There are a lot of frustrating situations in the glass manufacturing business. Orders entered late, wasted glass, slow production times. With all these factors to juggle, updating your software is probably the last thing on your mind. It shouldn’t be. While you may think that your software is working with you to help you manage your business, if it’s become outdated it’s only slowing you down. So how do you know if your manufacturing software is hurting instead of helping? Here are 5 signs you’ve outgrown your software:
1. You’re working on old machines.
While you might think that you’re saving money by not upgrading your computers, you’re actually hurting your productivity. If you can’t replace your outdated technology because your software will only run on the dinosaur in your office, it’s time to move on. Software that isn’t regularly updated and maintained is not a good investment for the future of your business. Consider software solutions that come with a maintenance package with a highly trained team of experts to help you when you need it.
2. You’re getting new machines.
On the other hand, you might be looking to upgrade your production machinery. Are you planning to purchase new tempering oven so you don’t have to outsource anymore? Have you decided to start offering more shapes and sizes and need a more advanced cutting table? Make sure your old software will integrate with the new equipment. If not, it’s time to upgrade. With Industry 4.0 in full force, it’s imperative that your machines and your software work seamlessly together and help you keep up with your growing demand.
3. Did someone say growing demand?
Your business is growing and your software is starting to fall short. Entering large orders is almost impossible because your software system was built for a small company and it's slowing you down. You need a solution that streamlines and optimizes your production from order entry to delivery to get those large orders filled. Keep your customers happy by giving them access to real-time updates on their order status. Automatically allocate glass to racks and never misplace materials again. Keep track of every sheet and unit with barcodes that show you where it is in the production process at any time.
4. The competition has upgraded.
If there is one surefire sign that it's time upgrade your software, it's this one. If the competition is throwing out their old ERP, you could be falling behind. You need to keep up with the latest technology in order to maintain your competitive advantage. While you may not be quite ready to fully automate your factory floor, investing in the right software now will build the foundation for future growth.
5. Your production costs are rising.
