+1 847 948-7180 sales@friedmancorp.com

Friedman Corporation: Committed to Technology Innovation

At Friedman Corporation, innovation has always been at the core of what we do. From our earliest ERP solutions to today’s advanced, connected Frontier manufacturing platforms, we’re committed to meeting the needs of modern manufacturers. Our long-standing partnership with IBM continues to play a key role in that innovation. It empowers our Frontier ERP users with the performance, reliability, and security of IBM’s powerful technology ecosystem. Our latest release, Frontier 4.2, reflects this ongoing commitment to progress. The update…

Read More >>

How Outdated Cost Estimation Methods Hurt Your Bottom Line

cost estimation methods, product costing, process automation

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 The Problem with Outdated Cost Estimation Methods Many manufacturers continue with cost models…

Read More >>

Frontier ERP Featured in IBM Power Solutions Catalog

Frontier ERP, IBM Power11, IBM power, IBM i, IBM power systems

We at Friedman Corporation are proud to announce that our Frontier ERP system is now featured in the IBM Power Solutions Catalog. This achievement highlights the strength of our ERP platform, rated one of the best ERP systems for manufacturing. It also demonstrates our ongoing commitment to supporting manufacturers with industry-focused technology built for complex, make-to-order environments. For manufacturers in industries such as cabinets, doors, furniture, glass products, and more, this milestone represents more than just visibility in a…

Read More >>

Opportunities for Building Product Manufacturers in a Slow Housing Market

trade apprenticeships, apprenticeship, skilled labor, building product manufacturers, housing market

High interest rates and a slowdown in new home construction can feel like a setback for building product manufacturers. However, these economic shifts often present new opportunities for companies that are prepared to adapt. By understanding how demand patterns change during these times, manufacturers can reposition themselves to thrive, not just survive, until the housing market rebounds. Understanding the Current Housing Market The 2025 housing market is being shaped by two major factors: persistently high interest rates and ongoing…

Read More >>

Powering Innovation: Frontier ERP on IBM Power11

Frontier ERP, IBM Power11, IBM power, IBM i, IBM power systems

At Friedman Corporation, innovation isn’t a buzzword. It’s the foundation for delivering our powerful Frontier ERP solution that helps manufacturers thrive in an increasingly competitive, fast-paced environment. That’s why we’re proud to be a strategic partner of IBM, and why we’re excited about the launch of IBM Power11—a platform that’s built for the future of enterprise computing. Built for ERP Performance, Security, and Scalability Manufacturers using Frontier ERP already trust IBM Power for its unmatched reliability, performance, and availability….

Read More >>

Webinar: Shipping With Frontier ERP and Varsity Logistics

varsity logistics, shipping, logistics, frontier erp

Join Our Live Webinar: Simplify LTL, FTL & Parcel Shipping From Inside Frontier Is your team spending too much time on manual distribution tasks? Struggling to control freight costs or keep up with customer expectations? Is your freight planning for naught? We’ve got a smarter way to manage it all — right from your Frontier ERP system. Join us for an exclusive live webinar where we’ll show how Varsity Logistics integrates seamlessly with Frontier ERP to bring automation, accuracy,…

Read More >>

8 Signs You’ve Outgrown QuickBooks & Need a Manufacturing ERP

quickbooks, inventory control, manufacturing erp, finance teams, financial management, accounting

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…

Read More >>

Frontier 4.2: The ERP Upgrade You’ve Been Waiting For

Frontier ERP, ERP upgrade, IBM ERP

The Next Step in Your ERP System Evolution Friedman Corporation is thrilled to announce the release of Frontier 4.2 on February 28, 2025! This latest version of Frontier ERP brings a range of performance upgrades and user interface (UI) enhancements designed to elevate your business processes. If you’re a current customer looking to streamline operations further, this ERP upgrade delivers game-changing improvements. Explore Friedman’s advanced IBM ERP features for details. Why Upgrade to Frontier 4.2? Technology is evolving, and…

Read More >>

2025 CONVERGE User Conference: Embrace Innovation and Collaboration

Converge User Conference 2025

Announcing the 2025 CONVERGE User Conference Today’s business landscape is ever-changing. Manufacturers encounter constant challenges like supply chain uncertainty, high-level consumer expectations, and rapid technological advancements. To stay competitive, you must quickly adapt, rethink strategies, and embrace innovation. Navigating this unpredictability requires staying informed, agile, and connected. Leveraging existing enterprise resource planning solutions is vital for future growth. Connecting with industry experts to explore new strategies and technologies can help you on your road to success. Gathering, sharing insights,…

Read More >>

Critical Custom Manufacturing Year-End Tasks

end of year 2023

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…

Read More >>

How CPQ Improves Materials Management

Letters CPQ held in a woman's hand. Materials Management superimposed on back of her monitor.

Manufacturers using ERP software with CPQ find greater success in materials management Manufacturing is a highly complex industry, requiring meticulous orchestration of various components to produce high-quality products efficiently. One of the most critical aspects of this process is materials management. This is the area that must handle resources, supplies, and inventory effectively. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of materials management. We’ll define Configure, Price, Quote (CPQ), and detail how combining CPQ with your Enterprise Resource…

Read More >>

ERP Software Implementation: 5 Areas for Focus

ERP software image of word and icon cloud in an outstretched hand

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…

Read More >>

Cloud ERP Software: Unleash the Power of IBM

Cloud ERP Software Hosting illustration with hand holding cloud and tech icons

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…

Read More >>