The Problem:
I just need a simple system whereby
- my sales orders can be converted into jobs, allowing me to
- track the progress of raw material acquisition, production, shipment/delivery, while
- making sure that that which has been delivered is invoiced properly, and in a timely manner.
These are the things that my accounting software (in this case, Quickbooks) does not track efficiently.
The solution:
After many months and man hours of investment in a promising system from another vendor, I had yet to see a measurable return on my investment. Add to this the fact that there are a number of parameters I would like to track which this third-party system cannot track... and the solution finally came to light: I would "roll my own" ERP/MRP system using an open source platform.
So here it is: Perideo MPM (Manufacturing Process Management)
Originally based on Drupal, and now using Backdrop CMS instead (for a number of pragmatic reasons), Perideo MPM is a highly effective means of tracking the needed data to assure that:
- Sales Orders are entered correctly in accordance with what we promise to deliver
- Raw materials are acquired or pulled from stock
- Production progress is tracked along the way
- Shipping is carried out seamlessly
- Invoicing is immediately executed
This software system was initially developed in-house at Perideo LLC for an injection molding facility. Since then, other versions have been created for different manufacturers, with different controlling boundaries and constraints. The software, being built upon a well-established database system, is easily adapted to varying controlling conditions.
—more details and screenshots will be supplied as I continue to produce these contents—