Technology is advancing rapidly, and forward-thinking manufacturers are embracing the digital evolution. They are adopting new technologies in order to stay relevant, innovative and competitive. One of these important technologies is the use of SAP ERP’s for the manufacturing industry.

All manufacturers strive to optimize their operational processes by reducing costs, improving efficiency and increasing profits. Advancements in technology have aided many manufacturers in achieving these goals.

Failure to adopt new technologies in your manufacturing business will make it significantly harder for it to thrive and grow in today’s fast-paced, digital business environment.

SAP ERP

SAP was founded in 1972 by five former IBM engineers, and is one of the largest global vendors of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software.

It offers industry-specific ERP solutions that support business processes across procurement, manufacturing, service, sales, finance and human resources.

SAP ERP solutions support the following manufacturing types:

• Discrete Manufacturing: A manufacturing process whereby finished products are distinct items capable of being easily counted, touched or seen. Discrete manufacturing involves parts like nuts and bolts, brackets, wires and individual products. Examples of products made by discrete manufacturing include furniture, toys and smartphones.
• Process Manufacturing: A process whereby a product is created by using a formula or recipe to refine the raw ingredients. The final product cannot be broken down into its basic components. Examples of products made by process manufacturing include pharmaceuticals, paint, food and beverages.
• Repetitive Manufacturing: In this process, goods are manufactured by following the same production sequences. This type of manufacturing process often goes hand-in-hand with automated assembly processes. Examples of products made by repetitive manufacturing include small electronic goods and car components.

SAP ERP Integrations

SAP ERP solutions integrate with the following systems:

• Salesforce
• Microsoft Dynamics
• Zoho CRM
• Oracle
• Sage
• NetSuite
• And many more

The Importance of ERP and CRM Integration for Your Business

Many businesses make use of Client Relationship Management (CRM) and an ERP system to help business processes run efficiently.

A CRM system manages front-end data, such as customer information and new orders. Meanwhile, an ERP system handles back-end information like customer purchase history, billing and shipping details, and information regarding their operations, financial, human resource, and supply chain management.

Both systems will independently offer substantial benefits to a business. But having two systems that are unable to communicate with each other makes it impossible to track all customer interactions, and obtain all your customer data through one interface. Utilizing a powerful integration solution to connect these two systems will provide even further benefits to your business.

Commercient SYNC, the #1 data integration platform for sales, provides seamless connectivity between your ERP and CRM system, giving you a 360-degree view of your sales and business processes and providing better customer insight. Click this video to watch how SYNC works.

Integrating your sales and marketing system also reduces the time it takes to make data available, and gives you more time to focus on driving new business. Take a look at the types of SAP ERP’s that can be SYNC’d with CRM here.

SAP ERP’s for the Manufacturing Industry

SAP Business One

Designed for small and mid-size businesses, SAP Business One is an ERP solution that automates and streamlines key business functions in financials, operations and human resources. With SAP Business One, you will gain greater insight into your business, streamline key processes and make strategic decisions based on real-time information. SAP Business One can be deployed on cloud or on-premise and is integrated with business intelligence and the SAP HANA platform.

Key Features of SAP Business One

• Financial management
• Sales and customer management
• Purchasing and inventory control
• Manufacturing management
• Inventory management
• Industry-specific manufacturing capabilities

SAP Business ByDesign

SAP Business ByDesign is a cloud ERP solution designed for fast-growing, mid-market businesses to compete without the complexity and cost. Built for growth, this configurable solution will help your business become more efficient.

Key Features of SAP Business ByDesign

• Financial management
• Human resource management
• Project management
• Procurement management
• Supply chain management
• Manufacturing management
• Inventory management
• Quality and sales management
• Product technology
• Industry-specific manufacturing capabilities

SAP S/4HANA

SAP S/4HANA is an ERP solution suitable for small, mid-size and large businesses. SAP S/4HANA consists of two editions: (i) SAP S/4HANA On-Premise and (ii) SAP S/4HANA Cloud. Both editions include functionality for finance, accounting, procurement, sales, manufacturing, plant maintenance, project system and product lifecycle management.

Key Features of SAP S/4HANA

• Financial management
• Human resources management
• Manufacturing management
• Inventory management
• Purchasing management
• Quality management
• Sales management
• Product technology
• Industry-specific manufacturing capabilities

The benefits that can be derived from implementing a SAP ERP system in your manufacturing business far outweighs its cost in the long-term. Relying on outdated software when your competitors are embracing the Internet of Things (IoT) and adopting innovative technologies will hold you back and eventually stifle the life out of your business.

Make the leap and contact Commercient today, to find out how we can help your manufacturing business stay ahead with data integration!

About the Author

Anna Kinnear is a Sage Financials Consultant at Edgeware, and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting Science from the University of South Africa. She has always had a passion for reading and writing.