Best Practices Archives - Best ERP Software, Vendors, News and Reviews https://solutionsreview.com/enterprise-resource-planning/category/best-practices/ Buyer's Guide and Best Practices Mon, 02 Jun 2025 20:10:02 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.2 https://solutionsreview.com/enterprise-resource-planning/files/2024/01/cropped-android-chrome-512x512-1-32x32.png Best Practices Archives - Best ERP Software, Vendors, News and Reviews https://solutionsreview.com/enterprise-resource-planning/category/best-practices/ 32 32 Transforming Manufacturing Growth and Efficiency with AI Translation https://solutionsreview.com/enterprise-resource-planning/transforming-manufacturing-growth-and-efficiency-with-ai-translation/ Mon, 02 Jun 2025 20:07:31 +0000 https://solutionsreview.com/enterprise-resource-planning/?p=7324 Alexandra Conza, Senior Strategic Content Marketing Manager at Smartcat, explains why AI translation tools are essential to manufacturing growth and efficiency. This article originally appeared in Insight Jam, an enterprise IT community that enables human conversation on AI. The manufacturing sector is inherently global. From sourcing raw materials to distributing finished goods and training diverse […]

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Transforming Manufacturing Growth and Efficiency with AI Translation

Alexandra Conza, Senior Strategic Content Marketing Manager at Smartcat, explains why AI translation tools are essential to manufacturing growth and efficiency. This article originally appeared in Insight Jam, an enterprise IT community that enables human conversation on AI.

The manufacturing sector is inherently global. From sourcing raw materials to distributing finished goods and training diverse workforces, manufacturers operate across borders, languages, and cultures. Navigating this complex landscape requires seamless, accurate, and rapid communication, which has traditionally been a challenge marked by delays and high costs.

However, AI translation platforms fundamentally change the game, enabling manufacturers to expand more effectively, optimize operations, reduce expenditure, and empower their global teams. Leading manufacturing companies are leveraging AI-powered translation and localization to achieve measurable outcomes and gain a strategic advantage.

Accelerating Global Expansion and Marketing Reach

Entering and succeeding in new international markets hinges on effective communication. This means localizing everything from product strategy, content, and technical marketing collateral to vehicle launch materials. Translation and localization AI platforms dramatically speed up this process, delivering high-quality multilingual content for automotive manufacturers to internal training documents, videos, and audio files for multinational teams.

The impact on speed is significant. On average, automotive manufacturers achieved a 50 percent faster turnaround time with Smartcat, and one major global car manufacturer reduced its average translation project times from over two months to just two to three weeks. This accelerated pace allows for rapid global deployment of localized marketing campaigns and product information, fueling timely and impactful marketing and sales efforts.

Streamlining Operations and Improving Workflows

Operational efficiency is paramount in manufacturing, and traditional translation methods often involve fragmented processes and excessive manual work. AI translation and localization platforms can integrate with enterprise tools, eliminating repetitive tasks and reducing the time spent on tasks. This enables organizations like a global optical instrument manufacturer to complete more than 50 percent more projects simultaneously. This automation also mitigates the risk of errors, leading to up to a 70 percent workload reduction on editing and review.

For example, a leading optical instruments manufacturer saves an estimated two hours per global content project with AI translation and localization, reducing the time to produce one e-learning course in over ten languages from thirteen to eleven hours. Automated project management solutions, sometimes called “Lights Out” management, can handle routine operations like task assignments and payment management, yielding substantial time savings. These automated project management features are monitored 24/7 with complete transparency.

Furthermore, AI translation and localization platforms centralize each client’s unique linguistic assets like translation memories and glossaries, ensuring consistency and quality across projects and teams. Collaborative workflows allow for seamless teamwork with real-time collaboration and task assignment. This collaborative environment has helped companies eliminate the chance of ‘doing the work twice’ that occurred with offline processes. Average project durations have decreased by up to two weeks, with some manufacturers reporting a remarkable 400 percent improvement in turnaround time, from ten days to two to three.

Delivering Substantial Cost Reductions

Cost savings are a major driver for adopting translation and localization AI, with average cost savings typically falling between 50 percent and 70 percent compared to traditional translation and localization methods. For example, one leading medical technology company could translate twice as much with the same budget as previous language service providers.

These savings are achieved through various mechanisms, including leveraging AI translation that continuously learns and applies insights from existing linguistic data. This means that AI-enhanced translations can deliver cost savings, greater speed, and improved accuracy.

Enhancing Employee Training and Communication

In manufacturing, a well-trained global workforce is essential for safety, efficiency, and product understanding. Localizing technical documents, user manuals, and industry-specific e-learning is critical. AI translation and localization platforms make this process faster, more cost-effective, and scalable.

AI translation platforms empower manufacturing companies to significantly enhance global employee training and communication. Organizations are leveraging these tools to train thousands of employees globally, creating comprehensive multilingual learning paths supporting new equipment operation, critical safety protocols, or widespread strategy adoption.

This technology facilitates a rapid expansion of linguistic reach, with some companies easily increasing their target languages and supporting projects across dozens of countries. This also enables the consistent creation of a high volume of localized content, with some organizations producing an average of 18 online learning courses per language every quarter. For a global tire manufacturer, the speed of localizing training videos dramatically improved: video translation projects, including dubbing, can be completed in as little as one hour per file, while initial subtitling translation is reduced from days to just 15 minutes with AI.

Driving Precision and Quality Assurance

In a sector where precision, compliance, and safety are paramount, translation quality is non-negotiable. AI alone isn’t enough; combining AI and human expertise is key. An AI that provides high-quality, brand-consistent translations must be able to learn from its expert human reviewers to continuously improve its accuracy and adapt to specific brand terminology or technical terms.

Human proofreaders at a leading global water technology manufacturer reported accuracy rates well above 90 percent for complex languages like Chinese, Korean, and Japanese when using Smartcat’s AI. Reviewers at other organizations noted a significantly lower number of corrections than traditional agencies, accelerating the editing process and improving efficiency.

The Future is AI-Human Collaboration

The strategic adoption of AI translation platforms enables many manufacturing companies to achieve significant advancements in efficiency, cost reduction, and global reach. These comprehensive solutions empower organizations to accelerate AI adoption across business units and achieve targeted global results, and are fast becoming fundamental platforms in the modern manufacturing landscape.

Looking ahead, integrating human expertise with adaptive AI systems will continue redefining global communication. This collaborative approach is a force multiplier, holding enormous potential for future worldwide communication and growth, particularly for highly regulated sectors like manufacturing, where linguistic barriers historically limited expansion.

For modern manufacturing, AI translation is a strategic necessity for scaling efficiently, reducing costs, and empowering teams worldwide. When AI and human experts work together, manufacturers gain the accuracy, reliability, and domain-specific nuance required to innovate and compete in an increasingly interconnected world.


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Integrated Platforms Put Unified B2B Commerce Within Reach for Fast-Moving Consumer Goods Distributors https://solutionsreview.com/enterprise-resource-planning/integrated-platforms-put-unified-b2b-commerce-within-reach-for-fast-moving-consumer-goods-distributors/ Wed, 14 May 2025 19:49:17 +0000 https://solutionsreview.com/enterprise-resource-planning/?p=7301 Travis Rothstein, the senior manager of Acquisition Sales and Integrations at Advantive, explains how integrated platforms can bring unified B2B commerce to fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) distributors. This article originally appeared in Insight Jam, an enterprise IT community that enables human conversation on AI. Unified B2B commerce has hit a roadblock in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector. […]

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Integrated Platforms Put Unified B2B Commerce Within Reach for Fast-Moving Consumer Goods Distributors

Travis Rothstein, the senior manager of Acquisition Sales and Integrations at Advantive, explains how integrated platforms can bring unified B2B commerce to fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) distributors. This article originally appeared in Insight Jam, an enterprise IT community that enables human conversation on AI.

Unified B2B commerce has hit a roadblock in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector. Despite significant technological advancements, many FMCG distributors struggle to integrate the customer-facing and back-office systems that power their operations. Without system interoperability, organizations face a disconnect that leads to siloed data, inconsistent customer experiences, and limited flexibility in responding to shifting market demands.

Companies are well aware of these challenges and the need to facilitate easy data exchanges between all stakeholders to achieve unified commerce. In their active efforts to solve the issues, 80 percent of B2B organizations are pursuing ways to connect their eCommerce platforms with modern enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. When successfully integrated, those systems can streamline operations so that FMCG businesses can scale, adapt, and deliver exceptional customer value.

The Value of Data in B2B E-Commerce Cannot be Overstated

Data is the backbone of every B2B e-commerce system, and FMCG businesses handle large amounts of it, including customer orders, supply chain details, product catalogs, sales analytics, and financial transactions. Without centralizing all that data to enable standardization and accessibility, organizations cannot achieve operational efficiency.

