[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":101},["ShallowReactive",2],{"8lpZjIBkEXF2llKXblZBNUAC6z5iY3eXHK82ajhg3hs":3,"article_what-is-erp-enterprise-resource-planning_delmiaworks":10,"_apollo:default":99,"_apollo:identified":100},{"mailchimpAudience":4},{"actionUrl":5,"slug":6,"locale":7,"default":8,"__typename":9},"","what-is-erp-enterprise-resource-planning","en","https:\u002F\u002F3ds.us3.list-manage.com\u002Fsubscribe\u002Fpost?u=ed4601044e1936748c0d2aa6b&id=e5080ff9fe&f_id=002d4de2f0","MailchimpAudience",{"posts":11},{"nodes":12,"__typename":98},[13],{"id":14,"slug":6,"title":15,"uri":16,"excerpt":17,"locale":18,"featuredImage":21,"tableOfContents":29,"content":30,"date":31,"authorJobTitle":5,"author":32,"masterings":41,"globalTags":45,"products":54,"disciplines":67,"seo":87,"__typename":97},"cG9zdDo1NTQ4MA==","What Is ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning)?","\u002Fproducts\u002Fdelmiaworks\u002Fwhat-is-erp-enterprise-resource-planning","\u003Cp>Running a business is no small feat. There’s a lot to think…\u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"locale":19,"__typename":20},"en_US","Locale",{"node":22,"__typename":28},{"large":23,"__typename":24,"medium_large":23,"thumbnail":25,"srcSet":26,"sizes":27},"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F12\u002Fwhat-is-erp.jpg.webp","MediaItem","https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F12\u002Fwhat-is-erp-150x150.jpg.webp","https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F12\u002Fwhat-is-erp.jpg.webp 600w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F12\u002Fwhat-is-erp-300x188.jpg.webp 300w","(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px","NodeWithFeaturedImageToMediaItemConnectionEdge",[],"\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F12\u002Fwhat-is-erp.jpg.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-55482\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F12\u002Fwhat-is-erp.jpg.webp 600w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F12\u002Fwhat-is-erp-300x188.jpg.webp 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\u003Cp>Running a business is no small feat. There’s a lot to think about inventory, staffing, equipment, and other overhead costs. Sales and customer service to grow your business and boost loyalty. Manufacturers can add in market volatility, fluctuating supply chains, and unpredictable lead times. To stay both competitive and profitable, you might need a little help. That’s where ERP comes in.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Is ERP?\u003C\u002Fh3>\u003Cp>The definition of ERP, which stands for enterprise resource planning, is a system that unifies an organization’s departments and processes into a single, centralized body of information. A comprehensive enterprise resource planning system is usually made up of smaller, specialized modules that can be customized to the business’s needs. The modules coordinate with each other through a central database, which can be on-site or in the cloud.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Businesses of all sizes use ERP software to manage and automate day-to-day tasks and overall processes. ERP is especially common in the product and manufacturing industries as it covers things like inventory, supply chain, product lifecycle, shipping, and distribution. But its flexibility and scalability mean businesses of all types can benefit from ERP solutions.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Examples of ERP\u003C\u002Fh3>\u003Cp>Real-life examples are the easiest way to answer the question of what ERP is. While the way you use ERP depends on your business, some of the most common examples include using it to:\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003Cli>Identify supply chain bottlenecks and redirect resources\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Adjust product pricing based on consumer demand and supply chain volatility\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Predict future stock needs to avoid over- or under-stocking\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>\u003Ca href=\".\u002Fbrands\u002Fdelmiaworks\u002Fhow-manufacturing-monitoring-systems-work-to-improve-shop-floor-performance\u002F\" data-id=\"55483\">Maximize shop floor performance\u003C\u002Fa> and production scheduling\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Optimize CapEx expenditures and capital equipment purchases and maintenance\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Monitor production line, plant, and warehouse performance\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Improve compliance and prepare for inspections and audits\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Trace the production process back to the balance sheet and P&L\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Transfer data between departments and locations\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Does ERP Software Do?\u003C\u002Fh3>\u003Cp>To understand the meaning of ERP, let’s look at what it does in more detail. What is enterprise resource planning, and what does this software do?\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Inventory and Supply Chain Management\u003C\u002Fh4>\u003Cp>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.solidworks.com\u002Fproduct\u002Fdelmiaworks\u002Fmanufacturing-erp\u002Finventory\u002F\" data-id=\"55483\">Inventory control\u003C\u002Fa> helps you track stock and parts through the manufacturing process, while \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.solidworks.com\u002Fproduct\u002Fdelmiaworks\u002Fmanufacturing-erp\u002Fsupply-chain-management-software\" data-id=\"55483\">supply chain management\u003C\u002Fa> can identify issues like material shortages and production bottlenecks. This aspect of ERP can help you:\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003Cli>Improve supplier quality and reliability\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Increase manufacturing throughput\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Deliver in full and on time\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Improve lot tracking and traceability\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>\u003Ca href=\".