The changing role of ERPs with artificial intelligence (AI)

AI is now critical to digital transformation but smaller manufacturers might not have the expertise or resources to invest in it. Failing to embrace new technologies like AI, could see manufacturers get left behind as competitors use it to drive process improvements and productivity. 

ERPs can make AI accessible to manufacturers because it provides a platform to store high-quality and up-to-date data, which can then be used to train AI. What’s more, an ERP with AI-powered features from a trusted provider like ECI can drive efficiency across your organisation, ensuring implementation is straightforward and successful.   

What we’ll cover 

What does an AI-powered ERP look like?

From reactive to proactive: Key features of an ERP

Driving digital transformation with an ERP 

Key summary 

• Manufacturers need to consider implementing AI to stay competitive but many smaller firms lack expertise and resources to adopt it
• ECI Software Solutions is already testing and deploying AI functionalities within its ERPs for SMEs, with an AI Foundry team made up of experts
• Modern ERPs enable manufacturers to automate tasks, improve decision making and work efficiently – and when powered with AI in the future – it can drive digital transformation 

At ECI Software Solutions, we’ve been at the forefront of new technology since 1999. As cloud computing gained popularity in the early 2000s, we transitioned to become one of the first cloud-based SaaS providers in this space, helping 12,000 businesses migrate to the cloud and make up to 40% cost savings. 

We’re now at the forefront of the AI transformation, with our AI Foundry Team (made up of engineers, data scientists and product experts) working to make AI accessible for SMEs through our ERPs. An AI-powered ERP can be transformative for busy manufacturers who are often managing multiple projects, productions and relationships simultaneously.

Get fast answers: Imagine if you could ask your ERP important questions and get immediate responses to help you predict trends and make decisions. For example, “How does our monthly expenditure compare to last year?” or “Why are we missing production deadlines?”. 

BOM Builder: We’re currently working on building an AI-powered tool that enables manufacturers to automatically generate BOMs from 3D CAD models.

Invoice recognition: We’re also embedding AI into the processing of invoices, so your ERP can read and interpret invoices, recognise the sender and pre-fill booking proposals. 

ERP software was once used to manage materials, track stock and store invoices. It was a powerful system at the time but it was reactive, so manufacturers could only get out what they put in. ERPs are now becoming proactive – using your business data, it can automate tasks like data entry and ordering, predict trends, and alert you to problems, essentially working as an assistant [link when live]. 

Multi-level BOM management 
An ERP enables manufacturers to build detailed lists needed to manufacture products, even those with multiple assemblies. A modern ERP like cloud-based Ridder iQ goes further by integrating it with your CAD software, so any design changes update automatically. It also recalculates your material costs to save you time and prevent costly errors. 

Work preparation 
An ERP stores documents like drawings and invoices in a central system, so they’re easy to access and teams can work from a single document with tracked changes. It also automatically generates documents like order forms, guide vouchers and material requirements using current data to save manufacturers significant time and ensure forms are accurate. 

Inventory management 
It’s important to know the exact stock you have available and where it is – ERPs offer planning teams insight into accurate stock levels, orders tracking and deliveries. You can also set up a workflow to alert you to shortages or delays – or automatically generate orders once they hit a specific threshold, with receipts and invoices also generated.

Project assistant 
Without a central system, it’s challenging for engineering, procurement, production and assembly teams to collaborate on multiple projects efficiently. This can drive up costs and lead to wasted resources. Ridder iQ’s Project Assistant provides important insight (such as visual planning and resources) into all projects, so tasks and employees can be managed effectively. 

Maintenance 
A modern ERP should also support manufacturers with growth, enabling them to offer additional services like maintenance. Products sold can be registered into an ERP with location, order and contact details stored. Additional information like warranty and readings can also be updated. Ridder iQ has a service remote app, so manufacturers can diagnose and repair equipment from any location.