Realizing that some of the perceived leading enterprise software in the marketplace is rigid and has experienced very little true innovation in the last decade, you probably have connected the dots on some of the high-profile implementation failures and the need for flexibility. Recent research from Panorama Consulting (2014 Manufacturing ERP Report) underscores the complexity and typical delta between expectations and actual results in modern ERP requirements.

Feel free to get the report here. Some of the findings:

• #1 reason to implement ERP – To better integrate systems across multiple locations.
• “Organizational issues” cause 19% of implementation schedule overruns.
• 63% of ERP implements run over budget — with complexity of manufacturing operations contributing to implementation costs being unpredictable.

The report delves into the gaps between expectations and outcomes, and discusses possible factors behind implementation snafus. Within the discussion of data, one underlying theme comes to light: ERP selection requires extreme care and pre-planning.

Many manufacturers are turning to multiple locations as a way to speed the supply chain and delivery to customers—regionally and on a global scale. So it’s not surprising that the top reasons have to do with better integration of systems across multiple locations (22.3%) and to standardize global processes (21.9%). “To replace an old ERP or legacy system” is the third reason (17.9%) why manufacturers choose a new ERP solution, according to the report.

This underscores that fact that many manufacturers have been using outdated systems and now realize the need to move to modern solutions. The benefits highlighted in the research also reinforce the high impact of updating IT solutions. Top benefits include:

+ Availability of information/faster information response time (33%)
+ Increased interaction across the enterprise, integration of business operations/processes (23.1%)
+ Improved interaction with customers (12.8%)

Manufacturers today face challenges around the complex tasks of selecting the right ERP solution and implementing it in their operations. Being aware of the common issues, though, helps manufacturers to be more proactive, realistic in their expectations, and take appropriate steps when researching and planning their ERP projects. Choosing the right solution is one of the most important steps a manufacturer can take to ensure a smooth, on–time and on-budget implementation.

Because SyteLine ERP has highly flexible architecture, it helps make integration to legacy systems and bolt-on modules easier. Ease of use also enhances adoption and speeds training and productivity gains. And, finally, because Infor solutions are purpose-built for manufacturing and many micro-verticals, there is less customization needed. This controls costs, helping to keep implementation on-time and on-budget. Infor’s next-generation SyteLine ERP helps manufacturers achieve efficient implementation, lower total cost of ownership, and ease of adoption — exactly what manufacturers today need from their ERP solutions.