ERP systems have become a firm feature of modern business, and engineering companies have proved no exception to the general trend. The engineering industry has derived substantial benefits through the implementation of ERP systems - the process orientated nature of the industry benefiting from the workflow optimisation offered by ERP.

ERP systems are by nature complex to implement, and consequently many companies initially only implement selected features of a total system, and are often unaware of other valuable and important component modules contained within software suites such as SAP. After a period of use, however, questions start to be asked about how to maximise the considerable ERP investment. One way is to unlock additional features contained in the standard installed SAP software - such as the robust and industry leading integrated Document Management System (DMS).

"Full integration of all product and document data is critical, particularly within the engineering industry," says Rob Cells, Business Development Manager at Engineering Informatics (EI). With a DMS, information is controlled, so you do not have unauthorised changes to data which could upset things both up and down stream. Document changes are very structured, which is pivotal in the engineering industry - where change management is always a big issue.

"DMS has not enjoyed the limelight in recent years," adds Cells. "It has only been in the last year or so that companies have started to realise the real value of integrated document management - and the value is substantial." The effective control of documents and data can prevent lost sales, re-work on documents, incorrect maintenance procedures and longer cycle times - eliminating the necessity of continually locating and verifying the integrity of documents and data.

"What companies really need to realise is that they can quickly and simply configure their existing DMS system - creating a solid core of information that drives the business processes," Cells concludes.

Engineering Informatics

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