Visual South Insights

In this guide, we break down what small and midsize manufacturers need to know about ERP systems, from core functionality to technology strategy and total cost of ownership.

The future is bright for the continued growth of cloud ERP

More and more manufacturing companies are moving away from on-premise applications. Cloud-based ERP applications are the future for the industry due to the myriad of benefits: alleviated need for hardware, database, and operating system software; fewer internal or outsourced teams for maintenance; and never having to worry about being on the latest version of your ERP.

When it comes to choosing an ERP system, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. The options seem endless, and everyone has an opinion about which one’s the best. Here’s the thing: There isn’t one perfect ERP system. Instead, the key is to understand the types of ERP on the market today and figure out which one makes the most sense for your specific situation. Let’s break it down.

Infor is the third largest ERP solutions provider in the world. The two main Infor ERP solutions we (at Visual South) help manufacturers implement are Infor CloudSuite Industrial (Infor SyteLine) and Infor VISUAL. In this guide, we'll take you through everything you need to know about Infor and its ERP software options. Click the links below to jump to specific chapters.

• Chapter I: Do You Need ERP?

• Chapter II: Deployment for Infor ERP Systems

• Chapter III: Infor ERP Product Review

• Chapter IV: How to Run an ERP Selection Process

• Chapter V: How to Implement ERP

In manufacturing, access to timely, precise, and well-formatted data is essential for operational efficiency and informed decision-making. SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) is a powerful tool that helps all types of companies create and manage structured, detailed reports that have been tailored to their needs. Below, we’ll explore why SSRS is an excellent choice for manufacturers and how it can enhance your reporting capabilities.

CMMC compliance for DoD manufacturers

The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is a Department of Defense (DoD) program that outlines the cybersecurity standards and best practices required for government contractors. CMMC compliance for manufacturers in the DoD supply chain involves meeting specific cybersecurity standards and best practices.

Balance compliance and functionality

Government contractors have a unique set of requirements for their business systems, and that includes ERP. This article focuses specifically on ERP for government contractors that do production and service. Manufacturing-centric requirements will be part of any ERP evaluation, but the priority for those in the defense industrial base is to ensure the system provides an infrastructure for meeting Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0 compliancy and other government requirements.

Address your business issues

When looking for the best discrete manufacturing ERP software, you need to pick an application that addresses your business issues. Yet we often see the focus of an ERP evaluation shift to matters that do not impact the business. Cool features can distract you from choosing a system that can help discrete manufacturers manage their business better. That’s why you need an ERP Evaluation Checklist—it will help you stay focused on these best practices.

Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) often grapple with resource constraints and operational challenges that can impede growth and efficiency. In the manufacturing industry, cloud ERP solutions offer a way to overcome these hurdles by streamlining processes and enhancing flexibility.