On a recent visit to one of our manufacturing clients in South Carolina, we had the opportunity to work closely with their super users and process owners. During this on-site training, it became clear that the role of a Process Technician is not only important, it’s essential to a successful ERP implementation, especially within manufacturing environments.
Process Technicians are often the silent backbone of an ERP project. They handle the day-to-day tasks that keep operations on track, from ensuring that schedules are met to monitoring key deliverables. But their role goes beyond simply executing daily tasks. They are crucial to maintaining the very mechanisms that make an ERP implementation successful.
Mechanisms: The Foundation of ERP Success
At Silverdale, we emphasize Mechanisms as a cornerstone of ERP implementation. Mechanisms ensure that every part of the ERP system works as intended. In our approach, Mechanisms consist of:
- Processes: Well-defined workflows that outline each step needed for a task.
- Tools: The ERP software and any necessary hardware drive the process.
- Adoption: Getting users comfortable with and proficient in the system.
- Audits: Regular checks to ensure the system operates smoothly and meets business objectives.
A Process Technician’s role intersects with all these Mechanisms. They not only execute processes but also help safeguard them, making sure that every step aligns with the overarching business goals.
Why Process Technicians Are Essential in Manufacturing
Manufacturing operations rely on precision, timing, and seamless workflows—all of which are directly impacted by ERP systems. Process Technicians bring expertise in handling these daily details and maintaining the Mechanisms that ensure the ERP system remains effective over time. They are the first to notice when something is off and are often responsible for correcting issues before they escalate.
For example, a Process Technician might spot discrepancies in production timelines, detect issues with inventory levels, or identify when machinery is not synchronized with production schedules—all of which are critical for meeting deliverables on time. This proactive approach can be the difference between a smooth operation and costly downtime.
Training Process Technicians: An Investment in Long-Term Success
When we conduct on-site training, we make sure Process Technicians and other key users understand the importance of their role in the ERP framework. Through in-depth training sessions, we help them gain familiarity with Odoo, our tools, and the Mechanisms that will keep their ERP system robust and effective. We see this training as an investment, not just in the system itself but in the people who will be driving it daily.
By empowering these key users, we’re not only setting up the system for success but also creating a sustainable environment where the ERP can evolve as the business grows.
Watch our CEO and Founder, Nick Foy, highlight the significance of having process engineers and process technicians.
Conclusion
ERP implementation is about more than just software, it’s about people and the processes that enable them to succeed. Process Technicians are the unsung heroes who ensure everything runs smoothly and that the Mechanisms in place remain robust and effective. By investing in training and prioritizing the role of Process Technicians, we’re helping our clients build stronger, more resilient ERP systems that can scale with their needs.
For Silverdale, successful ERP implementation means building these Mechanisms and equipping our clients with the tools and expertise needed to maintain them. This approach is what makes our partnership with manufacturing businesses both productive and sustainable.
The Unsung Heroes of ERP