Manufacturers of millwork products face many moving parts in their daily operations. Custom orders, complex product configurations, and design integration add difficulty to workflow management. That’s why many millwork businesses have adopted Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems – specifically, cloud ERP systems.
A cloud ERP system is a web-based enterprise resource planning solution hosted on a vendor’s cloud platform. Cloud systems include the same features as on-premises or hybrid ERP systems. They help businesses manage important tasks like finance, product configurations, sales, and inventory online without needing internal servers.
Let’s explore the benefits of cloud ERP and how key features can improve efficiency in manufacturing millwork products.
Why Millwork Manufacturers Benefit from Cloud ERP
Frontier is available as a cloud ERP system, on-premises or hybrid to manage your millwork products manufacturing operations.
According to Gartner, cloud computing continues to prove itself as a reliable and essential platform for delivering business capabilities. It also serves as the foundation for innovation across industries. They also state that businesses must adopt cloud computing to stay competitive. Success will depend on how effectively they implement their ERP system strategy.
Cloud ERP deployment offers advantages for businesses of all types, including millworking companies. Here are some key reasons why a cloud ERP system can be the perfect choice for your company:
Scalability & Flexibility
As your business grows, a cloud ERP can scale with you by adapting easily without needing costly hardware upgrades. If you are adding new millwork products, expanding your business, or growing your dealer network, a cloud solution can help.
Lower IT Costs
Manufacturing costs are high enough these days. Cloud ERP systems eliminate the need for on-premise servers and IT maintenance. Software updates happen automatically, reducing downtime and ensuring you always have the latest upgrades and features.
Real-Time Data Access
With cloud ERP, your team—whether in the office, on the shop floor, or in the field—can access up-to-date data at any time. This improves communication between departments and ensures accuracy in production as well as during decision-making stages.
Enhanced Security and Compliance
Enterprise cloud technology provides strong data security with encryption, backups, and compliance tools to protect sensitive customer and production information. A Spacelift statistics report states that 94% of businesses report that their security improved after switching to the cloud.
This ensures your data is always secure, even in times of detrimental weather or attempted cyberattacks.
Faster Implementation & Seamless Integration
Cloud ERP offers time-saving implementation benefits. It also integrates easily with other software, including design programs and dealer portals. This improves workflow efficiency without requiring custom development.
“Organizations are actively investing in cloud technology due to its potential to foster innovation, create market disruptions, and enhance customer retention in order to gain a competitive edge,” said Milind Govekar, Distinguished VP Analyst at Gartner. “While many organizations have started to seize the technical advantages of the cloud, only a few have unlocked its full potential in supporting business transformation.” (Source: Gartner)
Cloud ERP System Features for Millwork Products
A cloud-based ERP isn’t just about convenience—it comes with powerful features designed to improve millwork manufacturing. Here’s how:
Customers will love using our 3D product configurator with Frontier’s eQuote Dealer for real-time design of millwork products at the dealer level.
1. 3D Product Configurator for Quoting and Sales
An online 3D product configurator can increase sales of millwork products. This is especially true when working with dealers and customers on custom orders. There is no need to rely on 2D drawings or static product catalogs anymore.
A 3D product configurator in your CPQ software lets customers view custom designs in real time. They can see their designs before placing an order. They can visualize different wood species, finishes, hardware, and even dimensions, ensuring they get exactly what they want. 3D models not only enhance the buying experience but also reduce order errors and miscommunications.
By integrating a CPQ 3D product configurator into your cloud ERP, sales teams can create accurate pricing and quotes quickly. This speeds up the sales process, improves order management, and boosts customer satisfaction.
2. Automated CAD Integration
Designing custom millwork products often involves complex CAD drawings that must be translated into production instructions. With automated CAD integration like Frontier CADFlow, a cloud ERP system with an integrated 3D product configurator seamlessly connects design software with manufacturing processes. This eliminates the need for manual data entry.
Once a design is finalized, the system automatically transfers dimensions, material specifications, and machining instructions to the production floor. This ensures consistency between design and finished product, reducing errors and rework. Additionally, automated CAD integration allows manufacturers to respond quickly to customer design changes. Updates are reflected in the ERP system and production workflow in real time.
