Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1538100
54 SMT007 MAGAZINE I AUGUST 2025 "This company has forever used its own breed which is neither ERP nor MRP in any form or fash- ion. Huge barriers to move to another." —Survey respondent Satisfaction Is Closely Tied to System Age Newer systems generally show higher satisfaction, while older platforms often accumulate technical debt, customization burdens, or integration chal- lenges over time. Implementation Remains a Pain Point Open-ended feedback reveals that implementa- tion success hinges less on software capabilities and more on internal readiness, resource availabil- ity, and integration planning. "We used a seasoned implementation com- pany… rather than direct support from the pro- vider." —Survey respondent How Age and Purpose Shape Software Satisfaction Software satisfaction in the electronics manufac- turing sector isn't just about which system you choose; it's also about how long you've had it and what you're trying to accomplish with it. Our survey data shows notable differences in satisfaction pat- terns across software categories, with some sys- tems delivering higher value to users over time and others plateauing or even declining in user sentiment. • Quoting tools stand out for their high share of highly satisfied users (40%), thanks in part to tailored design and responsive support • ERP and QMS platforms, on the other hand, carry a much higher legacy burden: Nearly 60% of ERP and QMS systems in use today have been in place for over a decade » That longevity brings both stability and inertia—while ERP systems have compar- atively strong satisfaction scores, QMS tools yield more mixed feedback • MES and PLM tools land in the middle, often serving specialized needs with moderate success ERP: Longevity Shaping Priorities When we look closely at how ERP systems work, we Early Adoption Focus: Companies with ERP systems under 1 year or 1– 3 years tend to prioritize complex supply chain handling as they seek robust solutions to meet immediate operational demands. Mid-Life Efficiency: Between 3–5 years, companies increasingly focus on lean manufacturing principles, reflecting a shift toward streamlining processes and improving system performance. Legacy System Challenges: Companies with systems over 10 years are more likely to report "Other" as a key factor, highlighting the more varied and unique challenges and limitations of older ERP systems. F i g u re 4 : Ty p i c a l s of t wa re eva l u at i o n j o u r n ey : M o st c o m p a n i e s b e g i n by eva l u at i n g c o re f u n ct i o n a l i t y, b u t a s i m p l e m e nt at i o n s m at u re, s e l e ct i o n c r i te r i a s h i f t towa rd a d a pt a b i l i t y, i nte g rat i o n c a p a b i l i t i e s , a n d st rate g i c a l i g n m e nt . T h i s evo l v i n g l e n s ref l e ct s t h e i n c re a s i n g c o m p l ex i t y a n d e m b e d d e d n e s s of s of t wa re syste m s ove r t i m e. ▼