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The Revival of Skilled Labor: Trade Apprenticeships Lead the Way

trade apprenticeships, apprenticeship, skilled labor

As the United States continues to navigate economic shifts, technological advances, and global competitiveness, one truth stands out: our country still needs tradespeople. The demand for skilled labor is not fading—in fact, it’s growing. Trade apprenticeships remain one of the most effective ways to meet this need, offering young adults and career changers a direct path to meaningful, high-paying work without the burden of student debt. A National Push for Skilled Workers In a move to bolster the skilled…

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10 Benefits of Frontier ERP Software for Construction Industry

erp software for construction

An ERP software for construction is more important than ever as the construction industry continues to expand. Every part of the U.S. economy depends on building in some way. With $2.2 billion in total spending for 2024 and 8.8 million workers employed, it’s a sector that’s both massive and still growing, rising 2.8% year-over-year as of March 2025. (Source: constructioncoverage.com) Behind that growth are projects packed with moving parts: tight deadlines, subcontractor coordination, material orders, and strict budgets. Managing…

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Outdoor Living Spaces Transform Make-to-Order Product Sales

outdoor living spaces, outdoor kitchen, outdoor entertaining, make-to-order

Outdoor living spaces aren’t just a trend—they’ve become a staple lifestyle upgrade for many people. At the same time, they have changed how much consumers are willing to spend and manufacturers’ market response. From full outdoor kitchens to cozy backyard lounges, today’s homeowners want outdoor areas that feel like an extension of their home. That’s great news for make-to-order manufacturers. If you build custom products, the outdoor entertaining boom provides new opportunities for your company to expand product lines…

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Revolutionizing Wood Products: New Materials, Smart Manufacturing

millwork shops, edi orders, databroker, wood manufacturing, erp systems, data transfer, wood product manufacturing, sustainability, wood products

Wood product manufacturing is experiencing a renaissance, driven by breakthroughs in sustainable materials, digital technologies, and automated processes. From plant-based composites that rival traditional lumber to CNC-precision fabrication and real-time smart systems, today’s designers are reimagining how we source, shape, and finish wood products. In this era of customization and environmental accountability, manufacturers now have an opportunity to deliver high-performance, eco-friendly solutions while maintaining agility and profitability. The Latest in Wood Product Manufacturing Innovations in wood product manufacturing are…

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Are You Tracking These 10 Lumber Industry Supply Chain Metrics?

lumber industry

In today’s volatile market, lumber companies face unprecedented challenges. Between shifting demand, rising logistics costs, and the ever-changing trade war, staying competitive requires more than just managing operations. It demands precision, foresight, and adaptability. And that starts with tracking the right supply chain metrics. From timber harvesters and sawmills to engineered wood product companies and distributors, every business in the lumber industry feels the ripple effects of global events and domestic policy shifts. Chief among these is the ongoing…

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Streamline Millwork Shop EDI Orders With Databroker

millwork shops, edi orders, databroker, wood manufacturing, erp systems, data transfer, wood product manufacturing, sustainability, wood products

Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) has become a standard form for incoming orders for manufactured products over the years. However, for many millwork shops, incoming EDI orders can feel like more of a complication than a convenience. Whether you’re supplying dealers, builders, or contractors, EDI is meant to streamline the flow of sales orders. Unfortunately, poorly integrated data transfers can slow things down when your products are complex, made-to-order, or custom-built. Fortunately, tools exist to bridge the gap. In this…

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ERP Business Intelligence: The Key to Smarter Cabinet Manufacturing

Frontier Quick Read, erp features, erp system tools, erp business intelligence

The cabinet manufacturing sector is not only flooded with competition, but it also demands accuracy, efficiency, and flexibility. Therefore, manufacturers must make strategic choices to optimize operations and boost customer satisfaction to maintain a competitive edge. ERP business intelligence tools play a crucial role in reaching high-level goals to maintain that edge. By utilizing advanced ERP analytics and reporting tools for business intelligence, cabinet manufacturers can gain actionable insights into their operations for better decision-making. What Is an ERP…

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SMBs Stand to Gain from SBA’s ‘Made in America’ Initiative

made in america initiative, smbs, small business regulations, erp systems

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has recently unveiled the ‘Made in America’ Manufacturing Initiative. This comprehensive plan is designed to bolster domestic manufacturing by reducing regulatory burdens, expanding access to capital, and fostering a skilled workforce. The initiative presents a significant opportunity for SMBs (small to medium-sized businesses), whose success is integral to the broader manufacturing ecosystem. The SBA: Championing SMBs The Small Business Administration (SBA) is an agency of the federal government dedicated to supporting small businesses…

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B2C vs. B2B ERP: Unified Solutions for Manufacturing Success

b2b, b2c, erp systems

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…

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10 ERP System Tools That Battle the Rising Cost of Lumber

Frontier Quick Read, erp features, erp system tools, erp business intelligence

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…

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US Manufacturing Growth Leads to Increased Sales for Your Business