\u002Fbrands\u002Fdelmiaworks\u002Freduce-inventory-costs\u002F\" data-id=\"55483\">Reduce inventory costs\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Forecast the materials you need to meet demand\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\u003Ch4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Product Lifecycle Management\u003C\u002Fh4>\u003Cp>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.solidworks.com\u002Fproduct\u002Fdelmiaworks\u002Fmanufacturing-erp\u002Fquality\u002Fplm\u002F\" data-id=\"55483\">Product lifecycle management\u003C\u002Fa>, or PLM, is sometimes a separate type of software. But the right system will incorporate it directly into your ERP system so you can track the product lifecycle from design to end-of-life and:\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003Cli>Easily access design drawings and documentation\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>See all manufacturing information in one place\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Access product-related customer calls, returns, and profit\u002Floss reports\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Promote communication and collaboration\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Reduce development time and costs\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\u003Ch4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Shipping and Distribution\u003C\u002Fh4>\u003Cp>ERP can help streamline the entire \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.solidworks.com\u002Fproduct\u002Fdelmiaworks\u002Fmanufacturing-erp\u002Ferp\u002Fsales-mgmt\u002Fshipping-management\u002F\" data-id=\"55483\">shipping and distribution\u003C\u002Fa> process, starting from when the order is placed through the warehouse, to the docks and beyond. This module of the ERP system can help you:\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003Cli>Automatically convert sales orders to pick tickets\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Generate advanced shipping notices for customers\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Create commercial invoices, including export declarations, certificates of origin, and certificates of conformance for international shipments\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Calculate and automatically adjust the volume and weight of boxes and pallets\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Schedule and track shipments to meet promised delivery dates, keep customers updated, and control costs\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\u003Ch4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Customer Relationship Management\u003C\u002Fh4>\u003Cp>Many businesses use separate software for \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.solidworks.com\u002Fproduct\u002Fdelmiaworks\u002Fmanufacturing-erp\u002Fcrm\" data-id=\"55483\">customer relationship management\u003C\u002Fa>, but with ERP, you don’t have to. That functionality is built into your ERP system, so you can:\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003Cli>Access the sales, purchase, shipping, and support history for every customer, vendor, and partner\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>See detailed notes, quotes, and meeting activity\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Eliminate the need to enter and re-enter customer information\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Seamlessly share information between departments, so customer-facing tasks can be completed consistently and efficiently\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\u003Ch4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Accounting and Finance\u003C\u002Fh4>\u003Cp>The back office is just as important as the shop floor, and enterprise resource planning software covers that, too. A good system will simplify and automate your \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.solidworks.com\u002Fproduct\u002Fdelmiaworks\u002Fmanufacturing-erp\u002Ferp\u002Ffinancial-mgmt\u002F\" data-id=\"55483\">accounting and finance\u003C\u002Fa> processes, helping to eliminate human error and manual work by:\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003Cli>Facilitating tasks like payroll, billing, and budgeting\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Analyzing costs and forecasting growth to manage cash flow\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Providing a complete, at-a-glance view of finances to improve visibility\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Effortlessly sharing data with manufacturing, \u003Ca href=\".\u002Fbrands\u002Fdelmiaworks\u002Fhow-manufacturers-can-ensure-product-quality\u002F\" data-id=\"55483\">quality assurance\u003C\u002Fa>, the C-suite, and more\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Helping your business make better financial decisions and improve profitability\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Benefits of ERP\u003C\u002Fh3>\u003Cp>ERP solutions can do a lot for your business, and that means it has plenty of benefits, too. It isn’t just about saving money. It’s about improving your entire business model, from the shop floor to the boardroom.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Improved Collaboration\u003C\u002Fh4>\u003Cp>ERP connects every facet of your business, from sales and marketing, to manufacturing, to billing and accounting. That helps get everyone on the same page and improve collaboration between departments, which can lead to more qualified leads and closed sales. In \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F12\u002F202320sales20trends20report_global.pdf\" data-id=\"55483\">one study\u003C\u002Fa>, sales leaders said increased revenue was the biggest benefit of increasing sales and marketing alignment.