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 is not only the backbone of local industry but also a major contributor to the region’s economic growth. According to recent research from Manufacturing NI, manufacturers accounted for almost half of the investment (47%) by Invest NI–supported businesses between 2018/19 and 2022/23. Five of Invest NI’s top 10 investors in that period were manufacturers. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) further highlights the sector’s strength: in 2021, 37.3% of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Northern Ireland was in manufacturing – more than twice the UK average share. Manufacturing also remains one of the strongest contributors to net earnings from FDI in the region. 

This deep economic footprint highlights both the strength and the pressure manufacturers face today. To remain globally competitive, businesses must manage tight margins, complex supply chains, and ever-changing regulations – all while positioning themselves for growth. Outdated, disconnected systems no longer meet these demands. That’s why modern manufacturing ERP systems are becoming central to manufacturers’ ability to adapt, scale, and thrive. 

Why manufacturers need ERP now more than ever 

In today’s manufacturing landscape, efficiency and agility are critical. Yet many businesses still rely on legacy or siloed manufacturing software systems that create bottlenecks, errors, and visibility gaps. These inefficiencies not only slow production but also limit the ability to seize growth opportunities in a fast-moving market. 

NetSuite Manufacturing ERP is designed to meet these challenges head-on. By bringing procurement, production planning, inventory, warehouse management, finance, and reporting into one modern cloud platform, manufacturers can unlock real-time visibility, smarter automation, and complete operational control. 

Designed for modern manufacturing 

Unlike outdated or overly complex setups, NetSuite adapts to the way manufacturers actually work. It provides: 

• Supply chain management: Full visibility across the supply chain with better demand planning, real-time updates, and closer supplier collaboration. 

• Inventory management: Accurate demand forecasting and real-time tracking to ensure the right stock is always available – particularly critical for high-compliance sectors. 

• Production planning & scheduling: Data-driven scheduling that reduces downtime, aligns teams, and improves on-time delivery rates. 

• Quality control: Integrated checks across raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods to ensure consistent results. 

• Scalability: A system that grows with your business, whether you’re expanding product lines, regions, or production volumes. 

• End-to-end visibility: A 360° view of the entire operation, from warehouse to finance, with access to live data anywhere. 

A proven approach: Supporting growth in Irish manufacturing 

One of our clients – a well-known Irish company producing high-quality beds and furniture for both retail and hospitality – had ambitious plans to increase output by more than 40%. The business offered thousands of product variations, which made managing orders, forecasting materials, and overseeing production extremely complex. Their existing systems were fragmented and didn’t provide the visibility needed to make confident business decisions. 

We implemented a NetSuite ERP solution that integrated ordering, sales, accounts and manufacturing into one central system. The solution was tailored to the needs of the customer delivering transformative results. Teams now have real-time access to accurate sales and production data, enabling smarter forecasting and improved purchasing decisions. Sales staff reduced time spent following up on customer orders by 20%, freeing them to focus on growth opportunities. The business also gained the ability to better manage customer buying patterns, providing a more personalised service while reducing errors and waste. 

By moving to a centralised ERP solution, the company achieved greater visibility, faster decision-making, and the confidence to pursue ambitious expansion targets – all while improving customer satisfaction. This is just one of the many examples of NetSuite manufacturing projects we deliver to customers throughout Ireland the UK. 

Why OSSM?

As one of Ireland’s leading NetSuite partners, OSSM has deep experience in delivering ERP systems for the manufacturing sector. We don’t just implement software – we work with you to ensure your ERP solution is tailored, optimised, and future-ready. From implementation to ongoing support, our goal is to give you clarity, control, and confidence in every aspect of your operations.  

Speak with one of our ERP experts for tailored advice on your setup in a no-obligation consultation. 

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

We are excited to showcase the power of NetSuite Manufacturing at the Northern Ireland Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference on 11 September 2025. This is the perfect opportunity to learn how ERP can simplify, automate, and scale your manufacturing operations. 

On the day, our NetSuite experts will be on hand to discuss how the system provides a complete, real-time view of stock, production, finance, and reporting – all in one platform. We’ll also be available for one-to-one conversations to help you: 

• Benchmark your current setup against industry best practice 

• Get practical, no-obligation advice from ERP specialists 

• Explore tailored ERP solutions for your growth plans 

If you will be at the event, book a session with one of our experts 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 safety helmet on a desk with two construction professionals reviewing documents in the background, representing the role of financial software for construction in Ireland.

