Engineers overlooking a busy factory floor with workers and machinery, highlighting the role of manufacturing software systems in managing production operations.

The Role of Manufacturing ERP Systems as Northern Ireland Strengthens Its Global Manufacturing Position

Engineers overlooking a busy factory floor with workers and machinery, highlighting the role of manufacturing software systems in managing production operations.
  • Manufacturing - Solutions, NetSuite ERP, NetSuite Manufacturing

Northern Ireland’s manufacturing sector continues to play a crucial role in both the local economy and its international reputation. Recent figures from Manufacturing NI show that manufacturers accounted for almost half (47%) of all investment supported by Invest NI between 2018/19 and 2022/23, with five of the top ten investors coming from the sector. Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) also reinforces this strength: in 2021, 37.3% of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Northern Ireland went into manufacturing – more than double the UK average. The sector remains one of the largest contributors to net earnings from FDI in the region.

This level of investment demonstrates both the resilience and the pressures faced by manufacturers. To remain competitive on a global stage, businesses must manage tight profit margins, complex supply chains, and evolving regulations. Traditional, disconnected systems are no longer enough to meet these demands. For this reason, modern manufacturing ERP systems have become essential for businesses looking to adapt, expand, and thrive.

Why manufacturers need ERP now more than ever

Today’s manufacturers need to be efficient and agile. However, many still rely on outdated or siloed manufacturing software systems that slow down processes, create errors, and limit visibility. These challenges not only disrupt production but also prevent companies from taking advantage of new opportunities in a fast-changing market.

NetSuite Manufacturing ERP addresses these issues directly. By consolidating procurement, production planning, inventory, warehouse management, finance, and reporting into one cloud-based platform, it gives manufacturers the tools to gain real-time visibility, automate tasks, and maintain full control over operations.

Designed for modern manufacturing

Unlike older systems that are either too limited or overly complex, NetSuite is built to fit the way manufacturers actually operate. Key benefits include:

• Supply chain management: Improved visibility, accurate demand planning, real-time updates, and stronger collaboration with suppliers.

• Inventory management: Real-time stock tracking and forecasting to ensure the right materials are always available, vital for high-compliance industries.

• Production planning & scheduling: Smarter, data-driven planning that reduces downtime, aligns teams, and boosts on-time delivery.

• Quality control: Integrated checks at every stage of production to maintain consistent standards.

• Scalability: A system that grows with your business, whether expanding into new products, regions, or higher production volumes.

• End-to-end visibility: A single view across finance, operations, and production with access to live data anytime, anywhere.

A proven approach: Supporting growth in Irish manufacturing

One of our Irish clients, a leading producer of high-quality beds and furniture for both retail and hospitality markets, faced the challenge of increasing production output by more than 40%. With thousands of product variations and a fragmented system, managing orders, forecasting materials, and controlling production had become overly complex.

By implementing a NetSuite ERP solution, we connected sales, ordering, finance, and manufacturing into one central platform. The results were transformative:

• Real-time visibility of sales and production data

• Smarter forecasting and improved purchasing decisions

• 20% reduction in time spent by sales teams following up on orders

• Greater ability to track customer buying patterns and deliver a more personalised service

• Reduced errors and waste

With these improvements, the business gained the confidence to pursue expansion while improving efficiency and customer satisfaction. This success story is just one of many examples of how OSSM delivers NetSuite manufacturing projects across Ireland and the UK.

Why OSSM?

As leading NetSuite consulting partners, OSSM has extensive experience in designing and delivering ERP solutions for the manufacturing sector. We go beyond implementation, ensuring every solution is tailored, optimised, and ready to support future growth. From setup through to ongoing support, our goal is to give manufacturers the clarity, control, and confidence they need to succeed.

If you’d like to discuss your current setup, our experts are available for a no-obligation consultation.

Meet us at Northern Ireland’s largest manufacturing & supply chain event

We’re delighted to be showcasing NetSuite Manufacturing at the Northern Ireland Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference on 11 September 2025. The event is an excellent opportunity to see how ERP can simplify operations, automate processes, and help businesses scale.

Our NetSuite experts will be available throughout the day to discuss how the system provides a complete, real-time view of stock, production, finance, and reporting – all within one platform.

Attendees can also:

• Benchmark their current systems against industry best practice

• Receive practical, no-obligation guidance from ERP specialists

• Explore tailored ERP solutions that support their growth goals

If you’re attending, we’d be glad to connect. Book a one-to-one session with our team here.

About the Author

Picture of Roger Gribbin

Roger Gribbin

Roger Gribbin is an IT professional with over 25 years of experience in various roles, involving assisting customers with selection projects for ERP, CRM, and BI, as well as hands-on implementation and project management in medium-sized organisations in Ireland. He currently serves as the Sales Director for the Noledge Group.

White hard hat on a desk with construction professionals discussing plans in the background, symbolising the benefits of construction ERP software.

