It’s no secret that software systems benefit businesses of all types, especially those in manufacturing. In fact, manufacturing output has reached a record high thanks to software advancements in robotics and automation.
These facts prove that adoption of manufacturing software has resulted in higher productivity and output, and lower production costs across the industry. But, don’t stop while you’re ahead; there are many more ways to capture productivity improvements.
To do so, manufacturing managers should consider integrating two of the most popular systems available for the industry: a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) and an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system.
Software integrations help break down information silos across systems, manage data flow and encourage collaboration across different internal departments. The same goes for CMMS and ERP, as the two systems can cohesively work together to address manufacturing pain points.
Continue reading below to learn the top benefits of a CMMS and ERP integration, including improved communication, better insight into inventory and more effective data management.
1. Improve communication across the facility
Many departments work together to keep a manufacturing plant a well-oiled machine. Yet, areas from research to accounting to production may lose out when trying to communicate across different systems.
ERP solutions enable different departments across the plant to effectively exchange information about HR, time management and distribution planning. Meanwhile, managers rely on a CMMS to make decisions on technician scheduling or backlogged work orders based off schedules, service statuses and overtime hours logged in the system.
By integrating the two, managers can have one interface to make decisions based off information from all departments. For example, managers can quickly see if a technician is eligible for overtime based on HR info, and schedule someone for an emergency work order request if needed.
2. Stay up-to-speed on inventory levels
Inventory levels can either make or break the success of a manufacturing team. For example, if stockout occurs, it may not be possible to fulfill an emergency work order.
With a CMMS and ERP integration, purchase orders are easier for managers than ever. Simply generate a purchase order in your CMMS, and send the info off to the ERP as a purchase request. From there, the integration will automatically sync the data to update the applicable quantities and cost information for easy inventory ordering.
3. Effectively manage historical data
Maintenance managers know the importance of data to help make informed decisions. Managers can use data to understand factors ranging from average response time to open monthly work orders. But when different information is kept in separate systems, it’s difficult to get a full scope of data-backed information.
As SelectHub points out, an ERP and CMMS integration gives all parties across departments access to a single reporting system. With this single reporting hub, upper management can pull the data they need to make executive decisions on hiring or budgets. Meanwhile, the manufacturing team can find gaps in technician efficiencies, data on asset downtime and average response times.
Keep in mind that a CMMS and ERP integration is best suited for well-defined data. For example, the integration process will work smoother when specific KPIs are scoped and integrated into both systems. In addition, a defined purchasing process helps trigger the data to pass between both systems.
Maintenance Connection’s CMMS offers various integrations with ERP software. To see how a CMMS can transform your business with improved communication and better inventory management, watch a demo of Maintenance Connection.
