ERP (enterprise resource planning) software is a complex
software system which integrates a manufacturer's business
resources and functions, and can be used by manufacturing
businesses with multiple manufacturing plants, processing functions
and product configurations. An ERP system can include software for
manufacturing, order entry, accounts receivable and payable,
general ledger, purchasing, warehousing, transportation and human
resources.
ERP systems can merge each of these key business operations;
however, often times a mid-market manufacturer utilizes only a
portion of the ERP software functions because of unique business
processes. In these cases a custom software application can
extend the ERP system to manage the uniqueness and complexity of
the shop-floor. These software applications are ERP
Extensions, and TwinEngines is a leading provider of manufacturing
operation management solutions integrated to ERP systems.
ERP software for manufacturing can be classified into the
following categories: process manufacturing software, discrete
manufacturing software, or mixed-mode manufacturing software. The
right ERP business system depends upon whether the manufacturer's
production environment is continuous process, contract
manufacturing, job shop, batch processing, repair and maintenance,
repetitive, or work order based.
Comprehensive end-to-end ERP solutions for job shops and smaller
manufacturers are also offered through the Software as a Service
(SaaS) model. ERP SaaS solutions reduce IT complexity and capital
investment, enables them to get up and running quickly, and
decreases ongoing operational costs.