In today's complex and highly regulated landscape, manufacturing and distribution industries must navigate a maze of compliance requirements. From FDA regulations in pharmaceuticals to ITAR compliance in Aerospace & Defense, staying ahead of evolving laws is essential for avoiding fines, maintaining operational efficiency, and ensuring product quality.
But compliance isn't just about following rules—it's about leveraging technology to streamline processes, track data, and enhance accountability. The right Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system can make all the difference.
Today we will break down seven key industries, the regulatory challenges they face, and how leading ERPs—including SYSPRO, ProShop, SoftBase, Acumatica, Global Shop Solutions, Oracle, and SAP—measure up in compliance capabilities.
1. Aerospace & Defense: ITAR, AS9100 & DFARS Compliance
Key Regulations
International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) – Governs defense-related exports.
AS9100 – Aerospace quality management standards.
DFARS (Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement) – Cybersecurity and supply chain regulations for government contractors.
ERP Compliance Features to Look For
✔️ Secure access control and data encryption for ITAR compliance.
✔️ End-to-end traceability of parts and materials.
✔️ Real-time audit logs for AS9100 certification.
✔️ Cybersecurity measures for DFARS compliance.
ERP Comparison
ERP System | Compliances | Strengths | Weaknesses |
SYSPRO | ITAR DFARS AS9100 | Strong compliance tools, supply chain visibility | Compliance but with evolving areas may require customization for deep aerospace needs |
ProShop | AS9100 | Designed for precision manufacturing, strong AS9100 features | Limited in broader enterprise functions |
Acumatica | AS9100 | Cloud-based flexibility, integrates with defense contractors | Requires add-ons for ITAR compliance |
Global Shop | Limited Documented Compliance | Quality control tools, aerospace compliance features | Limited scalability for large enterprises |
Oracle | ITAR DFARS AS9100 | High-level security and compliance automation | Requires extensive setup for SMBs |
SAP | ITAR DFARS AS9100 | Comprehensive, global compliance tools | Expensive and complex to implement |
2. Food & Beverage: Navigating FDA, FSMA & SQF Compliance
Key Regulations
FDA & Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) – Preventative controls for food safety.
Safe Quality Food (SQF) Certification – Ensures compliance with global food safety standards.
Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) – Identifies and prevents food safety hazards.
ERP Compliance Features to Look For
✔️ Lot and batch traceability for ingredient tracking.
✔️ Automated compliance reporting for FDA audits.
✔️ Quality management tools for SQF compliance.
✔️ Supplier and inventory control for HACCP.
ERP Comparison
ERP System | Compliances | Strengths | Weaknesses |
SYSPRO | FDA, FSMA, SQF, HACCP | Strong lot tracking, recall management, traceability | Customization required for SQF compliance |
Global Shop | FDA, FSMA, HACCP | Quality control tools, food safety tracking | Limited scalability for large enterprises |
SoftBase | FDA, FSMA | Affordable and user-friendly for small food manufacturers | Less advanced reporting tools |
Acumatica | FDA, FSMA, SQF, HACCP | Cloud-based solution with robust compliance features | May require additional modules for full compliance |
Oracle | FDA, FSMA, SQF, HACCP | Real-time analytics and compliance monitoring | Complexity in implementation |
SAP | FDA, FSMA, SQF, HACCP | Enterprise-level compliance automation, robust food safety features | Expensive and resource-intensive |
3. Cannabis: METRC, GMP & State Compliance
Key Regulations
METRC – Cannabis tracking and compliance system.
Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) – Ensures product consistency and quality.
State-Specific Regulations – Varying laws on labeling, traceability, and sales.
ERP Compliance Features to Look For
✔️ Seed-to-sale tracking and compliance reporting.
✔️ Inventory tracking with state-mandated reporting integration.
✔️ Quality control features for GMP compliance.
ERP Comparison
ERP System | Compliances | Strengths | Weaknesses |
SYSPRO | GMP, METRC (with integration), Seed-to-Sale | Advanced batch tracking for compliance | Requires integration with METRC |
Acumatica | METRC, GMP, State-Specific Cannabis Regulations | Strong inventory tracking and compliance tools | Some customization costs for specific cannabis industry features |
SoftBase | State-Specific Cannabis Regulations | User-friendly for small growers | Limited scalability |
Oracle | GMP, METRC, HIPAA (for medical cannabis) | Enterprise-grade security and compliance | Expensive for mid-size businesses |
SAP | GMP, METRC, HIPAA, Full Cannabis Compliance | Comprehensive compliance management | High implementation cost |
4. Oil & Energy: Complying with OSHA, EPA & ISO 14001
Key Regulations
OSHA Regulations – Workplace safety requirements.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Compliance – Emissions tracking and sustainability.
