The metal industry—encompassing fabrication, processing, machining, and distribution—demands precision, traceability, and operational control. Standard ERP systems often fall short in addressing the unique challenges of handling metal types, dimensions, scrap, batch tracking, and customer-specific tolerances.
An ERP for the metal industry is tailored to streamline quoting, cutting, nesting, inventory, production, and compliance, enabling companies to stay efficient and competitive.
Unique Challenges in the Metal Industry
🔧 Variable units of measurement (weight, length, gauge)
🔧 Material-specific pricing and quoting
🔧 Complex routing across multiple operations (cutting, bending, welding)
🔧 Scrap and remnants management
🔧 Strict industry certifications (ISO, AS9100, ASTM)
Key Features of ERP for Metal Industry
✅ Dynamic Quoting: Generate quotes based on shape, thickness, grade, cutting time, and finish.
✅ Nesting & Cut Optimization: Maximize material yield with CNC-ready nesting integration.
✅ Remnant Management: Track leftover stock by size, weight, and usability.
✅ Real-Time Inventory Control: Monitor coil, sheet, tube, and custom cuts with barcode scanning.
✅ Production Scheduling: Balance workloads and optimize machine usage.
✅ Lot and Heat Number Traceability: Ensure full traceability from raw stock to finished product.
✅ Integrated QA & Compliance: Document inspections, material certifications, and compliance forms.
Benefits of Industry-Specific ERP
🔹 Higher Profit Margins: Reduce scrap and rework with accurate nesting and planning.
🔹 Faster Lead Times: Automate quotes and streamline shop floor execution.
🔹 Better Inventory Management: Know exactly what materials and remnants are available.
🔹 Improved Customer Service: Deliver accurate ETAs, quality reports, and compliance documentation.
🔹 Scalability: Manage growth across multi-site operations with unified visibility.
ERP Use Cases by Segment
| Segment | ERP Focus |
|---|---|
| Coil & Sheet Processing | Slitting, shearing, cut length optimization |
| Structural Steel | BOM by weight/length, stock tracking, cut planning |
| Precision Machining | CNC programming, job tracking, ISO/AS9100 workflows |
| Metal Distribution | Automated pricing by size/grade, CRM, warehouse control |
Recommended ERP Systems for the Metal Industry
1. Epicor Kinetic
- Strong MES, nesting, and traceability support
- Ideal for mid-sized to large manufacturers
2. Infor CloudSuite Industrial
- Advanced scheduling and fabrication workflows
- Multi-site, cloud-ready solution for growing metal companies
3. Global Shop Solutions
- Built-in modules for quoting, nesting, quality, and compliance
- Tailored for metal job shops and custom fabricators
4. ProShop ERP
- Great for precision CNC shops with full traceability
- Combines MES, QMS, and ERP in one interface
5. JobBOSS²
- Intuitive, cloud-based ERP for small job shops
- Quoting, routing, and scheduling for metals and machining
Implementation Considerations
1️⃣ Nesting Integration: Ensure compatibility with CNC software or built-in nesting modules.
2️⃣ Unit of Measure Flexibility: Must support weight, thickness, length, and volume.
3️⃣ QA & Document Control: Required for industries with traceability and regulatory audits.
4️⃣ Workflow Customization: Configure routing for multi-step processes and job types.
5️⃣ Mobile Shop Floor Access: Enable barcode scanning, real-time updates, and time tracking.
Conclusion
An industry-specific ERP for the metal industry empowers fabricators and processors with the tools to manage complex orders, minimize waste, meet compliance, and grow efficiently.
Solutions like Epicor, Infor, ProShop, and Global Shop Solutions are designed to handle the unique operational, financial, and technical needs of metal businesses.
Whether you’re cutting coils or machining aerospace-grade alloys, having the right ERP system means turning precision into profitability.
