What is ERP extension? ERP extension is simply leveraging the
information in your ERP system with a custom software solution to
do more for less. The result is a fully integrated business
solution that enables manufacturers to share information
transparently to constituents across the value chain - to be more
effective, agile and connected.
When talking about ERP extension, we also include MRP and CRM
extension. Integrating ERP, MRP and CRM products with your
company's business systems and with partners' external systems can
extend functionality such as:
- Determining real-time, production schedules for the shop
floor
- Creating BOMs from CAD systems
- Connecting your eCommerce website to your ERP
- Handling service requests on the Web
- Empowering dealers to submit and track orders on the Web
- Automating communications with your partners
In short, ERP/MRP/CRM extension improves the visibility of
information across your value chain. Extensions are needed to
support unique manufacturing processes, provide custom reporting,
custom user interfaces and processes to update the ERP/MRP/CRM
database, or real-time integration of transactions with other
manufacturing, financial or eCommerce software.The most common
reasons why an ERP extension is the right fit at the best value
are:
- the ERP/MRP/CRM software product doesn't perform the
function,
- the cost to customize the off-the-shelf product is
prohibitive,
- custom access to the ERP data is needed to support the shop
floor or remote users,
- your manufacturing process relies, in part, on ERP/MRP/CRM
data.
TwinEngines consultants have spent the past 14 years working
with manufacturers and working with and extending the capabilities
of ERP, MRP, and CRM systems. Commercial, off-the-shelf software
with which TwinEngines has worked include:
- SAP
- BAAN
- Salesforce.com
- Microsoft Dynamics AX, GP and NAV (Navision)
- Microsoft CRM
- Macola
- Epicor Vantage
- Infor
- Sage's MAS
- Visual
- SysPro
- SyteLine
- QuickBooks
- Act! and Goldmine
At TwinEngines, we know manufacturing and how these systems
operate, what they are best suited to do, how data is organized,
and when an extension is the right choice for your unique
manufacturing process. We have found that manufacturers
confronted with the option to buy a newer, bigger, better ERP
system, can instead implement a more cost-effective, custom
solution to exend the investment in the current ERP system.
There are two main types of custom extension solutions. The
first are custom manufacturing operations management systems that
stand beside the ERP, MRP and/or CRM system. They pull data from
the ERP/MRP/CRM databases, and update information via access at the
database level or through service-oriented architecture (SOA)
functions. An example is a production scheduling system that
the front office and shop floor use to manage operations, and that
customers use to enter and track orders. Often times they
provide touch screen access on the shop floor and mobile access in
the warehouse.
The second type of extension solutions are standalone, custom
applications that plug into the ERP/MRP/CRM system adding specific
functionality to support operations or eCommerce. An example is
plugging in a custom order entry tool into the CRM system so CSRs
can utilize CRM customer information and the web eCommerce platform
- a tool that is also integrated to financials for accounting.
TwinEngines utilizes both web development software and database
application development tools to build extension solutions.
Internal database applications that integrate to the underlying
ERP/MRP/CRM system and also provide Internet access for customers,
vendors and partners enable manufacturers to operate more
effectively and streamline sales, customer service and their value
chain.
ERP/MRP/CRM software products provide a broad range of
functionality trying to cover a diverse group of businesses. They
do a great job supporting the common, core business functions.
However, almost all implementations require additional, custom
functionality that does not come "out-of-the-box". Why? Because
successful manufacturers have unique business processes that make
them competitive - processes that the ERP system do not effectively
address. TwinEngines builds well designed extensions to ERP systems
extending their value and economic shelf-life, providing a more
complete solution for manufacturers.