into place products that not only drive up implementation costs due to extensive customization, but also lay the groundwork for system dysfunction down the line, according to Panorama Consulting Solutions.

Manufacturers can avoid both of these issues by focusing on solution fit when navigating the ERP selection process. Here are three strategies firms can use to find manufacturing ERPs that could work with core business functionalities:

Consider system size
ERP platforms vary in scale, depending on intended use. Those designed for manufacturing firms are normally on the robust size as businesses in the industry must track numerous moving operational parts. However, oversized systems can quickly become unwieldy, leading to considerable backend issues that can hurt the bottom line, IT Toolbox reported.

Products that are too small, on the other hand, can fail outright when paired with expansive shop floor workflows. Manufacturers must carefully consider solution size to ensure they avoid both extremes.

Evaluate support services
Powerful software can indeed have an immense impact on manufacturing operations. That said, such systems are only as effective as the vendor support offerings that accompany them.

This reality makes it necessary for firms in the manufacturing arena to vet the employee training and maintenance services that come with potential ERP solutions, according to ERP Software Blog.

Take users into account
ERP implementation success depends on the users who ultimately deploy such platforms in the workplace. Consequently, manufacturers should remember to consider employees and how they navigate the administrative and shop floor spaces when selecting new ERP software.

For example, if an organization supports a large pool of mobile users enrolled in a bring-your-own-device program, its ERP search committee would be wise to focus on solutions with mobile-ready interfaces, CIO reported.

Here at Accent Software, we help manufacturing firms implement ERP technology that fits their respective production processes and therefore sets them on the path to success.

As a certified Microsoft Business Solutions partner, Accent provides vendor-vetted Microsoft Dynamics NAV implementation services, which allow businesses to put into place best-in-class ERP software designed to facilitate organizational growth.

Connect with us today to learn more about our products and services.