Why Advanced Metal Fabrication Shops Need ERP Software: A Closer Look

There are over 3,500 fabricated metal manufacturing businesses operating in America. The metal fabrication industry also boasts an impressive $39 billion value. ERP software is a crucial component of the industry’s success.

Do you own an advanced metal fabrication shop? Are you considering an ERP system but aren’t sure if they’re worth it? Do you know the advantages of using ERP system software?

The following guide will explain how the software helps prevent delays and errors. Read on to learn how to choose the best ERP and how it will benefit your business.

Web Portals for Customers and Vendors

Web portals help maintain good relationships with vendors and customers. The portals are secure and easy to access 24/7. Steel fabrication software makes this process very easy to manage.

Customers can submit orders and requirements without calling or faxing. It’s all completed through the portal and sent to the correct users using the ERP system.

Vendors can also use the portal to communicate with fabricators quickly. This helps ensure that production isn’t delayed and that material orders are correct.

The vendor web portal offers suppliers and manufacturers a common interface. It lets them communicate and submit requests in real time. For example, fabricators can send suppliers notice of future orders in advance.

ERP and CAD

ERP software offers the ability to integrate data from a CAD system. It syncs the CAD data with production, scheduling, billing, and more.

CAD integration is very crucial for custom jobs. Sometimes customers send a design but then change the plan halfway through. An ERP system integrated with CAD software translates changes across the whole system.

Integration makes it simple to get cost estimates for quotes, get materials, and schedule labor. It even helps determine capacity space for production.

Accurate quotes and flexibility make this feature of ERP systems great for the customer and fabricator alike. Fewer delays and errors mean more profits and happy customers.

Advanced Metal Fabrication Planning

ERP helps fabricators manage inventory using dimensional units of measurement. It allows companies to switch easily between dimensions and standard units of measurement.

For example, fabricators work with sheets and coils measured in inches or square feet. Then, the sheet gets made into parts that are measured in standard units.

Fabricators must change these units of measurements for each specific part. ERP software handles these automatic conversions so that materials are used efficiently.

Material Management

Quality control in metal fabrication is important for meeting regulations and standards. The specs are strict and ERP helps track lots throughout the supply chain to maintain quality.

For example, if a certain model of car is recalled due to defective parts, the OEM will want to know who made the parts. They’ll also want to know which cars have them.

The supplier will also have to identify where the defect happened. They’ll want to know what vendor supplied the material and who processed it. ERP systems make keeping track of this information easy and seamless.

Ready To Choose an ERP System?

Now you know why ERP software is important to advanced metal fabrication. It’s a great tool for communicating with customers and managing materials. Consider an ERP system to help run your business smoothly and efficiently.

Check out the rest of our blog for more helpful tips and other fascinating articles.