You’re probably familiar with the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Goldilocks tries the bears’ oatmeal, chairs, and beds throughout her tour of their house. She’s looking for the one that’s not too big or too little, but is just right. Looking for an ERP system is kind of like that. Some systems are… Reads more »
These days, it’s become a necessity for a shop to have an ERP system. Customers demand it because it guarantees the quality and timeliness they expect. Shops are finding that they need it for everything from tracking their jobs to quoting them accurately. Once you realize you need an ERP system, how do you find… Reads more »
You need an ERP solution to manage your shop, drive efficiency, and boost your bottom line. Making the decision to implement manufacturing ERP software is only the first step in the process, however. After you decide you need ERP, the next big question is whether to implement an in-house solution or utilize a web-based ERP… Reads more »
Considering new ERP software for your machine shop? Only a few years ago, the search for new ERP software would have been focused on which provider was right for you. Today, there’s an additional question you’ll need to address first: Do you want software installed on-site or cloud ERP? The ERP software has changed dramatically… Reads more »
If you’ve recently decided to explore software options for your machine shop, that could be a wise decision. The difference between a successful shop and a shop that’s just barely making it is that the successful shop has a process that maximizes efficiency and eliminates waste. Software is often the engine that drives that process…. Reads more »
Your ERP software can make all the difference between delivering on-time and being profitable versus missing customer deadlines and losing money. And it’s not just enough to have ERP software. You also need the right software for your shop, and you need to utilize it to its fullest capabilities. The good news is you… Reads more »
It’s almost over. In just under three months, another year will be in the books. How has your shop fared this year? Have you met – or even exceeded – your goals? Or has it been more of the same? Have you barely met customer quality and deadline demands? Have you struggled to move product… Reads more »
There’s no doubt that job shop software can improve your shop’s efficiency, productivity, and overall profitability. However, just having the right software isn’t enough. You also need to make sure your team members are using it properly. Even the best software won’t produce results if your workers aren’t implementing it to its fullest capabilities. Most… Reads more »
Do you dread the idea of implementing new job shop software? Have you purchased software that’s subsequently gone unused because you don’t know how to manage the transition? You’re not alone. For many job shops, the challenge isn’t in finding the right software; it’s in implementing the new software. Most job shop owners see the… Reads more »
It’s that time of year again. No, I’m not talking about the holiday season. Rather, it’s the time of year when business owners all over the country are making end-of-year decisions to anticipate and plan for next year. Part of that “taking stock” of your business includes what kind of investments for the future you… Reads more »
Of all the reasons I hear from job shop owners on why they’re not using a manufacturing software package, the most common one is that they think it will cost too much. Especially for the small job shop – which, by the way, represents the vast majority of the job shop market and the bulk… Reads more »
Ever since we started writing Job Shoptalk, we’ve been working hard to share information about contract manufacturing and the make-to-order manufacturing industry. We can all learn from each other, and this forum is a great way for us to address some of the issues and topics that percolate with our market. We may not have… Reads more »
We were at a machine shop trade show recently and I had a very direct question come from one of the conference attendees. After sizing up our booth he leaned in and asked, “So who’s got the best shop management software here at the show?” What job shop software providers wouldn’t jump at the chance… Reads more »
E2’s quality module and ISO quality certification for job shops got some props recently in a Modern Machine Shop article about K & E Plastics, a second-generation machine shop in Vermont. ISO 9001:2008 certification is built into the E2 job shop software solution, offering shop owners a cost-saving alternative or supplement to an ISO-certification consultant. Read more here about ISO 9001:2008… Reads more »
You’ve been appointed to the software selection committee for your job shop –or you’re a committee of one – and you want to know where to start. Buying an ERP platform for your small- to mid-size job shop is a monumental step. Maybe you’re replacing an existing implementation, or starting anew. Either way, be… Reads more »
As technology becomes more prominent in our personal and professional lives, our reliance on technical support also continues to increase. In the business world, with all the similarities existing between the many enterprise resource planning (ERP) software packages available, it is often the support aspect that makes the difference in which program a company chooses… Reads more »