For more than five decades, Epicor has collaborated closely with its clients, gaining an intimate understanding of their operations—almost as if it were their own. This has enabled our clients to craft tailored software solutions and services that elevate their business performance. It’s not just working with you, but truly working for you. Epicor has launched its new upgrade, Epicor Kinetic 2023.1, and this manufacturing brochure will give you all of the important information that you need.

Our clientele comprises the very companies that manufacture, distribute, and provide the products and services we all rely on. They place their trust in Epicor to optimize their business processes. Our cutting-edge solutions are meticulously designed to align with their specific requirements, ready to adapt swiftly to their dynamic business environment. We propel every client towards their goals, whether it’s expansion and transformation, or achieving greater productivity and efficiency. This is what positions us as indispensable partners to the world’s most vital enterprises.

Download the Epicor Kinetic 2023.1 Brochure below:


In the competitive world of the boat manufacturing industry, there are numerous challenges to overcome, from sourcing raw materials to efficiently assembling boats. To navigate these complexities, boat manufacturers require a reliable and comprehensive enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. This integrated platform streamlines operations, enhances collaboration, and facilitates better decision-making. By integrating various processes involved in boat manufacturing, an ERP system optimizes production scheduling, inventory control, cost tracking, and customer relationship management. With the scalability of ERP, custom boat manufacturers can outperform their competitors, adapt to evolving needs, and achieve their goals of improving quality control, optimizing resource utilization, and enhancing client satisfaction.

Boat Manufacturing Challenges and How ERP Helps Offset Them

The boat manufacturing industry faces challenges, from global competition to rising customer expectations. ERP solutions for boat manufacturing can address these challenges in innovative ways:

1. Inventory Management: An ERP system can help manage inventory and optimize stock levels, helping you reduce costs and increase efficiency. It can also help manage parts requirements to ensure the right parts are ordered at the right time.

2. Quality Control: ERP can help you automate quality control processes and track data from suppliers, giving you visibility across the entire supply chain. With this information, you can make better decisions to improve customer satisfaction and maintain high-quality standards.

3. Production Planning: ERP helps you streamline production planning by providing real-time updates on material availability, labor costs, and other key elements. This helps you optimize production cycles and ensure orders are completed on time and budget.

4. Cost Optimization: ERP helps reduce costs by providing visibility into the production process. It can track costs associated with materials, labor, and suppliers to help you identify areas where savings can be made.

5. Changing Consumer Preferences: Today, most boat lovers prefer sustainable, innovative, and technologically advanced boats. ERP systems can allow boat manufacturers to design, test, and produce new models quickly and cost-effectively.

6. Seasonal Demand Fluctuations: ERP can help you manage seasonal fluctuations in demand by providing real-time visibility into inventory levels and customer orders. This helps you adjust production schedules to meet customer demands.

7. Supply Chain Disruptions: ERP systems provide visibility into the entire supply chain, allowing you to detect and address potential disruptions before they impact production. For example, you can quickly identify and source an alternative if a supplier is delayed.

8. Global Economic Uncertainty: ERP can help you track global economic trends and make better decisions to protect your business from potential risks. With access to data from multiple sources, you can make sound business decisions and ensure profitability.

ERP and the Boat Manufacturing Process

The boat manufacturing process is complex and often involves numerous steps, from design to production. An ERP system can help streamline this process in several ways:

  • Design and Engineering

The first step in the boat manufacturing process is design and engineering. It involves creating accurate drawings and designs that meet customer specifications for safety, performance, and aesthetics. It also involves engineering calculations to ensure the structural integrity of the boat.

ERP systems can help manage this process by providing visibility into all design and engineering stages, from concept to final product. Moreover, ERP provides manufacturers access to real-time data on materials, labor costs, and other components. This helps you design boats quickly and cost-effectively. It also helps ensure quality across all stages of production.

  • Material Selection

From fiberglass and aluminum to polyethylene, material selection is critical for boat manufacturers. It helps ensure the finished product’s performance, durability, and aesthetic appeal. 

ERP systems can help manage the procurement process by automating it and providing visibility into the entire supply chain. This helps you identify potential disruptions in the supply chain. ERP also allows you to track orders and ensure parts are delivered on time and within budget.

  • Fabrication

The next manufacturing step is to fabricate the parts. This involves cutting, bending, welding, and prefabricating the components before being integrated into the boat’s structure.

ERP software for shipyard management can help manage the fabrication process by providing access to accurate drawings and designs. This helps reduce errors and ensure quality in each stage of production. Further, ERP systems provide detailed information on materials, labor costs, and other components.

  • Assembly

Now, onto the interesting part: assembly! This is where all the individual parts combine to create the hull, deck, and other parts, transforming it into a functional boat.

Thanks to ERP, you can streamline the assembly process by enjoying real-time visibility into the entire production line. This helps reduce errors and ensure quality control throughout the process. Moreover, ERP systems provide detailed information on parts, labor costs, and other components. This enables you to make better business decisions to optimize production schedules and maximize profits.