Centralizing company data within unified systems improves accuracy and consistency and offers a deeper understanding of business processes. Quality data allows businesses to identify potential errors early before they lead to significant problems. FMCG distributors that standardize key data points across sales, inventory, and finance can gain crucial operational visibility and a clear picture of both daily functions and long-term growth opportunities.

For example, if a distributor receives a surge of similar datasets from multiple sources and they all vary in format, each set might contain identical or overlapping bits of information. However, the slightly different formats and files can create differentiation issues, requiring companies to allocate more resources to manage datasets that are essential to their business. When formats are standardized across the board, distributors can more easily ingest, distinguish, and transact on large-scale data.

This strategy saves both time and money. Research by McKinsey & Company found that organizations that embraced the approach lowered the total cost of data ownership by as much as 30 percent.

Benefits of B2B E-Commerce Platforms Include Real-Time Insights and Better Accessibility

Modern B2B e-commerce platforms are built to meet FMCG distributors’ diverse needs when it comes to data management. These systems address the unique challenges faced by various stakeholders, including sales representatives, retail buyers, and customer service teams, while supporting companies’ efforts to grow and succeed in high-pressure markets.

One of the most significant advantages e-commerce platforms offer is the ability to bridge the gap between front-end customer interactions and back-end operational systems. Innovative solutions that consolidate omnichannel sales into a single platform provide a streamlined approach to keep companies organized and competitive. Businesses can more easily ensure a consistent buyer experience across online and offline channels thanks to the real-time insights they get on buying trends, promotions, and sell-through performance. In addition, simplified sales management lets sales representatives secure deals on the go with mobile CRM access.

B2B e-commerce platforms can also integrate with on-premise and cloud-based ERP systems, providing instant access to vital data regardless of team members’ locations. With flexible features like online product availability and offline route accounting, field sales representatives with mobile devices have direct insight into inventory and customer order history. Plus, stakeholders can make better data-driven decisions since inventory sync helps businesses avoid overselling or understocking, which are common and costly pitfalls in distribution. At $1.77 trillion, the cost of inventory distortion is a growing global issue. Between 2022 and 2023, out-of-stocks increased 17.7 percent in North America alone.

ERP and CRM Integration Supports the Seamless Exchange of Data 

ERP and CRM integration are non-negotiable to truly enable unified B2B commerce. Both systems are central to managing sales, inventory, customer interactions, and financial data. When integrated with eCommerce platforms, they create a cohesive network that enhances visibility across all areas of business. Most B2B e-commerce solutions now include built-in ERP and CRM integrations, acting as the connective tissue that ensures automatic, real-time updates across all systems and defines the flow of data on products, customers, receivables, and more.

Configurability is a key factor in making these integrations effective. With configurable plugins, companies can tailor scheduled synchronizations to automate certain processes that don’t require frequent changes. Businesses value the flexibility to align integration with their unique workflows and operational priorities.

Gains in speed and accuracy are equally important. The automated flow of information between systems means companies can eliminate manual data entry and reduce the risk of human error. Sales transactions, for example, are instantly recorded in ERP systems, helping inventory, finance, and customer service teams stay on the same page and respond quickly to changing demands. Improved operational agility also enhances timely order fulfillment and communication, leading to higher customer satisfaction.

No longer a future goal, unified B2B commerce has become a present-day differentiator for FMCG businesses aiming to stay ahead. When ERP, CRM, and e-commerce systems work together, companies get the agility and insight to deliver consistent value and customer satisfaction, even as consumer demands evolve.

Adaptability is everything in fast-paced industries, and organizations that invest in seamless, integrated systems are most favorably positioned for success. With measurable gains like increased revenue and stronger customer loyalty to be made, the case for unified commerce is undeniable. Moving beyond disconnected tools and legacy systems in favor of integration will be the difference between merely keeping up and leading the way forward.


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A Three-Tiered AI-First Approach to Transform Finance in Manufacturing https://solutionsreview.com/enterprise-resource-planning/a-three-tiered-ai-first-approach-to-transform-finance-in-manufacturing/ Mon, 05 May 2025 20:13:50 +0000 https://solutionsreview.com/enterprise-resource-planning/?p=7291 Lavi Sharma from Genpact outlines the value that a three-tiered, AI-first approach to finance in manufacturing can provide. This article originally appeared in Insight Jam, an enterprise IT community that enables human conversation on AI. Thanks to cutting-edge advanced technologies, including agentic AI, the manufacturing landscape is changing fast. From autonomous warehouses that run like clockwork […]

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A Three-Tiered AI-First Approach to Transform Finance in Manufacturing

Lavi Sharma from Genpact outlines the value that a three-tiered, AI-first approach to finance in manufacturing can provide. This article originally appeared in Insight Jam, an enterprise IT community that enables human conversation on AI.

Thanks to cutting-edge advanced technologies, including agentic AI, the manufacturing landscape is changing fast. From autonomous warehouses that run like clockwork to touchless production plants and intelligent AI agents empowering defect detection systems, AI isn’t just improving processes; it’s accelerating time to value, scaling operations, and setting the bar high for companies to redefine customer experience.

As manufacturers embrace the principles of Industry 4.0 and the Internet of Things (IoT), a new revolution is quietly gaining momentum—Industry 5.0. This emerging vision goes beyond automation, advocating a harmonious collaboration between humans and advanced technologies to create a sustainable, resilient business model. These innovations are setting new standards in precision, scalability, and efficiency and reshaping the future of manufacturing as we know it.

In my conversations with clients, I often discover that even though CFOs play a key role in shaping business strategy, financial planning, and accounting operations, the manufacturing industry hasn’t prioritized finance and accounting (F&A) transformation. Why? Most manufacturing companies have grown by acquisition, inheriting diverse technology landscapes that often use fragmented legacy systems that require significant manual efforts.

The solution? Shift from a lean manufacturing mindset to an AI-first approach.

An AI-first approach requires a systematic ecosystem shift, not a set of incremental changes. Just as the invention of electricity completely changed society, industries, and lives, so will AI-first transform how we operate.

So, how can you reimagine every end-to-end process within manufacturers’ F&A functions? A three-tiered adoption approach is necessary—empowering the workforce, augmenting operations, and using AI to power finance solutions.

1) Build an AI-empowered finance workforce

At a granular level, AI can act as the fuel that supercharges finance teams to gain insights through knowledge management systems and be an intelligent assistant to accountants. For example, AI has the potential to enable transaction matching for voluminous inventory reconciliation with greater speed and precision than humans.

You can use gen AI-powered virtual assistants to provide next best action recommendations to team members, enabling synchronized actions across finance, supply chain, and sales teams—all in real-time. It’s like having a subject matter expert available 24/7 to help resolve contextual queries, improve data consistency, and quality.

2) Enable AI-augmented finance operations

Focusing on driving last-mile automation offers organizations better insights, improves visibility, and increases processing speed. Agentic action-enabled tools that run on AI models can perform tasks independently, take actions, and solve complex problems, thereby enabling autonomous processing.

For example, when leveraged within an accounts payable (AP) finance function, you can use agentic AI to analyze the sentiment and tone of a vendor’s emails and chat conversations. It can help extract data from enterprise resource planning and AP platforms, map it to the vendor’s query, and draft an appropriate response.

Generating proactive email responses with adjustable levels of courtesy can minimize delays, resolve conflicts, and close pending payments. This way, finance professionals can avoid frequent credit hold situations and reduce turnaround time.

3) Design AI-powered finance solutions

Specialized finance AI solutions are game changers. Whether they use AI-driven journal entry automation, transaction matching, anomaly detection, or third-party risk management solutions, the technology can streamline F&A operations.

I’ve seen how well customized AI solutions work in this area. Some of the world’s largest companies have invested in developing finance data fabrics to generate real-time and on-demand predictive insights that support decision-making with recommended next-best actions—all through a single source of truth.

Armed with a suite of analytics solutions to streamline auditing and reporting processes and improve user experiences with personalized insights to drive actions, users report a reduction in manual efforts by more than 50 percent and up to 40 percent improvement in their insight-to-action journey.

Build a robust finance organization that runs on AI

Implementing AI requires a clear strategy, organizational flexibility, a data-driven environment, and team collaboration.

Reality check: your AI models are as good as your data. One way to get your AI models to churn out near-accurate results is by integrating data intelligence platforms. These solve many challenges by breaking the barriers of siloed data across supply chain, financial planning, tax, and treasury, and providing one central platform with necessary data management and governance.

This way, you can empower teams to quickly understand and reconcile trends, patterns, and behaviors and trust AI-driven insights to make confident decisions.

