Aerospace isn’t like other manufacturing. Your ERP shouldn’t be either.
If you manage or oversee operations in an aerospace manufacturing business, you already know your world is a little different. Tighter tolerances. Higher regulatory scrutiny. Longer production cycles. And when it comes to enterprise software? One-size-fits-all doesn’t fit at all.
Whether you’re building to spec, doing high-mix, low-volume runs, or supplying major primes, the complexity of aerospace manufacturing demands more than spreadsheets, QuickBooks, and siloed systems.
That’s where an ERP system for the aerospace industry comes in, and not just any ERP, but one engineered for the way aerospace manufacturing really works.
Let’s walk through what makes aerospace ERP software essential and why it’s a smart move to consider a solution that’s been built with manufacturers like you in mind.
What Is Aerospace ERP?
ERP for aerospace manufacturing is enterprise software that connects your entire operation, from quoting and engineering through production, quality, inventory, compliance, and financials. It’s not just a database or a scheduling tool. It’s the nerve center for your business.
But for aerospace? It’s got to go a step further.
- Advanced traceability: Every rivet, bolt, and component must be traceable throughout its lifecycle.
- Revision control: Engineering changes are constant. ERP for aerospace needs to handle versioning with precision.
- Quality management: Built-in QC workflows and audits ensure you meet AS9100 and FAA compliance.
- Project-based manufacturing: Long lead times, milestone billing, and earned value tracking are essential.
- Supplier management: You’re only as good as your supply chain. Aerospace ERP includes tools for vendor rating, audit trails, and procurement planning.
Why ERP Is Non-Negotiable in Aerospace Today
If you’re still juggling MRP in one system, job costing in another, and quality data in spreadsheets, you’re likely burning time and risking errors. Aerospace has no room for guesswork.
Here’s why aerospace ERP software is now mission-critical:
1. Compliance Is Getting Tougher
The bar keeps rising: AS9100, ITAR, DFARS, CMMC, FAA regulations. Manual processes leave you open to risk and audit headaches. ERP systems purpose-built for aerospace let you bake compliance into every process.
2. You Need True End-to-End Visibility
Knowing what’s happening on your shop floor in real-time, down to the part level, isn’t a luxury. It’s a must.
ERP gives you visibility from quote to cash, with dashboards and reports that make sense.
3. Lead Times Are Shrinking, Expectations Are Not
OEMs and Tier 1s expect you to respond faster than ever. Quoting needs to be accurate, production needs to stay on schedule, and delivery dates are not negotiable. ERP for aerospace keeps every department on the same page, using the same data.
The Real Gains Aerospace Manufacturers See with ERP
ERP isn’t just software. It’s a way to work smarter, faster, and more profitably. Here’s what aerospace manufacturers typically experience after implementation:
- Fewer delays and rework thanks to tighter job tracking and BOM accuracy
- Lower inventory costs with better forecasting and MRP logic
- Improved cash flow through smarter project accounting and milestone billing
- Faster audits with digital documentation and compliance reporting
- Higher customer satisfaction from more accurate quoting and on-time delivery
Infor SyteLine: The ERP System Built for Aerospace
So, what system checks all those boxes for aerospace manufacturing? That’s where Infor SyteLine ERP comes into the picture.
SyteLine isn’t a general-purpose system with an aerospace add-on. It’s built with complex, discrete manufacturers in mind, including aerospace and defense. Here’s what makes it a standout choice:
Built for Complexity
SyteLine handles multi-level BOMs, deep product configuration, and ETO/MTO environments with ease. You can build what you need, how you need, and still meet customer specs and deadlines.
Compliance and Quality, Baked In
AS9100? ITAR? SyteLine includes built-in modules for quality management, document control, and audit trails. Compliance isn’t an afterthought; it’s part of the foundation.
Advanced Planning and Scheduling
Need to juggle long-lead-time materials, subcontractor schedules, and tight customer delivery windows? APS in SyteLine gives you real-time, constraint-based planning that reflects your true capacity.
Fully Connected, Fully Visible
Role-based dashboards, shop floor data collection, and IoT integrations (like ProphecyIoT from Godlan) give you full visibility across your plant and beyond. You see what’s happening now, not after the fact.
Cloud, On-Prem, or Hybrid
Whether you’re a 30-person machine shop or a multi-site operation, SyteLine can flex to fit. You can deploy it your way without sacrificing features or scalability.
Why Aerospace Manufacturers Choose Godlan
ERP software is one thing. Implementation expertise is another.
Godlan has been helping manufacturers thrive with ERP since 1984, and aerospace is a huge part of our story. As a Gold Channel Partner for Infor SyteLine, we know how to configure the system to match the way you work, not force you to change your workflows to fit the software.
Our clients choose us because:
- We’ve implemented SyteLine for hundreds of manufacturers, including aerospace firms.
- We back the tech with deep manufacturing knowledge, not just IT support.
- We bring 40+ years of experience in consulting, process improvement, and digital transformation.
Let’s Talk About Your Next Step
Aerospace manufacturers can’t afford inefficiencies, disconnected systems, or guesswork. If you’re exploring ERP systems for the first time or considering replacing an outdated system, let’s have a conversation.
At Godlan, we’ve seen what the right ERP system can do. Faster production. Tighter compliance. Better margins. Stronger growth.
Ready to see what’s possible with Infor SyteLine ERP and Godlan’s aerospace expertise?
Schedule a consultation with our team today. Let’s build something powerful together.
