Manufacturing operations thrive on precision, timing, and coordination. However, when departments work in isolation, things can quickly fall apart. Even the most capable teams can get bogged down when their systems don’t talk to each other. If your departments are storing their data in isolated systems or spreadsheets, you’re likely suffering from data silos. These invisible barriers between teams can create real problems, especially for make-to-order and custom manufacturers.
Let’s take a closer look at how data silos develop, the risks they create in a manufacturing operation, and how a centralized ERP data system like Frontier ERP can help you run leaner, faster, and with more confidence.
What Are Data Silos?
A data silo is “a repository of data that’s controlled by one department or business unit and is isolated from the rest of the organization” (TechTarget). These silos often form when different departments adopt their own software tools or spreadsheets without connecting them to a central system. For example, sales may store orders in a CRM, design may work from CAD software, and the shop floor might rely on manually updated schedules.
While this may seem manageable at first, it quickly creates disconnects as operations grow more complex.
The Risks of Data Silos in Manufacturing
For manufacturers that produce custom or configured-to-order products, data silos can cause costly problems. According to a recent Smart Manufacturing article from Surface & Panel Magazine, data silos “can lead to multiple versions of the truth, slow decision-making, and inaccurate data flowing to other departments.”
Here are just a few of the common issues:
- Order errors: If sales and production aren’t synced, the shop may manufacture the wrong product variation or miss special requests entirely.
- Slow turnaround: Without real-time visibility, scheduling and procurement teams may delay work while hunting for updated information.
- Inventory inaccuracies: If materials aren’t tracked across the company, it’s easy to over-order, under-order, or create production delays due to missing components.
- Frustrated teams: Staff end up duplicating work, re-entering data, and chasing down coworkers for updates, wasting time and causing burnout.
How ERP Data Breaks Down Silos
A robust ERP system centralizes your data in a single source of truth, connecting every department with real-time visibility across your operation. Instead of passing spreadsheets between teams, you gain a shared platform that houses everything from sales orders and BOMs to inventory levels and production schedules.
With Frontier ERP, for example, you gain:
- Automated data sharing between sales, design, purchasing, and production
- Real-time updates that reflect order changes instantly across the system
- Streamlined workflows for approvals, product configuration, and scheduling
- Connected tools like CPQ, dealer portals, and CAD integrations
This centralized database reduces manual handoffs, eliminates redundant data entry, and gives every department access to accurate, up-to-date information.
3 Examples of How Frontier ERP Helps Eliminate Data Silos
Let’s explore how Frontier ERP eliminates silos and improves operations for three types of manufacturers:
1. Cabinet Manufacturer Coordinating Sales and Production
Challenge: A customer places a kitchen cabinet order through a dealer. The dealer enters the specs in a separate quoting tool and then emails the PDF to the manufacturer. The production team receives it late, resulting in a rush job and an incorrect finish selection.
With Frontier ERP: Dealers use Frontier’s eQuote Dealer tool to configure and price cabinets in real time. The order is immediately visible in the ERP system, ensuring accurate specs and timely scheduling. The finish, dimensions, and delivery date are communicated instantly without PDFs or guesswork.
2. Custom Window Manufacturer Managing Complex Orders
Challenge: A commercial builder requests custom-sized, energy-efficient windows with a specific glazing type. Sales captures the specs in a CRM, engineering creates drawings in CAD, and production receives a version of the order through email. Misalignment causes delays and costly rework.
With Frontier ERP: Sales uses Frontier’s built-in configurator to capture specs, and the order is automatically shared with design and production. Frontier’s CADFlow integration ensures design models meet manufacturing constraints and are linked directly to production plans, eliminating errors and rework.
3. Furniture Manufacturer Designing a Commercial Lobby Installation
Challenge: A design firm partners with a furniture manufacturer to produce custom seating for a hotel lobby. The design team builds concepts in CAD, while procurement works from old BOMs, and scheduling lacks insight into project milestones.
With Frontier ERP: All departments work from one platform. The design data flows directly into the ERP via automated workflows, triggering the correct BOM and materials planning. Procurement knows exactly what to buy and when, and production scheduling aligns with the hotel’s construction timeline. The result? On-time delivery and a happy customer.
Frontier Offers Easy Data Migration and Integration
When you’re ready to break down data silos and bring your operations together, Frontier ERP has your back. Our integration tools are built to make your transition smooth, secure, and error-free, so you can start working smarter, not harder.
Say Goodbye to Data Errors and Siloed Systems
With Frontier ERP, all your data lives in one centralized system. No more juggling spreadsheets, no more disconnected platforms, and no more manual re-entry. We make sure your data flows seamlessly across departments, from sales and engineering to purchasing and production.
End-to-End Security and Compliance
Every piece of ERP data, whether in motion or at rest, is protected with strong encryption. Real-time monitoring helps you stay ahead of any internal or external threats, while built-in reporting tools support compliance with GDPR, HIPAA, CCPA, and industry-specific standards.
Automated Mapping for a Perfect Fit
Frontier takes the stress out of data conversion. Our system automatically maps and validates your existing data during integration, minimizing errors and ensuring accuracy from day one. Frontier’s DataBroker goes beyond traditional EDI by accepting a wide range of formats, including X12, XML, CSV, and plain text, and turning them into high-quality, usable ERP data.
Real-Time Integration With APIs That Work
Frontier’s eWebServices gives you real-time, API-based integration with your customer-facing websites, portals, or online payment systems. That means your product details, pricing, configurations, and customer data are always current, no manual updates required, and no risk of disconnect between departments or platforms.
Break Down Silos and Build Efficiency With Frontier ERP
Data silos aren’t just an IT issue; they’re a business obstacle. In manufacturing, where every decision impacts cost, quality, and customer satisfaction, these silos can quietly drain your resources and productivity.
Implementing an ERP system like Frontier ERP connects your departments with real-time, accurate ERP data. You gain more than software; you gain visibility, collaboration, and control over your entire operation.
Are you ready to eliminate the silos slowing you down? Learn how Frontier ERP connects your teams, reduces errors, and helps you deliver exceptional custom products, on time and on budget. Click the link below to request details.
