--- title: Decisions Based on Data – Not Alternative Facts description: Manufacturers get better information from new ERP systems that offer opportunities for leaner processes via improved planning tools. Learn more here. image: https://www.teamacuity.biz/hubfs/Images/Colleagues%20standing%20in%20a%20data%20center%20in%20front%20of%20drawings%20of%20charts.jpeg --- Learn more about how to choose the right ERP with our ERP Evaluations Series. [Learn More.](https://www.teamacuity.biz/blog) [![logo-top](https://www.teamacuity.biz/hs-fs/hub/420229/file-1511926966.png?width=166&height=89&name=file-1511926966.png "logo-top")](https://www.teamacuity.biz) - [Home](https://www.teamacuity.biz/) - Software - [SAP Business One](https://www.teamacuity.biz/sap-business-one) - [SAP Business One and AWS](https://www.teamacuity.biz/sap-business-one-and-aws) - [Wisys Supply Chain Management](https://www.teamacuity.biz/wisys) - Services - [Success Methodology](https://www.teamacuity.biz/success-methodology) - [Consulting](https://www.teamacuity.biz/consulting) - [On-Going Support](https://www.teamacuity.biz/ongoing-support) - About - [About Acuity](https://www.teamacuity.biz/about-acuity) - [Careers](https://www.teamacuity.biz/careers) - [Resources](https://www.teamacuity.biz/resources-section) - [Resources](https://www.teamacuity.biz/resources-section) - [Blog](https://www.teamacuity.biz/blog) - [Contact](https://www.teamacuity.biz/contact-us) [![logo-top](https://www.teamacuity.biz/hs-fs/hub/420229/file-1511926966.png?width=166&height=89&name=file-1511926966.png "logo-top")](https://www.teamacuity.biz) [![logo-top](https://www.teamacuity.biz/hs-fs/hub/420229/file-1511926966.png?width=166&height=89&name=file-1511926966.png "logo-top")](https://www.teamacuity.biz) - [Home](https://www.teamacuity.biz/) - Software - [SAP Business One](https://www.teamacuity.biz/sap-business-one) - [SAP Business One and AWS](https://www.teamacuity.biz/sap-business-one-and-aws) - [Wisys Supply Chain Management](https://www.teamacuity.biz/wisys) - Services - [Success Methodology](https://www.teamacuity.biz/success-methodology) - [Consulting](https://www.teamacuity.biz/consulting) - [On-Going Support](https://www.teamacuity.biz/ongoing-support) - About - [About Acuity](https://www.teamacuity.biz/about-acuity) - [Careers](https://www.teamacuity.biz/careers) - [Resources](https://www.teamacuity.biz/resources-section) - [Resources](https://www.teamacuity.biz/resources-section) - [Blog](https://www.teamacuity.biz/blog) - [Contact](https://www.teamacuity.biz/contact-us) [![logo-top](https://www.teamacuity.biz/hs-fs/hub/420229/file-1511926966.png?width=166&height=89&name=file-1511926966.png "logo-top")](https://www.teamacuity.biz) [lean manufacturing](https://www.teamacuity.biz/blog/topic/lean-manufacturing) # Decisions Based on Data – Not Alternative Facts By [Joseph Timmins](https://www.teamacuity.biz/blog/author/joseph-timmins) March 7, 2017 1 Minute Read http://www.woot.com/category/kids?ref=w\_http://www.woot.com/category/kids?ref=w\_ft\_tn\_ Today, [lean manufacturing](https://www.teamacuity.biz/blog/what-is-lean-manufacturing) decisions are made objectively – versus subjectively – because better data is available. Manufacturers now have deeper insights into their business by knowing order history, costs, inventory, lead times, scrap, etc. The data comes from well-implemented ERP systems and offers opportunities for leaner processes through planning tools that synchronize production to customer demand. [Lean business operations](https://www.teamacuity.biz/blog/how-erp-software-supports-your-lean-journey) have always relied on data to establish processes; data also helps monitor processes to keep them running smoothly. Newer ERP systems now help businesses fine-tune processes due to their collection of data that is more meaningful. **So what are some ways you can realize better data-based decisions?** ## Separate Facts (Data) from Opinions ![Colleagues standing in a data center in front of drawings of charts.jpeg](https://www.teamacuity.biz/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/Colleagues%20standing%20in%20a%20data%20center%20in%20front%20of%20drawings%20of%20charts.jpeg?width=339&name=Colleagues%20standing%20in%20a%20data%20center%20in%20front%20of%20drawings%20of%20charts.jpeg) Employee opinions will inevitably work their way into your decision making instances. While participation should be encouraged, opinions lacking solid data and supporting numbers are questionable.  