ISO 14001 – Environmental management standards.
ERP Compliance Features to Look For
✔️ Safety audit tracking and incident reporting.
✔️ Environmental compliance tracking for emissions.
✔️ Integrated maintenance scheduling for OSHA compliance.
ERP Comparison
ERP System | Compliances | Strengths | Weaknesses |
SYSPRO | OSHA, EPA, ISO 14001, NERC, FERC | Strong supply chain and maintenance tracking | Requires add-ons for emissions tracking and Climate Rules |
SAP | OSHA, EPA, ISO 14001, NERC, FERC, ESG Compliance | Industry-leading sustainability compliance | Cost-prohibitive for some companies |
Global Shop | OSHA, ISO 9001 | Good OSHA compliance tools | Less comprehensive than SAP/Oracle |
Acumatica | OSHA, EPA, ISO 14001 | Flexible and scalable solution | May need customization for specific compliance |
Oracle | OSHA, EPA, ISO 14001, NERC, FERC, ESG, SEC Climate Rules | Advanced compliance reporting | High cost |
5. Chemicals & Plastics: Navigating REACH, EPA & OSHA
Key Regulations
REACH Compliance – Chemical safety standards in manufacturing.
OSHA Regulations – Worker safety requirements.
EPA Compliance – Hazardous materials management.
ERP Compliance Features to Look For
✔️ Hazardous materials tracking and safety data sheet (SDS) management.
✔️ Compliance reporting for REACH and EPA standards.
✔️ Workplace safety management tools for OSHA compliance
✔️ End-to-end traceability of chemical batches
ERP Comparison
ERP System | Compliances | Strengths | Weaknesses |
SYSPRO | OSHA, EPA, REACH, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, GHS, TSCA | Strong lot tracking, hazardous materials compliance | Limited REACH-specific modules |
Oracle | OSHA, EPA, REACH, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, GHS, TSCA, ESG | Advanced compliance reporting and environmental monitoring | High cost and complexity |
ProShop | OSHA, ISO 9001 | Ideal for smaller manufacturers needing OSHA compliance | Lacks scalability for larger chemical firms |
Acumatica | OSHA, EPA, REACH, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, TSCA | Cloud-based flexibility with REACH compliance tools | Requires additional customization |
SAP | OSHA, EPA, REACH, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, TSCA, ESG, GHS | Robust compliance automation for large-scale chemical plants | Expensive and resource-intensive |
6. Heavy Equipment: Adhering to ISO 9001 & ANSI Standards
Key Regulations
ISO 9001 – Quality management standards ensuring product consistency
ANSI Standards – Safety and engineering guidelines for heavy equipment manufacturing
OSHA Regulations – Workplace safety compliance for large-scale equipment handling
ERP Compliance Features to Look For
✔️ Product lifecycle management (PLM) for heavy equipment manufacturing
✔️ Work order and quality tracking to meet ISO 9001 requirements
✔️ Preventative maintenance scheduling to comply with OSHA safety standards
✔️ Supply chain tracking for ANSI compliance
ERP Comparison
ERP System | Compliances | Strengths | Weaknesses |
SYSPRO | OSHA, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ANSI, EPA, DOT Compliance | Excellent for supply chain and work order management | May require integration for some ANSI standards and customization for Rentals |
SAP | OSHA, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ANSI, EPA, DOT, ESG Compliance | Highly configurable for heavy equipment industry compliance | Cost-prohibitive for SMBs |
Acumatica | OSHA, ISO 9001, EPA, DOT Compliance | Cloud-based and flexible for compliance tracking | Requires customization for ISO 9001 |
Global Shop | OSHA, ISO 9001 | Strong in shop floor tracking and preventative maintenance | Lacks some advanced OSHA tracking features |
Oracle | OSHA, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ANSI, EPA, DOT, ESG Compliance | Advanced reporting and compliance monitoring | High implementation cost |
SoftBase | OSHA, ISO 9001 | Affordable and easy to use for smaller manufacturers | Limited compliance automation and scalability |
7. Pharma & Med Devices: FDA, GMP & HIPAA Compliance
Key Regulations
FDA Compliance – Ensures drug safety, efficacy, and quality in manufacturing
Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) – Standardized protocols for medical device production
HIPAA Compliance – Secure management of sensitive medical device data
ERP Compliance Features to Look For
✔️ Electronic batch tracking and traceability for FDA compliance
✔️ Automated quality control to maintain GMP standards