As front-end functions in manufacturing have embraced AI, it’s time for accounting and finance to follow a similar path. As AI becomes more sophisticated, it’s poised to transform the financial world and the role of finance teams to make way for autonomous and predictive operations.


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Resilient Manufacturing: Embedding Quality with Leadership and Technology https://solutionsreview.com/enterprise-resource-planning/resilient-manufacturing-embedding-quality-with-leadership-and-technology/ Wed, 09 Apr 2025 21:00:25 +0000 https://solutionsreview.com/enterprise-resource-planning/?p=7272 Brian Martensen, Product Manager at Plex, by Rockwell Automation, explains why quality control and management are essential to resilient manufacturing processes. This article originally appeared in Insight Jam, an enterprise IT community that enables human conversation on AI. As consumer expectations and demand continue to rise, achieving quality in product development isn’t just a goal for manufacturers to […]

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Resilient Manufacturing - Embedding Quality with Leadership and Technology

Brian Martensen, Product Manager at Plex, by Rockwell Automation, explains why quality control and management are essential to resilient manufacturing processes. This article originally appeared in Insight Jam, an enterprise IT community that enables human conversation on AI.

As consumer expectations and demand continue to rise, achieving quality in product development isn’t just a goal for manufacturers to achieve—it’s the foundation of the business. Recalls and costly delays plague businesses that fail to go the distance and many high-profile moments in recent years have proven to be case studies on what not to do. The costs of not achieving quality go beyond delays.

When quality standards slip, the financial, reputational, and operational costs are enormous. On the other hand, high-quality standards drive customer satisfaction, protect brand reputation, and ensure long-term profitability. Yet achieving these standards isn’t simple, especially in an environment defined by supply chain complexities, evolving customer demands, and the rapid pace of digital transformation.

The challenge for manufacturers is clear: How do you embed quality into the DNA of your organization while navigating these complexities? The answer lies in the intersection of leadership and technology. Quality must start from the top of leadership, setting an example by leveraging solutions that empower teams, streamline processes, and transform quality management into a strategic advantage.

For the second year in a row, a recent survey of manufacturers found that “improved quality” was the top outcome manufacturers and leaders hope to achieve from existing smart manufacturing technology. This consistent priority signals a broader industry trend: quality must be at the core of the business strategy to drive operational success.

From Compliance to Culture: Technology’s Role in Quality

Traditionally, manufacturers have often viewed quality management through the lens of compliance to meet regulatory standards and avoid penalties. However, the modern manufacturer knows that true excellence requires going beyond compliance to build a culture of quality. This culture is not just about checking boxes. It’s about continuous improvement and a shared commitment to delivering exceptional products and services. Smart manufacturing technologies, like digital quality management systems (QMS), are key to enabling this shift. These tools provide real-time data, actionable insights, and the ability to address potential quality issues before they escalate. However, technology must be combined with leadership and strategic implementation to help establish an environment that prioritizes quality at all levels.

Quality isn’t just the responsibility of one team—it requires cross-functional collaboration. But it also must start from the top. Leaders play a key role in modeling this culture of quality by demonstrating the importance of excellence in every decision and action. They must also set measurable goals, foster open communication, and build trust. In addition to fostering a collaborative, quality-focused mindset among teams, leaders can also champion smart manufacturing solutions that ensure collaborative teams can achieve quality goals by tracking their progress toward these goals in real-time.

This technology can also break down organizational silos by centralizing data and fostering seamless communication. For example, a food manufacturer leveraging a QMS system can monitor production quality in real-time. Automating defect detection and leveraging predictive analytics helps the company reduce waste, minimize recalls, and maintain compliance with industry standards. This real-time visibility helps them improve their efficiency, lower their costs, and build trust with customers by consistently creating quality products.

Building a Quality-Driven Culture

Creating a culture of quality begins with leadership but is sustained through the strategic use of technology. Here are four key strategies manufacturers can adopt:

Define Clear Quality Objectives

Leadership must set measurable quality goals that align with broader organizational objectives. For example, instead of simply aiming to “reduce defects,” a manufacturer could set a specific target to reduce defect rates by 20 percent within a year.

Invest in Training and Empowerment

Technology is only as effective as the people using it. Regular training and access to digital tools aren’t just perks—they’re essential. Instruction and practice are key to ensuring employees are equipped with smart manufacturing tools and understand how their roles impact quality outcomes. Leaders should invest in intuitive platforms and provide employees with the resources they need to make data-driven decisions.

Foster Collaboration Across Departments

Effective quality management is not limited to quality control or production teams. A culture of quality thrives with cross-functional collaboration. Tools like collaborative ERP systems foster communication between departments, breaking down barriers and enabling a more holistic approach to quality management. For example, when production and procurement teams share real-time data on material quality, they can quickly address issues before they escalate.

Empower Continuous Improvement

Continuous improvement is at the heart of a thriving quality culture. Leaders must create systems that empower employees to share ideas, identify inefficiencies, and propose solutions—all with the support of real-time data and actionable insights. By leveraging modern IT tools to establish transparent feedback loops, organizations can proactively evaluate and refine processes while encouraging employee engagement.

The Future of Manufacturing: A Technology-Driven Culture of Quality

As manufacturing continues to evolve and grow in complexity, organizations that embrace technology to build a culture of quality will lead the industry. These companies will not only meet customer expectations but exceed them, setting new standards for excellence. The result is a resilient, future-ready organization prepared to thrive in a shifting industry. In the end, a culture of quality isn’t just about avoiding mistakes. It’s about delivering value, fostering trust, and achieving long-term success. Businesses that combine leadership with the right technology solutions can transform quality management into a strategic advantage.


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Supply Chain Disruption 2025: A Perfect Storm Looms https://solutionsreview.com/enterprise-resource-planning/supply-chain-disruption-2025-a-perfect-storm-looms/ Mon, 17 Mar 2025 17:18:52 +0000 https://solutionsreview.com/enterprise-resource-planning/?p=7233 Steve Bassaw, a Product Manager at SYSPRO Americas, shares his expertise on the potential supply chain disruption that could arrive in 2025. This article originally appeared in Insight Jam, an enterprise IT community that enables human conversation on AI. Just as global supply chains have finally recovered from the unprecedented disruption caused by the COVID-19 […]

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Steve Bassaw, a Product Manager at SYSPRO Americas, shares his expertise on the potential supply chain disruption that could arrive in 2025. This article originally appeared in Insight Jam, an enterprise IT community that enables human conversation on AI.

Just as global supply chains have finally recovered from the unprecedented disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, new threats are emerging that could destabilize the delicate balance once again. Three major forces—potential trade wars, climate change, and geopolitical conflicts—are converging to create what experts warn could be a perfect storm for supply chain managers in 2025.

The most immediate concern stems from the possibility of increased tariffs. All tariffs will have a significant impact, but the ones that would have the greatest effect would be on imported goods from Canada and Mexico. These are America’s largest trading partners and North American supply chains have become deeply integrated since the US-Canada-Mexico Agreement (USCMA) eliminated most trade restrictions in 2020. Many products cross borders multiple times during manufacturing, compounding the tariff effect at each crossing. This could lead manufacturers to completely reassess their operations, potentially relocating facilities and finding new suppliers within their target markets.

Climate change presents another significant challenge. Recent events like Hurricane Helene have demonstrated how extreme weather can severely impact critical supply chain nodes. When the hurricane hit North Carolina, it temporarily shut down mining operations in Spruce Pine, disrupting the global supply of high-purity quartz essential for chip manufacturing.

Wildfires are increasingly affecting regions previously unaccustomed to them, such as northeastern North America, causing transportation disruptions and air quality issues that impact logistics operations. Rising temperatures are also shifting agricultural zones, with significant implications for food manufacturing supply chains.

Adding to these concerns is the volatile geopolitical landscape. Ongoing conflicts and tensions in multiple regions threaten to disrupt crucial shipping routes and access to raw materials. The potential realignment of longstanding international alliances could further complicate global trade relationships, requiring supply chain managers to develop new contingency plans and alternative routing strategies.

The complexity of managing these multiple threats simultaneously pushes supply chain operations beyond what can be effectively managed through traditional methods. As a result, artificial intelligence and advanced analytics are quickly transitioning from optional tools to essential capabilities for supply chain management. AI enables supply chain managers to handle multi-sourcing strategies effectively, run sophisticated what-if scenarios, and make accurate predictions about supplier performance. These capabilities will be crucial for maintaining operational resilience in an increasingly unpredictable environment.

Organizations that recognize and adapt to these challenges by investing in robust technology solutions and developing flexible supply chain strategies will likely gain significant competitive advantages. Those who don’t may struggle to maintain operations as disruptions become more frequent and severe.

