Frontier ERP Archives | Friedman Corporation

Manufacturing Job Costing: 7 Ways ERP Helps Protect Profit Margins in 2026

October 13, 2026

| Categories: ERP Software, Manufacturing, Operations Management

nclude: Direct materials: Raw materials and purchased components consumed during production. Direct labor: Employee time directly associated with manufacturing the product. Manufacturing overhead: Allocated costs such as equipment, utilities, maintenance, and production supervision. Additional job expenses: Rework, subcontracting, special handling, or other applicable costs. For companies producing configurable products, accurate job costing is essential because two similar-looking orders may have very different manufacturing requirements. Why Manufacturing Job Costing Matters in 2026 Manufacturers are navigating several ongoing challenges that make…

Frontier ERP is Exhibiting at METALCON 2026

September 29, 2026

| Categories: ERP Software, Events, Metal Services

The metal construction industry is heading to Orlando, and Frontier ERP.will be there From October 7–9, 2026, contractors, manufacturers, fabricators, architects, engineers, suppliers, installers, and other industry professionals will gather at the Orange County Convention Center for METALCON 2026. If you’re attending, visit Frontier ERP at Booth #1500 in Hall South A. METALCON METALCON is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year and remains the only annual event dedicated exclusively to the application of metal in design and construction. The…

Frontier ERP Is Exhibiting at GlassBuild America 2026: Smarter ERP for Window, Door & Glass Manufacturers

September 22, 2026

| Categories: ERP Software, Events, Window & Door Manufacturing

GlassBuild America 2026 starts tomorrow, and Friedman Corporation will be there. From September 23–25, glass, window, door, glazing, and fenestration professionals will gather at the Las Vegas Convention Center for three days of technology, education, product innovation, and industry connections. If you’re attending, visit Friedman Corporation in the West Hall at Booth #3335. We’ll be showcasing how Frontier ERP helps complex window, door, and glass manufacturers connect product configuration, quoting, engineering, production, inventory, scheduling, and financial management through a…

Why Connected Manufacturing Is the Real Story at IMTS 2026

September 16, 2026

| Categories: Digital transformation, ERP Software, Events, Manufacturing

Walk through IMTS 2026 this week and you’ll see some of the most advanced manufacturing technology in the world. Robotics. Automation. CNC equipment. Digital engineering. Additive manufacturing. Metrology. Artificial intelligence. Manufacturing software. Each technology is impressive on its own. But one of the bigger stories emerging from modern manufacturing isn’t about any single machine or application. It’s about connecting them. Manufacturers increasingly need information to move seamlessly between customer orders, engineering, materials, machines, production, inventory and financial systems. That…

Frontier ERP Is Exhibiting at IMTS 2026: See What’s Next for Make-to-Order Manufacturing

September 2, 2026

| Categories: Digital transformation, ERP Software, Events, Manufacturing

Frontier ERP Is Heading to IMTS 2026 The future of manufacturing is coming together in Chicago, and Frontier ERP will be there. From September 14–19, 2026, manufacturing leaders, technology providers, engineers, operations professionals, and innovators will gather at McCormick Place in Chicago for IMTS 2026, the International Manufacturing Technology Show. IMTS describes itself as the largest manufacturing technology trade show in the Western Hemisphere, bringing together technologies spanning machining, automation, additive manufacturing, digital solutions, quality, AI, and more. For…

Beyond IWF 2026: 6 Takeaways Shaping the Future of Woodworking Manufacturing

August 31, 2026

| Categories: Digital transformation, ERP Software, Manufacturing, woodworking industry

Another International Woodworking Fair is in the books. IWF 2026 brought woodworking manufacturers, machinery providers, software companies, suppliers, and industry professionals together in Atlanta from August 25 through August 28. For manufacturers, the value of a show like IWF goes well beyond seeing the newest machines. It provides a window into where the industry is going next. Across woodworking technology, automation, software, product design, and manufacturing operations, one message continues to become clearer: The future of woodworking manufacturing is…

7 Woodworking Manufacturing Trends to Watch at IWF 2026

August 24, 2026

| Categories: Digital transformation, ERP Software, Manufacturing, woodworking industry

