Aston Precision, an Australian custom metal fabrication company, has experienced a meteoric rise since its establishment in 2021. Specializing in both sheet metal and structural metal fabrication, the Melbourne-based business offers advanced services such as 3D CAD design, CNC laser cutting, brake press, welding (TIG and MIG), and metal coating. Within just three years, Aston Precision has become a notable industry partner, serving sectors like construction, industrial machinery, architecture, and even global retailer Amazon.
Strategic Implementation of MRP Software
Early Adoption of MRPeasy
Founder and Director CJ Prem made a strategic decision to implement a manufacturing resource planning (MRP) system right from the company’s inception. Before even securing a warehouse, Prem integrated MRPeasy, a powerful MRP software, into Aston Precision’s operations. Prem explored several MRP systems, including those he had used in previous roles, but found them lacking in essential functionalities. MRPeasy stood out due to its robust quote estimation feature, which allowed for accurate pricing and seamless production scheduling by inputting all components, processes, and assemblies of a product.
This forward-thinking approach set the company apart, ensuring an organized system was in place to manage complexities and support scalable growth. The adoption of MRPeasy underscored the importance of having a structured framework from the very beginning, allowing for streamlined operations that could efficiently handle increasing demands as the company expanded. The choice of MRPeasy was not incidental but a result of careful consideration and comparison, affirming its position as a pivotal tool in Aston Precision’s strategy.
Inventory Management and Traceability
MRPeasy’s inventory management capabilities, along with its bill of materials (BOM) features and traceability options, were crucial for meeting client needs. The software’s comprehensive approach to managing inventory ensured that Aston Precision could maintain stock levels efficiently, eliminating potential delays and stockouts that could disrupt production schedules. With aspirations to achieve ISO 9001 certification, which requires stringent traceability and document control, MRPeasy provided the necessary tools to maintain high standards. This level of traceability was indispensable for a company aiming to adhere to global standards and deliver unrivaled quality.
The system’s simplicity and user-friendly nature were key attractions for Prem, who was immediately sold on its capabilities following a trial. The implementation process for MRPeasy was swift, taking just a few days to integrate into Aston Precision’s workflow. Even a relatively inexperienced 19-year-old System Administrator quickly became proficient with the software, underscoring its ease of use. This rapid proficiency highlighted the software’s intuitive design, which meant that staff at various levels could adapt quickly and efficiently, ensuring minimal disruption during the transition period.
Enhancing Operational Efficiency
Accurate Cost Estimations
One of the primary benefits of MRPeasy is its ability to provide accurate cost estimations, eliminating guesswork and enabling precise pricing even for complex products with numerous sub-components. This accuracy has been invaluable for Aston Precision, ensuring that every element is accounted for in the order estimation process. The software’s meticulous approach to cost estimation ensures that Aston Precision can offer competitive yet profitable pricing, fostering customer trust and reliability. This capability has allowed the company to undertake more intricate projects with confidence, knowing that the financial and operational aspects are precisely calculated and managed.
Additionally, accurate cost estimations have improved budgeting and financial planning, allowing Aston Precision to allocate resources effectively and make informed decisions about growth and investment. The granularity with which MRPeasy handles cost components means that every part of the fabrication process is scrutinized, ensuring that the company remains profitable while delivering high-quality solutions. This financially informed approach has fortified Aston Precision’s market position, underlining the critical role of precise cost management in sustaining business growth.
Automated Inventory Control
Inventory control is another significant area where MRPeasy has delivered substantial improvements. The system’s ability to auto-generate purchase orders (POs) when inventory levels fall below a predefined threshold has saved time and reduced the risk of stockouts. This automation ensures that materials are always available for production, enhancing operational efficiency and minimizing manual intervention. The predictive nature of the inventory management system also allows Aston Precision to anticipate needs and adjust purchasing strategies proactively, thus avoiding potential supply chain disruptions that could hinder production schedules.
