From the initial setup phase to its expansion, running a business is no small feat. A business owner is required to look into multiple tasks all at once –slight negligence, and it may cause havoc. When it comes to a food manufacturing business, complexities only increase. Product expiration, mishandling, mislabeling, missed quality checks are only a few challenges the food manufacturing companies have to face.
This is where (ERP) systems become active. It is a business operations management software that helps business owners oversee management tasks with utmost convenience. Be it production, distribution, supply chain, human resources, finances, or any other task, ERPs can eliminate the business management tediousness. Incorporating ERP software into the business operations helps prevent recalls, saving the time and efforts of companies while meeting the quality standards for the consumers.
While ERPs are super beneficial for businesses, the businesses demand a specifically tailored system when it comes to the food (meat, beef etc.) industry. This is where the debate begins; whether to integrate a generic ERP or opt for food-specific ERP software.
Generic ERP vs. Food Specific ERP: Making the Right Choice
Choosing between a generic ERP software, one that comes with a one-size-fits-all functionality, or a food-specific ERP software is one of the most critical decisions for food manufacturers. It is smart to be well-informed before making a decision.
Starting with the generic ERP, this software helps data consolidation which leads to improved operations and boosted productivity. Integrating these ERP software into business operations save time and effort, reduce operational costs, and increases data accuracy.
The one-size-fits-all solution takes care of the finance and accounting tasks. It is efficient in this regard and does help all companies, regardless of the industry, keep their finances and accounts streamlined. While it does take care of these general tasks, these ERP software are not much assistance to the food manufacturing industry. The functionality of these ERPs is limited.
While the manufacturers in this industry can get these generic ERPs modified and customized for their businesses, it is just not a viable option. Getting generic software modified and customized increases not only the cost but also expose the company to high risks.
Even if a food manufacturer invests in a generic ERP to save costs, they will end up getting the software customized as per their needs. Eventually, they will be paying a lot more than they expected.
This is where food-specific ERP software comes into the picture.
When talking about finance, accounts, and business management, the food-specific ERPs are much similar to the generic ones. Their real value lies in the industry-specific functionality they offer to manufacturers in the food industry.
Batch scheduling functionality, material requirements planning, FDA software validation are just a few industry-specific features that come with food-specific ERP software. These specialized software(s) combine the functionalities of a generic ERP with features designed specifically for this industry.
These food software(s) are made under the supervision of industry experts. All features and functionalities are designed to meet the needs of these businesses.
Incorporating food-specific ERPs into the business operations, companies can ensure all their products are manufactured strictly under the set standards and guidelines. Not only this, businesses can provide their consumers utmost satisfaction by manufacturing quality products.
Why Do Food Manufacturers Need Their Own ERP Software?
Many business owners operating in the food manufacturing industry are skeptical about investing in a food-specific ERP. They believe using a generic ERP as other manufacturers is a feasible option. They only come to realize they are wrong when they deal with a generic ERP’s limitations.
To ensure that the operations run smoothly, including recipe control, inventory management, material requirement, tracking expiration dates, quality check, food manufacturers do require their own ERP software.
One of the major reasons why businesses operating the food manufacturing industry must have food-specific ERP software is they are developed by industry experts. These professionals take into consideration every small detail to ensure that the business operations run smoothly. The experience and industry knowledge are embedded into these software(s).
There is no denying there; investing in industry-specific ERP software is a much cost-efficient solution. Why? While generic ERP software does cost less, a company will end up paying more to get it modified. Also, the cost of adjusting software as per the company’s requirements demands additional training and utilization of extra resources.
Industry-specific ERP software developers keep an eye out for the changes in regulations and standards. They ensure that all the software(s) are updated as per the changes. Food-specific ERPs, without any doubt, offer tremendous benefits.
Folio3 Team
Offering a comprehensive solution in the form of industry-specific, fully customized ERPs is the team of Folio3. With expertise in both the food industry and technology, the Folio3 team develops ERPs that help food manufacturers significantly cut down operational costs, save their resources, manage compliance, and ensure efficient business operations management. With Folio3’s powerful and fully tailored food software, businesses operating in the food manufacturing industry can boost productivity while instilling high satisfaction levels among consumers.
