What is Manufacturing Management Software?

(and how can it help my company?)

Running a business successfully requires accurate, efficient data management–and this is especially true when it comes to the manufacturing industry. Even in the internet age, however, data management poses a unique set of challenges. Thankfully, manufacturing management software can help.

ERP

An important component of manufacturing management software is enterprise resource planning (ERP.) ERP systems are used by companies in nearly every industry in order to improve efficiency and lower costs. What is ERP? It is a centralized software system that organizes information pertaining to all departments of a company.

For example: in your typical manufacturing company, it is quite possible that each and every department has their own specialized recordkeeping programs and procedures. Accounting keeps their own records, manufacturing keeps their own records, sales has yet another set of records, and so on.

The problem is that this is inefficient and it fosters inaccuracy. With ERP software, information entered from any person or department (be it accounting, management, sales, etc.) goes to the same database where it can be seen and utilized by all departments. This leads to more accurate and consistent information for everyone.

ERP systems do far more than just consolidate data, however. They can also put that data to good use. ERP systems can automatically calculate and interpret figures in order to aid in areas such as inventory management, order processing, shipping, and payroll. This saves an enormous amount of time, energy and money.

Manufacturing Specifics

Apart from the typical ERP functions used by companies across all types of industries, manufacturing management software is also specialized in order to process information that is specific to the manufacturing industry.

For example, the manufacturing management system offered by SMe Software includes capabilities such as quality control, real time tracking, and a product configurator that allows customers to send their special requests straight to the manufacturing floor.