The Internet of Things
You have probably seen this phrase in your search results (as IoT) or heard the term from your IT team. The Internet of Things crosses industry lines in its usefulness, and its definition can be derived right from its name: it is the concept of using the internet to connect "things." Anything can become "smart" through IoT. You may already be receiving messages from your refrigerator telling you to replace the water filter, or adjusting your thermostat remotely from your phone.
While the initial concept focused on connecting individuals' devices, the IoT is changing the way manufacturing and industrial businesses operate. The addition of sensor technology to IoT in these sectors has revolutionized how a business can function — processes and systems can now update each other, and inventory can effectively order itself through an integrated ERP system.
For example, say you manufacture carburetors and need to maintain a 3:1 ratio of manifolds to throttle solenoids per unit, with a projected rate of 47 completed carburetors per day. Using sensor technology and IoT with your ERP system, your manifold inventory can track your throttle solenoid inventory and automatically order additional raw materials to maintain optimal production levels. The Internet of Things connects smart machines seamlessly.
A key component to making IoT work is an ERP system that can adapt quickly to changing processes and customer needs. When you break it down, an ERP system is a massive collection of data — contact management, inventory, the general ledger, and more. IoT assists in gathering that data, allowing the human element to step back from data collection and focus on analysis. The result is an operation with even more accurate information flowing into every business decision.
Carillon® ERP is already a limitless system — there are no restrictions on the number of contacts, addresses, inventory items, sub-ledgers, or sales orders. Because Carillon® ERP is fully integrated with no third-party add-ons, you have one unified product to monitor. Regardless of the new uses that emerge from sensor technology and IoT, Carillon® ERP is ready to help your business integrate smart machines into your operation.
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