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

White safety helmet on a desk with two construction professionals reviewing documents in the background, representing the role of financial software for construction in Ireland.
  • Construction, NetSuite Financial Management

In Ireland, the construction industry is under increasing financial pressure. With tight margins, rising material costs, and labour shortages, construction firms face the daily challenge of keeping projects profitable. For many; outdated spreadsheets and disconnected systems no longer provide the clarity needed to manage these complexities. 

This is where financial software for construction in Ireland is stepping in to transform how businesses operate. Cloud-based solutions are emerging as the gold standard for improving visibility, protecting margins, and enabling construction firms to scale confidently. 

At OSSM, we work with many businesses in this sector. NetSuite for Construction is a purpose-built ERP that integrates financials, procurement, projects, and reporting in one seamless system. In this blog, we explore the financial reality for construction firms, why ERP is becoming essential, and how automation can set your business up for long-term success. 

The financial reality for construction firms 

Irish construction companies are navigating an increasingly volatile market. Recent industry data shows that two-thirds of firms are experiencing rising labour costs, while over 60% are dealing with higher raw material prices. These challenges are not temporary fluctuations but indicators of a shifting landscape where reliance on manual, outdated systems pose real risks. 

One of the most pressing threats is margin erosion. Fixed contract revenues often collide with unpredictable increases in project costs, whether from material spikes, subcontractor delays, or labour shortages. This leaves companies vulnerable, with little room for error. 

In today’s fast-paced market, it’s critical to have key performance metrics instantly available. Without real-time insights into cost fluctuations and their impact, companies are effectively navigating blind. 

This lack of visibility is why financial software tailored to the construction industry is quickly becoming an essential investment. 

Why construction ERP is the answer 

While spreadsheets and outdated accounting tools are still in use across the industry, they lack the agility and scalability required to manage modern construction projects. A construction ERP system provides a unified solution, allowing businesses to control finances, procurement, compliance, and operations all within a single platform. 

With NetSuite for Construction, firms gain: 

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

• Integrated project management to balance budgets and timelines 

• Procurement visibility to manage suppliers and subcontractors efficiently 

• Scalability to adapt as businesses grow 

This shift towards cloud-first solutions reduces errors, increases accuracy, and ensures that decision-makers have access to live project information anytime, anywhere. 

Key benefits of cloud construction ERP 

When implemented effectively, construction ERP in Ireland offers a wide range of benefits that protect margins and boost efficiency: 

• Real-time cost monitoring: track actual versus estimated costs continuously, spotting issues early before they spiral 

• Automated alerts: receive instant warnings when budgets deviate, allowing you to take corrective action quickly 

• Improved forecasting: use live financial data and reporting to refine future estimates and submit accurate tenders 

This level of insight is something traditional tools simply cannot provide. With cloud construction management software, Irish firms gain the agility to react in real time and maintain financial control, even under pressure. 

NetSuite for construction – tailored for the industry  

Unlike generic ERP systems, NetSuite for Construction is designed specifically for the unique challenges of construction businesses. Supported by OSSM’s deep industry expertise, this platform combines the flexibility of the world’s number one cloud ERP with features tailored to construction project management. 

Key capabilities include: 

• Integrated job costing and project billing 

• Real-time resource and procurement tracking 

• Seamless financials, CRM, and reporting 

• 24/7 access to live project data from anywhere 

This makes it one of the most advanced solutions available today, giving Irish construction firms the tools to operate with confidence in an unpredictable market. 

Automation sits at the core of construction ERP NetSuite   

In an industry where delays and cost overruns are common, automation reduces reliance on manual processes and disjointed systems. From procurement and job costing to financial consolidation and reporting, NetSuite automates core tasks, eliminating duplication and minimising human error. 

For construction firms, the benefits are clear: 

• Faster, more accurate reporting 

• Reduced administrative burden 

• Improved compliance tracking 

• Greater time to focus on projects rather than paperwork 

In short, automation helps firms stay competitive in a high-pressure environment. 

Choosing the right financial software for construction 

At OSSM, we combine our role as trusted NetSuite partners with more than 20 years of ERP experience to deliver solutions that are not only powerful but also tailored to the specific needs of construction firms. 

Our approach includes: 

• Expert NetSuite implementation and support 

• Construction-specific tailoring and customisation 

• Proven project delivery with measurable results 

• A partnership model focused on long-term client success 

By adopting NetSuite for Construction, construction businesses gain the clarity and control needed to thrive, no matter the challenges ahead.  

We are committed to helping construction firms embrace digital transformation with confidence. To learn 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 NetSuite Implementation Manager 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 the hospitality industry, operational excellence is everything. Behind the scenes of every successful hotel group lies a need for systems that not only manage finance and procurement but also support multi-location operations, real-time reporting, and long-term growth. 

