Every operational change should propel your business forward. Whether that’s shorter production timelines, less waste, more productivity, smoother operation – or all of the above.
When manufacturers consider implementing Jobman, an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system for the cabinetmaking industry, they always ask how it will give them an edge over the competition. It’s a smart question.
Let’s look at the 4 ways an ERP system provides a competitive edge in a rapidly maturing market.
1. Make better decisions with accurate data
Real-time data is arguably management’s most valuable tool. If your business is still making strategic decisions based on gut feeling, it’s time to consider how an ERP can better inform decision-makers.
Comprehensive customer data
ERPs help you understand your customers better. A clever Customer
Relationship Management (CRM) module allows you to identify pain points,
upsell and cross-sell, anticipate service needs and develop mutually beneficial
relationships.
Operational insight
From supplier quotes to inventory management, job tracking and timesheet tools, an ERP provides up-to-date data for every part of your operation.
With Jobman, you can access all this data from a web browser anywhere and make strategic decisions more confidently.
2. Streamline your operation
The market is more competitive than ever. Last year’s National Joinery Industry Report noted the spiking popularity of flat pack cabinets, driven by the ease of online ordering.
But in the same report, 73.7% of consumers said quality is the most important factor, over cost (16.7%) and production speed (9.6%).
How do you optimise your business to meet this new wave of digital demand?
ERP systems enable you to follow a Lean approach. Data from every layer of your business comes together in a digestible digital format, so you can spot opportunities to eliminate waste and add value.
Cutting waste and investing in value-add opportunities is the way to stay competitive while other companies bury their heads in the sand.
3. Prepare for anything
It’s hard to predict where the manufacturing industry will go next. Industry 4.0 is already here in many ways, with automation used across the entire value chain.
So how do you ensure your business remains agile in the face of constant change?
What it means for manufacturers to be agile
- Responding fast to changing demand
- Anticipating customer needs
- Adapting to new production processes
- Innovating and offering new end products before the competition
An ERP system enables this agility to help you prepare for what’s coming. By freeing up resources across the business, you can test new processes, invest in growth opportunities, and reduce labour costs.
4. Breaking down siloes at work
They say, “many hands make light work”. Anyone who has worked in cabinetmaking, from the shop floor to payroll to driving the delivery vehicle, knows it’s true.
How an ERP helps manufacturing businesses from the inside
Removing siloes is only possible when everyone is on the same page. An ERP system brings the company together by centralising data and linking disparate systems together:
- Central customer database integrated with Xero and payroll tools
- Inventory data that automatically responds to jobs in the system
- Easy time and attendance tracking
- Job specs and forms stored for re-use
- Sales and production reporting
How Jobman gives you a competitive advantage
Jobman is an ERP solution designed for the cabinetmaking and manufacturing industry. The flexible system integrates with your entire operation to help you manage the entire manufacturing lifecycle.
See how our customers are using Jobman to get an edge over the competition.
If you’re wondering how your competition is gaining ground and moving in on your customers, then give us a call to get started with Jobman.
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