US manufacturing growth, increased sales

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…

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8 Cloud ERP System Features for Manufacturing Millwork Products

millwork products, cloud erp system, 3D product configurator

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,…

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Aging-in-Place Design: Creating Universal Kitchens for an Aging Population

aging-in-place design, universal kitchen design

Aging-in-place has gained significant traction as the population grows older, especially in home design. Aging-in-place design prioritizes functionality, safety, and accessibility, enabling individuals to live comfortably in their homes regardless of age or ability. Among these designs, universal kitchen design is significantly important. It combines practicality and style to meet the different needs of older homeowners. For manufacturers and dealers, universal kitchens represent a response to growing market demand and an opportunity to innovate. What is Aging-in-Place Design? Aging-in-place…

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Unlocking Efficiency: Custom Bathroom Configurations Made Easy with CPQ Software

custom bathroom, cpq software

Customizing a bathroom for clients can be a complicated process. It involves intricate design decisions, precise measurements, and many product options while keeping the customer happy. For some manufacturers, juggling custom bathroom configurations can be more difficult without proper systems in place. This is where CPQ software can help. CPQ software streamlines the entire process. It allows for real-time visualization, accurate pricing, and efficient quote generation. This article will explore how CPQ makes custom bathroom configurations simpler and more…

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ERP Software Cuts Wood Product Manufacturing Operating Costs

wood product manufacturing, reduce costs

High operating costs continue to be a major challenge for wood product manufacturing companies. Managing these expenses effectively is essential for maintaining profitability and growing your business. The wood manufacturing industry is characterized by its reliance on raw materials, labor-intensive processes, and energy consumption. This makes controlling operating expenses a critical factor for success. Finding ways to reduce costs without compromising on quality or productivity can be difficult. Traditional methods of cost management often fall short of providing the…

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Cabinet Building Software Goes Beyond Design with ERP

cabinet building software

Kitchen and bath cabinet manufacturers operate in a fiercely competitive industry. Most manufacturers rely heavily on their cabinet design software for layout diagrams, 3D renderings, and pricing. While design applications are important, cabinet makers should not ignore the advanced features of cabinet building software to improve manufacturing efficiency. A cabinet manufacturing ERP provides features and capabilities that automate cabinet production workflows and much more. The right ERP can streamline processes in many critical areas including design, sales, manufacturing, inventory…

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Q&A: Production Tracking for Cabinet Manufacturing

production tracking, cabinet manufacturing

Custom cabinet manufacturing involves many different processes from the initial quote to the finished product. One such process is production tracking. Tracking isn’t just about keeping records; it’s about analyzing operations, maintaining quality, and meeting customer demands effectively. Efficient production tracking is essential for cabinet manufacturers to monitor and cost-effectively control their operations. Whether you’ve been manufacturing cabinets for a long time or just starting, monitoring your manufacturing processes is important. Read on for answers to the most common…

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9 Must-Have Kitchen Cabinet Software Features

kitchen cabinet software

Advanced kitchen cabinet software solutions have become increasingly pivotal for cabinet manufacturers and designers in today’s market. That is because the popularity of custom kitchen and bath cabinetry in homes and offices is on the rise. In November 2023, the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association reported that total custom cabinet YTD sales were up 6.4% over 2022 and are expected to grow. As the market demand increases, so does the need for sophisticated manufacturing software. The right cabinet manufacturing software…

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ERP & CPQ for Contract-Grade Furniture Manufacturing

contract grade furniture

Amidst the evolving designs of modern offices and retail spaces, there’s a growing demand for distinctive, contract-grade furniture. This trend is particularly prominent as companies prioritize aesthetics, functionality, and an immersive experience for their employees and customers. As a result, they are seeking contract-grade furniture manufacturers to provide custom and semi-custom furniture solutions. To ensure that operations are running as efficiently as possible, furniture manufacturing software is a necessity. When coupled with CPQ, an ERP system provides the best…

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Custom Millwork Software: The CPQ Advantage

CNC machine creating scrollwork connects to millwork software

In the world of wood and metal millworking, craftsmanship meets technology in a true partnership of creativity and precision. Manufacturing quality and efficiency are crucial, whether crafting wood or metal railings, custom cabinetry, furniture, windows/glass, doors, or window treatments. This delicate balance can be challenging to maintain. The industry has its unique needs, such as custom orders and a myriad of design variations. However, a solution is available to streamline operations and deliver outstanding products while reducing errors. Enter…

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Why You Should Integrate a Cabinet Design Tool with Your ERP

Using a cabinet design tool in a kitchen

If you make custom cabinets, you know that good quality and proper fit are only part of the equation. Increasingly, customers are expecting an exceptional cabinet design and ordering experience. From kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, and custom built-ins to modular office furniture and store fixtures, it’s all about making your customer happy. These days, it’s not enough to deliver outstanding craftsmanship at a reasonable price. You also need to offer an exceptional design experience to your customers. They want…

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The Power of Custom: How an Online Product Configurator Transforms Cabinet Manufacturing

hand using an online product configurator to select cabinet finish in a virtual kitchen

If you’re in the business of manufacturing customizable kitchen and bath cabinets, you can only stay in business by keeping your dealers and customers happy. That means being able to provide them with exactly what they want. Enterprise software helps. But an ERP with an online product configurator that is part of your enterprise software can be a game-changer for your business!

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