How Financial Software for the Construction Industry is Reshaping the Future of ERP

White hard hat on a desk with construction professionals discussing plans in the background, symbolising the benefits of construction ERP software.
  • Construction, NetSuite Financial Management

In the UK, the construction industry is under mounting financial strain. With tight margins, increasing material costs, and labour shortages, firms face the constant challenge of protecting profitability. For many, reliance on spreadsheets or disconnected legacy systems no longer provides the clarity needed to manage these pressures.

This is where construction ERP software is transforming the way businesses operate. Cloud-based solutions are emerging as the go-to choice for improving visibility, controlling costs, and helping construction firms scale with confidence.

At OSSM, we work with companies across the sector. NetSuite for Construction is a purpose-built ERP that brings together financials, procurement, projects, and reporting in one seamless system. In this blog, we look at the financial realities facing construction firms, why ERP is becoming essential, and how automation can support long-term success.

The financial reality for construction firms

UK construction companies are navigating an unpredictable market. Reports show that many firms are struggling with rising labour costs while also facing significant hikes in raw material prices. These challenges aren’t short-lived – they signal a long-term shift that makes outdated, manual systems a real risk to operations.

Margin erosion is one of the biggest threats. Fixed contracts are often undermined by sudden cost increases caused by material shortages, subcontractor delays, or inflation. This leaves companies exposed, with limited room for error.

In today’s fast-moving environment, having access to real-time performance data is critical. Without it, firms are effectively operating blind to fluctuations in costs and their impact. This is why ERP software tailored to construction is fast becoming an essential investment.

Why construction ERP is the answer

Spreadsheets and outdated accounting tools simply don’t have the flexibility or scalability to manage modern construction projects. A construction ERP system offers a unified approach, enabling firms to manage finances, procurement, compliance, and operations in one place.

With NetSuite for Construction, businesses benefit from:

• Real-time financial data to track cash flow and costs

• Integrated project management to balance budgets and schedules

• Procurement visibility to oversee suppliers and subcontractors

• Scalability to support growth

By moving to the cloud, construction firms reduce errors, gain accuracy, and ensure that decision-makers can access live project information whenever it’s needed.

Key benefits of cloud construction ERP

When deployed effectively, construction ERP software provides a host of benefits that protect margins and enhance efficiency:

• Real-time cost monitoring: track actual versus estimated costs continuously and identify problems early

• Automated alerts: receive instant warnings when budgets deviate so you can act quickly

• Improved forecasting: use live data to refine estimates and prepare more competitive tenders

This level of financial insight isn’t possible with traditional tools. Cloud ERP gives construction firms in the UK the agility to respond to challenges in real time while maintaining financial control.

NetSuite for construction – tailored for the industry

Unlike generic ERP systems, NetSuite for Construction is designed specifically to meet the needs of the industry. Backed by OSSM’s expertise, it combines the flexibility of the world’s leading cloud ERP with features tailored to construction project management.

Key capabilities include:

• Integrated job costing and project billing

• Real-time procurement and resource tracking

• Unified financials, CRM, and reporting

• Anytime, anywhere access to live project data

This makes it one of the most advanced solutions available to UK construction firms, equipping them with the tools to thrive in a fast-changing market.

Automation sits at the core of construction ERP NetSuite

Delays, cost overruns, and heavy admin workloads are common across the industry. ERP helps overcome these challenges by automating key processes, from procurement and job costing to consolidation and reporting.

For construction companies, automation brings:

  • • Faster, more accurate reporting

  • • Reduced administrative burden

  • • Stronger compliance monitoring

  • • More time to focus on projects instead of paperwork

In short, automation helps firms remain competitive and efficient in a demanding environment.

Choosing the right financial software for construction

At OSSM, we combine our role as trusted NetSuite partners with over 20 years of ERP experience to deliver solutions that are both powerful and tailored to the needs of construction firms.

Our approach includes:

• Expert NetSuite implementation and support

• Construction-focused customisation

• Proven delivery with measurable results

• A partnership model built for long-term success

By adopting NetSuite for Construction, UK businesses gain the clarity and control required to face today’s challenges with confidence.

We are dedicated to helping construction companies embrace digital transformation with ERP solutions designed for their industry. To find out how our expertise and NetSuite construction management solutions can support your organisation, contact us today.

About the Author

Picture of Anna Carolan

Anna Carolan

Anna is an experienced professional in project management and change management roles, with a focus on IT systems development and implementation. Currently serving as the Project Consultant at OSSM, Anna assists in managing and implementing Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems for large organisations and small-to-medium-sized companies.

Hotel staff opening a guest room door, symbolising how NetSuite Consulting Partners help the hospitality industry deliver seamless guest experiences.