  • Finishing

The final step is finishing, which involves priming, painting, and outfitting the boat with features such as seats, controls, and other components.

ERP systems can take this process to the next level. They allow you to track and monitor every step of the finishing process, ensuring quality and accuracy. This helps you keep costs down while creating a superior product.

ERP Helps You Keep Up with Industry Trends

From sustainability to digitalization, the boat manufacturing industry is undergoing drastic changes. ERP innovates boat manufacturing and helps you stay ahead of the curve by providing real-time data and insights into these trends. Here’s a closer look:

●      Sustainability – Environmental sustainability is becoming increasingly essential in the boat manufacturing industry. ERP systems can provide valuable insights into the carbon footprint of your production processes and help you identify areas for improvement.

●      Automation and Technology – Gone are the days of manual manufacturing processes. Today, luxury boat manufacturers leverage advanced technologies like computer-aided design (CAD), robotics, and digital manufacturing to create superior products. ERP systems can provide visibility into the latest technology trends and help you stay ahead of the competition.

●      Electric and Hybrid Propulsion – Traditional combustion engines are becoming less popular due to their environmental impact. As a result, electric and hybrid propulsion systems are gaining traction in the boat manufacturing industry. ERP systems can help you identify potential areas for improvement and capitalize on this growing trend.

●      Connectivity – Connected boats are also becoming more popular due to their convenience and safety. Consumers want a seamless experience, and ERP systems can help you stay up-to-date with the latest technologies to meet their expectations.

Boat Manufacturing Industry Regulations and Standards

Like any other industry, boat manufacturing is subject to various regulations and standards. For example:

●      The International Maritime Organization (IMO) sets safety, maritime security, and pollution prevention standards.

●      The United States Coast Guard (USCG) is responsible for setting safety regulations about boat design and construction.

ERP systems can help you ensure that all components adhere to the latest industry regulations and standards. This helps ensure quality products while reducing costs associated with non-compliance.

Market and Competition

The boat manufacturing industry is highly competitive. New technologies, changing consumer preferences, and emerging markets are all factors that can influence the success of a boat manufacturer.

ERP systems can provide real-time insights into market trends and customer behavior to help you stay ahead of the competition. You can use this information to develop better marketing campaigns and improve production processes.

Final Remarks

ERP systems are revolutionizing the boat manufacturing industry. By providing real-time visibility into production processes, they can reduce costs and improve efficiency. They also make it easier to stay up-to-date with industry regulations and standards while helping you stay ahead of the competition. Ultimately, ERP systems are the perfect tool for any boat manufacturer looking to streamline their operations and maximize profits.

At Encompass Solutions, we’re a premiere ERP software consulting firm passionate about helping our clients achieve their business goals. We specialize in implementing and optimizing ERP systems for boat manufacturers to ensure their operations run smoothly and efficiently. 

Curious to learn more? Download our guide – 7 Ways ERP Can Transform Your Manufacturing Business.


ERP for Furniture Manufacturing

The global furniture industry is expected to grow in market size from $541.52 billion in 2023 to $780.43 billion by 2030. It is a highly competitive market, with businesses striving to keep up with changing consumer demands and the latest technological trends.

For instance, today’s consumers are more likely to favor furniture that is customized and made with sustainable materials. They also seek multipurpose units that meet various needs, e.g., a sofa that doubles as a bed.

In recent years, furniture manufacturing companies have increasingly relied on Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software to better manage their operations and meet changing consumer demands. ERP for the furniture industry helps businesses automate processes, improve accuracy, streamline workflow, and gain real-time visibility into inventory and customer information. So by leveraging the technology, you, too, can improve client satisfaction, enhance competitiveness, and drive sustainable growth.

Common Challenges in the Furniture Manufacturing Industry

No industry is exempt from challenges, and furniture manufacturing is no different. Here are some of the common problems that companies often face:

  • Market competition. As one of the most in-demand and competitive industries, furniture manufacturers always search for innovative solutions to remain competitive.
  • Shifting consumer preferences. Consumers get driven by trends and changing fashions, leading to difficult decisions regarding design, materials, and colors.
  • Global supply chain complexities. You must navigate complex global supply chains if you’re a manufacturer that sources raw materials overseas.
  • Cost management. Furniture manufacturing can be costly, requiring you to manage costs effectively and efficiently.
  • Sustainability and compliance. With the ever-increasing focus on sustainability and compliance, furniture manufacturers must adhere to the latest regulations.
  • Design and innovation. You must keep up with the latest trends and design innovations to meet customer expectations.
  • Changing retail landscape. As online retail continues to expand, furniture manufacturers must adapt to the new landscape and offer a seamless customer experience.
  • Seasonality and inventory management. With the furniture industry being highly seasonal, you must effectively manage your inventory and ensure that customers can find what they need in-store or online.
  • Consumer expectations for customization. Consumers now expect more customization options for their furniture, and manufacturers must be able to meet those needs.
  • Talent acquisition and retention. You must find and retain quality talent to remain competitive.

