Most organizations extract data the same way that they were first shown by the consulting firm in charge of training and implementation of the ERP system. An ERP solution like Dynamics AX makes it easy to create forecast charts, extrapolate sales graphs, do financial activities and so on. However, the ERP is more than a graphs- extrapolation and financial tool. You can use Dynamics AX to know the status of every process in your manufacturing plant in real time.
Here are five ways in which organizations can use ERP systems to get more valuable data.
1. Promote Manufacturing Transparency
For many people, the manufacturing process is very complicated to understand. Generally, people understand that raw materials enter a plant, are processed and exit on the other end as finished products. However, today’s customers have different ideals that make them interested in the processes that raw materials go through to become finished products.
Customers want to know about the origin of raw materials and how their orders are moving through warehouses and work centers. These demands are making it necessary for manufacturing companies to be more transparent with their processes. Since Dynamics AX and other manufacturing ERPs can produce different data for the various processes, organizations can know the relevant datasets and modules to use to produce data for the customer.
2. Get Reports and Estimates
Most manufacturers only use manufacturing ERP to perform simple tasks, for example calculating costs associated with different jobs and identifying materials needed to complete specific projects. However, ERP data fuels a variety of analytics processes, including quality control and productivity, and other more valuable data. For example, in case of delays in receiving certain processing materials, the ERP system can be used to determine how long manufacturing the products should be postponed and the impact of late delivery to the organization.
Other processes or manufacturing data that can be extrapolated from the ERP include pending maintenance work, open invoices that have to be paid, purchase requisitions that are yet to be converted to purchase orders, materials that have not yet been delivered by vendors, among others.
3. Mapping Manufacturing Production Data
Companies that manufacture complex products know how complex data from manufacturing ERP can be. To manage this complex data and get information on various production processes, companies can use the Gantt Chart. The Chart is also known as the GPS of manufacturing and enables schematic representations of various projects to provide certainty over manufacturing processes, timelines and clarity.
The Gantt Chart makes reporting easy and provides data to both lower and upper level employees to make manufacturing more agile and efficient. The chart simplifies configuration, inventories, recipes formulas, manufacturing bills, product specifications, project data, planning and production.
4. Verify Training Records
Manufacturing ERP data can help you find employees with the right skills, knowledge and ability to perform different jobs. The ERP system can be configured to analyze and compare different industry trainings to be assigned to the staff based on shortage of skills in the company and the current skills of the employees.
Companies that delegate tasks to untrained employees may lead to unsafe, undesirable or unexpected performance. Moreover, employees can get injured in the process and equipment damaged. Organizations can minimize the risk of injuries at the workplace and achieve the best results by using manufacturing ERP data to identify skills gaps and employees that need additional training for specific tasks..
5. Use Data Analytics Tools
Regardless of the capability of the ERP, managers should have a proper view of all processes of the organization. Manufacturing ERP analytics tools can help with making accurate real-time decisions regarding a plant's processes. The real-time data can help managers make prudent decisions on raw materials, production cycles and disruptions. The data can also make it easy to respond to market demands. Modern ERPs can afford managers a visibility that can help in decision making on current and future demands of the organization.
Organizations can access different modules on their ERPs and get real-time view of the different supply chain processes. Based on the data provided by the ERP, manufacturers can enhance their systems, strategies and processes to improve business agility, performance, productivity and revenues.
