# Katana

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## Pages

- [Search](https://katanamrp.com/search/): What are you looking for today? Ask a question and our AI will guide you to the answer—fast, accurate, and always available.
- [Katana Intelligence - KAI](https://katanamrp.com/ai-assistant/): KAI, Katana's AI assistant, handles the tedious chores, so you to focus on more strategic and impactful tasks, like growing your business.
- [NEW USE CASES - Agencies](https://katanamrp.com/use-cases/agency/): Expand your service offering with inventory management software that integrates all your clients' SaaS tools for a cohesive experience.
- [NEW USE CASES - Omnichannel](https://katanamrp.com/use-cases/omnichannel/): Centralize your sales channels and inventory management with complete visibility across all locations, suppliers, and 3PLs for an omnichannel approach.
- [Grow your profit with ecommerce inventory management software](https://katanamrp.com/ecommerce-inventory-management-software/): Optimize your online store with inventory management software for ecommerce. Streamline operations and reduce costs efficiently.
- [Security](https://katanamrp.com/security/): Our mission is to provide you with a secure, reliable platform that you can trust. Below is an overview of our security practices and protocols to ensure the safety of your information. 
- [[EBOOK] D2C Trends](https://katanamrp.com/d2c-trends/): In our latest report, we partnered with Worldwide Business Research, collecting data from 100 SMB Shopify merchants to understand their key challenges and how they plan to implement inventory software and AI to overcome them.
- [Industries](https://katanamrp.com/industries/): We’re building Katana to be flexible. Here’s how we have helped other businesses in your industry.
- [Partner directory](https://katanamrp.com/partner-directory/): We have hand-selected the top global agencies and implementation partners that love Katana and have a mission to help manufacturing brands grow and thrive.
- [Pricing](https://katanamrp.com/pricing/): Tailored to suit the specific needs of your manufacturing business. Our options and pricing plans are suited to scale with the growth of your business.
- [Newsroom](https://katanamrp.com/newsroom/): Get the latest independent news about Katana, from a range of independent manufacturing-focused media outlets.
- [Integrations](https://katanamrp.com/integrations-library/): Katana integrates with your favorite online services: ecommerce (such as Shopify and Woocommerce), accounting, and many more integrations.
- [[EBOOK] Inventory management report - child of inv-mng-guide](https://katanamrp.com/inventory-management-report/): In our latest report, we partnered with Worldwide Business Research, collecting data from 100 SMB Shopify merchants to understand their key challenges and how they plan to implement inventory software and AI to overcome them.
- [Onboarding Overview](https://katanamrp.com/onboarding-overview/): Katana's onboarding service for Standard, Professional and Professional Plus plans help you make the most of Katana as quickly and efficiently as possible.
- [Use Case - Wholesale](https://katanamrp.com/use-cases/wholesale/): Cloud inventory platform for a live view of your inventory levels across multiple locations. Learn more here.
- [Use Case - Distribution](https://katanamrp.com/use-cases/distribution/): Cloud inventory platform for maintaining optimal inventory levels across all your warehouses. Learn more here
- [Use Case - Hybrid](https://katanamrp.com/use-cases/hybrid/): Cloud inventory platform to keep track of all the moving parts of your business, from sales and inventory to production and beyond. Learn more.
- [Use Case - Retail](https://katanamrp.com/use-cases/retail/): Cloud inventory platform for enhanced stock management and streamlined operations. Learn more here.
- [FEATURE: Inventory management](https://katanamrp.com/features/real-time-inventory/): Optimize your inventory with Katana’s cloud inventory platform that streamlines operations, prevents stockouts, and maximizes profits. Learn more here.
- [FEATURE: Production management](https://katanamrp.com/features/production-management/): Katana’s production management tools empower you to oversee manufacturing processes, increase productivity, and meet deadlines. Learn more here.
- [FEATURE: Built-in purchasing](https://katanamrp.com/features/purchasing/): Simplify purchase order processes with Katana to take control of procurement, track orders, and enhance supplier relationships. Learn more here.
- [FEATURE: Financial visibility](https://katanamrp.com/features/financial-visibility/): Experience smarter accounting in the cloud with Katana by synchronizing financial data and gaining real-time insights into your business. Learn more here.
- [FEATURE: Omnichannel sales management](https://katanamrp.com/features/omnichannel-sales/): Boost sales efficiency with Katana by effortlessly managing orders, tracking sales pipelines, and delivering exceptional customer service. Learn more here.
- [FEATURE: Warehouse management](https://katanamrp.com/features/warehouse-management/): Optimize the management of goods and materials in your warehouse by streamlining the entire process and improving accuracy at the same time. Learn more.
- [FEATURE: Planning and Forecasting](https://katanamrp.com/features/planning-and-forecasting/): Know exactly where your products are with intuitive cloud inventory software that aligns supply and demand. Katana helps you stay lean and efficient — goodbye stockouts and overstock
- [Use Case - Ecommerce](https://katanamrp.com/use-cases/ecommerce/): Cloud inventory platform that integrates with all your ecommerce platforms, simplifying omnichannel sales and inventory tracking. Learn more here.
- [Use Case - Manufacturing](https://katanamrp.com/use-cases/manufacturing/): Manufacturing software to oversee your entire production process, from purchasing to sales. Learn more here.
- [Contact us](https://katanamrp.com/contact-us/): Talk to the people behind the software. Send us your general questions or feedback and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.
- [[EBOOK] Shopify Report](https://katanamrp.com/shopify-report/): In our latest report, we partnered with Worldwide Business Research, collecting data from 100 SMB Shopify merchants to understand their key challenges and how they plan to implement inventory software and AI to overcome them.
- [Privacy Policy](https://katanamrp.com/privacy-policy/): Last updated: August 20, 2024 Privacy Policy Introduction Welcome, and thank you for your interest in Katana Technologies OÜ (“Katana”,...
- [Integration with us](https://katanamrp.com/integration-partners/): Help your clients boost their manufacturing business and grow yours in the process by becoming a Katana Integration Partner. Learn more.
- [Terms of service](https://katanamrp.com/service-terms/): Welcome to www.katanamrp.com. These Terms of Service contain the terms and conditions that govern the use of our Platform (as defined below) and Katana Services (as defined below) and all content, services and/or products available on or through the Platform.
- [Responsible Disclosure](https://katanamrp.com/responsible-disclosure/): At Katana, we value the support of the cybersecurity community. If you identify a security vulnerability, please notify us.
- [Katana Ambassador Agreement](https://katanamrp.com/partner-terms-of-service/): Katana is a Smart Manufacturing Software, designed to revolutionize the way modern makers, crafters and small manufacturers work. It is an innovative, easy-to-use, and affordable solution for managing production and inventory efficiently.
- [Technology Partner Program Agreement](https://katanamrp.com/technology-partner-terms-of-service/): LAST UPDATED: JANUARY 29, 2024 Katana Technologies LTD. Technology Partner Program Agreement PLEASE READ THIS PARTNER PROGRAM AGREEMENT (THIS “AGREEMENT“)...
- [Partner Page](https://katanamrp.com/partner-program/): Sign up for comarketing opportunities and earn commissions as an official Katana Partner. Learn more.
- [About us](https://katanamrp.com/about-us/): At Katana, our vision is to build software that businesses love as much as the products they sell. Read our story.
- [Feature overview](https://katanamrp.com/features/): Easy inventory management. Visual production planning. Accurate costing based on product recipes and production operations.
- [Katana Academy](https://katanamrp.com/academy/): Whether you’re just beginning your journey or you’re a seasoned vet, the academy provides an extensive collection of educational tools to help you get the most out of Katana.
- [Front page](https://katanamrp.com/): Modern cloud inventory software that helps you stay on top of inventory management, material planning, production scheduling, and more.
- [SEO: mro-inventory-management](https://katanamrp.com/inventory-management-guide/mro-inventory-management-software/): MRO inventory software empowers users with accurate, real-time data to make informed business decisions. Sign up for free here.
- [SEO: Inventory planning and forecasting software](https://katanamrp.com/inventory-planning-software/): Inventory planning software ensures you're prepared to meet customer demand consistently while minimizing carrying costs and wasted resources.
- [SEO: parts-inventory-management-software](https://katanamrp.com/parts-inventory-management-software/): Parts inventory management software to track the quantity and location of each and every part.
- [How to master multilocation inventory management](https://katanamrp.com/multilocation-inventory-management/): Optimize efficiency with multilocation inventory management and achieve success by streamlining operations across all your locations.
- [SEO: enterprise-inventory-management](https://katanamrp.com/enterprise-inventory-management/): Start managing your stock like a professional and optimize your processes with Katana's enterprise inventory management software. Try it now!
- [QuickBooks vs. Xero: which is best?](https://katanamrp.com/quickbooks-vs-xero/): QuickBooks vs. Xero — two accounting software giants, but which is better for manufacturers? Read all about these tools in this article.
- [QuickBooks inventory asset: The basics](https://katanamrp.com/quickbooks-inventory-asset/): Just started using QuickBooks Online and trying to wrap your head around things? Here's a quick breakdown of what a QuickBooks inventory asset is.
- [11 Xero inventory add-ons to take your business to the next level](https://katanamrp.com/best-xero-inventory-add-on/): Here are the 11 best Xero inventory add-ons for businesses looking to optimize their time-tracking, reporting, and inventory management.
- [How to set up a QuickBooks inventory scanner for your online account](https://katanamrp.com/quickbooks-barcode-inventory/): QuickBooks inventory scanner is the ultimate solution for streamlining your inventory management. Learn more on simplifying your workflows.
- [E-commerce accounting: the most straightforward guide](https://katanamrp.com/ecommerce-accounting/): Master e-commerce accounting: boost your business with expert financial management. Learn about essential tips and tools today.
- [QuickBooks Online serial number tracking](https://katanamrp.com/quickbooks-online-serial-number-tracking/): QuickBooks does not offer native features to track serial and lot numbers. Keep reading to explore how to enable QuickBooks serial number tracking.
- [QuickBooks bill of materials: The secret to making it work](https://katanamrp.com/quickbooks-bill-of-materials/): QuickBooks bill of materials is tricky in the online version. Let's see how it all works and how 3rd party tools can optimize your business.
- [Upgrade your workflows with a Xero barcode inventory system](https://katanamrp.com/xero-barcode-inventory-system/): Xero doesn't support barcodes for inventory, but you can get this feature with the help of a third-party app. Here's how and why you should.
- [Xero raw materials: How to track and manage](https://katanamrp.com/xero-raw-materials/): Can you track raw materials in Xero? The short answer is no, but there is a solution. Click here to learn about the workarounds that enable you to do it.
- [Xero bill of materials (BOM): Tips and tricks](https://katanamrp.com/xero-bill-of-materials/): Discover workarounds for Xero bill of materials. Explore practical solutions to streamline production processes and optimize inventory. Learn more.
- [Product costing methods for business success](https://katanamrp.com/product-costing/): Product costing is the process of calculating the total expenses incurred in manufacturing a product, including direct materials, labor, and overheads.
- [Complete guide to cost of good sold (COGS)](https://katanamrp.com/cost-of-goods-sold/): Cost of goods sold (COGS) refers to the direct expenses incurred by a business to produce or purchase the goods it sells during a specific period.
- [How to calculate the cost of goods manufactured](https://katanamrp.com/cost-of-goods-manufactured/): Learn how to calculate the costs of goods manufactured, how to review them, and what this figure means for your business.
- [The 9 best accounting software for manufacturing](https://katanamrp.com/best-accounting-software-for-manufacturing/): Here are the 9 best accounting software for manufacturing you can use and integrate into your business workflow.
- [Job order costing done right](https://katanamrp.com/job-order-costing/): Job order costing is the process of calculating the cost to make each item. Learn all about it here and how to implement it in your business.
- [Overcome QuickBooks Online inventory limitations](https://katanamrp.com/quickbooks-online-inventory-limitations/): Learn to tackle QuickBooks Online inventory limitations. Find a workaround to optimize your inventory and financial features effectively.
- [QuickBooks for manufacturing](https://katanamrp.com/quickbooks-manufacturing/): Discover the power of QuickBooks manufacturing. Optimize your inventory, finances, and efficiency. Learn more and find the best tools for you.
- [Inventory accounting: A guide to an efficient warehouse](https://katanamrp.com/inventory-accounting/): Discover the best techniques for inventory accounting. Streamline your processes, optimize stock levels, and ensure accurate financial data.
- [How to solve your QuickBooks raw materials inventory woes](https://katanamrp.com/quickbooks-raw-material-inventory/): Optimize QuickBooks raw material inventory management. Streamline processes, overcome limitations, and improve efficiency. Learn more here.
- [Costing methods and the importance of choosing the correct one](https://katanamrp.com/costing-methods/): A costing method is a technique used to determine production expenses, helping businesses accurately calculate the total cost per unit. Learn more.
- [Manufacturing accounting: A unique approach for a unique sector](https://katanamrp.com/manufacturing-accounting/): Manufacturing accounting tracks, analyzes, and manages production costs, inventory, and operational performance in the manufacturing industry.
- [Inventory costing: How to choose the right method](https://katanamrp.com/inventory-costing/): Learn about different inventory costing methods and discover which factors to consider when choosing the best match for your business.
- [Process costing and process costing accounting](https://katanamrp.com/process-costing/): Track and control your manufacturing budget by mastering process costing. Understand your business expenses and find new cost-saving ways.
- [WIP manufacturing: Calculation and cost reduction](https://katanamrp.com/wip-manufacturing/): WIP manufacturing looks at critical costs you incur during production. Learn how to calculate these costs and reduce them down to size.
- [Serial number tracking: organize your inventory efficiently](https://katanamrp.com/serial-number-tracking/): Serial number tracking software helps organize your inventory, keep track of products, streamline processes, and reduce errors. Try it today!
- [SEO: Inventory optimization software for SMBs](https://katanamrp.com/inventory-optimization-software/): Inventory optimization software helps companies keep inventory levels just right while avoiding stockouts and overstocking. Learn all about it here.
