Why All Single-Source ERP Software Systems are NOT the Same

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why all erp systems are not the sameThere are two leading buzz words in the current ERP software market today: “Single-source” and “extended.” It seems like every ERP vendor is claiming that their software offering is either extended, or a single-source solution for all your enterprise needs, but very few of them can claim the two terms together.

If you dig deeper into the single-source offerings available, you will find that most ERP vendors have actually only designed and developed the core ERP modules themselves and require additional systems to cover other areas of the manufacturing business. Everything else that the company offers, the real meat of the functionality manufacturers need, is contracted with a third party and interfaced to the native software.

When working with new prospects, too often we see bottlenecks and challenges as a result of these single-source systems that reveal to the manufacturer after the fact that the capability they require isn’t native to their application, but requires third party software and additional costs

Even if the programs are all contracted with the same software provider, when you have separate program developers (such as an independent quality management system, EDI provider, MES solution, wireless warehouse management system, preventative maintenance program, etc.), the challenges increase exponentially. Bolted together systems traditionally bring higher implementation costs associated with integrating the different programs, a time delay or batch transfer process required between programs, multiple databases that create inconsistencies, problematic system architecture, difficulties with customization and reporting and incompatible upgrades.

Single-Source Extended ERP Software

We understand why “single-source” sounds enticing. But there is a better option available. Set your company apart with a not only a core ERP software system, but also comprehensive extended functionality, all from one set of programmers. This preferable choice is an option called single-source extended ERP software.

Single-source extended manufacturing ERP software is a solution completely developed by one company on a single database that offers the core needs like bills of materials (BOMs), shipping and accounting in addition to every possible module you might need to run your business, from human resources, time and attendance, CRM and financial management to quality, MES, preventative maintenance, EDI and warehouse management.

Single-source extended ERP software is the ultimate solution and truly different than the now overly hyped single-source software offering. The benefits of a single-source extended manufacturing ERP system, such as EnterpriseIQ from IQMS, are plentiful:

  • A single development team and vision for all MES, ERP, quality, EDI, CRM and supply chain requirements
  • A consistent user interface for employee ease of use
  • A single point of contact and accounts payable record, just one phone number to call, for all technical support regardless of the module
  • Complete enterprise-wide visibility with transactions updated instantly throughout the entire system in real time
  • Lower overall cost of investment, lower maintenance costs and a single maintenance agreement

When searching for new manufacturing ERP software, don’t sell yourself short. Find the ERP vendor that offers all the design and development of extended functions that your company requires to run every aspect of your business. Single-source PLUS extended equals everything you need in one single-source, extended ERP system for enterprise-wide visibility.

IQMS

For more than 25 years, IQMS has been designing and developing manufacturing ERP software for the repetitive, process and discrete industries. Today, IQMS provides a comprehensive real-time ERP software and MES solution to the automotive, medical, packaging, consumer goods and other manufacturing markets. The extended single-database enterprise software solution, EnterpriseIQ, offers a scalable system designed to grow with the client and complete business functionality, including accounting, quality control, supply chain, shop floor, CRM and eBusiness. With offices across North America, Europe and Asia, IQMS serves manufacturers around the world. For more information, please visit iqms.com.