Demand is high, supply chain backlogs are long, and digitization is transforming everything. 

Without systems to manage productivity and inventory efficiently, manufacturers can leave themselves vulnerable to competition and safety breaches.

Industry Challenges

Off-the-Shelf or generic business software may get you by and meet some or even most of your needs. But generally, it will be lacking in crucial areas that could help you run a leaner and more efficient organization. 

Custom software solutions are the way to go when meeting challenges head-on, as they allow you the flexibility and control you need. 

Workforce Woes

Workforce issues still cause heartburn for most manufacturers, even post-pandemic and after the Great Recession. Experts also predict the situation will worsen, expecting that over 2 million jobs could go unfilled by 2030. 

According to The Manufacturing Institute and Deloitte Consulting LLP, 22% of the workers in manufacturing will be retiring in the next ten years. And compounding that, young people entering the workforce may have serious misconceptions about the industry. 

Continued Inflation 

Inflation continues to be a challenge facing most manufacturing companies. The price of virtually everything from steel to office supplies has increased, putting pressure on the entire industry. 

Technology Gaps

When it comes to tech, it's about more than just keeping up for appearance's sake. To be competitive, manufacturers must keep on top of state-of-the-art technological advances. 

Robotic technology continues to improve, allowing manufacturers to produce goods more efficiently and with tighter quality control. At the same time, business software capabilities are better than ever, giving you robust tools to manage the front office more efficiently if you have systems suited to your needs. 

Data Security 

Today's companies rely on technology to manage everything from inventory to vendor and customer relations. 

Because of this, manufacturing companies now need to store and manage more data than ever. Overseeing your data security internally can make you a target for expensive cyber-attacks and security breaches. 

Sustainability

The pressure is on for manufacturers to adopt Lean (insert blog link) practices to help ensure sustainability for the future. 

Today's manufacturers must adopt stringent regulations to help reduce carbon emissions and the amount of waste they produce.

How Custom Software Development Helps Maximize Efficiency

Many manufacturing companies look to lean (insert blog link) practices to help reduce their production times as well as response times from suppliers and customers. 

The core principle in implementing lean manufacturing is eliminating waste to improve your processes. By reducing waste to deliver process improvements, lean manufacturing sustainably provides value to the customer. 

Examples of this waste include any processes, activities, products, or services that require time, money, or skills but do not create value for the customer.

How does your software help you reduce system waste and, at the same time, offer direct value to your customer? Here are a few examples. 

Better Security Means Less Waste

Off-the-shelf software often lacks specialized security features, which puts your data at risk. Control over your software lets you implement best-practice security measures for your business, saving you time and money. 

Managing Inflation 

Custom software can help ensure you're keeping the right amount of inventory on hand and that communication between team members and vendors is a smooth collaboration, no matter the size of your business. 

Ability to Scale

To succeed in manufacturing, you need solutions that can grow and change as your business grows. When your off-the-shelf software doesn't support your changing needs, it can be expensive to purchase additional licensing and add-ons. 

With custom software, developers can incorporate future needs in preparation for future growth into the application. This flexibility allows you to automate processes and keep up with changing workflows, tasks, and integrations. In turn, you'll save time and resources.

Software in Action

With more than 45 years of experience, Ramar Steel provides the most cost-effective design support, fabrication, and erection services, along with the superior quality that has become the company's hallmark. 

The Issue

When they came to ETHANY, they were using FabSuite, which allows for tracking and reporting on steel fabrication, furnishing, and coating -- but additional information had to be manually entered and updated on seven different Excel Spreadsheets.

The Solution

The team at ETHANY designed a new process. This web-based .net/SQL server solution connects to a third-party steel estimation software and provides new functionality for job quoting for the erection of steel on the job site. 

This solution allows for adjustments on all costs, including labor, safety equipment, heavy equipment, and travel expenses. Read more here. 

The ETHANY Advantage

The key to maximizing productivity while minimizing waste is by developing custom software. Only a solution designed specifically for you can help with quality improvements, better lead times, improved customer service and satisfaction, improved employee satisfaction, and better scalability. 

To ensure that your business systems are maximized for total efficiency, schedule a consultation with an ETHANY pro. 

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