5 Questions to Ask When You’re Choosing a Steel MIS Software
An effective steel fabrication management solution will increase your business’s competitive advantage in the industry. With the right software, you can plan, execute, control, streamline and expand your business during the entire manufacturing process.
Making the shift to user-friendly, steel management software is the first step in making sure your projects are running efficiently from conception to implementation to erection. Because of the impact this choice can make on your business, it’s crucial to make the right one. Choosing software that doesn’t have your current and future needs in mind—one that stagnates rather than innovates—not only makes each project more difficult, but can hinder the growth of your business.
Here is what you should keep in mind when making this important decision:
1. Does It Have The Tools You Need?
Using a variety of different pieces of software to manage projects creates more room for human error and complications, especially when the same data is inputted into multiple platforms. With a consolidated system, every aspect of the project management process is in one, easy-to-use software. From status updates and risk management analysis to 3D model visualization and progress tracking, a well-consolidated system will help you stay on track without multiple additional tools.
2. Does It Make Collaboration Easy?
The right management software allows for easy collaboration on projects so teams can work together effectively, either on-site or remote. Straightforward and accessible collaboration streamlines the fabrication process by making it easy for everyone involved in a project team member to contribute input at every stage—even outside stakeholders.
3. Can You Customize It to Your Business’s Unique Needs?
You shouldn’t have to radically change the workflow of your shop to accommodate new management software. The best steel fabrication management software must easily be configured to fit the needs of your workforce. Adaptability is also a highly important aspect to consider since your workflow and project demands are expected to change over time.
4. Is It Designed to Scale With Your Business?
As your business grows, the right software should embrace innovation, so it’s designed to grow with you. Don’t let limited features and a lack of regular software updates inhibit your business from flourishing. Make sure the software you’re considering places an emphasis on innovation, so it can support the growing needs of your business, whatever those needs may be.
5. Does It Integrate Well With Other Software?
Sometimes, collaboration means working on a project with other shops. For this reason, the software you use will need to be compatible with other types of accounting and reporting systems. It makes good business sense to invest in a tool that integrates seamlessly with all kinds of CAD, collaboration and analysis software.
Remember, the right steel fabrication management software will improve your production planning process, which in turn leads to faster turnaround times, and ultimately more orders produced. These key factors can help you determine which steel fabrication management solution is right for your business. Make sure you take the time to examine the options available and keep the unique needs of your shop in mind before you make a decision.
Learn More:
How to Effectively Manage Data Flow in the Steel Fabrication Process
Get Control of Your Projects with Fully Integrated MIS Software