JULY 2016MANUFACTURINGTECHNOLOGYINSIGHTS.COM9Innovation in ERP ImplementationSuccessful ERP implementation is an outcome of an organized effort. First, organizations must identify the specific areas they are looking to improve, whether it is simplifying existing processes or reducing product defects. Next, the manufacturer needs to determine the primary values and objectives for all stakeholders including line technicians, shop floor managers, distributors and field service workers. Manufacturers need to determine the data and assets needed, such as product quality data. To form a cohesive, actionable ERP plan, manufacturers need to perform an honest assessment of their mobility strategy, enterprise information management, IT delivery and support and device strategy as well. Pulling together all those variables, a manufacturer should then build a one-year strategy and continuously revisit and refine.ERP on its own is not necessarily modern or industry-changing. It is the adoption of IoT, mobile and digital technologies that are integrated with ERP systems that have the potential to transform the manufacturing process from sales to production and inventory management. ERP systems should be continuously monitored and improved so that they can evolve with the pace of newer digital technologies.The Role of the Manufacturing CIO Due to the rapid innovations in manufacturing, largely driven by the adoption of digital technologies, the role of the manufacturing CIO is constantly evolving. There is an understanding that CIOs are expected to drive transformative initiatives in their organizations but this should not be misunderstood as a siloed effort. It is important for CIOs and heads of business to work together on innovative efforts, as these upgrades can affect more than just IT departments. In recent years, the role of the CIO has become more focused on developing unique, flexible solutions that can be scaled and improved upon. For example, in previous years, connected technology in the manufacturing sector focused on narrow RFID and barcode technology in factories and warehouses, and proprietary hand-held devices in the field. More recently, CIOs have been favoring enterprise apps on smartphones and tablets for the same purpose as they can be more agile and can be connected and synced with back-end enterprise systems. Smart manufacturing has the potential to transform traditional factories and directly change how goods are invented, made, shipped and sold. Effective implementation can ultimately create a more efficient global manufacturing industry. CIOs need to keep in mind that changes are unlikely to take place overnight, but the manufacturers who dedicate the effort to set these standards in place can see ROI in the near term. Manufacturers have been some of the early adopters of connected technologies, and manufacturing CIOs should keep that momentum moving forward as their organizations bring together intelligent connected mobile devices, compelling mobile applications and flexible cloud infrastructure and architecture. Due to the rapid innovations in manufacturing, largely driven by the adoption of digital technologies, the role of the manufacturing CIO is constantly evolving
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