Manufacturing is inherently custom. Every shop has different machines, different processes, different customers. So why do most manufacturers try to run their operations on generic software?
The Manufacturing Software Problem
Off-the-shelf manufacturing software typically fails because:
- It assumes standard processes that don't exist in job shops
- It can't adapt to your specific machine capabilities
- Integration with existing equipment is painful or impossible
- It requires changing your processes to fit the software
Key Areas for Custom Manufacturing Software
Production Planning & Scheduling
- Capacity planning based on actual machine capabilities
- Job scheduling with setup time optimization
- Material requirements planning
- Work order management
Shop Floor Management
- Real-time production tracking
- Machine monitoring and OEE
- Operator instructions and documentation
- Downtime tracking and analysis
Quality Control
- Inspection planning and scheduling
- Statistical process control (SPC)
- Non-conformance tracking
- Certificate of conformance generation
Quoting & Estimating
- Custom quoting logic based on your cost drivers
- Historical data for estimate accuracy
- Quote to actual comparison
- Margin analysis
Integration Considerations
Custom manufacturing software often needs to connect with:
- CNC machines and PLCs
- ERP systems (QuickBooks, SAP, etc.)
- CAD/CAM software
- Measurement and inspection equipment
- Barcode and RFID systems
Case Study: Job Shop Transformation
A precision machining company was using spreadsheets and whiteboards to manage production. After implementing custom software:
- On-time delivery improved from 72% to 96%
- Quoting time reduced by 65%
- Setup time reduced by 20% through better sequencing
- Quality escapes reduced by 80%
Modernize Your Manufacturing Operations
We build software that fits how you actually run your shop—not how software vendors think you should.
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