When you’re at the point of upgrading or switching to a new ERP systems for your organization, it’s important to be aware of the many options available to you. Depending on the nature of your organization and your overall operations, some major ERP systems may end up preventing you from fully optimizing your integration.
Table of Contents
We have reviewed several ERP systems specific to the manufacturing industry based on our experience and research. We’ve considered scalability, maturity, total cost of ownership, and the ability to manage complex supply chain functions and shop floor automation. Not only have we had hands-on experience with each of these solutions as we’ve helped integrate them for our clients, but we’ve also helped clients evaluate these solutions against each other through independent, agnostic research, and we’ve used a proprietary database that helps us identify the values and properties of each solution, helping us compare and contrast software thoroughly and efficiently.
Top ERP Systems Software
Sistemas Plex
Plex was one of them in the race for cloud ERP solutions. They helped pioneer the process and for that reason, they tend to be one of the most mature cloud ERP systems out there. Plex also focuses heavily on sub-verticals within manufacturing which makes them an everyday niche and specific product. They fit the needs of manufacturing organizations instead of trying to appeal to all industries and organizations.
Microsoft Dynamics 365
This software offers a wealth of capabilities, both inside and outside the manufacturing space, and they continue to evolve and improve as they build on manufacturer capabilities. Since it has more functionality across various operations beyond manufacturing, Microsoft Dynamics 365 is often a good fit for larger and more diverse companies due to the flexibility provided.
Deacom
This company primarily focuses on manufacturing ERP systems, which shows their dedication to their space. Deacom is fully integrated, meaning they provide a single solution with all the capabilities needed for manufacturing operations. This software is attractive to smaller businesses, and they offer a fixed-deal implementation. This can be very effective for those concerned with sticking to a budget.
Infor Cloudsuite
Infor Cloudsuite has historically focused on the manufacturing space. Their dedication to this space has landed them at number 7 on our list as we have seen very successful implementations of the software for our clients. However, in their transition to cloud solutions, there have been some growth issues, as the solutions do not have the same caliber of functionality as their previous products. That said, it’s still a great product and we expect it to continue to grow in our top ten list for years to come.
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SAP / S4 HANA
Yes, there is a tie. SAP has very comparable results to Infor Cloudsuite because it is tailored for larger organizations with its extensive capabilities. Although SAP is applicable to various industries, they also have well-developed and focused manufacturing capabilities. It is also clear that they are evolving and deepening their capabilities within the manufacturing space to meet specific needs within the industry.
Epicor
Along with many others, Epicor is transitioning into the cloud space. They bring a new sense of transparency and fluidity to manufacturing operations that has benefited many of our customers. I suspect Epicor will continue to climb this list for years to come.
Oracle ERP Cloud
Oracle has traditionally been used by upmarket organizations, and its legacy products have been highly successful in manufacturing. They are now focused on moving their functionality from their legacy software to the cloud, and like other software vendors doing the same, they are experiencing minor growing pains through migration. Regardless, Oracle ERP Cloud still offers great solutions and functionality across the board.
Now
This is a newer product that has been around for just over 10 years, but it is one of the fastest growing ERP systems on the market. Focused solely on manufacturing, they provide ample flexibility whether you want to deploy the software through the cloud or through an integration process. We have found that Acumatica is a very good fit for small and medium-sized organizations in terms of ease of use and adaptability. Now if you are a larger organization, you may feel a bit limited. There may be other ERP systems that help larger, more complex operations that might be a better fit for you.
IQMS
This product has been around for a long time and has been dedicated to the manufacturing space from the very beginning. IQMS is suitable for small and medium-sized businesses, and its greatest strength is the breadth of functionality within the manufacturing space. Those with complex supply chain operations have seen many benefits from the software’s capabilities. It’s also very easy to make small adjustments to fit your needs without having to code full customizations. The only lack of this system is its general ecosystem. There are not as many multifunctional systems with IQMS, so finding implementation support, customer support, etc. can be a challenge.
QAD
QAD is a well-known manufacturing ERP solution in large, high-functioning manufacturing organizations, from automakers to chemicals. It is one of the best known products and has been in the cloud for more than ten years, which makes its cloud functionality quite mature. Configuration flexibility is the most attractive element for many companies. QAD makes it easy to customize and recode modules within the software, giving an extra sense of customization that appeals to many.
IFS
IFS is a European based company but has become more well known around the world in recent years. IFS is a manufacturing-focused product and is a great fit for organizations with heavy project management – so if your company has field service teams or something similar as part of its operations, IFS helps balance it all out. . It is cloud-based and easy to use with a maturity that keeps it stable and functional for many of our customers.
We look forward to seeing how each of these software evolves and adapts as the years go by. There are a lot of opportunities on this list, and I’m sure we’ll see other companies move closer to number 1 as they develop and mature their features.
Summary
One thing to keep in mind is finding the product that suits who you are and what your business needs. Are you a large organization that values broad capabilities, or are you a small organization that values ease of implementation and lower costs? These self-guided principles will help you make a decision. It’s also important to review the overall ecosystem of the systems you’re considering to ensure there’s enough support as you embark on a digital transformation.