Written by: Paul Van Metre
In manufacturing, the cost of raw materials, machine maintenance, and overtime is apparent. But lurking beneath the surface is a hidden expense that can undermine efficiency: manual processes.
For machine shops and manufacturing companies, manual workflows—like juggling spreadsheets, handwritten notes, or outdated systems—are more than just inconvenient. They hinder productivity, increase errors, and limit growth. As John Zmuda, president of Moseys Production Machinists, explains, adopting modern manufacturing ERP and QMS software can transform operations, culture, and customer relationships.
Why Manual Workflows Hurt Your Shop:
Before embracing a cutting-edge manufacturing ERP system, Moseys relied on Excel and Access to track metrics. This patchwork approach required John to work late into the night just to piece together critical data. Not only was this inefficient, but it also made the business overly reliant on individual knowledge instead of scalable, shared systems.
Manual processes also bogged down other departments. For instance, Joanna, Moseys’ customer service lead, spent hours keying in data and searching through outdated systems. This left her with little time for proactive communication with clients or resolving their issues quickly.
The Shift to a Modern ERP and QMS Software:
When Moseys adopted an integrated machine shop ERP and QMS software, the changes were immediate and profound. Instead of wasting evenings building spreadsheets, John gained valuable time back to focus on strategy and growth. Joanna was freed from time-consuming order entry tasks, enabling her to deliver faster, more responsive customer service.
“Now,” John shares, “instead of spending hours chasing down data, we have time to strategize, experiment, and grow the business.” With the right software for manufacturing, the team could focus on proactive improvements and customer relationships, earning trust and strengthening partnerships.
The adoption of these tools didn’t just save time; it revolutionized the company’s culture. Younger employees were attracted to the digitized, paperless environment, and the team began spending more time-solving problems, innovating, and collaborating.
The ROI of Manufacturing ERP and QMS Software:
The return on investment (ROI) for implementing a machine shop ERP goes far beyond cost savings. For Moseys, digitization unlocked growth and operational agility while preventing burnout.
“Without these changes, we’d still be running, but at half the capacity,” John explains. “We’d be so busy working in the business that we couldn’t work on the business. That’s a recipe for burnout.”
This shift allowed Moseys to focus on strategic planning and innovation, such as exploring AI and automation opportunities. By integrating ERP with software for manufacturing quality management, the company also improved accuracy and streamlined processes, ensuring they delivered on promises to customers.
Transforming the Business Through Technology:
The lesson is clear: manual processes are an invisible tax on your business, one that drains resources and limits your potential. Modern ERP and QMS software eliminate inefficiencies and position manufacturing companies to succeed in a competitive industry.
For machine shops still relying on outdated workflows, it’s time to ask: What is the real cost of sticking with the status quo? Imagine how much time your team could reclaim with systems designed to streamline operations, improve quality, and enhance customer service.
Take a page from Moseys’ playbook: Adopt a modern manufacturing ERP and see the difference it can make. Free up your time to focus on what truly matters—serving customers, driving innovation, and building a workplace where your team thrives. If your current ERP or shop & office systems don’t allow you to slash manual time, the team at ProShop ERP is here to help. We’ve helped hundreds of companies truly transform their office and shop operations, so book a call and see if we can help you do the same.