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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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7 Mixed-Mode ERP Solutions for Window and Door Manufacturers

mixed-mode manufacturing, window and door manufacturers

Window and door manufacturers face a unique challenge in today’s fast-paced market: they must manage a variety of production methods while meeting customer-specific requirements. Whether producing standard stock items or fully customized architectural pieces, these companies need to adapt to fluctuating demands without sacrificing quality or delivery timelines by adopting a mixed-mode manufacturing strategy. To thrive in this environment, many window and door manufacturers turn to Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems. The best ERP systems support mixed-mode manufacturing, a…

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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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How Window Casings Enhance Building Fenestration

window casings, fenestration, wood casing

When it comes to fenestration, every detail counts. Window and door systems are more than just functional openings—they’re critical to a building’s aesthetics, energy performance, and structural integrity. While much attention is given to glazing, frame materials, and hardware, window casings often don’t get the recognition they deserve. Yet, for window and door manufacturers, woodworkers, builders, and architects, casings offer an opportunity to improve the look and performance of the entire fenestration package. The right casing design enhances value,…

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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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Residential and Commercial Garage Door Design Trends for 2025

garage door design, commercial garage door, residential garage doors

Did you know that the garage door industry is expected to grow to $9.94 billion by 2029? Accompanying that growth is an evolution in garage door design. Homeowners and businesses are demanding doors that are not only functional but also stylish, secure, and energy-efficient. In 2025, both residential and commercial garage doors trends will incorporate modern aesthetics, smart technology, and sustainable materials. For custom door manufacturers, keeping up with these trends means more than just offering new designs. It…

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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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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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Expand Your Operations With Door Manufacturing ERP Software

door manufacturing erp software, wood casing, window casings, fenestration

Are you a door manufacturer looking to expand operations in 2025? It doesn’t matter if you plan to add a new location, expand your facility, or add a new product line. It takes a lot of time and attention to detail to expand successfully. You mustn’t forget one of the most important pieces of the puzzle is technology – door manufacturing ERP software. By integrating and automating processes, ERP software helps you overcome expansion challenges, positioning your company for…

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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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Demand Rises for Custom Smart Home Products

custom smart home device

In an age marked by rapidly advancing technology, the smart home is at the forefront of modern living. Homeowners and business owners increasingly seek intelligent solutions that extend beyond conventional interior design. They desire custom smart home products that showcase their style and add convenience to their lives. This trend paves the way for custom manufacturers to play a pivotal role in the future of decor automation. From custom smart blinds to smart furniture, windows, and doors, intuitive interior…

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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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