Cloud technology an enabler in Manufacturing- Impact and Usage

We are close to witnessing the next big industrial revolution, with prominent companies taking the major leap towards automation by implementing manufacturing ERP software. It is now becoming the mainstream where it is evaluative to deal away with limitations in IT structure once and for all; it signifies a rapid transformation of the manufacturing unit processes. Propitiously, cloud technology enables us to utilize the on demand computing power in scalable and flexible manner. Needless to say cloud technology in manufacturing cannot be treated as an option but an opportunity to explore.

Why cloud technology an enabler in manufacturing?

Cloud technology is not a panacea, but an enabler to enact other panaceas that were traditionally required for heavy computing. Today the inexorable advanced march of technology introduced us to cloud models specifically software for manufacturing industry with inbuilt services, infrastructure, and platform. Here manufacturers can select solution of their choices, further strategize migration in various stages, undoubtedly this is making cloud technology convenient and flexible option for the manufacturers. This enables the synchronization of data from multiple channels into one dashboard, eliminating the manual data transferring from multiple systems. Cloud technology improves synchronization of data by designating one point as the channel of information and enables access to it through smart devices.

Scepticism  vs. hesitancy 

Although cloud technology has gained massive tractions, out there is equally consistent hesitancy as well. Many surveys conducted on SaaS adoption namely in manufacturing and other industries follow the stated insights:

=> In general, 65% of the interviewee is unable to differentiate between single & multi-tenant SaaS architecture.

=> Within a decade SaaS based applications anticipate a growth of 20%-25% on manufacturing as well as distribution software.

=> A prominent advantage this incorporates is providing customers to quantify control over upgrades, consistent support for worldwide operations, and support for frequent and rapid upgrades.

Besides, there are people who are sceptic about the costs involved and perceived benefits in moving to the cloud. Overall, there is also hesitancy among the non technical people about the process of cloud implementations and the scope of manufacturing.

Clarity to eliminate hesitancy

As we know whenever there is hesitancy there is a scope of clarity, the manufacturers may need to transit the entire business operation processes, to go by the advice for cloud migration. This calls for ERP specialist for the smooth run. ExpandERP is one of the companies who offer extensive cloud technology for manufacturers.

Benefits of cloud-based ERP:

=> Instant data access globally.

=> Single platform to manage field services, sales, finance, operation and more.

=> Unique mechanism to capture high volumes of data.

=> Customized integration for business requirements and more.

However, 90% of manufacturers are using the cloud, more than 70% of cloud users stated that cloud technology has conclusively impacted their ability to meet customer demands across the globe, 45% says that cloud is a significant contributor to product introductions. If you think survey reports are not that important for you to take up, consider the following:

1. Deliver on Demand:

To meet your demand efficiently you will require an accurate anticipation of it. Taking a look at order history and further using it to create the forecast, here the forecast depends on demand and capacity planning- here the gap is can be easily noted. With cloud technology, you can share the same across the departments for necessary adjustments.

2. Control Shop Floor: 

Above real-time visibility, all manufacturing activity is captured in one database for preparing analysis across the globe. Regulating production is real-time refers to data driven quality management and high resolution traceability, thus allowing customers to better shop floor control and visibility of process alongside production.

3. Connect business:

Connected manufacturing is quite beneficial as it not only connect the devices, machines etc. on the shop floor but also to the top floor. This further allows the people in the unit to access data in order to improve their decision making scenarios.

Many manufacturers agreed that they sometimes failed to capture operation data, manufacturing ERP software enabled them to do so within the cloud. For some this has been the most scalable transformation in their business in how they work with suppliers, control their inventory, design products, manage quality, and deliver product on demand. This agility, control, and flexibility have seen the real game changer.

