ERP on the Mind : Burning Questions From Machine Shops
Answering the toughest ERP questions
The Machine Shop Community Asked. We Answered.
If you have been evaluating shop management solutions, you know that not every ERP is built the same. Some have the bells and whistles, some have the functionality most shops need, but like the famous fairytale — there probably hasn't been one that fits "just right" for you.
Our very own Tim Watkins takes the hot seat with Ian Sandusky and the Practical Machinist community to get to the bottom of what everyone needs to know: what is ERP, is it worth it for a shop, and what can make it "just right?"
Let's Dive In.
What is ERP?
An ERP, Enterprise Resource Planning, is the foundation of your business.
From quote to cash, ERP is used to make business happen.
How Does ERP Handle Quantities?
There are really two types of ERP: Item-based and job-based. Job-based ERP systems are what shops critically need in order to plan around any quantity.
Is ERP Worth It?
Are you able to answer the key questions around your business, from profitability to machine utilization, and are you happy with the information you have?
“When you can't answer the key business questions or you need to do this for a government reason, it's always the right time to [invest in an ERP].”
What Parts Of An ERP Do You Need?
It comes down to what you really need right now. What is impacting your business negatively, and what can ERP solve?
Is it quoting, profits, machine utilization, or something else?
What's the Catch?
Implementation takes time and resources. Let's face it, ERP vendors can hold your hand through most challenges while implementing, but at the end of the day, shops need to invest time and resources into ensuring implementation is done correctly.
What Drives Implementation Failures?
There are three key factors in a successful implementation:
- The right software
- The right investment
- The right change
“Really [look] at the usability of the software. What I always go back to is intuitiveness.”
What Can ERPs Do Better?
Every ERP vendor has their shortfalls. The key to choosing the right software despite that is asking:
Does this vendor involve its customers in the product roadmap?
Is ERP Worth It For Job Shops?
Are the problems you're facing big enough to necessitate a change? Some job shops are fine with continuing business as normal. The biggest need for job shop management software is the critical turning point every business runs into, where the status quo simply isn't going to keep the doors open.
“If the ERP isn't getting you to ask different questions about your business, you bought the wrong ERP.”
Now it's time to ask our question:
Are you ready for a change in the way you do business?
Take the first step.
If you are at that critical point in your business that necessitates a change to challenge the status quo, we are here to help.
Fill out the form to grab some time with our job shop experts and explore how ECI JobBOSS2 can take your business to the next level.