Electronic & Equipment Industry Overview
The electronic equipment industry manufactures computers and computer-related products, including printers, communications equipment, and home electronic equipment, as well as a wide range of goods used for both commercial and military purposes. In addition, many electronics products or components are incorporated into the products of other industries, such as cars, toys, and appliances.
The industry also encompasses companies that design, manufacture, and/or distribute electronic devices, components and equipment including:
- Semiconductors
- Semiconductor materials and production machinery
- Test, measurement, and inspection equipment
- Scientific and technical instruments
- Electrical and electronic components, such as connectors and display devices
Key Differentiators in the Electronics & Equipment Industry
Engineering resources are critical in the electronic ERP industry. Enterprise technology such as Product Lifecycle Management Software (PLM) can remove production obstacles and promote collaboration.
Computer-Aided Design (CAD) integration with ERP systems is valuable, as it helps to reduce multiple data entries, and can organize and synchronize data on the bill of materials (BOM).
Also, companies can reduce the time and expense surrounding engineering change management and engineering change orders with Product Data Management (PDM) software that expedites the flow of product data and process information far better than manual or paper-based workflows. These software solutions are highly valuable in enabling engineering resources to improve productivity.
It is important for an electronic ERP solution to feature systems that provide real-time visibility across the enterprise, and are intuitive enough to track people, components, equipment and supporting vendors.
In addition, an electronic ERP system needs full machine integration, which generic systems don’t usually offer. This integration must be able to easily provide product data through the full process, in addition to features that enable lean management to better oversee complicated global supply chains involving:
- Shop floors
- Inventory
- Material traceability
- Production tracking
Other features critical to an electronic ERP system are those required for:
- Tracking and improving quality
- Managing complex supply chains
- Document control
- Automated ordering
Electronics companies often are faced with demands in regards to handling shortened product lifecycles, supply-chain flexibility, global awareness and keeping up with regulations. Keep in mind that electronics companies face many of the most dynamic challenges of any industry.
Critical Requirements of an Electronic ERP System
Electronics and electronic equipment manufacturers should evaluate the following critical requirements:
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM Software)
- Quoting and Estimating
- Order Processing
- Product Configurator
- Product Data Management (PDM)
- Product Lifecycle Management (PLM)
- Document Management
- Engineering Change Management
- Forecasting and Demand Planning
- Lean Manufacturing
- Supply Chain Management Software
- Advanced Manufacturing Planning
- Quality
- Warehouse Management Software (WMS)
- Plant Equipment
- Field Service
- Repair
- Cost Accounting