Power of Mobile App integrated with ERP

Today the most cutting edge trend within the space of ERP integration is mobile applications. Most industries now use an ERP, choosing top ERP software in India and implementing the same is definitely a strategic decision for the company management. ERP brought us automation in multiple business operations across the industries, whereas mobile apps got us closer to the virtual world. In combination, these can drive business goal to the next level. Apparently, the introductory phase of enterprise software is nothing but trivial in regards to the critical investment. Mobile apps have already captured market popularity in small to large ERP business sphere.

While integrating a mobile app with ERP your business will not only become agile but also leverage portability through smart devices. You will notice significantly enhanced productivity and it improves the accessibility of the business records.

Reasons to integrate ERP with mobile apps:

=> Improvised business flow:  The integration leverages the company representatives to improvise their service quality to new and existing customers, by enabling them to access information in real-time.

=> Enhanced productivity: The company representatives who are posted on field compromises their productivity on the go. These representatives can access the data, tools, information that in return enables them to eliminate their downtime.

=> Advanced analysis and prospecting:  Empowering the company representative with information at their finger tips helps them to analyze their prospect and enhance their response time.

=> Simplified process:  In the static business process the capacities to deliver real-time data is always a challenge. Then again, these challenges can be addressed and simplify the process only with mobile app integration with ERP to give the company a competitive advantage.

=> Real-time data capture: As stated before, the productivity of the on-field representative are compromised, with the integration they can easily enter the details accurately on the go. Re-keying of the data in their respective system always are prone to error.

This integration helps in bolstering business relationships remarkably reducing the response time.  Expands cloud ERP software extends roles and functions of ERP to reinstate standardization, accuracy in decision making, transparency and much more added features. However, the companies can leverage benefits of new ERP software or the existing ones with better productivity, strengthened business processes gaining a competitive advantage.

How does the integration of mobile app with ERP give you a competitive advantage?

Estimating the potentials of this integration, prominent ERP contenders have commenced their mobile app development for dashboards and reporting. The integration is all set to leverage the on-field representatives with benefits of reporting on the go as well as gain access to functionality and data.

Check out the benefits of mobile app integration with ERP:

1. Enhanced customer service

2. Enhanced customer engagement

3. Real time sales

4. Real time service information

Past decade we experienced exponential changes in our work approach, be it computers, mobile, smart devices and of course powerful apps. ExpandERP is voted as one of the top ERP software in India, they offer customized solution to address specific business needs. Mobile strategies are now a prominent participant in ERP sphere, mobile devices such as tablets, PDA’s or laptops has made remote working possible. The company representative can utilize the ERP on their smart device in order to gain the edge over business insights and capabilities.

Millennials and ERP: The Ultimate business duo making significant changes in the process

Millennials usually refer to the group of people born between 1982-2004. They are considered as the first generation to have been living in a connected world. The internet boom, the exponential growth of smart devices and over-dependence on electronic communication systems are changing the industrial practices. This seems to be highly resembled to the ways millennials’ behaviour.

As the time is making significant changes in millennials and business, manufacturing & export industries are trying to grab new opportunities. The industries are embracing Enterprise Resource Planning systems to reduce time taking manual operations to create virtual assistant. Here are few millennial driven industrial practices that ERP solution readily offer..

Accessibility:

Having access to technology anytime from anywhere is the basic need of millennials. Now, it’s not only restricted into mobile usage, but they need connective world where every device should connect with the internet. The thin line between using device for personal use and for professional purpose is slowly blurring. This is causing more industries to follow “Bring Your own Device” business policy. This is how mobility solution like ERP system is getting highly accessible through personal devices, making corporate functions smoother than ever.

Promptness:

Millennials regularly interact with almost defect-free communication system and they prefer going social and they cannot afford to settle down with any burdensome application. Hence, and ERP system is apt when it comes to prompt response to the given command. This system is built to handle any size and shape of business operations of any process manufacturing industry. The best part of this system is that it can adopt to any latest change n the business world while it helps employees to efficiently perform tasks.

Smart user assistance:

Dashboard, separate login access, real time KPI, automated documents preparations, easy entry of orders, export invoices are the reasons why millennials opt to the smartest business process interface. an ERP system allows users to efficiently handle the process without wasting any time on traditional report formulation, inventory tracking and employee data maintenance.

