Engineer-to-Order (ETO) manufacturing is a distinct type of manufacturing that involves very high levels of customer input on each and every order processed. This article will discuss the ways that SMe software solutions can help businesses who practice ETO manufacturing.
What Sets ETO Apart?
For the majority of manufacturing companies, make-to-order style production is the most common form of doing business. This entails that the company has a predetermined set of “standardized” products, which are made in order to fulfil orders as they are received. For more aggressive producers (generally those who deal with the highest volume yet lowest cost items,) make-to-stock production allows for higher inventory. For those companies that deal with the lowest volume yet most customized, most specific orders, engineer-to-order style manufacturing usually fits the bill. This type of production is, therefore, most commonly associated with sectors such as aerospace and specialized medical equipment–manufacturing styles that require lots of customer input and personalization.
Because engineer-to-order manufacturing is such a distinct type of production, we think it’s important to highlight a few of the ways that traditional manufacturing management software can still aid the ETO process just as it does with other forms of manufacturing.
- Collaborate with clients more effectively. The defining characteristic of ETO manufacturing is the high level of customer input and collaboration. SMe Software tools such as integrated client databases and real-time production floor management help facilitate this process.
- Complete projects faster. One of the principal purposes of manufacturing management software is efficiency. By eliminating time wasted on data entry, mismanagement of information, and communication between departments, manufacturing management software aims to allow all employees to focus on more productive tasks–thus facilitating quicker turnaround times on production. This is especially important for ETO orders, which tend to take a relatively long time from start to finish.
- Reduce Expenses. On a similar note, shorter production times equal less costs–and this extremely important when it comes to ETO manufacturing, which typically involves competitive bidding and low profit margins.
Learn More!
SMe Software offers a world premier manufacturing management system developed specifically for small to medium-sized businesses. For more information, visit our website or call 877-762-7766 x111 today!
