Managing multiple locations presents unique challenges. Many manufacturing organizations have factories, warehouses, and offices located in different parts of the country to better serve their customers. The faster and easier it is to share information among these different facilities, the better.

A whitepaper from the Aberdeen Group, available from IWI Consulting, shares insights into how manufacturing ERP systems can help multi-location operations. The study examined data from 81 participants to find out what Leaders did to improve their companies. They found that the main benefits derived from ERP systems included enhanced access to data from all points of a company, increased efficiencies, better planning, and reduced costs.

Benefits of a Manufacturing ERP System

Enhanced Information Sharing

One of the biggest challenges that companies with multiple locations face is sharing data from one part of the company with another. Even when all portions of the company want to share, it’s often hard to figure out the best way to do so. Emailing information makes sense, and it’s fast, but it’s also inevitable that someone is going to be left off of the email chain who needs the information. Shared networks are great, but you have to know where to look for the information in order to find it.

The solution is simple: an ERP system. With an ERP system, all of company’s information flows easily and seamlessly into one system. It’s accessed via the internet, so anyone with an internet connection and a company account can query the system and receive data. It makes sharing information much easier across the company.

Greater Operational Efficiencies

Another benefit for businesses operating multiple locations is the ability to increase and enhance operational efficiencies. With an ERP system, you can see all points of the supply chain. Automated equipment notifications can help you flag idle machinery and move production to other locations. You can then use all resources efficiently to maximize production and profits.

Better Customer Service

ERP systems also enhance customer service for multiple-location businesses. In the past, if a customer called one location, he may have received only a partial answer because information from other locations was lacking. Phone calls had to be made to find parts or portions of an order to provide a status update.

With an manufacturing ERP system in place, you can query a database and receive real-time updates on order status. Supply chain visibility makes it easy to see where everything is in the process and provide customers with an answer to their inquiries. This faster response may mean the difference between keeping and losing a customer.

Scalability

Lastly, manufacturing ERP systems are highly scalable, so as your company expands to new locations, the data can keep flowing. You don’t have to worry about adding new networks, systems, or updates. Cloud-based ERP solutions scale easily to accommodate new locations.

Making Your Work Easier

Manufacturing ERP systems make multi-location operations so much easier. Improved visibility, enhanced efficiencies—the list goes on and on. If you manage multiple locations, factories, or warehouses, having easy access to data can have a huge impact on your company’s future.

IWI Consulting provides you with expert insights and resources such as the whitepaper from Aberdeen Group so that you can enhance your business decision-making capabilities.

Download ERP in Discrete Manufacturing—It’s not what you have it’s how you use it and start learning from your peers with expert best practices and insights that will help you gain a competitive edge.

IWI Consulting Group helps Canadian businesses and nonprofits find ERP solutions to fit their needs. We work with you to find the best data solutions for your company that can help boost productivity and profitability. Learn more on our website or call us at 1-866-916-3851