- [24 practical manufacturing KPIs for time-starved production managers](https://katanamrp.com/manufacturing-kpis/): Ensure your business is running optimally by using manufacturing KPIs. Here's a list of common KPIs manufacturers use to track performance.
- [SEO: material-tracking-software](https://katanamrp.com/material-tracking-software/): Material tracking software for manufacturing to automate workflows and optimize operations. Try Katana for free here.
- [How to manufacture a product: 5 simple steps](https://katanamrp.com/how-to-start-manufacturing-a-product/): 5 simple steps you can follow to learn and master how to manufacture a product. From development all the way to launch.
- [Free production schedule template](https://katanamrp.com/production-schedule-template/): Maximize your manufacturing efficiency with a free Excel production schedule template. Download now and streamline your workflow management.
- [LEADGEN: Purchase order template](https://katanamrp.com/purchase-order-template/): Best free purchase order template. Use this PO template whenever you need to stock up on supplies and raw materials.
- [How to protect your business with inventory planning](https://katanamrp.com/inventory-planning/): Want to get the most out of your inventory? Learn about the key elements of inventory planning and how your business can benefit from them.
- [Free bill of materials template](https://katanamrp.com/bill-of-materials-template/): Download a bill of materials template and get the most out of your inventory planning. Read on to learn how a BOM can benefit your business.
- [Everything you need to know about excess inventory](https://katanamrp.com/excess-inventory/): Excess inventory are the items you expected to have parted with but somehow haven’t. Learn how to identify and remove this stock.
- [What's cooking: Everything you need to know about food manufacturing](https://katanamrp.com/food-manufacturing/): Food manufacturing has evolved a lot in the last century. Learn more about the history, production processes, quality control, and innovations.
- [The ultimate guide to obsolete inventory](https://katanamrp.com/obsolete-inventory/): Obsolete inventory refers to items that you have that can’t be used or sold. Learn how to deal with this type of inventory.
- [The 10 best MRP software on the market in 2024](https://katanamrp.com/best-mrp-software/): The 10 best MRP software on the market in 2024, perfect for SME businesses looking to optimize their manufacturing operations.
- [How to apply manufacturing capacity planning in your business](https://katanamrp.com/manufacturing-capacity-planning/): Manufacturing capacity planning is the act of getting the available capacity to meet forecasted demand. Learn more about production capacity planning here.
- [What is a manufacturing execution system (MES)](https://katanamrp.com/manufacturing-execution-system/): Manufacturing execution system (MES) is a control system for managing and monitoring production on a factory floor. Learn all about it here.
- [Perpetual inventory system: The best way to track inventory](https://katanamrp.com/perpetual-inventory-system/): Manufacturers can use a perpetual inventory system to get real-time updates on actual inventory levels. Here is how it works and the formulas.
- [Production quality control checklist for manufacturing](https://katanamrp.com/production-quality-control-checklist/): Learn about manufacturing quality control checklists and how to run checks that will enhance your business and ensure high manufacturing standards. Read more here.
- [Grow your business with a process manufacturing software](https://katanamrp.com/process-manufacturing-software/): Increase profits and eliminate inefficiencies with Katana's ERP software for process manufacturing. Learn more and sign up for a free trial.
- [Catch your runaway costs with manufacturing overhead formula](https://katanamrp.com/manufacturing-overhead/): Manufacturing overhead formula to reduce the indirect costs you rarely think about. Learn what these costs are and how you can start dissolving them.
- [9 essential tips to reduce manufacturing waste](https://katanamrp.com/manufacturing-waste/): Reducing manufacturing waste improves efficiency and increases profit. Here are 9 tips to improve your manufacturing waste management.
- [Average inventory formula](https://katanamrp.com/how-to-calculate-average-inventory/): Average inventory formula with examples. Learn how to calculate your average inventory to gather data and keep your stock levels optimal.
- [How to improve inventory turnover ratio in manufacturing](https://katanamrp.com/inventory-turnover-ratio/): Learn how to improve your inventory turnover ratio. Keep reading for inventory turnover ratio formula calculation with examples.
- [The 5 types of manufacturing processes](https://katanamrp.com/manufacturing-processes/): Here are the five types of manufacturing processes used by businesses across the industry — including a bonus sixth process type.
- [7 best manufacturing software in 2024](https://katanamrp.com/best-manufacturing-erp-software/): Here are the 7 best manufacturing software, perfect for SMBs looking to streamline their production processes and inventory management in 2024.
- [How to make a barcode generator in Excel?](https://katanamrp.com/barcode-generator-excel/): Learn how to make your own barcode generator in Excel or other spreadsheet programs using this step-by-step guide.
- [Inventory valuation methods: The best tool for checking inventory](https://katanamrp.com/inventory-valuation-methods/): Inventory valuation methods are essential for monitoring your inventory levels. Learn about the different types and the best tool to use.
- [Inventory carrying costs: Slicing the excess waste](https://katanamrp.com/inventory-carrying-costs/): Too much inventory hacking away at your profits? Here are cost formulas and everything else you need to know about inventory carrying costs.
- [Stock keeping units (SKUs) to boost your inventory organization](https://katanamrp.com/sku/): Stock keeping unit (SKU) is a unique code that you use to identify every inventory item in your stockroom. Learn what is an SKU and how can it help you.
- [Monitor and improve processes using a discrete manufacturing software](https://katanamrp.com/discrete-manufacturing-software/): Katana is ideal for real-time inventory tracking, task management, and manufacturing process monitoring. Sign up for a free 14-day trial.
- [6 manufacturing trends and predictions for 2023 [Infographic]](https://katanamrp.com/manufacturing-trends/): Check out the 6 dominant manufacturing trends and predictions for 2023 to get your business prepared and surpass your competition.
- [How to implement a barcode inventory system?](https://katanamrp.com/barcode-inventory-system/): A barcode inventory system uses barcodes and barcode scanners to manage and track inventory levels, locations, and transactions. Learn more here.
- [Scale fast with order management software for small businesses](https://katanamrp.com/small-business-order-management-software/): Use a small business order management software to help your business reach its full potential. Learn all about it here and sign-up for free.
- [Take control of your business using an order management software](https://katanamrp.com/order-management-software/): Order management software gives you a live overview of your entire business, from inventory management to sales, and puts you back in control
- [10 manufacturing best practices for 2024](https://katanamrp.com/manufacturing-best-practices/): Get ahead of the competition early with 10 manufacturing best practices to take your business to the next level in 2024. Read about it here.
- [10 common manufacturing challenges businesses have to face](https://katanamrp.com/manufacturing-challenges/): Here we highlight manufacturing challenges business owners and managers face in their operations and the solutions you can implement.
- [7 best inventory management software solutions in 2025](https://katanamrp.com/best-inventory-management-software/): The 7 best inventory management software on the market in 2025, ranging from software for ecommerce businesses to restaurants.
- [Negative inventory: Get your stock back into positive](https://katanamrp.com/negative-inventory/): Negative inventory is when a manufacturer's inventory is below zero. Learn the reasons for negative stock and how to avoid it.
- [Free up capital and reduce carrying costs with SKU rationalization](https://katanamrp.com/sku-rationalization/): Learn about stock-keeping unit rationalization, what it is, and how SKUs can help keep your inventory optimized.
- [Win buyers and influence sales with consignment inventory](https://katanamrp.com/consignment-inventory/): Discover the benefits and strategies of consignment inventory. Optimize stock management, reduce costs & enhance sales relationships.
- [Inventory control: Laying paths for a bright business future](https://katanamrp.com/inventory-control/): The quest for inventory control taking over your life? Cut out the fluff with this guide to inventory control for a profitable business.
- [Everything you need to know about the safety stock](https://katanamrp.com/safety-stock/): Maintaining safety stock levels is vital in avoiding stockouts. Here we delve into the safety stock formula and why it’s so important.
- [What is a stocktake? The 2024 complete guide](https://katanamrp.com/stocktake/): Stocktaking can be a time-consuming process. Thankfully there are ways to make it easier and get the most out of your dreaded stocktake.
- [The dead stock survival guide for manufacturers](https://katanamrp.com/dead-stock/): Dead stock left untreated will eat away profits. Here we help ambitious manufacturers identify and stop dead stock inventory from gathering.
- [Manufacturer ecommerce: Dawn of a new entrepreneur](https://katanamrp.com/manufacturer-ecommerce/): Manufacturer ecommerce — a new trend of companies selling their goods B2B online. Here’s the ultimate guide to manufacturing and ecommerce.
- [Proper stock replenishment to prevent stockouts](https://katanamrp.com/stock-replenishment/): A proper stock replenishment plan is vital to ensuring your customers get the products on time. Keep reading to see how to do just that.
- [Lean inventory — trimming the fat from your manufacturing](https://katanamrp.com/lean-inventory/): Lean inventory is a method for reducing costs and improving the management of your business. Learn how to make it work.
- [Demand planning: How to properly forecast your sales](https://katanamrp.com/demand-planning/): Demand planning and forecasting are key to the future of your business. It's important to know how much you're going to need to stock.
- [A guide to bulk shipping’s role in inventory management](https://katanamrp.com/bulk-shipping/): Here's everything you need to know about bulk shipping in inventory management, from shippable items and the vessels that make deliveries.
- [Getting started: A guide to creating a manufacturing business plan](https://katanamrp.com/manufacturing-business-plan/): Here is the ultimate guide to creating the perfect manufacturing business plan for your entrepreneurial ambitions.
- [What is cycle inventory? Here's everything you need to know](https://katanamrp.com/cycle-inventory/): Cycle inventory is one of the most important things to have control of in the world of inventory management. Learn more about inventory cycle stock.
- [A guide to MRP in supply chain management](https://katanamrp.com/mrp-in-supply-chain/): Material requirements planning allows manufacturers to take control of their supply chain and production all from one screen.
- [Reorder point formula to maximize sales](https://katanamrp.com/reorder-point-formula/): The reorder point formula is the maximum daily usage multiplied by the maximum lead time days. Never run out of stock again and maximize sales.
- [LP: QBO Partner campaign](https://katanamrp.com/qbo-partner/): Get your manufacturing clients software that gives them total visibility over accounting and production. Earn rewards as a Katana Partner.
- [Job shop manufacturing: A manufacturer's best friend](https://katanamrp.com/job-shop-manufacturing/): Job shop manufacturing guide to keep your teams organized, efficient, and focused with software designed to give you visibility. Learn more.
- [SEO: Production tracking software to get your business organized](https://katanamrp.com/production-tracking-software/): Don't drive blind — Katana’s production tracking software gives you a clear view ahead with easy production tracking. Learn more here.
- [A complete guide to the four types of inventory in manufacturing](https://katanamrp.com/types-of-inventory/): Understanding inventory types will help you manage your business and accounting. Here are the different types of inventory in manufacturing.
- [A guide to inventory analysis for manufacturing](https://katanamrp.com/inventory-analysis/): Performing accurate inventory analysis is essential for increasing your profit margins. Read about the benefits and techniques here.
- [Manufacturing business processes to streamline your operations](https://katanamrp.com/manufacturing-business-processes/): Manufacturing business processes are the activities manufacturing companies follow to make their products. Learn more on how you can improve these.
- [Just-in-time inventory: Definition, example, pros and cons](https://katanamrp.com/just-in-time-inventory/): Just-in-time inventory management has surpassed the just-in-case system as the gold standard for efficient manufacturing. Find out why.
- [Your complete guide to raw materials inventory management](https://katanamrp.com/raw-materials-inventory-management-guide/): The essential guide to raw materials inventory management, perfect for businesses looking to get more control and scalability.
- [Lean manufacturing principles to streamline production and eliminate waste](https://katanamrp.com/lean-manufacturing/): What is lean manufacturing, what are lean manufacturing principles, and how can you use these to streamline your business and reduce waste? Keep reading to find out.
- [Everything you need to know about the total manufacturing cost formula](https://katanamrp.com/manufacturing-cost/): Are you sinking profits into undefined costs? Learn all about the total manufacturing cost formula and improve your profit margin.
- [SEO: MRO-inventory-management-software](https://katanamrp.com/mro-inventory-management-software/): MRO inventory management software empowers users with accurate, real-time data to make informed business decisions. Sign up for free here.
- [What is a backorder? And why manufacturers can’t do without it](https://katanamrp.com/backordering/): What does backorder mean for your business? It can save you in a tight spot. You can prevent 99% of stockouts with a backorder.
- [Good manufacturing practices to ensure constant high quality standards](https://katanamrp.com/gmp/): What are good manufacturing practices (GMPs) and what should you know about them? Keep reading to find out.
- [Build it yourself: How to start a manufacturing business](https://katanamrp.com/how-to-start-a-manufacturing-business/): How to start a manufacturing business — the ultimate guide. From preparation to getting your store and production set up. Read more here.
- [8 inventory management methods for better stock efficiency](https://katanamrp.com/inventory-management-methods/): Learn more about 8 inventory management methods perfect for businesses looking for more control in their warehouse operations.
- [A guide to inventory days on hand (DOH)](https://katanamrp.com/inventory-days-on-hand/): Inventory days on hand (DOH) is a calculation for understanding how fast a company goes through its available inventory. Learn about it here.
- [Decoupling inventory: how to keep production moving](https://katanamrp.com/decoupling-inventory/): Set aside items with decoupling inventory techniques to keep your business afloat during slowdowns or shortfalls. Learn about it here.
- [FIFO vs LIFO: What are they, and when should you use them?](https://katanamrp.com/fifo-vs-lifo/): The debate of LIFO vs FIFO method in inventory valuation and accounting never stops. Learn how to use both methods within your business.
- [Minimum order quantity to ensure every sale turns a profit](https://katanamrp.com/moq/): What does MOQ mean, how is it calculated, and how can it help to streamline your inventory and order management? Keep reading to find out.
- [ABC inventory: Get the most out of your best-selling products](https://katanamrp.com/abc-inventory/): The tradition of ABC inventory helps businesses form strategies that get the most out of their product's lifecycles. Here we show how you can do the same.