The key to survival in this new environment will be building supply chains that quickly adapt to changing circumstances. This means leadership must:

  • Develop multiple sourcing options for critical materials and components.
  • Create flexible manufacturing and distribution networks that can quickly pivot when disruptions occur.
  • Implement advanced technology solutions that can predict and respond to potential disruptions before they cause a significant impact.
  • Maintain strong relationships with suppliers across different regions to ensure backup options are available.

As we move toward 2025, it’s clear that the supply chain landscape will become increasingly complex. Success will depend on organizations’ ability to anticipate and respond to disruptions quickly and effectively. Those who invest in the right technologies and strategies now will be best positioned to navigate the challenges ahead, while those who maintain a business-as-usual approach may find themselves at a significant disadvantage in this new era of constant supply chain disruption.


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6 Reasons to Integrate Trading Partners Across an End-to-End Digital Supply Chain Network https://solutionsreview.com/enterprise-resource-planning/6-reasons-to-integrate-trading-partners-across-an-end-to-end-digital-supply-chain-network/ Tue, 11 Mar 2025 19:50:05 +0000 https://solutionsreview.com/enterprise-resource-planning/?p=7224 Henry Ames, the General Manager of Logistics Orchestration at TraceLink, outlines six reasons companies should integrate trading partners across their end-to-end digital supply chain networks. This article originally appeared in Insight Jam, an enterprise IT community that enables human conversation on AI. Supply chain disruptions are inevitable. In fact, according to BCI’s Supply Chain Resiliency […]

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Reasons to Integrate Trading Partners Across an End-to-End Digital Supply Chain Network

Henry Ames, the General Manager of Logistics Orchestration at TraceLink, outlines six reasons companies should integrate trading partners across their end-to-end digital supply chain networks. This article originally appeared in Insight Jam, an enterprise IT community that enables human conversation on AI.

Supply chain disruptions are inevitable. In fact, according to BCI’s Supply Chain Resiliency Report, nearly 80 percent of organizations experienced supply chain disruptions in the past year, with most encountering between one and ten such events. The leading causes of these disruptions varied from third-party failures to cyber-attacks to adverse weather or natural disasters. Still, the consequences included loss of productivity (affecting almost 80 percent of organizations), service disruption (75.4 percent), and customer complaints (70.1 percent).

These disruptions–and the impact and risk to business–are driving factors for the digitalization and integration of trading partners across end-to-end (E2E) digital supply chain networks, often referred to as multi-enterprise networks and platforms. But what challenges do organizations face when trying to digitize their supply chain? And why should they integrate all trading partners across this type of network?

The Current State of Supply Chains and Their Challenges

Supply chains are more complex than ever, with suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, logistics providers, retailers, and more spread across the globe. As a result, it’s never been more important for partners to be seamlessly connected to drive interoperability, visibility, collaboration, agility, and compliance.

However, traditionally, organizations have relied on a combination of manual processes, legacy systems, and siloed data management for supply chain operations. As a result, organizations face inefficiencies, lack of visibility, limited agility, high risk of disruption, inconsistent data, compliance violations, and much more–which was on full display across the healthcare and pharma supply chain during the COVID-19 pandemic.

To address these challenges, companies embracing E2E digital supply chain networks will allow for seamless, cost-effective, and timely data exchange and partner collaboration. Using these networks–and the platforms that power them–breaks down silos and enables better orchestration of processes and decision-making in real-time. It also increases resilience by exposing vulnerabilities such as delays and inefficiencies, allowing supply chain partners to react quickly or anticipate changing market conditions and disruptions.

The Reasons to Integrate Partners on a Single End-to-End Digital Supply Chain Network


1) Increased outsourcing has led to massive complexity, resulting in a need for better supply chain visibility and collaboration.

Organizations are increasingly outsourcing manufacturing, logistics, and other functions, supporting a more dedicated focus on specialized core capabilities while also providing the opportunity to reduce costs. However, outsourcing these processes makes collaborating in real-time with acceptable levels of upstream and downstream visibility challenging.

As a result, companies are taking steps to reduce supply chain risk through supply chain digitalization, which includes joining an E2E digital supply chain network. IDC’s 2024 Worldwide Supply Chain Survey found that in the life sciences industry, 34 percent seek to improve supply chain visibility, 32 percent seek to improve supply chain agility, and 33 percent focus on end-to-end supply chain orchestration to improve visibility and reduce risk.

2) Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) and other Point-to-Point (P2P) connections are costly, difficult to manage, and lack scale.

Organizations want to integrate and collaborate with ALL trading partners in real-time to improve agility and mitigate disruptions. However, traditional methods, such as EDI and other P2P integrations, have been expensive and often don’t meet agility goals. As a result, most companies have only been able to integrate with a handful of their “top” partners, leaving a significant portion of an organization’s supply chain operating in a less efficient and highly manual process.

Conversely, E2E digital supply chain networks provide a fast and straightforward way to integrate with ALL suppliers and customers at a fraction of the cost of EDI or other point-to-point connections (and some let suppliers and customers use any transaction format or back-end systems and onboard additional partners at no cost).

3) These networks are proven to work, are readily available as a SaaS solution, and deliver business benefits today.

According to IDC’s aforementioned survey, of those using an E2E digital supply chain network, 49 percent of respondents cited enhanced visibility into supply, 39 percent cited better supplier collaboration, 35 percent cited greater supply chain agility, and 31 percent cited improved regulatory compliance. The outcomes are broad, from reducing out-of-stock, optimizing inventory levels, and lowering operational costs to improving service levels and enabling faster product launches, supporting a new market entry, and creating new commerce channels.

4) CMOs, suppliers, and other partners will benefit greatly from being on one collective network.

E2E digital supply chain networks can ensure more precise production planning and better capacity utilization through real-time exchange of forecasts and POs. A supply chain network can also improve responsiveness to customer requests for PO changes, ensuring better on-time, in-full (OTIF) deliveries with higher operational efficiency. Furthermore, real-time information exchange can improve relationships with customers and suppliers (especially if there are no onboarding or integration costs). An additional meaningful benefit includes reducing IT costs related to maintaining outdated modes of information exchange. This ongoing benefit should not be overlooked.

5) From order-to-cash to OTIF, it improves important key performance indicators.

These networks allow organizations to digitalize all supply chain processes to improve KPIs such as revenue, costs, OTIF delivery performance, order cycle times, and much more. For example, contract manufacturers can collaborate on forecasts and purchase orders to improve OTIF. Distributors and wholesalers can digitalize order-to-cash to shorten cycle time. Direct suppliers can achieve more predictable procurement lead times to reduce safety stock inventory levels.

6) It allows for the next step in supply chain innovation – orchestration intelligence

By using advanced technologies, such as AI, machine learning, and real-time data analytics, organizations can automate workflows such as order processing, inventory management, and logistics planning, reducing manual intervention and improving accuracy. They can enhance real-time proactive decision-making and respond to disruptions quickly, such as rerouting shipments or adjusting product schedules. It improves end-to-end visibility so all stakeholders see the current order status, inventory levels, and potential bottlenecks. It can analyze historical and real-time data to predict potential (unforeseen) issues, such as demand fluctuations or supplier delays.

Supply chain disruptions significantly impact organizational cost, customer satisfaction, compliance, and more. The American Journal of Transportation noted in the first half of 2024 that these disruptions increased 30 percent over the first half of 2023, and most research groups predict a continued increase due to issues around labor, geopolitics, cyber-attacks, climate change, and more. Organizations need better solutions to help overcome these challenges and manage the risks and inefficiencies in today’s complex supply chains. End-to-end digital supply chain networks offer that lifeline and are essential to optimizing supply chain operations in today’s complex world.


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Workflow Automation for Manufacturing: It Doesn’t Have to be All or Nothing https://solutionsreview.com/enterprise-resource-planning/workflow-automation-for-manufacturing-it-doesnt-have-to-be-all-or-nothing/ Wed, 05 Feb 2025 12:06:24 +0000 https://solutionsreview.com/enterprise-resource-planning/?p=7207 Josh Roth, the General Manager U.S. for Pipefy, explains why workflow automation for manufacturing doesn’t have to be “all or nothing.” This article originally appeared in Insight Jam, an enterprise IT community that enables human conversation on AI. We all know people with an “all or nothing,” “now or never,” or “sink or swim” approach […]

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Workflow Automation for Manufacturing

Josh Roth, the General Manager U.S. for Pipefy, explains why workflow automation for manufacturing doesn’t have to be “all or nothing.” This article originally appeared in Insight Jam, an enterprise IT community that enables human conversation on AI.

We all know people with an “all or nothing,” “now or never,” or “sink or swim” approach to life. While it may be impressive in a football game or the climax of a movie, the truth is an “all or nothing” mindset glorifies extremes with no middle ground. In business, implementing new technologies—even when transformative to your operation—can seem like an “all or nothing” proposition. The undertaking may appear overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be if taken step by step. For manufacturing, workflow automation can immediately produce benefits, even based on automating small processes and building from there.

