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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