- [Batch tracking for end-to-end traceability](https://katanamrp.com/batch-tracking-guide/): Batch tracking, or lot tracking, is the systematic management of product groups using unique identifiers and detailed records. Learn more here.
- [Economic order quantity (EOQ): Balancing cost and demand](https://katanamrp.com/eoq/): The economic order quantity (EOQ) formula helps you understand the correct order quantities for items. Learn all about it here.
- [Strengthen ties with your sellers using vendor managed inventory (VMI)](https://katanamrp.com/vendor-managed-inventory/): Vendor managed inventory (VMI) puts you in charge of the reseller's inventory. Read on to understand the advantages and disadvantages of VMI.
- [A guide to MRO inventory management](https://katanamrp.com/mro-inventory/): Having MRO inventory to hand allows you to keep production moving when things go wrong. Learn what it is and how to manage it.
- [Streamline your work in process inventory management](https://katanamrp.com/work-in-process-inventory/): Work in process inventory management made easy. Learn how to manage work in process inventory and get your costs under control.
- [Everything you need to know about finished goods inventory](https://katanamrp.com/finished-goods-inventory/): Finished goods inventory ins and outs. Keep reading to learn what is finished goods inventory, how to calculate its value, and how to manage it efficiently.
- [Learn everything about manufacturing ERP systems and become a production savant](https://katanamrp.com/manufacturing-erp-system/): What is a manufacturing ERP system, and would a manufacturing ERP help your business? Learn everything about ERP systems in this guide.
- [Marketing for manufacturers — convert raw materials to products and leads to sales](https://katanamrp.com/marketing-for-manufacturing/): A complete guide for marketing for manufacturing companies. Keep reading to learn about marketing strategies, challenges, and best practices.
- [SEO: Inventory control software that helps you master your stock](https://katanamrp.com/inventory-control-software/): Gain more visibility and set new benchmarks with Katana’s inventory control software. Find out how to master inventory operations with Katana
- [The ins and outs of light manufacturing](https://katanamrp.com/light-manufacturing/): What is light manufacturing, how it works, and what you can do as a manufacturer to ensure everything runs as efficiently as possible. Learn more.
- [Advanced manufacturing — costly gimmicks or the way forward](https://katanamrp.com/advanced-manufacturing/): Advanced manufacturing is the TikTok of manufacturing industry — trendy, exciting, and many cool kids are using it. Should you? Keep reading to find out.
- [A comprehensive guide to just-in-time manufacturing](https://katanamrp.com/just-in-time-manufacturing/): What is just-in-time (JIT) manufacturing? When, where, and why use JIT manufacturing in your business? We've found the answers for you.
- [Production vs manufacturing: What’s the difference?](https://katanamrp.com/production-vs-manufacturing/): Production vs manufacturing might not seem much of a difference, but there is. Learn the definitions and differences between the two.
- [IoT in manufacturing — how to use it to your advantage](https://katanamrp.com/iot-in-manufacturing/): Businesses implement IoT manufacturing to gain an extra advantage over competitors. Read here to learn more.
- [How to calculate pipeline inventory effortlessly](https://katanamrp.com/pipeline-inventory/): Pipeline inventory refers to the items not in stock, and tracking them is crucial to your inventory management. Learn how to do it here.
- [Inventory forecasting to prepare for the rainy days](https://katanamrp.com/inventory-forecasting/): Inventory forecasting is the process of predicting future inventory requirements to optimize stock levels and meet customer demand. Learn more here.
- [Enterprise manufacturing software to take care of all your production needs](https://katanamrp.com/enterprise-manufacturing-software/): Take control of your production lines with Katana’s enterprise manufacturing software. Adopt Katana and streamline all of your operations.
- [A guide to days inventory outstanding (DIO)](https://katanamrp.com/days-inventory-outstanding/): Days inventory outstanding is a way of calculating the average number of days a company holds its inventory before selling. Learn DIO here.
- [An easy-to-use alternative to Odoo with a modern feel](https://katanamrp.com/alternative-to-odoo/): An alternative to Odoo that’s easy to implement and operate. Adopt Katana and simplify your business management. Learn more here.
- [An intuitive alternative to NetSuite built for SMBs](https://katanamrp.com/alternative-to-netsuite/): A NetSuite alternative that’s easy to use. Katana is purpose-built for SMBs, so you won’t need a full-scale IT department just to get started. Learn more.
- [An alternative to Fishbowl to satisfy your thirst for better software](https://katanamrp.com/fishbowl-inventory-alternative/): Katana's manufacturing ERP is a cost-effective alternative to Fishbowl. Spend less money and reap the rewards of modern software. Read more.
- [An alternative to Unleashed that helps you unleash your full potential](https://katanamrp.com/alternative-to-unleashed/): Katana ERP is an inventory management software alternative to Unleashed. Find out why and learn how to customize your workflows with Katana.
- [SEO: Implement lean manufacturing software with Katana](https://katanamrp.com/lean-manufacturing-software/): Explore Katana's lean manufacturing software and gain visibility into your business, from supply chain management to floor-level control.
- [SEO: Manufacturing assembly software that's easy to use](https://katanamrp.com/manufacturing-assembly-software/): Grow your business and set new benchmarks with manufacturing assembly software for more flexibility and inventory control. Learn more
- [SEO: Part tracking software to take care of all your inventory needs](https://katanamrp.com/part-tracking-software/): Gain total visibility of your inventory with Katana’s part tracking software. Adopt Katana and simplify tracking parts in manufacturing.
- [SEO: Improve customer relationships with CRM software for manufacturing](https://katanamrp.com/crm-software-for-manufacturing/): Katana's manufacturing CRM software bridges the gap between sales and production. Gain more visibility into your business with Katana.
- [SEO: Sales order processing software](https://katanamrp.com/sales-order-processing-software/): Katana’s sales order processing software helps you manage all your different sales channels all from one place. Sign up for a free trial.
- [SEO: Warehouse Inventory Management Software](https://katanamrp.com/warehouse-inventory-management-software/): Katana’s warehouse inventory management software for manufacturers tracks inventory all along your supply chain. Sign up for a free trial.
- [SEO: Manufacturing warehouse management software to automate your inventory](https://katanamrp.com/manufacturing-warehouse-management-software/): Katana’s manufacturing warehouse management software helps you manage your production lines and inventory all from one place.
- [SEO: Complete control of your company with CRM inventory management software](https://katanamrp.com/inventory-management-crm/): Use CRM inventory management software to track stock, manage raw materials, and complete orders at all locations no matter where you are.
- [SEO: Total control with automated inventory management software](https://katanamrp.com/automated-inventory-management/): Streamline your business with Katana’s automated inventory management software for access to accurate real-time data about your stock levels.
- [SEO: Small business inventory control software to boost your growth](https://katanamrp.com/small-business-inventory-control-software/): Small business inventory control software that helps you slash your admin time so you can focus on growing your business. Learn more.
- [SEO: multichannel-inventory-management-software](https://katanamrp.com/multichannel-inventory-management-software/): Katana's multichannel inventory management software helps your business sell via different sales channels to customers around the globe.
- [SEO: inventory-management-software-for-small-businesses](https://katanamrp.com/small-business-inventory-management-software/): Katana offers the ideal inventory management software for small businesses to track raw materials and automate production processes.
- [SEO: small-business-procurement-software](https://katanamrp.com/small-business-purchase-order-software/): Small business procurement software from Katana helps maintain records, track spending, and automate purchase orders to make work easier.
- [SEO: manufacturing-capacity-planning-software](https://katanamrp.com/manufacturing-capacity-planning-software/): Reap the benefits of capacity planning software from Katana with clear lead times, automated reorder points, and improved resource management.
- [SEO: batch-manufacturing-software](https://katanamrp.com/batch-manufacturing-software/): Katana batch manufacturing software is the ultimate solution for manufacturers needing expiry date tracking and full traceability.
- [SEO: contract-manufacturing-software](https://katanamrp.com/contract-manufacturing-software/): Manage workflows with contractors and get total visibility over supplier materials and production progress throughout your supply chain. Learn more.
- [SEO: inventory-management-software](https://katanamrp.com/inventory-management-software/): Inventory management software helps businesses track their inventory across multiple warehouses and sales channels in real time. Learn more.
- [SEO: purchase-order-software](https://katanamrp.com/purchase-order-software/): Track delay risks in your supply chain to ensure on-time purchasing with purchase order software that gives you the visibility you need. Learn more.
- [SEO: order-management-software-for-ecommerce](https://katanamrp.com/order-management-software-for-ecommerce/): Equip yourself with the tools you need to ensure smooth, fast, and concise ecommerce operations. Learn more.
- [SEO: manufacturing-erp-software-small-business](https://katanamrp.com/manufacturing-erp-software-small-business/): Modern manufacturing ERP software for small businesses. All you need for total control over operations, inventory, and sales. Try Katana for free!
- [SEO: manufacturing-quoting-software](https://katanamrp.com/manufacturing-quoting-software/): Manufacturing quoting software allows scaling manufacturers to get complete control over their purchase management, quote, and invoices.
- [SEO: small-business-manufacturing-software](https://katanamrp.com/small-business-manufacturing-software/): Modern manufacturing software for small businesses. Katana's cloud-based MRP for small and medium-sized businesses is a flexible but robust tool. Try it for free!
- [SEO: manufacturing-inventory-software](https://katanamrp.com/manufacturing-inventory-software/): Manufacturing inventory software makes stock management more accurate and gives you the live data you need to run efficiently. Here's how.
- [LEADGEN: batch-production-ebook](https://katanamrp.com/batch-production-ebook/): Your definitive guide to batch production for manufacturers Download the free ebook to learn everything you need to know about...
- [SEO: production-management-software](https://katanamrp.com/production-management-software/): Katana is ideal for scaling manufacturers looking for production management software. End your inventory and production problems today.
- [SEO: wholesale-software](https://katanamrp.com/wholesale-software/): Katana is the software of choice for scaling businesses selling on Faire Marketplace and other online channels. Sign up for a free trial.
- [SEO: traceability-software](https://katanamrp.com/traceability-software/): Identify, track, and trace products throughout your entire supply chain. Never lose track with traceability features built into your inventory.
- [SEO: lot-tracking-software](https://katanamrp.com/lot-tracking-software/): Lot or batch tracking allows you to keep track of elements of products using a batch number. Learn more about cloud supply chain tracking.
- [LEADGEN: small-business-manufacturing-101](https://katanamrp.com/small-business-manufacturing-101/): Learn how to improve production, take advantage of industry opportunities, and understand manufacturing jargon. Get your free ebook.
- [LEADGEN: ultimate-shopify-guide-for-manufacturers](https://katanamrp.com/ultimate-shopify-guide-for-manufacturers/): Learn about the challenges Shopify manufacturers face and how to choose the right software for your needs. Download your free ebook.
- [LEADGEN: manufacturer-inventory-spreadsheet-template](https://katanamrp.com/manufacturer-inventory-spreadsheet-template/): Download a free Excel inventory template for manufacturers. Automate stock tracking, define your BOMs, and automatically update orders.
- [LEADGEN: sku-generator](https://katanamrp.com/sku-generator/): Streamline your inventory management with a free SKU generator. Create unique SKUs and start tracking your inventory like a pro. Download now!
- [[EBOOK] The ultimate guide to what is manufacturing](https://katanamrp.com/what-is-manufacturing/): Manufacturing is the conversion of raw materials, sub-assemblies, and materials into finished products. Keep reading for a comprehensive guide for your manufacturing business.
- [MRP systems for manufacturers: The ultimate guide](https://katanamrp.com/mrp-system-guide/): Get real-time visibility to boost your business’s efficiency with material requirements planning systems. Learn all about MRP systems here.
- [[EBOOK] Inventory management guide: What, why, and how](https://katanamrp.com/inventory-management-guide/): Inventory management is the process of ordering, storing, and selling raw materials and finished goods. Learn how to optimize the process.
- [SEO: shop-floor-control](https://katanamrp.com/shop-floor-control/): Shop floor control enables the digital management of floor operations to improve performance. Get real-time visibility with Katana.
- [SEO: bill-of-materials-software](https://katanamrp.com/bill-of-materials-software/): Bill of materials (BOM) software for automatic inventory adjustments, cost estimation, and raw material management. Start a free trial with Katana.
- [SEO: job-shop-software](https://katanamrp.com/job-shop-software/): Job shop manufacturing is a process which most growing manufacturers adopt early on. We explain what the process is and how you can make use of it.
- [SEO: wip-tracking-software](https://katanamrp.com/wip-tracking-software/): Track work in progress (WIP) on your shop floor in real time with Katana. Easily track inventory, people, and materials with cloud integration.
- [SEO: ecommerce-api](https://katanamrp.com/ecommerce-api/): Automate processes and integrate with other products and services with Katana API. Explore the mant ways you can use our API for your business. Try it free.
- [SEO: mes-software](https://katanamrp.com/mes-software/): An MES software automates your manufacturing processes to solve your production issues. Get real-time visibility with Katana. Learn more.
- [SEO: barcode-inventory-management-software](https://katanamrp.com/barcode-inventory-management-software/): Barcode inventory software for faster, error-proof tracking. Use Katana to trace and track your inventory and operations in real time. Learn more.
- [SEO: mrp-software](https://katanamrp.com/mrp-software/): The MRP software of choice for seamless inventory and production management. Control stock, shop-floor operations, and get full traceability with Katana's MRP solution.
- [SEO: production-scheduling-software](https://katanamrp.com/production-scheduling-software/): Optimize production with Katana's planning and scheduling software. Streamline operations, manage inventory, and meet deadlines efficiently.
- [SEO: manufacturing-erp-software](https://katanamrp.com/manufacturing-erp-software/): Manufacturing software makes inventory and production management easy. Keep reading to explore the benefits manufacturing software provides.
- [SEO: Shelf life management](https://katanamrp.com/shelf-life-management/): Track and prioritize your raw materials and products by expiration date to produce the right products at the right time with Katana.

