Efficiency is vital in the manufacturing industry; however, that’s often easier said than done. When producing goods, manufacturers perform an ever-evolving dance of tweaks and adjustments based on constant monitoring and quick decisions. Attaining efficiency is often achieved by using the latest in technology and cloud-based applications.
In fact, the use of multiple digital tools has become essential for manufacturing goods, materials, or other physical products. For instance, it’s not uncommon for a manufacturer to employ several cloud-based tools simultaneously, such as an ERP, CRM, and CDC. And why not? Each tool has a purpose and offers a unique set of benefits that can improve internal and external processes.
However, when the powerful digital tools a manufacturing team relies upon aren’t well integrated, problems can arise. These problems can directly affect production and customer care abilities. On the flip-side, a company that experiences a seamless cloud-based integration process will be able to increase internal and external efficiencies in a very short time.
Let’s further explore why a seamless integration process is essential for manufacturers investing in a digital transformation or upgrade.
Benefits of a Seamless Cloud Integration Process
When a cloud integration is executed properly, the company’s processes and efficiencies can quickly be improved and revolutionized. By seamlessly integrating all of their cloud-based applications, a manufacturer can automate many of their processes and achieve real-time exchange of data. This allows the manufacturer to focus on their core competencies and leave the integration tasks to the experts.
When a cloud integration is properly executed and given the necessary long-term supports, manufacturers often experience:
- Increased efficiency
- Improved customer experiences
- Time and money savings
- Increased production and quality control
- Improved scalability
For instance, before the instrumentation company Endress+Hauser underwent a digital transformation, it was unable to combine, integrate and re-use data from different sources in an efficient, standardized way. Additionally, customer demands were changing and the company was having a hard time complying with legal integration requirements.
After the implementation of SAP Integration Suite to unify their processes, goals, and customer needs, Endress+Hauser saw better legal compliance support, a reduction of total cost of operations and greater support for changing business models.
4 Efficiency Risks From a Poor Cloud Integration Process
Not every cloud integration solution is as seamless as the one mentioned above. This usually stems from the company not using an iPaas product that’s suited for their business or lacks robustness and adaptability.
When this happens, a manufacturer can be at risk for the following 4 risks.
1. Stale Data
A lag in accurate data can occur when digital tools aren’t integrated properly. This means that employees have to work with outdated information, leading to a lack of real-time insights. In the manufacturing industry, this can be extremely detrimental as production is reliant on current, accurate data.
2. Poor Customer Satisfaction
Customers expect amazing CX experiences. This includes having continual access to up-to-date data such as product inventory and accurate shipping information. When production and customer interfaces aren’t properly integrated, it can lead to frustrated customers who are unable to get answers in a timely manner.
This can damage relationships and result in lost business.
3. Inaccurate Reporting
When data is silo’d due to poorly integrated systems, it can lead to inaccurate business reports. This, in turn, can cause business strategy misalignment as decision-makers are basing their choices on incorrect information.
4. Poor Inventory Management
One of the most frustrating tasks for many manufacturers to stay on top of is inventory management, largely due to the number of moving parts involved. Proper integration between platforms is necessary to make inventory accurate and efficient.
How to Avoid a Poor Cloud Integration Experience
Manufacturing companies can avoid a negative cloud integration experience by doing the following:
- Use a Cloud Integration Platform as a Service (iPaaS) product that is suited for your business. This will ensure that the integration process is executed properly, is robust and adaptable, and meets all of the company’s needs.
- Take the time to assess all of your cloud-based applications and determine which ones are necessary for business processes. Not every application needs to be integrated and it’s important to only include the essential ones to avoid overwhelming employees with too much data.
- Train employees on how to use the new integrated system. This will ensure that everyone is on board with the changes and knows how to use the system to its full potential.
- Manage expectations by communicating with all stakeholders about what the new integrated system can and cannot do. The system may not be able to fix all of the company’s previous problems but it should help improve processes and efficiencies.
Why the SAP Integration Suite iPaaS is Best for Manufacturers
The SAP Integration Suite is an award-winning iPaaS that’s ideally suited for various industries, including the manufacturing industry. It helps companies gain a concrete hold on obtaining consistent access to real-time data, effectively cutting through data silos.
With greater visibility obtained from a seamless cloud integration, manufacturers are ideally poised to increase production efficiencies, improve customer experiences, and increase profitability.
The SAP Integration Suite offers the following benefits to manufacturers:
A focus on the manufacturing process:
The SAP Integration Suite can integrate with key tools including CRMs, ERPs, and MES programs, making it perfect for companies in this industry.
Improved customer experiences:
The SAP Integration Suite helps to improve customer experiences by unifying data and processes in both the front-end and back-end of the customer journey. This results in a more streamlined experience for customers, leading to higher satisfaction rates.
Increased efficiencies:
The SAP Integration Suite increases efficiencies by automating processes and integrating data. This leads to time and cost savings for the company, as well as increased productivity.
The SAP Integration Suite is the ideal iPaaS for manufacturers who are looking to improve their business processes and increase efficiencies. This platform will help companies to unify their data, automating processes and improving customer experiences.
ASAR Digital: A Certified SAP Gold Partner
For information on how an iPaaS, or other SAP products can transform your business, contact the team at ASAR Digital, a certified SAP Gold Partner.
