How Your ERP is Holding Back Your Manufacturing Business

For manufacturing companies looking to understand what ERP integration is, a critical truth often slips under the radar: the very ERP system meant to streamline your operations might be holding you back. As CADTALK CEO Scott Brickler notes, "The technology is only as good as the process or the data that you're working with."

Don't get us wrong - we work with terrific ERP partners like IFS, Acumatica, Infor, SYSPRO, Microsoft 365, and others.  We wouldn't have built an entire software around helping ERP systems and users if there weren't good products out there!

However, CADTALK is here to make your business better - and we're guessing that how your company is using that expensive, valuable ERP software likely needs an upgrade.

The Integration Illusion: Bigger Isn't Always Better

When purchasing and subsequently integrating ERP systems, manufacturers often fall into the trap of "overbuying." They purchase complex, feature-rich systems with future growth in mind. Forward-thinking is an extremely valuable attribute, and it's a strong reason to incorporate CADTALK into your ERP planning.

However, this particular "future-proofing" strategy can backfire. 

Operations that took minutes in QuickBooks might require multiple people and steps in a larger ERP system. Understanding ERP integration means recognizing that with greater flexibility comes increased complexity – and that complexity carries real costs.

The Data Quality Dilemma

So you have an ERP system that has lots of great features and benefits. But you aren't able to take full advantage of those great features you paid for because of inconsistent data.

Perhaps your data is more than just inconsistent - it's just bad data. And now you're in a frustrating cycle where your ERP functionality isn't being fully recognized. What do you do?

Your manufacturing business will need to at minimum make your data more consistent. Then, you'll begin to see what ERP integration is doing for your business.

"It's better to be consistently wrong than sporadically right," explains Brickler. "If you're consistently wrong, you can adjust to that."

Think of it like a fitness tracker: the absolute accuracy matters less than consistent measurement. Your ERP system operates on the same principle – it's better to have data that's consistently imperfect than sporadically perfect.

The Implementation Timing Paradox

"We'll handle integration in Phase 2" – these words often signal trouble ahead.

Manufacturers often postpone integration, choosing to focus first on basic system implementation. However, this approach typically results in inheriting the same data quality issues from your old ERP.

When considering what ERP integration is and all that it entails, remember that timing is crucial. Plan integrations as part of your initial implementation strategy.

We promote this process at CADTALK by partnering with dozens of ERP resellers, consultants, and implementation companies that include CADTALK as part of their implementation.

If you're looking for ERP implementation services, be sure to check out a few of our favorite partners for some of our most utilized ERP systems.

Infor CSI: SolutionsX, Godlan, Guide Technologies

IFS: Astra Canyon, Baker Tilly, InfoConsulting, Arcwide

Acumatica: ASWi, BlytheCo

Making Your ERP Work For You

To prevent your ERP from becoming a limitation:

1. Right-size your solution: Choose an ERP system that matches your current needs while allowing for reasonable growth.
2. Prioritize data consistency: Focus on establishing reliable, repeatable processes before pursuing perfect accuracy.
3. Think holistically: Evaluate how local process changes affect your overall manufacturing operation.
4. Plan integration early: Include integration strategy in your initial implementation planning.
5. Follow the model-then-modify approach: Understand standard processes before customizing.

The Path Forward

Understanding what ERP integration is and how it can take your business to the next level is a challenge. It demands a strategic approach to data management, process optimization, and system implementation. By understanding these proven principles for success, manufacturing companies can ensure their ERP system becomes an enabler rather than an obstacle to growth.

ERP integration isn't just about technology – it's about creating a foundation for consistent, reliable operations that can scale with your business. Start with the basics, build on success, and maintain a focus on overall operational effectiveness.