NATDA Magazine May/Jun 2015 | Page 22

Trailer manufacturers are unique in both their processes and business needs. Unfortunately, when it comes to ERP software, you are typically lumped together with other manufacturing industries (automotive) that are not a good fit for your day-to-day operations. To add insult to injury, many of these software systems are “best of breed” ERP. While the best of breed model of integrating third-party programs into a core ERP system can work, it won’t give you the end-to-end traceability and visibility required by many regulatory organizations. Not to mention, the integration is typically fraught with challenges such as duplicate data entry, information delays and silos, interface issues and customization expenses. A proper fitting, trailer-specific ERP solution should contain two critical features: 22 A. Comprehensive. Comprehensive ERP is an end-to-end solution that covers every aspect of your business, from ERP to MES, MRP, financials, order management, WMS, CRM and more. This single source system is what makes every aspect of your business visible, traceable and incredibly efficient. B. Trailer-specific. Some ERP vendors, such as IQMS, offer trailer-specific manufacturing tools, modules, fields and features that fit your specific business needs. Combine the specialized tools with the comprehensive point above and you end up with a powerful, scalable and flexible ERP solution. Let’s look at a few of the trailerspecific features in IQMS (see box on right): NATDA Magazine www.natda.org