Process manufacturing is the production of goods in bulk quantities, such as chemicals, paints, food and beverages. These goods are not individually countable. This is opposed to discrete manufacturing, which involves the production of countable goods such as machine parts, cars or electronics.

Goods manufactured through process manufacturing usually can't easily be broken down into smaller components like their discrete counterparts. Process manufacturing's characteristics give it some unique requirements in a business management software solution. It takes more than just any run of the mill inventory management system to handle process goods effectively. 

Units of measurement
As materials developed through process manufacturing are not easily broken down, the ERP system needs to be able to adapt to more flexible units of measurements. Powders and liquids require decimals places in transactions, as well as a wide range or units of measurement.

To meet regulations from organizations like the Food and Drug Administration, every single drop or grain needs to be recorded and measured. That means the ERP software needs to be up to the task of working with very small units of measurement. 

Quality testing
Process manufacturing ERP needs to be able to record the results of the many rigorous tests that goods go through before they're shipped off to clients. An ERP system needs to have its own module for quality standards and test results. This is especially crucial for food and drug materials. 

Special characteristics
In addition to units of measurement, some materials may also have special characteristics that more traditional ERP software may not track. Characteristics such as strength and potency, shelf life or expiration date and quality monitoring for regulatory requirements need to be identified. 

An ability to trace goods
Whether its food products or pharmaceuticals, goods produced through process manufacturing usually have to be tracked after they're shipped to clients. These requirements are usually connected with their environment, their specific batch, or their test results. Tracing process goods requires flexibility and customization in an ERP solution. 

Microsoft Dynamics NAV is not just your run of the mill business management software. It's the ideal tool for process manufacturing, giving the user unprecedented ability to streamline workflow and track goods. Dynamic NAV's customization helps enterprises adapt to the unusual requirements for process goods. That's why at Accent Software, we help growing businesses learn and implement this software. We understand the importance of smart software for manufacturing to boost productivity and foster innovation. If your legacy system isn't cutting it, contact us to see the difference a modern business management software solution can make.