Integrating IoT with ERP: A New Frontier in Manufacturing Efficiency

Is your company really getting real time insights and reports of the full manufacturing process? In the rapidly evolving manufacturing industry, companies are increasingly facing a range of complex challenges that can impact efficiency, productivity, and overall competitiveness. These challenges often revolve around data management, process automation, and integration across various systems and technologies.

Transactions

One significant issue in the industry is the inefficient and faulty business transactions between trading partners. Traditional manual processes are time-consuming, susceptible to human errors, and lack real-time data exchange, leading to order discrepancies, delayed processing, inventory inaccuracies, and strained business relationships.

Paper Processes and Data Entry

Another prevalent challenge is the reliance on manual paper processes and data entry, which not only tethers documents to one location, making remote access challenging, but also complicates the linking of these documents to relevant records within ERP systems. This inefficiency can delay decision-making and pose risks to data security.

Fragmentation

Moreover, fragmented processes and data across diverse business units within a manufacturing organisation can lead to disjointed insights and compromised operational efficiency. This lack of integration can result in misinformed decision-making, stalled collaboration, and missed opportunities for cross-functional synergies.

Synchronisation

Additionally, the difficulty in syncing data between corporate and subsidiary systems presents a challenge in balancing the need for centralized control with the requirement for flexibility and industry-specific functionality at the subsidiary level.

Solution

Epicor, a leading ERP solution provider, addresses these industry challenges with its comprehensive suite of products designed specifically for the manufacturing sector. By integrating IoT devices with ERP systems, Epicor enhances data collection, automation, and operational insights, providing manufacturers with the tools they need to overcome the challenges.

Epicor’s Enterprise Content Management (ECM) system, for example, simplifies document management and business process automation, enabling teams to work more efficiently from anywhere. Similarly, Epicor’s AP Automation streamlines invoice processing, reducing errors and improving vendor relations.

Through its EDI and Supplier Portal solutions, Epicor automates data exchange between systems, improving transaction efficiency and accuracy. Moreover, Epicor’s suite of integration solutions, such as Epicor Automation Studio powered by Workato, offers low-code app integration-led automations, enabling seamless data exchange and process automation across various systems and applications.

In conclusion, while the manufacturing industry faces numerous challenges related to data management, process automation, and system integration, Epicor’s ERP solutions provide a robust framework for overcoming these obstacles, making it a pivotal tool for manufacturers aiming to enhance efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness in the digital era.