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Accurate Planning\u003C\u002Fh4>\u003Cp>This benefit is right there in the definition of enterprise resource \u003Cem>planning\u003C\u002Fem>: It enables you to plan more accurately. ERP can help you forecast sales, resources, and overall costs, so you can \u003Ca href=\".\u002Fbrands\u002Fdelmiaworks\u002Fproduction-scheduling-software-to-meet-demand\u002F\" data-id=\"55483\">better plan your production schedule\u003C\u002Fa>. It also provides real-time insights for more effective project planning. With a complete, single source of truth, you can analyze data across your organization and make better decisions with confidence.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Streamlines and Automated Processes\u003C\u002Fh4>\u003Cp>Improved collaboration, as well as the ability of ERP to connect all business processes through a central hub, naturally leads to greater efficiency. ERP breaks down silos and enables seamless workflows, leading to cost savings on the back-end. And it can automate manual and routine tasks, like generating purchase and change orders, delivery estimates, and \u003Ca href=\".\u002Fbrands\u002Fdelmiaworks\u002Fstreamline-operational-reporting-tips\u002F\" data-id=\"55483\">financial reports\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Drive Growth\u003C\u002Fh4>\u003Cp>Ultimately, what is ERP to your organization? It’s a way to \u003Ca href=\".\u002Fbrands\u002Fdelmiaworks\u002Fhow-to-improve-manufacturing-efficiency\u002F\" data-id=\"55483\">unlock operational efficiencies\u003C\u002Fa> and drive growth in new ways. When your employees spend less time on manual day-to-day tasks, they can spend more time bringing in new business and providing excellent service to the customers you already have. And when you can accurately forecast your supply chain and costs, you can stay ahead of competitors. In short? \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fdiscover.3ds.com\u002Funderstanding-roi-manufacturing-erp\" data-id=\"55483\">ERP is all about ROI\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Want to learn more about what ERP is? DELMIAWorks is one of the best examples of ERP.  Our comprehensive ERP software helps organizations stay agile, competitive, and compliant. It’s a flexible, scalable system that can be customized to your business, incorporating the modules you need now and adding more when the time is right.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>DELMIAWorks eliminates silos and third-party data integration, taking care of everything in one place – the way ERP should be done.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fdiscover.3ds.com\u002Funderstanding-roi-manufacturing-erp\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-id=\"55483\">\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"615\" height=\"282\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F12\u002Ferp-value-whitepaper-ctav-615x282-1.jpg.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-55405\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F12\u002Ferp-value-whitepaper-ctav-615x282-1.jpg.webp 615w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F12\u002Ferp-value-whitepaper-ctav-615x282-1-300x138.jpg.webp 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 615px) 100vw, 615px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\u003C!-- \u002Fwp:post-content -->","2023-09-22T08:32:03",{"node":33,"__typename":40},{"nicename":34,"description":5,"slug":34,"name":35,"firstName":35,"lastName":5,"avatar":36,"__typename":39},"delmiaworks2","DELMIAWorks",{"url":37,"__typename":38},"https:\u002F\u002Fsecure.gravatar.com\u002Favatar\u002Ffdb009f0e2f51570ecb49624f55caf67c46ac56230db06ce87d0a7252da4fb60?s=96&d=mm&r=g","Avatar","User","NodeWithAuthorToUserConnectionEdge",{"nodes":42,"edges":43,"__typename":44},[],[],"PostToTaxonomy_masteringConnection",{"nodes":46,"__typename":53},[47],{"id":48,"name":49,"slug":50,"uri":51,"__typename":52},"dGVybTo5NjI3","Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)","erp","\u002Ftags\u002Ferp\u002F","Taxonomy_tag","PostToTaxonomy_tagConnection",{"edges":55,"nodes":64,"__typename":66},[56],{"isPrimary":57,"node":58,"__typename":63},false,{"id":59,"name":35,"slug":60,"uri":61,"__typename":62},"dGVybTo1NA==","delmiaworks","\u002Fproducts\u002Fdelmiaworks\u002F","Taxonomy_product","PostToTaxonomy_productConnectionEdge",[65],{"id":59,"name":35,"slug":60,"uri":61,"__typename":62},"PostToTaxonomy_productConnection",{"nodes":68,"edges":82,"__typename":86},[69],{"id":70,"name":71,"slug":72,"uri":73,"parentId":74,"disciplines":75,"__typename":81},"dGVybTo3Ng==","Manufacturing","manufacturing","\u002Fdisciplines\u002Fmanufacturing\u002F",null,{"nodes":76,"__typename":80},[77],{"title":71,"uri":78,"parentId":74,"__typename":79},"\u002Fdisciplines\u002Fmanufacturing","Discipline","Taxonomy_disciplineToDisciplineConnection","Taxonomy_discipline",[83],{"isPrimary":57,"node":84,"__typename":85},{"parentId":74,"id":70,"name":71,"slug":72,"uri":73,"__typename":81},"PostToTaxonomy_disciplineConnectionEdge","PostToTaxonomy_disciplineConnection",{"canonical":5,"title":88,"metaDesc":5,"opengraphAuthor":5,"opengraphDescription":89,"opengraphTitle":15,"opengraphUrl":90,"opengraphSiteName":91,"opengraphPublishedTime":92,"opengraphModifiedTime":93,"twitterTitle":5,"twitterDescription":5,"readingTime":94,"metaRobotsNoindex":95,"__typename":96},"What Is ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning)? - Blog Solidworks","Running a business is no small feat. There’s a lot to think…","\u002Fproducts\u002Fdelmiaworks\u002Fwhat-is-erp-enterprise-resource-planning\u002F","Blog Solidworks","2023-09-22T15:32:03+00:00","2025-12-17T15:27:11+00:00",6,"noindex","PostTypeSEO","Post","RootQueryToPostConnection",{},{},1777032920636]