In the ever-evolving world of manufacturing, efficiency and integration are critical. One of the biggest headaches in manufacturing operations is the many separate systems. Siloe'd solutions come in many forms to run production, track shipments, operate the business, and cater to customers.
Steelhead Technologies introduced a single Manufacturing ERP system to solve the problems caused by separate software solutions. This one-stop-shop replaces several standalone applications, streamlining processes and enhancing overall effectiveness. Let's explore the various systems Steelhead replaces. You will also learn more about the features and benefits that make Steelhead a game-changer for manufacturers.
1. Timesheets
According to a survey by Statista, 72% of manufacturers believe integrated timesheet solutions enhance workforce management. Steelhead’s manufacturing ERP simplifies time tracking and payroll management by providing a centralized platform for timesheets.
Admins or users with advanced privileges can set up pay periods, define overtime parameters, and manage time-off allocations. This feature eliminates the need for separate timesheet software, ensuring accurate and efficient payroll processing. When you integrate timesheets and production systems, you can access labor efficiency insights and metrics.
“...even with ADP, we have a hard time tracking which hourly employees have how time off allocated,” explained a Plant Manager of a powder coating plant. “Steelhead’s Timesheets is going to help with this.”
The President of a large plating shop received quotes for a new time-tracking system. The quotes ranged from $4,200 to $7,200 per year. The President was happy that Steelhead's timesheets would spare this expense.
2. Quality Management System (QMS)
According to Aberdeen Group, 57% of manufacturers saw improved product quality through integrated QMS. This statistic alone emphasizes the importance of a structured and integrated QMS process.
The Quality Management System in Steelhead ensures consistent product quality and compliance with regulatory standards. It includes a dashboard for tracking and managing orders that do not meet quality standards. QMS allows job shops to:
- place parts on hold
- create Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs)
- generate Corrective Action Reports (CARs)
- streamline the quality control process
Integrating QMS and production enhances workflows, making them more efficient and accurate. This improves quality resolution and tracking of the cost of quality.
3. Inventory Management
A study by Wasp Barcode Technologies found that 46% of manufacturers face challenges with manual inventory tracking. This supports the need for integrated solutions.
Manufacturers often need to physically return to the warehouse to check inventory before beginning an order. This is necessary to determine the quantity of items available for production. Once they have this information, they can proceed with fulfilling the order. With little notice, inventory hiccups can set orders back and frustrate customers.
Steelhead's Inventory Management feature manages supplies and materials and offers a real-time view of inventory levels. It simplifies batch tracking and allows for easy addition of new inventory batches. This centralized approach eliminates the need for standalone inventory management software.
4. Scheduling & Capacity Planning
According to the International Journal of Production Research, 68% of manufacturers improved on-time delivery through integrated scheduling systems. Many job shops leverage whiteboards and printed paper sheets to keep track of scheduling and capacity planning. This can cause a major headache during customer inquiries. Customers can feel ignored if they do not have access to scheduling updates.
Capacity Planning in Steelhead allows users to schedule work ahead of time. This provides accurate lead times and eliminates production bottlenecks. The scheduling features allow for instant rearrangement of work across the plant and efficient resource application.
5. Production Orders & Instructions
According to the Manufacturing Institute, 62% of manufacturers believe digital instructions improve production efficiency. Steelhead's Work Order system provides detailed instructions for tasks on the plant floor, including customer and part number assignments.
Steelhead’s system allows for step-by-step completion of recipes, with options for marking parts as complete at each stage. Photo and video instructions enhance the production process and allow non-English speakers to easily understand production needs. Real-time and historical details on part location can provide deep insight into:
- Job Costing
- Production Performance
- ...and much more
6. Quoting
The Aberdeen Group reports a 20% reduction in quote-to-cash cycles for manufacturers with integrated quoting solutions. The quoting feature in Steelhead ERP accelerates the quote generation process, responding to sales inquiries promptly. It automates the creation of professional PDF quotes, pulling in relevant data from other modules within the software. Custom quote stages streamline workflows.
7. Shipping, Receiving & Logistics
The integrated process shouldn’t end once the parts leave the door. A study by FedEx found that 70% of manufacturers believe integrated shipping solutions enhance customer satisfaction. Keep satisfying customers by giving them information and clarity until they get their orders.
Steelhead's Shipping and Receiving Dashboards give a view of received part numbers or inventory. This simplifies the tracking and management of incoming shipments. The system includes a shipment manager for scheduling and tracking packages, streamlining the logistics process.
This logistics tracking feature lets you turn on Truck Mode. The Trucking Dashboard displays packing slips and bills of lading that require signing.
8. NADCAP Certification Management
According to a study by NIST, 80% of manufacturers experience time savings through integrated certification management systems. Historically a time-consuming task, NADCAP certification management becomes seamless with Steelhead's integration. The NADCAP Scanner, coupled with digital certificates and specifications, automates the certification process, saving time and ensuring compliance with certification standards.
9. Cyber Security Support
A survey by Deloitte found that 68% of manufacturers prioritize cybersecurity in their technology investments. Companies need a strong cybersecurity system to maintain customer relationships.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) recommends that U.S. manufacturers, including surface finishers, improve their computer systems to meet new regulations. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security introduced a new initiative called SBOM Requirements for Critical Software, which included this requirement.
The program involves maintaining a formal record with details and supply chain relationships of various software components. It proves useful for developers, vendors, and operators to ensure components are current, assess risks, and manage vulnerabilities. This is leading to unexpected expenses for many metal finishing companies that collaborate with large manufacturers.
Steelhead offers the Gov+ service package, helping companies help with cybersecurity understanding and preparation. The gov+ package ensures a secure environment and encrypted data. The program acts as a more affordable option compared to hiring in-house or expensive IT consultants.
10. Customer Portal
Forrester Research shared that 73% of consumers prefer to access order documentation and track order status through self-service portals over relying on customer service representatives. This indicates a growing trend and preference for a do-it-yourself approach to accessing order-related information.
Zendesk found that companies with self-service options for customers experienced a 33% increase in overall customer satisfaction. This statistic underscores the positive impact of DIY access to order documentation, shipping updates, certifications, and order status on customer satisfaction levels.
The customer service portal in Steelhead's manufacturing ERP replaces manual customer service inquiries, redundant emails, and homegrown solutions. Customers get easy access to documents and order information, including quotes, work orders, certificates, and more.
Summary
Steelhead's all-in-one job shop software improves manufacturing by replacing siloed software solutions with a cohesive, integrated platform. Steelhead ERP offers a comprehensive solution for manufacturing challenges. It includes features such as timesheets, quality management, inventory, and cybersecurity compliance. This solution helps improve efficiency and allows shops to gain a competitive edge.