---


## Posts

- [Real-time ingredient picking for smarter, more reliable manufacturing](https://katanamrp.com/blog/ingredient-picking/): Material tracking chaos ends here. Katana’s new picking workflow gives you the real-time visibility and traceability you've been missing.
- [Return management: Handle returns with confidence](https://katanamrp.com/blog/return-orders/): Returns are a part of selling products, so Katana provides a seamless way to track, manage, and reconcile them within your sales workflow.
- [Solving the CRM and operations disconnect in manufacturing](https://katanamrp.com/blog/connect-hubspot-and-manufacturing/): Learn how integrating HubSpot with your manufacturing system improves inventory visibility, speeds up fulfillment, and boosts customer satisfaction.
- [Sell services seamlessly with Katana — no workarounds needed](https://katanamrp.com/blog/sell-services/): Managing both products and services in Katana has never been smoother — no extra steps, just a seamless workflow.
- [Navigating tariffs: How SMBs can protect margins in a shifting market](https://katanamrp.com/blog/navigating-tariffs/): Constantly changing tariffs are disrupting SMB supply chains and margins. Learn five key strategies to adapt, optimize inventory, and protect your profits.
- [Optimizing post-purchase operations for a great shopping experience](https://katanamrp.com/blog/post-purchase-operations/): Optimize your post-purchase operations to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and enhance customer retention. Learn five proven strategies here.
- [How tariffs and shifting supply chains are shaping manufacturing in 2025](https://katanamrp.com/blog/tariffs-impact-on-manufacturers/): Explore how tariffs and supply chain changes impact manufacturers in 2025, plus strategies to protect margins with tools like Katana.
- [Leveraging moving average cost to mitigate the impact of tariffs](https://katanamrp.com/blog/moving-average-cost-for-tariffs/): Tariffs can throw a wrench in your operations. Discover how Katana can help you protect your bottom line and stay agile in a rapidly changing economy.
- [Connect, automate, and scale to new heights with Katana’s brand-new Integration Marketplace](https://katanamrp.com/blog/integration-marketplace/): Discover, access, and connect with best-in-breed software to create a powerful tech stack that drives efficiency and growth.
- [Simplify and optimize multilocation operations](https://katanamrp.com/blog/multilocation-operations/): With the newest improvements to multisite order fulfillment, scaling your business across multiple locations has never been easier. 
- [Choosing the right CRM: NetSuite CRM vs HubSpot](https://katanamrp.com/blog/netsuite-vs-hubspot/): Compare features between NetSuite CRM and HubSpot, including pricing, and AI tools to choose the best CRM for your manufacturing business.
- [Odoo vs HubSpot: The best CRM for your business](https://katanamrp.com/blog/hubspot-vs-odoo/): Discover the key differences between Odoo and HubSpot. Compare features, pricing, and integrations to choose the best solution for your business.
- [HubSpot for a manufacturing business](https://katanamrp.com/blog/hubspot-for-manufacturing/): Discover how to leverage HubSpot for lead generation, streamline workflows, and integrate with tools like Katana for seamless processes.
- [AI's role in improving financial accuracy](https://katanamrp.com/blog/ai-financial-accuracy/): AI in finance helps to improve accuracy with smarter data handling, real-time error-catching, and improved forecasting. Learn more here.
- [BOM management: Everything you need to know](https://katanamrp.com/blog/bom-management/): Better BOM management means improved work processes all around. Our guide has all the info you need to get to grips with it.
- [The importance of BOM in material requirements planning (MRP)](https://katanamrp.com/blog/bom-in-material-requirements-planning-mrp/): BOM is an integral part of MRP, and both work together for your manufacturing business to achieve sustainable success.
- [The impact of BOM on procurement processes](https://katanamrp.com/blog/bom-procurement/): How can a BOM assist with procurement processes and make manufacturing products simpler? We’ve got the know-how in our deep dive.
- [What is material management?](https://katanamrp.com/blog/material-management/): Learn all there is to know about material management, and how it differs from operations or production management, on the Katana blog.
- [Simplified order creation and real-time metrics through Katana’s AI-powered assistant](https://katanamrp.com/blog/ai-assistant/): KAI, our brand-new AI-powered sales assistant, helps you by decreasing manual order entries and displaying essential sales metrics (currently in beta).  
- [How AI is revolutionizing accounting](https://katanamrp.com/blog/ai-in-accounting/): AI in accounting automates tasks, boosts efficiency, and supports strategic insights. Keep reading to learn about the benefits it brings.
- [Maximize warehouse productivity with receiving, mobile scanning, and printing](https://katanamrp.com/blog/warehouse-receiving-mobile-scanning-and-printing/): Warehouse operators can now use the app to receive goods, scan items, and print essential documents on-the-go.
- [What is inventory management API?](https://katanamrp.com/blog/inventory-management-api/): What is API in inventory management, what can it do for your business, and how does it work? Find out on the Katana blog.
- [BOM cost analysis: How to calculate BOM effectively](https://katanamrp.com/blog/how-to-calculate-bom/): Smooth manufacturing processes and quality products rely on effective BOM cost analysis. Here’s a deep dive on how to calculate BOM properly.
- [Utilize kits and bundles to simplify selling and managing product packages](https://katanamrp.com/blog/kits-and-bundles/): With kits and bundles, you can gain full control over any bundled product operation. 
- [Spark notes on how to create a BOM and best practices](https://katanamrp.com/blog/how-to-create-a-bom/): Learn how to create a BOM and learn all about the best BOM practices to streamline your manufacturing process.
- [What is a configurable BOM? All you need to know](https://katanamrp.com/blog/configurable-bom/): Learn about the processes of creating bespoke configurable BOM (CBOM) to improve manufacturing workflow and get the most for your buyers.
- [The best supply chain management tools in 2024](https://katanamrp.com/blog/best-supply-chain-management-tools/): Learn the best supply chain management tools currently on the market in 2024 and how to optimize your current supply chain processes.
- [What is inventory discrepancy, and how to manage it](https://katanamrp.com/blog/inventory-discrepancy/): Understand what can lead to inventory discrepancies and get top tips for improved inventory management and reduced losses.
- [B2B2C: What is it, and why does it work? ](https://katanamrp.com/blog/b2b2c/): A B2B2C business model makes it much quicker to get your product to market. Learn all you need to know about B2B2C on the Katana blog!
- [What are warehouse barcoding systems?](https://katanamrp.com/blog/warehouse-barcoding-systems/): Learn all you need to know about warehouse barcoding systems, including the benefits, and how to implement them into your current process.
- [Inventory storage: The game-changer for business efficiency ](https://katanamrp.com/blog/inventory-storage/): Proper inventory storage is the key to success. Finding the right way to store your inventory can be a game-changer for your business. Lear more here.
- [What is digital inventory management, and what are its benefits? ](https://katanamrp.com/blog/digital-inventory-management/): Why is digital inventory better than traditional? Read on to understand the benefits and best practices for top results.
- [Centralized inventory management: What it is and when it makes sense?](https://katanamrp.com/blog/centralized-inventory-management/): Explore the benefits and challenges of centralized inventory management and compare to the pros and cons of a decentralized strategy.
- [Mastering the magic of retail supply chain management](https://katanamrp.com/blog/retail-supply-chain-management/): Learn why retail supply chain management is crucial for keeping things running smoothly and meeting customer expectations.
- [Understanding the law of supply and demand in business](https://katanamrp.com/blog/law-of-supply-and-demand/): Learn the fundamentals of the law of supply and demand for businesses, including why it’s important to track and some real-life examples.
- [A guide to inventory lists](https://katanamrp.com/blog/inventory-lists/): Read our ultimate guide to inventory lists, what to include, why you should keep them, and an example, including a downloadable template.
- [Inventory write-down and inventory write-off explained](https://katanamrp.com/blog/inventory-write-down-and-inventory-write-off/): Get the spark notes on the difference between inventory write-down and inventory write-off and how to navigate these accounting adjustments.
- [What is FIFO in inventory management?](https://katanamrp.com/blog/fifo-inventory-management/): Learn everything you need to know about using the FIFO strategy for managing your inventory, and the main differences between FIFO and LIFO.
- [A quick guide to inventory strategy](https://katanamrp.com/blog/inventory-strategy/): Read Katana’s guide to creating your own inventory strategy for your business and why you should do this to improve your revenue and sales.
- [The ultimate guide to inventory flow](https://katanamrp.com/blog/inventory-flow/): Read Katana’s ultimate guide to inventory flow, including what it is and how you can streamline it in your own business with key strategies.
- [How to keep your inventory accurate](https://katanamrp.com/blog/inventory-acuracy/): Learn the importance of keeping inventory accuracy and how you can use tips and tricks for record keeping.
- [10 key inventory management terms you should master](https://katanamrp.com/blog/inventory-management-terms/): 10 essential inventory management terms that will help you build an optimal control strategy and enhance the efficiency of your business.
- [Keep track of your stock with store inventory control](https://katanamrp.com/blog/store-inventory-control/): Understand store inventory control meaning, benefits, challenges, and the best tools you can employ to ensure your success at it.
- [How to record inventory for your business](https://katanamrp.com/blog/how-to-record-inventory/): Learn everything about how to record inventory, including the benefits and the best software to use to make your life easier.
- [Optimize your factory with a production layout guide](https://katanamrp.com/blog/production-layout-guide/): Learn to streamline your manufacturing processes by rearranging your equipment, workstations, and staff for more efficiency. Learn more here.
- [Manufacturing inventory management](https://katanamrp.com/blog/manufacturing-inventory-management/): Manufacturing inventory management involves managing all the bits and pieces a production company holds. Learn tips and strategies to do it efficiently.
- [QuickBooks Online inventory tracking: Quick guide](https://katanamrp.com/blog/quickbooks-online-inventory-tracking/): QuickBooks Online inventory tracking lacks some features that product-based businesses may need. Read on to learn how to bridge this gap.
- [The periodic inventory system: Stock counting done right](https://katanamrp.com/blog/periodic-inventory-system/): Periodic inventory systems fit businesses like a glove. But does it suit your business? We look at what a periodic inventory system can do, its pitfalls, and advantages.
- [How to choose the best ERP system for the food industry](https://katanamrp.com/blog/erp-for-food-industry/): Do you really need a specialized ERP system for the food industry? How can you make the right choice and which features should you look out for?
- [Your guide to understanding supply chain management](https://katanamrp.com/blog/supply-chain-management/): Learn the ins and outs of supply chain management, from key features and benefits to strategies and practical business tips.
- [Tips to optimize warehouse efficiency and streamline operations](https://katanamrp.com/blog/warehouse-efficiency/): Unlock the secrets to warehouse efficiency. Learn strategies to streamline operations, reduce costs, and improve customer satisfaction.
- [Your inventory audit quick guide](https://katanamrp.com/blog/inventory-audit/): Explore the benefits of inventory audits and reduce stockouts, eliminate human error, and maximize profits. Learn all about it here.
- [The ultimate guide to circular economy and closed-loop manufacturing](https://katanamrp.com/blog/circular-economy/): Read our ultimate guide to circular economy and closed-loop manufacturing and learn how you can adopt these principles for your own business.
- [A guide to store performance dashboards](https://katanamrp.com/blog/store-performance-dashboards/): Learn everything you need to know about store performance dashboards, including how you can use them to make data-driven decisions for your retail store.
- [Perpetual vs. periodic inventory: Which one works best for your business?](https://katanamrp.com/blog/perpetual-vs-periodic-inventory/): Discover and consider the pros and cons of perpetual vs. periodic inventory systems and how either one can benefit your business.
- [QuickBooks inventory management — How to do it right](https://katanamrp.com/blog/quickbooks-inventory-management/): QuickBooks’ inventory management helps you meet your customers’ demands. Learn how to use it and how to improve it today!
- [Streamline accounting with a more customizable QuickBooks Online integration](https://katanamrp.com/blog/customizable-qbo-integration/): Benefit from clearer visibility and control with improved customizability, flows, and enhanced account mapping for the QuickBooks Online integration.
- [What is production optimization in manufacturing?](https://katanamrp.com/blog/production-optimization-in-manufacturing/): Boost your manufacturing efficiency with production optimization. Learn practical tips and strategies to enhance productivity and reduce costs.
- [Supply chain forecasting — Predicting the future](https://katanamrp.com/blog/supply-chain-forecasting/): Supply chain forecasting is your secret weapon to predicting demand. Learn how to optimize inventory levels and keep customers happy.
- [Everything you need to know about cross-docking](https://katanamrp.com/blog/cross-docking/): Let’s take a look at what cross-docking is, how it works, and how it can enhance productivity and efficiency for your business.
- [Refine sales and purchase order price accuracy via added costs](https://katanamrp.com/blog/added-costs/): Take advantage of more detailed costs by adding shipping fees to sales orders and Additional costs to purchase orders. Learn more about this update.
- [Pharmaceutical warehousing: Layouts, regulations, and tools](https://katanamrp.com/blog/pharmaceutical-warehousing/): Pharmaceutical warehousing is the storage and management of pharmaceuticals under strict conditions to ensure quality, safety, and regulatory compliance.
- [Omnichannel fulfillment benefits, challenges, and strategies](https://katanamrp.com/blog/omnichannel-fulfillment/): Understand the benefits and challenges of omnichannel fulfillment and get tips on strategies and examples of how to make it work for you and your clients.
- [1 in 2 customers prefer a real human over an AI chatbot when chatting online](https://katanamrp.com/blog/customers-prefer-a-real-human-over-an-ai-chatbot/): Customer service is one of the most popular use cases for generative AI. Tools like GTP-4 or Google Bard are...
- [Pharmaceutical manufacturing process explained](https://katanamrp.com/blog/pharmaceutical-manufacturing-process/): Pharmaceutical manufacturing process involves producing medications, from formulation to distribution, ensuring quality and safety standards are met.
- [A guide to 3PL logistics](https://katanamrp.com/blog/3pl-logistics/): The use of 3PL helps businesses outsource specialized tasks and unlock growth paths by focusing on perfecting products and processes.