✔️ Audit logs and secure access controls for HIPAA compliance
✔️ Supply chain validation and serialization for medical devices
ERP Comparison
ERP System | Compliances | Strengths | Weaknesses |
SYSPRO | FDA, GMP, ISO 13485, CFR Part 11, UDI, DSCSA, GAMP 5 | Strong FDA batch tracking, serialization, and compliance tools | Lacks built-in HIPAA compliance support |
SAP | FDA, GMP, ISO 13485, CFR Part 11, UDI, DSCSA, HIPAA, GAMP 5 | Enterprise-grade compliance automation for pharma and med-tech | High implementation cost |
Oracle | FDA, GMP, ISO 13485, CFR Part 11, UDI, DSCSA, HIPAA, GAMP 5 | Robust security features for HIPAA compliance | Complex system management |
Acumatica | FDA, GMP, ISO 13485, CFR Part 11, UDI, DSCSA | Cloud-based, adaptable compliance tracking | Requires customization for strict FDA audits |
Global Shop | GMP, ISO 13485, FDA | Good for smaller manufacturers needing GMP compliance | Less scalable for large pharmaceutical firms |
Choosing the Right ERP for Compliance
Choosing an ERP for regulatory compliance depends on your industry’s specific needs.
SYSPRO stands out for manufacturing and distribution compliance with strong batch tracking and industry-specific solutions.
SAP and Oracle provide high-end compliance automation for enterprise-scale operations but come with higher costs and complexity.
Acumatica, ProShop, and Global Shop cater to specific industries, excel in equipment rentals, repeated builds with less inventory certification and tradability, small-scale manufacturing compliance.
MepApps works with several of these ERPs, over 30 years in SYSPRO with specialized experts in SAP, Oracle, Acumatica, SoftBase, and more available to create customized plans across these seven industries that work to make the companies needs the priority while keeping cost reasonable and preserving a new and the now of innovation while stabilizing workforces through acceptance management and reskilling. We work as a concierge for your company's tech resource planning needs.
🚀 Want to ensure your ERP meets compliance needs? Contact us today for a tailored solution.
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Works Cited -These sources were used to verify the regulatory compliance requirements and ERP capabilities in the Aerospace & Defense, Food & Beverage, Cannabis, Oil & Energy, Chemicals & Plastics, Heavy Equipment, and Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices industries.
U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) – Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). Source: www.fda.gov
International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) – U.S. Department of State. Source: www.pmddtc.state.gov
Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) – U.S. Department of Defense. Source: www.acq.osd.mil/dpap
Safe Quality Food (SQF) Institute – Global food safety certification program. Source: www.sqfi.com
Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) – U.S. Department of Agriculture. Source: www.fsis.usda.gov
Medical Device Compliance – Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and FDA Regulations. Source: www.fda.gov/medical-devices
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) – Workplace safety standards. Source: www.osha.gov
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – Regulations on emissions and hazardous materials. Source: www.epa.gov
ISO 9001 – Quality Management Systems – International Organization for Standardization. Source: www.iso.org
ANSI (American National Standards Institute) – Manufacturing & Safety Standards. Source: www.ansi.org
HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) Compliance. Source: www.hhs.gov/hipaa
REACH Compliance (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals) – European Chemicals Agency. Source: www.echa.europa.eu
METRC (Marijuana Enforcement Tracking Reporting Compliance) – State Cannabis Regulations. Source: www.metrc.com
ERP Software Provider Websites for Feature Comparison: SYSPRO ERP: www.syspro.com
ProShop ERP: www.proshoperp.com
SoftBase ERP: www.softbase.com
Acumatica ERP: www.acumatica.com
Global Shop Solutions: www.globalshopsolutions.com
Oracle ERP: www.oracle.com/erp
SAP ERP: www.sap.com/products/erp
Industry Compliance Case Studies and Reports
Various industry whitepapers and ERP compliance reports from leading providers.
Reports on regulatory trends from McKinsey & Company, Deloitte, and Gartner.
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