ERP systems in production are usually used to map and optimise processes with large key figures. No less relevant but much more complex are the requirements that make-to-order manufacturers have of software. They are more complex because the core functions must be flexible to use and at the same time be able to be displayed in a standardised way.
Forward-looking development planning must take into account all possible scenarios to ensure that the system can be used profitably. As these have to be implemented individually, it is difficult to minimise the possibilities of ERP software in make-to-order production. Nevertheless, here is a basic introduction to the challenges and potential that a system solution has for these companies.
The challenges of one-off production
To do well calculate In the past, make-to-order manufacturers have sourced the production of individual parts externally and only assembled them in-house. However, this has made companies dependent on the availability and delivery of their resources. Planning orders in a timely and quality-assuring manner is time-consuming and error-prone without the appropriate software.
Another challenge for customised manufacturers is that they have different types of production. Even for one-off productions, series or variant processes can usually be defined up to a certain point, which are then expanded accordingly. Particularly if the company processes several orders at the same time, this can quickly lead to incorrect order information being assigned to production. Especially in the context of external resources, this leads to major delays in delivery.
Many make-to-order manufacturers also find it difficult to accept or reschedule orders at short notice. This is also due to the lack of calculability of resources and the order situation. However, flexibility creates a secure foothold in the competitiveness of companies in make-to-order production.
Potentials of the ERP system
An ERP solution for make-to-order production must Resource planning completely. In addition to recording all resources, a modern system should visualise capacity utilisation and thus create transparency for planning. Especially when production resources are sourced from different producers, ERP software has the ability to visualise the resource figures in the system. Various Locations (plants, sales or service) can also be integrated into the software. Even individual manufacturers who produce production resources internally can thus create a standardised overview of all processes in real time. A modern software solution can also continuously synchronise and adapt resource planning during the production process. Growing parts lists can also be integrated in this way.
Besides resource planning, the Project controlling is an essential part of what an ERP system for make-to-order manufacturers must be able to do. The planning of resources is always in the context of costs, revenues and deadlines. A software solution can not only map accepted, current and completed orders, but also provide an overview of all multi-stage production processes. The "one-off" components of the productionThe prototypes of the processes must be flexibly customisable in order to make customised production possible. In order to make customised production possible, external special software can be integrated into ERP systems, e.g. to enable customised calculations. Modern systems can display these internally on the one hand and for customers on the other.
This is another advantage that comes with the use of ERP software in make-to-order production. The transparent mapping of production enables improved customer service. Service activities such as repairs can also be planned efficiently using the software, as the system can access the order data at any time and, for example, immediately check whether relevant spare parts are available.
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