3. Inventory & Material Management
Managing millwork products means keeping track of a wide range of materials, including wood species, veneers, hardware, and adhesives. A cloud ERP system centralizes inventory management, giving manufacturers real-time visibility into stock levels. Automated alerts notify purchasing teams when supplies run low, preventing stockouts and production delays.
Additionally, ERP-driven material tracking ensures that costly materials are used efficiently, reducing waste and improving cost control. With supplier coordination tools in the system, manufacturers can automate reordering. This helps them manage just-in-time (JIT) inventory better. As a result, they can build better relationships with suppliers and streamline production.
4. Automated Production Scheduling
Efficient job scheduling is critical for millwork manufacturers, especially those handling custom projects. A cloud-based ERP system helps automate production scheduling. It prioritizes work orders by looking at deadlines, resource availability, and machine capacity. Instead of relying on manual planning, ERP scheduling tools balance workloads, minimize bottlenecks and maximize efficiency.
With real-time production tracking, a cloud ERP enables manufacturers to adjust schedules dynamically if unexpected delays occur. This ensures that deadlines are met, production runs smoothly, and resources are used effectively.
5. Cut Part Processing
Cut part processing is a crucial step in millwork manufacturing. A cloud ERP automates the generation of optimized cut lists based on order specifications, reducing manual calculations and potential errors. By working with CNC machines, the system cuts wood materials accurately. This maximizes yield and reduces waste and product costs.
Nesting optimization further enhances efficiency by arranging parts strategically on raw material sheets, reducing waste and lowering manufacturing costs. This level of automation speeds up production and improves accuracy, making it easier to meet customer expectations.
6. Supply Chain Coordination
Enhance operational efficiency and gain rapid order delivery with the many tools and automated features of Frontier’s cloud ERP system.
Coordinating vendors, suppliers, and logistics is another area where cloud ERP provides significant benefits. Millwork manufacturers gain significant benefits from ERPs with built-in supply chain management tools. They can track supplier performance, monitor delivery timelines, and automate purchasing based on real-time demand. This proactive approach ensures that materials arrive on time, preventing production slowdowns.
Cloud ERP also improves collaboration with vendors. Providing visibility into inventory levels and expected order volumes allows for better planning and more efficient material flow. Ultimately, these features help manufacturers reduce waste, control costs, and maintain reliable production schedules.
7. Quality Control and Compliance
Producing high-quality millwork products requires strict quality control measures. A cloud ERP system helps manufacturers track quality checkpoints throughout the production process. Digital inspection tracking helps teams record quality checks as they happen. This makes it easier to find defects and fix problems before products reach customers.
Compliance tracking tools also help manufacturers stay up to date with industry regulations by automating documentation and reporting. This not only improves product quality but also reduces the risk of costly returns and warranty claims.
8. Seamless Dealer and Customer Portal Integration
Cloud ERP enhances customer and dealer interactions by integrating with self-service portals. These portals allow them to place orders, track shipments, and request changes without needing to contact the manufacturer. With real-time order tracking, customers can see the status of their orders. This reduces customer service questions and boosts overall satisfaction.
Additionally, cloud ERP enables manufacturers to automate pricing, approvals, and workflows, speeding up order processing and ensuring that changes are communicated seamlessly across departments. This level of integration strengthens relationships with customers and dealers, making it easier to manage complex, custom millwork projects.
Why Now is the Time to Move to Cloud ERP
With increasing demand for custom millwork products, manufacturers must stay ahead of the game. A cloud-based ERP provides the tools needed to manage production efficiently, reduce costs, and improve the customer experience.
By adopting cloud ERP, millwork manufacturers gain:
✔️ Greater efficiency in production and scheduling
✔️ Better inventory and material management
✔️ A 3D product configurator as part of built-in CPQ software for better sales and quoting
✔️ Automated cut part processing and CAD integration with CADFlow
Cloud ERP isn’t just an upgrade—it’s the future of millwork manufacturing.
Ready to Make the Switch?
If you’re looking for an ERP system that enhances your millwork manufacturing processes, Frontier ERP offers powerful cloud-based solutions designed for your industry. Contact us today to learn more!