But data-based insights provide visibility and result in greater productivity that can be tracked and measured over time. ## Invest in Data Collection Solutions Robust data collection solutions (WMS, RFID, machine controls, etc.) will help you accumulate the data necessary to perform a proper analysis; data collection also allows you to gain quantifiable insights to drive process improvements that benefit both you and your customers. ## Establish Clear Objectives for Your Data It's important to establish how data will influence decision-making and achievement of business objectives. Perhaps you want to evaluate the potential of a new opportunity. Or maybe you want to resolve an on-going business problem. A clear understanding of your end goal will focus your analysis and answer the question, “What data do I need to gather?” [![Software Deployment Webinar](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/420229/9f075c30-12ec-4047-bef3-c911ebb6d19e.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/420229/9f075c30-12ec-4047-bef3-c911ebb6d19e) Leveraging the power ERP solutions, manufacturers now have the ability to drive better, leaner ways of doing business – including data-driven decision-making. If your business is considering an ERP solution, the experts at Acuity would love to help you implement a solution that meets your business needs! [Contact us](https://www.teamacuity.biz/contact) today for more information. #### Joseph Timmins Author ## Recommended For You [![continuous_improvement.jpg](https://www.teamacuity.biz/hubfs/Images/continuous_improvement.jpg)](https://www.teamacuity.biz/blog/understanding-the-kaizen-approach) [lean manufacturing](https://www.teamacuity.biz/blog/topic/lean-manufacturing) 1 Min Read ### [Understanding the Kaizen Approach](https://www.teamacuity.biz/blog/understanding-the-kaizen-approach) [Joseph Timmins August 18, 2016](https://www.teamacuity.biz/blog/author/joseph-timmins) [![](https://www.teamacuity.biz/hubfs/ERP_puzzle_piece_photo.jpg)](https://www.teamacuity.biz/blog/applying-lean-to-your-front-office) [lean manufacturing](https://www.teamacuity.biz/blog/topic/lean-manufacturing) [lean](https://www.teamacuity.biz/blog/topic/lean) 1 Min Read ### [Applying Lean to Your Front Office](https://www.teamacuity.biz/blog/applying-lean-to-your-front-office) [Joseph Timmins December 30, 2016](https://www.teamacuity.biz/blog/author/joseph-timmins) [![](https://www.teamacuity.biz/hubfs/Canva%20images/Canva%20Design%20DAFxiez3Q04.png)](https://www.teamacuity.biz/blog/conducting-levelized-production-in-a-lean-environment) [lean manufacturing](https://www.teamacuity.biz/blog/topic/lean-manufacturing) [lean](https://www.teamacuity.biz/blog/topic/lean) 2 Min Read ### [Conducting Levelized Production in a Lean Environment](https://www.teamacuity.biz/blog/conducting-levelized-production-in-a-lean-environment) [Joseph Timmins March 2, 2017](https://www.teamacuity.biz/blog/author/joseph-timmins) ![logo-top](https://www.teamacuity.biz/hs-fs/hub/420229/file-1511926966.png) 125 Whipple Street Providence, Rhode Island 02908 [401.243.8480](tel:401-243-8480) 877.361.6534 [Follow us on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com) [Follow us on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com) [Follow us on Twitter](https://www.twitter.com) [Follow us on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com) - [Home](https://www.teamacuity.biz/) - Software - [SAP Business One](https://www.teamacuity.biz/sap-business-one) - [SAP Business One and AWS](https://www.teamacuity.biz/sap-business-one-and-aws) - [Wisys Supply Chain Management](https://www.teamacuity.biz/wisys) - Services - [Success Methodology](https://www.teamacuity.biz/success-methodology) - [Consulting](https://www.teamacuity.biz/consulting) - [On-Going Support](https://www.teamacuity.biz/ongoing-support) - About - [About Acuity](https://www.teamacuity.biz/about-acuity) - [Careers](https://www.teamacuity.biz/careers) - [Resources](https://www.teamacuity.biz/resources-section) - [Resources](https://www.teamacuity.biz/resources-section) - [Blog](https://www.teamacuity.biz/blog) - [Contact](https://www.teamacuity.biz/contact-us)