Tomorrow, thousands of woodworking professionals will begin gathering in Atlanta for one of the industry’s biggest events of the year. IWF 2026 runs August 25–28 at the Georgia World Congress Center, bringing together manufacturers, technology providers, machinery companies, suppliers, and industry experts from across cabinetry, furniture, architectural millwork, closets, components, doors, windows, and related markets. But beyond the new machines and product demonstrations, IWF provides something equally valuable: a snapshot of where woodworking manufacturing is headed. And in 2026,…

Friedman Corporation Is Heading to IWF 2026: Meet Us in Atlanta

August 18, 2026

| Categories: Events, Manufacturing, woodworking industry

From August 25–28, 2026, manufacturers, technology providers, suppliers, and woodworking professionals from across the industry will gather at the Georgia World Congress Center for IWF 2026. If you’re attending, make Booth #BC1014 one of your stops. The Frontier ERP team will be on-site throughout the show, and we’re looking forward to connecting with customers, partners, manufacturers, and other industry professionals. Whether you want to schedule time for a deeper conversation or simply stop by to say hello, we’d love…

Manufacturing Labor Shortage in 2026: How to Increase Productivity Without Simply Adding Headcount

August 11, 2026

| Categories: ERP Software, Manufacturing, Operations Management

For many manufacturers, one of the hardest resources to secure in 2026 isn’t material, machinery, or floor space. It’s skilled people. Manufacturers continue to compete for experienced operators, technicians, engineers, planners, and other skilled employees. At the same time, experienced workers are retiring, customer expectations are increasing, and manufacturers are being asked to produce more customized products with shorter lead times. The traditional response has been straightforward: hire more people. But what happens when the people you need aren’t…

Digital Thread in Manufacturing: Connecting Engineering, Production, and ERP for Faster Decision-Making

August 3, 2026

| Categories: Digital transformation, ERP Software, Manufacturing

Manufacturing organizations have never had more data at their fingertips. Engineering teams create CAD models and bills of materials. Production captures work orders and machine activity. Purchasing monitors supplier performance, while inventory, shipping, quality, and finance each generate their own valuable information. The challenge is that this data often lives in separate systems. The digital thread is changing that. In 2026, manufacturers are moving beyond simply collecting data. They’re creating connected information flows that link engineering, production, inventory, quality,…

Engineering Change Management: How Manufacturers Can Reduce Costly Errors in 2026

July 28, 2026

| Categories: Engineering, ERP Software, Manufacturing

Introduction In make-to-order manufacturing, change is constant. Customers request design revisions, engineering teams update specifications, suppliers discontinue components, and production schedules shift to meet evolving demand. While change is inevitable, poorly managed engineering changes can quickly become one of the most expensive problems a manufacturer faces. An outdated drawing, an incorrect bill of materials, or a missed specification update can result in production delays, scrap, rework, and dissatisfied customers. In 2026, manufacturers are improving speed and accuracy by implementing…

How Manufacturers Can Reduce Lead Times Without Increasing Production Costs

July 21, 2026

| Categories: ERP Software, Manufacturing, Operations Management

Customers expect shorter lead times than ever before. Whether you’re manufacturing cabinets, architectural millwork, windows, doors, furniture, or other configurable products, your ability to deliver quickly has become a major competitive advantage. Unfortunately, reducing lead times isn’t as simple as adding more labor or increasing production capacity. Manufacturers that attempt to speed production without improving their processes often create bottlenecks, increase costs, and reduce quality. In 2026, successful manufacturers are reducing lead times by improving visibility, automating workflows, and…

Why End-to-End Traceability Is Becoming Essential for Manufacturers in 2026

July 6, 2026

| Categories: ERP traceability, Manufacturing, Supply Chain Management

Manufacturers today are expected to know exactly where every material came from, how every product was built, and when every shipment left the facility. Whether driven by customer expectations, quality initiatives, or regulatory compliance, manufacturing traceability has become a critical business capability. For make-to-order manufacturers, traceability is about much more than compliance. It improves quality, strengthens customer relationships, reduces operational risk, and provides valuable insight into production performance. In 2026, manufacturers are increasingly using integrated ERP systems to achieve…

