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Read on to learn why effective shop floor management is essential and how a good manufacturing ERP system can transform your operations.

The Importance of Shop Floor Management

Shop floor management is the backbone of any manufacturing operation. It involves coordinating, tracking, and scheduling various activities to ensure seamless production.

Effective shop floor management is crucial for streamlined production processes and enhanced efficiency. It ensures that everything on your shop floor—employees, machines, and materials—is in sync with the rest of your business. For custom manufacturers, this is especially critical due to the unique nature of each order. Good shop floor management provides you with:

• Enhanced Coordination: A connected shop floor ensures seamless communication between departments, reducing delays and misunderstandings.
• Improved Decision Making: Real-time data from the shop floor allows managers to make informed decisions quickly, balancing priorities more effectively.
• Increased Productivity: Workers have immediate access to task lists and necessary information, reducing downtime and improving task execution.

The Power of an ERP System in Shop Floor Management

Integrating shop floor management within a manufacturing ERP system offers significant benefits. An ERP connects all departments, from accounting to production, into one unified system, ensuring everyone has the same accurate information.

RELATED WEBINAR: Empower Your Shop Crew With Mobile Connectivity

End-to-End Visibility

An ERP system provides complete visibility into every aspect of your shop floor. If you still use paper, your production manager wastes time manually tracking operations. ERP shop floor management software automates this, freeing up valuable time for other tasks, including strategic planning. With real-time data, managers can better plan, prioritize, and make important decisions to keep things running efficiently.

Enhanced Efficiency

Even in the best-managed shops, workers often spend too much time searching for information, parts, and materials. An ERP system centralizes this information, providing quick and easy access to everything needed from a single screen. This reduces downtime and helps maintain a smooth workflow.

Benefits of ERP Shop Floor Management Software

Implementing ERP shop floor management software transforms your operations by:

• Real-Time Production Monitoring: Stay ahead of issues with immediate insights into production performance.
• Streamlining Task Management: Assign tasks based on real-time data, ensuring workers always know what to do and where to find materials.
• Allocating Resources Efficiently: Managers can make data-driven decisions about resource allocation, ensuring optimal use of materials and labor.
• Saving Time: Automated processes reduce the time spent on manual tracking and information retrieval.
• Centralizing Inventory and Production Planning: Manage everything from a single system, enhancing coordination and reducing errors.
• Creating a Paperless Environment: Easily share information and eliminate the risk of workers using outdated paper copies with incorrect information.
• Providing Actionable Data: Make informed decisions with accurate, real-time data.
• Identifying Bottlenecks: Visibility into the production process helps identify and address inefficiencies early.
• Real-Time Feedback: Machine operators receive immediate feedback on performance, helping them maintain optimal efficiency and produce high-quality products.
• Reducing Errors: Automated tracking and centralized information minimize human error.
• Flexible Workforce Management: Easily add or remove operators based on demand.
• Assembler Support: Easy access to information allows assemblers to find materials and complete tasks efficiently, adhering to operational standards.
• Empowering Workers: Give employees the tools to succeed, boosting morale and efficiency.
• Supporting Better Management Decisions: Enhanced data visibility helps managers make strategic decisions.
• Reducing Waste and Overhead Costs: Streamlined processes and efficient management lead to cost savings.
• Gaining Total Control: Achieve complete oversight of shop floor operations, ensuring every process is monitored, optimized, and aligned with your overall business goals.

Conclusion

In custom manufacturing, good shop floor management is not just a luxury—it’s a necessity. Transitioning from paper-based systems to a comprehensive manufacturing ERP solution can transform your shop floor operations, improving efficiency, productivity, and overall business success.

By integrating your shop floor with the rest of your organization, an ERP system provides the visibility and control needed to stay competitive in an ever-evolving industry. Invest in your shop floor management today, and watch your manufacturing operations reach new heights.

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Although ERPs were initially designed for large corporations, modern, industry-specific ERP systems are now available to assist manufacturers of all sizes in streamlining operations and centralizing data. The advantages of increased productivity, improved information sharing, informed decision-making, efficient data management, and enhanced visibility and collaboration make ERP systems essential tools for manufacturers of all sizes. By adopting an ERP, small businesses can optimize their processes, reduce inefficiencies, and drive growth.

Read on to discover the 11 benefits of an ERP system for small manufacturers — plus learn four tips to maximize an ERP’s potential in your business.
11 Benefits of an ERP for Small Businesses
Improved Efficiency
Small manufacturing businesses can significantly increase productivity with an ERP, as ERP solutions automate and streamline various business processes, reducing manual work and increasing overall operational efficiency. This automation not only saves time but also reduces the likelihood of human error, leading to more consistent and reliable production schedules.
Increased Productivity
With automated processes and better resource planning, employees can focus on more value-added tasks, leading to higher productivity levels. An ERP system streamlines routine tasks, allowing staff to dedicate more time to activities that drive growth and innovation.
Cost Savings
Improved efficiency and better resource management can lead to significant cost reductions in various areas, including inventory, production, and administration. By optimizing processes and reducing waste, small businesses can see a substantial impact on their bottom line.
Scalability
ERP solutions are designed to grow with your business, making it easier to scale operations and handle increased demand without significant additional investment. This scalability ensures that as your business expands, your ERP system can adapt and support new requirements seamlessly.
Enhanced Data Accuracy
An ERP system centralizes data, minimizing errors associated with manual data entry. This centralization ensures more accurate and reliable information for decision-making, providing a solid foundation for strategic planning and operational adjustments.
Better Data Management
Manufacturing is an inherently data-intensive industry, and even small companies generate a significant amount of data. An ERP system helps make sense of this data, organizing and analyzing it to provide actionable insights. To maximize productivity, manufacturers need to manage their resources effectively, including cash, raw materials, personnel, and production capacity. An ERP system provides the necessary tools to handle these resources efficiently, far beyond the capabilities of basic tools like Excel.
Improved Customer Service
With better access to information, businesses can improve order accuracy, delivery times, and overall customer satisfaction. An ERP system enhances visibility into customer orders and inventory levels, enabling more reliable and timely fulfillment.
Effective Financial Management
An ERP provides real-time financial data, helping businesses manage cash flow, track expenses, and generate accurate financial reports. This financial oversight is crucial for maintaining the financial health of the business and making informed decisions about future investments.
Efficient Information Sharing
An ERP system allows for seamless integration and connectivity across all departments within a company. This connectivity facilitates easy sharing of data and information between divisions, streamlining processes and improving overall operational efficiency. With an ERP, communication barriers are minimized, enabling better coordination and collaboration among teams.
Informed Decision Making
Accurate data and reporting provided by an ERP enable businesses to track progress, productivity, and performance more effectively. This improved insight into business operations supports better decision-making. Real-time data and reports offer a clear view of key performance indicators, allowing business leaders to make informed decisions that drive growth.
Enhanced Visibility
An ERP system offers complete visibility into a company’s operations, giving manufacturers a comprehensive understanding of their organization and its functions. This visibility extends to real-time dashboards that monitor operations and assess crucial performance indicators through easy-to-read reports. Such features enable businesses to share information effortlessly between departments, fostering a collaborative environment that enhances operational efficiency.

