Summary: Manufacturing ERP connects BOMs, planning, shop floor, inventory and costing. Here's what to prioritize.
Manufacturers need ERP that understands production — not just accounting.
Must-have features
- Multi-level bills of materials (BOMs) and routings
- Material requirements planning (MRP)
- Work orders and shop floor tracking
- Inventory with lot and serial tracking
- Quality control and inspections
- Costing — standard and actual
- Purchasing linked to production needs
- Maintenance scheduling for equipment
Integration points
Connect ERP with CAD/PLM, machines (IoT/MES), ecommerce and shipping to remove manual steps.
Implementation tips
- Clean BOM and inventory data before go-live
- Start with core modules, then expand
- Train shop floor users with role-specific workflows
FAQs
Discrete or process manufacturing?
Make sure your ERP supports your model — batch recipes and process manufacturing differ from discrete assembly.
Can ERP help with traceability?
Yes, lot and serial tracking supports recalls and compliance.
Which platforms suit manufacturers?
Odoo, ERPNext, Dynamics 365 Business Central and SAP Business One are common choices.
