Job shop software programs varies widely depending on what services your shop offers as well as what specific needs best suit your company. Your computer operating system comes into play as you will need software that works with your present system or you will have to upgrade the entire system to fit the software. Make sure that the software is network-ready for multiple sharing over departments and branches.

Many software systems will contain information that you do not need so do not pay for options that do not work for you. Select a software system that will grow with your company. Alternatively, upgrading your present software with new functions may be the best option if you have a system that is already working for you. Look for these features when choosing job shop software solutions:

1. Locate the job shop manufacturing software that is right for your shop

2. Upgrade your existing job shop scheduling software to get the most out of your system

3. Find help with manufacturing job shop software through customer service support

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Locate job shop software suppliers with programs you can use

Software programs come in all shapes and sizes and there is a price tag that goes with that. Check the features of the software you are considering and purchase what your institution needs.

I recommend: Exact Software makes job software for large and small companies. Evaluate the product demo before you buy the software. DBA Manufacturing provides a complete software suite for any shop or manufacturing business. They offer a free evaluation so try before you buy.

Choose fabrication shop software updates to the system already in place

If your present software is working for you consider upgrading it to add a few features that you need instead of replacing the entire system. There may be a small charge to upgrade but this would be minimal compared to replacing the entire system. Find out if the new necessary features are available with your present software. Alternatively, choose a software program that adds these features but integrates with the program in place.

I recommend: Real Trac makes job shop software that integrates with QuickBooks. Know instantly the cost of any job, where it is, and when it will be finished. Profit Fab offers several programs, which fully integrate with your accounting system. All programs come with a trial so you can try before you buy and see which features are right for your shop.

Select custom fabrication shop software that have live customer support

The best software in the world is no good to you if you cannot reach someone to answer questions when that need arises. Software has an online guide but sometimes that is not enough when you run into a difficulty. Choose software systems with live customer support features to get the most out of program.

I recommend: Shop Tech offers software with live support by both phone and email. Control your shop from quoting to accounting and all functions in between with this powerful software. The CSS Group offers software with phone support to manage your shop efficiently. Quote, order product and control inventory are features of this software.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When you purchase your job shop management software you may want to consider having a professional install the software for you. Although there is a charge for this service, they will have you up and running quickly and they will deal with any software installation issues so all you have to do is operate your system.