Overall, manufacturing businesses have done an excellent job modernizing factory floor operations. Unfortunately, beyond the floor, many front—and back-office workflows are still painfully slow, disjointed, and prone to countless errors. A company’s lack of workflow automation can negatively impact even the most impressive factory floor innovations.

First, let’s break down the problem many manufacturers face: their workflow process functions in some fashion—usually through a messy series of emails, spreadsheets, side discussions, and managers’ memories. Although imperfect, the operation is so entrenched that management fears breaking down the current system. But sometimes, you need to step away from the day-to-day operation and take an honest look at it.

The steps involved in a single manufacturing transaction may go from purchase requisition to manager approval, supplier outreach, budgeting, setting a delivery date, organizing production, ensuring quality control, and engineering. You can see how many vulnerable gaps exist if the workflow process is disjointed. A manager may forget to note a deadline, or an important email may be overlooked or sent to the wrong email. Many manufacturing businesses are sacrificing speed, efficiency, and improved quality control for the status quo, even with emerging technology solutions that can significantly transform operations.

To address this workflow disconnect between departments and functions, it is of the utmost importance to recognize that quality control is key. Little errors along the way can become big and disastrous in the end. Your business may have been lucky so far, but relying on old processes is riskier than biting the bullet and switching to automating workflow processes. Additionally, cost and time savings gained by automating workflows are huge bonuses to the operation and the bottom line.

For example, a major supplier in the energy segment recently adopted a workflow automation solution that reduced its turn-around time from 90 days to less than a week. They were able to scale faster while also significantly decreasing production errors. For this company, all areas—from the front office to the back office and the factory floor—were connected with workflow automation so that orders could move rapidly and accurately through measurement, purchase, and production.

The supplier was concerned with disrupting the business, so they started small by automating quality assurance first and then adding purchasing and maintenance requests. By automating quality assurance into a paperless process that used to be piles of paper, the manufacturing company can now easily trace the status and quality of all the parts it produces. By using a no-code AI-driven solution, the teams could quickly build workflows customized to their operation and/or tasks, and they could make changes easily as they gradually added more processes. By not relying solely on their IT to implement the solution, this approach was faster and easier to implement.

Many manufacturing companies find that the easiest tasks to automate first are the most repetitive, manual processes, such as purchasing and maintenance requests. After automating a few tasks, you can scale quickly and continue to chip away until the entire process is a fully integrated workflow. Truly, any manufacturer will find benefits to rethinking and closely assessing their workflow process so that they can achieve the highest levels of efficiency and product quality.

Don’t let “all or nothing” thinking prevent your manufacturing company from transforming to workflow automation. Take the first step, and you will soon be running full speed and never looking back.


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Implemented AI Recently? Look to Your ERP System to Lessen Unpredictability. https://solutionsreview.com/enterprise-resource-planning/implemented-ai-recently-look-to-your-erp-system-to-lessen-unpredictability/ Fri, 31 Jan 2025 18:59:16 +0000 https://solutionsreview.com/enterprise-resource-planning/?p=7204 Joy Taylor, the Managing Director of alliantConsulting, shares some guidance on how an ERP can help companies lessen the unpredictability involved in recently implemented AI systems. This article originally appeared in Insight Jam, an enterprise IT community that enables human conversation on AI. Implementing AI into your company has almost become a given (if not […]

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AI ERP

Joy Taylor, the Managing Director of alliantConsulting, shares some guidance on how an ERP can help companies lessen the unpredictability involved in recently implemented AI systems. This article originally appeared in Insight Jam, an enterprise IT community that enables human conversation on AI.

Implementing AI into your company has almost become a given (if not a necessity) at this stage in the game. The benefits are extensive and nearly endless, and the areas it can help companies improve are equally exciting. But navigating the potential benefits—and pitfalls—of AI integration is a risky venture, especially during the bustle of the end-of-year season and subsequent returns madness. That’s why this time of year makes it more critical than ever to have a strong enterprise resource planning (ERP) system in place to maximize operational visibility and eliminate the unpredictability of new technical systems while managing a higher production.

This peak season looks slightly different than most, given that 88 percent of industry leaders implemented AI in their manufacturing and supply chain operations this year. Undoubtedly, things will be running more autonomously and efficiently, but with new tech and modernized systems comes this element of unpredictability. Manufacturers also need advanced analytical insights into whether new tech is performing as expected.

Flawless cross-functional supply chain management and visibility will be critical to ensuring all new systems run as planned, which ultimately means prepping and maintaining a strong ERP system has never been more important.

Maximizing Visibility and Tech Returns

Modernization has the potential to revolutionize supply chain management. Manufacturers are using AI to optimize their inventory management, improve delivery route planning, and enhance quality control, to name just a few use cases. But while these companies and many others understand the upsides of AI, few are as familiar with the risk involved. There’s always a learning curve to be navigated, and to add to that, unproven processes, incorrect installation, or little synergy with other systems also pose a challenge.

Without a complete bird’s-eye view of the value chain, even a tiny process error that would otherwise be hard to catch could cause a disruption. It might be a struggle to identify where this interruption is coming from. As a result, operators can’t pivot fast enough, missing those vital holiday season delivery deadlines.

To increase on-time delivery rates, a manufacturer might onboard an AI platform offering predictive routing tools to optimize delivery routes in an increasingly complicated supply chain. The platform may suggest splitting loads or choosing alternative routes during peak congestion. Ideally, everything runs as planned, allowing seamless adjusting on the fly, but we can’t count on this alone.

A strong ERP system can be the first and second line of defense. First, by providing complete visibility into how the platform operates and its outputs. Second, it can maximize the performance of this new system by cross-referencing the AI-suggested routes with additional factors like delivery schedules, cost constraints, or carrier agreements to ensure consistency across all enterprise nodes.

Optimizing ERP Systems

The benefits of a strong ERP system are clear, but getting there is the tricky part. As big-name providers like Oracle, SAP, and now Microsoft are sunsetting their legacy ERP products and support, it’s an especially critical time to reflect on current systems and identify areas for revamping and improving.

There are a few best practices for maintaining a healthy ERP infrastructure that must be top of mind. One must-have is rigorous, comprehensive testing. A proper testing regimen prepares ERP systems for the volatility needed for the demands of an end-of-year holiday season. Things like simulating peak load conditions assist in identifying and addressing potential issues before they impact real operations.

Another best practice is data cleansing. As manufacturers navigate massive loads of new data from their AI adoption efforts, auditing both new and existing data will allow them to prioritize based on relevancy and erase obsolete information to make sure the system is operating as efficiently as possible.

Ultimately, ERP dashboards are indispensable visibility tools, and having a strong one alongside modernization efforts is a great way to make the most of new tech investments. Without an ERP system to manage an abundance of new data across the board, companies cannot respond quickly to disruptions, such as supplier failures or shipping delays.

By leveraging this centralized hub, manufacturers can be confident that their new AI integration—within one process or across the entire enterprise—is fully aligned from department to department. In an era of such rapid change and unpredictability, success lies in adopting new technologies and implementing them with thoughtful, careful intent. Those who have prepared their ERP systems diligently will be best positioned to thrive in the face of unprecedented challenges and opportunities.


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The Best Supply Chain Software Solutions to Consider in 2025 https://solutionsreview.com/enterprise-resource-planning/the-best-supply-chain-software-solutions-to-consider/ Wed, 08 Jan 2025 14:44:53 +0000 https://solutionsreview.com/enterprise-resource-planning/?p=6253 The editors at Solutions Review have compiled the following list to spotlight some of the best supply chain software solutions global companies can use to improve their supply chain management and planning efforts. Supply chain management is a complex process requiring various skills and experience in multiple fields. It encompasses the entire process, from sourcing […]

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The Best Supply Chain Software Solutions to Consider

The editors at Solutions Review have compiled the following list to spotlight some of the best supply chain software solutions global companies can use to improve their supply chain management and planning efforts.

Supply chain management is a complex process requiring various skills and experience in multiple fields. It encompasses the entire process, from sourcing raw materials and components to providing the finished product to the customer. Managing a supply chain is no easy feat, which is why supply chain software solutions have become so crucial to companies worldwide. These solutions help companies manage, align, collaborate, and share data across an extended supply chain, making improving their inventory, planning, transportation, order, logistics, and warehouse management operations easier.

However, finding the right supply chain software for your company is easier said than done, especially since there’s no one-size-fits-all platform. With that in mind, the Solutions Review editors compiled a list spotlighting some of the market’s top-rated supply chain management and planning software providers. Our editors selected these software solutions based on each provider’s Authority Score, a meta-analysis of user sentiment through the web’s most trusted business software review sites, and our proprietary five-point inclusion criteria. The list is organized alphabetically.