- [Warehouse optimization or how to whip a warehouse into shape](https://katanamrp.com/blog/warehouse-optimization/): Warehouse optimization is the secret key that can unlock a treasure chest of benefits aimed at supercharging the potential of your warehouse.
- [Everything you need to know about inventory tracking](https://katanamrp.com/blog/inventory-tracking/): Learn the basics of inventory tracking, including what it is, the different methods available and why inventory tracking software is the way forward.
- [Supplier management — All the ins and outs](https://katanamrp.com/blog/supplier-management/): This guide explains the why, what, and how, of supplier management. Learn about key features and how to choose the best software for you.
- [Order routing — what, why, and how?](https://katanamrp.com/blog/order-routing/): What is order routing, how does it work, why do you need it, and what can Katana do to streamline it even more? Keep reading and find out.
- [EDI integration in ecommerce: The beginner’s guide](https://katanamrp.com/blog/edi-for-ecommerce/): Harness the power of EDI for your ecommerce business. Embrace efficiency with electronic data interchange and say goodbye to manual data entry.
- [Ecommerce for distributors: Hurdles, insights, and why it's worth the hype](https://katanamrp.com/blog/ecommerce-for-distributors/): What makes B2B ecommerce so crucial in allowing distributors nowadays to stay competitive? Find out in our ecommerce for distributors guide.
- [All you need to know about electrical discharge machining](https://katanamrp.com/blog/electrical-discharge-machining/): Electrical discharge machining (EDM) is a metal fabrication technique perfect for hard, conductive materials. Learn all about it here.
- [15 merch ideas to take your business to the next level ](https://katanamrp.com/blog/merch-ideas/): Merch is great, especially if it's received as a free extra to show appreciation for making a larger purchase. Here are 15 merch ideas to consider.
- [What is shop floor management and what are its benefits?](https://katanamrp.com/blog/shop-floor-management/): Find out what shop floor management is and how it can help you optimize staff organization and processes in the production area.
- [How to improve supply chain efficiency ](https://katanamrp.com/blog/supply-chain-efficiency/): Improving supply chain efficiency is no picnic. But with the right inventory management software and a few key tips, it's doable.
- [10 benefits of using AI in warehouse management](https://katanamrp.com/blog/ai-for-warehouse-management/): Key benefits of implementing AI in warehouse management and how it can help your business grow.
- [The realities of a virtual warehouse solution](https://katanamrp.com/blog/virtual-warehouse/): Understand how virtual warehousing works and how you can use it to improve your business operations.
- [The fashion production process: Stitching together everything you need to know](https://katanamrp.com/blog/fashion-production-process/): Lear all about the key phases in the fashion production process, revealing the thought process beyond the glitz and glamor.
- [Untangle the complex web of pharma supply chain and logistics](https://katanamrp.com/blog/pharma-supply-chain-logistics/): Understand how the pharma supply chain moves, who the key players are, and how to navigate the particular challenges of the industry.
- [Sustainable manufacturing: The why, the how, and the who](https://katanamrp.com/blog/sustainable-manufacturing/): Understand sustainable manufacturing principles and practices, their benefits and challenges, and how you can apply them.
- [How to know when it’s time for better clothing warehouse organization](https://katanamrp.com/blog/clothing-warehouse-organization/): Understand the basics and go for the right tools of clothing warehouse organization that supports the growth of your business.
- [Electronic components inventory: How to do it right](https://katanamrp.com/blog/electronic-components-inventory/): How can inventory management help solve the problem of excess electronic components inventory? Find tips and tricks in our latest blog post!
- [Set customer-specific pricing with Price Lists](https://katanamrp.com/blog/price-lists/): Katana's Price Lists makes managing customer-specific pricing a breeze and error-free, so you can generate revenue and keep customers happy.
- [Optimize your order fulfillment process with the Warehouse App](https://katanamrp.com/blog/warehouse-app/): Optimize your entire warehouse by streamlining picking & packing workflows — all through the use of a convenient mobile app.
- [11 Warehouse mistakes and how to fix them](https://katanamrp.com/blog/warehouse-mistakes/): Here are 11 costly warehouse mistakes and how to prevent them. Learn about the common inefficiencies and practical strategies for effective warehouse management.
- [Inventory liquidation: Why, when, and how to do it](https://katanamrp.com/blog/what-is-inventory-liquidation/): Inventory liquidation is selling off stock quickly, often at a discount, to avoid it becoming obsolete and to reduce carrying costs. Learn more here.
- [Shopify inventory forecasting: The crystal ball you can master](https://katanamrp.com/blog/shopify-inventory-forecasting/): Learn about the importance of inventory forecasting for Shopify and beyond, best practices, and top software solutions.
- [WooCommerce inventory sync solutions for your business](https://katanamrp.com/blog/woocommerce-inventory-sync/): Key considerations for WooCommerce inventory sync approaches and solutions with popular plugins, tools & integrations. Learn more here.
- [ERP vs. WMS: Which one is right for your business?](https://katanamrp.com/blog/erp-vs-wms/): Read on to understand the complexities of selecting the right software solution and grasp the nuanced differences between ERP and WMS.
- [Top 7 best inventory management software for Shopify](https://katanamrp.com/blog/best-shopify-inventory-management-software/): Streamline your Shopify store with the best inventory management software solutions. Optimize efficiency and boost ecommerce success!
- [From chaos to order: A guide to warehouse order picking](https://katanamrp.com/blog/warehouse-order-picking/): Learn more about warehouse order picking, from innovative strategies and technologies to the tools that can turn your warehouse into a beacon of precision.
- [Distribution management: The playbook on efficiency](https://katanamrp.com/blog/distribution-management/): We look at distribution management — what is it, how it works, what are its challenges, and why the benefits make it all worthwhile.
- [Warehouse layout: The crossroads between design and efficiency](https://katanamrp.com/blog/warehouse-layout/): Read on to find out how a meticulously planned warehouse layout can be the lifeline of a business, saving invaluable time and resources.
- [Clash of the titans:<br>Wholesale vs. retail](https://katanamrp.com/blog/wholesale-vs-retail/): What are the main differences between wholesale vs. retail, and which option is a better fit for your business? Learn all about it here.
- [Warehouse bin location best practices](https://katanamrp.com/blog/warehouse-bin-location/): Upgrade your warehouse with the latest bin location best practices. Learn how Katana can give your warehouse ultimate efficiency.
- [Shopify ERP: Your ecommerce key to success](https://katanamrp.com/blog/shopify-erp/): Key points to consider for Shopify ERP integration: methods, benefits, challenges, and best practices for a smooth operation. Learn more here.
- [E-commerce ERP: Integrate your entire business](https://katanamrp.com/blog/e-commerce-erp/): E-commerce ERP is an integrated system combining business processes, like inventory management, order processing, and customer relationship management.
- [Walking the tightrope of inventory optimization](https://katanamrp.com/blog/inventory-optimization/): Inventory optimization is a balancing act. Learn how inventory optimization software helps avoid stockouts, cut costs, and boost your profits.
- [The big buy bash: Understanding wholesale ecommerce](https://katanamrp.com/blog/wholesale-e-commerce/): Explore the benefits of a great wholesale ecommerce platform and learn more about how you can take your business to the next level.
- [Maximizing efficiency with 3PL ecommerce fulfillment](https://katanamrp.com/blog/3pl-e-commerce-fulfillment/): 3PL e-commerce fulfillment involves outsourcing storage, packing, and shipping of orders to a specialized logistics provider. Learn all about it here.
- [Stay in stock with inventory planning and forecasting](https://katanamrp.com/blog/planning-and-forecasting/): Simplify your inventory challenges with advanced planning and forecasting toolset and always meet your customer demand.
- [The benefits of ecommerce order management](https://katanamrp.com/blog/ecommerce-order-management/): Get to understand the stages of ecommerce order management and the benefits of implementing a modern order management system for your business.
- [The benefits and challenges of AI in ecommerce](https://katanamrp.com/blog/ai-in-ecommerce/): Find out more about the use of AI in ecommerce and discover the benefits of AI adoption while staying aware of the challenges posed by this new technology.
- [Ecommerce fulfillment: Streamline your logistics operations](https://katanamrp.com/blog/ecommerce-fulfillment/): Explore the essentials of ecommerce fulfillment to optimize your operations and increase efficiency and customer satisfaction.
- [The 8 best ecommerce platforms for your business](https://katanamrp.com/blog/best-ecommerce-platforms/): Which are the best e-commerce platforms for your specific business needs today? Find out in our latest guide!
- [B2B ecommerce: Insights and strategies for success](https://katanamrp.com/blog/b2b-e-commerce/): B2B ecommerce refers to the online sale and purchase of goods and services between businesses. Keep reading to learn everything about it.
- [Trends and predictions for businesses in 2024](https://katanamrp.com/blog/business-trends-and-predictions/): Here are our detailed business trends and predictions for 2024, focusing on AI implementation, reshoring, rising costs, omnichannel selling, and sustainability.
- [Omnichannel retail: Seamless shopping experience](https://katanamrp.com/blog/omnichannel-retail/): Omnichannel retail seamlessly integrates all shopping channels to offer a unified, personalized customer experience. Learn all about it here.
- [What is a circular supply chain?](https://katanamrp.com/blog/circular-supply-chain/): Learn about the circular supply chain implementations and strategies, and how it can set your business up for long-term success.
- [Stay at the top of your game with manufacturing process improvement](https://katanamrp.com/blog/manufacturing-process-improvement/): The importance and application of manufacturing process improvement strategies to boost efficiency and enhance the quality of your output.
- [From balance sheet to shop floor:  Weighted average cost in inventory valuation](https://katanamrp.com/blog/weighted-average-cost/): Learn all about the weighted average cost (WAC) method, from what it is, when it's used, to how it helps you determine the value of your inventory.
- [Crafting excellence: Your roadmap to delivery lead time](https://katanamrp.com/blog/delivery-lead-time/): Discover the key to success with delivery lead time — the crucial timeline between order placement and delivery.
- [What is reverse logistics?](https://katanamrp.com/blog/what-is-reverse-logistics/): Reverse logistics can be a challenging process for any business. Learn how Katana makes the tracking process of each phase simple and reliable.
- [Beginning inventory: Everything you need to know](https://katanamrp.com/blog/what-is-beginning-inventory/): We take a look at the concept of beginning inventory, why it matters, and why it can be the small thing that makes the most difference to a business’ success.
- [Conquer the rapids: Paddle through the top 4 supply chain trends of 2024](https://katanamrp.com/blog/top-supply-chain-trends/): Navigate supply chain trends in 2024 with Katana. This is your guide with actionable tips to embrace digitization, resilience, sustainability, and more.
- [How does the coffee supply chain work?](https://katanamrp.com/blog/coffee-supply-chain/): How does the coffee supply chain work and what are its critical challenges? Learn all about the key players in our article.
- [Backflushing inventory without backlash](https://katanamrp.com/blog/backflushing-inventory/): We take a look at how backflushing makes managing inventory easier by bypassing detailed real-time cost reporting.
- [How can you choose the best warehouse management software for your business?](https://katanamrp.com/blog/best-warehouse-management-software/): Choosing the best warehouse management software does not have to be a chore. Here are some top tips to guide your selection process.
- [Apply discounts to sales orders — directly in Katana!](https://katanamrp.com/blog/sales-order-discounts/): Add percentage discounts to sales orders in Katana and steer away from manual calculations while ensuring your accounting stays in order. Learn more.
- [Maximize efficiency with Shopify’s multiple warehouses](https://katanamrp.com/blog/shopify-multiple-warehouses/): Discover the benefits and best practices of Shopify multiple warehouses to streamline operations, boost efficiency, and scale your business
- [A quick guide to bill of materials (BOM) inventory management](https://katanamrp.com/blog/bill-of-materials-inventory-management/): Explore the efficiency of bill of materials (BOM) for inventory management. Learn how this essential feature optimizes processes and minimizes costs.
- [A guide to understanding the buyer’s journey in multichannel retail](https://katanamrp.com/blog/multichannel-retail/): Learn all there is to know about fast-tracking your business and keeping your customers happy by opting for a multichannel retail strategy.
- [Using Excel to create an inventory management system](https://katanamrp.com/blog/excel-inventory-management/): Learn about the benefits and the limits of creating your inventory management system using Excel spreadsheets.
- [What is inventory revaluation and how does it help your business?](https://katanamrp.com/blog/inventory-revaluation/): Inventory revaluation can elevate accuracy, inform business decisions, and boost profitability. Here’s how.
- [QR vs. barcode: which is right for your inventory?](https://katanamrp.com/blog/qr-vs-barcode/): QR code vs. barcode for inventory management? Learn the pros and cons and see which option is the right fit for your business needs.
- [Inventory management system requirements](https://katanamrp.com/blog/inventory-management-system-requirements/): Get all the requirement details you need in order to choose the best inventory management system out there.
- [The 5 best ways to reduce inventory costs](https://katanamrp.com/blog/reduce-inventory-costs/): Our new article provides the best tips for reducing inventory costs. An inventory management software, like Katana, can help — here’s how.
- [Days sales inventory (DSI): The ultimate guide](https://katanamrp.com/blog/days-sales-inventory/): Learn to keep track of inventory and calculate the number of days sales in inventory (DSI) in a way that's easy to grasp.
- [Integrate Katana with Owlery to optimize your logistics](https://katanamrp.com/blog/owlery/): Automate logistics, increase reliability, and lower transportation costs by connecting your Katana account to Owlery. Learn more.
- [Beating the supply chain game: 10 inventory management challenges](https://katanamrp.com/blog/inventory-management-challenges/): From making correct predictions to optimizing your storage space, we list the keys to beating every level of the game of inventory management.
- [Inventory management in logistics: Opportunities and challenges](https://katanamrp.com/blog/inventory-management-logistics/): Find out all the details about inventory management in logistics with an in-depth look at the opportunities and challenges it brings.
- [What you need to know about inventory management KPIs](https://katanamrp.com/blog/inventory-management-kpis/): How do inventory KPI audits work for the quality and growth of your business? Learn how to get the best results based on data analysis.