Moreover, the automation of purchase orders has streamlined the procurement process, enabling the purchasing department to focus on strategic sourcing rather than routine ordering tasks. This shift not only enhances productivity but also leverages the expertise of the procurement team in negotiating better terms and prices with suppliers, further driving cost efficiencies. By reducing the manual workload, MRPeasy has empowered Aston Precision to maintain optimal inventory levels, which translates into smoother operations and better product availability, ultimately benefiting customers with timely and reliable deliveries.
Real-Time Data and Performance Monitoring
Dashboard Functionality
The dashboard functionality of MRPeasy offers an overview of key business metrics such as cash flow, current sales, work-in-process, and order status. The availability of this real-time data enables Prem to monitor the company’s performance without needing to generate separate reports, providing quick insights into operational health. This instantaneous access to critical performance indicators allows for agile decision-making, enabling the management team to address issues promptly and capitalize on emerging opportunities. The dashboard’s comprehensive view simplifies complex data sets, presenting them in an accessible format that can inform strategic planning and operational adjustments.
Additionally, the real-time data provided by MRPeasy supports continuous improvement initiatives, allowing Aston Precision to track performance against benchmarks and identify areas for enhancement. This focus on data-driven decision-making has fostered a culture of accountability and transparency within the organization, where every team member understands the impact of their contributions on overall performance. By leveraging the detailed metrics and analytics generated by MRPeasy, Aston Precision has been able to fine-tune its processes, optimize resource allocation, and enhance customer delivery experiences.
Streamlined Operations
Prem acknowledges that MRPeasy has streamlined many operational aspects and enhanced the overall efficiency of the company. MRPeasy’s ability to remember and prompt every operational detail reduces the cognitive load on staff, allowing them to focus on growth and innovation. This reduction in administrative overhead means that team members can devote more time and energy to strategic initiatives, research and development, and improving customer service. By automating routine tasks and consolidating data management, MRPeasy has freed up valuable human resources that can be redirected towards driving the company forward.
Furthermore, the integration of MRPeasy has facilitated better communication and coordination across departments, ensuring that everyone is aligned with the company’s objectives and current operational status. This cohesion has not only bolstered teamwork but also enabled a more responsive and adaptive approach to market demands and client needs. The improved operational synergy has positioned Aston Precision to competitively navigate the dynamic landscape of metal fabrication, consistently delivering high-quality products and maintaining its reputation for excellence.
Recommendations for Other Manufacturers
Early Adoption Benefits
Prem recommends early adoption of an MRP system to other growing manufacturers, emphasizing that it’s easier to onboard new employees into an established system than to introduce one later. An effective MRP system lays a solid foundation for scalable growth, ensuring that processes are standardized, and operational efficiencies are maximized from the outset. With MRPeasy in place, Aston Precision can focus on innovation and expansion, leveraging the system to support every operational detail. This proactive approach to adopting sophisticated management tools demonstrates a long-term vision and a commitment to achieving excellence in all aspects of production and business operations.
The early integration of MRPeasy has also facilitated seamless knowledge transfer and training, ensuring that new hires can quickly acclimate to the company’s operational framework. This ease of onboarding has strengthened the workforce, providing them with the tools and knowledge needed to perform their roles effectively. By embedding advanced MRP capabilities into the company’s DNA, Aston Precision has crafted an agile and resilient organizational structure capable of thriving amid industry changes and technological advancements.
Broader Trend in SMEs
Aston Precision, an Australian custom metal fabrication company, has seen remarkable growth since its founding in 2021. Located in Melbourne, the business excels in both sheet metal and structural metal fabrication. They offer a wide range of advanced services, including 3D CAD design, CNC laser cutting, brake press operations, and both TIG and MIG welding. Additionally, they provide metal coating solutions. In just three years, Aston Precision has emerged as a significant player in the industry, serving diverse sectors such as construction, industrial machinery, architecture, and retail. Notably, they have become a trusted partner for global retail giant Amazon, highlighting their capability and reputation. Their rapid ascent in a competitive field showcases their commitment to quality and innovation, making them a go-to for specialized metal fabrication needs. With a focus on state-of-the-art technology and customer satisfaction, Aston Precision continues to set high standards and drive forward in the metal fabrication industry.