How ERP Software Improves Furniture Manufacturing Processes

ERP systems can help furniture manufacturing companies overcome these challenges by streamlining operations and providing real-time visibility into data. But you should note that the importance of specific ERP needs may vary depending on the unique needs of each furniture manufacturing company. That said, below are some of the most critical functionalities:

Production Planning and Scheduling

The best ERP for furniture manufacturing should include modules that comprehensively overview production processes and stock management. Production planning and scheduling tools help you make timely decisions, manage your resources better, and reduce costs by optimizing the use of materials at each stage of production.

Inventory Management

For furniture manufacturers, managing inventory is critical to success. ERP software can help you track inventory in real time and build smarter forecasting models to maximize margins and minimize shrinkage. With a reliable ERP solution, you can effortlessly track raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods, improving overall supply chain efficiency.

Supply Chain Management

ERP systems help you manage global supply chains more effectively, including vendor management, procurement, and logistics coordination. That way, you can streamline processes, automate tasks, and monitor current stock levels to minimize costs and ensure materials get delivered on time.

Financial Management

ERP solutions should also include financial modules that enable you to track expenses, analyze profitability, monitor financial performance, and manage budgets more efficiently. With a comprehensive ERP system, you can easily create financial reports and get access to valuable insights into current spending and profits.

Business Intelligence and Analytics

The easiest way to edge over your competitors is to take advantage of ERP’s powerful reporting and analytics capabilities. You can improve your decision-making by gaining first-hand insights into customer behavior, production performance, and inventory management.

Quality Control and Compliance

ERP software can also help you comply with industry regulations and safety standards. Quality control modules enable you to monitor production processes, track materials used, and ensure all products meet quality standards. Moreover, you can effortlessly perform inspections, unmask non-conformities, and gain insights into potential risks.

Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

Did you know? Integrating a CRM module into your ERP system can give you an edge over your competition, allowing you to build better customer relationships and provide more personalized services. With ERP-CRM integration, you can track orders, monitor customer service, automate marketing processes, and access valuable insights into customer behavior.

Mobility and Remote Access

As a furniture manufacturer, you’re not limited to your office or production plant. A reliable ERP system allows you to access vital data and gain insights remotely from any device or location. You can also use mobile apps to stay connected with customers, vendors, and partners in real-time — an invaluable capability that enables you to manage operations more efficiently.

Scalability and Integration

Investing in a first-class ERP solution is like building a strong foundation for future growth. Your ERP system should enable you to easily scale up and down and integrate other applications or portals into your existing infrastructure without disruption. For example, a well-built ERP system can accommodate or encompass solutions like e-commerce stores, manufacturing execution systems (MES), accounting software, and CRM solutions.

Encompass is Your No.1 Rated ERP Software Consulting Firm!

ERP for furniture manufacturing is the ultimate solution for efficient inventory management, supply chain optimization, financial forecasting, and customer relationship management. By combining the power of ERP software with other business solutions, you can maximize process efficiency and gain invaluable insights into customer behavior to stay competitive in the ever-evolving furniture market.

At Encompass Solutions Inc., we take pride in helping manufacturers like you to modernize and optimize their operations. As Epicor’s Premier Partner and preferred value-added reseller, we aim to help you implement the most suitable ERP solution that meets your needs and requirements. So whether you’re in the market for a mission-critical ERP solution, custom development services, or process optimization, we have the expertise and experience to make it happen.

Make sure to reach out to us today and connect with one of our knowledgeable experts. We also encourage you to take advantage of our valuable resource, the guide on 7 Ways ERP Can Revolutionize Your Furniture Manufacturing Business. You can download it now.


Small manufacturing companies often struggle to keep up with the demands of managing their operations using outdated systems like Excel spreadsheets and QuickBooks. As the business grows, these manual processes become increasingly inefficient and time-consuming. Implementing an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solution can revolutionize the way these businesses operate, streamlining processes, enhancing productivity, and providing valuable insights for informed decision-making. But, if not approached strategically, ERP implementations can be complex and challenging. Let’s explore key steps and best practices to ensure a seamless ERP implementation for your manufacturing business.

Conduct a Thorough Needs Assessment

Before embarking on the journey of ERP implementation, it’s important to thoroughly assess your company’s unique needs and requirements. This involves conducting a comprehensive evaluation of your current processes, identifying pain points, and gaining a deep understanding of the areas that require improvement. It’s essential to engage your team throughout this assessment process to gather insights from different perspectives and ensure that all relevant aspects are taken into consideration.

Define Clear Goals and Objectives

Clearly defining your goals and objectives for implementing a solution is a critical step toward a seamless ERP implementation. It’s essential to have a clear understanding of what you hope to achieve through the process. By setting specific and measurable goals, you can track progress and assess the success of your ERP implementation.

Remember that setting realistic goals is crucial to avoid unrealistic expectations or disappointment. Consider the resources available, the complexity of your business processes, and the potential timeline for achieving your objectives. By setting achievable goals, you can maintain motivation and momentum throughout the ERP implementation process.