Easy data retrieval:

Millennials are busy. They want results in jiffy. ERP system comes with integrated business intelligence, Excel configuration and social networking that allow users to easily retrieve data to drive better business outcomes. Also one click report generation provides a complete pre-defined report of Procure, Customer Relationship Management, sales, tax, finance, inventory and much more.

The technology-driven skillset of millennials are the driving force of manufacturing industry. They are the biggest investors and the consumers of our present market. If you’re looking forward to staying ahead of the edge then it’s important to follow how millennials are shaping the market. Changing with the trend is important to sustain in the competitive world. Simply put, the rise of millennials is a boon to make industries ready for the right ERP system landscape. 

5 Key Features Of An ERP Software For Exporters

Export businesses are highly competitive and multifaceted which makes it obvious to have an integrated application suite that the company can use to connect with its diverse active departments with real-time data sharing. Hence, ERP software for exporters is in immense demand throughout the world.

Companies incorporate ERP software into their business module for many good reasons such as- Accounting, stock control, HR activities, data sharing, business planning, market analysis and to name a few. By implementing ERP software in the process many businesses reduce production cost, save time and reduce manual efforts.

However, before a business decides to implement the software there are several other features that need to count, often depending on the specific requirements the company wants to improve. 

Compliant to export regulations:

ERP software is meant to manage, collect, store and interpret data from different activities including product planning, marketing, sales, inventory management and to name a few. The application for exporters create documents compliant to export regulations. It is a very smooth and streamlined application proposed to expedite paper works.

Accounting management:

The right ERP software for exporters is combined with accounting mechanism that helps the business track, record and consolidate all their operational information into a centralized system. It also manages data in a way that you can take deeper look into it to analyse future finance prospect. 

Customer Relationship Management:

Integrated and streamlined CRM helps to store and collect customer information in a central database. This means there’s a single point of data storage having all information of supplier, vendors and customer information that any authorized department can track and edit. While choosing right CRM for your exporting business, make sure it offers-

=> Timely reminders of your prospective activities on leads and sales

=> BI dashboard that analyse sales performance and count conversions

=> Targeted group to help you run email campaigns

The best part of ERP software is that it controls end-to-end business process with streamlining accurate information throughout the channels.

Enhanced mobility:

Mobility in everything is what calls the smart age. Mobility in ERP software means accessing application on the go through smartphones, not only in the workplace but from anywhere in the globe. Gone are the days of strolling around workstation to enter product information. ERP alone can take care of the inventory management along with other production procedures.

Procurement management system:

It is designed to allow a company to automate the purchasing process and maintain the inventory of goods. This software can generate purchase orders, market values, execute online order placements, online payment clearance and match invoice with the materials received. While deploying this system ensure it offers-

=> Define reminder levels and re-order levels for each product
=> Notify preferred supplier suggestions based on each product
=> Auto-generate purchase enquiry, purchase quote and order management

Procurement management system helps create streamlined administration throughout the departments.

Using ERP Software for exporters makes the entire business process more organized and improve the efficiency of operations. If you’re also from the same industry and looking for a smart business process, ERP software is the solution for you. 

Take a look on how ERP is transforming the Indian Business Scenarios

ERP software providers in India are witnessing rapid growth across the Indian market. A number of industries such as pharmaceuticals, steel, automotive, manufacturing firms, oil, textiles etc have already implemented ERP system for dominating production and development inefficiency. The growth has un-curtained the traditional business conduction, integrated ERP system not only optimizes the resources utilization but also delivers real-time data on demand.

Through surveys, it was captured that about 60% SME’s in India adopted ERP based solutions. This significant augment in the penetration level in this SME sector ascribed to the establishment of low cost ERP system that caters localization based on country and accessibility of technical talents and functions.

Did Indian market go with the ERP flow?