4 Tips To Make an ERP Work for Your Small Manufacturing Business
Implementing an ERP system can transform the way your small manufacturing business operates, driving efficiency and growth. However, to take full advantage of it, it’s crucial to approach the process strategically. Here are four essential tips to help you make the most of your ERP investment, making sure it fits your business needs and improves your operations.
Choose Wisely
Selecting the right ERP system is crucial for your business.

RELATED ARTICLE: How to choose the right ERP for your business

Modern, industry-specific ERPs are designed to meet the unique needs of different industries, including small manufacturing businesses. Unlike the one-size-fits-all ERPs of the past, these tailored systems come preloaded with the features your business requires, such as scheduling and shop floor management systems. By choosing an ERP built for your industry, you can implement it faster and more efficiently without the need for extensive customizations.
Identify Your Business Goals
ERPs offer a wide range of benefits, from boosting production and efficiency to enhancing data security and improving quality management. For small businesses, it’s essential to identify your specific goals before implementation. Focus on your most problematic areas first, implementing the ERP modules that address these issues. This phased approach allows you to achieve your top priorities and gradually integrate additional features, making the process manageable and budget-friendly.

Implementing an ERP is not a one-time event. It may take over a year to fully integrate an ERP into your operations. Breaking the project into smaller stages, each focused on specific priorities, helps maximize the benefits. Continuous learning and training are vital to ensure your team can fully leverage the ERP’s capabilities.
Automate Repetitive Tasks
One of the biggest advantages of an ERP for small manufacturing businesses is the automation of repetitive tasks. Automating routines and procedures, particularly in inventory management, order fulfillment, and tracking order statuses, ensures that important information is always up-to-date. ERPs can manage raw materials, provide real-time inventory counts, and streamline the assignment of parts to jobs, helping you complete tasks more efficiently.

In a small shop where employees often wear multiple hats, automating daily tasks frees up time for more complex duties. An ERP system centralizes data, making it easily accessible to all team members, and automates reports, allowing your team to focus on strategic tasks rather than manual data processing.

4. Take Advantage of Built-in Analytics
Use your ERP’s data analytics features to gain insights into your customers, operations, and business performance. High-quality, industry-specific ERPs come with robust analytical tools that help you gather, organize, and analyze data, providing a comprehensive view of your organization. These insights can guide you in improving machine performance, identifying bottlenecks, reducing scrap rates, and enhancing productivity.

Analytics enable faster, better business decisions that drive your business forward. By understanding and acting on the data provided by your ERP, you can continuously refine your operations and increase profitability.
ERP Solutions for Small Manufacturing Businesses
The right ERP for your small business depends on your specific needs, industry, size, and budget. While the best solution for a large corporation may not suit a small business, there is an ERP system out there tailored to your requirements.

ERP systems designed for small businesses help organize sourcing, tracking, and order management, reducing inventory costs and enabling smarter purchasing. They improve efficiency, increase throughput, and support business growth.

You no longer need to ask, “Is an ERP right for a small business?” Instead, you can rest assured that an ERP is the best solution to support and manage your manufacturing business, no matter the size.

Curious about how an ERP can help you? Check out our case studies to see how Genius ERP has helped small businesses like yours grow.

The post How To Make an ERP Work for Your Small Business appeared first on Genius ERP.

Boost Your Sales Team’s Performance With Our New Hubspot CRM Integration

Elevate your sales team’s efficiency with the powerful partnership between Hubspot CRM and Genius ERP. Hubspot CRM provides an all-encompassing, real-time view of your sales pipeline, enhancing customer management, opportunity tracking, and deal closure speed. Our collaboration ensures that Genius quotes are seamlessly connected to Hubspot, giving you continuous updates on project status. Experience the benefits of this integrated partnership, streamlining your sales and project management processes with Hubspot and Genius ERP.

April 2024

Carbonneau Group’s ERP Implementation Project Nominated for Project of the Year

The Carbonneau Group was recently nominated for Project of the Year by STIQ for their successful implementation of an ERP system. Teaming up with Genius ERP, this project highlights the power of integrated ERP solutions in enhancing operational efficiency and supporting business growth. 

ERP Implementation Project Overview

The Carbonneau Group is a prominent player in the Canadian welded assembly industry, boasting a team of multidisciplinary experts known for their innovative solutions in heavy hydroelectric dam mechanics and water regulation. With a rich history rooted in industrial plumbing, Carbonneau Group has evolved into a leader in designing, manufacturing, installing, and maintaining industrial equipment. 

Today, the Carbonneau Group is recognized for its extensive expertise in water regulation systems, reflecting over 40 years of experience in specialized manufacturing and a strong foothold in the hydro industry.

After undergoing a change in leadership in 2018, Carbonneau Group undertook a strategic planning exercise to establish the company’s development plan. One of the key initiatives identified during this planning exercise was implementing an ERP software system to bolster Carbonneau Group’s capabilities and achieve growth objectives.

Project Execution and Milestones

The ERP implementation project allowed Carbonneau Group to replace numerous disparate systems and applications with a single integrated ERP system — supported by a dedicated team of industry experts — capable of evolving with them over time.

Carbonneau Group partnered with Genius ERP for this project, as we are known for our industry knowledge and experience in the Quebec manufacturing sector. Led by Rémi Filion as Project Manager, Guillaume Petit overseeing technical processes, and Jean-François Cadieux managing accounting processes, the project followed a well-planned timeframe and adhered to its budget.

Driving Growth and Efficiency

The ERP implementation project marked a major achievement for Carbonneau Group, leading to substantial improvements and setting the stage for future growth. This project represents one of the largest investments in the company’s history, showcasing their commitment to innovation, development, and long-term success. 

Building upon the Carbonneau Group’s manufacturing expertise, Genius ERP has empowered Carbonneau Group to streamline operations and boost efficiency across various departments. 

Looking to the Future

Moving to Genius ERP’s integrated cloud-based solution has been a significant improvement for the Carbonneau Group. Following the rollout of Genius ERP, innovations include supplier payment automation, Solid Work BOM generation, utilization of tablets for manufacturing consultations, introduction of assembly and welding tables, CRM implementation, and more. 

This project has not only modernized operational workflows but also helped foster a culture of innovation and improvement within the company.

Looking ahead, the Carbonneau Group is poised for continued success, leveraging the capabilities of Genius ERP to support expansion projects, enhance production capabilities, and drive sustained growth. The project’s impact on employee satisfaction, operational efficiency, and overall company performance underscores its significance as a driving force for positive change and future success.