The Best Supply Chain Software Solutions


Adexa

Description: Adexa is an AI-powered enterprise business planning solution provider that provides companies across global industries with supply chain planning, modeling, and collaboration technologies. With Adexa, businesses can adjust to changing market conditions, support continued growth, and make profitable decisions in real-time. Specific capabilities include demand planning, inventory optimization, order fulfillment, supply chain planning, strategic network optimization, sales and operations planning (S&OP), factory planning, and sales and operations execution (S&OE).

Learn more about leading supply chain products with Solutions Review’s Free ERP Buyer’s Guide.


Anaplan

Description: Anaplan provides cloud-native, enterprise-level SaaS solutions for companies across industries. With Anaplan’s cloud-based supply, demand, and S&OP processes, companies can streamline departmental collaboration, establish planning horizons, aggregate data in a single location, and generate predictive forecasts with digital replications of their existing supply chain. Its supply chain planning capabilities include supply chain intelligence, engineering resource management, inventory optimization, demand planning, supplier collaboration, and supply chain risk management.

Learn more about leading supply chain products with Solutions Review’s Free ERP Buyer’s Guide.


Arkieva

Description: Arkieva is a supply chain software technology company that helps global and national manufacturers manage their supply chains, make data-driven decisions that drive growth, transform processes, balance workloads, and accelerate transformations. Its supply chain planning solution suite provides users with tools for sales and operations planning (S&OP). These solutions cover everything from demand planning to inventory management, financials, market intelligence, supply chain planning, scheduling, scenario planning, and workflow management. 

Learn more about leading supply chain products with Solutions Review’s Free ERP Buyer’s Guide.


Blue Yonder

Description: Blue Yonder is a global provider of digital supply chain and omnichannel commerce fulfillment services to retail, consumer, automotive, third-party logistics (3PL), and high-tech organizations. Its scalable, end-to-end platform uses a common data cloud, ML forecasting, and integrated AI insights to help companies tackle challenges and extend their supply chain management capabilities for maximum business growth. Those capabilities include network-wide visibility, agile extensibility, personalized user experiences, supply chain orchestration, and more. With these tools, Blue Yonder enables clients to predict disruptions and pivot their production, inventory, and labor strategies in the face of potential uncertainty.

Learn more about leading supply chain products with Solutions Review’s Free ERP Buyer’s Guide.


Coupa

Description: Coupa Software is a cloud-based solution provider that equips companies from multiple industries with business spend management (BSM) platforms. Coupa’s supply chain design and planning solution allows companies to use artificial intelligence (AI) and data modeling technologies to create an agile supply chain and make faster, more informed decisions for their organization. Its supply chain capabilities include an “all-in-one” modeling toolkit, inventory management, digital twin functionalities, spend analysis, sourcing management, supply chain intelligence, supplier management, and more.

Learn more about leading supply chain products with Solutions Review’s Free ERP Buyer’s Guide.


Dassault Systèmes

Dassault Systèmes - logo

Description: Dassault Systèmes is a software solution provider that helps companies across industries develop new products, services, and virtual experiences. Its primary product offering is the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, which combines the capabilities of multiple enterprise-level applications. Included in that platform is a supply chain planning and optimization solution designed to help manufacturers create digital models of their operations, establish sustainable value networks, ensure continuity throughout the supply chain, and provide them with more insights into how each part of the supply chain is working individually and as a whole.

Learn more about leading supply chain products with Solutions Review’s Free ERP Buyer’s Guide.


e2open

Description: e2open is a connected supply chain software platform designed to help global companies identify opportunities, reduce waste, operate sustainably, anticipate disruptions, and improve how they make, move, and sell their goods and services. With the e2open SaaS platform, companies have access to capabilities like channel management, supply chain planning, inventory optimization, transportation management, demand planning, global trade management, logistics visibility, automation, product lifecycle management, manufacturing, risk management, and a multi-enterprise network of manufacturing, logistics, and distribution partners.

Learn more about leading supply chain products with Solutions Review’s Free ERP Buyer’s Guide.


FuturMaster

Description: FuturMaster is a supply chain planning software provider specializing in helping companies in the consumer goods, cosmetics, pharmaceutical, and food and beverage industries sustainably improve supply chain performance. With its Bloom platform, customers can enhance sales forecast accuracy, implement cost-driven supply planning processes, navigate uncertain markets, and optimize supply networks. Capabilities include integrated business planning (IBP), demand management, digital twin technologies, data visualization, inventory planning, trade promotions optimization (TPx), procurement planning, distribution management, and more.

Learn more about leading supply chain products with Solutions Review’s Free ERP Buyer’s Guide.


GAINSystems

Description: GAINSystems is a supply chain planning and design solution designed to help manufacturing, distribution, retail, and MRO businesses optimize inventory, improve service levels, forecast demand, and make smarter supply chain decisions. Its supply chain planning platform has cloud architecture, AI, machine learning technologies, a unified data model, a pre-integrated API library, external syndicated data, and continuous collaboration tools. GAINSystems is best suited for supply chain design, demand planning, forecasting, inventory optimization, production management, and S&OP use cases.

Learn more about leading supply chain products with Solutions Review’s Free ERP Buyer’s Guide.


ICRON

Description: ICRON is a supply chain optimization software solution provider designed to provide organizations with the tools to drive operational efficiency, business agility, and profitability. With its end-to-end, customer-centric supply chain planning platform, companies can improve how they manage end-to-end decision-making processes, make informed decisions with AI-powered what-if scenarios that mitigate potential risks, gain increased control over expenses, and maintain visibility across operations. Specific features include order, inventory, scheduling, S&OP, procurement, demand, and capacity management.

Learn more about leading supply chain products with Solutions Review’s Free ERP Buyer’s Guide.


John Galt Solutions

Description: John Galt Solutions provides end-to-end supply chain planning capabilities to help companies optimize their supply chains, accelerate digital transformation, and connect data and operations. With its AI-driven SaaS Atlas Planning Platform, businesses can develop an intelligent, agile digital supply chain that generates business value, shapes new opportunities, and reduces risks. Capabilities cover demand planning, S&OP, inventory optimization, automated workflows, continuous real-time planning, production scheduling, transportation optimization, and more.

Learn more about leading supply chain products with Solutions Review’s Free ERP Buyer’s Guide.


Kinaxis

Description: Kinaxis offers a supply chain planning solution called RapidResponse that provides concurrent planning services to global organizations in process and discrete manufacturing environments worldwide. The company’s suite of synchronized planning applications includes S&OP, demand, inventory management, supply planning, control tower, transportation management, artificial intelligence (AI), integrated business planning (IBP), and more. These applications all use a single data model, user interface, and code base, enabling users to connect their entire supply chain.

Learn more about leading supply chain products with Solutions Review’s Free ERP Buyer’s Guide.


Logility

Description: Logility is a supply chain planning solution provider that uses AI and advanced analytics technologies to help organizations automate planning, increase precision, improve operating performance, unlock deeper visibility, eliminate business silos, and accelerate cycle times. The capabilities of its SaaS-based platform include sales and operations planning (S&OP), quality control, compliance management, inventory optimization, product lifecycle management, retail planning, supply chain data management, demand planning, vendor management, replenishment planning, network optimization, and more.

Learn more about leading supply chain products with Solutions Review’s Free ERP Buyer’s Guide.


OMP

Description: OMP works with global companies in consumer goods, life sciences, chemicals, metals, and process manufacturing verticals. Its Unison Planning solution covers a range of supply chain planning efforts, including network modeling, reporting, detailed scheduling, multi-enterprise planning, demand management, network design, data management, planning decision alignment, S&OP, and more. The company also offers multiple support services for clients who need help with implementations, user engagement, software training, and advisory.

Learn more about leading supply chain products with Solutions Review’s Free ERP Buyer’s Guide.


Oracle

Oracle - logo

Description: Oracle is a cloud technology company providing organizations worldwide with various computing infrastructures and software products designed to help them innovate their business, unlock new efficiencies, and improve efficiency. With the Oracle Supply Chain Management (SCM) and Manufacturing solution suite, companies have access to inventory management, supply chain planning, procurement, maintenance, order management, logistics, blockchain, Internet of Things (IoT), and product lifecycle management products they can use to respond to changing demand, supply, and market conditions.

Learn more about leading supply chain products with Solutions Review’s Free ERP Buyer’s Guide.


o9 Solutions

Description: o9 Solutions provides an AI and knowledge-powered planning platform to companies across manufacturing, retail, distribution, and retail industries looking to transform their supply chain, finance, commercial, and sustainability decision-making. Its planning capabilities include financial management, supply chain analytics, revenue planning, market intelligence, integrated business planning (IBP), S&OP, long-range planning, data integrations, retail demand planning, process management, AI/ML, digital supplier collaboration, supply chain control tower, and more.

