- 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 Outdated, disconnected systems no longer meet these demands.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Unlike outdated or overly complex setups, NetSuite adapts to the way manufacturers actually work.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
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.
