Manufacturing TipsProduction planning What Is a Master Production Schedule (MPS)? With Examples The master production schedule (MPS) is a production planning tool that helps to figure out how much of a product needs to be manufactured at different periods. This simple schedule can be used as a basis for further planning and scheduling throughout the manufacturing business. By Madis Kuuse 17 min read
Production planning Just-in-Time Manufacturing (JIT): Definitions, Benefits, Tips Just-in-Time manufacturing helps businesses shorten lead times, minimize inventory, and address other hidden inefficiencies by aligning supplies directly with production schedules. By Madis Kuuse 15 min read
Production planning Discrete vs. Process Manufacturing – How Do They Differ? Discrete manufacturing implies producing distinct items that require assembly along a production line. Process manufacturing, on the other hand, produces goods by mixing or combining raw materials in a manufacturing process. In this article, we will explore key differences between the two manufacturing types and look at examples of each. By Mattias Turovski 8 min read
Choosing a SoftwareImplementationManufacturing Tips Advantages and Disadvantages of Using an MRP System Even though MRP systems are quickly becoming the norm even among SMEs, manufacturers need to be aware of their advantages and disadvantages before deciding to implement new software. Apart from the general benefits and downsides that can be applied to most MRP systems, there are also aspects that can drastically vary from provider to provider. By Madis Kuuse 12 min read
Production planning What Are Contract Manufacturing and Toll Manufacturing? Contract manufacturing and toll manufacturing are the preferred ways of doing business for many companies, large and small. In this post, we take a look at what they are and how they differ. By Karl H Lauri 8 min read
AccountingInventoryManufacturing Tips Work in Process Inventory – What Is WIP and How To Calculate it? We have all seen manufacturing depicted in cartoons. Basic resources are rolled into a factory, followed by loud noises and a smoking chimney. Then, shiny finished products emerge on the other side. In reality, manufacturing is a bit more complex. On their journey toward becoming final products, raw materials go through work in process inventory. […] By Mattias Turovski 12 min read
Case Studies Success Story: Brill Power Powers Up its Production Management with MRP Software UK battery management system manufacturer Brill Power gets a power boost in their manufacturing and inventory management by implementing an ERP/MRP system. “None of what we do at present would be possible without MRPeasy,” says Stuart Grondel, Strategy and Operations Manager. By Madis Kuuse 4 min read
NewsProduction planningSupply Chain A Day in the Life of a Manufacturing Elf Peasy the Elf is the Production Manager of Santa’s Workshop. Leaning on some software magic and his decades of experience in manufacturing, he makes sure the right presents reach the right people each holiday season. By Madis Kuuse 4 min read
Accounting Cost of Goods Sold in Manufacturing – How to Calculate COGS The many cost-oriented KPIs in manufacturing accounting constitute some of the most important financial metrics for manufacturers and distributors. In this post, we look at the function and relevance of one such KPI – the Cost of Goods Sold. By Mattias Turovski 8 min read
Manufacturing TipsProduction planning Make-to-Stock Manufacturing Workflow and Best Practices Make-to-stock (MTS) is a manufacturing workflow that uses the push system. This means that goods are produced to stock by “pushing” them through the supply chain according to anticipated demand. In this post, we will look at the pros and cons as well as best practices for utilizing MTS. By Mattias Turovski 8 min read
Manufacturing TipsSupply Chain Procurement Planning – A Simple Guide A thoroughly planned procurement process helps to ensure that a company’s purchases arrive in a timely manner and in the right quantities, from the best vendors and with good prices. A well thought out procurement plan helps businesses stay in control of the product manufacturing cycle and avoid last-minute surprises. By Mattias Turovski 9 min read
Manufacturing TipsProduction planning Make to Order and Assemble to Order Manufacturing Workflows Make-to-order (MTO) and assemble-to-order (ATO) are manufacturing workflows that use the pull system, meaning that production starts when an order comes in. As such, they are mostly used by companies that manufacture customizable products. In this post, we go over their differences, pros and cons, and production management considerations. By Mattias Turovski 7 min read