February 2024 

Genius ERP Announces Partnership with Global Payments

Genius ERP is excited to announce our strategic partnership with Global Payments, one of the world’s largest payment technology providers. This collaboration, introduced with V15.2, enables seamless credit card processing within Genius ERP, allowing manufacturers to streamline financial operations and enhance customer experiences. This partnership gives Genius users greater flexibility and improved convenience, enabling manufacturers to expedite payments, seamlessly handle transactions, and boost overall cash flow. 

Fast and Secure Payments

Global Payments is a global leader in payment processing, helping businesses of all sizes to deliver great customer experiences and reach their goals. Their commitment to simple, fast, and secure payments is evident in their innovative and tailored solutions. By offering state-of-the-art technology and a comprehensive suite of services, Global Payments empowers millions of companies worldwide to streamline transactions and enhance overall financial efficiency.

Integrated Credit Card Processing with Global Payments

With our new partnership with Global Payments, Genius ERP aims to improve how manufacturers manage their financial operations. Our integrated credit card processing feature is specifically designed to streamline payment collection and reconciliation, improving the overall efficiency of financial processes and enhancing customer experience.

Your customers will benefit from the ease and convenience of making payments with credit cards. Whether it’s preauthorizations or prepayments for orders in progress, applying credit card payments to completed sales orders, or storing credit card information for recurring use that is easy and quick, Global Payments handles a wide range of financial transactions with ease and precision.

Beyond the convenience to customers, integrated credit card processing offers substantial benefits to manufacturers by reducing administrative time and costs. Global Payments ensures that financial processes are not only faster but also more accurate, leading to more reliable financial records and reporting.

Integrated credit card processing also accelerates payment receipt, reducing the time between a sale or service delivery and the availability of funds. This acceleration can directly impact a company’s cash flow and liquidity, providing manufacturers with more financial security.

January 2024

Genius ERP Announces New Partnership With Axya To Reduce Supply Chain Risk

Genius ERP has teamed up with Axya to improve how manufacturing companies manage their supply chains. By integrating Axya’s cutting-edge technological solutions, we aim to streamline and enhance procurement workflows. This collaboration provides our customers with a powerful suite of tools designed to boost efficiency and reduce supply chain risks.

Streamline Procurement Processes with Axya

Effortless RFQ Management

Axya streamlines RFQ management with an intuitive web-based platform, making it easy to create, send, and track RFQs. Target suppliers by location, industry, or specialization and compare quotes to make informed decisions. Axya also centralizes supplier communication, enhancing procurement efficiency and collaboration within your team.

Seamless PO Tracking

Tracking purchase orders (POs) is effortless with Axya’s consolidated platform. Monitor the status of all your POs in one place, ensuring critical parts are not overlooked. Direct supplier connections offer complete visibility and ensure Genius data is always up-to-date with real-time supply chain changes. Automation features provide live updates and timely follow-ups, enabling efficient management of shipping date changes and on-the-go modifications.

Genius ERP + Axya

This partnership will enhance your procurement capabilities. Axya’s integrated features align perfectly with our commitment to comprehensive and user-friendly manufacturing solutions, boosting our purchasing and procurement functionalities. Incorporating Axya’s tools will streamline procurement processes and reduce supply chain risks for our manufacturers.

To learn more about Axya and its innovative supply chain management solutions, please visit Axya.co. 

May 2023

Genius ERP Partners With SecturaSOFT To Help You Turbocharge Your Quotes

Genius ERP is excited to introduce our new partnership with SecturaSOFT, the fast and robust quoting and estimating platform created for metal fabricators that will allow our customers to save time, create better quotes and win more business.

SecturaSOFT is designed to provide faster estimates to help metal fabricators win more quotes. Automating the process can increase the number of quotes completed by estimators by over 300%, allowing our customers to get quotes out the door ahead of their competitors. There is no need for complex tools or outdated spreadsheets, as SecturaSOFT’s easy-to-use solution SecturaFAB seamlessly integrates into Genius ERP, allowing our customers to create faster and better quotes.

Genius ERP + SecturaSOFT

“We started Genius more than 30 years ago with the aim of assisting manufacturers in improving their business processes and providing them with the best tools to do so,” says Dominic Vezina, VP of Operations at Genius ERP. “We’re excited to be teaming up with SecturaSOFT as we believe their goals align with ours, and together, we can give custom manufacturers the best tools they need to win more business and reach their goals.”

This new partnership will give our customers a significant advantage by incorporating SecturaFAB’s fast, efficient and reliable capabilities with Genius ERP. Our customers will be able to push contact information directly from Genius to SecturaFAB to quickly and accurately create a quote that is then transferred directly back into Genius. 

Digital quotes are available 24/7 and can easily be converted into work orders and invoices within Genius ERP, saving time for both manufacturers and their customers. SecturaSOFT’s goal is to guarantee that you get your quote out of the door first so you can ultimately win more business.

October 2022

Genius ERP Partners With CEI MTL To Help Support the Digital Transformation of Quebec Manufacturers

Genius ERP has partnered with CEI MTL to promote and support the digital transformation of manufacturers in the Montreal region toward industry 4.0.

The Montreal Industrial Expertise Centre (CEI MTL) assists manufacturers with their industrial initiatives and digital transformation projects to help them improve their performance and production. With over 3,500 square feet of space dedicated to showing off the latest in digital manufacturing technology, CEI MTL gives local manufacturing and technology companies the opportunity to:

• Promote technological solutions
• Discover manufacturing 4.0 concepts
• Understand the interconnectivity of industry 4.0 technologies
• Test how well your technology integrates with other solutions
• Envision the factory of tomorrow

CEI MTL Develops New Fully Automated Quality Cell To Test the Advantages of Automation

With support from local tech companies, including Genius ERP, CEI MTL has developed a fully robotic quality cell that automates the quality control process. This innovation demonstrates how technology can enhance manufacturing processes and address the ongoing labor shortage in the industry.

CEI MTL created this fully automated tool to showcase the benefits of Industry 4.0 technologies in manufacturing operations. The quality cell demonstrates how manufacturers can use technology to perform low-value-added tasks, such as visual or dimensional inspection of parts. By automating these low-value-added tasks, manufacturers can reserve high-value-added functions for their staff, helping to attract and retain employees. Such innovations also allow local manufacturers to consistently deliver high-quality products with fewer employees.

Automating quality operations is an excellent starting point for local companies to begin their digital transformation — and a way for Quebec manufacturers to alleviate labor recruitment issues. Read more about this innovative project on CEI MTL’s website.

November 2021

New Partnership with L’école des Métiers en Aéronautique de Montréal

L’école des Métiers en Aéronautique de Montréal (L’ÉMAM) has chosen Genius ERP’s Academic Program to help train the next generation of specialized workers on the tools they will encounter in real-world manufacturing settings.

