Enterprise resource planning (ERP) has gained popularity in recent times as it makes managing business operations easier. The Enterprise Resource Planning software (ERP software) allows organizations to access a system of highly integrated applications. It helps in the management of business and assists in specific back office activities. ERP technology and software is gradually being implemented in small to large enterprises worldwide. Small businesses can also draw the advantages associated with an ERP software such as boost sales, formulate manufacturing production goals and develop high-quality parts as per the requirement of the customer. Large businesses have embraced the technology with open arms and the trend is gradually catching up with medium and small business. Progressive Markets has recently published a report on the ERP software market that offers useful insights about the market such as market share, size, and growth.
Businesses of all the sizes can reap the benefits of an ERP software. Small businesses are welcoming the technology with open arms as it can highly benefit digitizing operations integrated with the modern software. It pretty much pushes small-scale businesses to turn away from paper-based systems and Excel spreadsheets towards modern ERP automation that include digital scheduling and production tool analysis. Development and emergence of several ERP software was observed to ease out business operations in the last decade. The latest ERP software can be implemented at smaller businesses with an easy-to-use smartphone interface to easily access the ERP data and a new big-board electronic schedulers that provide easy touch-screen input. A lot of solutions are available for small-businesses and manufacturers, which include, on the floor installations or cloud-based ERP systems that have the potential to significantly reduce cut technology by eliminating the costs of maintaining expensive IT structure.
Cloud Based ERP for Small Business
All the ERP systems are not developed in the similar manner, and small businesses, with under 100 employees, are the best suited to shop-floor management and ERP systems that are customized for the smaller operator. A fully functional ERP system from prominent companies such as SAP, Oracle, and several enterprise-level applications may not be suitable for smaller shops or businesses. Rich Henning, President, Henning Industrial Software (Hudson, OH), said that based on the features and functionality, the true potential of the ERP software is found in larger systems. He further added, ” Robust ERP and shop-management software systems are fully integrated operational and financial management systems that are designed help SME manufacturers manage nearly all aspects of their businesses. ”
Henning threw light on the ERP systems for small-scale businesses and explained that the systems are well-designed and can support every functional area of a manufacturing unit. This includes the complete product lifecycle right from, CRM, Customer/Prospect Management, Engineering, Sales Orders, Job Estimating, Shop Orders, Scheduling, Capacity Planning, Material Requirements Planning, Purchasing, Receiving, Job Labor Reporting, and Quality Management. With the help of an organized and efficient embedded ERP software, manufacturers can work in an efficient way coupled with enhanced quality by understanding every aspect of their operations. Manufacturers can also transform their day-to-day data into actionable business intelligence.
ERP Software In Aerospace & Defense
The aerospace industry has witnessed a significant growth in the last decade. Aerospace manufacturing is like the two heads of a coin. It includes, rapid expansion of the commercial aviation segment and the budget-conscious defense sector. This in return has created lucrative opportunities for the ERP systems. In the commercial sector, the next-gen commercial airliners such as Boeing 737 and surge in demand for private jets have lifted the production of aircrafts. Several organizations in the aerospace supply chain are investing in ERP software solutions to help their time-to-market.
In the defense segment, the U.S. military budget restrains place pressure on the manufacturers to reduce costs while maintaining optimum level of quality at the same time. In this scenario, ERP software’s play a vital role to help the manufacturers remain competitive in the market. ERP software vendors are have difficulty to keep up with the need for installation support. Ed Talerico, aerospace and defense director, Infor, said that the demand has grown faster than the growth of the company’s consulting services.
Jonathan Gross, vice president of Pemeco Consulting, an ERP project management firm based in Toronto, explained that the clients are under pressure from their customers (aircraft and engine OEMS) and top tier suppliers to reduce costs and decrease lead times. Short time-to-market needs of cutomers urge the clients to increase the velocity of the products through their supply chains which covers design engineering as well. He further said, “Generally, this means tighter integration and control among engineering, purchasing, manufacturing and quality functions. In part, our clients achieve these efficiencies by integrating ERP, product life cycle management and quality systems, and by automating workflows where practical.”
The defense industry is turning to cloud-based ERP software solutions. The cloud based model makes it easier for firms to implement ERP as they can avoid the upfront software licensing costs. Talerico threw light on the subject and said that by opting for a cloud solution, one can avoid the entire Capex gauntlet they usually have to go through to choose an ERP solution. Further, Talerico said that the clients are showing inclination towards (Software as a Service) SaaS-based ERP solutions. The adoption rate in the aerospace and defense industry is relatively slower compared to other business verticals but gradually showing an upward trend.
The need for cost-effective and well-designed ERP software has been identified in modern times. Small businesses require an ERP system to run fast-paced and complex manufacturing operations. ERP software is gaining importance in the present scenario. The adoption rate for the same is high in the developed regions such as North America and Europe as manufacturers are focusing on implementing ERP systems for efficiency and improve quality. The acceleration of cloud applications in different industries is further helping the growth of the ERP software market. The Asia-Pacific region has the potential to be a huge market for the aforementioned industry as numerous small and medium enterprises are being setup. Prominent market players from across the globe are coming together to offer the benefits of an ERP software to startups and small businesses in the Asia-Pacific region.
