5 age-old problems solved with modern solutions

Constant innovation and market fluctuation mean that many businesses face ever-changing environments. This makes it hard to establish successful operations unless you stay ahead of the curve

However, several modern-day advancements can help the manufacturing and distribution industries overcome the problems associated with an ever-changing environment. The move towards digital transformation alone makes it possible for businesses to streamline, organise and grow.

Read on as we discuss five common industry problems which could be solved with the benefits of an ERP solution

1. Skills shortages

 Skills shortages occur when there is a lack of qualified people to fill vacant positions. Although you can invest in training and re-organise your workforce to overcome this, using ERP software allows you to proactively avoid a skills shortage. 
 
ERP systems allow you to log all employee qualifications, skills, and experiences, making it easier to identify areas that need further education or support. You can use the software to track training course progress and monitor each stage of the onboarding process for new employees. ERP software also makes it easier to track employee retirements, absences, sicknesses, or health problems that may affect availability in the future. 

2. Project management

Project management is the application of knowledge, methods, processes, and skills to achieve specific project goals. An integrated ERP solution makes it possible to track people, stages, requirements, and regulations – thereby increasing the accuracy of your project management function. Every department can be given access to your ERP system, which ensures everyone is aware of the process and can visualise issues in real-time before they occur

ERP software also allows you to assign inventory to each project stage, log operator activity, and gain quick access to documentation and specifications. It ensures all necessary information is accessible to everyone – increasing project visibility from start to finish.

3. Predictive maintenance 

Predictive maintenance is a technique that uses data analysis tools and techniques to monitor equipment and predict defaults or anomalies. It can be hard to monitor equipment manually as it requires you to continuously track running times, carry out routine maintenance, and consult equipment specifications.

However, with an ERP solution, you can determine how many hours each machine has been used and for what purpose. You can use this information to decide whether a machine requires maintenance or updates, in advance of critical failure. You can consult project workflows and machine schedules to source an appropriate downtime to carry out predictive maintenance without interfering with crucial processes. Predictive maintenance ensures you fix equipment before a problem arises.

4. Process

There are many processes and operations that take place in manufacturing and distribution businesses. Automation helps streamline mundane tasks and increases overall workflow productivity. For instance, ERP systems can automatically input data pulled from web forms or apps, thereby reducing manual mistakes or missteps, as well as automatically send out invoices or financial statements, at defined periods of time or dates

5. Changing consumer trends and habits

Consumer behaviours, desires, and beliefs are continuously changing, making it hard for businesses to determine which products will sell and what goods need to adapt. Storing historical data in a centralised location makes it easier to analyse past consumer activity and use it to generate actionable insights. Combining your ERP solution with business intelligence solutions or e-commerce platforms, ensures you have access to a powerhouse of functions necessary to make more informed data-driven business decisions based on real-time information. 

Implementing an ERP solution can help you overcome common business problems in your manufacturing and distribution operations. By streamlining workflows and increasing information management, you can pave the way for leaner process optimisation. For more information on manufacturing ERP software, book your demo with Winman today.