Create a Comprehensive Implementation Plan

Developing a well-thought-out implementation plan is a crucial step in ensuring the success of your seamless ERP implementation. It provides a roadmap that guides the entire process, minimizing disruptions and keeping the implementation on track. To create an effective plan, it’s important to break down the implementation process into manageable phases, set realistic timelines, and allocate resources accordingly.

  • Break the implementation process down into phases allowing you to tackle the project in a structured and systematic manner. Each phase can focus on specific areas or modules of the ERP system, ensuring that the implementation progresses smoothly and efficiently. 
  • Set realistic timelines to avoid unnecessary pressure or delays. Carefully consider the complexity of your business processes, the scope of the implementation, and the availability of resources when creating the timeline. Strike a balance between completing the implementation within a reasonable timeframe and allowing sufficient time for testing, training, and addressing any unforeseen challenges.
  • Define roles and responsibilities within your organization. Assign tasks and responsibilities to individuals or teams involved in the implementation process. 
  • Communicate expectations to everyone involved in the implementation. Clearly outline the goals, objectives, and desired outcomes of the ERP implementation. 

Remember, the implementation plan should be flexible enough to accommodate unexpected challenges or changes in requirements. Regularly review and update the plan as needed to adapt to evolving circumstances. 

Choose the Right ERP Partner

Selecting the right ERP partner is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in this process. It’s imperative to thoroughly evaluate potential vendors, looking for those with specific experience in the manufacturing industry and a proven track record of successful ERP implementations. 

When assessing ERP partners, consider their customer support capabilities. A responsive and knowledgeable support team is essential to address any issues or concerns that may arise during and after the implementation. Look for vendors that offer timely and reliable support channels, such as phone, email, or live chat, to ensure that you have access to assistance when you need it most.

Also, evaluate the training programs provided by ERP vendors. A comprehensive training program is crucial to equip your team with the necessary skills to effectively use the new ERP system. Look for vendors that offer a combination of on-site or virtual training sessions, user manuals, and online resources. The availability of training materials and ongoing support will empower your team to maximize the benefits of the ERP solution.

Remember, ERP systems evolve, and it’s vital to partner with a vendor that’s committed to continuous improvement. Inquire about the frequency of system updates, the process for implementing these updates, and any additional costs associated with them. 

Prepare and Train Your Team

Effective training and change management are key to user adoption and successful ERP implementation. Involve your team from the early stages and provide comprehensive training programs to familiarize them with the new system. Address any concerns or resistance to change, emphasizing the benefits and long-term value of the ERP solution.

Engaging your team early on creates a sense of ownership and fosters a positive attitude towards the ERP solution. By involving key stakeholders and end-users, you can gain their input, address their concerns, and leverage their expertise to tailor the system to meet the specific needs of your organization. This collaborative approach also promotes a smooth transition from legacy systems to the new ERP solution.

Data Migration and Testing

Migrating data from existing systems to the new ERP solution is a critical step that demands meticulous planning and rigorous testing. To ensure accuracy and consistency, it’s important to cleanse and validate the data before the migration process begins. This involves reviewing and standardizing data formats, removing duplicate or irrelevant information, and verifying data integrity.

Thorough testing of the ERP system is necessary for identifying and resolving any issues or discrepancies before going live. It’s recommended to replicate various scenarios and use cases to assess the system’s performance and functionality. 

User acceptance testing (UAT) is a crucial phase involving end-users in the testing process. This gathers valuable feedback and insights on the user experience and functionality that can be used for further improvements and adjustments before the system is fully deployed. 

Go-Live and Continuous Improvement

When it’s time to go live, ensure a smooth transition by closely monitoring the implementation process. Address any initial challenges promptly and provide adequate support to your team. Post-implementation, continuously monitor and evaluate the system’s performance, gather feedback from users, and implement necessary enhancements to optimize the ERP solution for your specific business needs.

Remember, a successful ERP implementation is not a one-time event but an ongoing process of improvement and optimization. By closely monitoring the implementation process, providing timely support to your team, continuously evaluating system performance, and gathering user feedback, you can maximize the value derived from your ERP solution. The goal is to ensure that the system remains aligned with your evolving business needs and enables you to streamline operations, enhance productivity, and drive growth in the long run.

Conclusion

Implementing an ERP solution is a significant undertaking, but with the right partner and proper planning, small manufacturing businesses can reap substantial benefits. By conducting a thorough needs assessment, defining clear goals, choosing the right ERP partner, preparing and training the team, and following best practices throughout the implementation process, you can position your business for success for a seamless ERP implementation. Embrace the opportunity to enhance efficiency, productivity, and decision-making capabilities with a modern ERP system.

To further assist you in your ERP journey, our team at Encompass Solutions has developed a comprehensive guide, “8 Essential ERP Selection Strategies.” This valuable resource will provide you with expert insights and practical tips to help you navigate the ERP selection process successfully. Download your copy today!


To succeed in Make-to-Order (MTO) and Engineer-to-Order (MTO) manufacturing, you must meet your clients’ diverse needs efficiently and quickly. Today’s customers are increasingly sophisticated, demanding more personalized and configurable products. Consequently, every savvy manufacturer strives to implement innovative processes that beat the obstacles of mass customization. The right technologies can help you address your business and client’s needs and gain a competitive edge. In this pursuit for excellence, an aggressively proficient tool can come in handy. You need a production scheduling solution that can handle special job requirements, visibility, and inventory control. This is where Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software comes in.