- [Navigating seasonal challenges: Anticipation inventory edition](https://katanamrp.com/blog/anticipation-inventory/): Get to know what anticipation inventory is and why you need to have a strategy for it. Learn about both the advantages and the challenges that come with it.
- [How does unsold inventory affect taxes?](https://katanamrp.com/blog/how-does-unsold-inventory-affect-taxes/): Gain a deep understanding of how managing inventory levels can impact your tax liabilities, and how to comply with tax regulations.
- [E-commerce warehousing dos and don’ts](https://katanamrp.com/blog/e-commerce-warehousing/): E-commerce warehousing management involves coordination and oversight of storage, handling, and fulfillment of online orders within a dedicated facility.
- [What is supply chain inventory management?](https://katanamrp.com/blog/supply-chain-inventory/): Managing supply chain inventory is challenging but crucial to any business. Find out more about how it can be done effectively.
- [Inventory organization ideas to streamline warehouse operations](https://katanamrp.com/blog/inventory-organization-ideas/): Inventory organization ideas to streamline your operations. From storing solutions to warehouse layout tips, discover ways to optimize your warehouse space.
- [Your quick guide to understanding B2B inventory management](https://katanamrp.com/blog/b2b-inventory-management/): Gain a comprehensive understanding of B2B inventory management. Learn about best practices to optimize your supply chain and elevate B2B operations.
- [What is in-transit inventory? Everything you need to know](https://katanamrp.com/blog/in-transit-inventory/): Keeping track of in-transit inventory can pose a challenge to any business. Here’s how in-transit goods can be effectively managed.
- [Distributed inventory management (DIM) explained](https://katanamrp.com/blog/distributed-inventory-management/): What is distributed inventory management? Dive into some of the main benefits and challenges, and learn effective DIM management tips.
- [Your guide to warehouse inventory management](https://katanamrp.com/blog/warehouse-inventory-management/): Warehouse inventory management is a key aspect of supply chain efficiency. But what are the detailed know-hows needed in daily operations?
- [Green warehousing: paving a sustainable future](https://katanamrp.com/blog/green-warehousing/): Discover green warehousing practices, learn about sustainability practices, and unlock the future of eco-friendly logistics.
- [AI for inventory management explained](https://katanamrp.com/blog/ai-for-inventory-management/): AI for inventory management is the application of artificial intelligence to streamline stock control and optimize operational efficiency. Learn more here.
- [Serial numbers to easily track and manage your finished products](https://katanamrp.com/blog/serial-numbers/): Assign serial numbers to manufacturing and sales orders to efficiently track finished products and monitor their entire journey. Learn more.
- [Mastering multichannel inventory management](https://katanamrp.com/blog/multichannel-inventory-management/): Optimize your multichannel inventory management and streamline stock operations across all your retail locations.
- [Dropshipping inventory management explained](https://katanamrp.com/blog/dropshipping-inventory-management/): Dropshipping inventory management is about overseeing and optimizing product availability from suppliers to fulfill orders promptly while avoiding stockouts.
- [Route manufacturing tasks in parallel or consecutively](https://katanamrp.com/blog/manufacturing-routings/): Choose the order you'd prefer operation tasks to be completed or even choose to have tasks completed simultaneously — it's up to you! Learn more.
- [A comprehensive guide to small business inventory management](https://katanamrp.com/blog/small-business-inventory-management/): Explore the crucial strategies and tools for small business inventory management, enhancing operational efficiency and profitability.
- [Add extra info to your products and materials via custom fields](https://katanamrp.com/blog/custom-fields/): Using custom fields, you can tailor what type of additional item information you’d like to share with customers, suppliers, and...
- [Supply chain disruption examples from 2018 to 2022](https://katanamrp.com/blog/supply-chain-disruption-examples/): Here are eight real-life supply chain disruption examples from 2018 to 2022 that affected global trade and how you can prepare your business.
- [WorkClout helps you automate quality checks and safety workflows](https://katanamrp.com/blog/workclout/): Ensure you’re providing customers with the highest quality of products and services by automating quality checks and safety workflows. Learn more.
- [Manage different levels of access and permissions for users in Katana](https://katanamrp.com/blog/user-permissions/): Keep sensitive data guarded and viewable by those authorized to see it. User permission functionality allows for varied access levels
- [Black Friday and Cyber Monday trends and statistics](https://katanamrp.com/blog/black-friday-trends/): Here are the Black Friday trends and Cyber Monday statistics businesses need to know to prepare their storefronts for the shopping season.
- [Successful inventory management amid rising costs and supply chain disruptions](https://katanamrp.com/blog/state-of-inventory-management/): A breakdown of trends and insights from SMBs using proprietary data from businesses handling physical inventory.
- [Improve revenue visibility — map invoices to multiple QBO accounts](https://katanamrp.com/blog/qbo-multiple-revenue-accounts/): Add additional clarity to your revenue streams by sending Katana invoices to different QuickBooks Online ledger accounts. Learn more about this update.
- [Find an item's location or destination quickly via storage bins](https://katanamrp.com/blog/storage-bins/): Reduce the time it takes to find items by organizing your warehouse through storage bins and streamlining your workflows. Learn more.
- [Joining the QuickBooks Solution Provider Program to take businesses to the next level](https://katanamrp.com/blog/quickbooks-solution-provider-program/): Katana announced its integration with Intuit QuickBooks enabling businesses to connect and track their inventory and accounting operations in real time.
- [Enterprise resource planning (ERP): A comprehensive guide](https://katanamrp.com/blog/erp/): Enterprise resource planning (ERP) is a software system designed to integrate and manage various processes and resources within an organization.
- [Production planning ERP: streamlining efficiency for success](https://katanamrp.com/blog/production-planning-erp/): Production planning ERP helps businesses optimize their production processes, streamline operations, and achieve greater efficiency. Learn more.
- [Production planning KPIs: Your roadmap to success](https://katanamrp.com/blog/production-planning-kpis/): Production planning KPIs are measurable metrics that assess the performance of production planning in a business or manufacturing setting.
- [Batch scheduling for improved production optimization](https://katanamrp.com/blog/batch-scheduling/): Batch scheduling is the process of planning and grouping production activities to optimize the use of resources and increase efficiency.
- [Looking back to forge ahead: best practices for D2C manufacturing in a recession](https://katanamrp.com/blog/best-practices-for-d2c/): Key insights for D2C manufacturers that emerged from Katana’s customer analysis of peak holiday sales periods. Learn more.
- [ChatGPT for accounting: A financial revolution](https://katanamrp.com/blog/chatgpt-for-accounting/): Discover the potential of ChatGPT for accounting. Enhance accuracy, automate compliance, and streamline financial reporting. Learn more here.
- [Partially complete manufacturing orders via the Shop Floor App](https://katanamrp.com/blog/partial-complete-sfa/): Improve customer satisfaction by getting products on big orders out as soon as they’re ready by partially completing manufacturing orders.
- [Supplier Cards give quick visibility of your suppliers](https://katanamrp.com/blog/supplier-card/): Quickly find and utilize Supplier details with the newly implemented Supplier Card. A simple yet effective way to store info. Learn more.
- [AI for manufacturing to boost productivity](https://katanamrp.com/blog/ai-for-manufacturing/): AI for manufacturing: Discover how artificial intelligence streamlines operations, optimizes efficiency, and boosts productivity. Find out more.
- [Introducing JIKKO — the first MES integration for Katana](https://katanamrp.com/blog/jikko-integration/): Integrating Katana with JIKKO’s Manufacturing Execution System (MES) helps companies to build a more efficient workflow between multiple systems. Learn more.
- [Order processing management explained](https://katanamrp.com/blog/order-processing-management/): Order processing management refers to the set of activities and procedures involved in handling and fulfilling customer orders within a business.
- [Total productive maintenance: Tips to boost efficiency](https://katanamrp.com/blog/total-productive-maintenance/): Optimize your operations with total productive maintenance (TPM). Learn to minimize downtime, improve quality, and boost sustainability.
- [Give control and security to your company via delete permissions](https://katanamrp.com/blog/delete-permissions/): Katana’s new set of permissions lets you choose which users can delete purchase orders or suppliers. Read more.
- [DOE in manufacturing: The secret to optimized solutions](https://katanamrp.com/blog/doe-in-manufacturing/): Boost manufacturing competitiveness with design of experiments (DOE). Learn how to optimize processes, improve quality, and achieve success.
- [Root cause analysis: The ultimate investigation guide](https://katanamrp.com/blog/root-cause-analysis/): Uncover the hidden truths behind problems with root cause analysis. Read how to investigate and solve manufacturing issues.
- [Supplier and purchase order analysis via Purchasing Insights](https://katanamrp.com/blog/purchasing-insights/): Purchasing Insights provides a comprehensive and customizable overview of supplier and purchase order statistics to improve company-wide decision making.
- [Manufacturer part number for efficient product identification](https://katanamrp.com/blog/manufacturer-part-number/): Manufacturer part number (MPN) is a unique alphanumeric identifier used by manufacturers to quickly identify specific products or components.
- [Cross-border ecommerce: Unlock global markets](https://katanamrp.com/blog/cross-border-e-commerce/): Explore the world of cross-border e-commerce. Expand your reach, dive into new markets, and stay ahead in the online marketplace. Read more.
- [Everything you need to know about inventory count](https://katanamrp.com/blog/inventory-count/): Physical inventory count or stocktake involves counting the entire stock to eliminate discrepancies between your actual and recorded inventory. Learn more.
- [Moving average cost formula for accurate inventory valuation](https://katanamrp.com/blog/moving-average-cost/): Moving average cost is an inventory valuation method where the average cost is updated with every new purchase. Learn how to calculate it with the formula.
- [Search, improved task lists, and consecutive operations in the Shop Floor App](https://katanamrp.com/blog/shop-floor-app-improvements/): Set consecutive operations and easily navigate between tasks with the new filter function inside the Shop Floor App. Learn more.
- [7 essential inventory management formulas for business success](https://katanamrp.com/blog/inventory-management-formulas/): Inventory management formulas for economic order quantity, reorder point, safety stock, carrying cost, inventory turnover, GMROI, and ABC analysis.
- [Improved Katana Insights through smart manufacturing analytics](https://katanamrp.com/blog/manufacturing-insights/): Manufacturing Insights provide a visual accessibility to analytics and business intelligence for better data-driven decisions. Learn more
- [Stay in ship shape with Shippo's integration for product delivery](https://katanamrp.com/blog/shippo-via-extensiv/): Integrate Shippo with Katana via the Extensiv Integration Manager and gain access to all the best carriers and prices to match your needs. Learn more.
- [Manufacturer serial numbers for product tracking](https://katanamrp.com/blog/manufacturer-serial-number/): A manufacturer serial number (MSN) is a unique product identifier used for tracking, validation, and warranty purposes. Learn more here.
- [The importance of an accurate engineering bill of materials](https://katanamrp.com/blog/engineering-bill-of-materials/): An engineering bill of materials (EBOM) is a comprehensive list of a product's components, parts, and materials from an engineering standpoint.
- [Create Katana data reports using Easy&nbsp;Insight](https://katanamrp.com/blog/easy-insight-integration/): Katana users can now gain better insights into their business by analyzing the Katana data through customizable dashboards and reports.
- [9 best ways to reduce manufacturing costs](https://katanamrp.com/blog/reduce-manufacturing-costs/): Learn the best ways to reduce labor, materials, and overhead costs to get your production expenses under control and increase profitability.
- [Centralized vs. decentralized manufacturing](https://katanamrp.com/blog/centralized-vs-decentralized-manufacturing/): Explore the differences between centralized and decentralized manufacturing and learn which one can help your business achieve its goals.
- [Manufacturers vs. distributors vs. wholesalers: What’s the difference?](https://katanamrp.com/blog/manufacturers-distributors-wholesalers/): Manufacturers vs. Distributors vs. Wholesalers — what’s the differences and how do these businesses fit together? Read more here.
- [Align QuickBooks Online with partially received Purchase Orders](https://katanamrp.com/blog/qbo-partial-billing/): The latest update to Katana allows you to maintain your accounting even when purchase orders are split into multiple deliveries.
- [The ultimate guide to improving your sell-through rate](https://katanamrp.com/blog/sell-through-rate/): To determine the sell-through rate, divide the total number of products sold by the total inventory available and multiply by 100.
- [Supply chain sustainability: The why's and how's](https://katanamrp.com/blog/supply-chain-sustainability/): Learn to create a sustainable supply chain by reducing environmental impact. Discover key practices and strategies in this blog.
- [Inventory shrinkage in QuickBooks Online: How to stop it](https://katanamrp.com/blog/inventory-shrinkage-quickbooks/): Inventory shrinkage in QuickBooks Online can be a symptom of a problem in your business or simply an input error. Learn which is it here.
- [Manufacturing assembly line: Understanding it from start to finish](https://katanamrp.com/blog/assembly-line/): Manufacturing assembly lines are the face of production set-ups. Why do manufacturers still use them and what are the different types?
- [Different types of barcodes: your ultimate guide](https://katanamrp.com/blog/types-of-barcodes/): Uncover the world of barcodes with our ultimate guide. Explore various barcode formats and their role in streamlining business operations.
- [Takt time: optimize your production efficiency](https://katanamrp.com/blog/takt-time/): Learn about takt time and how it can improve your business efficiency. Boost productivity, reduce costs, and meet customer demands.
- [Continuous vs. batch process: what are the differences?](https://katanamrp.com/blog/continuous-vs-batch-process/): Discover the differences between batch vs. continuous processes in manufacturing and learn which approach is suitable for your business.
- [Digital transformation in manufacturing: entering a new era](https://katanamrp.com/blog/digital-transformation-manufacturing/): Wise managers are digitalizing their business. It's time to embrace digital transformation in manufacturing or be left behind. Read on here.
- [OEE in manufacturing: A guide to maximizing efficiency](https://katanamrp.com/blog/oee-in-manufacturing/): Optimize your manufacturing process with Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE). Learn how to increase productivity and reduce inefficiencies.