Learn more about leading supply chain products with Solutions Review’s Free ERP Buyer’s Guide.


QAD

Description: QAD Inc. provides “next-generation” manufacturing and supply chain management solutions for global companies in the life sciences, automotive, supply, consumer products, food and beverage, high-tech, and industrial industries. The company’s digital supply chain planning platform is designed to help organizations reduce costs, mitigate global supply chain risks, and improve supply chain collaboration. Its capabilities include demand planning, production planning, distribution planning, procurement planning, financial planning, and sales and operations planning (S&OP).

Learn more about leading supply chain products with Solutions Review’s Free ERP Buyer’s Guide.


RELEX Solutions

RELEX - logo

Description: RELEX Solutions is a unified, end-to-end, and AI-based supply chain and retail planning platform designed to help retailers and consumer goods companies optimize demand, supply chain, merchandise, and operations planning initiatives across end-to-end value chains. For example, its supply chain planning capabilities include distribution planning, end-to-end inventory planning, supply chain collaboration, production scheduling, network balancing, supply chain diagnostic tools, AI-driven channel planning, and automated inventory replenishment and allocation.

Learn more about leading supply chain products with Solutions Review’s Free ERP Buyer’s Guide.


SAP

Description: SAP, the German software giant, provides businesses with its SAP S/4HANA next-generation ERP software, offering robust functionality across some industries, including manufacturing, services, retail, wholesale distribution, and more. The SAP Supply Chain Management software suite is designed to help global companies connect their processes, increase visibility into partner capabilities, minimize risk, operationalize sustainability, predict disruptions, and improve business performance. The SCM suite includes supply chain planning, supply chain logistics, enterprise asset management, manufacturing, and product lifecycle management.

Learn more about leading supply chain products with Solutions Review’s Free ERP Buyer’s Guide.


Slimstock

Description: Slimstock is an AI-powered supply chain planning solution provider that helps companies unify their people and processes across the supply chain to increase efficiency, boost profitability, and minimize waste. Slimstock’s clients include companies in manufacturing, service parts, retail, and various wholesale markets, like healthcare, automotive, building materials, and others. Its solution suite includes forecasting, replenishment, supply chain management, and S&OP planning capabilities, all powered by its Slim4 engine, which provides users with a secure, flexible interface.

Learn more about leading supply chain products with Solutions Review’s Free ERP Buyer’s Guide.


ToolsGroup

Description: ToolsGroup is a global provider of supply chain planning and demand analytics software for organizations in aftermarket parts, consumer products, manufacturing, retail, telecom, and wholesale distribution. Its AI-powered supply chain and retail planning solutions equip organizations with demand forecasting, inventory optimization, real-time data unification, merchandise financial planning, inventory replenishment, demand sensing, production planning, dynamic fulfillment, S&OP, demand planning, and allocation management capabilities.

Learn more about leading supply chain products with Solutions Review’s Free ERP Buyer’s Guide.


TrueCommerce

Description: TrueCommerce is a global supply chain network that provides organizations with integration, end-to-end supply chain visibility, integrated EDI, vendor-managed inventory (VMI), APIs, supplier enablement, automotive supply chain solutions, and purpose-built ERP integrations. Those integrations allow TrueCommerce users to fully integrate crucial business systems, helping them automate data transformation, reduce manual processes, and utilize real-time visibility into their supply chain. The company also offers fully managed services that support clients as they streamline their operations and achieve end-to-end supply chain management.

Learn more about leading supply chain products with Solutions Review’s Free ERP Buyer’s Guide.


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22 Manufacturing ERP Software Vendors to Know About in 2025 https://solutionsreview.com/enterprise-resource-planning/manufacturing-erp-software-vendors-to-know-about/ Wed, 18 Dec 2024 12:44:21 +0000 https://solutionsreview.com/enterprise-resource-planning/?p=2673 Solutions Review’s listing of the best manufacturing ERP software companies is an annual look into the solution providers included in our Buyer’s Guide and Solutions Directory. Our editors gathered this information via online materials, reports, product demonstrations, conversations with vendor representatives, and free trial examinations. As the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and manufacturing software marketplace continues to grow and […]

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Manufacturing ERP Software Vendors to Know About

Solutions Review’s listing of the best manufacturing ERP software companies is an annual look into the solution providers included in our Buyer’s Guide and Solutions Directory. Our editors gathered this information via online materials, reports, product demonstrations, conversations with vendor representatives, and free trial examinations.

As the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and manufacturing software marketplace continues to grow and evolve, evaluating and selecting a solution for your company has grown along with it. With so many different manufacturing platforms for other markets, company sizes, and use cases, it can be challenging to narrow a search down to only the providers who offer software with the specific qualifications a company needs.

There’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all manufacturing ERP solution, either, so each team must make time for in-depth research into the capabilities, strengths, and potential drawbacks each one offers. With that in mind, Solutions Review editors updated this list of the best manufacturing ERP software companies in the marketplace to consider if you’re looking for a new solution.

Note: Companies are listed in alphabetical order.

The Best Manufacturing ERP Software Vendors for 2025


abas ERP

Description: abas has provided global organizations with flexible, easy-to-use ERP software solutions for over thirty-five years. Its ERP solution is tailored to the needs of mid-size manufacturers worldwide and across multiple industries, including industrial machinery, automotive, electronics, fabrication and assembly, and custom manufacturing. The company’s manufacturing ERP solutions include functionalities for customer relationship management (CRM), warehouse management,  production, point of sale, scheduling, financials, business process management, and more.

For a deeper breakdown of each provider listed, consult our Free Manufacturing ERP Buyer’s Guide.


Acumatica

Description: Acumatica provides cloud and browser-based business management software designed for small and mid-sized businesses across industries. Its manufacturing ERP solution is capable of supporting various methodologies, including make-to-order (MTO), engineer-to-order (ETO), batch processes, make-to-stock (MTS), and configure-to-order (CTO). It also includes functionality for manufacturing management, CRM, inventory, order management, and financials. The company has an extensive network of global partners and complementary applications that can expand the functionalities of Acumatica’s solutions.

For a deeper breakdown of each provider listed, consult our Free Manufacturing ERP Buyer’s Guide.


Aptean

Aptean Launches New Branding: Ready for What's Next, Now™ - XaaS Journal

Description: Aptean provides industry-specific software for specialized manufacturers and distributors across 20 worldwide markets. The company’s ERP solutions are developed from the ground up for each industry, including process manufacturing, industrial manufacturing, financial services, retail, distribution, and food. Features include real-time inventory management, integrated testing processes, regulatory reporting, and lot traceability. Aptean also offers a manufacturing execution system (MES) solution.

For a deeper breakdown of each provider listed, consult our Free Manufacturing ERP Buyer’s Guide.


Aquilon Software

Description: Aquilon Software provides ERP software for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), focusing on manufacturers and distributors in North America. The company’s Manufacturing ERP solution is outfitted with Inventory Management, Bill of Materials/ Labor, Manufacturing Estimating, Work in Progress, and Mill Order/ Reman modules. Its Manufacturing ERP can also integrate with Aquilon’s Financial Distribution ERP solutions, providing organizers an option for a 360-degree view of their broader business.

For a deeper breakdown of each provider listed, consult our Free Manufacturing ERP Buyer’s Guide.


BatchMaster Software

Description: BatchMaster Software is a developer and implementer of process manufacturing solutions for food, beverage, chemical, life sciences, pharmaceuticals, personal care, and other process industries. Its end-to-end ERP solutions can support sales, financials, purchasing, customer, supply chain, and industry-specific process manufacturing processes, like production, regulatory compliance, quality management, lot traceability, mobile warehousing, planning, scheduling, and more. Alongside its ERP feature, BatchMaster’s solutions can also work with Sage 100, Sage 300, Microsoft Dynamics GP, QuickBooks, and SAP Business One. 

For a deeper breakdown of each provider listed, consult our Free Manufacturing ERP Buyer’s Guide.


Cetec ERP

Cetec - logo

Description: Cetec ERP is a web-based SaaS platform for companies in the manufacturing and distribution markets. Its full-suite manufacturing Cloud ERP solution includes order fulfillment, CRM, sales management, MRP, job costing, mobile warehousing, inventory management, purchasing, quality assurance, integrated document management, financial accounting, manufacturing quotes, and shop floor control functionalities. The company offers several pricing packages so companies of different sizes can equip themselves with the right tools for their business. 

For a deeper breakdown of each provider listed, consult our Free Manufacturing ERP Buyer’s Guide.


