Materials Requirements Planning software, commonly referred
to as “MRP” software, has modernized and improved industrial steel fabrication
as we know it.
MRP software is a digital inventory management system used
by steel manufacturers and fabricators to manage, price, schedule and place material
goods orders for individual steel fabrication projects.
This software provides a valuable link between procurement, production, engineering and fabrication to streamline the estimating and documentation process for an enhanced customer experience.
Learn more about how MRP software is enhancing industrial
steel fabrication and what these benefits mean for steel fab customers:
How MRP Software is Used in Steel Fabrication
MRP software is utilized to provide structural steel
fabrication customers with a streamlined experience from the very beginning when
a project PDF is received by the fabricator, through the initial materials
planning and estimating process.
MRP software is used to answer the following questions:
- What materials are needed?
- How many materials are needed?
- When are the materials and labour needed?
Because a fabricator can answer these questions
very quickly and easily with the data and big picture
overview that MRP software provides, customers are provided with more accurate and quicker estimates, as explained below.
Accurate and Quicker Estimates
MRP software allows fabricators to provide quicker and more
accurate estimates to customers because of the streamlined inventory control and enhanced purchase planning functionalities.
These functionalities take the element of guessing out of
the estimating process. Prior to utilizing MRP software to streamline the
estimating process, many estimating teams would compare proposed projects to
similar past projects to gauge timelines for completion, and scan logged data
and information in spreadsheets to provide estimates.
MRP software allows steel fabricators to provide their
customers with more accurate estimates by providing an accurate, big picture
view of:
- Current inventory and procurement timelines
- Out-of-stock parts and components needed (price
and time to ship) - Workforce and workstation capabilities and
planning features - Real-time shop floor data
Before MRP software, when fabricators didn’t have needed
materials at-hand, estimating professionals would research OEM prices and manually
add them in, adding more time to the estimating process, as well as potential
delays while waiting for materials to arrive. With this manual estimating
process, there is a possibility that the incorrect amount and type of materials
could be ordered once the estimate is accepted by the customer.
With MRP software, the wrong materials are never received as the software accurately identifies exactly what is needed, preventing mistakes in material orders.
Along with using MRP software to provide quicker and more
accurate estimates to customers, fabricators are able to provide customers with
a further enhanced experience by creating 3D models for customers who didn’t provide
a DXF file up front.
This fosters enhanced communication and collaboration, which
help the fabricator and customer work towards successful outcomes.
Better Data Management and Documentation
Another huge benefit of integrating MRP software for steel
manufacturing and fabrication is that it provides both the fabricator and customer
with better documentation.
After the quote is accepted by the customer, the structural
steel project’s progress can be tracked in detail until completion.
This enhanced data management allows fabricators to provide their customers with real-time updates
as well as a realistic production and shipping schedule.
Additionally, when customers have last-minute change requests,
metal fabricators can easily make the changes as requested by adjusting the
order as necessary in the MRP software.
Some of the data that MRP software for steel fabrication
includes:
- Inventory status records (materials on-hand or materials on order from suppliers)
- Shelf life of current stored materials
- Timing of when the materials are required at each stage in the steel fabrication and fitting process
Streamlined Processes and Competitive Pricing
One of the main perks of using MRP software in industrial
steel fabrication is that it streamlines processes, by reducing product waste
and extra inventory costs, as well as speeding up timelines.
Greater inventory management through MRP software is a huge
component in streamlining the industrial steel fabrication process.
Subsequently, when inventory carrying costs are reduced, the structural steel fabricator can provide customers with competitive rates.
Saskarc analyzes every project to define the critical requirements that will maximize success. We continuously invest in our people, equipment, and facilities to provide our customer with the best service, support, and innovative solutions to meet their requirements.
Our strict attention to material
selection, joining specifications and inspection procedures ensures that we
deliver on the highest quality projects.
Saskarc is entirely committed to
quality, customer service and on-time delivery, however NEVER at the expense of
our commitment to safety.
Due to the versatility of Saskarc’s custom steel fabrication capabilities and project management expertise, we are equipped to fabricate and assemble oversized modules limited only by transportation regulations. When it comes to large projects, Saskarc is your turnkey professional fabrication solution. Read what our customers have to say about working with us.