iX ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) is a comprehensive solution designed for efficient manufacturing processes, ensuring flexibility, optimisation, and accuracy in managing production. With its advanced manufacturing module, iX ERP addresses key areas such as cost tracking, production scheduling, BOM (Bill of Materials) costing, and seamless integration with procurement and sales modules. This article delves into how iX ERP works, its flexibility in handling variable costs, production tracking, raw material management, and MRP (Material Requirements Planning) integration.
How iX ERP Works in Advanced Manufacturing
iX ERP provides manufacturers with a comprehensive suite of tools to manage the entire production lifecycle, from planning and procurement to final product delivery. By centralising data and automating key processes, iX ERP enables manufacturers to operate more efficiently, reduce waste, and ensure higher product quality. The platform’s advanced manufacturing features are tailored to meet the demands of modern manufacturing environments, where responsiveness, precision, and adaptability are critical to staying competitive.
Flexibility in Processing and Assigning Variable Costs
One of the standout features of iX ERP in advanced manufacturing is its ability to manage variable costs with great flexibility. Manufacturing processes often involve fluctuating costs such as raw materials, labour, utilities, and overheads. iX ERP allows manufacturers to easily track and assign these variable costs in real time, ensuring accurate costing for every stage of production.
The system supports dynamic costing models, which means that manufacturers can adjust cost allocations based on real-time data, including market price fluctuations for raw materials or changes in labour rates. This level of flexibility helps businesses improve their cost control and make more informed decisions, ultimately leading to better profitability and operational efficiency.
Production Tracking and Scheduling
Effective production tracking and scheduling are crucial for meeting customer demands and maintaining a streamlined production process. iX ERP’s production tracking module provides real-time visibility into the status of all production activities, enabling manufacturers to monitor work-in-progress (WIP), track work centres utilisation, and identify bottlenecks that may cause delays.
The system’s advanced scheduling features also help optimise production workflows. With iX ERP, manufacturers can create and manage production schedules based on available resources, including machines, labour, and raw materials. The platform takes into account various factors such as order priorities, lead times, and resource availability to generate optimised schedules that maximise productivity while minimising downtime.
Flexibility in Adding Raw Materials to Production
In the manufacturing process, raw materials often need to be added or adjusted based on production requirements. iX ERP offers significant flexibility in managing raw materials, allowing users to easily add or remove items from production orders. Whether it’s due to last-minute changes in design, variations in the product mix, or adjustments in material availability, iX ERP ensures that manufacturers can adapt quickly without disrupting the production process.
The system supports multi-level BOMs (Bills of Materials), making it easy to manage complex products with multiple components. As materials are added or modified, the ERP automatically recalculates the impact on production schedules, cost estimates, and overall inventory levels.
Costing for the Bill of Materials (BOM)
Accurate costing of the Bill of Materials (BOM) is critical for manufacturers who need to determine the cost structure of their products. iX ERP integrates BOM costing seamlessly into the production process. The system allows manufacturers to define a detailed BOM for each product, listing all components, materials, and processes required for production. Each item in the BOM can have its own cost assigned, which is updated in real time based on material prices, labour rates, and overheads.
When a production order is initiated, iX ERP automatically calculates the total cost of the BOM, providing an accurate picture of the cost structure for each product. This ensures that manufacturers can monitor margins, forecast costs more accurately, and make informed decisions on pricing and production strategies.
Advanced MRP Integration with Procurement and Sales Modules
Material Requirements Planning (MRP) is a cornerstone of manufacturing efficiency. iX ERP offers advanced MRP functionality that is tightly integrated with both procurement and sales modules. This integration ensures that manufacturers have real-time visibility into the demand for raw materials, production schedules, and sales orders, which helps to optimise inventory levels and reduce the risk of stock outs or overstocking.
MRP Integration with Procurement: The procurement module in iX ERP works closely with MRP to automate the purchasing process. When production orders are created, the system automatically generates purchase requisitions based on the material requirements. Procurement managers can then review and approve these orders, ensuring that the necessary materials are purchased on time and at the right cost. This integration reduces manual data entry, improves purchasing efficiency, and ensures that materials are available when needed for production.
MRP Integration with Sales: The sales module in iX ERP is also integrated with MRP, providing a direct link between customer orders and production planning. As new sales orders are received, the MRP system adjusts production schedules and material requirements to meet customer demand. This integration ensures that production is aligned with sales forecasts and customer expectations, reducing lead times and enhancing customer satisfaction.
Conclusion
iX ERP advanced manufacturing capabilities provide a comprehensive solution to the complex challenges of modern production environments for efficient manufacturing. Its flexibility in processing and assigning variable costs, production tracking, BOM costing, and the ability to quickly adapt to changes in raw materials and schedules make it a vital tool for manufacturers looking to optimise their operations. Additionally, the tight integration with procurement and sales modules ensures that material requirements and production schedules are always aligned with customer demand. By embracing iX ERP, manufacturers can improve their efficiency, reduce costs, and stay competitive in an increasingly dynamic market.