Untangle Your Business
Why Manufacturers Need to Unshackle from Outdated ERP
By Antony Bourne, SVP Industries, IFS
"Many ERP suites are comprised of disparate applications, developed separately and lashed together with a common user interface"
The Hidden Complexity of Enterprise Software
The goal of enterprise software is to streamline business operations in a single business application. Unfortunately, in many cases, that is not how things work. Even when integrations are done well and gracefully share master data between two systems, they present usability challenges because users must learn a new interface and navigation conventions each time they switch from ERP to the integrated solution.
Many ERP products also throw up usability barriers even within what is supposed to be a unified application suite by using different interfaces for different parts of the solution, giving users different experiences depending on device type, and using a common interface to obscure multiple different software products added through acquisition.
"Consistency of user experience from one part of the application to the other is becoming even more important than it was in the past. In many companies, a shortage of skilled workers means many employees may have to fulfill multiple roles, which will mean using different interfaces, increasing the learning curve and reducing productivity."
Challenges with Outdated ERP Systems
Hidden complexities that undermine the promise of unified enterprise software
Fragmented Interfaces
Multiple software products hidden behind a common UI, forcing users to learn different systems and navigation conventions
Integration Complexity
Point-to-point integrations between disparate applications that require costly projects when business needs change
Mobile Limitations
Mobile interfaces that differ from desktop, limiting functionality and requiring users to learn multiple systems
Data Silos
Different data structures and naming conventions across integrated products, making reporting an IT function rather than user ability
Upgrade Challenges
Multiple maintenance windows and integration uplifts required when upgrading acquired or white-labeled software products
Missing Functionality
Lack of embedded EAM, HR, quality management, and service capabilities forcing reliance on third-party solutions
The Real Cost of Fragmented ERP
Integration Limitations
- Different underlying software behavior increases learning curve
- Managing role-based permissions harder across multiple products
- Changes require systems integration projects
- Separate licenses for products hidden in the ERP suite
Operational Impact
- Multiple maintenance windows reduce system uptime
- Different data structures make reporting an IT function
- Integration uplifts needed with every upgrade
- Limited data sharing across point-to-point integrations
Benefits of a Truly Unified ERP
What modern enterprise software should deliver for manufacturers
Single Interface, Single Solution
All parts of the system designed to freely interact with each other in a defined, logical manner
Real-Time Data Flow
A change, setting, action or transaction in one module immediately causes a reaction elsewhere in the system
Unified Security
Consistent data security and privacy controls regardless of what part of the application suite users access
Seamless Upgrades
Configuration layer that remembers all user-specific settings and customizations, copying them to new versions
Mobile Mastery
Same interface across all devices with necessary adaptations, configurable by IT for optimal field use
Agile Reporting
Freely create and reconfigure processes and dashboards that cut across functional modules
Functions That Must Be Embedded in ERP
Critical capabilities that should be native, not integrated
Enterprise Asset Management
Make sound repair or replace decisions and coordinate maintenance with production schedules
Human Resources
Pull signals from demand plan result in hiring or training people with specific skills and certifications
Quality Management
Embedded quality controls without third-party integration requirements
Project Management
Real-time project metrics like estimate to complete and estimate at completion
Risk Management
Integrated risk controls across finance, contracts, and operations
Service Management
Aftermarket service and warranty management as native capabilities
Agile ERP
"A good ERP product with components designed to work together will allow you to freely create and reconfigure processes and dashboards that cut across functional modules because you are not using point-to-point integration but rather a contiguous, consistent architecture that enables any and all data to be shared across different parts of the application."
That consistency will also help you with data security and privacy, so customer information and confidential or classified information can only be seen by authorized parties regardless of what part of an application suite they are using.
IFS: A Truly Unified Platform
Industry-specific products innately connected to a single data model
Native APIs
RESTful OData APIs
Single Platform
Cloud & On-Premise
Digital Innovation
ML, AI, Digital Twins
About IFS
Enterprise Software for the Moment of Service
IFS develops and delivers enterprise software for companies around the world who manufacture and distribute goods, build and maintain assets, and manage service-focused operations. Within their single platform, industry-specific products are innately connected to a single data model and use embedded digital innovation so that customers can be their best when it really matters—at the Moment of Service.
About ESS
Your IFS Implementation Partner
ESS is a premier IFS partner with deep expertise in helping manufacturers untangle their business from outdated ERP systems. We specialize in IFS Cloud implementations that deliver the unified, agile platform your business needs to thrive in today's competitive landscape.
Ready to Untangle Your Business?
Let ESS help you evaluate your current ERP landscape and plan your path to a truly unified enterprise platform.