Sirris: the ideal partner for the IT architecture of manufacturing SMEs

A streamlined, well-considered IT infrastructure is essential for small and medium-sized manufacturing companies. It allows them to seamlessly integrate all their processes, leading to increased efficiency, reduced costs and the ability to react faster and more flexibly to changes in the market. However, to do so, they first need to know which IT infrastructure best suits them - because there are (very) many options. Sirris helps companies untangle the knots to permanently innovate and optimise their final architecture.

Labyrinth of business applications

A company's IT architecture is the optimal combination of an ERP system (which is still the core), and if needed, applications for Computer-Aided Design (CAD), Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) and Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), to name a few. In this age of Industry 4.0 and Internet of Things (IIoT), an SME may also be better off integrating decentralised customised partial solutions, possibly using low-code. 

©Sirris

Lots of organisations can’t you see the wood for the trees anymore. Which ERP system best suits their needs? Which applications are needed to expand the functionality? Which technology allows for the integration of different partial solutions? Sirris has an answer to all these questions - and more.

Our unique approach

Thanks to our extensive expertise in the technology sector and manufacturing industry, we can offer a strategic selection of IT architecture (ERP, MES/WMS, PLM ...) - technologically advanced, practically applicable and cost-efficient. This allows organisations to digitise and improve their production processes, support their growth, and prepare for the challenges of today and tomorrow.

Each process is tailored to the company, but includes the same three steps:

Step 1: pre-analysis

We examine the client's current IT infrastructure and business processes and identify problem areas. During this process, we try to understand how the organisation works and what makes it unique. On this basis, we define the main project, its focus and scope. This project proposal outlines the next steps, areas for improvement and possible quick wins.

Step 2: process improvement

Before business applications can be introduced or replaced, it is necessary to check that the required relevant processes are ready, aligned with strategic objectives and comply with best practices. We look at data management, order processing, planning and monitoring of the shop floor, purchasing, stock management ... After that, improvement proposals and quick wins can be implemented, and we can draw up the list of requirements for the IT architecture.

Step 3: IT selection

Once the processes are well defined, they can be further digitised. We prepare a demo scenario with the functional requirements and present it to a longlist of possible candidates. After a selection, we are left with a shortlist. We quantitatively assess all parties based on their functionalities, supplier (references, etc.), budget and demo quality. That way, we choose the final applications and implementation partner. We then create a roadmap of phased implementation to ensure that the solutions are aligned with ongoing and future projects.

‘The process at Sirris helped us to better align engineering and production,’ says Ben Adinau, COO of F.P.M. International NV, a leading machine manufacturer specialising in fish and poultry processing. ‘We have improved order processing and inventory management, and we selected an ERP that works well, giving us increasing control over the complex information flows between departments.’