data exchange Archives | Friedman Corporation

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…

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…

Cyber Resiliency is Critical for Custom Manufacturers

August 13, 2025

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

Manufacturing is Being Threatened Custom manufacturers today face a growing list of challenges, from supply chain disruptions to labor shortages. However, one of the most pressing and underestimated threats is cybercrime. As these manufacturers become increasingly reliant on connected technologies, such as ERP systems and shop floor automation, the risk of an attack disrupting operations or exposing sensitive data is higher than ever. Therefore, building cyber resiliency isn’t optional; it’s essential to protect your business, suppliers, and customers. Recent…

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,…

Live Webinar! Streamline Dealer Quoting with Frontier & Saberis

July 7, 2025

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

The dealer quoting process for complex, customizable building materials shouldn’t slow you or your dealers down. That’s why Frontier ERP and Saberis are teaming up for a free, live webinar that shows how seamless integration between Frontier eQuote Dealer and SaberisConnect can eliminate manual entry, reduce errors, and accelerate the quote-to-order process. Thursday, July 17, 1PM CT | 2PM ET Register Now! Whether you manufacture windows, doors, cabinets, or other made-to-order products, this session will show you how to…

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)…

Live DataBroker Webinar: Turn Data Chaos into Clean Orders

June 13, 2025

| Categories: ERP Software, Uncategorized

Tired of juggling complex EDI formats, manual order entry, or custom programming to keep your operations flowing? There’s a smarter way to handle electronic data capture—Frontier DataBroker! Join us at our live webinar on June 24, and we’ll show you how. Save Your Spot 📅 Date: Tuesday, June 24🕑 Time: 1PM CT | 12PM ET 👉 Register today to discover how to streamline and accelerate electronic order management. If you can’t make it, still register and we’ll send you…

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…

Streamline Millwork Shop EDI Orders With Databroker

April 28, 2025

| Categories: CPQ, Door Manufacturing, Engineer to Order, ERP Software, Furniture, Kitchen & Bath Cabinets, Manufacturing, Product Configurator, Sales Order Management, Uncategorized, Window & Door Manufacturing

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…

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…

Build APIs in 100% RPG – Modernizing your IBM i for Discrete Manufacturers

March 28, 2025

| Categories: ERP Software, Manufacturing, Product Configurator, Uncategorized

Enterprise IBM i systems have always been closely associated with discrete manufacturing companies. However, as business needs change, companies must turn to modern web services to remain competitive. If your manufacturing operations rely on IBM i (iSeries, All400s) and RPG/RPGLE, you might wonder how to integrate with today’s digital tools and 3rd party solutions. With the right integrations, your IBM seamlessly connects to modern applications via XML and JSON over HTTPS. Frontier ERP is no exception. If you need to create, parse,…

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…

Don’t Miss Live Webinar: Cloud Solutions and IT Infrastructure Services

March 13, 2025

| Categories: ERP Software, Uncategorized

Future-Proof Your IT: Why You Should Attend This Cloud Solutions Webinar Are you wondering if cloud computing is the right choice for your business? You are not alone. Many companies like, custom manufacturers, are exploring their options to understand whether moving to the cloud will benefit their IT infrastructure services. If you are one of them, we have the perfect opportunity for you! Join us for our upcoming webinar hosted by Friedman Corporation in partnership with Meridian IT and Logimax….

Frontier eProducts: For Superior Customer Portal Account Management

March 10, 2025

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

In today’s fast-paced digital economy, manufacturers need efficient tools to streamline customer interactions and ensure seamless transactions. The Frontier eProduct Suite is designed to enhance customer portal account management. It provides a robust eCommerce ERP solution that integrates directly with the Frontier ERP system. Use real-time data access, secure transactions, and flexible user interfaces for an improved online presence. The Power of Frontier’s eProduct Suite The eProduct Suite includes fully integrated applications that facilitate online business activities. These modules…

Mergers and Acquisitions: Secure Data Transfer During ERP Integration

February 26, 2025

| Categories: ERP Software, Manufacturing, Uncategorized

Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) create both opportunities and challenges for manufacturing companies. A critical aspect of a successful M&A process is the integration of company systems, data, and workflows. However, secure data transfer is a significant concern during this process for data protection and privacy. During ERP integration, improper handling of sensitive information can lead to operational disruptions, compliance violations, and security risks. Therefore, we will explore best practices during M&A-driven ERP integration in this article. Read on to…

Navigating the Manufacturing Software Maze: How to Find the Best ERP for Manufacturing

February 3, 2025

| Categories: Door Manufacturing, ERP Software, Furniture, Kitchen & Bath Cabinets, Make-to-Order, Manufacturing, Metal Services, Window & Door Manufacturing, Window Treatment Manufacturing

