Engineer to Order Archives | Friedman Corporation

Complete Guide to Lightweighting Windows for Manufacturers

June 18, 2025

| Categories: Engineer to Order, ERP Software, Glass, Make-to-Order, Manufacturing, Product Configurator, Uncategorized, Window & Door Manufacturing

As the building materials industry evolves, window manufacturers are constantly challenged to deliver stronger, more efficient products without increasing cost or complexity. One strategy that’s gaining attention is lightweighting—a design and production approach focused on reducing the overall weight of windows without sacrificing performance. In this guide, we’ll break down what lightweighting really means and why it matters to your customers and your bottom line. Plus, learn how your ERP system can support lightweight window manufacturing from concept to…

Build Custom Cabinets Faster: Reduce Lead Times, Not Quality

June 16, 2025

| Categories: CPQ, Engineer to Order, ERP Software, Kitchen & Bath Cabinets, Make-to-Order, Manufacturing, MES, Product Configurator, Sales Order Management, Uncategorized, Wood Products

Those who build custom cabinets know that speed and precision must work together. Today’s customers want quick turnarounds, but they’re not willing to sacrifice the beauty and craftsmanship of a handmade product. For cabinet making businesses, that means finding ways to streamline operations while still delivering detailed, made-to-order products. You don’t need to sacrifice quality and design to meet deadlines—you just need smarter processes, better visibility, and the right tools. The best ERP for manufacturing can help to reduce…

HVAC Manufacturers Transform Operations With Industrial ERP

June 11, 2025

| Categories: CPQ, Engineer to Order, ERP Software, Industrial Products, Make-to-Order, Manufacturing, MES, Metal Services, Uncategorized

HVAC manufacturers operate in a complex environment that demands precision, efficiency, and flexibility. From engineering custom subassemblies to managing fluctuating demand, HVAC manufacturing is more than assembling ducts and compressors. It’s a sophisticated process that requires strong coordination across every department in your company. That’s where an industrial ERP becomes essential. In this article, we’ll explore the HVAC system components, the typical challenges companies face during manufacturing, and how an industrial ERP helps streamline operations and improve profitability for…

A Smarter Approach to Quoting Custom Stairs: Integrated CPQ Software

June 4, 2025

| Categories: CPQ, Engineer to Order, ERP Software, Make-to-Order, Manufacturing, Product Configurator, Uncategorized, Wood Products

Custom stairs are a great way for your clients to bring character to their home or business. From wood and metal to glass and engineered materials, stairs come with countless combinations of styles, materials, dimensions, and architectural requirements. In turn, complex configurations can be complicated for those who build them. Integrated CPQ software simplifies this complexity by enabling sales teams to quickly and accurately build stair configurations, apply pricing logic, and generate professional quotes. Read on to examine CPQ…

The Revival of Skilled Labor: Trade Apprenticeships Lead the Way

June 2, 2025

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

As the United States continues to navigate economic shifts, technological advances, and global competitiveness, one truth stands out: our country still needs tradespeople. The demand for skilled labor is not fading—in fact, it’s growing. Trade apprenticeships remain one of the most effective ways to meet this need, offering young adults and career changers a direct path to meaningful, high-paying work without the burden of student debt. A National Push for Skilled Workers In a move to bolster the skilled…

6 Exciting Glass Design Trends for Home and Office

May 29, 2025

| Categories: CPQ, Door Manufacturing, Engineer to Order, ERP Software, Glass, Make-to-Order, Manufacturing, Uncategorized, Window & Door Manufacturing

Glass continues to play a transformative role in modern architecture and interior design. From sleek office partitions to elegant residential facades, the versatility of glass design makes it a go-to material for homeowners and commercial property developers. As trends in aesthetics, energy efficiency, and smart technology evolve, the demand for advanced glass solutions is growing fast. This blog post explores the latest trends in glass home design and office spaces. Plus, learn more about the industry and solutions to…

10 Benefits of Frontier ERP Software for Construction Industry

May 19, 2025

| Categories: CPQ, Door Manufacturing, Engineer to Order, ERP Software, Financial, Kitchen & Bath Cabinets, Make-to-Order, Manufacturing, MES, Metal Services, Product Configurator, Production Scheduling, Uncategorized, Window & Door Manufacturing

