ERP Software Packages for Aerospace and Defense Manufacturing and Distribution

As we have discovered in our experience with over 100 ERP solutions, each ERP software package has its strengths and weaknesses.  We track our extensive selection and implementation experience with various enterprise systems in our proprietary ERP Solutions Database.  Below is a summary of a small sub-set of data from that database, which our project teams use to help clients select the right ERP software for their organizations.

The below identifies the generalized functional strengths of each of the listed ERP solutions for Aerospace and Defense manufacturing and distribution.  Our ERP software selection process leverages more detailed information from our database to conduct a more thorough assessment of software fit with each client’s business requirements.

ERP Software Packages for Aerospace and Defense Manufacturing and Distribution

Aerospace and Defense Software Functionality	IFS A&D Modules	ESS Finesse	Epicor for Aerospace	JD Edwards	Cincom Enterprise Program Management	CIMA A&D Manufacturing	Syspro	Deltek Cost Point
Standard ERP Functions
Standard Accounting	High	High	High	High	High	High	High	High
Payroll	Low	High	High	High	Low	Low	Low	High
Manufacturing Resource Planning (MRP)	High	High	High	High	High	High	High	High
Project Management	High	High	High	High	High	High	High	High
Configuration Management	High	High	High	High	High	High	High	Low
Bar code and Label Printing	High	High	High	Low	High	High	High	Low
Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)	High	Low	High	Low	High	High	High	High
Reporting with Drill Down	High	High	High	High	High	High	High	High
Quality Process - Non-Conformance Material	High	High	High	High	High	High	Low	Low
General Requirements
Document Management and Version Control	High	High	Low	High	High	High	High	High
Roles-based Security	High	High	High	High	High	High	High	High
Support Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)	High	High	High	High	High	High	High	High
Program-based Reporting for Procurement Status, Kitting, Build, and Test Status	High	High	High	High	High	High	High	High
Capture as-built Configuration	High	High	High	High	High	High	High	Low
Job Costing within WBS	High	High	High	High	High	High	Medium	High
Key Differentiating Requirements
Historical Labor Hours, Costs, and Bill of Materials	High	High	High	High	High	High	High	High
Alternative Part Numbers	High	High	High	High	High	High	High	High
Capture Kitted Part Traceability Data	High	High	High	High	High	High	High	High
Engineer-to-Order	High	High	High	High	High	High	High	High
Make-to-Order	High	High	High	High	High	High	High	High
Make-to-Stock	High	High	High	High	High	High	High	High
Consigned Kits	High	High	High	High	High	High	High	High
BOM Change Order Tracking (ECN Management)	High	High	High	High	High	High	High	High
Shop Floor Movement and Tracking by Serial Number	High	High	High	High	High	High	High	High
Track Non-Conforming Materials with Full Audit Trail	High	High	High	High	High	High	High	Low
Functional Specific Requirements
Manage Opportunities	High	Medium	Medium	Medium	Low	Low	High	Medium
Plan and Manage Program	High	High	Medium	High	Low	Medium	High	Medium
Design	Medium	Medium	Medium	High	Medium	High	Low	Low
Procurement	High	High	High	High	High	Medium	High	Medium
Manage Inventory	High	High	High	High	Medium	Medium	High	Low
Build and Test	High	Medium	High	High	Medium	Medium	High	Low
Financial and Cost Accounting	Medium	High	High	Medium	Low	Low	High	High
Non Conforming Material (NCM)	High	High	High	High	High	High	Low	Low

Disclaimer: For illustrative purposes only. Assessment for your unique needs may vary based on specific business processes and requirements. You will want to develop more detailed requirements as part of your software evaluation and selection process.