Choosing the right ERP system and associated add-ons for a manufacturing company is a complex challenge. The selection depends on various production methods, such as:
- Type of production process: Discrete vs. process & batch production
- Production strategy: Build-to-stock, assemble-to-order, configure-to-order, build-to-order, engineer-to-order
- Organization: Project-based, batch production, etc.
Moreover, there are over 10 major ERP suites and more than 100 best-of-breed solutions available in the ecosystem.
This market study consists of two parts:
1. Introduction to the Manufacturing Environment
This section provides an overview of the operations, processes, and terminology within manufacturing companies, helping to understand and position digital tools. It is ideal for consultants and employees who need a quick yet comprehensive insight into the industry.
2. ERP Architectures and the Ecosystem
We analyze three ERP architectures and their corresponding add-ons, including:
- Configure Price Quote (CPQ)
- Shopfloor management
- Operator Guidance
- Product Lifecycle Management (PLM/PDM)
- Manufacturing Execution System (MES)
- Quality Management System (QMS)
- Advanced Manufacturing & Planning
Additionally, we delve deeper into the advantages and disadvantages of the most well-known ERP platforms.
This study serves as an essential guide for digital consultants, CIOs, and IT leaders responsible for digital transformation within manufacturing companies.