ERP in Hospitality: How NetSuite Consulting Partners Deliver Success

Hotel staff opening a guest room door, symbolising how NetSuite Consulting Partners help the hospitality industry deliver seamless guest experiences.
  • Hospitality, NetSuite ERP, NetSuite Financial Management

In hospitality, operational efficiency is essential. Behind every thriving hotel group is a need for systems that not only handle finance and procurement but also support multi-site operations, deliver real-time reporting, and drive long-term growth.

At OSSM, as trusted NetSuite consulting partners, we work with hospitality organisations throughout the UK and Ireland to implement ERP solutions that meet these diverse demands. Whether running a single location or expanding internationally, hotels need a flexible, cloud-based platform capable of keeping up with the industry’s unique challenges.

Why ERP matters in hospitality

The hospitality industry operates at a fast pace, managing bookings, suppliers, compliance, procurement, and financial reporting – often across multiple jurisdictions, currencies, and time zones. When businesses rely on disconnected systems or manual spreadsheets, it becomes harder to maintain accuracy, manage costs, or react quickly to market changes.

An ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system such as NetSuite can transform this. By centralising key processes into one platform, it provides real-time insights, fosters collaboration, and offers the scalability needed to grow efficiently.

As NetSuite consulting partners, OSSM ensures every implementation is tailored to the client’s operational model – whether they’re a boutique hotel chain, an expanding hospitality group, or a multinational operator.

Common challenges we solve for hospitality clients

1. Centralising operations across locations and countries

As hospitality groups expand, fragmented systems often emerge. Different software for each property, region, or function can lead to inconsistent reporting and duplicated work. NetSuite offers one global platform for managing financial operations across all entities – simplifying procurement, reporting, and consolidation, no matter the country or currency.

This unified approach removes the need for numerous spreadsheets and bolt-on tools, improving control and oversight across the business.

2. Access to real-time data for better decisions

In a sector where timing can make or break profitability, quick access to accurate data is invaluable. NetSuite delivers real-time dashboards, KPIs, and reports across all business units, enabling managers to track performance, react to market shifts, and plan with confidence.

From occupancy rate analysis to budget forecasting and supplier spend reviews, decision-makers can act faster and with greater certainty when they have a complete picture of the business.

3. Scalability without disruption

Growth in hospitality can happen suddenly – whether through acquisitions, new developments, or entry into new markets. The ERP platform behind that growth must be adaptable.

NetSuite’s modular design means you can expand your system step by step – adding subsidiaries, new features, or integrations without needing a full rebuild. This makes it a dependable, long-term investment for growing hospitality operators.

4. Minimising admin and improving efficiency

Every hour spent on manual data entry or reconciliation is time not spent improving the guest experience. NetSuite’s automation capabilities in finance, procurement, approvals, and reporting free up staff to focus on strategic tasks.

Our customers frequently see shorter month-end close times, stronger compliance, and better interdepartmental collaboration thanks to these efficiency gains.

Your NetSuite ERP journey, backed by trusted experts 

Choosing the right ERP is just the first step. The real difference comes from selecting an implementation partner who understands your industry inside out.

ERP implementation is more than a technical project – it’s about aligning the system to your processes, growth plans, and objectives. At OSSM, we tailor NetSuite ERP to fit the exact needs of hospitality businesses, from setup to post-launch support.

Our involvement doesn’t end at go-live. We ensure your team feels confident using the system and that it continues to deliver value as your business grows.

A trusted partner can be the difference between a stressful rollout and a smooth, transformative upgrade.

What hospitality leaders are saying

Hospitality leaders working with OSSM and NetSuite frequently report:

• Improved control across multiple sites
A single source of truth that aligns strategy and operations across all properties.

• Quicker, more accurate reporting
Automated reporting and real-time dashboards that support informed, timely decisions.

• Scalable technology
A system that evolves with the business, avoiding costly replacements or overhauls.

Is it time to upgrade your ERP?   

If your hospitality operations still depend on spreadsheets or outdated systems, it might be time to move to a modern, integrated solution. Platforms like NetSuite can cut inefficiencies, improve visibility, and enable sustainable growth – all within a secure, cloud-based environment.

The sooner you adopt an integrated platform, the easier it becomes to expand without encountering data silos or operational roadblocks.

Whether running one property or a multinational portfolio, the challenges of finance, procurement, and compliance remain significant. OSSM combines industry expertise with proven ERP delivery to help hospitality businesses simplify complexity and grow with confidence.

With extensive experience working alongside leading hospitality brands, we understand what it takes to implement a system that works now – and into the future.

Get in touch with OSSM to start your NetSuite ERP journey.

About the Author

Picture of Ray Ryan

Ray Ryan

Ray Ryan is the CEO of the Noledge Group.

With over 30 years of experience in the software industry, Ray's expertise spans from Unix systems to modern cloud ERP solutions. As CEO, he leads the Noledge Group in delivering cutting-edge technology that simplifies business operations for our clients.