This detailed guide will take you through the basics of this revolutionary software, including how it works and how manufacturers can use it to enhance their MTO and ETO robotics components.

The Need for ERP for Robotic Manufacturers

In the current era of the human-centric Industry 5.0, manufacturers are getting the most out of automation to drive efficiency. Companies nowadays make even more significant productivity gains by combining manufacturing automation with advanced technologies like robotics.

Generally, every modern manufacturer strives to achieve sustained business growth and increased revenue. Common strategies include:

  • Producing high-value products.
  • Establishing a loyal clientele.
  • Navigating the disruptions typical of today’s dynamic global markets.

But juggling all these simultaneously isn’t as cut and dried. The solution lies in acquiring basic comprehension of the most accessible and potentially impactful automation aspects. Fortunately, you can seek refuge in a reliable ERP solution.

The Benefits of ERP Solutions

At its core, Enterprise Resource Planning or ERP tools comprise integrated business management processes and tools you can use to oversee your company’s data.

The tool manages your daily operations like procurement, supply chain operations, accounting, compliance and risk management, and project management. Moreover, you can connect it to your machines for better insight into your worker’s and equipment’s performance.

This purpose-built manufacturing tool offers numerous capabilities and features geared towards a competitive advantage. Companies already getting the most out of these tools report the following benefits.

Visibility And Projection Flexibility

These tools offer around-the-clock visibility into your entire manufacturing process and product scope. They save each project’s data, enabling product prediction while allowing you to make appropriate adjustments to your strategy and on-the-fly changes to the company’s supply chain.

Improved Lead Times And Less Waste

This human-centered technology ensures optimal productivity by simplifying processes. The ability to leverage data from previous projects can significantly reduce waste as you’ll be implementing lean strategies.

It Aids In Project Management

ERP’s integrated project management facilitates phase planning and budget creation, storing your data in one location. This includes variance chance orders, task management, invoices, sales orders, purchasing, project-based scheduling, and manufacturing job views.

Advanced Analytics

These tools offer around-the-clock access to real-time production data. They record and review your product’s entire lifecycle, including project purchase records and audit trails. So you can always be sure of backed metrics to aid your decision-making – even if you have to decide on the go.

Aids Scheduling And Planning

ERP solutions inform you of each order’s real-time status, providing superior operational oversights to help you address problems, meet deadlines, tweak workflows, track capabilities, and boost collaboration using the social networking tool. By including manufacturing-focused tools in scheduling and planning, you’ll streamline your process to ensure clients receive the highest quality products on time.

Compliance

By automating your compliance process, you can be sure that you’re always on the right side of the law. The software also provides a comprehensive compliance standards trail for delivery, sourcing, production, and design stages.

Seamless Communication

Besides being a proven streamlining framework for business processes, this tool enables seamless product information communication with complete workflows. This includes client sign-off at all the vital stages, from concept design to provide the final estimate.

Serialization 

Most tools fail to address the crucial aspect of manufacturing: serializing finished products and their components. But an ERP tool will keep you ahead by taking care of serialization, returns, and warranties.

How ERP Software Works

In the most basic sense, Enterprise Resource Planning software simplifies business processes by decentralizing your information database and automating routine tasks. It meets complex needs by supplying the right tools to refine operations, obtain actionable insights, and maintain great partner and client relationships.

ERP streamlines processes to meet demand without increasing costs or sacrificing quality, improving your business performance.

Typically, small and medium-sized entities aren’t self-sufficient. So they rely on external suppliers to support operations. But what happens if your sole source of manufacturing components goes belly up or fails to deliver the vital parts? Your operations will probably come to a halt, and you’ll fail to yield on your orders.

Managing your supplier relationships and maintaining a network of reliable collaborations is crucial. This is your best way to maintain the consistency and quality your client depends on. ERP software provides great supplier relationship tools for this job. It automates vast supply chain processes and empowers manufacturers to make informed decisions and get an edge in the competitive landscape.

The system can serve as your single source of truth or repository for all records, helping you preserve accuracy, fix redundant data entry, and streamline workflows. It supersedes supplier relationship management capabilities to offer a complete suite of supply chain management tools, including the following:

  • Purchase Management
  • Manifesting and Freight Management
  • Advanced Material Management
  • Warehouse Management
  • Supplier Relationship Management
  • Supplier Connect
  • Shipping and Receiving
  • Inventory Management
  • Handhelds

Enhance Your Supplier Relationships and Supply Chain Management

At Encompass Solutions, we understand the role of automation and robotics in manufacturing. Thus, we provide the right solutions to help you excel and scale your processes to meet the demands of today’s growing market.

With years of experience serving manufacturing companies, we understand the industry and all underlying factors that drive Automation tooling and robotics. Moreover, we know how an ERP solution can address your labor and supply chain issues to drive efficiency and enable growth. So you can count on us for valuable insights.

