Everything automatic: ERP

The Fourth Industrial Revolution. While initially sounding dramatic, it mainly refers to changes in manufacturing processes. In „Industry 4.0“, machines, parts, and materials in factories are controlled by self-planning systems. This also presents a new challenge for ERP systems. The continuous flow of information along supply chains and its automation are particularly essential components of „Industry 4.0“ for ERP solutions.

Manage information flow

In the new value creation chains, „Nought-for-now“, as well as „Just-in-sequence“Production plays a larger role. As a result, supply chains are more interconnected than ever. The resulting flow of information is significant. An ERP system is now required to provide corresponding multi- and inter-site functions, allowing workflows to be controlled across the company's various locations. For example, this enables planning across these locations, which guarantees a continuous flow of materials.

Enable message and data exchange

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

Support self-control

The improved flow of information within and outside of production means that this can be significantly automated. Instead of production management planning, 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 appropriate methods that have already integrated this self-control (e.g. Kanban).

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