This partnership between L’ÉMAM and Genius ERP offers students real-life software experience. As part of their curriculum, students will actively use Genius ERP, gaining early experience with our industry-leading manufacturing software. By using Genius ERP’s Manufacturing Execution System, students will learn industry best practices hands-on in a real-world setting. This ensures they are proficient with ERP systems before graduating rather than having to learn on the job later. The practical experience students gain will enable them to contribute to manufacturers’ productivity immediately after graduation.

Students will gain hands-on experience with:

• Prioritized tasks and time reporting
• Progress reporting and how this impacts management decision-making
• Production standard key performance indicators, including OEE
• Shop floor information systems and tools

Teachers will also track student progress via shop floor data to help tailor the learning experience for each student.

“This new technological approach will allow L’ÉMAM students to acquire additional, concrete skills they can apply as soon as they join the workforce. Our students will be even better prepared to help aerospace businesses in the current context of labor shortages.”

– Éric Dionne, Director, Montréal Aeronautical Trades School

“This partnership with L’ÉMAM is part of our vision to accelerate manufacturing growth in Québec and around North America. We look at this partnership as a way to help train the next generation of manufacturers with tools actually used in the industry. We are helping to advance the technological shift in Québec’s manufacturing industry.”

– Nicholas Morin, VP of Growth and Innovation at Genius ERP

December 2020

Genius ERP Partners with Solutyo to Drive European Growth

Genius ERP is excited to announce our new strategic partnership with Solutyo, a French firm that focuses on helping manufacturers digitally transform their businesses. By partnering with Solutyo, and relying on their in-depth knowledge and presence in France, we will be able to grow and expand our business into the European market — and help more manufacturers improve their manufacturing processes to increase their efficiencies and reduce costs.

Solutyo’s passion is to help manufacturers improve their operations through the adoption of tech-based solutions. With their extensive experience and expertise in both the tech and manufacturing industries, coupled with their commitment to excellence, Solutyo is an ideal partner for Genius ERP. This partnership will enable us to focus on growth and deliver the best solutions and tools to manufacturers worldwide.

“When we started this company over 30 years ago, our goal was always to be able to help manufacturers improve their business processes and give them the tools they need to get the job done right,” says Jean Magny, President and CEO of Genius ERP.

“We’re really excited about our new partnership with Solutyo, as we feel their goals align with ours. And now, with their help, we will be able to expand our business into France  — and beyond. Our aim is to help manufacturers not just across North America, but now Europe too, to implement the best technology solutions that help them improve their performance and reach their goals.”

“We chose to partner with Genius ERP not just because they are the best ERP for custom manufacturers, but also because we wanted to partner with a team of real manufacturing experts who always put the success of every customer first,” says Francis Lavallée, Solutyo’s founder and Technical Director. “I know them well, and I know we share the same core values. I am thrilled to walk with Genius on this journey and be able to offer French manufacturers this pure made-in-Quebec ERP.”

Solutyo has extensive experience helping businesses in Europe improve their operations by implementing the right digital tools and technology solutions. With their expertise and help, Genius ERP will now be able to deliver our complete end-to-end ERP solution designed exclusively for custom manufacturers to manufacturers in France and across Europe.

October 2020

Genius ERP is proud to announce our new partnership with the City of Québec’s Vision Entrepreneuriale Québec 2023 program.

We are excited to announce our new partnership with the City of Québec, which will help us expand our market share in the United States. 

In recent years, Genius ERP has worked hard to expand our Québec-based business into new markets, earning the trust of hundreds of manufacturers across North America. With the backing of Vision Entrepreneuriale Québec 2023, we now have additional resources to further grow our business and extend our products and services to more customers throughout Canada and the US.

This project, carried out with financial support from the City of Québec’s Vision Entrepreneuriale Québec 2023 program, focuses on entrepreneurship, innovation, growth, financing, and support. 

The Vision Entrepreneuriale program aims to make Québec the capital of entrepreneurship in Canada by offering various programs and financial assistance measures to help businesses grow. Vision Entrepreneuriale Québec 2023 benefits from over $75.8 million in funding from the Government of Québec, with key partners including the City of Québec, the Secrétariat à la Capitale-Nationale, and Québec International.

For more information, visit ville.quebec.qc.ca/financement.

August 2020

Genius ERP Is Excited to Announce our New Partnership with GenAlpha Technologies

Genius ERP is thrilled to announce our new partnership with GenAlpha Technologies, which will now allow us to offer our customers new and exciting eCommerce solutions.

With Equip, GenAlpha’s eCommerce solution, our customers will have access to a fully integrated product and equipment eCommerce, eCatalog, and customer portal solution specifically built for manufacturers looking to digitize their sales efforts.

“This partnership is the result of two like-minded organizations coming together to meet the growing demands of an ever-changing industry. GenAlpha provides an optimized buying experience that enables manufacturers to sell their products online, and Genius ERP empowers manufacturers to streamline growth, ensure profitability, and maximize throughput,” says Kristina Harrington, President and Chief Operating Officer of GenAlpha. “Together, GenAlpha and Genius ERP have a compelling solution offering that’s capable of handling the needs of all manufacturing organizations―no matter their size.” 

Together, GenAlpha and Genius ERP offer unprecedented expertise within the manufacturing industry. Our partnership with GenAlpha will simplify the integration process between the two manufacturing business solutions, offering enhanced capabilities for manufacturers looking to maximize their eCommerce efforts.

Benefits of Using GenAlpha’s Equip eCommerce solution:

• Boosted product sales through a streamlined ordering process, increased market reach, up-sell and cross-sell opportunities, and  24/7 ordering availability
• Extended customer loyalty and retention with a single location for post-purchase equipment management and online resources (bill-of-material eCatalog and document library)
• Increased profitability and reduced overhead costs by optimizing product inventory, enhancing pricing strategies, and improving user experience
• Expanded customer management offerings, including pricing prioritization, quoting functionality, and showcased multi-warehouse real-time product availability
• Reduced order errors and redundant inquiries through the user-specific bill-of-material eCatalog and product category/facet data management

“Genius ERP is proud to be partnering with an organization that recognizes the need to serve the manufacturing industry. GenAlpha is a company that was built from the ground up with manufacturers in mind, which is why we feel like this partnership is such a great fit,” says Dom Vézina, General Manager at Genius ERP. 

“Our end-to-end ERP software solutions are specifically developed for manufacturers by a team that has a deep understanding of the industry. Understanding our customers is at the heart of our company, and it’s clear that GenAlpha is the exact same.” 

February 2020

Genius ERP Partners with Avalara to Automate Tax Compliance

Genius ERP is proud to unveil our new partnership with Avalara. Avalara is an automated tax service, that will provide best-in-class tax and compliance solutions to our customers that operate or sell products in the United States.

Keeping up with ever-changing tax rates, rules and compliance issues can be a major hassle for manufacturers, especially those that do business in multiple states. That is why Genius ERP has partnered with Avalara, a leading provider of tax compliance automation software for businesses of all sizes, to offer AvaTax to its customers.