Choosing the right enterprise manufacturing software for your company can feel like navigating a maze. Some software solutions offer all the bells and whistles that you may never use. Others require extensive custom programming to handle your basic industry essentials. Finding the best ERP for manufacturing can be frustrating if you don’t plan properly. To ensure that you make the right software choice, you must understand what you are looking to gain from an ERP system. This blog will…

5 Ways to Enhance Inventory Optimization With ERP WMS Integration

January 20, 2025

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

Effective inventory management is the heart of any successful manufacturing operation. Inventory optimization has become a critical focus as businesses strive to meet customer demand while minimizing costs. Connecting an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system with Warehouse Management System (WMS) software is a smart way to reach this goal. Let’s explore what these systems do and how their integration can help optimize your inventory management endeavors. What Is an ERP System? An ERP system is a comprehensive software platform…

How Frontier ERP Event Notification Improves Communication

January 13, 2025

| Categories: ERP Software, Uncategorized

Imagine your company has a rush order for ten custom cabinet doors that must be filled by the end of the day. Your team squeezes it into the production schedule and completes it one hour early. You notify sales, but they tell you they changed the quantity to 14 in the system three hours ago and ask, “Didn’t you see that?” If only you had event notifications as part of your ERP, production would have known about the change….

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…

Accelerate Multi-Channel Order Management with ERP Software

November 20, 2024

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

Custom manufacturers often need to coordinate sales orders from different sources. Whether it’s online stores, physical locations, or B2B sales, multi-channel order management can be hectic. However, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software provides a comprehensive solution to streamline multi-channel order processing effectively. As online shopping continues to grow and customers want more fluid sales processes, efficient order management becomes increasingly crucial. Yet, challenges like order errors and delays can lead to unhappy customers and lost sales. Explore how your…

Seamless CAD ERP Integration with Frontier CADFlow

November 18, 2024

| Categories: CPQ, Door Manufacturing, Engineer to Order, ERP Software, Furniture, Kitchen & Bath Cabinets, Make-to-Order, Manufacturing, Product Configurator, Uncategorized, Window & Door Manufacturing, Window Treatment Manufacturing

For custom manufacturers, CAD models are key to their unique product designs. A common challenge they face is connecting those CAD designs to their ERP’s product configurator. Seamless CAD ERP integration is important for accurate product manufacturing. It helps ensure that product specifications are met while keeping design rules from CAD programs in place. Frontier CADFlow is a scalable module that seamlessly links popular CAD programs with Frontier ERP’s product configuration tools. The CADFlow connection helps you expedite product…

Protecting ERP System Data From Disasters: From Ruin to Restoration

October 24, 2024

| Categories: ERP Software, Uncategorized

In Rocky Mount, NC, a tornado severely damaged a Pfizer factory that produced roughly 8% of all sterile injectables used in U.S. hospitals. In 2023, Clorox encountered a major cyberattack that forced them to take their systems offline because of significant damage to their IT infrastructure. Incidents like natural disasters and sophisticated cyberattacks highlight how easily your business and ERP system data can be wiped out if not securely protected. In this blog post, we will review how to…

Why to Connect Your Online Payment Portal With Frontier ERP

October 21, 2024

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

Since the advent of Internet banking, online payment portals have become the preferred way for customers to pay their bills. However, a secure online payment portal isn’t just reserved for eCommerce stores or utility companies. It is also for manufacturers. As a result, many manufacturers have connected their portals to their ERP systems for a single data source. According to the payment company Stripe, “ERPs can significantly improve internal operations for businesses, and this is especially true when businesses opt…

Simplify Quotes and Orders: Real-Time Data Processing From eWebServices

September 4, 2024

| Categories: CPQ, ERP Software, Manufacturing, Product Configurator, Sales Order Management, Uncategorized

Imagine simplifying the entire process of quoting and ordering, all while ensuring your data is always up-to-date. With web services, you can turn this into a reality. By leveraging real-time data processing, you can streamline communication, minimize errors, and enhance customer satisfaction. Whether it’s generating quotes or managing orders, Frontier eWebServices provides the tools you need for seamless integration. Let’s dive into how this powerful solution can transform the way you do business. What are Web Services? Before we…

9 Signs It’s Time For a New ERP System

February 27, 2024

| Categories: CPQ, ERP Software

Does your current ERP system struggle to keep pace with the needs of your organization? As your company grows and adapts to new challenges, the tools you use must also evolve to meet market demands. That includes your ERP software. But how do you know when it’s time for a new ERP system? In this blog post, we’ll explore critical factors that indicate that it’s time to upgrade or replace your ERP. You will also learn what to look…