Why Production Scheduling Is the Backbone of Modern Manufacturing Success

June 30, 2026

| Categories: ERP Software, Manufacturing, production management

In manufacturing, every delayed job, missed delivery date, or production bottleneck often traces back to one common challenge: production scheduling. As manufacturers face labor shortages, supply chain disruptions, and growing demand for customized products, scheduling has become far more than simply assigning work orders. It has evolved into a strategic function that directly impacts profitability, customer satisfaction, and operational efficiency. For make-to-order manufacturers, production scheduling software integrated with ERP systems provides the visibility and flexibility needed to adapt quickly…

Why Manufacturers Are Replacing Spreadsheets with ERP Systems in 2026

June 22, 2026

| Categories: Digital transformation, ERP Software, Manufacturing

Introduction For decades, spreadsheets have been a staple tool in manufacturing operations. They are flexible, familiar, and easy to implement. However, as manufacturing becomes increasingly complex, spreadsheets are reaching their limits. In 2026, manufacturers are under pressure to improve visibility, reduce errors, accelerate decision-making, and support increasingly customized production environments. Many organizations are discovering that spreadsheets can no longer provide the level of control and real-time information needed to compete effectively. As a result, manufacturers across industries are replacing…

Integrated ERP Financial Systems Are Critical for Manufacturers in 2026

June 15, 2026

| Categories: ERP Software, Financial, Manufacturing

In today’s manufacturing environment, financial management is no longer confined to the accounting department. Every purchasing decision, production schedule, inventory adjustment, and customer order has a direct impact on profitability. As manufacturers face rising costs, supply chain uncertainty, and increasing customer expectations, financial visibility has become more important than ever. This is why many companies are investing in integrated ERP financial systems that connect accounting, operations, inventory, production, and sales into a single platform. In 2026, manufacturers that can…

Why Real-Time Inventory Visibility Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Manufacturers

June 8, 2026

| Categories: ERP Software, Inventory, Manufacturing

Inventory has always been one of the most valuable assets in manufacturing. Yet many manufacturers still struggle with delayed inventory updates, disconnected systems, and limited visibility into material availability. In 2026, real-time inventory visibility is emerging as a significant competitive advantage. Manufacturers that can accurately track inventory across purchasing, production, warehousing, and shipping are improving operational efficiency, reducing costs, and delivering a better customer experience. For make-to-order manufacturers, where production schedules depend heavily on material availability, inventory visibility has…

Product Configuration Management: Why Manufacturers Are Prioritizing It in 2026

June 1, 2026

| Categories: ERP Software, product configuration management

Manufacturers producing configurable products face increasing pressure to deliver customized solutions faster, more accurately, and with fewer operational errors. In industries such as cabinetry, millwork, doors, windows, furniture, and other make-to-order manufacturing environments, managing product complexity has become one of the biggest operational challenges. That is why more manufacturers are investing in product configuration management systems that connect sales, engineering, production, and pricing into a unified workflow. In 2026, effective product configuration management is no longer just a sales…

How eWebServices Is Enabling Real-Time Manufacturing Integration in 2026

May 25, 2026

| Categories: ERP Software, IBM i

Introduction Manufacturers today rely on fast, accurate data exchange to keep operations running efficiently. In make-to-order environments, delays in processing orders, inventory updates, production data, or customer information can quickly create bottlenecks across the business. In 2026, manufacturers are increasingly adopting real-time integration tools like eWebServices to connect systems, automate workflows, and improve operational visibility across the organization. For manufacturers operating in industries such as cabinets, millwork, doors, windows, furniture, and other configurable product sectors, real-time ERP integration has…

How eQuote Dealer Is Transforming Dealer Ordering for Manufacturers in 2026

May 19, 2026

| Categories: ERP Software, Manufacturing

Introduction Dealer relationships are critical for manufacturers operating in make-to-order industries like cabinetry, millwork, doors, windows, and furniture manufacturing. In today’s competitive market, dealers expect faster quoting, real-time ordering visibility, and seamless digital experiences. In 2026, manufacturers are increasingly adopting eQuote Dealer solutions to simplify dealer interactions, reduce manual processes, and improve operational efficiency. Frontier eQuote Dealer helps manufacturers modernize the quoting and ordering process while strengthening dealer relationships through integrated, self-service capabilities. What Is eQuote Dealer? eQuote Dealer…

