Science fiction ERP: What we would like to have

Industry 4.0 ? Although we are still far from the picture that some science fiction films paint of the time around 2016, we can observe technological changes. It is realistic, for example, that machines and materials will soon communicate with each other in manufacturing plants. This will require systems that plan and control themselves. We already have a few wishes for what the ERP system of the fourth industrial revolution should look like:

Update independently

Now: In order to adapt ERP software to new processes or functions, time-consuming and expensive updates which not infrequently influence the day-to-day running of the company.

Future: The system configures itself without significantly affecting operation or requiring individual adjustments.

Automated data management

Now: Huge data sets have to be manually transferred into the system....

Future: Select, capture, save. Of course, the new devices also generate other types of data. The ERP system can handle these. In addition, it can now also distinguish between data that is necessary for the software ? e.g. that is needed to control processes.

Calculation made simple

Now: Calculate stock levels down to the last millimetre? Well almost...

Future: ?Just-in-time? at the highest level. To ensure smooth processes in the supply chains, the ERP systems are equipped with multi- and inter-site functions. This means that processes can be controlled across different locations ? even internationally.

(Being able to) approach each other openly

Now: Integration is possible, but it means effort.

Future: Every ERP system has open and easily configurable interfaces to the EDI-communication. Partners can be integrated quickly and the exchange of messages can be guaranteed without much effort.

Monitoring instead of production supervisors

Now: Information must be evaluated in order to manually control the system on it.

Future: The improved information flow makes it possible: the ERP software supports self-organising production. This only produces when there is a reason to do so ? and without significant manual intervention.

SAP B1 blog