Using ERP/MRP Manufacturing Software in SME's - Idiot Guide Part I
Have you ever watched a football match on the TV without the score in the corner. Business needs the same clarity. It might be Stock Turnover, Demand Management, Forecast Accuracy, On time delivery, Production times, Margin control, Quality Control levels.
The objectives are usually easily defined, lower stock, more sales throughput, less administration, better productive use of the plant. When this is all done it will be a quality focussed lean manufacturing implementation.
TIP - CYCLE Count stock regularly
One customer this year really impresed us, Shannon based SMART Electronics use EFACS Manufacuring Software. SMART cycle count 10-30 random parts every day. And it really makes a big difference in their business. This level of precision, discipline and certainty in their system hence their business literally wins them business and reduce costs.
Cycle counting is a Stock count by another name. Randomly select parts every day, check the parts and adjust your Stock Control system until its correct. Watch out it may take a year to complete.
Maybe a lot of work but worth it. No tedious all night counts with Auditors, looking all over the plant to find one item that may have been already used or shipped.
Sometimes using your IT systems features can introduce new process and efficiency gains into your business despite the aggravation with Manufacturing Team Members and Line Managers. We will talk about further examples in future articles. No extra cost just using an existing feature in your system.
One touch recovery of information means customer service enquiries can be dealt with immediately. Is it in stock? When will it be ready? Can you quote it today? At a time when service is vital, simple things done well matter.
Easy as 1,2,3.
- Simplified Better Stock Control
- Cheaper Faster Production
- Reduce Production Times & Increase Output
- Increase Sales
It's not a race
Smaller concerns can achieve a lot in 13 - 18 weeks, Larger Companies need much longer.
- Agree your objectives early with the principles in your business.
- Choose an easy subject matters for early wins (i.e. Sales Orders, Stock Control, Purchasing)
- The bigger the concern give yourselves more time and more modest goals
Further short articles will appear in months to come on how to and the benefits of implementing manufacturing software. Idiots Guide II (name to be changed when we think of it) speaks about off shore manufacture and how your manufacturing software can help.
Contact MXI Software