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Industrial Manufacturing ERP: Critical Requirements and Solutions

Choosing the right ERP system is one of the most critical decisions your manufacturing business will make, yet the process is often clouded by flashy promises and generalized claims. At Essential Software Solutions, we’ve seen how overwhelming this can be, which is why we provide clarity, actionable insights, and the expertise you need to make confident decisions. As in our policy and vision, it isn’t about selling a software; it’s about helping you, and align your ERP investment with your long-term manufacturing goals.

Top 10 ERP Requirements for Manufacturers

Calculating Lead Time

Do you need your ERP to calculate Available to Promise (ATP) and Capable to Promise (CTP) during estimating—not just during order creation?

Shop Floor Scheduling

Would you prefer your scheduling system could optimize shop throughput without adding overhead, using drag-and-drop tools and “what-if” simulations.

Sub Assemblies

Does your current ERP provide costs visibility and auto-updates the schedule for sub-assemblies throughout the entire build structure?

Engineering Change Control

Would you like your ERP to control engineering authorizations, revisions and workflows?

Actual Job Costing

Can you track Actual Costs and variances real time for more accurate quoting and estimating?

Material Planning

Have you considered actual demand material planning, or is MRP (material planning to a forecast) good enough?

Quality Management

Is integration between QA systems and your ERP important? Features such as Vendor Performance Tracking, Non-Conformance, and Corrective Actions.

Technology Footprint

Does your ERP provide you the intuitive reporting tools that do not need expensive programmers or custom coding? How would you like an ERP that offers easier-to-use tools for custom reports, dashboards, and queries. Or does your ERP require extensive IT staff and expensive infrastructure?

Download Your Guide

It's not about buying ERP software - it's about choosing the right ERP solution and right ERP implementation partner. Download our ERP selection guide, we've listed 10 critical requirements for all kind of manufacturers.

ESS Services for Manufacturers

ERP Evaluation

ESS specializes in objectively identifying the best ERP for manufacturers, given your specific needs and budget! Let us help you take the guesswork out of one of the most important investments a business can make.

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ERP Implementation

Utilizing ESS’ proven ERP implementation methodology honed over half a century, leveraging various educational approaches which align to your unique requirements.  ESS also leverages all-encompassing project management to shepherd change management and ensure constant bidirectional communication.

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Industry 4.0

Adopting Industry 4.0 practices can be a true game changer for manufacturers. Access advanced data insights and measure your performance while stay proactive against potential problems. 

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Meet Infor ERP Solutions for
Industrial Manufacturing

Infor CloudSuite Industrial and VISUAL ERP are both robust ERP systems for manufacturers. They are designed to streamline mixed-mode, engineer-to-order (ETO), make-to-order (MTO), assemble-to-order (ATO), custom and configure to order manufacturers utilizing manufacturing best practices refined over decades. 


What makes Infor stand out from its competitors?


  • Built for manufacturers by manufacturers
  • Manage planning and scheduling with mixed mode support for ETO, MTO, MTS, repetitive, and process manufacturing (without necessity of 3rd party applications)
  • Infor prioritizes user experience with intuitive, easy-to-navigate interfaces. The system is designed to reduce the complexity that typically comes with ERP systems.
  • Infor ERP systems integrate well with other software tools and technologies, including IoT, AI, and analytics. 
  • Infor embeds advanced analytics and artificial intelligence directly into its ERP systems, offering predictive capabilities, smarter decision-making tools, and more accurate forecasts that help companies stay competitive.
  • Businesses can deploy Infor’s ERP solutions on-premise, in the cloud, or in hybrid environments, offering greater flexibility in meeting their unique operational requirements.

Infor ERP Products for Manufacturers

Infor CloudSuite/Syteline

Cloud-based ERP designed for industry-specific needs, enhancing scalability and flexibility.

Infor VISUAL

ERP solution for manufacturers, offering real-time insights and streamlined operations.

Infor CPQ

Configure, price, and quote solution that streamlines the sales process with accuracy.

Infor Generative AI

AI-powered solution that creates data-driven insights and automates decision-making processes. Now integrated to Infor CloudSuite.

Infor Machine Learning

Leverages AI and machine learning to enhance predictions, automation, and business decisions. 


Infor Robotic Process Automation (RPA)

Automates repetitive tasks with intelligent robots, improving efficiency and reducing errors.

Flexibility and Control of Complex Supply Chain Processes

Applying the best strategy for unique situations allows manufacturers to be proactive to ever changing requirements, even if Clients are expanding operations to new countries, and to take on new customers with seamless confidence.

Every business operation within every manufacturing model, continuously improving processes to run with less costs and waste.

“Out-of-the-box” capabilities provide global supply chain planning and transparency across your extended supply chain. Infor cloud based ERP systems for manufacturing and assembly supports multiple manufacturing strategies (ETO, CTO, BTO, MTS, etc.) to ensure maximum process efficiencies.

Tools for Your Businesses

Execute Mixed Manufacturing models; 

  • Assembly to Order (ATO) for sequenced based components,
  • Make to Order (MTO) for components to be assembled in just in time (JIT/Lean),
  • Make to Stock (MTS) for components to be produced in lots,
  • Engineering to Order (ETO) to coordinate the tasks and components throughout the project structure
  • Repetitive for high volume/low mix production parts.

New Product Design, Innovation & Production

Speed is always a competitive advantage. Manufacturers that introduce new products to market quicker will gain market share. In today's economy Manufacturers need to quickly create quotes, accurately submit bids, and launch new products just for survival let alone thrive. With Infor ERP, time to submit initial quotes are compressed, production volumes are increased, resulting in on time deliveries in the 95+ percentile.

Asset Performance and Regulatory Compliance

Syteline provides a powerful solution for keeping your equipment, facilities, and vehicle assets in tip-top shape. You will reduce purchasing costs, inventory levels, and inventory carrying costs, while empowering increased productivity from your staff.

What is your industry?


Aerospace & Defense

A&D is one of the highly complex and regulated industry, which it needs a robust ERP software

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Medical Device Manufacturing

Regulatory compliance, traceability, efficiency, cost control, and quality assurance demands

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Windows and Doors Manufacturing

Streamlines operations, inventory management, scheduling, cost control, and customer service

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High Tech & Electronic Manufacturing

Enhances supply chain visibility, production efficiency, inventory accuracy, and cost management

Read More

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Talk with an ERP advisor

Do you have questions about ERP selection, ERP implementation, ERP trainings or any other issues with digital transformation? Talk with one of our advisor, we'd be glad to help you.


Don't hesitate to contact. Our client policy is 'no string attached'.