From digital transformations and changing administrations to supply chain realignments and tariff impacts, 2025 has been both an exciting and challenging year for manufacturers. For Friedman Corporation, it was one full of activity focused on providing our customers with the best in software and services for their companies. Join us as we take a look back at our endeavors, summarized in our 2025 Year in Review.
Frontier 4.2 ERP Upgrade
At the end of February, we were excited to announce the latest ERP upgrade, Frontier 4.2. Packed with performance upgrades and user interface (UI) enhancements to supercharge ERP processes. Developed from valuable customer feedback, Frontier 4.2 boasts even better usability and improved visibility into company operations. Each feature was fine-tuned with our customers in mind.
✔ Experience a cleaner, more intuitive interface that makes every task easier.
✔ Take advantage of smarter sales order tools and dynamic pricing features that speed up every quote.
✔ Boost efficiency with powerful new batch processing options and expanded automation.
✔ Improve production flow with refined planning tools that help you use your resources wisely.
✔ Strengthen your logistics and fulfillment operations with faster, more reliable capabilities.
If you’re already using Frontier ERP, upgrading keeps you ahead with the newest tools and performance improvements. And if you’re not, it’s never too late to switch to the leading ERP built for make-to-order manufacturers. Explore more in 9 Signs It’s Time For a New ERP System.
Informative Live Webinars
Friedman Corporation is dedicated to our customers, and we pride ourselves on the exceptional training tools we provide. In fact, one goal is to provide additional customer education opportunities so our customers can get the most benefit from their software investment.
In 2025, we completed nine Frontier ERP educational sessions. We also realize the benefits our partner companies can offer our customers when paired with Frontier ERP. Together, we hosted ten live webinars featuring helpful integrations with our industry partners.
Here’s a quick rundown of our 2025 Year in Review – Webinars. Access to previous webinars is restricted to customers only through the Client Education Wiki.
Frontier Webinars:
Frontier ERP 4.2: ERP System Upgrade for Better Efficiency
DataBroker: Turn Data Chaos into Clean Orders
Importance of ERP Implementation Plan Assessment (IPA)
Learn to Use Frontier ERP’s Client Portal
Frontier 4.2 for Better Product Configuration Management
Focus on Financials: Learn How to Install Frontier ERP iStatements
Part II: Year-End Physical Inventory
Budgeting 101 with Frontier ERP: Join Us Live!
Partner Webinars:
ERP WMS Integration with Partner Logimax
Woodwork for Inventor: A CADFlow Integration
Cloud Solutions and IT Infrastructure Services with Partners Logimax and Meridian IT
Build APIs in 100% RPG – Modernizing your IBM i with Kato Integrations
Streamline Dealer Quoting with Frontier & Partner Saberis
Shipping With Frontier ERP and Partner Varsity Logistics
Using RFID to Streamline Manufacturing & Material Flow with Partner Stratam Global
How to Strengthen ERP and IBM i Security with Partner Meridian IT
Frontier ERP API Playbook: From Discovery to Delivery with Partner PriceWeber
Partner Avalara AvaTax Exemption Opportunities
Industry Events
Trade shows, expos, and educational sessions regained popularity in 2025, leaving the COVID-era shutdowns behind. Here’s a quick look at a few events Friedman attended, networked, and exhibited at to connect with other industry leaders and customers alike.
CONVERGE 2025
In May, Friedman exhibited at CONVERGE 2025. Scheduled every two years, CONVERGE brings together customers, partners, executives, and experts from Vela Software Group companies like Friedman. In turn, it helps customers make the most of their software investments by allowing them to:
- Explore Frontier ERP’s newest features and updates to optimize your business.
- Learn new techniques, improve workflows, and enhance skills.
- Attend informative sessions, presentations, interactive workshops, and networking receptions.
- Engage in dynamic product discussions and provide input on future tools or features that directly impact your business.
- Connect with colleagues, peers, product experts, and industry professionals.
COMMON Power-Up
Friedman Corporation representatives also attended COMMON Power-Up in Anaheim, CA, in May 2025. COMMON is a cornerstone of the IBM i community, representing thousands of IT professionals and driving key initiatives in education, advocacy, networking, and certification, all designed to help you get the most from your IBM i investment. Its membership spans everyday users, IBMers, industry experts, vendors, speakers, leaders, and academic partners.
The annual COMMON Power-Up conference brings this entire community together. As part of the largest IBM i and Power Systems user group, you gain direct access to a powerful network of peers and experts. Many longtime members say this networking is the most valuable benefit of their membership. These connections can provide practical help, mentorship, technical insight, and real-world knowledge that support your professional growth and set you apart in your career.
2025 AWFS Fair
The 2025 AWFS Fair brought an exciting wave of innovation to Las Vegas and the woodworking industry in July, and Friedman Corporation was proud to take part in the energy on the show floor. At our exhibit, our team connected with cabinet, furniture, millwork, and other wood product manufacturers to showcase how Frontier ERP helps streamline operations from quoting to production. Visitors explored new features in Frontier 4.2, including updated interfaces and expanded reporting, built-in CPQ tools, CADFlow design integration, and cut part processing.
Beyond demonstrating the latest capabilities in Frontier ERP, the show offered a valuable opportunity to listen to industry challenges and share best practices with professionals facing the same pressures of customization, speed, and accuracy. With more than 500 exhibitors and thousands of attendees, the AWFS Fair proved to be the perfect setting to showcase how an integrated ERP system can support growth, improve production efficiency, and strengthen decision-making throughout the woodworking lifecycle.
GlassBuild America 2025
Friedman was proud to exhibit at GlassBuild America 2025 in November, where we connected with glass and fenestration professionals looking for smarter, more efficient ways to manage their operations. Our team had the opportunity to demonstrate how Frontier ERP helps glass manufacturers reduce errors, streamline workflows, and stay competitive in a fast-moving market.
As the premier event for commercial and residential glass businesses, GlassBuild provided an ideal setting to discuss the industry’s evolving challenges and showcase technology built to solve them. With contractors, fabricators, manufacturers, suppliers, and installers all under one roof, we were able to engage in meaningful conversations, share insights, and highlight how a purpose-built ERP system can provide long-term operational stability.
Services and Support
We proudly provided our dedicated service and support to Friedman customers throughout 2025. From installations and implementation plans to a wide variety of training, support, and over 110 blog articles, our team members worked tirelessly to provide our customers with the best the industry has to offer.
In Conclusion…
As we wrap up 2025, we’re grateful for the incredible momentum we’ve built together. This year brought meaningful advancements, and each step forward was shaped by the insights, challenges, and goals our customers shared with us. Your willingness to collaborate, offer feedback, and explore new possibilities with Frontier ERP continues to drive our innovation and keep our solutions aligned with the real needs of modern manufacturers.
Thank you for trusting Friedman Corporation as your technology partner. We truly appreciate your business, your engagement, and your commitment to continuous improvement. As we look ahead to 2026, we remain dedicated to delivering the tools, support, and expertise you need to run stronger, more efficient operations. We’re excited for what’s next and honored to help you reach your goals in the year ahead. Happy Holidays, and may you have a safe and bright New Year!
