What is an ERP system and why do manufacturers use it?

ERP stands for Enterprise Resource Planning. It’s a centralized software that integrates core business functions—such as inventory, purchasing, production scheduling, job costing, and accounting—into one unified system. Manufacturers use ERP to improve visibility, reduce manual work, and make better decisions by having all departments work from a single source of truth.

Is ERP software too complex or expensive for small fabrication shops?

Many traditional ERPs are overkill for small fabrication shops—expensive to set up, difficult to customize, and slow to implement. That's why smaller, modern job shop management systems like EZIIL are better suited. They offer the core functionality needed for quoting, scheduling, material planning, and progress tracking without the bloat or high costs of a full-scale ERP.

What’s the difference between ERP and job shop management software?

ERP systems are broader in scope and often include financials, payroll, and compliance tools designed for large companies. Job shop management software, like EZIIL, is focused on the production side—planning, tracking, scheduling, and executing fabrication jobs. It's lightweight, easier to adopt, and more practical for small metal shops managing custom projects.

How can ERP or job shop software help reduce delays and errors?

These systems replace manual tools like Excel and paper orders, which often cause miscommunication, rework, and missed deadlines. With real-time scheduling, centralized documents, and task assignments, ERP or job shop software keeps everyone aligned, alerts you to bottlenecks early, and ensures work is completed in the correct sequence.

What core features should small fabrication shops look for in ERP software?

Small fab shops should prioritize features like visual scheduling, inventory and material planning, production tracking, mobile work reporting, and job costing. Bonus points if the software is cloud-based, supports phased adoption, and offers integrations with accounting tools like QuickBooks—like EZIIL Starter does.

How long does it take to implement ERP or shop management software?

Traditional ERPs can take months to roll out, especially if they require heavy customization. In contrast, lightweight tools like EZIIL Starter can be up and running in weeks—with minimal disruption—because they’re designed specifically for small job shops and include built-in project workflows and training support.

What kind of companies benefit most from job shop ERP alternatives like EZIIL?

EZIIL is best suited for small to mid-sized metal fabricators with project-based workflows—especially those transitioning away from Excel, paper-based systems, or outdated ERPs. If your team is under 50 people and you handle multiple custom jobs with tight deadlines, EZIIL offers the clarity and control you need without the ERP complexity.

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)

What is Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)?

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) is an integrated software system that manages a company’s core processes, such as inventory, production, sales, purchasing, and accounting, in one unified platform.

ERPs aim to replace a tangle of spreadsheets by linking together everything from quote to invoice. For example, when a job is won, the ERP can generate work orders, reserve or procure materials, schedule operations, and later record labor hours and material usage for costing.

An effective ERP provides real-time visibility across departments: the shop floor can see what needs to be made and by when, purchasing knows what to buy and when, and management can track job costs vs estimates.

An ERP can be a bit too expensive, complex and heavy for a small fabrication shop, so many tend to go for an easier light-weight job shop management system instead.

Modern job shop management softwares for small manufacturers (including cloud-based ones, like EZIIL) can be scaled to their needs, helping eliminate double-entry and ensuring that everyone works from the same data.