DELMIAWorks

Description: Born on the shop floor, DELMIAWorks (formerly known as IQMS Software) is all about manufacturing. Their ERP software is tailored specifically for the manufacturing environment, from small-scale to larger-sized businesses. Structured on accountability, the DELMIAworks system combines manufacturing, MES, and ERP software to improve every aspect of your business. The software system is used in several industries, including automotive, medical, aerospace, defense, assembly, food, beverage, general multi-process, contract, and more. The platform is part of Dassault Systèmes’ solution suite. 

For a deeper breakdown of each provider listed, consult our Free Manufacturing ERP Buyer’s Guide.


Deskera

Description: Deskera is an “all-in-one” integrated platform that provides SMBs with a suite of ERP, MRP, accounting, finance, inventory management, warehouse management, CRM, marketing, and human resource management products. Use cases for Deskera’s suite cover everything from accounting to budgeting, multi-channel order management, forecasting, revenue recognition, sales pipeline management, and more. With Deskera’s MRP, companies can track inventory levels, plan purchasing and production needs, calculate production costs, and streamline operations for maximum efficiency.

Learn more about leading ERP products with Solutions Review’s Free ERP Buyer’s Guide.


ECI Software Solutions

ECI - logo

Description: For over 30 years, ECI Software Solutions has provided on-premise and cloud-based technologies, alongside industry-specific software, for small to medium-sized companies in the manufacturing, wholesale/retail distribution, building, construction, and field service industries. Its manufacturing suite includes several industry-specific products, including the M1, JobBOSS2, Macola, and Deacom solutions. Capabilities cover everything from inventory management to material requirements planning, production order processing, master scheduling, shop floor control, manufacturing cost accounting, and more.

For a deeper breakdown of each provider listed, consult our Free Manufacturing ERP Buyer’s Guide.


Epicor

Epicor - logo

Description: Epicor Software Corporation provides enterprise solutions for global companies in the manufacturing, distribution, lumber, and building supply (LBM), retail, and automotive industries. The company has nearly 50 years of experience equipping its clients with analytics, CRM, data management, ERP, e-commerce, financial, HR, sales, and supply chain management tools. With Epicor’s ERP solution, Kinetic, manufacturers can track project progress in real-time, improve their technical data processes, increase automation, turn data into actionable insights, and more.

For a deeper breakdown of each provider listed, consult our Free Manufacturing ERP Buyer’s Guide.


Genius ERP

Description: Genius ERP is an end-to-end manufacturing ERP solution for planning, executing, measuring, and improving high-variable production processes for SMEs. It can help users handle make-to-order, engineer-to-order, custom-to-order, and assemble-to-order manufacturing projects while automating time-consuming steps, generating quotes, reducing bottlenecks on the shop floor, and more. Genius ERP can connect every part of a business with an easy-to-use centralized system that lets users easily share information across their company.

For a deeper breakdown of each provider listed, consult our Free Manufacturing ERP Buyer’s Guide.


Global Shop Solutions

Global Shop Solutions - logo

Description: Global Shop Solutions offers ERP software designed to help businesses simplify their manufacturing processes. The company provides applications for quote-to-cash, shop management, scheduling, inventory, accounting, quality control, CRM, and more. Available in the cloud or on-premise, Global Shop Solution’s manufacturing customers can utilize real-time inventory accuracy to optimize deliveries, lower administrative costs, increase sales, and improve customer service. The company supports thousands of manufacturing facilities in over 25 countries and nearly 30 industries. 

For a deeper breakdown of each provider listed, consult our Free Manufacturing ERP Buyer’s Guide.


Infor

Infor - logo

Description: Infor is a cloud-based software solution provider for the manufacturing, distribution, consumer products, public sectors, energy, healthcare, hospitality, and service industries. The applications Infor offers are built to give users everything they need to run day-to-day operations and grow their businesses long-term. For example, its manufacturing solutions can be configured to discrete and process manufacturing environments, equipping organizations with the capabilities to accelerate time to value, automate complex processes, gain a 360-degree view of customers, and increase collaboration.

For a deeper breakdown of each provider listed, consult our Free Manufacturing ERP Buyer’s Guide.


MIE Solutions

MIE Solutions - logo

Description: MIE Solutions is a global provider of production control software for the entire manufacturing sector. The company offers a collection of enterprise and cloud-based products to help organizations across industries streamline processes, improve efficiency, and boost ROI. MIE Trak Pro is the company’s primary offering and offers capacity planning, quality control, forecasting, reporting, sales orders, accounting, and other functionalities to manufacturing, assembly, and distribution companies.  It also partners with Workbooks to equip its mid-market clients with CRM and business applications.

For a deeper breakdown of each provider listed, consult our Free Manufacturing ERP Buyer’s Guide.


MRPeasy

MRPeasy - logo

Description: MRPeasy is a cloud-based material requirements planning (MRP) and ERP system designed to meet the needs of small manufacturers in markets like 3D printing, biotechnology, automotive, chemical, aerospace, composites, electronics, food, agriculture, engineering, industrial equipment, and other needs. Its features include workstation capacity planning, bills of materials (BOM), tools, shop floor planning, inventory control, sales and order management, procurement, financials, and a collection of integrations.

For a deeper breakdown of each provider listed, consult our Free Manufacturing ERP Buyer’s Guide.


NetSuite

Description: Oracle NetSuite is a global provider of cloud-based services for organizations in over 20 industries that need help growing, scaling, and adapting to changes in their industry of choice. With advanced financial management and supply chain planning features, NetSuite provides users with the tools they need to accelerate growth and drive innovation. Its built-for-manufacturing solution equips businesses with multi-language, multi-currency capabilities to support their processes and supply chains worldwide with optimized capabilities. 

For a deeper breakdown of each provider listed, consult our Free Manufacturing ERP Buyer’s Guide.


OptiProERP

Description: OptiProERP is a business management ERP solution for manufacturing and distribution companies in the automotive, high-tech, medical devices, industrial machinery, wholesale, and telecommunications equipment markets. The company’s functionalities are embedded in SAP Business One. They include inventory management, purchasing, quality control, production management, CRM, sales, service management, shop floor execution, warehouse management, planning, scheduling, analytics, and financial management. 

For a deeper breakdown of each provider listed, consult our Free Manufacturing ERP Buyer’s Guide.


Plex

Description: Plex Systems offers an intelligent manufacturing platform to help process and discrete manufacturers connect, track, analyze, and automate every aspect of their organization to drive business transformation. The company’s cloud-based platform includes ERP, manufacturing execution systems (MES), quality management, analytics, industrial IoT, supply chain planning (SCP), and manufacturing automation products for the aerospace, food and beverage, automotive, electronics, and other manufacturing verticals.

For a deeper breakdown of each provider listed, consult our Free Manufacturing ERP Buyer’s Guide.


Priority Software

Description: Priority Software provides organizations of all sizes with flexible, scalable, and end-to-end ERP solutions. With its purpose-built solution for manufacturing, Priority can provide manufacturers with a 360-degree, real-time view of production facility performance, tracking, and enhancement capabilities. Other features include material requirements planning, inventory control, product data management, multi-division planning, quality control, analytics, and more. These tools enable users to remove inefficiencies, automate processes, and empower teams with seamless synchronization between units.

For a deeper breakdown of each provider listed, consult our Free Manufacturing ERP Buyer’s Guide.


QAD

Description: QAD Inc. provides “next-generation” manufacturing and supply chain management solutions for global companies in the life sciences, automotive, supply, consumer products, food and beverage, high-tech, and industrial industries. Its cloud-based ERP solutions encompass digital manufacturing, enterprise management, connected supply chain, supplier management, and customer management functionalities to help manufacturers stay efficient, withstand disruptions, and identify competitive advantages.

For a deeper breakdown of each provider listed, consult our Free Manufacturing ERP Buyer’s Guide.


Rootstock Software

Description: Rootstock Software is a global cloud-based manufacturing ERP provider that offers a solution built on Salesforce’s Cloud Platform. The solution provides a single, connected, and flexible platform for supply chain, distribution, and manufacturing organizations looking to manage their growing business. Its product suite includes order management, supply chain planning, sales CRM, production, inventory management, customer service, enterprise analytics, data insights, and engineering functionalities for various manufacturing markets and use cases.

For a deeper breakdown of each provider listed, consult our Free Manufacturing ERP Buyer’s Guide.


SAP

Description: SAP is an enterprise application software provider with a global network of customers, employees, and partners from financial services, energy, consumer-centric, and service industries. The company offers several products for manufacturers, including digital manufacturing, the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), manufacturing execution systems (MES), and production planning solutions. With these solutions, manufacturers can use data analytics, automated data collection, centralized operations, integrated scheduling, energy monitoring, and more.

For a deeper breakdown of each provider listed, consult our Free Manufacturing ERP Buyer’s Guide.


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