March 05, 2025
As the manufacturing sector continues to undergo digital transformation and fully embraces the 5th Industrial Revolution, a common roadblock is causing delays and setbacks for many companies.
According to a recent survey, more than two thirds of the manufacturers who responded believe that integrating data and applications is either important or critical to meeting their business goals. Yet the IT infrastructure at many of these companies is the opposite of integrated, instead relying on a patchwork of tools with minimal cross-functional capabilities, resulting in errors, inefficiency, and fractured visibility.
As the survey indicates, manufacturers increasingly understand the importance of integration, and many are eager to modernize their IT infrastructure to lay the groundwork for future success and relevance. The question some still need to answer is how to make that happen quickly, cost-effectively, and successfully?
Tech Integration Starts with ERP Implementation
In the past, manufacturers tended to think of their IT infrastructure as something incidental to their business, not essential, so that infrastructure evolved in a haphazard fashion. Most manufacturers have now moved away from that mindset and see their IT infrastructure as a key strategic asset. In response, they are ready to replace the patchwork with something truly seamless.
Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems accomplish exactly that in two critical ways. First, by bringing business tools for accounting, finance, inventory, HR, and so many more, along with all their attendant data, under the same umbrella. More than just integrated, these tools run on the same platform to become as interoperable as possible. Second, ERPs offer robust integrations to countless other pieces of manufacturing software, which allows data to flow back and forth and functionality to spread in between. In that way, ERP becomes the “hub” for the entire IT infrastructure, with key processes close to the core and strong spokes leading outwards from the center.
The result is an IT infrastructure that looks less like patchwork and more like something engineered for speed, scale, security, and synergy.
Making ERP the Hub of Manufacturing Technology
ERPs vary widely in terms of how much they can integrate and how easily. Legacy ERP systems are often quite limited in that regard, working solely within their own ecosystem and forcing users to build outside connections by cumbersome processes. Even some newer ERPs put up unnecessary obstacles to integration. Therefore, achieving seamless systems begins by choosing an ERP well-equipped to deliver on that promise.
Next is identifying the processes through which data needs to flow as seamlessly as possible. Beyond the ability to link all corners of an organization, the right systems can also optimize select processes to run as efficiently, consistently, or transparently as possible. After identifying those key processes, experts can build connections and automations that supply rich data directly to decision-makers without the need to move, organize, or analyze it manually.
Once an ERP has built a web of connected tools and a central repository of shared data, it’s time to look outside the company for further integration opportunities. Supply chain partners are inhibited by having to exchange information manually, which is slow, causes mistakes, and compromises visibility. However, with an ERP that can connect to a vendor, partner, or customer’s IT infrastructure and maintain a secure and seamless connection, data can move freely and prevent countless supply chain management issues that cost time and money.
With the right ERP system at the center, surrounded by a vast network of links extending throughout the organization and across the supply chain, the full potential of data is finally realized. Seamless systems replace the labor of moving data around with the value of always having complete visibility and quality insights.
In that way, modernization doesn’t just improve the IT infrastructure. It improves everything.
Proven Strategies for ERP Integration
Guide Technologies has a unique ability to help manufacturers with their digital transformation journey. We help manufacturing companies implement and optimize Infor CloudSuite Industrial (CSI), an ERP product that combines the latest technology with a comprehensive toolkit. It offers a wide range of integration options and the flexibility to adapt to best practices in manufacturing.
We work with SMB discrete manufacturers in a multitude of verticals with every manner of IT infrastructure, so we’ve learned from experience what it takes to build flexible, dynamic integrations between an ERP and other systems. We draw on that expertise to help new clients reach their digital goals and build the IT infrastructure they desire.
Avoid mistakes and missed opportunities. Contact Guide Technologies to modernize your IT infrastructure with a trusted, proven partner.