Overview of Manufacturing Production Software
Definition and Importance of Manufacturing Production Software
Manufacturing production software, commonly referred to as enterprise resource planning (ERP) software, is designed to give manufacturers access to manage their manufacturing process through a centralized software solution.
Manufacturing ERP systems can be used across multiple manufacturing facilities and operational processes, allowing managers to collect and analyze data. This data can provide manufacturers with valuable insights into their workflows, identifying areas for improvement and tracking progress, which will improve operational efficiency and result in significant cost savings.
The Role of Manufacturing Production Software in Modern Business Operations
Manufacturing ERP software is ideal for modern business operations because it gives companies access to real-time data and reporting capabilities. With access to comprehensive charts and graphs, manufacturing companies can make informed decisions when it comes to business operations and production processes.
Advanced technology has found its use in modern companies to streamline manufacturing operations, reduce operational costs, and automate processes. Many manufacturers use custom software and the Internet of Things (IoT) technology to develop advanced facilities that are similar to smart factories.
Primary Key Features of Manufacturing Production Software
Inventory Management
Inventory management is an essential feature of production software, as it allows companies to take control of their inventory and reduce waste. Advanced technology can optimize inventory management by monitoring real-time inventory levels and raw materials, ensuring maintenance teams have all the required materials to complete their work.
Additionally, production planning software can send notifications when stock levels are low, allowing managers to re-stock in a timely manner, reducing downtime and the cost associated with rush orders.
Supply Chain Management
Supply chain management is an essential feature of a manufacturing ERP solution. Supply chain management will have an impact on production planning through optimal inventory levels, order management, and warehouse management. By effectively managing the supply chain, manufacturing companies can ensure all the necessary materials are available for production and all orders are fulfilled in a timely manner.
Real-Time Analytics and Reporting
Real-time data analytics and reporting are valuable features for companies in the manufacturing industry, supporting data-driven decision-making. Trends can be easily identified when manufacturers have access to historical and current data, which allows management to measure growth, improvement, and regression.
In production planning, data analytics and reporting can help identify bottlenecks, potential for automation, and downtime. With access to data analytics through dashboards and reports, manufacturers can focus on innovation and growth opportunities.
Advanced Features Enhancing Manufacturing Production Software
Advanced Analytics and Machine Learning
One form of advanced analytics that can impact production planning is predictive analytics. Predictive analytics can be used to predict when equipment maintenance will be needed based on historical data, which will only become more accurate the longer a manufacturer collects data. This is beneficial for production planning as it reduces the amount of downtime as a result of broken equipment on the shop floor.
As artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technology continue to integrate with manufacturing software, companies are finding new applications for it. ML technology can be used to improve quality control through ML algorithms using cameras and sensors to identify products that don’t meet the standards set by the manufacturer.
Systems Integration
Most companies will already be using a mix of manufacturing software systems to manage operations, including customer relationship management (CRM) software, inventory management software, and supply chain management software. Manufacturers can integrate existing software systems with custom production planning software, ensuring a seamless data flow across business processes.
Choosing the Right Manufacturing Production Software
Evaluating the ROI of Manufacturing Production Software
The first step to ensuring your company gets a good ROI on the manufacturing production software is properly training employees and managers on how to use the software. Providing users with in-person training sessions, recorded walkthroughs, and an instruction manual with FAQs will increase the likelihood of user adoption.
One factor that can impact how ROI is calculated is whether the software solution is off-the-shelf or custom, as off-the-shelf software has a smaller upfront cost with monthly fees, whereas custom software has a large upfront cost.
Factors to Consider when Choosing Manufacturing Production Software
If you’re shopping for an off-the-shelf software solution, there are a few factors to keep in mind. If you use existing software solutions to manage your operations, it’s essential to confirm the production planning software can integrate with your legacy solutions. Additionally, if there are specific tools or functions that are essential to your success, verify they won’t be phased out and mess up your workflows.
If you have tried off-the-shelf software solutions and know they don’t meet your company’s needs, it’s time to consider a custom solution. When meeting with custom software development companies, confirm what their long-term support looks like after the initial launch. For example, here at Geneca, we are your long-term software development partner and will support your software solution as your manufacturing business grows and evolves.
Work With Geneca Today
Geneca has over 25 years of experience creating and maintaining high-quality, reliable custom software solutions. Our partners choose us because we:
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Understand software and business, including manufacturing processes and regulations
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Use cutting-edge technology paired with trusted, evergreen tools
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Communicate changes, progress, and expectations through every step of the development process
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Honor your budget and timeline from the start
If you’re ready to learn more about how a manufacturing production planning software solution can put you a step ahead of your competition, contact Geneca today!