automation Archives | Friedman Corporation

Focus on Financials: Learn How to Install Frontier ERP iStatements

October 23, 2025

| Categories: Accounting, ERP Software, Financial, Uncategorized

Financial reporting is one of the most powerful ways to gain insight into your organization’s performance. But if your team isn’t taking full advantage of the Frontier ERP iStatements feature, you may be missing out on key efficiencies and better visibility into your data. That’s why Friedman Corporation is hosting a live webinar focused on installing, connecting, and running the Frontier ERP iStatements financial module. This session will help users better understand how to set up and utilize iStatements…

ERP Tools for Better Enterprise Risk Management

October 20, 2025

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

Managing risk is part of running any successful manufacturing business. Market shifts, supply chain disruptions, compliance requirements, and operational inefficiencies can all affect profitability and performance. To stay competitive, manufacturers need clear visibility into every aspect of their operations, from production to finance to the supply chain. That is where modern ERP tools play an essential role in supporting enterprise risk management (ERM). What Is an ERP System? An Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system is an integrated software platform…

Smarter Order Management Leads to Better Business Growth

October 8, 2025

| Categories: ERP Software, Sales Order Management, Uncategorized

When manufacturers set their sights on business growth, the first thought often goes to higher profits. This is often defined as more customers + more orders = more revenue. But revenue growth is impossible to sustain without strong internal processes to support it. At the center of those processes is one critical function – order management. From the initial customer quote to the successful product delivery, order management is at the heart of your operations. If there is a…

Flooring Companies Can Streamline Operations with Frontier ERP

October 6, 2025

| Categories: CPQ, ERP Software, Flooring, MES, Sales Order Management, Uncategorized

Flooring companies operate in a tough environment. They juggle rising raw material costs, supply chain disruptions, workforce shortages, and growing demands for product innovation and sustainability. At the same time, they must ensure consistent product quality and meet tight customer deadlines. Running such a complex operation without a centralized system often leads to inefficiencies, errors, and higher costs. That’s why more flooring manufacturers are turning to Frontier ERP. With its focus on manufacturing management, Frontier helps businesses streamline operations…

Why ERP CRM Integration is Essential for Sales and Customer Retention

October 1, 2025

| Categories: CPQ, Door Manufacturing, ERP Software, Furniture, Glass, Kitchen & Bath Cabinets, Manufacturing, Sales Order Management, Uncategorized, Window & Door Manufacturing

In competitive manufacturing sectors, success relies not only on product quality and lead times but also on effective sales management and customer relationships. This rings especially true for custom furniture, cabinet, door, and window manufacturers. ERP CRM integration helps with your sales and customer service plans to boost sales and ensure customer retention. Obstacles That Hurt Sales and Customer Retention Consider how a typical sale unfolds for a door or window manufacturer. A homeowner visits a showroom, flips through…

How Outdated Cost Estimation Methods Hurt Your Bottom Line

September 29, 2025

| Categories: Accounting, ERP Software, Financial, Manufacturing, MES, Sales Order Management, Uncategorized

Many tools and cost estimation methods manufacturers use can make or break their company’s profitability margin. If cost estimates rely on legacy spreadsheets, static assumptions, or disconnected systems, they will likely result in underpricing, hidden waste, and lost opportunities. To stay competitive, businesses must modernize their cost estimation tactics, refine product costing, and adopt process automation to align estimation with the realities of modern manufacturing practices. The Problem with Outdated Cost Estimation Methods Many manufacturers continue with cost models…

CPQ Software for Glass Cabinets Integrates Design and Manufacturing

September 24, 2025

| Categories: CPQ, ERP Software, Glass, Kitchen & Bath Cabinets, Uncategorized

Glass cabinets have been stylish in kitchens, bathrooms, and entertaining spaces for years. They offer a sleek, sophisticated look that highlights the contents of the cabinets while maintaining durability and design flexibility. The complexity of designing and manufacturing glass cabinets is ever-present. Unlike standard DIY cabinetry, glass cabinets require precise measurements, specialized materials, and careful assembly to ensure safety, functionality, and aesthetic appeal. For manufacturers, this means that every step, from concept to delivery, requires accuracy and efficiency. Managing…

Learn to Use Frontier ERP’s Client Portal: A Live Webinar!

