Before investing in an enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution it is critical to ask your vendor if their proposed software effectively supports manufacturing functions. Many manufacturers focus on the wrong issues when considering ERP solutions and lose sight of manufacturing functionality when assessing a software's business fit. 

Instead of learning to live within a narrow set of constraints, ask the right questions before making a big purchase:

How are lean principles supported in the system? There are many excellent stand-alone solutions available that perform lean planning. These are highly specialized, periodic analytical functions. Find out how the proposed ERP solution optimizes value streams and supports lean execution. Does it offer electronic kanban? Are transactions poka yoke'd at the point of origin? Are pull systems part of the core solution? Is heijunka available? Also make sure that all these functions are supported across the supply chain, from customers to suppliers. The best system will be designed to embrace lean principles from the ground up.

How is detailed data input into the system? The availability of detailed data about production, scrap, downtime, labor and quality inspections affects profitability and success in the manufacturing industry. Everyone in the organization should have accurate and timely information to support decision-making. The best ERP solutions tend to have a single portal to capture and validate information as it is created. Workers should have all the data they need at their fingertips, whether it be drawings, material requirements or customer alerts. 

Are inventory records directly tied to physical reality? An accurate inventory management system can make or break a manufacturing company. In high-precision/high-liability industries such as aerospace, automotive, medical devices or food it becomes essential to track product genealogy, which means that inventory must be tracked and traced accurately and on time. Records should reflect what is happening to a product at that moment — whether it is in production or has already begun to accumulate cost.

At Accent Software we are dedicated to helping you find the perfect business management software for your needs. Contact us today to learn more about manufacturing software systems such as Microsoft Dynamics NAV.