Advice from Olin Thompson, the Father of Process ERP

The existing literature about ERP systems - especially ERP for process manufacturers - provides many sources of helpful information for Microsoft Dynamics AX solution architects.  In particular, I have found many useful articles written by Olin Thompson. 

Some of my favorite articles from Olin have been targeted at ERP users, such as his analysis of application erosion, system replacement versus refresh, build versus buy, decisions about upgrades and maintenance, and standardizing on one ERP package (in a multi-company enterprise).  Olin's articles have also been targeted at the software vendors and partners, such as suggestions for effective selling. 

I recently asked Olin to provide some helpful suggestions for Dynamics AX Solution Architects (and sales people) focused on process manufacturing and distribution. 

What follows are some of Olin's comments on ERP for process manufacturing.

Process is not an industry.  No one "in the process industries" think they are in the process industries.  They may not even recognize the term.  They may be in the food, chemical, CPG, pharmaceutical or other industries, but not in process.  If you refer to them as process, they may think you are speaking a foreign language or may take as proof that you are not one of them (an outsider). 

While we are on the subject, in most cases, they do think of themselves as food, chemical, and so forth.  They think at a lower level.  Yes they are a food company, but they refer to themselves as a dairy or even as an ice cream manufacturer or ice cream novelties.   Please note that in food, these submarkets are called categories, not sub industries or segments.

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