As a result of this partnership, Genius ERP’s customers can now use AvaTax to deliver sales and use tax calculations within existing business applications at the time of checkout or billing—in real time. Custom manufacturers will now be able to automatically create invoices with the correct taxation rates, as well as file all sales tax documentation with ease: Avalara will tally what you owe in the jurisdictions you designate, prepare and file your returns, and remit payments for you.

“Managing taxes in multiple jurisdictions can be a nightmare for custom manufacturers—calculating taxes correctly, as well as keeping on top of changing rates and compliance regulations—is complicated and cumbersome and takes up too much administrative time. With Avalara, the entire sales tax process will be handled automatically, and our customers will barely have to lift a finger to create invoices, as well as file tax returns,” says Dominic Vezina, General Manager of Genius ERP. 

“Avalara will seamlessly integrate with Genius ERP, making it much easier for our customers to manage the complexities of taxation and compliance in the United States,” adds Vezina.

Avalara operates on a cloud-based SAAS model, providing a seamless and effective way for our customers to manage sales tax and compliance issues, ensuring that custom manufacturers are on top of the latest tax rates, rules and regulations, and always have accurate sales tax calculations.

Genius ERP Is Avalara Certified

Genius ERP is now an Avalara Certified integration partner. Certified partners pass a series of criteria developed by Avalara to ensure the connector’s performance and reliability, thereby helping mutual customers benefit from a seamless experience with Avalara’s tax compliance solutions.

“Genius ERP understands the needs of its customers, and Avalara’s AvaTax reduces complexity for their customer’s business in many ways,” says Greg Chapman, senior vice president of partner management at Avalara. “We understand that digitization of business processes is not an option; it is essential. We are proud to offer fast, accurate, and easy tax compliance solutions to our shared customers.”

The post Strategic Partnerships to Move Your Business Forward appeared first on Genius ERP.

Given the complexity and precision required, sheet metal fabricators need robust ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) solutions to streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and maintain competitiveness.

Complexities in Sheet Metal Manufacturing and Metal Fabrication

Varied and Complex Production Processes

Sheet metal manufacturing and metal fabrication involve a series of intricate processes such as cutting, bending, welding, forming, and assembling. Each step demands precision and seamless coordination to ensure the final product meets exacting specifications. Efficiently managing these diverse processes is a significant challenge for these types of manufacturers.

Material Management

Metal manufacturers handle a wide range of materials, including various metals and alloys. Effective inventory management, tracking material usage, and ensuring the availability of the right materials at the right time add complexity to their operations.

Quoting and Estimation

Accurate and timely quoting is crucial for winning contracts and maintaining profitability. Estimating the costs and timelines for complex projects requires a detailed understanding of materials, labor, and production capabilities.

Customization and Design Revisions

Customers frequently demand customized products or components, leading to regular design changes and revisions. Managing these revisions, ensuring they are reflected in production plans, and tracking changes in costs and timelines are critical yet challenging tasks.

Scheduling and Capacity Planning

Balancing workloads, managing capacity, and scheduling production runs to meet delivery deadlines while maximizing efficiency is a constant juggling act. Unexpected delays or bottlenecks can disrupt the entire production schedule, necessitating flexible and dynamic planning.

Order Tracking and Customer Management

Handling multiple orders from various customers, tracking the progress of each order, and providing timely updates to customers requires efficient communication and coordination.

Cost Management and Profitability Analysis

Understanding where costs are incurred, identifying areas for improvement, and analyzing profitability across different projects and products are essential for maintaining a competitive edge. Effective cost management ensures metal fabricators can stay profitable while meeting customer demands.

ERP Solutions for Sheet Metal Manufacturers and Metal Fabricators

An ERP system integrates various functions and processes into a single platform, providing comprehensive visibility and control over operations. ERP systems streamline production processes by offering tools for planning, scheduling, monitoring, and more. This coordination ensures smooth transitions between manufacturing stages, minimizes delays, reduces errors, and enhances overall efficiency.

CASE STUDY: QTG

Advanced inventory management features—including integrations with nesting software—help metal fabricators more effectively track material usage, manage stock levels, and automate reordering processes. These features ensure the availability of the right materials and reduce downtime and waste.

Quoting and estimation are also improved for sheet metal manufacturers, as ERP systems integrate data on material costs, labor, and production capabilities. This enables metal fabricators to quickly generate precise quotes, enhancing the chances of winning contracts while maintaining profitability.

ERP systems optimize scheduling and planning by providing insights into production capacity and workload. Sheet metal manufacturers and metal fabricators can create realistic production schedules, manage capacity, and identify potential bottlenecks, ensuring timely delivery and optimal resource utilization. ERPs also help sheet metal manufacturers adeptly handle customization and design revisions by tracking updates, revising BOMs (Bills of Materials), and adjusting production plans accordingly, reducing delays.

ERPs also offer comprehensive job costing insights, tracking expenses, analyzing costs, and identifying areas for improvement, which helps metal fabricators optimize operations and enhance profitability.

Genius ERP: Tailored Solutions for Metal Fabricators and Sheet Metal Manufacturers

Genius ERP offers a suite of tools designed specifically for sheet metal manufacturers and fabricators’ needs, helping to solve their unique challenges.

Estimation

Genius ERP’s estimation tools enable rapid, accurate quoting by allowing sales reps to generate prices and BOMs based on business rules. This efficiency is crucial for handling high volumes of estimates and ensuring competitive pricing.

Quoting System Integration

Genius ERP supports integration with job shop quoting systems, enabling seamless data transfer and enhanced quoting accuracy.

Revision Management

Design revisions are handled effectively within Genius ERP, enabling sheet metal manufacturers to compare changes and adjust pricing and production plans accordingly.

Order Process Automation

Automating repeat order entries, integrating business validations, and ensuring synchronization of new orders streamline operations and reduce manual errors.

Scheduling

Genius ERP’s scheduling tools provide detailed insights into capacity and bottlenecks, enabling manufacturers to commit to realistic deadlines and manage emergency orders without disrupting the schedule.

Interactive Customer Dashboard

The real-time dashboard provides comprehensive visibility into order status, identifying at-risk jobs and ready-to-ship orders, improving customer service and operational efficiency.

Material Planning

Genius supports efficient material planning, ensuring NC programming aligns with current orders and optimizing material usage to reduce waste.

Recommended Reorder

Genius ERP offers a centralized view of material demands, allowing metal fabricators to efficiently manage inventory levels and purchase strategies for both standard and specialized materials.

Production Lot Management

Grouping similar jobs into production lots helps optimize material use and streamline production processes, enhancing overall efficiency.

Nesting Integration

Integration with nesting software like Simagnest and Pronest ensures optimal material utilization and reduced production time.

