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Home / ERP Blog 06.20.16 / The ERP Industry / Making Sense of Big Data and ERP
06.20.16

Making Sense of Big Data and ERP

Recently, we read a Wall Street Journal article entitled “How Many Turns in a Screw? Big Data Knows.” The article showcases manufacturing companies that effectively track detailed production data to improve quality, processes and productivity. From machine downtime to parts tracking to workstation instructions, each of the mini case studies in the article demonstrates how smart capture and strategic use of big data and ERP helps in overall business process improvement.

Big Data and ERP Growing Even Bigger

It’s important to realize that manufacturing stores more data than any other sector.

Studies from McKinsey Global Insight reveal that the manufacturing sector stores close to 2 exabyte’s of new data each year.

As the report reveals, data originates from a variety of sources in a “fire-hose” of data streams – from instrumented production machinery, process control, supply chain management systems, to systems that monitor the performance of finished products.

How do big data and ERP play a role in managing big (and growing bigger) data?

Big Data and ERP

big data and ERP

At the outset of each engagement, Ultra’s team of ERP consultants takes a close look at a company’s needs in terms of collection, presentation, and analysis of critical, real-time enterprise-wide data such as production metrics, quality, machine down time, supply chain and more.

It’s not just about collecting detailed transactional data. It’s gaining intelligent and actionable visibility into real-time factory and plant-floor performance data by function and business area.

Big data and ERP can be overwhelming. We often hear from manufacturers that older ERP systems lack easy access to information. Legacy systems don’t provide a clear and simple path to unlocking the information, knowledge, and value in the company’s “big data” store of business transactions.

That’s why in many cases, we guide our clients to ERP software vendors that offer the best system for data access and reporting

A Strategic Approach

We take a strategic approach with our clients, so they can gain advantage from systems that offer the most effective business intelligence features. A typical engagement works through a range of considerations, including:

  • Key performance metrics – a process where we understand metric best practices for the industry
  • BI platform options to be considered during the ERP selection process
  • Information access methods: scorecards, ERP dashboards, data cubes for analysis, and report processing
  • Business data dimensions, i.e., how we want to look at the business
  • Data access – who in the organization needs access to what data, by role/function

Further Insight

Making sense of big data and ERP is a critical consideration for companies seeking to use their ERP systems for informed, timely decisions.

Read more about ERP reports here.

Plus check out this archived blog post about getting ERP metrics close to the action.

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Categories: The ERP Industry Tags: BI, BI Strategy, Big Data

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About Jeff Carr

Jeff Carr

Jeff Carr is Founder and CEO of Ultra Consultants, independent advisors, researchers and consultants serving the manufacturing and distribution industries with enterprise technology expertise. Jeff is a leading independent voice in enterprise technology, ERP selection, evaluation, implementation and business process improvement. Jeff’s organizations have helped 1,200 manufacturing companies transform business operations. Jeff’s results-focused career spans four decades serving manufacturers. He leads Ultra’s high-impact process improvement programs that leverage today’s technology. Jeff is a graduate of University of Illinois.

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