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Software to take orders, buy materials, track sales and expenses etc.

6/28/15       
Noah

Website: http://KlarWowkfurniture.com

Hello,

I know there is a lot of experience and knowledge hanging around this site and I need help figuring out how to efficiently and professionally become more organized with my custom furniture business.

I would like to start using some sort of software to take sales orders, track materials that need ordering for each project, track project timelines, track income and expenses, general accounting etc.

Essentially I am hoping there is good software package or excel template or something that will do all this as I want to reach a much higher of efficiency and organization.

Does anyone know of or have experience and insight into what options are available in terms of this kind of software?

I am not looking to spend a fortune on expensive software but want something effective.

Looking forward to hearing what you all have to say and thanks in advance!

6/29/15       #2: Software to take orders, buy materi ...
Brad Moore

Hi Noah, There's some good responses to this question in the post related to information flow, link copied below. I think you want to find a software that is database driven, not just an excel spreadsheet template. A good database software forces you to enter information consistently, and saves your history. Overtime you can mine that history to track pricing of parts, vendors, similar projects, etc. An excel spreadsheet template is only useful while a project is active. Like all systems if it's not kept up to date in real time it is a waste of effort. Be wary of choosing a software that "does everything" unless you have a dedicated IT person who understands how to set it up so that it's useful to you and your staff. I'd think about what part of the business is the biggest problem and start with one piece. Whatever you choose implementation is the key - consistent training and double checking to see the rules of engagement are being followed by everyone. Otherwise stick to the old ways.

Link to discussion

6/29/15       #3: Software to take orders, buy materi ...
Gary B.

Noah,

You're question is one that every business faces at some point. The answer is relative to your business growth goals. It can only be solved with time or money.

If you have more time than money and your needs are modest, I would strongly encourage you to pickup a copy of Microsoft Access and look at the northwinds database (a free template from Microsoft). Also, take a hard look at Access 2013 web apps...they require no coding experience, and the data is cloud based, residing in an SQL database (Azure). You can use it from any modern web browser.

If you have more money than time, my default is Tradesoft products. We use them, and enjoy their reliability and breadth of scope.

I also recommend you pick up a copy of Mick Peter's book "Love Thy Data", to get a true feel for what such a system can do for a company.

The reality is that no matter what system or method you choose, Hard work and good choices are required to make it successful.

6/30/15       #4: Software to take orders, buy materi ...
Pat O'Sullivan  Member

Website: http://www.rogershaw.com

Gary B has some good advice for you. Mick's book is, indeed a great read and is delivered in a no-nonsense easy to digest format. What you describe is ERP software. It requires a stable platform to maintain and store your data. Systems can be pretty expensive, but they can enable you to grow while maintaining a consistant data base of information to drive your operations and track your processes. These are usually driven by configurators. This is basically a data entry process that describes the product using the options/choices that you offer. This can be something that you do in your location or can be something you offer from your website, or both. We represent a very good ERP solution that is based in Canada. Seradex orderstream already has experience with markets such as yours.

7/2/15       #5: Software to take orders, buy materi ...
Alan Member

My respect to you! I got some experience with the help of your thread. Thanks for the name of the book, Gary. I like such business stuff so will read this book with pleasure too. Thanks you all, guys! Wish you luck!

7/2/15       #6: Software to take orders, buy materi ...
Noah

Thanks for all the help guys. I got my hands on a copy of Access which I think will work perfectly considering the small size and complexity of my business. Cheers

8/6/15       #7: Software to take orders, buy materi ...
Brady

Website: http://www.allmoxy.com

I have created a free software to do what you're wanting! Hope it helps!

http://www.allmoxy.com

8/6/15       #8: Software to take orders, buy materi ...
Pat Gilbert

Don't underestimate Quick Book's ability to deal with a lot of this.

I remember I was attending a NASFM estimating seminar, and was outside having a smoke when one of the attendees walked up to me and stated I don't get it. The last time I attended this seminar everyone was enamored with ERP software, now at this show everyone is back to using spreadsheets. Most of the attendees were big dogs.

The problem with this software is that you don't really understand what it will do until many months after you have purchased it. The sales people are great at telling you what you want to hear, which of course is that this software will fix all of your problems and put you in nirvana. My advise would be to make any sales person show you rather than tell you.

The cost of the software will easily be equaled by the cost to implement it.

You have an organization problem. I would recommend fixing your organization first, with the simplest cheapest solution you can come up with.

8/22/15       #9: Software to take orders, buy materi ...
John Canary

Website: http://canary.allmoxy.com

ALLMOXY ALLMOXY ALLMOXY - if you guys do not look at this option - you are fools! I have been using this for 2 1/2 years and it is the #1 reason we are thriving. I am at a loss for words why more woodworking companies are not using this. We live and breath Allmoxy at Canary Closets and Cabinetry! You guys have no idea the power of Allmoxy and it is sitting there ready for you to use. Get on it!

Allmoxy

8/22/15       #10: Software to take orders, buy materi ...
Pat Gilbert

That is good enough for me, I'm sold... I sure don't want to be a fool..,

8/24/15       #11: Software to take orders, buy materi ...
Brady

John, there's more than one reason you're thriving, believe me, but thank you!


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