- [Stay in the loop with the new restock notifications feature](https://katanamrp.com/blog/restock-notifications/): Restock notifications feature lets you quickly see exactly which items need reordering, so you can focus on other pressing matters. Read more.
- [How to sell a manufacturing business](https://katanamrp.com/blog/how-to-sell-a-manufacturing-business/): Deciding when to sell a manufacturing business can take time and effort. Here’s what to expect and how to execute a sale.
- [OEM vs. ODM: which is right for your business?](https://katanamrp.com/blog/oem-vs-odm/): Discover the pros and cons of OEM vs. ODM manufacturing and make the best choice for your business. Find out more in this blog.
- [GetApp and Software Advice recognize Katana for order management](https://katanamrp.com/blog/getapp-software-advice-katana-order-management/): Katana has made it on to Capterra’s Shortlist, GetApp’s Category Leaders list, and Software Advice’s Front Runners for a second year.
- [Supply chain for manufacturing: From raw materials to finished products](https://katanamrp.com/blog/supply-chain-manufacturing/): Optimize your supply chain manufacturing for greater efficiency. Learn to streamline your processes and improve partner relationships.
- [What are non-inventory items in manufacturing?](https://katanamrp.com/blog/non-inventory/): Non-inventory might be more trouble to track than it’s worth. But it’s important for accounting your accounting. Learn everything here.
- [Kanban for manufacturing: Simplifying workflow and boosting productivity](https://katanamrp.com/blog/kanban-for-manufacturing/): Kanban for manufacturing is a lean methodology that optimizes workflow and improves efficiency. Learn how it works and its benefits.
- [Connect Katana to hundreds of apps with the Syncware integration](https://katanamrp.com/blog/syncware/): Syncware can connect Katana to over 300 different apps, making it easier to automate your business and allowing you to focus on what matters. Read more.
- [Unlock the possibilities of sheet metal fabrication](https://katanamrp.com/blog/sheet-metal-fabrication/): Get creative with sheet metal manufacturing. Discover the advantages of using quality materials to produce items that stand the test of time.
- [Profit from waste: how to manage your scrap inventory](https://katanamrp.com/blog/scrap-inventory/): Scrap inventory management guide. Learn the tips and tricks to optimize your manufacturing operations and reduce waste.
- [Five profitable and easy things to weld and sell](https://katanamrp.com/blog/things-to-weld-and-sell/): Looking for profitable but easy things to weld and sell? Check out these simple yet impressive ideas that will impress your customers.
- [What is electronics contract manufacturing?](https://katanamrp.com/blog/electronics-contract-manufacturing/): Discover the benefits of electronics contract manufacturing and find out how outsourcing your electronics can help save you resources.
- [Bottling wellness: manufacturing dietary supplements](https://katanamrp.com/blog/manufacturing-dietary-supplements/): Manufacturing dietary supplements: Learn more about the process, regulations, and challenges of producing high-quality supplements.
- [Inventory reporting for better business decisions](https://katanamrp.com/blog/inventory-reporting/): Inventory reporting is vital for any business. Learn how to automate the process and gain real-time visibility for effective inventory management.
- [Simplify your accounting with QuickBooks non-inventory items](https://katanamrp.com/blog/quickbooks-non-inventory-item/): QuickBooks non-inventory item: what it is and how to create one. Keep reading to learn how to manage your inventory in QuickBooks Online.
- [Wood projects that sell: Boost your woodworking business](https://katanamrp.com/blog/woodworking-ideas/): Looking to turn your woodworking hobby into a profitable business? Discover some easy-to-sell wood projects that you can start making today.
- [From Katana with love — send documents from Katana](https://katanamrp.com/blog/sending-po/): You can now save time while reducing mistakes when sending PO and OPO documents to your suppliers by emailing them right from Katana. Learn more.
- [The fabric of success: how to start a clothing line](https://katanamrp.com/blog/how-to-start-a-clothing-line/): How to start a clothing line from scratch? This comprehensive guide covers everything from niche selection to product testing. Keep reading to find out.
- [Pet food manufacturing: how to get started](https://katanamrp.com/blog/pet-food-manufacturing/): Pet food manufacturing is considered one of the businesses with high profit margin. Here’s everything you need to know about this industry.
- [Get your products to where they need to go with ShipStation](https://katanamrp.com/blog/shipstation/): Through the Extensiv Integration Manager, you can effortlessly integrate with ShipStation to easily import, manage, and ship out orders. Read more.
- [Downtime in manufacturing: how to make it productive](https://katanamrp.com/blog/downtime-in-manufacturing/): Downtime in manufacturing can sabotage a business or prevent further crises. Here you’ll learn all about the pros and cons of downtime.
- [CartRover is now the more powerful Extensiv Integration Manager](https://katanamrp.com/blog/extensiv/): Extensiv Integration Manager (previously CartRover) is your answer for integrating with all of those useful apps that make life easier. Learn more.
- [How to fix negative inventory in QuickBooks](https://katanamrp.com/blog/negative-inventory-quickbooks/): Negative inventory in QuickBooks can cause many issues. Learn how to fix it and how to prevent negative stock in QuickBooks.
- [Tekpon names Katana one of the 10 best eCommerce software companies](https://katanamrp.com/blog/tekpon-best-ecommerce/): Tekpon, a software marketplace helping reduce software waste has recognised Katana as one of the best eCommerce software companies today
- [Improve efficiency with partially completed manufacturing orders](https://katanamrp.com/blog/partially-completed-manufacturing-orders/): Get products out to your customers faster while keeping your shop floor tidy using the new partial completion of manufacturing orders feature.
- [Setting up production scheduling software for QuickBooks](https://katanamrp.com/blog/production-scheduling-software-for-quickbooks/): A how-to guide on setting up QuickBooks production scheduling with third-party integrations, including screenshots and examples.
- [How to adjust inventory in QuickBooks Online](https://katanamrp.com/blog/quickbooks-inventory-adjustment/): Mistakes happen, which is fine, but they need to be corrected. Learn how to make a QuickBooks inventory adjustment for the Online version.
- [Is QuickBooks Desktop being phased out?](https://katanamrp.com/blog/is-quickbooks-desktop-being-phased-out/): Lately, there has been talk of QuickBooks discontinuing its Desktop version. This blog will answer your questions and settle the score once and for all.
- [QuickBooks vs. ERP software: Which comes out on top?](https://katanamrp.com/blog/quickbooks-vs-erp/): QuickBooks vs. ERP software - is it a matter of one or the other, or is there no contest? Find out which software is best for manufacturers.
- [The state of manufacturing in the US: top industries, employers, and cities](https://katanamrp.com/blog/manufacturing-industry-in-the-us/): Here are the leading manufacturing industries in the US by state, including the largest employers and cities with the most employees.
- [QuickBooks integration with Shopify: 5 great solutions](https://katanamrp.com/blog/quickbooks-shopify-integration/): Looking for QuickBooks integration with Shopify to take your business to the next level? Here are the 5 best on the Shopify marketplace.
- [Advanced planning and scheduling: A crash course](https://katanamrp.com/blog/advanced-planning-and-scheduling/): Advanced planning and scheduling systems help optimize your manufacturing operations and take your production to the next level.
- [Utilize Katana webhooks for integrations and automation](https://katanamrp.com/blog/webhooks-for-po/): Utilize Katana webhooks to build automations and optimize existing integrations — now available for products, materials, and variants. Learn more.
- [How to implement a barcode system in manufacturing](https://katanamrp.com/blog/barcode-systems-for-manufacturing/): Learn how visual manufacturing barcodes can increase efficiency in your business and start implementing them today. Read more and sign up for a free trial.
- [Align QuickBooks Online invoicing with multiple deliveries](https://katanamrp.com/blog/qbo-partial-invoicing/): Keep your accounting up to date by issuing separate invoices whenever a sales order is separated into multiple deliveries. Learn more.
- [QuickBooks Online vs. Desktop 2024](https://katanamrp.com/blog/quickbooks-online-vs-desktop/): QuickBooks Online vs. Desktop compared. See what the primary differences between QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Desktop are. Learn more here.
- [Understanding manufacturing batch records](https://katanamrp.com/blog/batch-records/): Manufacturing batch records are crucial documents for verifying quality in process manufacturing. Learn all about them here.
- [Discrete vs process manufacturing: What’s the difference?](https://katanamrp.com/blog/discrete-vs-process-manufacturing/): Discrete vs process manufacturing: here, you’ll learn the differences between these processes and which might be best for your production.
- [Project management for manufacturing: The five stages of planning](https://katanamrp.com/blog/project-management-for-manufacturing/): Project management for manufacturing is an essential process for managing resources and reaching your goals. Read all about it here.
- [GMP vs GLP: Understanding the differences](https://katanamrp.com/blog/gmp-vs-glp/): In pharmaceuticals or chemicals, manufacturers need to understand the different regulations. Here is GMP vs GLP to help you understand these.
- [Purchase order process: The complete guide for manufacturers](https://katanamrp.com/blog/purchase-order-process/): The purchase order process helps you easily manage the transaction of goods and services from a supplier. Implement the perfect process here.
- [What can you gain from using purchase order automation?](https://katanamrp.com/blog/purchase-order-automation/): Purchase order automation helps you scale and manage your purchase order process. Here’s everything you need to know before getting started.
- [Everything you need to know about the MRP process](https://katanamrp.com/blog/mrp-process/): An MRP process is critical for running a successful manufacturing business. Here you can learn all about it and how to implement it.
- [Automate order management and sync BigCommerce stock](https://katanamrp.com/blog/bigcommerce/): Integrate BigCommerce with Katana and sync your BigCommerce inventory, orders and products to Katana for total visibility and control over manufacturing.
- [Bigcommerce vs Shopify: head to head](https://katanamrp.com/blog/bigcommerce-vs-shopify/): BigCommerce vs Shopify — how does BigCommerce stack up against the market leader, Shopify, and which one should you choose? Keep reading to find out.
- [BigCommerce vs Magento (Adobe Commerce): Pros and Cons](https://katanamrp.com/blog/bigcommerce-vs-magento/): BigCommerce vs Magento ⁠— here is the ultimate guide to comparing these two great platforms to help you determine the best for your business.
- [Outsourced purchase orders — assign batches to ingredients](https://katanamrp.com/blog/contract-manufacturing-batches/): With the ability to assign batches to ingredients and customize recipe rows via API, you'll gain more visibility into working with contractors. Learn more.
- [Strategies for manufacturing: How to plan for the future](https://katanamrp.com/blog/strategies-for-manufacturing/): Strategies for manufacturing ensure a business stays on track with production and keeps a competitive advantage. Read all about it here.
- [Optimize customer support workflows with Replyco](https://katanamrp.com/blog/replyco/): You can centralize customer messages from multiple e-commerce stores in one helpdesk platform. Learn more.
- [Lean warehousing — Trimming down costs by getting rid of waste](https://katanamrp.com/blog/lean-warehousing/): Lean warehousing, following other lean principles, is the attempt to remove any waste from within your warehouse. Read all about how here.
- [23 small manufacturing business ideas you can use](https://katanamrp.com/blog/small-manufacturing-business-ideas/): Here are 23 small manufacturing business ideas to start in the manufacturing industry, including market size and real-world examples.
- [18 best BigCommerce apps to organize your business and boost your sales](https://katanamrp.com/blog/bigcommerce-apps/): 18 best BigCommerce apps you should know about and consider. Check out the list of best BigCommerce apps and upgrade your store.
- [The things we need: Everything you want to know about consumer goods](https://katanamrp.com/blog/consumer-goods/): Consumer goods are the finished products or services that satisfy the customer's needs. Read the ultimate guide on how to manage these goods.
- [Digital manufacturing: A new way to work](https://katanamrp.com/blog/digital-manufacturing/): Digital manufacturing is software and hardware companies use to manage manufacturing processes, services, supply chains, and inventory.
- [Use Make to connect Katana to more apps than ever before](https://katanamrp.com/blog/make-integration/): You can now connect Katana with Make to integrate with thousands of apps that help your business run smoother.
- [Manufacturing control: Creating a plan to optimize output](https://katanamrp.com/blog/manufacturing-control/): Manufacturing control to ensure all your products follow the same plan and the processes are executed accordingly for consistent, high-quality results.
- [The ultimate guide to converting QuickBooks Desktop to Online](https://katanamrp.com/blog/converting-quickbooks-desktop-to-online/): The ultimate guide for getting your business ready for converting QuickBooks Desktop to Online. Learn how to make the conversion painless.
- [Common types of welding for manufacturers](https://katanamrp.com/blog/types-of-welding/): Welding is the process of joining two pieces of metal together. But there are many types of welding to achieve this. Here are those types.
- [What is PPE manufacturing, and why is it important?](https://katanamrp.com/blog/ppe-manufacturing/): Everything you need to know about PPE manufacturing equipment and how to use them within your own production lines.
- [Operations in manufacturing: How to stay in control](https://katanamrp.com/blog/operations-in-manufacturing/): Perfecting how you manage your operations in manufacturing is a surefire way to success. Read how to optimize it here.
- [Integrately opens the door for you to connect to even more apps](https://katanamrp.com/blog/integrately/): Through Integrately, you can easily connect your Katana account to hundreds of useful business apps without needing to code anything. Learn more.
- [Manufacturing analytics: The metrics you need](https://katanamrp.com/blog/manufacturing-analytics/): Manufacturing analytics is the process of collecting and deriving insights on operations to improve your business’ health. Read more here.
- [Going lean with cellular manufacturing](https://katanamrp.com/blog/celullar-manufacturing/): Cellular manufacturing is a great technique for process improvement. Discover its strengths and how to implement it.
- [Packaging and contract manufacturing: thinking outside the box](https://katanamrp.com/blog/packaging-contract-manufacturing/): Outsourcing production or packaging needs can be tricky business. Understand the differences and which one better suits your needs.
- [Toll manufacturing vs contract manufacturing](https://katanamrp.com/blog/contract-manufacturing-vs-toll-manufacturing/): Contract manufacturing and toll manufacturing are terms easy to confuse. Read here to learn the difference and how to manage them.
