4 Key Advantages of Cloud Software for Device Manufacturers and Equipment Engineering Businesses

Cloud MRP software tools are force multipliers that can have several positive impacts on a small manufacturing business. In this article, we will discuss some of the key advantages of digital business tools, specifically within the context of device manufacturing and equipment engineering companies.?

Seamless ISO 9001 integration

One of the most impactful benefits of cloud MRP tools is their ability to integrate ISO 9001 requirements into the logical flow of the business. This means that there is no need to hire extra personnel specifically to manage compliance. This is ideal as SMEs don’t typically have the budget for extraneous staffing.?

‘Having a good management system that's aligned with the ISO 9001 standard was a no-brainer for us.’ - Gareth Black, Technical Director, Flint Subsea

Digital business tools help improve traceability of both raw materials and completed products. Traceability is a critical aspect of ISO 9001 and it is made easy because the digital tool logs all information as part of normal business processes. The data is always available and is simple to access.

‘Material traceability and recording what materials go into the final build is probably one of the most important aspects of our quality system and the simplicity with which Flowlens does it makes it such an easy process.’ - Nathan Peel, Engineering Director, Denatec Limited

Increased profitability & cash control

The basic requirement of any business is the generation of profits. Digital business tools increase the efficiency of all business processes which, in turn, results in less resource wastage. As mentioned previously, modern, integrated cloud business systems help eliminate administrative roles since the system handles most of these tasks automatically.?

‘I think we've probably saved about two days per quarter in messing around with VAT returns because I'm not messing up the accounting package anymore.’ - Gareth Black

Over and above this, because all relevant information can be quickly retrieved, job quotes become much quicker and easier to make. Being able to get quotes out to potential clients quicker than competitors means greater chances of securing the job.

‘Flowlens' ability to turn from inquiry to sales lead to quotation to sales order – and the smooth transition in between all of those – means that we've been able to get quotes out to customers very, very quickly. It wins us a lot of work.’ - Nathan Peel

Seamless accounting system integration

There are many different digital business tools on the market including powerful accountancy packages like Xero and Quickbooks. But companies often make the mistake of using these tools for more than what they were originally designed for. Cloud business tools like Flowlens integrate seamlessly with many different accounting packages to connect the digital business with material requirements planning (MRP software), manufacturing customer relationship management (CRM) and accounting all integrated into one system.?

This type of integration makes everyone's jobs easier and allows the generation of detailed reports on various business metrics using real-time data. It allows business owners to keep their fingers on the company’s pulse and deal with any potential problems before they cause trouble.

‘So now with our system, and in this case, Flowlens providing the tools for running the front end of the business, we leave QuickBooks to deal with the accounts, without confusing everyone with all the other stuff.’ - Gareth Black

Single source of truth

Data management in most companies is an organically grown set of different storage methods from databases to spreadsheets. These systems often work because they have been painstakingly developed over time. However, mere functionality does not mean that they are efficient. Organic data systems tend to become unwieldy with very few people in the business understanding of how everything fits together.?

Digital business tools ensure that all data is kept in a single place that’s accessible to anyone who needs it. In addition to this, dashboards can be created to present this data in an easily digestible format.

‘If you think your spreadsheets and homemade databases are working just fine, then I think you'd be surprised at the difference a professionally produced and slick tool will make to your business.’ - Gareth Black

The above-listed points are only a small subset of the potential advantages that can be gleaned from cloud-based business and manufacturing tools like Flowlens. Visit our website flowlens.com for helpful guides and case studies on transforming your business process in the cloud.

‘I think if you're wavering about the need to implement a business management system, then you should probably just get on with it.’ - Gareth Black

Watch detailed case studies by Gareth Black from Flint Subsea, and Nathan Peel from Denatec Engineering, or start a free 14 day trial of Flowlens.