ERP and Industry 4.0
5 challenges, 5 solutions
The top 5 challenges for the use of ERP systems in industrial applications were identified in a recent study by analysts Pierre Audoin Consultants (PAC) Germany. proALPHA offers possible solutions for these hurdles.
In the summer of 2018, analyst firm PAC surveyed IT, production, manufacturing and purchasing managers to find out which topics SMEs consider to be major and minor challenges.
A particularly big hurdle for 68% of participants is the integration of many different systems and data. According to software manufacturer Pro Alpha, modern enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems offer integration options via an enterprise service bus to overcome this challenge. Such a service-oriented architecture makes data exchange noticeably more efficient.
The end-to-end digitalization of processes is a major hurdle for 67% of SMEs. Workflow management can help here.
Almost half of the respondents in the PAC study are concerned about networking older systems and machines with the ERP system. Although the first pilot solutions already exist, the hurdle is perceived by companies as a major one. A Raspery Pi could be connected as a mini-computer between the machine and ERP. The mini-computer would process the received production commands and forward them to the machine.
For 42 percent of companies, reconfiguring existing processes or developing new processes is an obstacle. However, industry-specific ERP solutions and easily configurable applications can provide a remedy.
According to PAC, the ERP expertise of employees is also one of the top 5 challenges for one in three companies. According to Pro Alpha, ERP manufacturers are in demand here: for small adjustments or optimizations, they must create offers that help users quickly, for example through remote consulting.
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