All that said, don’t hesitate to download our Epicor Kinetic Catalogue for Manufacturing. It’s absolutely free!


Epicor ERP is adding more capabilities for integration with the release of Epicor Automation Studio, a low-code/no-code integration platform as a service aimed at average business users. Automation Studio enables organizations to integrate their Epicor products and automate workflows end-to-end across apps, data, and teams.

The Challenge

By not implementing integrations, employees at enterprise organizations can’t access the data they need in the apps they use every day, such as Salesforce, ADP, and ServiceNow. This creates data silos, where employees are forced to: search for data across apps, re-enter data several times, and constantly context switch across applications to accomplish tasks.

Learn more about Epicor Automation Studio below:


Just in time manufacturing is a system of manufacturing that refines manufacturing processes, like part making, assembly, and purchasing to their essential scheduling and execution. This is in contrast to what many manufacturers succumb to in planning months in advance and stockpiling to meet projected demand based on forecasts. It revolves around production on an as-needed basis, which minimizes inventory levels and reduces costs.

Essentially, Just in time manufacturing is a system that seeks to keep inventory and work in process low, while keeping deliverability high.

Who Needs Just In Time Manufacturing?

Both the manufacturer and the customer benefit from the implementation of Just in Time Manufacturing principles. For the manufacturer, the system emerges as an effort to cut down on the 7 wastes of manufacturing. Keep time and associated costs tight on every part of the production process for a streamlined experience and a more organized mode of operation.

For the customer, the search is always on for a supplier that can deliver the highest quality product at the lowest cost in the shortest lead time. By achieving superior internal efficiency, the manufacturer delivers on customer satisfaction more easily.

What Makes The Just In Time Manufacturing System

The just in time manufacturing system is based on the Japanese production levelling system known as Heijunka. As such, it can be broken down into three core concepts: Takt Time, Continuous-flow manufacturing, and a Pull system.

Takt Time 

This component of just in time manufacturing represents the rate at which a manufacturer complete parts or products to meet a customer’s demand. Think of the baton an orchestra conductor uses to keep the band in time. In fact, Takt is the German word for a conductor’s baton. Takt time is a production schedule defined by and perfectly in-time with customer demand. You’ll define your takt time in a way that tells you how many parts to produce per minute, e.g. 1 part per 15 minutes, to be in sync with customer demand.

Continuous-Flow

Continuous-flow manufacturing, also known as repetitive-flow manufacturing, moves a single unit through each step of the production process. This is in direct contrast with batch production for discrete manufacturers, which can lead to idle time on production lines. Continuous-flow units run through the line start to finish. There is no room for idle time. Continuous-flow is a kanban concept that requires a persistent examination of processes at a facility. It revolves around improving efficiency at all stages of production.

Ideally, a facility utilizing a continuous-flow manufacturing system will integrate all production processes and strive for an optimally balanced production line. This means minimizing waste, producing at the lowest cost without sacrificing quality, and delivering goods on time.

The Pull System 

A manufacturing pull system is a reactive strategy that reduces waste in the production process. A “pull” system is demand-dependant. Components used in manufacturing processes get replaced when consumed. This is in direct contrast to a “push” system, also generally referred to as Make-to-Stock (MTS) operations. This is where a facility runs as many products through the production process as possible. Replacement ordering takes place at regular intervals, regardless of demand.

By combining these three essential components of Just In Time manufacturing, an organization can operate on much leaner means. Achieving high efficiency and customer satisfaction doesn’t mean a business has to sacrifice quality or have big pockets. For more information on how to refine your manufacturing operations, reach out to Encompass Solutions using the link below.

About Encompass Solutions

Encompass Solutions, Inc. is an ERP consulting firm, NetSuite Solution Provider and Epicor Gold Partner that offers professional services in business consulting, project management, and software implementation. Whether undertaking full-scale implementation, integration, and renovation of existing systems or addressing the emerging challenges in corporate and operational growth, Encompass provides a specialized approach to every client’s needs. As experts in identifying customer requirements and addressing them with the right solutions, we ensure our clients are equipped to match the pace of Industry.


How ERP Improves Lean Manufacturing

We should start with a quick definition of lean manufacturing for the uninitiated. Lean manufacturing, also referred to as “lean”, is a commitment to minimizing waste of any kind during the manufacturing process. This includes wasted time, materials, and capital. in total, there are seven sources of waste in lean manufacturing, referred to as the “7 Mudas”. ERP improves lean manufacturing by providing visibility and tools to identify wasteful processes and how your organization can continually improve processes to ensure that waste is eliminated wherever possible. Here are a few examples of how ERP improves lean manufacturing operations.

1. Reduced Transport Waste

This form of waste occurs when goods and materials are moved from one location to another, be it to a staging area, warehouse racks, or shipping docks. These activities utilize machinery, operators, and time to complete operations, all of which cost money. Bringing no added value to the manufacturer or customer, this is a non-revenue generating activity. As such, fewer hours spent in the material handling phases of operation means fewer resources wasted. ERP improves lean manufacturing in this case by providing tools that enable more intelligent means of production and efficient logistics activities. Scheduling and monitoring capabilities, as well as equipment utilization visibility and inventory tracking, give teams the insight they need to see where resources are being committed and which steps in a process can be expedited or cut out of the equation entirely.

