automation Archives | Friedman Corporation

ERP Financial Management Turns Numbers into Smart Decisions

June 25, 2025

| Categories: Accounting, ERP Software, Financial, Manufacturing, Uncategorized

Financial data is powerful for manufacturers, but only when it’s used effectively. With modern ERP financial management systems, companies no longer have to wrestle with spreadsheets or manually compile reports. Instead, ERP dashboards enable teams to visualize real-time data, track trends, and make informed decisions more quickly. Let’s break down how this combination of technology and insight can transform your organization from reactive to proactive for better business success. What is an ERP System? An ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning)…

Shipping Surcharge Hikes: A Wake-Up Call for Manufacturers

June 23, 2025

| Categories: ERP Software, Financial, Make-to-Order, Manufacturing, Shipping, Supply Chain Management, Uncategorized

For manufacturers, the cost of moving products is becoming harder to predict—and harder to control. In 2025, both UPS and FedEx are rolling out major changes to their shipping surcharge structures, putting extra pressure on companies that ship heavy, bulky, or irregular items. These surcharge increases are more than minor adjustments—they reflect a broader shift in carrier strategy. If you’re not actively managing your shipping surcharge exposure, your logistics costs could rise dramatically. FedEx Restructures Shipping Surcharges FedEx has…

Build Custom Cabinets Faster: Reduce Lead Times, Not Quality

June 16, 2025

| Categories: CPQ, Engineer to Order, ERP Software, Kitchen & Bath Cabinets, Make-to-Order, Manufacturing, MES, Product Configurator, Sales Order Management, Uncategorized, Wood Products

Those who build custom cabinets know that speed and precision must work together. Today’s customers want quick turnarounds, but they’re not willing to sacrifice the beauty and craftsmanship of a handmade product. For cabinet making businesses, that means finding ways to streamline operations while still delivering detailed, made-to-order products. You don’t need to sacrifice quality and design to meet deadlines—you just need smarter processes, better visibility, and the right tools. The best ERP for manufacturing can help to reduce…

HVAC Manufacturers Transform Operations With Industrial ERP

June 11, 2025

| Categories: CPQ, Engineer to Order, ERP Software, Industrial Products, Make-to-Order, Manufacturing, MES, Metal Services, Uncategorized

HVAC manufacturers operate in a complex environment that demands precision, efficiency, and flexibility. From engineering custom subassemblies to managing fluctuating demand, HVAC manufacturing is more than assembling ducts and compressors. It’s a sophisticated process that requires strong coordination across every department in your company. That’s where an industrial ERP becomes essential. In this article, we’ll explore the HVAC system components, the typical challenges companies face during manufacturing, and how an industrial ERP helps streamline operations and improve profitability for…

8 Signs You’ve Outgrown QuickBooks & Need a Manufacturing ERP

June 9, 2025

| Categories: Accounting, CPQ, ERP Software, Financial, Make-to-Order, Manufacturing, Uncategorized

QuickBooks is a reliable accounting solution for small businesses, often serving as a launchpad for manufacturers just starting out. However, as your company grows, so do your needs, and the financial software begins to reveal its limitations. Whether you’ve been using QuickBooks Online, Desktop, or Inventory Tracker, the multitude of spreadsheets, workarounds, and disconnected systems can only carry your business so far. If your manufacturing operation involves custom products, multi-step production, dealer orders, or multiple locations, it’s time to…

7 Tips for Window Manufacturers: Protecting Customer Data in the Supply Chain

April 23, 2025

| Categories: CPQ, ERP Software, Make-to-Order, Uncategorized, Window & Door Manufacturing

Since supply chains have become interconnected digitally, customer data is just as critical to protect as the physical products you ship. For window manufacturers, protecting customer data across the supply chain is essential to operate and maintain trust with dealers, distributors, and end customers. Data security is vital in every interaction whether you serve residential homeowners, commercial builders, or large-scale developers. As window manufacturers modernize operations with online portals, eCommerce integrations, and automated production tools, the risk of a…

Furniture ERP: 10 Must-Have Features to Improve Operational Efficiency

April 16, 2025

| Categories: CPQ, ERP Software, Financial, Furniture, Manufacturing, Product Configurator, Sales Order Management, Supply Chain Management, Uncategorized