September 16, 2025

| Categories: ERP Software, Uncategorized

We’re excited to invite you to our upcoming live webinar, where we’ll take you step by step through the Frontier ERP Client Portal. Learn more about this valuable tool and how it connects you directly to the resources and software support you need to keep operations running smoothly. Your ERP system is the backbone of your business, and in business, time = money. That’s why the right software support can make all the difference if your team has questions…

Glass Manufacturing: Hidden Labor Costs That Hurt Profits

September 15, 2025

| Categories: Accounting, Door Manufacturing, ERP Software, Glass, Kitchen & Bath Cabinets, Manufacturing, MES, MES, Uncategorized, Window & Door Manufacturing

Glass manufacturing can be a high-margin industry, but hidden labor costs often eat into profits before manufacturers even realize it. For window, door, and cabinet manufacturers, unmonitored employees, inefficient workflows, and overlooked overhead can quietly reduce margins. Leveraging your ERP system features is key to uncovering these hidden expenses and protecting profitability. This article examines hidden personnel expenses in glass manufacturing and provides strategies for identifying and managing costs using ERP solutions. Understanding Labor Costs in Glass Manufacturing Personnel…

Redefining Digital Transformation in Supply Chain Management Programs

September 10, 2025

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

The global supply chain is at a crossroads. Increasing complexity, market volatility, and rising customer expectations are challenging traditional approaches to supply chain administration. Many organizations struggle with inefficiencies, delays, and a lack of visibility across procurement, production, and distribution. As companies navigate these pressures, digital transformation in supply chain management has emerged as a critical strategy to stay competitive, resilient, and responsive. The Current State of the Supply Chain Recent years have exposed vulnerabilities in supply chains worldwide….

Guarantee Accurate ERP System Data in 10 Simple Steps

September 8, 2025

| Categories: ERP Software, Manufacturing, Uncategorized

ERP system data accuracy is critical for running a smooth and efficient manufacturing business. Without trustworthy information, even the best ERP system for manufacturing can’t deliver reliable insights or streamline processes. When integrating data into your ERP, the quality of information at its source matters most. Inaccurate, incomplete, or inconsistent data can lead to misinformed decisions, wasted resources, and frustrated employees. This article explains why data accuracy is so important in every aspect of your company. Additionally, learn what…

Adapting to Change: Heavy Equipment Manufacturing in 2025

September 4, 2025

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

The heavy equipment manufacturing industry is at a crossroads in 2025. Rising tariffs, slowing global demand, shifting customer expectations, and increased pressure on margins have created a turbulent environment for manufacturers. At the same time, opportunities exist for those who can harness digital transformation, streamline engineer-to-order workflows, and find new efficiencies. For heavy equipment manufacturers, the challenge is not only how to survive uncertainty but also how to adapt their operations to thrive in the long run. The Current…

GS1 Standards: Does Automatic Capture of Product IDs Apply to You?

August 18, 2025

| Categories: ERP Software, MES, Supply Chain Management

Every day, products move faster, farther, and through more hands than ever before, and accuracy in identifying and tracking goods has become a critical competitive advantage. That’s where GS1 standards and automatic capture technologies come in. From retail shelves to international shipping containers, the ability to capture and share product information instantly keeps the global supply chain running smoothly. If you manufacture, distribute, or sell physical goods, these standards likely apply to you, and integrating them into your systems…

Live Webinar: Using RFID to Streamline Manufacturing & Material Flow

August 12, 2025

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

Discover How RFID Technology Can Deliver Real Operational Efficiency If your team is still relying on manual scanning, disconnected processes, or outdated material tracking, this is the webinar you’ve been waiting for. Join Friedman Corporation for a live session with Stratum Global on August 21st to see how manufacturers like you are using Radio Frequency Identification to streamline manufacturing operations and improve material flow. 📅 Date: August 21, 2025 🕙 Time: 1PM CDT; 2PM ET 📍 Location: Zoom Webinar…

How Data Silos Can Hurt Your Manufacturing Operations

August 6, 2025

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

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,…

5 Proven Ways to Improve Furniture Manufacturing Workflows

June 30, 2025

| Categories: CPQ, ERP Software, Furniture, Make-to-Order, MES, Uncategorized, Wood Products

Every day, custom furniture manufacturers face growing pressure to deliver faster, customize more, and maintain quality, without driving up costs. The key to keeping up? Streamlined workflows. By optimizing your day-to-day operations, you can enhance efficiency, minimize errors, and foster growth throughout your business. Here are five proven ways to improve furniture manufacturing workflows and how the right ERP system can make it all possible. 1. Standardize Processes Across Departments When teams use their own system or set of…

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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