Did you know that you can save an estimated 528 hours per employee per year by implementing the right mobile data collection solution?
Mobile Data Collection and ERPs: How a mobile workforce can improve ERP performance and business process performance
A 2016 Report on ERP Systems and Enterprise Software published by Panorama Consulting indicated that 81% of organizations polled are either in the process of implementing enterprise resource planning software (ERP) or have completed implementation already. Meanwhile, Zebra Technologies predicts that the number of fully connected warehouses and factories is expected to double by 2022. So, with the availability of robust mobile data collection platforms, businesses are now challenged with identifying the most efficient way to connect the two systems.
ERP solutions are typically geared toward managing inventories and orders — directing things moving in and out of operations. Some have QA or similar modules, but many are lacking and most do not collect data with mobile tools. As a result, many organizations are now looking to become more efficient by connecting mobile data collection software with their ERP system. Connecting the two gives workers the ability to capture critical data at the source and to tie that data to the ERP to give businesses access to real-time data. Here are 4 ways implementing and connecting your mobile data collection platform can improve your ERP and your business processes:
Enhances accountability and accuracy
“Passive presence verification” reduces the need for a supervisor to watch over team members. A mobile data collection platform can be customized to only allow specific users to log a transaction if they’re physically at the correct location. For investigators out in the field, most systems use GPS, while RFID tags are attached to equipment or production lines for indoor facilities. The RFID system requires an employee to simply bump or scan a tag before allowing them to log a transaction. It’s quicker than selecting a location from a dropdown, so it’s actually quicker and easier for the end user. Ultimately, it means less work for the supervisor because it’s easy to electronically prove who, when, where, and what happened on your production floor or out in the field.
Increases efficiency and accuracy through process controls
Twenty-two percent of manufacturing organizations adopt an ERP platform to better integrate systems across their facilities, but they often fall flat because things become disconnected as businesses scale. Connecting your mobile data collection system to your ERP provides more clean and accurate data because the system has been configured to your organization’s processes. For example, many times there are various details that take place on the floor that don’t necessarily need to be tied back to the ERP solution, and vice-versa. Customizing your systems to remove un-wanted data such as day-to-day operational tasks and safety requirements streamlines operations and eliminates the need for entering this sort of data into an ERP after the fact. This means you have more flexibility, and it also removes the ability to falsify records. Real-time interaction ensures that configured business rules are not bypassed. Further customizing of items like dropdown lists, automatic totals, product identification and image capture features, makes the data more precise and less subject to interpretation.
Saves time through more efficient data collection
Collecting data using mobile forms can speed up the process by more than 50%, as drop-down menus, check boxes, radio selections and other features speed up the pace at which data is gathered. Past processes that once required data to be collected on paper can now be streamlined. Using a mobile platform that transfers forms and intake sheets into easy-to-use touch screen questionnaires quickens the data collection process. As a result, managers can focus on scheduling and streamlining business processes that deliver a bigger business impact and a huge savings on admin costs for the business. Mobile Data Collection and ERP integration helps you collect data efficiently.
Allows for access to data anywhere, anytime
ERP data integration has long been used to remove disconnected processes, duplicates, or inconsistent data sets that stifle business growth. These days, integrating data is about visibility and collaboration, so connecting your mobile data collection software to your ERP is paramount for business efficiency. When the two are connected, real-time, two-way data flows between the office and the field or floor, increasing collaboration, accuracy and efficiency. For example, a worker in the field that has access to historical data, maintenance actions, and other pertinent information will perform the job better. The worker in the field can then fill out a mobile report (complete with time and location verification) and instantly deliver it to a manager electronically, allowing management to concentrate on business decisions rather than micromanaging – therefore saving time and money.
New mobile data collection tools allow workers in the warehouse, factory, or field to quickly and easily fill out reports and gather information using handheld devices. The recent movement toward cloud-based ERP systems has increased demand for more connectivity between facilities, offices, and equipment with different processes at various locations. Connecting your mobile data collection processes with your ERP platform not only increases collaboration and visibility, but it also saves time, makes employees happy and ultimately saves money, and that’s good for everyone.
To learn how KipTraq can help your team get more from mobile data collection and ERP integration so you can improve BI and business process performance please contact us for a custom demo and a quick discussion.
