The ERPDrive 7-Layer Manufacturing Data Model
Definition: The ERPDrive 7-Layer Manufacturing Data Model is a framework that organises a factory's data into seven connected layers, from master records down to the general ledger: Master, Plan, Procure, Produce, Quality, Fulfil, and Settle. Every operational document flows through these layers and posts to the ledger, so inventory, cost, and GST compliance stay reconciled in one source of truth.
Why a layered model
Most factory software breaks because data is trapped in disconnected tools: a plan in Excel, production on WhatsApp, and accounts in Tally. The 7-Layer model connects them, so a sales order at the top flows, without re-keying, all the way to a ledger entry at the base. This is how ERPDrive keeps stock, cost, and compliance in agreement.
The seven layers
Items, multi-level BOMs, customers, vendors, machines, and rate cards. The reference data every other layer reads from.
Sales orders, production planning, and material requirements (MRP). Demand becomes a dated plan for what to make and buy.
Purchase orders, GRN, and job-work inward with ITC-04. Materials are received against the plan and matched three ways.
Work orders, production, and WIP. Planned quantities are made, consuming BOM materials and machine time.
Incoming, in-process, and final inspection with NCR and CAPA. Only accepted output moves forward.
Dispatch, delivery challans, e-way bills, and GST e-invoices. Finished goods leave the factory with compliant documents.
Finance and the general ledger. Every document above posts to the ledger, so statements, cost, and GST returns are derived from one source of truth.
How the layers connect
Each layer consumes the layer above and feeds the layer below. A sales order in the Plan layer drives MRP, which raises purchase orders in the Procure layer; received material feeds Produce; accepted output passes Quality; finished goods are dispatched in Fulfil; and every document settles to the ledger in the Settle layer. Because settlement is the base, a document that is not posted to the ledger is not counted, which is what prevents the silent stock and cost drift that spreadsheets accumulate.
Frequently asked questions
A framework that organises a factory's data into seven connected layers (Master, Plan, Procure, Produce, Quality, Fulfil, Settle) where every document posts to the general ledger.
Because statements are derived from the ledger. A transaction not settled to the ledger is not counted, which prevents stock and cost drift.
See the 7-Layer model in your factory
Book a free demo to see how ERPDrive connects every layer, from master data to the general ledger.