The impact of natural disasters on manufacturing supply chains
By their very nature, natural disasters are unpredictable and can have a devastating impact on your manufacturing supply chain. 123 Insight ourselves were at the mercy of such a disaster when our own offices were flooded over a bank holiday weekend in 2017, forcing the office to be closed for several week and staff working from home. So, what impact might natural disasters have on your manufacturing supply chains?
MRP for Medical Manufacturers
While manufacturing products for the medical industry may entail similar processes and needs to those in other manufacturing sectors, the value to risk association is much greater. If mistakes happen during manufacturing, it doesn't just result in a product return - people can die. The stakes are so much higher and, as a result, the system required to manage manufacturing needs to be that much more robust.
MRP for Engineering Manufacturers
When one thinks of engineering in terms of manufacturing, it is often thought of as a 'default' manufacturing type, however the sector has some unique requirements. Here we explore some of the common problems that engineering and metals manufacturers experience, how MRP solves them and what additional benefits it can provide.
MRP for Food/Chemical Manufacturers
The food and chemical industries serve up unique challenges for manufacturers, specifically around management of stock that often has a limited storage life and manufacturing processes that can differ based on the quantity being produced or method of production. Here we explore common problems that many food or chemical manufacturers experience, how MRP solves them and what additional benefits it can provide.
MRP for Textile Manufacturers
The textile industry presents some unique challenges for manufacturers, specifically around stock management. In this article we explore some of the common problems that textile manufacturers experience, how MRP solves them and what additional benefits it can provide.
MRP for Electronics Manufacturers
The electronics industry has unique challenges for manufacturers. This article explores common problems and how MRP software can help EMS electronics manufacturers to stay ahead of the competition.
Migrating from an old MRP/ERP system
Changing MRP/ERP systems is often seen as an overwhelming task. Here we examine the reasons why people choose to replace a system and what to consider when migrating to a new one.
Do I need an MRP system?
How to decide if it's time to select a new or replace an existing MRP system. There comes a time with your current manufacturing system processes where you have to sit back and say, ‘is this really the best that we can do?’ Perhaps you're using a collection of Excel spreadsheets and/or paper-based systems, you have created and subsequently outgrown a bespoke system, or have already invested in a 'packaged' system which is no longer fit for purpose - but there are initial benefits and drawbacks with each system.
Choosing the right accounts solution for your manufacturing business.
Regardless of what your business does or what industry sector you serve, any company needs a competent accounting system. However, many will argue that when looking at manufacturing systems accounting should be front and centre of its competences. There are strong arguments for accounting information to be visible from directly within MRP, but should you select a platform for your entire business purely because of its capabilities for your financial department?
MRP versus ERP
Many manufacturing companies mistakenly believe or are steered into the decision by consultants with a vested interest that they need ERP over an MRP system. But what is the difference and where do you draw the line between those that need it and those that don't?
Here we breas down the various elements of ERP, demonstrating that the lines are not always clearly drawn between ERP and MRP, and also why it's better to select 'best in class' for each area of your business.
Changing the game
How the traditional approach of ERP selection and implementation places all of the risk on the customer, rather than the vendor, and how 123insight's innovative evaluation process saves time, effort and money.
Under Evaluation
This article discusses the step by step process of evaluating a new MRP system, from putting the right team together through to measuring success after going live. First published in Manufacturing Management magazine
Keeping the channels open
The recent cyberattack on the NHS was caused by a reliance on obsolete software, and manufacturers are running a similar risk. First published in Manufacturing Management magazine.