A manufacturing business needs a digital program to automate and streamline critical aspects of its operations. These tools include inventory management, employee management, and more. Some solutions provide mode-specific tools for discrete, process, engineering-to-order, make-to-stock, and job-shop manufacturing.

Know Your Measurements

Knowing your measurements is vital to finding the right size clothing in stores or online. Incorrect sizing is responsible for up to 40% of fashion returns. And those returned items often end up in landfills or incinerators — which can be costly for the apparel industry and the environment. To avoid this, take the time to learn how to measure yourself correctly. With a bit of practice, it’s easy to find a size that fits.

Best manufacturing software has many different features, but the best fit for your business depends on the type of manufacturing process you use. ERP solutions are designed for each manufacturing mode, such as process and mixed-mode, light assembly (kitting), professional services, engineering to order, make-to-stock and repetitive (job shop), and industrial or wholesale distribution.

For instance, manufacturing businesses with complex production processes can benefit from ERP tools. The solution provides advanced planning and scheduling functionality so manufacturers can accurately predict their production capacity. It also allows users to monitor their inventory in real-time and optimize stock levels.

Small- to medium-sized manufacturers can manage their production from start to finish with this software. Its centralized production management system can help streamline your manufacturing workflow and automate tasks to increase productivity. The solution also includes manufacturing inventory management and an e-commerce module for e-ordering and quoting. Its user-friendly interface makes it simple for anyone to use.

Try on the Clothes

The fit of your clothes is crucial to how you look and feel. Properly fitting clothing will flatter your shape, hide imperfections, and keep you comfortable. To find the perfect fit, you’ll need to know your measurements and experiment with different brands and sizing systems. Taking measurements can help, but a shopping and trends expert advises shoppers to use a soft tape measure, like those found in tailor shops, for more accurate results.

The fabric you choose and the garment brand can also impact fit, so it’s essential to test for fit by putting on a few pieces and moving around in them. Try to turn while wearing them, lift your arms, sit down, etc. This way, you’ll understand how the clothing will move with your body when you wear it, and you can avoid uncomfortable surprises.

If you can, it’s helpful to keep a notebook or smartphone app where you can note the sizes that work for you. Over time, you’ll build a stable of brands, cuts, and styles you can easily find and shop for. You’ll also be able to identify when you need to go up or down in size and when the label number doesn’t match the reality of your fit.

Don’t Forget the Accessories

The right manufacturing software can make your company more efficient and profitable by saving time and reducing wasteful activities. It can also help you manage production costs by automating and streamlining repeatable processes. This way, you can produce goods more quickly and accurately — without sacrificing quality or profit.

To determine the most suitable option., it’s essential to understand your needs and consider the different types of manufacturing software available. Each class has additional functionality and application, but most tools share two objectives: minimizing waste and saving time.

For example, Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software creates detailed 3D models of products and parts, while Computer-Aided Milling (CAM) software generates tool paths and CNC machine instructions. Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) software is used to manage the entire lifecycle of a product, from design to manufacturing and maintenance.

Manufacturing Resource Planning (MRP) software centralizes business data for improved production efficiency. It can include inventory tracking, material planning and scheduling, cost allocation, job tracking, and more. It’s an excellent choice for businesses that manufacture standardized items in large quantities, such as the automotive industry.

Manufacturing software comes in different types, including Management software that helps businesses monitor and enhance their operations. Compared to ERP software, this software is usually more affordable and suitable for small manufacturers that require essential functions such as inventory tracking, bill of materials management, and business reporting.

Do Your Research

When finding the right manufacturing software, you’ll want to do your homework. There are many options out there, and not all will fit perfectly. Start by checking reviews from other users to get a sense of the strengths and weaknesses of each.

Also, look into the vendor’s installation and set-up costs. In some cases, hardware or modules may be required for the system to function correctly in a manufacturing setting, which will add to your overall cost.

An excellent place to start is by identifying the key features you need in your manufacturing software. For example, you may need an ERP system for managing inventory and accounting and a workforce management tool to streamline scheduling and ensure compliance with labor laws. You can then narrow your search to a few top tools that meet these requirements.

Some of the most popular manufacturing software on the market include ERP systems like Workday and SAP, which offer advanced business intelligence and analytics capabilities and real-time MRP (material requirement planning) for predicting stock needs.

For smaller operations, there are tools such as Craftybase and Katana that provide streamlined inventory management and production tracking as well as a unified workflow. Medium-sized businesses can choose from a fully scalable enterprise resource management solution for complex business processes.