Why enterprise system integration is crucial
Modern manufacturing relies on the use of several systems and processes to function effectively, some of which have been in place for years and many of which are disparate. You might have legacy PLM software that you’ve used to develop and design products for decades, as well as a more modern MES to collect data and oversee quality/compliance in the ‘Make’ space. Then there’s the cloud-based CRM system to manage customers and an overarching ERP system that covers most other business functions.
There are a lot of disparate systems in place, and they do you a disservice by operating in isolation. That’s why enterprise system integration is crucial.
The connected enterprise
Research by Forrester identified eight core capabilities that successful enterprises invest in to improve customer experience, meet business objectives and maximise profitability. These capabilities form the basis of a connected enterprise.
The capabilities of a connected enterprise are:
- Insight-driven strategies and actions
- Innovative products and services
- Experience-centric by design
- Seamless interactions and commerce
- Responsive operations and supply chain
- Aligned and empowered workforce
- Digitally-enabled technology architecture
- Integrated partner and alliance ecosystem
Putting the technologies in place to support data collection and insights throughout operations is the first step. The second step is making sure these systems are interconnected and communicating smoothly. Enterprise system integration is imperative to help you achieve this and accelerate development of the eight capabilities.
Benefits of enterprise system integration
The true benefits of digital transformation come from enterprise integration solutions that allow information to flow freely between systems — providing better visibility and transparency for you, your customers and your supply chain.
The full benefits include:
- Real-time insight into operations
- Easier data access and visibility for stakeholders
- Faster new product introduction
- Improved ability to meet changing market/customer demands
- More agile manufacturing
- Greater data accuracy
- Improved productivity
- More comprehensive insight into business-wide activities
- Visibility into all operations, supporting an agile, connected supply chain
The manufacturing digital core
Sitting at the heart of the agile operations is the ‘Make’ space, or manufacturing core. Any inefficiencies or lack of communication here has ramifications throughout the wider supply chain. Similarly, the manufacturing core is only as efficient as its ability to accurately see demand signals from elsewhere in the supply chain.
Industry is now moving to the digital manufacturing core, where IIoT technology and integrated enterprise systems enable greater visibility and performance.
Enterprise integration solutions
Digitalisation has led to many manufacturers adopting different technologies at different paces. Integrating these technologies can be challenging due to the complexity of connecting IT and OT systems of different ages, spanning multiple locations and sites. Luckily, IIoT technologies make integration possible.
Cimlogic’s expertise in manufacturing, IIoT technology, business processes and applications allows us to navigate the complexity of interconnecting systems, while ensuring that systems are fully aligned with the business goals to deliver value at every stage.
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