2. Reduced Inventory Waste

If you’re a Make-to-Stock (MTS) or Mixed-Mode manufacturing business, chances are you expect to have a certain level of raw materials and products maintained in inventory. Make-to-Order (MTO) operations, not so much. However, at any level, having raw materials and semi-finished/finished products tied up in inventory means capital is tied up in inventory. Unless you’re stockpiling for a doomsday scenario, too much inventory is a bad sign. ERP systems provide the framework for achieving maximum efficiency, such as with Just-in-Time (JIT) manufacturing. Just as supermarkets have refined the optimal replenishment cycles for produce, so too can manufacturers remove these sub-par production planning and distribution practices to keep production constantly moving. ERP improves lean manufacturing in this case by providing tools for forecasting accuracy, historical data for sales and products, setting min/max stock levels, and even allowing for automated reordering directives.

3. Less Motion Waste

Motion waste applies to equipment and personnel and occurs in cases where any type of motion or effort occurs in a process that does not add value. Plant layout is the biggest culprit in contributing to motion waste. This is especially so if it impacts material handling activities due to traffic bottlenecks or excessive wear on machinery like forklifts. While it’s not generally feasible to redesign a production floor without halting production, ERP improves lean manufacturing in this case by providing data on machinery utilization and job planning and scheduling on the production floor. With visibility into what processes are taking more time or what machines are working at less-than-optimum efficiency, manufacturers can collaborate with engineers and suppliers to ensure their facilities are achieving maximum efficiency.

 4. Less Time Wasted Waiting

If nothing is happening, time is wasted. This can be the result of production bottlenecks, machine downtime, production teams not being in sync, or waiting on decision-critical data. Fortunately, ERP improves lean manufacturing in this case by providing teams with one source of data that everyone can rely on and retrieve when necessary. It helps to identify bottlenecks, plan jobs and schedules more efficiently, as well as facilitate decision-making with the data needed to execute mission-critical strategies.

how erp improves lean manufacturing scheduling

5. Avoiding Over-production

The Big One when it comes to the 7 wastes, overproduction contributes to all other forms of waste in lean manufacturing. In short, it means you are making more of a product than consumers require, or goods are produced before they are needed, leaving them to sit in inventory. Supply chain management, procurement, and demand planning are both the cause and solutions of overproduction. Fortunately, ERP improves lean manufacturing in this case by delivering purpose-built tools to enable better supply chain management, automating the procurement process, and accurately forecasting demand based on historical data and industry trends.

how erp improves lean manufacturing production

6. Avoiding Over-processing

In the case of over-processing, you are putting in work that has no value. For example, on the production floor, you’re painting the inside of a car fender that will never be seen by anyone by a mechanic. This activity adds no value for the customer and serves only to take more valuable time away from your production team. Not to mention, paint ain’t free. Over-processing carries over to your field service and sales teams, too. Time wasted with manual entry can cost you valuable time. It can even cost you a customer if that manual entry results in order errors. Fortunately, ERP improves lean manufacturing in this case by automating such processes. You can click a single button and have a quote automatically turned into a Bill of Materials (BOM). Further insights deliver critical information on your production goals and sales KPIs.

7. Avoiding Defects

Defects don’t just waste time and materials, they waste your customers’ time and patience. Going even further, defective products that make it off the shop floor and into those customers’ homes or facilities reduces your industry reputation. For these reasons, defects are a high-priority waste that needs to be tackled. Unfortunately, it’s not always an easy task. ERP improves lean manufacturing in this case by completing checks and aligning production against standards you’ve set in the system. Products and processes that don’t conform raise flags so that your teams can address these instances before they become issues.

About Encompass Solutions

Encompass Solutions, Inc. is an ERP consulting firm, NetSuite Solution Provider, and Epicor Platinum Partner that offers professional services in business consulting, project management, and software implementation. Whether undertaking full-scale implementation, integration, and renovation of existing systems or addressing emerging challenges in corporate and operational growth, Encompass provides a specialized approach to every client’s needs. As experts in identifying customer requirements and addressing them with the right solutions, we ensure our clients are equipped to match the pace of the Industry.


Manufacturers and Manufacturing solution providers are eager to learn about what industry leaders and professionals forecast as the 2019 Manufacturing trends to keep a close eye on. NetSuite’s Senior Director for Global Manufacturing Center of Excellence David Gustovich sat down in a recent interview with Hayley Null, NetSuite’s Manufacturing Industry Marketing Lead, to discuss the 2019 Manufacturing Trends he expects to see take root.

This interview was previously published on the Netsuite Blog, here.

2019 Manufacturing Trends

Hayley Null: What do you recommend that manufacturers pay attention to in 2019?

David Gustovich: Based on my research and conversations with our manufacturing customers, 3 main trends will affect manufacturing companies in 2019.

