One of the most unique challenges faced by metal manufacturing companies is the need to adapt to different customer preferences in the way parts are delivered. For example, a custom manufacturer may need a metal fabrication supplier to take on a project designed to order. This means that manufacturers need to have a flexible process that allows for accurate cost estimates and frequent design changes - often during production.
In other cases, the same manufacturer may be required to produce a large number of standard parts. Regardless, metal manufacturers must be able to handle the many complex customer requests as efficiently as possible to stay ahead of the fierce competition that defines the industry.
To do this, metal manufacturers rely on robust enterprise resource planning systems that support and enhance their sometimes unusual processes without causing delays or unnecessary errors. Here are some of the most important features that a good ERP software for a metal manufacturing company will provide to this volatile industry:
Integration with CAD software
The simple and seamless integration of ERP systems and computer-aided design software is a basic feature of the metal manufacturing industry. Any ERP software for a metal manufacturing company must provide the ability to integrate the data in the CAD system with other processes (production, scheduling, bill of materials, etc.).
This is especially important for custom jobs. A customer may submit a design for a new part, but the design needs to be changed halfway through the production process. An ERP system synchronized with CAD software can instantly capture design changes in CAD drawings and convert them throughout the system, making it easy to get accurate quoted cost estimates, procure necessary materials, and schedule labor and production capacity.
The system must be able to quickly and accurately meet customer requirements, create designs, formulate estimated costs, provide quotes that meet customer requirements, and generate profits for metal manufacturers.
Without such flexibility, the slightest change in a project can stall the entire process and could lead to financial losses in the event of inaccurate quotes.