Measure Manufacturing KPIs for Peak Performance

February 22, 2024

| Categories: ERP Software, Uncategorized

Measuring the performance of your manufacturing operations is a complex task. It requires time, energy, and careful monitoring and reporting of key performance indicators (KPIs). Among the measurable metrics, manufacturing KPIs stand out as crucial benchmarks, providing crucial insight into your business operations. In this blog post, you’ll learn more about manufacturing KPIs, why metric measurements are important, and how using the best reporting tools can provide detailed analytics to enable better decision-making for your company’s future. Performance Indicators…

Dealer Quoting Software Eliminates Common Ordering Issues

February 12, 2024

| Categories: CPQ, ERP Software, Make-to-Order, Manufacturing, Product Configurator

Manufacturers often face many challenges when dealers place custom orders for their clientele. Communication breakdowns, delayed timelines, and manual entry errors can create significant hurdles. These issues underscore the critical need for a dealer quoting software solution to improve the ordering process. No matter the chosen software, it must align with the company’s ERP for data integrity and streamlined operations. In this blog post, we’ll review common ordering issues and how dealer quoting software with ERP integration can solve…

ERP and MRP: What Custom Manufacturers Need Now

December 20, 2023

| Categories: ERP Software, Manufacturing

In the realm of make-to-order manufacturing, businesses often grapple with the intricacies of managing their manufacturing processes. The landscape is dotted with a plethora of online solutions aimed at helping manufacturers trim costs and bolster their bottom line. Amidst this array of options, two foundational tools stand out as indispensable for optimizing operations: Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Material Requirements Planning (MRP). While both ERP and MRP are software systems tailored for manufacturers, they each fulfill distinct roles within…

Critical Custom Manufacturing Year-End Tasks

December 6, 2023

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

The end of 2023 is nearly here. Companies are hustling to fill the last purchase orders before the holidays so employees can take a much-needed break. While many in the custom manufacturing industry would rather be enjoying festivities, critical end-of-year obligations cannot wait. Typical assignments at this time usually include holiday production scheduling, financial closing, and yearly physical inventory. Often these are considered daunting and unpleasant duties for those involved. However, businesses can improve their year-end processes while planning…

ERP Software Implementation: 5 Areas for Focus

October 26, 2023

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

What Discrete Manufacturers Need to Know Implementing an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system is a significant endeavor for any discrete manufacturing company. The right ERP software can streamline operations, improve efficiency, and drive growth for your company. However, the wrong choice — or a poorly executed implementation — can lead to cost overruns and operational disruptions. To reduce uncertainty in this complex process, your project team must take a systematic approach. That means looking beyond the names you’ve heard…

Cloud ERP Software: Unleash the Power of IBM

October 4, 2023

| Categories: ERP Software, Manufacturing, Uncategorized

You don’t have to buy an IBM system to get all the benefits of using IBM. Manufacturing software like Friedman’s Frontier ERP is available as a cloud-hosted solution. It will run on the IBM i operating system that runs on IBM Power Systems servers. This makes Frontier cloud ERP software an ideal choice for forward-thinking manufacturing businesses. Cloud ERP Software: The IBM Advantage. Before discussing the advantages of cloud ERP software, let’s recognize the undeniable strengths of the IBM…

Why You Should Integrate a Cabinet Design Tool with Your ERP

September 13, 2023

| Categories: ERP Software, Furniture, Kitchen & Bath Cabinets, Make-to-Order, Manufacturing, Product Configurator

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…

CAD + ERP = Better CPQ for Custom Manufacturing

August 23, 2023

| Categories: CPQ, ERP Software, Make-to-Order, Manufacturing, Product Configurator

In the competitive world of custom manufacturing, combining CAD tools with your ERP system is a move toward greater efficiency and accuracy. Integrating 3D modeling and CAD with your manufacturing ERP software can give your company a significant advantage. This is especially true for configuring, pricing, and quoting … or CPQ for custom manufacturing and specialized product offerings. This article explores the benefits of integrating 3D modeling as part of a CPQ for custom manufacturing. Connecting CAD programs directly…

Crafting Efficiency: 3 Ways to Connect Cabinet Design Software to Manufacturing

August 18, 2023

| Categories: CPQ, ERP Software, Kitchen & Bath Cabinets, Make-to-Order, Manufacturing, Product Configurator

Today’s successful cabinet manufacturers use online cabinet design software to give customers more information, more options, and greater satisfaction in specifying their finished products. But giving customers lots of options can cause lots of headaches for manufacturing. That’s why it’s essential to connect the data captured online with your inventory levels, back-end production scheduling, and engineering. Manual Data Transfer Doesn’t Work No successful company of any scale can compete for long using a manual approach, where the customer data…

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