In the initial period, the Indian market was quite hesitant to integrate ERP into their company system in fear of building complexities, despite the fact that cloud ERP software has so much to offer. The companies’ intrigued with concept started implementing at back office; the way ERP came to use is undoubtedly fascinating. The companies were in dilemma with transforming their business activities because of crumpled illustration of the product and other possibilities the companies had to consider looking at the online market scope.

Time has changed and India is changing the IT scenarios globally. Besides, the significant IT players continue to endeavour market growth, ERP became the integral part for the companies to deliver commitments.

Present business scenarios with integrated ERP solution-

Companies remain thankful to the ERP developers as it helped them to streamline business activities. Today ERP is much more advanced where the focus lies in emergency market situations. However, the SME’s segment has transformed into the most optimistic connecting for ERP mechanism.

ERP’s multiple modules helped the SME’s to maintain budgetary requirements, this helped in smooth administration processes, be it stock, human resource, updated item cycle or merchandising shipments. Significant financial development of Indian market relies on companies to actualize and incorporate ERP. For organization waiting for a convinced cost-effective solution, it’s not too late to understand the benefit to cost proportion that an ERP can deliver to business needs.

Benefits of ERP to look at, when thinking of business expansion-

=> Responsive to market changes
=> Minimize cost
=> Enhance productivity
=> Increase efficiency
=> Better accessibility to document
=> Minimize inventory cost
=> Global outreach
=> Simplified planning
=> Enhance customer satisfaction
=> Apt usages of resources

In short, if you look for business automation ExpandERP is the solution, erp software providers in India deliver customized ERP software to cater specific business need. Over the years, cloud based ERP systems are about to witness a higher adaption. Simultaneously, the cloud-based commerce will be floated with scepticism in regards to data security and subscription cost for the small players. The way businesses are utilizing ERP it implies that the companies can now withstand the worldwide online commercial rivalry. 

Know how ERP and CRM are different yet so important for businesses

In India, usage of CRM and ERP solution is soaring high and for good reasons. CRM and ERP are usually separate but, so connected that CRM cannot work alone effectively without constant update from ERP- from placing orders, sales and logistics to deliveries.  While CRM manages company interactions, ERP Software Company in India offers an integrated administrative application system.

Let’s dig deeper to know where these two are similar and where not-

What is ERP? 

ERP is designed for business administration. It aims at consolidating business data that can be accessible for main operations across the enterprise. It’s a one-off integrated software package that facilitates business process management with real-time update to all concerned departments. For an instance, if a product is out of stock hence the shipment is cancelled, then the status would be sent through the channels to the concerned parties authorized to access the data. This allows departments to regenerate new plan for the issues before it actually makes things difficult within the organization.  ERP offers smooth method for streamlining business process.

What is CRM?

It is a storage database that keeps all the information of related to interaction with customers. CRM process includes categorization customer interactions, collecting and sharing data. CRM method is highly standardized which can be easily shared throughout the network. This smart system can be used by different office executives to create sales projections, representatives can use this to monitor contacts with clients and verify them by sending to shipping clerks. The main focus of CRM is to provide comprehensive customer data that can be used to create plan for client retention and sales improvement.

CRM or ERP: Which one do businesses need the most?

A business may need both the systems but it depends majorly on the integrities involved into the mode of operation. Nowadays, even a small business relies upon CRM system for better and accurate data collection. This is much more clutter-free and easy than collecting data from papers and numerous emails.

ERP is an important business essential that helps streamline business processes. Many large to even small scale industries are relying on ERP Software Company in India as well as abroad to gain better control of their businesses.  Having a single cloud platform integrated with CRM and ERP provides unified view that you can keep control over it from anywhere anytime.

The last note:

When you expect enhanced business growth there must be two things you need to obtain- one is more sales and second is fewer expense. Incorporating ERP and CRM let you enjoy both of them with ease. While CRM brings more clear data on customer interactions and more revenue insights, ERP system keeps the overall operation cost low.

Also Read: Top 5 Tips for Implementing ERP in Startups