Linking Design and ERP Systems in these industries presents significant challenges​. Typically, there is a great degree of complexity in the products, including the need to configure the models & options.​ The lead-time to procure and produce all of the materials, components and assemblies from multiple internal global sources and external suppliers can be quite long, and usually longer than the customer is prepared to wait.​

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The data design of Planning Bills of Material (for model & option configuration) and Production Bills of Material (for procurement, production & assembly) is critical, and presents its own challenges in terms of engineering change control, cost establishment & monitoring, production reporting, inventory management, etc.​

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