Here's a common problem among manufacturers: They recognize the need to increase productivity but haven't found the culprit keeping everything moving slowly. Many don't realize the guilty party could be their outdated, inefficient software. Below are signs indicating an updated ERP software solution will benefit manufacturing productivity:
Complex challenges For a while, your software accomplished everything you needed straight out of the box. Time collection and payroll were simple processes. Inventory was easy to count, and clients requested projects that didn't need any rushed delivery or hard-to-find equipment. Yet, as your business has grown, you've found an increasing number of deviations from the norm. Customers want more detailed products, employees work atypical hours and inventory management is getting more chaotic.
It's time to upgrade if you've developed workarounds to solve these issues, the ERP Software Blog wrote. Customized solutions are able to handle these intricacies and many more manufacturers find. Companies can bill clients at various rates for unconventional jobs, swiftly handle overtime and produce better job timelines.
Records are everywhere No, this isn't about the return of vinyl. This is about the various documents your business has accumulated over the years. How hard is it to keep track of inventory? Where are past invoices filed? How many spreadsheets does your business work with?
Legacy software makes counting inventory a long, cumbersome process. Each item has to be manually recorded into a computer, using vital time and energy. Modern ERP systems make the process much faster, often through barcoding. Instead of counting individual items, workers scan a barcode that automatically adds each piece of inventory to a central, easy-to-use database. With mobile technology, this information is accessed anywhere on the floor. ERP software makes recordkeeping simple for all departments, including production, HR and finance.
Unaccountable employees Who is responsible for keeping records up to date, and who gets in trouble if they're not? How often do you find yourself fixing changes made without approval? Most legacy systems don't track who alters each file, said the ERP Software Blog, nor do they withhold access from unauthorized employees. This means anybody can go behind another employee and change records, with or without malicious intent. By upgrading software, each employee is responsible for every action he or she takes. Also, managers can identify the source of recurring mistakes and train employees so they don't happen again.
Wasted potential Are you using your employee's skills as efficiently as possible? You may think so, but there's no certainty without the proof provided by upgraded ERP software. Modern systems track who works on a project and how long it takes them to complete it. Thus, you can easily measure employee performance and assign the best workers to the job.
Plus, modern ERP software cuts back on the manual data entry keeping employees chained behind a desk instead of on the floor or in front of customers. They can now use their time working on projects instead of spending hours checking data, typing up spreadsheets and calculating payroll.
If your business is looking for ways to improve productivity, consider upgrading your ERP software. This improves recordkeeping while reducing wasted time and potential.
Download the "DMS Physical Inventory Count Module" data sheet to see how DMS can help you manage inventory and increase productivity.
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