How to Select a Manufacturing Software

Wondering how to select a manufacturing software? You’ve come to the right place!

Similar to cannabis software, manufacturing software has the potential to revolutionize the way you do business by streamlining processes, improving communication and collaboration, and providing better visibility into your operations. But with so many options on the market, it can be tough to know where to start.

Here are a few things to keep in mind as you shop for a cannabis manufacturing software:

Selecting a Manufacturing Software

You may be asking, “what is cannabis software“, or “what is cannabis manufacturing software”? Check out the linked article for a brief introduction to the topic.

Determine Problems in Your Operation

Think about what’s not working in your current manufacturing process. Do you have trouble tracking inventory? Is your production line inefficient? Do you need a better way to manage work orders?

Identifying the specific pain points in your operation will help you zero in on the type of software that can best address them.

Evaluate Your Workflow

Once you’ve identified the problems in your operation, take a step back and evaluate your entire workflow to see where improvements can be made.

Consider how different departments in your company interact with each other and how they share information. Do you have a clear understanding of your supply chain? How do orders flow through your factory?

Map out your current process and look for opportunities to make improvements. This will help you choose a manufacturing software that supports your ideal workflow.

Loving this article? Make sure to give our other post on Canada cannabis manufacturing regulations a quick read before you leave!

Communication & Collaboration

Good communication is essential to any manufacturing operation. Look for software that makes it easy for team members to collaborate on projects and share information.

Web-based applications are particularly well-suited to collaboration since they can be accessed from anywhere and allow for real-time communication.

Visibility & Reporting

It’s important to have visibility into every aspect of your manufacturing operation, from inventory levels to production line efficiency. Look for software that provides comprehensive reporting capabilities.

You should also consider how easy it is to generate reports and how customizable they are. Can you generate reports on demand? Are they easy to export and share?

Data Security

Manufacturing software typically deals with sensitive data, from customer information to production line schematics. Make sure the software you choose has robust security features to protect your data.

Look for software that encrypts data in transit and at rest, and that offers role-based access control to restrict who can see and modify which data.

Consult with Key Stakeholders

Before making a final decision, consult with key stakeholders in your company to get their input on the manufacturing software you’re considering.

Get feedback from team members who will be using the software on a daily basis, as well as from managers and executives who will be responsible for overseeing its implementation.

Appoint Someone to Onboard the Manufacturing Software

Once you’ve selected manufacturing software, it’s important to appoint someone to manage its implementation.

This person will be responsible for onboarding team members, training them on how to use the software, and ensuring that it’s being used properly.

They will also be your point of contact if there are any problems with the software or if you have any questions about its use.

Check that the Software Will Grow with You Company

As your company grows, you’ll need manufacturing software that can scale with you.

Look for software that offers flexible pricing options and that can be customized to meet your changing needs.

Manufacturing Software FAQ

Which software is best for manufacturing?

The best software for manufacturing ultimately depends on which industry your business operates. For instance, if you’re in the cannabis space, the best manufacturing software is GrowerIQ. However, this might not be the case if you’re manufacturing socks.

How do I choose a manufacturing ERP system?

Choosing a manufacturing ERP system involves understanding your business needs and objectives, and then finding software that can best support them. Ideally, try to find an ERP system that’s specialized for your industry.

What type of software is used in a manufacturing plant?

There is a range of software used in manufacturing plants, from inventory management systems to quality control software. The specific software you’ll need depends on the size and complexity of your operation.

Find Out More

Consult with GrowerIQ to ensure that your business has the best Seed-to-Sale software solutions. Click the button below to get in touch with one of our experts, and find out how GrowerIQ can help your business reach its maximum potential.