Integrated ERP/CAD shines for ETOs

Most Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems are not integrated with CAD. That is because traditional ERP systems were developed for repetitive, make-to-stock manufacturers where there is a clear demarcation between design and production. Integrated CAD-ERP software lets Engineer to Order (ETO) companies pass data both ways and handle engineering changes in both systems. Without it, designers are having to constantly rekey data from CAD to ERP software, which wastes valuable engineering time or requires additional staff. The ETO Institute says that CAD-ERP integration is key to making it all work. Attempting to integrate CAD tools with standard (repetitive) manufacturing ERP systems will invariably create a division between engineering and manufacturing.