Businesses across the manufacturing sector are investing in Industry 4.0 technology – data-driven hardware and software designed to facilitate next-generation workflows that optimize efficiency and support maximum return on investment. The companies implementing these tools via formalized initiatives are collectively spending $900 billion per year on Industry 4.0 innovations alone, according to researchers for PricewaterhouseCoopers.

For those familiar with such technology, this immense level of investment makes sense, as the assets associated with this ever-expanding movement offer truly transformative potential. However, mechanical sensors and data analysis platforms cannot facilitate success in isolation. These items must be deployed in conjunction with key backend solutions, some of which have long been used on the shop floor.

Enterprise resource planning systems are among these complementary tools, Manufacturing and Business Technology reported. But how exactly does ERP software support the bleeding-edge production technologies associated with Industry 4.0 and the personnel tasked with using them?

An all-encompassing information cache
The cutting-edge processes centered on the latest manufacturing innovations are multi-tiered monstrosities involving numerous pieces of hardware and software, all working together to create countless data points that, when harnessed and analyzed, can yield transformative operational insights. Making sense of this information can be difficult without overarching computational structure.

ERP solutions provide this essential architecture, making it possible for employees at all levels to access information collected through sensors and systems of all kinds, according to IT Toolbox. Of course, these platforms do far more than assist manufacturers.

Horizontal integration allows firms, suppliers and customers to take advantage of the information flowing through ERPs, analysts for Deloitte found. In this setup, all parties maintain independent three-tiered operational stacks with programmed logic controllers at the base, manufacturing execution systems in the middle and ERP solutions at the top. Data flows from the bottom up before finally reaching the ERP, where all collaborators can easily access it and coordinate operations.

Without an ERP in place, operational information gathered via Industry 4.0 solutions is rendered almost inaccessible and likely non-actionable. On top of this, collaboration among production partners and customers fades or ceases to exist.

Even the most advanced manufacturing tools cannot overcome these barriers, the Industry 4.0 technologies included. However, ERP systems can mitigate these issues and allow businesses in the manufacturing space building the factories of the future to achieve their ambitious goals.

Navigating the system selection process
Not all ERP solutions are equipped to handle this demanding and important task. Manufacturers embracing Industry 4.0 must pinpoint ERP platforms whose features can support the latest tools and workflows, as well as the employees tasked with navigating them.

Here are some of those critical components:

• An easy-to-navigate user interface: Personnel tasked with managing Industry 4.0-level data flows, an already overwhelming assignment, should be able to find their way around the ERP with ease. This not only ensures that data collected on the shop floor makes an impact on the bottom line but also reduces the likelihood of internal resistance, a common outcome in moments of significant operational upheaval.
• Robust integration capabilities: As stated above, ERP systems deployed in environments with multiple advanced hardware and software assets are responsible for tying everything together, so to speak. Systems without strong and varied integration modules cannot perform this critical task.
• Responsive support services: Vendor support is key for manufacturing firms rolling out ERP solutions in conjunction with advanced production technologies associated with Industry 4.0., as even the most skilled users can encounter difficulties when using such systems in this context. Software providers must be there to offer training and assistance that empowers workers and reduces the likelihood of workflow mishaps.

As the next generation of manufacturing technology takes hold, businesses in the space must search for the mission-critical software that facilitates adoption and lays the groundwork for sustained success. For many, this means embarking on an ERP search.

Here at Accent Software, we help manufacturing firms implement ERP technology designed to support operational change in the era of Industry 4.0. As a certified Microsoft Business Solutions partner, Accent provides vendor-vetted Microsoft Dynamics NAV implementation services, which allow businesses to put into place best-in-class ERP software designed to facilitate organizational growth.

Connect with us today to learn more about our products and services.