How DataBroker Is Transforming Electronic Order Processing for Manufacturers

May 11, 2026

| Categories: ERP Software, Integration, Manufacturing

Introduction Manufacturers today are under increasing pressure to process orders faster, reduce manual errors, and support a growing range of customer requirements. Traditional electronic data interchange systems often fall short when dealing with complex, configured products and evolving customer formats. In 2026, solutions like DataBroker are transforming how manufacturers handle electronic order processing by eliminating manual data entry and simplifying integration across multiple formats and systems. For make-to-order manufacturers, this shift represents a major opportunity to improve efficiency, accuracy,…

How Digital Transformation Is Reshaping Make-to-Order Manufacturing

May 4, 2026

| Categories: Door Manufacturing, ERP Software, Window & Door Manufacturing

Introduction Digital transformation is no longer a future initiative for manufacturers. In 2026, it has become a critical driver of efficiency, profitability, and long-term growth. For make-to-order manufacturers, where customization and complexity define daily operations, adopting modern technology is essential to staying competitive. From real-time production tracking to integrated ERP systems, digital tools are reshaping how manufacturers manage workflows, control costs, and deliver customer value. This article explores how digital transformation is impacting manufacturing today and what it means…

How Integrated ERP and MES Systems Are Transforming Manufacturing Efficiency in 2026

April 27, 2026

| Categories: Manufacturing, manufacturing efficiency

Introduction Manufacturers today face increasing pressure to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and deliver products faster while managing complex, customized production environments. In 2026, one of the most impactful ways to achieve these goals is through ERP and MES integration. By connecting enterprise-level planning with real-time shop floor execution, manufacturers gain the visibility and control needed to operate more efficiently and respond quickly to changing demands. For make-to-order manufacturers, where every job is unique, this level of integration is no…

7 Proven Strategies to Grow Customer Reviews After Door Installations

April 6, 2026

| Categories: customer reviews, Door Manufacturing, Manufacturing, Product Configurator

Generating more customer reviews after door installations is essential for any door company aiming to enhance its reputation and boost local search ranking. A well-structured review generation process not only improves customer satisfaction but also increases conversion rates and supports long-term business growth. Whether you’re a regional door installer or a large-scale door manufacturer, the strategies below will help you build a consistent, scalable system for collecting the feedback that drives your business forward. Why Review Generation Matters for…

Why Real-Time Production Visibility Is Becoming the Most Important Feature in Manufacturing ERP

March 19, 2026

| Categories: CPQ, Manufacturing

Manufacturers today operate in a business environment where speed, accuracy, and adaptability determine success. Between supply chain volatility, increasing customization demands, and persistent labor shortages, production leaders need immediate insight into what’s happening on the shop floor. This is why real-time production visibility has become one of the most valuable capabilities modern manufacturing ERP systems can deliver. For make-to-order manufacturers in industries like cabinetry, millwork, doors and windows, furniture, and metal fabrication, the ability to see live production data…

What’s Driving Manufacturing ERP in 2026: Tariffs, AI, and the Push for Operational Intelligence

March 10, 2026

| Categories: Door Manufacturing, Furniture, Uncategorized, Window & Door Manufacturing

If you’ve felt the pressure mounting on your manufacturing operation this year, you’re not alone. The combination of persistent tariff uncertainty, tightening labor markets, and rapidly accelerating AI adoption is reshaping what manufacturers expect from their ERP systems—and what the best ERP platforms must deliver in return. This post unpacks the current forces reshaping manufacturing and how purpose-built ERP software, like Frontier from Friedman Corporation, is helping make-to-order manufacturers stay competitive, agile, and profitable through the turbulence. Tariffs Are…

Recent Posts

Manufacturing Job Costing: 7 Ways ERP Helps Protect Profit Margins in 2026

nclude: Direct materials: Raw materials and purchased components consumed…

Manufacturing Complexity Is Rising: 8 Ways ERP Helps Make-to-Order Manufacturers Stay in Control

Manufacturing growth creates opportunity. It can also create complexity….

Contact Us

Friedman Corporation
c/o Vela US Holdco 8770 West Bryn Mawr Ave.
Suite 1300
Chicago, IL 60631 USA

+1 847 948-7180

sales@friedmancorp.com

https://friedmancorp.com

© 2000, 2026 by Friedman Corporation, a Libra Software Group company, part of Vela Software Group, a division of Constellation Software, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Terms of Use | Your Privacy | Cookie Privacy