Shop Floor Management

Genius ERP’s paperless shop floor management system allows workers to track time, view tasks, and manage work-in-progress locations, minimizing wasted time and improving productivity.

Pick-Pack-Ship

The system’s efficient expedition management tools reduce effort and errors, enhancing the overall shipping process and ensuring timely deliveries.

Job Cost Management

Real-time job cost tracking helps sheet metal manufacturers stay within budget and refine future quotes, ensuring profitability and accuracy.

Conclusion

Genius ERP provides sheet metal manufacturers and metal fabricators with a robust, tailored solution to efficiently manage their unique manufacturing processes. Genius ERP empowers these manufacturers to optimize operations, reduce costs, and improve overall productivity, helping them succeed and grow. 

Learn more about our tailored solutions for metal fabricators and sheet metal manufacturers and how we can help you improve efficiency and streamline production processes to maximize your business’s potential.

The post Solutions For Metal Fabricators and Sheet Metal Manufacturers appeared first on Genius ERP.

As operations scaled, managing production became much more complex. Relying on manual processes like using Excel for purchase orders and tracking part numbers led to frequent errors and inefficiencies, which threatened to slow their progress.

“When we didn’t have any production software, we had to manually do a purchase order, transferring all the part numbers, all the properties, using Excel and other kinds of software,” said Jean-François Giguère, Engineering Director at Machitech. “It was a manual task, [and] when you say manual,  mistakes can happen.”

Needed: An ERP System to Manage Rapid Growth

Without an ERP system, Machitech struggled to ensure data accuracy and maintain smooth workflows across their seven facilities. Manual processes resulted in significant inefficiencies, making it difficult to coordinate production effectively. The growing complexity of their operations meant that managing inventory, tracking bills of materials (BOMs), and optimizing production schedules became more challenging. The overreliance on manual methods not only slowed down operations but also increased the risk of errors, directly impacting their ability to meet customer demands efficiently.

A Solution Tailored for Machitech’s Growth

Genius ERP’s comprehensive solution has played a vital role in supporting Machitech’s growth. By streamlining processes and enhancing efficiency, Genius ERP has helped Machitech maintain their competitive edge, ensuring that their operations run smoothly and effectively as they continue to expand.

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With Genius ERP, information now flows efficiently from CAD designs to the production floor, ensuring every part is correctly accounted for and that production runs smoothly. “Genius really helps with synchronizing the item numbers, the bill of materials, and the account information between our seven facilities and divisions,” says Simon Croteau, Marketing Director at Machitech. “Using Genius, we have efficient information flow from the CAD to production software,” adds Jean-François Giguère, Engineering Director.

This seamless transition of data from design to production has significantly enhanced Machitech’s workflows. As a result, they can efficiently manage their resources, reduce production time, and keep quality high. Because of this, Machitech can now produce over 250 cutting tables in a year.

Accurate Cost Tracking and Inventory Management

The improved ability to monitor and coordinate information allows Machitech to track costs more accurately, from materials to production time. Having a detailed breakdown of job costs helps them develop better pricing strategies: “We are able to track all costs, from the materials, from the production, from the time. That gives us a better overview of our job costs and also a better way to price our equipment,” says Simon.

Purchasing processes are now automated, and inventory management has significantly improved with the Genius ERP. Machitech can easily scan items in and out, maintaining an accurate and up-to-date inventory system. “Purchasing and inventory have really improved since we now have QR codes on all of our items,” says Simon.

Optimizing Operations with Genius ERP

By partnering with Genius ERP, a software solution tailored for custom manufacturers, Machitech has optimized their operations. Over the past 12 years, Machtich has expanded from 12,000 square feet of manufacturing space to over 125,000 square feet. Their production capacity has also increased significantly, from one machine a month to five machines a week. Genius ERP has been crucial in supporting their continued growth and commitment to customer satisfaction.

Genius has become an integral part of Machitech’s success story, ensuring their production processes are as efficient and accurate as possible. “Working with Genius is working with an ERP that’s built for manufacturing. And that’s, that’s really what we needed,” says Simon.

Check out our complete case study to learn more about how Genius ERP has supported Machitech’s growth.

The post From Modest Beginnings to Industry Leader: Machitech’s Growth Journey with Genius ERP appeared first on Genius ERP.

Back in the late 1980s, we were among the pioneers in adopting PCs in our office, and not long after, we embraced ERP software running on MS-DOS, if you can believe it! 

As our manufacturing and engineering capabilities expanded, we constantly sought to enhance visibility and automation with our ERP system. Three years ago, we made a pivotal decision to transition from our long-standing ERP system of 30 years to Genius ERP, aiming to gain greater data visibility and automate our BOM data entry.

Our previous ERP solution lacked effective CAD integration, a crucial component for our custom equipment designs catering to energy, oil and gas, and other industries. With multilayer assemblies and BOMs often exceeding 300 items—and sometimes even reaching 1000 items—the risk of human error and our pace of business necessitated a more efficient solution. Enter Genius ERP’s ETM/CAD2BOM.

The ETM/CAD2BOM integration in Genius revolutionized our workflow by seamlessly transferring digital BOMs from Inventor and SolidWorks into Genius ERP. This automation ensures data accuracy and completeness, significantly reducing our manual data entry burden. As a result, our throughput potential increased, and lead times from order entry to material purchasing were cut down by several days. Fewer BOM listing errors meant fewer production surprises, enabling us to maintain our production schedule more effectively and reduce overtime.

Our engineers now spend more time designing and less time on manual data entry, allowing us to focus on selling projects and creating new designs. The efficiency gains from ETM/CAD2BOM have been a game-changer, enabling us to leave manual data entry behind.

The Genius Production Dashboard is another tool that has transformed our operations. We use it as a digital town hall, where all users can share production statuses, material expediting needs, and critical schedule milestones. With added custom fields, our dashboard replaces numerous individual reports, bringing all departmental eyes to one common place. This unified view ensures that we all pull in the same direction.

Genius Web Analytics has also been instrumental in our success. With minimal SQL database and programming knowledge, we developed custom dashboards that visualize raw data from our ERP system quickly and accurately. For instance, we have created a dashboard to visualize the active production time punches, which allows supervisors to ensure employees are on the correct work orders, monitor project elapsed time, and detect issues early.

We also created an early warning dashboard highlighting work orders nearing or exceeding planned hours. This real-time visibility into labor time helps supervisors manage labor overruns proactively. Our Sales dashboard, another major time-saver, compiles and visualizes monthly and annual invoiced sales and open orders with a single click. This efficiency has eliminated hours of weekly data manipulation for our sales team, enabling us to take on additional work confidently.

Two other features that have made a huge difference to our implementation are Renaming Items and self-managed Import/Export tools. Our Items library has over 50,000 items, and they were far from perfectly named. Being able to rename vs. being stuck with a bad material ID is huge. With Genius, we could bulk update families, descriptions, etc., ourselves, which made everything possible. 

