Science fiction ERP: What we would like to have

Industry 4.0 - Although we are still a long way 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 be communicating with each other in production plants. This will require systems that plan and control themselves. We already have a few ideas of what the ERP system of the fourth industrial revolution should look like:

Independent update

Now: In order to adapt ERP software to new processes or functions, it is usually necessary to carry out extensive updates which not infrequently influence the day-to-day running of the company.

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

Automated data management

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

Future: Select, record, save. Of course, the new devices also generate other types of data. The ERP system can handle these. It can now also differentiate between data that is required for the software - e.g. data that is needed to control processes.

Calculation made simple

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

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

(Being able to) approach each other openly

Now: Integration is possible, but requires 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 great 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 reason to do so - and without significant manual intervention.

SAP B1 blog