Benefits of Maintaining Product Data Using ERP Software

Benefits of ERP Software


Data management is a challenging task, especially when you need to deal with a massive amount of information and that is also related to your products and resources used in its manufacturing. Every other discrete manufacturer looks for an easy, integrated solution to maintain their product data. Here, chances are high that they may consider having a Product Information Management software.

Benefits of Maintaining Product Data Using ERP Software

Although there are several reasons this decision makes sense, you need to understand whether or not you actually have to invest in this system. What could be the most practical reason behind this? Yes, you are already working with a flexible manufacturing ERP solution.   

So, before looking for a PIM solution, you must ask yourself ‘do you really need it?’

PIM Vs. ERP Solutions:

Names are self-defining and an ERP software solution seems more extensive while PIM exclusively deals with the product data only.

ERP is more like a centralized database of an organization that contains all sorts of data related to products, customers, finance, stock, resources, or anything else – information related to all business operations. As a central management system, a modern ERP usually has a fully-integrated product information management feature. So, why do you need an additional system?

Well, both PIM and ERP serve as central databases within a company. The key difference is that PIM only centralizes product data, including sales and marketing information and that may also be taken from your ERP.

Now, here’s important to determine how an ERP works. It essentially connects to all departments, services and covers all stages of your business operations. Data automation, management, analysis, and reporting are its key attributes and everything else falls within this domain of ERP software – eventually, it’s all about your business data. Whereas, PIM manages your product data that’s also used for marketing and sales purposes. It makes sure that your product catalogs are error-free and updated.

If an ERP software has already been integrated within your organization, then investing in a PIM solution is simply out of question. There are many instances where you don’t need a PIM system because product data can be used effectively using an ERP.

Here are some benefits of ERP to manage and monitor your product information.

All information in one place

ERP as your company’s data hub makes sense to store and manage all product and materials information therein. You can easily and quickly maintain and access all data points (current and past information) related to your products and anything else.

360-degree view of processes

Manufacturing software systems like MIE Trak Pro offer an all-inclusive view of your business processes from sales orders to inventory management, production workflows, shop floor maintenance, and a lot more. Since ERP connects all departments, providing a panoramic view of business operations and information, you can easily accommodate an urgent order or request for a mid-order change from customers.

Easy customization of orders

ERP gives you the leverage of converting RFQs into sales orders and helps create BoMs (bill of materials) for customized production orders without requiring manually generated product or data combinations. Moreover, it reduces the likelihood of missing components in sales orders because ERP links the sales department with inventory and warehouse.      

Improved customer services

ERP ensures improved customer service because you will be having real-time access to customer and product information. An integrated, best ERP software includes not only a PIM module but also a complete CRM system along with several other front-office applications like project management, etc.  

The Verdict

You can connect reliable PIM software to your ERP. But, is it really necessary? Perhaps not if you are having a fully integrated, scalable enterprise resource planning system in place. In any event, ERP takes the lead over PIM because it remains the core database with all-inclusive product information in your organization and many other modules to run your business smoothly and efficiently.

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