Technology is present in nearly every facet of our lives, from smart homes and window coverings to production tracking and automated manufacturing processes. While tech availability is widespread, it must be used properly to realize the biggest benefits in business. This is especially true for residential and contract furniture manufacturers seeking streamlined operations. Therefore, adopting a benefit-rich furniture ERP system is not just a luxury—it’s a necessity. In this article, we’ll delve into common challenges that can hinder operations…

B2C vs. B2B ERP: Unified Solutions for Manufacturing Success

March 26, 2025

| Categories: CPQ, Door Manufacturing, Engineer to Order, ERP Software, Financial, Furniture, Kitchen & Bath Cabinets, Make-to-Order, MES, Metal Services, Product Configurator, Sales Order Management, Supply Chain Management, Uncategorized, Window & Door Manufacturing, Window Treatment Manufacturing

In today’s evolving marketplace, many manufacturers operate in both business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) spaces. As buyer behaviors shift and digital transformation accelerates, companies are under the gun to manage both models efficiently. While the two models share common goals, their requirements differ significantly regarding manufacturing ERP software. To remain competitive, manufacturers need an ERP system that can seamlessly handle both B2B and B2C transactions. This is essential for smooth multi-channel order management, pricing strategies, and fulfillment processes. In…

10 ERP System Tools That Battle the Rising Cost of Lumber

March 24, 2025

| Categories: CPQ, Door Manufacturing, Engineer to Order, ERP Software, Furniture, Kitchen & Bath Cabinets, Manufacturing, Window & Door Manufacturing

The rising cost of lumber has put significant pressure on manufacturers in industries like cabinetry, furniture, and construction materials. Fluctuations in material costs can squeeze profit margins and make product pricing unpredictable. However, manufacturers that use an ERP system can deploy strategic tools to mitigate these financial impacts. With key ERP system tools, companies can optimize procurement, minimize waste, and improve overall operational efficiency. This ensures they stay competitive despite rising raw material costs. Here are ten key ERP…

Optimize Work Order Management and Reporting with Frontier ERP

March 17, 2025

| Categories: ERP Software, Financial, Make-to-Order, Manufacturing, MES, Sales Order Management, Uncategorized

Effective work order management is critical for keeping production on track, controlling costs, and ensuring smooth manufacturing operations. Yet, many manufacturers struggle with outdated or manual work order processes. Those can lead to delays, inaccurate job costing, and a lack of real-time visibility. Without a streamlined system, tracking production progress, labor hours, and scrap can quickly become overwhelming. ERP workflow automation can make a difference in this situation. A top ERP system for manufacturing, like Frontier ERP, automates work…

US Manufacturing Growth Leads to Increased Sales for Your Business

March 12, 2025

| Categories: CPQ, Door Manufacturing, Engineer to Order, ERP Software, Furniture, Make-to-Order, Manufacturing, MES, Metal Services, Sales Order Management, Uncategorized, Window & Door Manufacturing

The resurgence of US manufacturing growth isn’t just good news for factories—it’s creating ripple effects across the entire supply chain. As more companies look to bring production back to the US, demand is rising for raw materials, manufacturing equipment, and commercial infrastructure. This shift presents significant opportunities for businesses that supply materials, components, and specialized manufacturing solutions. Companies that support domestic production are poised for increased sales. But with new opportunities come new challenges—scaling operations, managing supply chains, and…

Get the Best Shipping Prices and Faster Delivery With Reimagined eCommerce Packaging

February 17, 2025

| Categories: ERP Software, Sales Order Management, Supply Chain Management

eCommerce is evolving rapidly, and so is the way products are packaged, sorted, and shipped. One of the biggest shifts in packaging design is the move toward squared-off cartons and right-sized packaging with no voids. This trend leads to faster delivery times and the best shipping prices for manufacturers’ eCommerce shipments. In this article, we will look at how these packaging trends help manufacturers. They can get better shipping rates, ensure faster delivery, and improve eCommerce packaging for automation…

2025 US Manufacturing Outlook: Challenges, Trends, & Supply Chain Resiliency

February 10, 2025

| Categories: ERP Software, Make-to-Order, Manufacturing, MES, MES, Supply Chain Management, Uncategorized

United States businesses are poised for an eventful year. While supply chain disruptions and uncertainties have been a focus for manufacturers in recent years, most manufacturers have managed to prevail. The 2025 landscape presents both challenges and opportunities, with economic shifts, supply chain uncertainties, and technology adoption shaping the industry. The key to thriving this year lies in the trends shaping the industry and building supply chain resiliency. Economic Trends Shaping US Manufacturing The economic forecast for US manufacturing…

