Everything automatic: ERP

The fourth industrial revolution. This may sound dramatic at first, but it mainly refers to the changes to processes in the manufacturing industry. In "Industry 4.0", machines, parts and materials in factories are controlled by self-planning systems. This also represents a new challenge for ERP systems. In particular, the constant flow of information along the supply chains and their automation are key components of "Industry 4.0" for ERP solutions.

Manage information flow

In the new value chains, "Just-in-Time"and "Just-in-sequence" productions play a greater role. As a result, supply chains are more interconnected than ever before. The resulting information flow is huge. An ERP system is now required to provide appropriate multi- and inter-site functions that allow workflows to be controlled across the various locations of the company. This makes it possible, for example, to plan across these sites, guaranteeing a constant flow of materials.

Enable message and data exchange

To ensure this flow of information in the closely linked supply chains, the ERP systems must be able to quickly integrate new partners and message transfer options. The ERP solutions must therefore have open and easily adaptable interfaces for electronic data exchange (EDI). Smaller partners who do not have a corresponding EDI should be connected to the ERP system through corresponding B2B platforms.
The extent to which an ERP system fulfils the necessary requirements is, of course, often dependent on the technological development as of.

Support self-control

Through the improved flow of information within and outside of production, it is possible to automate it significantly. Instead of planning by the production management, the production units are then only controlled by external impulses. Manual intervention then only plays a role in monitoring. The ERP systems must work with the corresponding methods that have already integrated this self-control (e.g. Kanban).

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