Are you running the system, or is it running you?
ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems are amazing. They
can coordinate your entire manufacturing operation, helping you to increase
performance and profits. They can also drive you to distraction when they don't
work properly. Thankfully improving your ERP system's performance can be
straightforward.
It's just software though!
When your ERP problems are gone the ability for your
business to deliver on time increases. Data flows, everyone knows what they are
doing and if you are working on a continuous improvement basis then real gains
can start to be delivered. Fire fighting to achieve delivery dates is a sure
fire way to put continuous improvement on hold!
Moving forwards
There are a number of things you can do immediately to
improve your system and overcome the ERP challenges that you are facing. These
include:
- Clean your data so that the information you are using is
accurate and can be relied upon.
- Understand the modules the comprise your ERP system so that
you can get the most out of it.
- Similarly, find the work-arounds people are using (Excel
spreadsheets for example) and find ways to use the system instead.
- Ensure that your management discussions support and drive
the ERP system - don't leave your ERP system on autopilot!
- Create some disciplines and routines around the ERP system
to ensure that it is both maintained and working effectively.
On Time Delivery?
Improving how your ERP system works can dramatically improve
your on time delivery performance and help to increase profits. When constant
fire fighting in the business ceases it opens up so many opportunities to
improve the business. We can spend our time delivering a better service for our
customers, rather than spending time frustrated doing our jobs 'long hand' with
an ineffective ERP system.
Still having problems?
We hope you find the tips useful. If you would like some
specific help with overcoming your ERP problems then please get
in touch.
