Myth 5: All ERP Systems Are the Same
Fact: ERP Systems Come in a Wide Range of Options, Allowing You to Find One That Suits Your Specific Needs
Not all ERP systems are equal — which is a good thing. Significant variation exists amongst ERPs regarding features, industry focus, scalability, user-friendliness, and vendor support.
Generic ERP systems, which include many of the biggest and well-known ERP brands, offer a wide range of features and can adapt to various situations, but often require extensive customizations and add-ons.
On the other hand, industry-specific ERP systems are designed to meet the unique needs of particular industries. Industry-specific ERPs are developed by niche companies with deep industry expertise. These systems are often better suited to small and medium-sized businesses as they offer tailored functionalities (without requiring long and expensive customizations), shorter implementation timelines, reduced costs, and greater efficiency.
For most custom manufacturers, a manufacturing-specific ERP solution provides the features they need, like product engineering, quoting, job costing, and shop-floor scheduling, giving a higher level of functionality at a lower price point than a generic ERP system.
Manufacturers should thoroughly research and compare the various ERP systems available on the market to identify the one that best aligns with their operational requirements and business goals.