When done right, manufacturers can use ERP software to enhance production, advance quality, ensure manufacturers meet regulations, track inventory, meet crucial KPIs and please customers. Such software provides manufacturers with capabilities such as material requirements planning, shop floor control, and supply chain management tools, among other services.

But how does a manufacturer choose the right solution?

When assessing ERP solutions, manufacturers should consider the following:

1. What deployment type will work for you?
   ERP software solutions can be cloud-based, on-premise or hybrid, which combines both of these implementation. Which best meets the needs of your organization?
   
   
2. How will it impact productivity?
   The right manufacturing ERP software ensures tasks are automatically deployed from a central location. Look for products that saves you time and even detects if machines need repair, saving you downtime.
   
   
3. Will it manage inventory?
   Some manufacturing management software offer inventory management mechanisms to help you track raw materials. If you need help with predicting customer demand, storage and finding items on-demand, this feature should be part of the package.
   
   
4. Will it help you make better business decisions?
   If you need help assessing throughput, machine downtime, equipment effectiveness and cycle time, choose ERP software that can help expand your business intelligence and make these performance indicators clearer. Having this knowledge streamlined and in a central location can make decision-making easier.
   
   
5. Will it lower your costs?
   We all need to keep overhead low. Look for a solution that simplifies record keeping and data entry, which keeps admin expenses to a minimum.
   
   
6. Does it boost quality?
   Quality counts. It’s the best way to make sure your customers are happy. Make sure the ERP solution you choose helps you adhere to regulations and quality standards and find one that helps encourage your vendors to do the same.