At OSSM, trusted NetSuite consulting partners, we work closely with hospitality businesses across the UK and Ireland to deliver ERP systems that meet these complex demands. Whether operating in a single country or expanding across borders, hotels require an agile, cloud-based platform that can keep pace with the industry’s unique challenges. 

Why ERP matters in hospitality 

Hospitality businesses operate in dynamic, fast-paced environments. They manage bookings, suppliers, compliance, procurement, and financials – often across multiple jurisdictions, time zones, and currencies. Relying on disconnected systems or manual spreadsheets makes it difficult to maintain consistency, control costs, or respond to market changes quickly. 

An ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) solution like NetSuite can change that. By bringing core operations into a single platform, businesses gain real-time visibility, improved collaboration, and the flexibility to scale efficiently. 

Through our role as NetSuite consulting partners, OSSM ensures each implementation is configured around the specific needs of the client – whether that’s a boutique hotel brand, a fast-growing hospitality group, or an international operator with various properties. 

Common challenges we solve for hospitality clients

  1. Centralising operations across locations and countries

Hospitality groups often face fragmentation as they grow. Separate systems for each property, region, or function lead to inconsistent data and duplicated work. NetSuite offers a global, unified platform to run financial operations for all entities from one place – coordinating procurement, reporting, and consolidation across countries and currencies. 

This centralisation eliminates the need for multiple spreadsheets or bolt-on systems and enables greater control over financial and operational processes. 

  1. Access to real-time data for better decisions

In a competitive industry where timing is everything, access to accurate data can give hotel groups a strategic edge. NetSuite provides real-time reporting, dashboards, and KPIs across all business units – so management can track performance, respond to changes, and plan with confidence. 

Whether it’s monitoring occupancy trends, forecasting budgets, or reviewing supplier spend, hospitality businesses can make faster, more informed decisions with live data at their fingertips. 

  1. Scalability without disruption

Growth in hospitality can come fast – through new developments, acquisitions, or expanding into new regions. The ERP platform supporting that growth needs to be flexible enough to scale with the business. 

NetSuite’s modular structure allows businesses to evolve their system over time – adding new functionalities, subsidiaries, or integrations without having to rebuild from scratch. It’s this scalability that makes it a reliable long-term investment for innovative hospitality brands. 

  1. Minimising admin and improving efficiency

Time spent on manual processes is time taken away from enhancing the guest experience. With automation built into financial management, procurement, approvals, and reporting, NetSuite helps hospitality businesses reduce administrative overhead and focus more on strategic activities. 

Our clients consistently report faster month-end closes, better compliance, and improved collaboration across finance teams – thanks to the efficiencies introduced by ERP. 

Your NetSuite ERP journey, backed by trusted experts 

Is choosing an ERP system enough? Not quite. The real key to success lies in choosing the right implementation partner – someone who truly understands your business and industry. 

Implementing ERP isn’t just about technology. It’s about aligning the system with your unique processes, growth plans, and goals. At OSSM, we work closely with hospitality businesses to tailor solutions that fit perfectly. Often, that means recommending and implementing NetSuite ERP because of its flexibility and scalability. 

Our team stays involved every step of the way – from initial planning through to post-go-live support; making sure your staff feel confident, and the system continues to deliver value as your business evolves. 

Choosing the right partner can make all the difference between a complex, frustrating rollout and a smooth, successful transformation. 

What hospitality leaders are saying  

Hospitality leaders across the sector highlight three core outcomes from moving to NetSuite with OSSM: 

• Greater control across properties and regions 
A single version of the truth across all locations leads to better strategic alignment and operational consistency. 

• Faster, more reliable reporting 
Real-time dashboards and automated reporting reduce time-to-insight and empower data-driven decisions. 

• Scalable technology 
As the business grows, NetSuite evolves with it – avoiding the need for costly system replacements or custom development. 

Is it time to upgrade your ERP?   

If you’re relying on manual processes or legacy systems to manage your hospitality business, it may be time to consider a smarter alternative. Modern ERP platforms like NetSuite can reduce inefficiencies, boost transparency, and support growth – all from a secure, cloud-based system. 

The earlier you implement an integrated system, the easier it becomes to scale without creating operational bottlenecks or data silos. 

Whether you’re managing a single hotel or a multinational group, the challenges of finance, procurement, and compliance remain complex. OSSM has the experience and sector knowledge to help you simplify those complexities and move forward with confidence. 

With years of experience supporting leading hospitality brands, we know what it takes to deliver an ERP that works – not just today, but for the long term. 

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.