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ERP Pricing 101: Navigating the Cost of ERP Systems

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ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems are indispensable tools for companies to streamline operations and improve productivity. They are especially helpful for manufacturers, providing valuable insights into efficient processes. However, when choosing the best ERP, pricing can become confusing with different features and fees. Top10ERP.org even goes as far as saying “…comparing prices can be like comparing apples to oranges…” in their price comparison article. In this blog post, we’ll decipher ERP pricing models, what factors influence price, and how…

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How to Support Authorized Dealer Networks and Expand Your Reach

As a make-to-order manufacturer, your authorized dealers are the backbone of your business. They are your link to customers and are vital in getting your products to market. That’s why it’s important to ensure they receive the proper support to make their job more efficient to increase sales. Expanding your authorized dealer network is as important to your business as supporting your current network. Whether you enter new markets or are faced with dealer attrition, you could require new…

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Configure Price Quote Tools for Quicker Sales

home improvement business

Configure Price Quote tools (CPQ) streamline the sales process, helping manufacturers configure complex products, apply pricing, and generate professional quotes. This automation saves time, reduces errors, and ensures top-notch customer service. With these tools, sales teams can respond faster to inquiries, boosting customer satisfaction and increasing deal closures. CPQ software is particularly valuable in custom manufacturing, where products have numerous configurable options and pricing rules. When integrated with an ERP system, Configure Price Quote tools enhance efficiency across sales,…

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Celebrate Manufacturing Day 2024 – Inspiring the Future Workforce

manufacturing day

Manufacturing’s biggest annual event kicks off on Friday, October 4! Celebrated annually on the first Friday in October, with events continuing throughout the month and beyond, Manufacturing Day (MFG Day) is a national grassroots movement showcasing the reality and future of modern manufacturing careers. Thousands of companies and educational institutions nationwide open their doors to students, parents, educators, and community leaders. Why is Manufacturing Day Important? Since 2012, MFG Day has helped students discover financially rewarding job opportunities in…

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Professional ERP Software Support and Services

home improvement business

Maximizing Your Frontier ERP Investment With Frontier ERP, you gain more than just powerful software—you receive expert professional software support and services. Our client service and support team is dedicated to guiding you through every step of your ERP journey; from implementation to everyday operations. Expert Assistance for Successful Implementation Our professional services team provides essential software support to streamline your ERP implementation process. Key services include: Implementation Process Analysis (IPA): IPA lays the groundwork for a successful ERP…

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Why ERP Accounting Software is Better for Financial Management

When manufacturers first start, they often rely on traditional accounting software like QuickBooks to handle their financial management needs. These tools can be effective in the early stages but may reveal limitations as operations grow and become more complex. To address these challenges, you should use ERP accounting software for a more comprehensive and integrated solution that scales with their business needs. Understanding ERP Systems An ERP system is a comprehensive software platform used by organizations to integrate and…

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How the Best ERP Systems Eliminate Communication Breakdowns

Effective communication is the backbone of any successful business, especially in manufacturing and supply chain operations. Communication issues can lead to costly mistakes, delays, and a host of other issues that impact productivity and profitability. Fortunately, the best ERP systems are designed to eliminate these communication breakdowns. They ensure that all departments are on the same page—from the factory floor to the executive office. In this blog post, we will look at how the best ERP systems improve communication….

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Importance of Demand Forecast Accuracy: Preparing for Peak Season

demand forecasting

As winter approaches and the holiday season draws near, businesses are preparing for one of their busiest times…peak season. For manufacturers that design, build, or assemble products to order, the peak season brings a surge in demand. To handle increased sales effectively, demand forecast accuracy is a must. In this blog post, we’ll explore the importance of precise demand forecasting in supply chain planning. Plus, discover valuable insights into how to improve your demand forecast accuracy to ensure a…

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How to Use Your Frontier ERP Features as a Selling Point

ERP features that close more sales

When selecting custom product manufacturers, clients look for industry experience, quality, and price. Whether they want a single decorative iron gate or many unique furnishings for a hotel, their goal is always the same. Using your Frontier ERP features as a selling point can help you attract and maintain these customers. Over the years, many companies have chosen Frontier as their ERP solution to save money and work more efficiently. Our ERP features help internally and give you a…

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Proposed OSHA Heat Regulations 2024: What Manufacturers Should Expect

