The metals industry is in a constant state of flux, and oftentimes, technology is the means by which metal fabricators and steel service centers keep pace with the sector. There is an assumption that only the biggest enterprises can afford the latest tech, but while that might have been true in the past, innovations like cloud computing have changed the game for everyone.
In this article, we’ll look at the ways that smaller steel and metal companies can embrace innovation and optimization.
Grow Your Business with RealSTEEL™
The tech space is highly competitive and driven by rapidly advancing technologies like machine learning and AI. It creates an innovative space, keeps prices affordable, and means that all companies—regardless of size or budget—can find an entry point.
Cloud computing is a great example. It means companies can tap into the benefits of big data without buying the infrastructure. RealSTEEL™ is an advanced enterprise resource planning (ERP) system that can give smaller companies in the metals sector the same technological clout as much bigger enterprises.
It’s a scalable solution, so you only pay for the features and integrations that you need. As your business grows, your client list expands, and you have more needs to meet, you can simply upgrade.
Here are a few of the benefits of using RealSTEEL™ ERP solutions for small metal fabricators and steel service centers:
Full Inventory Visibility
Inventory management can make or break a small business. Overstocking is wasteful and expensive; understocking risks slowing down production and damaging customer relationships. You need to find a balance, and RealSTEEL™ inventory management software can help with that.
It tracks all of your inventory in real time and provides detailed reports covering everything from quantities and dimensions to chemical attributes. As soon as new materials arrive, they are added to the inventory, earmarked for customers, and then tracked throughout the production cycle.
If you’re running low, simply order more using another RealSTEEL™ ERP feature.
All-in-One Purchasing
Although small companies have fewer variables to consider, they also can’t afford to hire large teams to manage their finances, and as they scale and those demands increase, financial management can get very complicated.
The RealSTEEL™ all-in-one financial solution simplifies the purchasing process, with quick sales orders, easy calculations, and complete control over all costs. You can create, post, and print invoices with ease, manage customer and product discounts, and create return orders.
Time-Saving Automation
Machine learning has been a godsend for smaller businesses. It means that many simple but essential jobs that were once the reserve of entry-level employees can now be left to a highly accurate algorithm that is constantly learning and improving.
These features are built into RealSTEEL™ ERP integrations and allow for automation across the board. You can manage invoices, program workflows, process returns, and even communicate with customers. Employees can be directed to areas that best serve their skills, freeing up more of your time and saving you money while promoting growth.
A Single Source
RealSTEEL™ provides a single source of information that all of your employees can access. It promotes communication throughout the business, and means you’re not constantly transferring data from one program to another and losing valuable insights in the process.
Your warehouse team will know which materials are available and which ones need to be reordered; your sales team can check client orders, fulfill requests, and handle complaints. Nothing gets lost in the noise, and everything is updated in real-time.
Scalable and Customizable Solutions
RealSTEEL™ was designed for companies in the metals manufacturing sector, but what works for your competitors might not work for you. That’s why we offer customized integrations, including:
- Pipe and tube software
- Inventory management
- Multi-line processing software
- Plate processor software
- Flat-rolled software
It’s completely scalable, so as you grow and your needs increase, the software will grow with you.
What are the Challenges of Running a Small Metals Business?
One of the biggest challenges of running a small metals manufacturing company is that you’re competing with companies that have bigger budgets and greater capabilities. You may be limited with regard to the materials you can work with, the products you can offer, and the equipment you use.
Your margins may be smaller as you struggle to keep pace with bigger companies, and there is little room for error.
A tailor-made ERP system can remedy many of these issues. It will reduce waste and downtime while optimizing resources. By giving you complete visibility over your business operations, you can also find areas in need of improvement.
Other Ways to Save
New technological implementations can be expensive, but if used properly, technology will save you money in the long term.
- Focus on Cost-Effective Design and Planning: Audit your planning and design process to find ways of reducing material waste and optimizing production. Use the data generated by your ERP system to find sustainable cost-cutting methods.
- Optimize Materials: Find ways to utilize remnants and offcuts while minimizing scrap. Look for alternative materials where available. For instance, reclaimed or recycled materials could reduce production costs while lowering your carbon footprint.
- Streamline Workflows: Create standardized operating processes and streamline your workflows to improve efficiency.
- Stay Versatile: Hire employees who can perform various roles and train them to use ERP integrations. Invest in versatile equipment that can complete multiple production tasks. A versatile business is an adaptable and efficient one.
- Automate Where Possible: In some areas of your business, there is no substitute for a skilled and experienced employee, but those employees should be directed to tasks that best utilize their skills, leaving AI to fill the gaps. Automation will save you time and money, while also improving accuracy and providing consistent results.
Stay Competitive with RealSTEEL™
RealSTEEL™ ERP is an accessible, easy-to-use, and affordable solution for companies of all sizes and budgets. Contact RealSTEEL™ for more information or request a demo to see our software in action.