It would have taken an extra year to manually enter all of the Items and correct them entry by entry in our old ERP. It was either live with the bad data or correct it line by line, screen by screen. With our previous ERP system, we could query and export, but we could not write directly to the database. That would have required consultants and billable hours. We didn’t even know Genius had these features until we made the switch, and discovering them was a game-changer for our operations.

Genius ERP’s real-time analytics have fundamentally enhanced our operations and boosted our sales. Overall, the transformation brought by Genius ERP has not only increased our efficiency but also empowered us to make informed decisions, driving our ongoing success and positioning us for future growth.

The post Starr Manufacturing: How Genius ERP Transformed Our Operations appeared first on Genius ERP.

Why We Chose to Integrate with HubSpot

We recognize that no two businesses are the same, and different companies have different CRM needs. By offering both Genius CRM and HubSpot CRM, we aim to empower our customers with the flexibility to choose the CRM that best fits their business model and operational requirements.

HubSpot CRM was a natural choice for integration due to its industry-leading features and widespread adoption among small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). HubSpot is trusted by thousands of companies worldwide and is known for its robust functionality and user-friendly interface. This integration ensures that our customers can leverage the strengths of both Genius ERP and HubSpot CRM to optimize their sales platform.

The Benefits of HubSpot CRM

Streamline your business with Genius ERP + HubSpot CRM

Integrating HubSpot CRM with Genius ERP brings the best of both worlds. Our integration connects Genius quotes directly to HubSpot, ensuring that you always know where your projects stand. This seamless connection means that you can manage your sales pipeline and project timelines all in one place, reducing the risk of miscommunication and ensuring that everyone on your team is on the same page.

Comprehensive Sales Pipeline Management

One of the standout features of HubSpot CRM is its ability to provide a real-time, comprehensive overview of the entire sales pipeline. This visibility allows sales teams to manage customers more effectively, track opportunities meticulously, and close deals faster. With HubSpot, you can see every interaction your team has had with a customer, forecast future sales, and identify potential bottlenecks in your sales process.

Enhanced Customer Relationship Management

HubSpot CRM excels in managing customer relationships by centralizing all customer data and interactions in one place. This centralization makes it easier to provide personalized service, anticipate customer needs, and build stronger, longer-lasting relationships. The CRM’s intuitive design ensures that even those new to CRM systems can quickly adapt and leverage its powerful features.

Real-Time Data Syncing

With real-time data syncing between Genius ERP and HubSpot CRM, you can ensure that all information is up-to-date and accurate. This synchronization is crucial for making informed decisions quickly and effectively. Whether you’re checking the status of a quote or reviewing the progress of a project, you can trust that the information you’re seeing is current.

Improved Collaboration and Communication

HubSpot CRM’s robust features facilitate better collaboration and communication within your team. Shared access to customer information and sales pipeline data means that everyone, from your sales reps to your project managers, can work together more effectively. This improved collaboration can lead to faster problem-solving, better customer service, and, ultimately, increased sales.

Genius CRM: A Tailored Solution for Manufacturing

While HubSpot CRM offers a range of powerful features for a broad audience, Genius CRM remains a tailored solution specifically designed for manufacturers. Our in-house CRM provides a seamless experience for managing both customer relationships and manufacturing processes.

Specialized Features for Manufacturing

Genius CRM includes specialized features that cater to the unique needs of manufacturers. From managing complex sales cycles to tracking intricate project details, Genius CRM is built to handle the specific challenges of the manufacturing industry. This focus ensures that you have the tools you need to manage your operations efficiently and effectively.

Deep Integration with Genius ERP

As an in-house solution, Genius CRM offers deep integration with Genius ERP, providing a unified platform for managing your entire business. This integration means that you can easily access all the information you need, from customer data to production schedules, in one place. This streamlined approach helps to reduce administrative overhead and improve overall efficiency.

Choosing the Right CRM for Your Business

With the addition of HubSpot CRM to our offerings, you now have more options to choose from when it comes to managing your customer relationships and sales processes. But how do you decide which CRM is right for your business?

Consider Your Business Needs

Start by considering your specific business needs. If you’re a manufacturer looking for a CRM that integrates deeply with your production processes, Genius CRM may be the best fit. Its specialized features and deep integration with Genius ERP make it an ideal choice for managing complex manufacturing operations.

On the other hand, if you’re a small or medium-sized business looking for a robust, user-friendly CRM to manage your sales pipeline and customer relationships, HubSpot CRM might be the perfect solution. Its comprehensive features and intuitive interface make it easy to use and highly effective for managing sales processes.

Whichever CRM you choose—HubSpot or Genius—your CRM will be connected to your Genius ERP environment at the quote level, giving you the control you need to manage your business effectively. 

Evaluate Integration Capabilities

Think about how each CRM integrates with your existing systems. Genius CRM’s integration with Genius ERP offers a unified platform for managing all aspects of your business. Similarly, the integration between HubSpot CRM and Genius ERP ensures that you can manage your sales and project data in one place, providing a seamless experience.

Assess Ease of Use and Adoption

Consider how easy each CRM is to use and how quickly your team can adopt it. HubSpot CRM is known for its user-friendly interface and ease of use, making it a great choice for businesses looking to get up and running quickly. Genius CRM, while offering specialized features for manufacturers, also provides a straightforward user experience designed to meet the unique needs of the industry.

Conclusion

At Genius ERP, our goal is to provide you with the tools you need to succeed. By offering both Genius CRM and HubSpot CRM, we are giving you the flexibility to choose the CRM that best fits your business needs. Whether you opt for the specialized features of Genius CRM or the comprehensive capabilities of HubSpot CRM, you can trust that you’re getting a powerful solution designed to help you manage your customer relationships, sales processes, and projects more effectively.

Explore the possibilities and choose the CRM that will drive your business forward. With Genius ERP, you now have two great CRMs to choose from, each offering unique benefits and features to help you achieve your goals.

The post Genius ERP Now Offers Two Great CRMs to Choose From appeared first on Genius ERP.

Starting Small, Dreaming Big

Early on, we recognized that software had the capability to revolutionize the manufacturing industry. Initially, our services were more task-based, with solutions focusing on estimating, job costing, and job planning. By 2010, we had developed a comprehensive manufacturing software suite, allowing us to become a standalone ERP system and expand our customer base beyond Canada.

Our industry expertise and commitment to service excellence have made us a trusted partner for small and medium-sized manufacturers across North America. Hundreds of manufacturers in Canada and the United States now use our software solutions, relying on us to support and grow their businesses.

But what hasn’t changed over the last 35 years is our unwavering commitment to custom and complex manufacturing. We prioritize hands-on engagement, providing not just technology but also support and guidance to help manufacturers improve shop efficiency. This customer-centric approach has allowed us to develop a deep understanding of our clients’ needs, enabling us to deliver tailored solutions that drive their success.