An ERP software for construction is more important than ever as the construction industry continues to expand. Every part of the U.S. economy depends on building in some way. With $2.2 billion in total spending for 2024 and 8.8 million workers employed, it’s a sector that’s both massive and still growing, rising 2.8% year-over-year as of March 2025. (Source: constructioncoverage.com) Behind that growth are projects packed with moving parts: tight deadlines, subcontractor coordination, material orders, and strict budgets. Managing…

7 Mixed-Mode ERP Solutions for Window and Door Manufacturers

May 7, 2025

| Categories: Door Manufacturing, Engineer to Order, ERP Software, Make-to-Order, MES, Uncategorized, Window & Door Manufacturing

Window and door manufacturers face a unique challenge in today’s fast-paced market: they must manage a variety of production methods while meeting customer-specific requirements. Whether producing standard stock items or fully customized architectural pieces, these companies need to adapt to fluctuating demands without sacrificing quality or delivery timelines by adopting a mixed-mode manufacturing strategy. To thrive in this environment, many window and door manufacturers turn to Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems. The best ERP systems support mixed-mode manufacturing, a…

Revolutionizing Wood Products: New Materials, Smart Manufacturing

May 5, 2025

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

Wood product manufacturing is experiencing a renaissance, driven by breakthroughs in sustainable materials, digital technologies, and automated processes. From plant-based composites that rival traditional lumber to CNC-precision fabrication and real-time smart systems, today’s designers are reimagining how we source, shape, and finish wood products. In this era of customization and environmental accountability, manufacturers now have an opportunity to deliver high-performance, eco-friendly solutions while maintaining agility and profitability. The Latest in Wood Product Manufacturing Innovations in wood product manufacturing are…

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…

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…

10 ERP System Tools That Battle the Rising Cost of Lumber

March 24, 2025

| Categories: CPQ, Door Manufacturing, Engineer to Order, ERP Software, Furniture, Kitchen & Bath Cabinets, Manufacturing, Window & Door Manufacturing

The rising cost of lumber has put significant pressure on manufacturers in industries like cabinetry, furniture, and construction materials. Fluctuations in material costs can squeeze profit margins and make product pricing unpredictable. However, manufacturers that use an ERP system can deploy strategic tools to mitigate these financial impacts. With key ERP system tools, companies can optimize procurement, minimize waste, and improve overall operational efficiency. This ensures they stay competitive despite rising raw material costs. Here are ten key ERP…

Residential and Commercial Garage Door Design Trends for 2025

March 19, 2025

| Categories: CPQ, Door Manufacturing, Engineer to Order, ERP Software, Make-to-Order, Manufacturing, Metal Services, Product Configurator, Uncategorized, Window & Door Manufacturing

Did you know that the garage door industry is expected to grow to $9.94 billion by 2029? Accompanying that growth is an evolution in garage door design. Homeowners and businesses are demanding doors that are not only functional but also stylish, secure, and energy-efficient. In 2025, both residential and commercial garage doors trends will incorporate modern aesthetics, smart technology, and sustainable materials. For custom door manufacturers, keeping up with these trends means more than just offering new designs. It…

US Manufacturing Growth Leads to Increased Sales for Your Business

March 12, 2025

| Categories: CPQ, Door Manufacturing, Engineer to Order, ERP Software, Furniture, Make-to-Order, Manufacturing, MES, Metal Services, Sales Order Management, Uncategorized, Window & Door Manufacturing

The resurgence of US manufacturing growth isn’t just good news for factories—it’s creating ripple effects across the entire supply chain. As more companies look to bring production back to the US, demand is rising for raw materials, manufacturing equipment, and commercial infrastructure. This shift presents significant opportunities for businesses that supply materials, components, and specialized manufacturing solutions. Companies that support domestic production are poised for increased sales. But with new opportunities come new challenges—scaling operations, managing supply chains, and…

Automate Your Subassembly Manufacturing for Greater Efficiency

January 8, 2025

| Categories: Engineer to Order, ERP Software, MES, Product Configurator, Supply Chain Management, Uncategorized

Subassembly production often challenges logistics, quality control, and coordination for manufacturers. However, automating subassembly manufacturing with an ERP system can transform your production operations, significantly improving efficiency, accuracy, and cost savings. According to the 2024 Smart Technology Statistics by ScoopMarket.us, a majority of manufacturing investments were directed toward process automation, streamlining, and optimizing production processes in 2024. By integrating ERP software into your manufacturing processes, you can automate crucial tasks that save you time and money. Automation not only…

