Centralization has been a game-changer for the steel manufacturing sector. Traditionally, manufacturers relied on disparate systems, decentralizing the data that steel service centers and metal distributors needed to control inventory and cost projects.
By centralizing that data using enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions, manufacturers can banish the mess of spreadsheets and manual processes, streamline their operations, and ensure healthy profit margins.
Here’s how to switch to an ERP and reap the benefits of integrating those disparate systems into a single source of truth:
Choose an ERP Made for Your Business
Although all ERP solutions are designed to centralize and streamline your business, they are not created equally. Some features and integrations specific to your industry and needs may not be available in generic tools designed for a wide range of sectors.
Consider your needs and choose an ERP that meets them. RealSTEEL™, for example, was designed specifically for the steel and metals industry. We worked closely with industry experts to create a system that targets the needs of metal distributors and steel service centers, including industry-specific integrations for areas such as finance, production, inventory management, warehouse management, sales, and purchasing.
Learn more about choosing the optimal software for your business in our guide to the 11 questions you should ask before updating your business software.
Select the Features You Need Now
ERP can be expensive, but it doesn’t need to be. If you choose a scalable, cloud-based solution like RealSTEEL™, you can add the integrations and features you need right now, ignore the ones you don’t, and then customize the software as your business grows.
Think about the areas that will save you the most time and money, whether it’s inventory management to drag your company from manual checks and endless spreadsheets or advanced financing to incorporate automation and reduce errors and labor hours. Get the integrations that will make the biggest impact now and consider the rest when your budget allows.
Use Centralized Data to Optimize Operations
An ERP system centralizes all of your data to create a single source of truth, but it won’t do all of the work for you. Train your staff in using the software, make sure all departments have access, and encourage them to look through the information and find optimization points.
Automate Workflows
Automation is a key ERP feature, and one of the reasons it’s so important to choose a solution tailored to your industry. It can automate daily activities such as inventory management and order processing to reduce the labor hours you lose on menial tasks while eliminating human error.
Use Reporting Features to Improve Visibility
ERP systems contain a wealth of reporting tools that can provide insights into various aspects of your business, showing you everything from total working hours on a single machine to production bottlenecks and customer trends. All of this information is gathered from across the business and reported in real-time.
Encourage Cross-Departmental Collaboration
By removing disparate systems and combining all departments and software into a single system, ERPs greatly enhance collaboration, but you can take things a step further. Use built-in features to encourage communication and collaboration, ensuring information is being seen and acted upon by relevant departments.
Optimize Operations with RealSTEEL™
With a properly integrated, centralized business system, steel service centers and metal distributors can take a giant leap toward fully optimizing their operations. There’s no need for endless spreadsheets and little risk of oversights and miscommunications, and with full, real-time visibility on all operations at all times, managers can understand more about their business than ever before.
To discover what a customized ERP can do for your business, contact us today or request a demo of RealSTEEL™.
