Introduction
Software companies and manufacturing companies live symbiosis life with each other. Such lives are dependent on each other and it goes without saying that it carries lots of expectations with it.
But at the same time there are many areas where both of them are not aligned with each other like;
- The software companies, in order to achieve success and heights need to focus on developing ERP software keeping more and more complex situation and scenario in view which invariably makes the ERP software very complex.
On the other hand
In order to achieve success and heights the manufacturers need to focus on simplifying their operational business processes and realize results readily and quickly. In this process manufacturers decide to implement so called complex ERP software and to utilize it to maximum and optimum level.
It can be seen that there is a conflict between focus areas.
- Software companies in order to accommodate more and more industries keep on adding rich functionalities and try to develop an ERP software which is capable of handling combination of maximum businesses verticals and most complex business scenarios on a common platform in integration with each other.
Whereas on the other hand
Each manufacturer is not just manufacturers but has their own unique business drives as a result in case of ERP software “One Size Fits All” concept doesn’t work. Manufacturers based on their geographical condition, political condition, availability of resources etc. can’t always drive their business as per best practices or as how preconfigured processes defined in ERP software as a result they require a specially designed solution.
In this process manufacturers approach the software companies for customized solution and in turn software companies twist and turn the standard version of ERP software which defeats the wider purpose of so called complex ERP software and in log run ERP Software in accordance with business processes becomes more complicated and complex than that of what it should be.
It can be seen that there is conflict between approaches.
- Expectations of manufacturers before implementing ERP software are generally very high. Sometimes their expectations are based on imaginary situations, not backed or supported by any logic as a result it becomes very difficult even to define such expectations.
On the other hand
NO ERP software is perfect in absolute term. All have their strengths, weaknesses, assumptions and tradeoffs.
- Furthermore manufacturers actually require a business analyst, a leader, a co-ordinator, an organizer and much more than just an ERP software and all these qualities they start expecting from external agency or team or project manager.
On the other hand
The software companies just can deliver an IT expert team or a project manager which may or may not be in position to fulfill all the requirement and expectations of manufacturers.
It can be seen that there is wide gap between expectations and delivery by and between manufacturers and software companies.
In spite of living symbiosis life, there is many more such junction by and between manufacturers and software companies which are not synchronized or not in alignment with each other as a result there are either a conflicts or a gap or vacuumed area in between.
Profession of ERP consultancy was introduced to bridge the gap between software companies and manufacturers which has extended their wings to fill entire vacuumed area and resolve the conflicts.
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Suggestions and comments on the blog are most welcome.
Regards
Chirag Shah