  • State-of-the-art technology becoming more widely accepted
  • The potential slowdown of the global economy
  • Greater adoption of new revenue channels, including servicing

Null: How does the increasing adoption of state-of-the-art technology (i.e. Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Blockchain, the Internet of Things) help manufacturers gain a competitive edge?

Gustovich: As 2019 progresses, more and more companies are going to embrace this advanced functionality than ever before. Next-generation technology can be used as a strategic weapon to allow manufacturers, and companies in general, to manage their businesses more profitably and efficiently, increase operating effectiveness, better serve customers and create new revenue channels. Specifically, companies can drive more effectiveness in their global supply chain (form order management, procurement, delivery, logistics, distribution, managing partner, and outsourcing networks), which is always a top priority for manufacturers. Through better visibility and awareness, these technologies open new doors that weren’t there before.

an image of blockchain technology as one of the predicted 2019 manufacturing trends

Null: How should manufacturers prepare for the risk of a potential global economic slowdown?

Gustovich: To ride some of the turbulent waves of any potential downturn, manufacturers are investing more in customer service and maintaining business continuity. One of the areas manufacturers are investing in specifically is inventory management. Manufacturing companies must ensure they have the correct inventory alignment, meaning not carrying more inventory than they need, to keep inventory costs low while meeting customers’ expectations. The bottom line is that manufacturers are, or should be, looking at new initiatives that will allow them to come out of a possible slowdown stronger, and maintain or gain a competitive edge against the competition.

Null: You mentioned that manufacturers can use technology to create new revenue channels- can you speak a bit more about how manufacturers are creating new revenue channels? 

Gustovich: One of the most prominent ways to diversify revenue channels is through eCommerce, mobile and social media. Manufacturers must fully embrace these platform capabilities as an outlet to drive new revenues (acquire new customers, retain current customers, increase brand recognition) and create new customer experiences (diversify product line, add after-sales servicing) – or fall behind.

an image illustrating that manufacturers will needs to step up customer experiences as one of the big 2019 manufacturing trends

Null: We’ve been discussing what lies ahead for manufacturers in 2019. Switching gears, were there any big surprises for manufacturers in 2019? 

Gustovich: I would say that the biggest surprise was probably the amount of receptivity and visibility that AI and Blockchain are starting to gain in the marketplace. How accepted these capabilities are becoming is a good barometer of things to come.

About Encompass Solutions

Encompass Solutions, Inc. is an ERP consulting firm, NetSuite Solution Provider, Suite Success Partner, and Epicor Gold Partner that offers professional services in business consulting, project management, and software implementation. Whether undertaking full-scale implementation, integration, and renovation of existing systems or addressing emerging challenges in corporate and operational growth, Encompass provides a specialized approach to every client’s needs. As experts in identifying customer requirements and addressing them with the right solutions, we ensure our clients are equipped to match the pace of the Industry.


It’s been said that the only thing worse than drinking a warm beverage is watching someone else drink a cold one. This doesn’t have to be a fate you’ll taste any longer thanks to an exciting new twist in beverage packaging technology.

On-Demand Chilled Beverage Packaging Technology

The new technology Chill-Can presents improves the manufacturing ability of such options, making it a viable option for beverage manufacturers. Using liquefied CO2 as the coolant in this Heat Exchange Unit (HEU), this two-piece twist mechanism makes the simple chilling of beverages while on the go a reality. In total, it takes about 80 seconds for the activated product to cool the beverage kept inside its housing. The device can even be shaped for specific applications, be it 8oz, 12oz, 16oz, or any other style of beverage can.

The device itself weighs about 150g grams and will lower the affected beverage’s temperature by around 30 degrees. Makers of the Chill-Can, The Joseph Co., currently hold 31 patents that pertain to the unique technology, its manufacturing process, and the HEU coatings.

The Chill-Can currently costs consumers an additional $1.50 on top of the cost of the associated beverage, a price point the market has quickly responded to and, according to Joseph, retailers “couldn’t keep them on the shelf.”

Going Beyond Beverage Packaging Technology And Manufacturing

The Chill Can beverage packaging technology has enjoyed resounding approval from consumers since its debut, but many look forward to applications that benefit humanity beyond quenching thirst on a hot day.

The medical field stands to benefit greatly from this mobile chilling technology. Organs being transported from donors to recipients are an obvious application, but fragile medicines and lab samples that need to be kept cool while in transit are other applications that will likely benefit from this technology as it develops.

The full Packaging Digest article on the Chill-Can and an interview with, the chairman/CEO of The Joseph Co. Intl and West Coast Chill, Mitchell Joseph, can be found here.

About Encompass Solutions

Encompass Solutions, Inc. is an ERP consulting firm and Epicor Platinum Partner that offers professional services in business consulting, project management, and software implementation. Whether undertaking full-scale implementation, integration, and renovation of existing systems or addressing emerging challenges in corporate and operational growth, Encompass provides a specialized approach to every client’s needs. As experts in identifying customer requirements and addressing them with the right solutions, we ensure our clients are equipped to match the pace of the Industry.