OSHA Heat Regulations 2024

Daily temperatures are rising around the world due to climate change. The U.S. experienced record-breaking temperatures this past June, with the average maximum daytime temperature hitting 84.6F. This has not gone unnoticed by the National Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Rising temperatures have prompted them to propose new OSHA Heat Regulations 2024. In a recent Manufacturing Dive article, Ryan Stygar, a labor lawyer at Centurion Trial Attorneys stated, “Right now we have OSHA’s general duty standard, which basically says…

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4 Ways Integrated ERP Customer Portals Drive Efficiency

customer portals

Manufacturers are always looking for ways to improve operations and provide better service to their customers. They often implement customer portals as a result. Customer portals help them streamline processes, enhance customer experiences, and improve satisfaction levels. However, manufacturers can integrate portals with their existing ERP system to add more value and boost operational efficiency. Continue reading to learn about the different types of customer portals, how they integrate with ERP systems, and the benefits they bring. We’ll also…

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Manufacturing Trade Shows: Making the Most of Your Experience

manufacturing trade shows

Local, regional, national, or industry-specific, some consider manufacturing trade shows a necessary evil. While they can sometimes be costly and cumbersome for exhibitors or attendees, they offer a goldmine of opportunities for professionals in the industry. Expos can be quite valuable actually, whether you’re showcasing a new product, or wanting to meet people and learn. To capitalize on what trade expos have to offer, it’s essential to go in with a good mindset and a great plan. In this…

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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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7 Benefits of ERP Barcode Tracking for Manufacturers

barcode tracking

In today’s modern manufacturing environment, efficiency is the key to success. One tool that greatly impacts business operations is Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems with integrated barcode tracking. By incorporating barcode tracking with an ERP, companies can optimize operations and improve accuracy, all while enhancing inventory management, production tracking, and logistics. This post will explore how manufacturers can utilize ERP system barcode tracking to enhance efficiency and streamline processes. What is Barcode Tracking? Barcode tracking is a method used…

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CPQ Solutions That Drive Window Sales

window manufacturing, cpq solutions

Welcome to the world of CPQ solutions, where boosting custom window sales and enhancing customer satisfaction go hand in hand. In today’s competitive market, window manufacturers need cutting-edge tools to streamline their sales processes. CPQ solutions empower sales teams to efficiently configure custom products, apply pricing, and generate precise quotes in no time. This blog explores how CPQ can enhance your sales strategy, driving higher efficiency, customer satisfaction, and your bottom line. Dive in to discover the transformative power…

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Leverage Important ERP Data to Enhance Efficiency

ERP data

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems store a considerable amount of data, from product configurations to pricing tiers. However, some manufacturers may not understand how to leverage this important data to plan and drive their business objectives. It is a matter of knowing what ERP data to pull from your system and how to use it strategically. This guide will help you define and use your ERP data to improve operations and enhance efficiency. It includes eight important strategies essential…

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Cloud-Based ERP for IBM: Dispelling the Myths, Uncovering the Benefits

cloud-based erp

Custom manufacturing demands innovation, efficiency, and adaptability to remain competitive in the market. It also requires a robust Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system to streamline operations and increase efficiency. As a result, many manufacturers have chosen to employ cloud-based ERP software to improve their business processes, and some based on the highly reliable and scalable IBM i operating system. Yet, misconceptions keep other businesses from capitalizing on the significant benefits of an ERP on the IBM i platform to…

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10 Steps to Efficient ERP Product Costing Management

erp, product costing

Efficient product costing management is vital for manufacturers to stay competitive in their respective industries. No matter if you manufacture uniquely designed coffee tables or custom entry doors, it factors into your company’s financial health and profitability. Navigating the complexities of product costing can be quite challenging for manufacturers. Fluctuations in expenses, production process variables, and insufficient data management are just a few obstacles that some may face. However, companies can overcome these challenges with the right strategies and…

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8 Ways MES ERP Integration Boosts Your Business

mes erp integration

MES and ERP systems play crucial roles in the manufacturing industry. Each offers a variety of benefits that contribute to operational efficiency, cost reduction, quality improvement, and overall business success. Manufacturers rely on these sophisticated manufacturing planning and execution applications to navigate complex production processes, optimize resource allocation, and deliver high-quality products efficiently. With MES ERP integration, manufacturers realize even more benefits from streamlined processes that enable them to adapt swiftly to market dynamics. The importance of integrated planning…

