When it comes to implementing ParityFactory, the forms our system can take are just as diverse as the different processors and manufacturers we work with. Everything from where our system is used, the critical features included, and even what equipment and software we integrate our WMS with can all be tailored to a client’s specific needs. One of our most popular options though, is integrating our WMS with an ERP or accounting system. While ParityFactory can and does run as a standalone system, integrating with an ERP has numerous benefits, including:
-a greater visibility to inventory between systems
-an ability to import POs and SOs to validate shipping and receiving
-ease of planning production and generating comprehensive reports
ParityFactory WMS has existing integrations for all major ERPs, but for our enterprise-level clients, one of the most popular is our integration with Oracle NetSuite. NetSuite comes loaded with powerful tools to manage the business side of your factory and is only made more powerful when ParityFactory’s production capabilities are integrated. With this integration being such a crucial tool in so many of our clients’ businesses, we’re constantly taking suggestions from our clients and building new features for it, and the latest is support for multi-work order production runs.
WHAT IS IT?
Put simply, it’s a feature that allows multiple work orders (NetSuite language for a production run) to be consolidated into a single run in ParityFactory if desired.
WHY DID WE BUILD IT?
To better support production scenarios with multiple outputs. A hypothetical example of when this might be useful would be an apple processor packing out two different SKUs of apples: a 5lb bag and a 10lb bag. For efficient production practices, processors will frequently run these two different finished good SKUs on the same physical machine at the same time, only pausing briefly to swap out packaging materials (in our example, a 5 or 10lb bag). While this is a common practice in the food manufacturing industry, NetSuite alone only allows for a single output item to be on any given work order. In turn, this creates the need for multiple production runs and managing component inventory consumption as distinct transactions.
WHAT IS THE BENEFIT?
Using this feature allows processors to consolidate work orders into a single production run, more accurately reflecting the physical process. This also reduces the number of scans involved, as well as the number of production runs needed to successfully carry out production. This creates a more accurate and efficient consumption of the business’ raw materials and faster production of finished goods, by eliminating the need to set up and switch between multiple work orders.
This feature is a great example of how even production challenges that are quite specific can be effectively addressed through a WMS+ERP integrated solution. Are you a NetSuite user facing issues with multiple similar work orders in your operation? Or interested in how ParityFactory works with other ERPs and as a standalone system? Reach out and let us know! Our team is at the ready to answer questions, and help you explore how a food-specific WMS can fit into your operation.