Save Money With Textile ERP: Mitigating the De Minimis Exemption Rule

January 29, 2025

| Categories: ERP Software, Furniture, Manufacturing, Supply Chain Management, Uncategorized, Window Treatment Manufacturing

In a highly competitive market, US manufacturers face many economic challenges from global competitors. One such example is the United States government’s de minimis exemption rule. This regulation has significant implications for domestic producers, particularly in the textile industry, where low-cost imports often dominate. Some manufacturers support this rule for lower-value raw material imports. However, many US textile companies and industry groups object to the regulation because of its negative financial impact on the US textile industry. This article…

Join Our Live Webinar! WMS ERP Integration for Better Inventory Optimization

January 17, 2025

| Categories: ERP Software, Manufacturing, MES, Sales Order Management, Supply Chain Management, Uncategorized

Join us for an informative live webinar on how you can enhance your inventory management with WMS ERP integration. See firsthand how Frontier ERP and Logimax Warehouse Management System (WMS) software seamlessly work together to take your inventory management to the next level! Why Attend the Inventory Optimization Webinar? Frontier ERP includes some great features for comprehensive inventory management. However, by integrating Frontier and Logimax you can realize even greater control and optimized operations beyond tracking stock. Key Benefits of Logimax…

Automate Your Subassembly Manufacturing for Greater Efficiency

January 8, 2025

| Categories: Engineer to Order, ERP Software, MES, Product Configurator, Supply Chain Management, Uncategorized

Subassembly production often challenges logistics, quality control, and coordination for manufacturers. However, automating subassembly manufacturing with an ERP system can transform your production operations, significantly improving efficiency, accuracy, and cost savings. According to the 2024 Smart Technology Statistics by ScoopMarket.us, a majority of manufacturing investments were directed toward process automation, streamlining, and optimizing production processes in 2024. By integrating ERP software into your manufacturing processes, you can automate crucial tasks that save you time and money. Automation not only…

2025 Procurement Best Practices Using Your Manufacturing ERP

January 6, 2025

| Categories: ERP Software, Financial, Manufacturing, Supply Chain Management, Uncategorized

As we start another new year full of uncertainties, you must pay particular attention to your supply chain. This includes following procurement best practices for your industry and manufacturing processes. As supply chains become increasingly complex, a manufacturing ERP can cut through the noise. It can integrate with other logistics systems, support product flow, and ensure availability. Efficient procurement processes save money and ensure that production runs smoothly and on time. Let’s explore how to use your manufacturing ERP…

5 ERP Supply Chain Features That Strengthen Your Supplier Network

December 18, 2024

| Categories: ERP Software, Manufacturing, Supply Chain Management, Uncategorized

As many of us have learned from the pandemic, the supply chain is susceptible to major disruptions. We also discovered that expanding supplier networks are crucial for maintaining a robust and flexible supply chain. An Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system can significantly streamline this process, making it easier to manage and expand your network of suppliers. In this article, we’ll explore leveraging ERP supply chain features to extend your supplier network in preparation for more supply chain issues. Supply…

10 Automated Processes That Will Save You Time and Money

October 16, 2024

| Categories: CPQ, Engineer to Order, ERP Software, Financial, Make-to-Order, Manufacturing, MES, Product Configurator, Sales Order Management, Supply Chain Management, Uncategorized

Time and money. Many people often say that time equals money. When companies seek ways to save, these two areas are at the top of their list, especially for manufacturers. One of the best ways to achieve that savings is through automated processes. Companies often adopt automated technologies since manual processes are a waste of time and money. They generate inefficiencies, preventing manufacturers from maintaining high quality and service standards for both their products and operations. A quote by…

Top 10 Benefits of Discrete Manufacturing ERP Automation

July 22, 2024

| Categories: ERP Software, Make-to-Order, Manufacturing, Uncategorized

Automation is not just a buzzword, it is a requirement for today’s manufacturers to increase productivity and lower costs. It requires more than robotic machines and assembly lines to aid with discrete manufacturing production. Manufacturers must adopt faster and more accurate automated operations across the board. To stay competitive, many manufacturers are turning to ERP systems. For discrete manufacturers, embracing ERP automation isn’t just a trend—it’s a strategic move towards enhancing operational efficiency, optimizing workflows, and achieving greater agility….

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