“BID Group has experienced tremendous growth over the past 15 years, and Genius’ support has been essential at every stage of that progress,” says Alex Potvin, IT Application Group Team Leader at BID Group.  

“We appreciate the close relationship we have established with the team at Genius. Their experience and commitment to understanding and meeting our specific needs has made all the difference. Their integrity and mutual trust strengthen our partnership and our collaboration. The alignment between their values and our vision was critical in the success of our partnership.” 

Genius ERP Is on a Mission

Headquartered in Quebec City, with an office in Montreal, Genius ERP now has team members located across Canada and the United States. Our workforce of 124 employees is dedicated to building long-term relationships with our customers. We believe in hiring industry experts who are passionate about helping our clients navigate critical projects. This dedication to excellence is reflected in our core values: curiosity, being on a mission, energy, and trust.

“Our values drive our business forward and shape how we do everything at Genius,” says Dominic Vézina, General Manager of Genius ERP. “We have worked hard as an organization to make sure everyone feels a sense of belonging and is empowered to find solutions that work for our customers. Our culture fosters personal connections and a supportive environment where our team can thrive.” 

“From day one, it’s always been about small and medium manufacturing companies,” says Jean Magny, President of Genius ERP. “We stand alongside them, shoulder to shoulder, with the best engineers, consultants, and trainers. Our staff has always been true professionals, raising the bar in terms of excellence.”

“In 35 years, many things have changed, but when I look at how our team is composed, it’s amazing to see how our values are shared and fundamental. As we grew, we needed to hire different people with different competencies, but we never lost sight of looking for staff with behaviors aligned with the ‘on a mission’ state of mind. What we do is critical for our customers; we take this really seriously, and I am proud to see how this is now part of who we are, deep down into our DNA,” continues Jean.

“We never settle for ‘good enough.’ Our commitment is to create and deliver solutions that truly deserve the name ‘Genius,’” adds Dominic.

Looking to the Future

As we celebrate this milestone, we are proud of our achievements and the strong sense of community within our team. We have built a reputation for our in-depth manufacturing knowledge and industry-specific expertise. Today, Genius ERP offers a complete quote-to-cash system, providing all the tools and functionalities needed to streamline operations and achieve production goals with precision and efficiency.

Not content to rest on our laurels, 35 years on, Genius ERP is more committed than ever to creating industry-leading solutions for our customers. We are the only Quebec-based company—and, in fact, the only Canadian company—recognized by Software Advice and Capterra as one of the top software solutions for manufacturing businesses. This past April, Jean Magny was awarded CEO of the Year by the Quebec Technology Association, highlighting his exceptional leadership within the technology industry in Quebec. Together, Jean and Dominic have built a culture of innovation, integrity, and customer focus that sets us apart in the industry.

As we continue to grow and evolve, our commitment to our customers remains unwavering. With over three decades of experience, we understand the challenges and intricacies of the manufacturing industry. Celebrating 35 years of success, we look forward to many more years of helping manufacturers achieve their goals.

The post Celebrating 35 Years of Genius ERP appeared first on Genius ERP.

The Beginnings of Industrialization

Until the mid-19th century, Quebec society was predominantly rural, with most people living in the countryside. Only 15% of Quebec’s population resided in cities like Quebec City and Montreal, which were very underdeveloped at the time.

In 1850, agriculture began to modernize thanks to new machinery. Commercial agriculture gradually replaced subsistence farming, marking a significant shift in how people lived and worked. At the same time, Montreal’s industrial development began, signaling a turning point for Quebec society as the first signs of manufacturing emerged.

Technological advancements such as assembly lines, steam engines, and electricity revolutionized production methods, driving this progress. Additionally, the rapid expansion of railroads in Quebec and Canada opened previously inaccessible regions and facilitated the movement of commercial goods, playing a crucial role in industrial development.

Numerous banks and insurance companies, like the Bank of Montreal, founded in 1817, established themselves in Montreal, providing the necessary financing for industrial projects. This access to capital, combined with efficient transportation networks, greatly benefited Montreal’s industries. The growing use of hydraulic power also allowed factories to operate at lower costs, significantly increasing production efficiency and fueling industrialization.

The first Quebec manufacturing sectors to develop were closely linked to raw materials such as wood, iron, and milling. Simultaneously, the shoe manufacturing industry emerged, further diversifying Quebec’s industrial landscape.

Acceleration of Industrialization

The early 20th century marked a period of significant growth and industrial prosperity for Quebec. Electricity began to replace steam as the primary energy source in factories, marking a major technological transition.

Industrialization accelerated in this period, driven by the increasing demand for manufactured products. The manufacturing industry rapidly diversified in Montreal, with new sectors such as textiles, clothing, food, steel, and tobacco emerging. Some Montreal factories also began producing heavy transport equipment. In the early 20th century, Montreal alone produced half of Quebec’s industrial goods and housed nearly a quarter of its population.

Quebec City’s industrial development also intensified, contributing to the widespread urbanization across the province. This industrial expansion stimulated economic and social development in various regions, transforming Quebec’s landscape and society.

Continued Economic Growth

New industries developed near natural resources with companies in Quebec focusing on wood, copper, asbestos, and aluminum. The development of hydroelectric power also contributed to this industrialization, with new dams being built in Mauricie, Lac-Saint-Jean, and Outaouais.

Light manufacturing industries, however, remained predominant, notably textiles, clothing, footwear, tobacco, and food. An influx of new immigrants, the development of Western Canada, and increasing urbanization significantly boosted demand for these products.

As manufacturing industries were already well-established across Quebec, the province benefited greatly from economic development in the United States. Both Canada, as a whole, and the province of Quebec saw their economies develop thanks to American investments and expanding markets. A wave of immigration from Eastern Europe, the creation of two new provinces, and technical advances further fueled this growth.

Other Quebec cities also became centers for light industry, with textiles in Sherbrooke and Trois-Rivières, as well as footwear in Quebec City.

The Manufacturing Industry Today

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, many Quebec manufacturing companies modernized and adopted new technologies, like ERP software, to increase efficiency and achieve greater operational effectiveness.

Today, Quebec has far surpassed its modest beginnings to become a North American leader in manufacturing. Quebec’s manufacturing industry, which is the province’s second-largest sector, contributes 13% of the GDP, or $49 billion, to our province.

Conclusion

Quebec has come a long way from its rural beginnings to become a major player in North America’s manufacturing sector. From the early days of agricultural modernization and the rise of industrialization in Montreal to the diverse and robust manufacturing sectors spread across the province today, Quebec’s journey has been impressive. 

The province’s ability to adapt and grow, driven by technological advancements and strategic use of resources, has been key to this success. We can be proud of what we have accomplished and our Quebec know-how, which has positioned us as a leading manufacturing hub in North America. Happy Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day!

The post The History of Manufacturing in Quebec appeared first on Genius ERP.