ERP and contract management should be digital, but too many companies are still not streamlined and communicating with other businesses as effectively as possible. With the help of companies like Zumen, companies and computers are getting more connected and solving the issues that slow processes down. On this episode of The Digital Enterprise Society Podcast, Thom Singer and Craig Brown are joined by Viswa Kuppuswami, founder and CEO of Zumen, Inc., a SAAS startup product manufacturing company that focuses on managing the direct material procurement process. They discuss the importance of effective ERP (enterprise resource planning), overcoming and preventing supply chain issues, and how to automate workflows more effectively. 

 

On today’s podcast, you will learn:

3 critical systems to effective enterprise systems

• ERP software, according to Viswa and Craig, comes first. 
• Production planning and manufacturing processing comes next. 
• PLM or PDM is the third step, although ideally it would be first. 
• For growing and scaling companies, the first thing they need from a business perspective is a proper ERP system.

 

Streamlining the BOM-to-delivery process 

• Zumen focuses heavily on the new product processing. 
• As a product is designed and built, the accurate cost is also built into the product. 
• There can be an overlap as the product travels from design to supplier. 
• The product lifecycle and the procurement lifecycle both factor into a product entering the system. 
• Design changes from suppliers and designers are managed by the PRQ and RFQ. 

 

Overcoming supply chain disruptions

• The ERP system is becoming more critical than ever as companies continue to adjust their supply chain processes. 
• More companies are identifying and appreciating the need for improved digitalization. 
• Proactive strategies need to be employed to prevent future shortages. 
• Digitized ERP systems can help companies identify their best options. 

 

Automating workflows effectively 

• Companies need to be careful not to skip review steps along the way. 
• Digitized workflows can allow for a faster, but still as effective review process. 
• Considering the cost of disruption is an essential aspect of effective workflow. 

 

Managing the parts library

• Companies need a robust framework for information digitalization. 
• Supply information and quality records are tracked and provided to companies. 
• Ppap information should be provided, with additional conversations happening as needed. 

 

Continue the conversation with us within the Digital Enterprise Society Community at DigitalEnterpriseSociety.org.

 

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