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Manufacturing ERP Software Solutions for Business Growth

business growth

Whether planned or unplanned, business growth is an exciting time for any type of company. For make-to-order manufacturers, the journey of business expansion is a monumental step. It presents a spectrum of challenges and opportunities, each requiring meticulous consideration for a successful transition, including manufacturing ERP software. In this comprehensive blog post, we will discuss key factors of an effective expansion strategy for custom manufacturers. We will also explore the pivotal role that manufacturing ERP software plays in facilitating cost-effective,…

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ERP Makes Production Scheduling Easier

production scheduling calendar

Production scheduling is a critical aspect of any manufacturing process. It involves coordinated resources, detailed processes, and on-time product delivery to meet customer demand. However, it can be a daunting and complex task, often requiring careful planning and adjustments. Fortunately, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems have emerged as a powerful solution to streamline production scheduling, specifically those that include manufacturing production scheduling software. It works for various manufacturers, making their scheduling effortless and more efficient. Let’s explore how manufacturers…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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Master Product Data Management Software

product data management software

Mastering Manufacturing with Product Data Management Software Innovation, precision, and efficiency reign supreme for manufacturers of complex, discrete products. Manufacturing companies are always working to improve processes, cut costs, and deliver good products on time in today’s competitive market. Many organizations use Product Data Management (PDM) software to achieve these goals. PDM is a powerful tool that can change how you manage and work together on product data. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the world of PDM…

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Solving Your Order Management Nightmare

order management graphic showing two decorated fingers representing manual order entry

Order Entry Frustration: From Pain to Plan Dear manufacturing order management team, We get it. The daily grind of manually re-entering order data from various sources into your manufacturing ERP can be maddening. It’s like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole, over and over again. The inefficiency and potential for errors can be soul-crushing, and you’re not alone in this struggle. We’ve heard your cries of frustration, and we’re here to tell you – we…

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Manufacturing ERP with WMS: Which of 3 Options is Best?

Manufacturing ERP illustration

Two of the most popular types of software in manufacturing today are Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Warehouse Management System (WMS) software. But what are the key differences between them? And if you need both, which approach is right for your business? In this article, we will compare and contrast a manufacturing ERP vs. WMS, and explain when you might need both types of software. We’ll also discuss three options for incorporating WMS capabilities, including using a WMS module…

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Selecting the Right Product Configurator for Make-to-Order

door selection options illustrating product configurator

If your company creates custom or semi-custom products designed to dazzle customers, then you’ve surely come across the term “product configurator.” Whether you’re a seasoned operations guru or a tech-savvy finance whiz, this article is for you. We’ll dive into eight areas to help you understand the various product configurator tools. Armed with this knowledge, you’ll be ready to choose the ideal product configurator tool for your enterprise. Examine a Product Configurator Across These 8 Areas Just as there…

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CAD + ERP = Better CPQ for Custom Manufacturing

woman looking at CAD drawings of furniture on her computer demonstrating CPQ for custom manufacturing

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…

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The Evolution of Configurator Software for Manufacturing Complex Products

woman using configurator software for manufacturing to order sofa

Product configuration software has evolved significantly over the years, enabling manufacturers of discrete products to efficiently offer customization options to their customers. In this post, we’ll explore the key stages in the evolution of configurator software for manufacturing complex products so you can choose the tool that’s best for your operation.

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9 Ways CPQ Software for Manufacturing will Transform Your Business

Letters CPQ software for manufacturing cabinets and furniture with colorful wooden background.

Delivering accurate pricing and delivery estimates are vital components of a successful business. That’s especially true if you make custom kitchen and bath cabinets, furniture, or other build-to-order, configured products. Fortunately, an ERP that includes CPQ software for manufacturing operations may be the key to unlocking growth for your business. What is CPQ? CPQ stands for Configure-Price-Quote. CPQ is an essential component of the custom manufacturing process. CPQ software for manufacturing streamlines the configuration and pricing of customized products,…

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The Power of Custom: How an Online Product Configurator Transforms Cabinet Manufacturing

hand using an online product configurator to select cabinet finish in a virtual kitchen

If you’re in the business of manufacturing customizable kitchen and bath cabinets, you can only stay in business by keeping your dealers and customers happy. That means being able to provide them with exactly what they want. Enterprise software helps. But an ERP with an online product configurator that is part of your enterprise software can be a game-changer for your business!

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