Attract More Skilled Labor With ERP Technology

November 26, 2024

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

Attracting skilled labor has become a major challenge for many manufacturing companies. The demand for tech-savvy workers is on the rise, and offering applicants competitive pay, benefits, and flexible work schedules may not be enough to win them over. Manufacturers need to find ways to stand out. One powerful way to help achieve this is by utilizing an advanced enterprise resource planning (ERP) system at your company. Let’s explore how the best ERPs help attract more skilled labor to…

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…

CADFlow Webinar: 3D Product Configurator CAD Integration

November 12, 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

Join us for an informative live webinar on how you can enhance your 3D modeling with Frontier CADFlow. See firsthand how our advanced CAD software integration tool can bring your 3D product configurator to life! Why Attend the CADFlow Webinar? Unfortunately, many companies struggle with the lack of real-time integration between their 3D product configurations and the engineering drawings generated in CAD systems like Autodesk Inventor. Frontier CADFlow automates the creation of detailed 3D product configurator models and production…

ERP Pricing 101: Navigating the Cost of ERP Systems

October 30, 2024

| Categories: CPQ, Engineer to Order, ERP Software, Make-to-Order, Manufacturing, MES, Product Configurator, Sales Order Management, Supply Chain Management, Uncategorized

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…

Simplify CNC Automated Cutting with Frontier Cut Part Processing

October 28, 2024

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

As a custom manufacturer, you depend on your CNC equipment for precise and efficient automated cutting. Do you find it time-consuming or difficult to map production specifications to your CNC machines? Are you tired of entering cut process details by hand or fighting with custom interfaces? If so, it’s time to take a hard look at how Frontier Cut Part Processing can eliminate your cutting nightmares. Frontier Cut Part Processing Frontier Cut Part Processing bridges the gap between your…

10 Automated Processes That Will Save You Time and Money

October 16, 2024

| Categories: CPQ, Engineer to Order, ERP Software, Financial, Make-to-Order, Manufacturing, MES, Product Configurator, Sales Order Management, Supply Chain Management, Uncategorized

Time and money. Many people often say that time equals money. When companies seek ways to save, these two areas are at the top of their list, especially for manufacturers. One of the best ways to achieve that savings is through automated processes. Companies often adopt automated technologies since manual processes are a waste of time and money. They generate inefficiencies, preventing manufacturers from maintaining high quality and service standards for both their products and operations. A quote by…

Helpful Tips for Selecting the Best Window and Glass ERP System

October 2, 2024

| Categories: CPQ, Engineer to Order, ERP Software, Financial, Make-to-Order, Manufacturing, MES, Product Configurator, Sales Order Management, Supply Chain Management, Uncategorized, Window & Door Manufacturing

An enterprise resource planning (ERP) system is important for window and glass manufacturers to manage their operations. The best ERP systems improve efficiency and streamline processes resulting in optimized operations across the company. However, window and glass manufacturers have distinct functionalities that must be included with their chosen ERP system. Many industry-specific factors should be considered during the ERP software selection process. Keep reading to discover 5 areas to research when selecting the best ERP system for your company….

Keys to Better Field Service Management for Manufacturers

April 25, 2024

| Categories: Engineer to Order, ERP Software, Furniture, Make-to-Order, Uncategorized, Window & Door Manufacturing

Let’s say that your company manufactured, delivered, and installed a custom-designed product for a customer. While installation sets the stage for product quality and dependability, follow-up service is essential to maintain product performance and customer loyalty. This is when it’s critical to focus on your company’s after-delivery responsibilities as a manufacturer – field service management. Read on to learn more about the importance of field service management and how Frontier ERP can help streamline your processes. Understanding Field Service…

Engineer-to-Order ERP: Unlocking Manufacturing Efficiency

February 20, 2024

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

Custom manufacturers frequently seek innovative solutions to streamline their operations and enhance efficiency. One such powerful solution tailored to meet the distinct demands of these businesses is Engineer-to-Order (ETO) ERP software. This specialized software is designed to unlock manufacturing efficiency by offering a wide array of comprehensive features that are specifically crafted to optimize processes, reduce bottlenecks, minimize errors, improve resource allocation, enhance supply chain management, and ultimately propel sustainable growth within the manufacturing sector. Leveraging the capabilities of…

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