5 dashboards to empower your small business

ERP dashboard for manufacturing
Navigating the world of ERP software might seem daunting, especially for small manufacturers who are often tight on resources and time. 

But have you ever wondered the possibilities that these kinds of digital tools might have on your operation?

A key to unlocking the full potential of these systems lies in understanding ERP dashboards, the dynamic command centers of ERP software. ERP dashboards serve as centralised hubs, bringing together streams of data from across your business into one accessible and interactive interface. 

Let's explore five intuitive and impactful dashboards typical in user-friendly ERP software, each tailored to streamline your operations and free up valuable time. 

1. Production Dashboard

At the heart of manufacturing is production management. A production dashboard provides real-time insights into job planning, workload balancing, and subcontracting. This dashboard is vital for optimising production schedules and ensuring resources are effectively allocated.

For example: Imagine you're a manufacturer of custom metal parts. A Production Dashboard could show you real-time progress on current jobs, alert you if a particular job is falling behind schedule, and help you redistribute resources to stay on track. For instance, if a job requires additional welding resources, you can quickly allocate them to meet the deadline.

2. Procurement and Supply Chain Dashboard

This dashboard is essential for managing procurement processes and supply chains efficiently. It helps in supplier relationship management, tracking material requirements, and overseeing delivery management, thus ensuring timely availability of materials and reducing production delays.

For example: If your business involves sourcing materials from various suppliers, this dashboard can be a game changer. For a furniture manufacturing company, for instance, it could track the status of wood and fabric supplies, alert you to potential shortages, and even recommend the best time to reorder based on historical data and current market trends.

3. Quality Control Dashboard

Maintaining high standards of quality is critical. The quality control dashboard assists in tracking serial numbers, streamlining corrective actions, and ensuring consistency in product quality, which is crucial for customer satisfaction and meeting industry standards.

For example: For businesses that emphasise quality, like a precision engineering firm, this dashboard provides insights into product quality checks. It can alert you if a batch of products fails to meet the set standards, helping you take quick corrective actions, such as reworking or halting production to investigate the issue.

4. Reporting and Business Intelligence Dashboard

For strategic decision-making, the reporting and business intelligence dashboard is indispensable. It provides integrated insights into various business operations, helping in data-driven decision making, trend analysis, and forecasting.

For example: For a company producing electronic components, this dashboard could provide an overview of operational efficiency, like machine utilisation rates, or financial metrics, such as cost-per-unit trends. It helps in making informed decisions about where to invest in improvements or expansion.
 

5. Personal Business 360 Dashboard

A standout feature in Fortee ERP is the Personalised Business 360 Dashboard. This dashboard offers a customisable overview of your business's key aspects, including stock value and sales book. It enables quick and easy access to the information that's most important to you, allowing for efficient and informed decision-making.

For example: A small textile manufacturer could customise this dashboard to constantly monitor their most critical metrics, such as current stock levels of different fabrics, ongoing order statuses, and financial summaries like monthly sales or expenses. This dashboard acts as a personalised control centre, providing a quick snapshot of the business's health.

Get started with ERP

Starting your digital transformation journey can be an exciting step, especially if you're new to automation. The advantages are immense, especially when it comes to boosting operational efficiency and enhancing decision-making capabilities. Tools like the dashboards in Fortee are designed to simplify processes for small business owners, setting a foundation for continuous growth and success. When you adopt these tools, you're taking a proactive step towards empowering your business to flourish in today's competitive landscape.