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6 Steps for Selecting Rubber and Plastic Manufacturing ERP
Software

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Are you considering
implementing ERP for rubber
and plastic manufacturing?

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ERP can truly help you take your business to the
next level, save money, and improve customer
service. But remember that ERP system selection
and implementation is a tedious and important
process that should never be rushed through.

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When selecting rubber and
plastic manufacturing ERP
software, many steps need
to be taken to ensure you
don’t wind up going over
budget or stuck with a
system that won’t help you
reach your goals.

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Figuring out how to go about such a
big job can be tricky, and there are
many risks involved.
However…..

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We’ve outlined six steps to take
during the ERP software
selection process to help you
ensure you’re getting off on the
right foot with your project to
avoid mistakes and any
unnecessary expense.

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Step 1: Think Long-Term
• Long-term planning will most likely avoid
a costly mistake.
• Select a system that meets your needs
now, but also has the flexibility and
scalability to grow and change with you in
the future as needs change.

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Step 2: Seek Executive Input
For any important business decision, it is always important to consult
company executives and seek their input. If they get on board with the
project in the very beginning they will be there to support it
throughout.
Company executives can provide a long-term vision of
the company that will be vital for making a final decision
on an ERP system.
Getting executives behind an ERP project also helps get
others in the company behind it as well, as company
adoption rates will increase rapidly.

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Step 3: Create a List of Company Requirements
Would you purchase a house without first deciding what characteristics
you require for it? Probably not..
You likely have a list of things you need to make it a good investment that
will suit your family’s needs and budget now and into the future, such as:
• Number of bedrooms/bathrooms
• Size of the yard
• Size of the garage
• Location
• etc.

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The same theory holds
true when it comes to
selecting and investing in
an ERP system.

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Meet with the selection and implementation team
to create an extensive checklist to help guide you in
your search for the best-fit system. Be sure you get
input from EVERY area of your business, just to be
sure all requirements are being met.
You can use this list to rule out systems that
obviously wont work based on your needs and
compile a short-list for those that seem to have
what you need.

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Step 4: Look for Manufacturing-Specific
Functionality
This may seem obvious, but some rubber and plastic manufacturers
make the mistake of failing to ensure the ERP system they choose has
the correct manufacturing functionality.
Are you a discrete, process, or mixed mode manufacturer? This is crucial
as each type will have different needs and different software options.

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Here are some of the important features you may want to
keep in mind as you create your list.
 Shipment tracking
 Traceability
 Work center scheduling
 Audit management
 Plant maintenance
 Inventory management
 Production scheduling
 Analysis and reporting
 Shop floor data collection
 Financial modules
 more

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Step 5: Consider Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
As you evaluate systems and think about your budget, it’s
important to think about more than just the cost of the software.
Here are a few other factors to take into consideration:
• Maintenance
• Customization
• Cost of software
• Training
• Per user license costs
• IT personnel
• Cost of facilities
• Internal costs
• Support
• Upgrades
• Additional modules
• System enhancement
• Consultant fees
• Firewall software

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Step 6: Narrow The List & Schedule a Demo
After you narrow down your top 3 ERP systems, be sure to set up a demo with each vendor. A software demo is
THE BEST way to fully understand the way the software works, the way the vendor works, and whether or not
its going to be a good fit for your business.
Usually, there are three types of demo options available:
• Video demo
• Fee trial
• Vendor guided
Each option has its own pros and cons, so be sure to know which one will benefit your company the most. Read
more about that here. (or copy this link into your browser: http://blog.e2benterprise.com/erp-evaluation-best-practice-know-your-demo-
options/)

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Doing More Research?
This was a high-level overview of how to select the right ERP system for
your business. There is a lot more to talk about. We have much more in
our ERP resource library including white papers, videos, ERP evaluation
templates, and more. Click below or visit www.e2benterprise.com to learn
more.

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Have Questions?
We can help! We are ERP software
resellers & developers with a team of
consultants standing by to answer any
questions you may have.
www.e2benterprise.com
440.352.4700