- [Subcontract manufacturing: Everything you need to know](https://katanamrp.com/blog/subcontract-manufacturing/): Subcontract manufacturing helps simplify inventory management overheads and allows you to focus on your business. Read more about it here.
- [Sync inventory balance between QuickBooks Online and Katana](https://katanamrp.com/blog/synced-inventory-balance-qbo/): Push sales and purchasing data from Katana to the inventory account in QuickBooks Online to better understand your earnings. Learn more.
- [Engineer to order (ETO): Finding a unique fit](https://katanamrp.com/blog/engineer-to-order/): Engineer to order is a way of manufacturing where a product is designed, produced and delivered once an order is made. Read about ETO here.
- [Add inventory and import sales orders from Magento to Katana](https://katanamrp.com/blog/adobe-commerce/): Integrate Adobe Commerce (previously Magento) with Katana via CartRover and automate the sync of inventory and sales orders. Learn more.
- [Introducing Katana Insights - smart manufacturing analytics](https://katanamrp.com/blog/katana-insights/): The new insights feature in Katana provides structured accessibility to analytics, giving you a centralized place to make intelligent business choices.
- [6 techniques for implementing quality control in manufacturing](https://katanamrp.com/blog/manufacturing-quality-control/): Implementing quality control in manufacturing might seem expensive but will save you time and money in the long run. Learn how to set it up.
- [Sync your stock and sales orders between PrestaShop and Katana](https://katanamrp.com/blog/prestashop/): Connect your online store to Katana via CartRover and automate inventory and sales order sync. Learn more.
- [Push vs pull manufacturing: is there a right answer?](https://katanamrp.com/blog/push-vs-pull-manufacturing/): Running a business that makes products means you use push or pull manufacturing — here's everything you need to know about both methods.
- [Distributed manufacturing: The way of the future?](https://katanamrp.com/blog/distributed-manufacturing/): Distributed manufacturing promotes efficiency, flexibility, and reduces costs. Learn all about it and how to implement it.
- [Agile manufacturing: What it is and how it works](https://katanamrp.com/blog/agile-manufacturing/): If you've been around the business world for long enough, you've heard plenty about something called agile methodology. Here's how it applies to manufacturing.
- [Capacity utilization and how to calculate it](https://katanamrp.com/blog/capacity-utilization/): Optimal capacity utilization is the sweet spot between too much and too little production. Learn how to calculate it as a manufacturer to maximize efficiency.
- [Don't let Black Friday be a dark day for your business](https://katanamrp.com/blog/black-friday-preparation/): Plan ahead with order management tips for Black Friday from Katana and Shopify. Prepare stock, automate processes, and be ready for orders.
- [UPC vs SKU codes: everything you need to know](https://katanamrp.com/blog/upc-vs-sku/): While both used to track items, SKUs and UPC codes are used quite differently. Learn more about the differences between them.
- [New workflows for fully outsourced manufacturing in Katana](https://katanamrp.com/blog/contract-manufacturing-2/): Work with contract manufacturing suppliers? You can now issue outsourced purchase orders and get more accurate material and stock data in Katana. Learn more.
- [Improve your cost accuracy with inventory period closing](https://katanamrp.com/blog/inventory-period-closing/): Avoid potential stock and cost miscalculations with our latest update, which increases the accuracy of cost calculations with closed inventory periods. Learn more.
- [Katana receives 16 recognitions in Capterra, GetApp, and Software Advice 2022 shortlists](https://katanamrp.com/blog/katana-recognitions-2022/): Katana has made it on to Capterra’s Shortlist, GetApp’s Category Leaders list, and Software Advice’s Front Runners for a second year.
- [Cost of poor quality in manufacturing: How to cut out the losses](https://katanamrp.com/blog/cost-of-poor-quality-in-manufacturing/): Cost of poor quality (COPQ) is an essential accounting formula for calculating losses from poor quality products and services.
- [What is the bullwhip effect in the supply chain?](https://katanamrp.com/blog/bullwhip-effect-supply-chain/): The bullwhip effect in supply chain is when a surge in sales causes a spike in demand. Here’s how you can be ready for it.
- [Automate all after-sales shipping activities with Outvio](https://katanamrp.com/blog/outvio/): Connect Katana to Outvio to sync order shipping and gain overall better control over your entire delivery process. Learn more.
- [Say goodbye to stockouts with automated inventory management](https://katanamrp.com/blog/automated-inventory-management/): With automated inventory management systems, you can stop the stockouts without breaking a sweat. Here are 8 features you need.
- [Wrapping your head around manufacturing cycle time](https://katanamrp.com/blog/manufacturing-cycle-time/): Manufacturing cycle time looks into the period from converting materials into a finished product. Learn all about it and implementation here.
- [Wholesale inventory management: take charge of your stock](https://katanamrp.com/blog/wholesale-inventory-management/): Managing inventory is no easy feat. Learn all about the wholesale inventory management process and the tools that can make it easier.
- [Build and customize PDF templates in Katana](https://katanamrp.com/blog/pdf-templates-so/): With Katana's newest feature update, Advanced users can design customized template PDFs giving them a personalized feeling.
- [How to create the perfect procurement management plan](https://katanamrp.com/blog/procurement-management-plan/): A procurement management plan is crucial for stability when sales and production increase. Here's everything you need to make your own.
- [Sync sales orders and stock levels between eBay and Katana](https://katanamrp.com/blog/ebay-via-cartrover/): Connect your eBay online store to Katana (via CartRover) and automate your workflows between both systems. Learn more.
- [How to master wholesale order management with the right software](https://katanamrp.com/blog/wholesale-order-management/): Wholesale order management is vital for manufacturers selling in bulk. Learn about the challenges of bulk selling and how to overcome them.
- [The art of selling directly to consumers](https://katanamrp.com/blog/selling-directly-to-consumers/): Want to start selling directly to consumers? Learn all about the DTC business model and how to manage it alongside your production processes.
- [Partially pack and deliver sales orders to improve flexibility](https://katanamrp.com/blog/partial-delivery/): With our latest product update you can now partially fulfill Katana Sales orders streamline order fulfillment. Learn more about partial delivery in Katana.
- [What is a lot number and why manufacturers need them](https://katanamrp.com/blog/what-is-a-lot-number/): What is a lot number? A lot number, or batch number, is a unique identifier for tracking items. Read all about using them in manufacturing.
- [Better inventory planning through StockTrim's forecasting](https://katanamrp.com/blog/stocktrim/): Integrate with StockTrim and benefit from demand forecasting, inventory optimization, and purchase order planning. Learn more.
- [ShippyPro automates shipping and increases delivery efficiency](https://katanamrp.com/blog/shippypro/): Sync orders between ShippyPro and Katana to save hours on shipment fulfillment processes. Learn more.
- [15 expert practices for retail inventory management](https://katanamrp.com/blog/retail-inventory-management/): Learn all about what is inventory management in retail and 15 practices for optimizing inventory and sales and maximizing profits.
- [How to integrate Shopify and Xero to streamline your manufacturing business](https://katanamrp.com/blog/shopify-xero-inventory-integration/): Shopify Xero inventory integration links departments and monitor item movement. Here’s how to make this integration work for manufacturers.
- [How to read manufacturing blueprints in production](https://katanamrp.com/blog/how-to-read-manufacturing-blueprints/): Want to know how to read manufacturing blueprints? Here is a beginner's guide to reading engineer drawings in manufacturing.
- [What is RFID and how does RFID work?](https://katanamrp.com/blog/what-is-rfid/): A comprehensive guide to helping manufacturers understand what is RFID and how does RFID work in business and inventory management.
- [Lot tracking: How to boost traceability in manufacturing](https://katanamrp.com/blog/lot-tracking-in-manufacturing/): Lot tracking ensures quality control and seeing item movements across the supply chain. Read more and learn why and how to implement it.
- [Sync your Amazon stock and import sales orders to Katana](https://katanamrp.com/blog/amazon-cartrover/): Connect your Amazon online store to Katana via CartRover and gain complete control of your order management.
- [Amazon inventory management techniques and solutions](https://katanamrp.com/blog/amazon-inventory-management/): Here are the tips you can follow to implement the best Amazon inventory management and utilize FBA inventory management.
- [Eat food, not profits — with food industry inventory management](https://katanamrp.com/blog/food-industry-inventory-management/): Without proper food industry inventory management, as people eat your food, you’ll eat into profits. Learn how to manage food effectively.
- [Your complete guide to purchase and purchase order management](https://katanamrp.com/blog/purchase-order-management/): Proper purchase management and purchase order management are essential to running a successful business. Learn how to do that here.
- [Omnichannel inventory management guide](https://katanamrp.com/blog/omnichannel-inventory-management/): Managing several scaling sales channels is challenging. Here you’ll learn how to implement your omnichannel inventory management strategy.
- [Customize and print your barcode labels directly inside Katana](https://katanamrp.com/blog/barcode-printing/): No more relying on third-party tools for printing barcode labels – you can now create and print barcode labels directly in Katana.
- [10 benefits to omnichannel order management](https://katanamrp.com/blog/omnichannel-order-management/): Omnichannel order management is a strategy for managing your items and orders across several sales channels, all in one place. Read more here.
- [The ultimate step-by-step guide to garment manufacturing](https://katanamrp.com/blog/garment-manufacturing/): Learn everything you need to know about garment manufacturing and how clothes are conceptualized and made.
- [How to optimize your automotive manufacturing process](https://katanamrp.com/blog/automotive-manufacturing-process/): Learn how to optimize your own automotive manufacturing process by understanding how other car manufacturers achieve this task.
- [19 electronics manufacturing process challenges and solutions](https://katanamrp.com/blog/electronics-manufacturing-process/): The electronics manufacturing process involves designing, prototyping, and producing electronic components and devices. Learn more here.
- [Cosmetics manufacturing: How to build your foundation](https://katanamrp.com/blog/cosmetics-manufacturing/): This article explores the essential steps for taking a business to greatness in cosmetics manufacturing, from conception to shipping.
- [Customize workflows and forge integrations with Katana API](https://katanamrp.com/blog/full-api/): Create your own unique workflows and integrate them with other business apps
- [Katana hits 100 employees and launches mentorship initiative for fast-scaling startups](https://katanamrp.com/blog/100-employees-mentorship-initiative/): We are proud to announce that we have recently reached an important milestone in our growth – 100 team members...
- [15 reasons designers need apparel inventory management](https://katanamrp.com/blog/apparel-inventory-management/): Apparel inventory management helps designers and manufacturers manage their businesses. Here are 15 reasons you need to optimize it.
- [Save time by using Shiptheory to automate shipping fulfillments](https://katanamrp.com/blog/shiptheory/): Save hours of manual work by automating shipping and manufacturing workflows, reducing the risk of errors between copies.
- [Inventory management for ecommerce business 101](https://katanamrp.com/blog/inventory-management-for-e-commerce/): This inventory management for e-commerce guide gives you all the knowledge and tools you need to optimize inventory management.
- [Sync inventory and import sales orders from Walmart Marketplace](https://katanamrp.com/blog/walmart/): Katana's integration with the Walmart Marketplace enables you to control order management through sales orders imports and inventory syncing.
- [Sell me this SaaS — A chat with our Head of Sales, Matt Sullivan](https://katanamrp.com/blog/matt-sullivan/): Want to work at Katana? Our head of sales, Matt Sullivan, explains life working here as a remote worker in Canada. Check out our careers page.
- [Bridge the gap between manufacturing and sales with Prospect CRM](https://katanamrp.com/blog/prospectcrm/): Whether you’re a Wholesale, Distribution or Manufacturing business, you can now sync your Prospect CRM sales data with Katana.
- [Gain full access to your manufacturing orders via Katana API](https://katanamrp.com/blog/manufacturing-orders-api/): Through the Katana API, users now have full access to build custom-made solutions for manufacturing orders, including MO recipes and operations.
- [Automate order and inventory sync between apps with Pipe17](https://katanamrp.com/blog/pipe17-integration/): Our newest connection to Pipe17 enables real-time order and stock sync between your e-commerce, 3PLs, and other apps and Katana.
- [Import orders and keep inventory synced with Katana + Faire](https://katanamrp.com/blog/faire/): Katana's new integration with Faire allows you to gain control over order management through sales order importing and inventory synchronization.
- [Talent finder and brand building extraordinaire Christina](https://katanamrp.com/blog/christina-de-giovanni/): Christina De Giovanni, talent acquisition & employer branding lead, sits down to chat about life as a remote worker at Katana.
- [Easier stock level counting with Katana’s new stocktake feature](https://katanamrp.com/blog/stocktake-feature/): With Katana's newest feature stocktake, both pro and essential users can count their stock levels and make necessary adjustments inside Katana.
- [A chin wag with Risto Orr, a product engineering lead in Katana](https://katanamrp.com/blog/risto-orr-product-engineering-lead/): Risto Orr is a product engineering lead for the MRP team. Here is a day in the life of a Katanaut team leader.
- [Automate shipping and save time with the 2Ship integration](https://katanamrp.com/blog/2ship-integration/): With 2Ship you can automate your shipping workflows while guaranteeing the best rates with 2Ship’s carrier comparison. Learn more.
- [Access product recipe functionality with Katana API](https://katanamrp.com/blog/api-product-recipes/): Take control of workflows and integrations with new create, update, pull, and delete methods to the product recipes endpoint within Katana API.
- [Katana Product Roundup: 2021 highlights](https://katanamrp.com/blog/2021-product-roundup/): Katana hit the ground running in 2021, developing features that make your manufacturing experience more seamless and customizable.
- [WooCommerce vs BigCommerce: the final showdown](https://katanamrp.com/blog/woocommerce-vs-bigcommerce/): In this article, learn the differences between WooCommerce vs BigCommerce and determine which is the best for your manufacturing business.
- [Katana automatically generates and reorders subassembly MOs](https://katanamrp.com/blog/subassembly-mos/): Katana now automatically creates manufacturing orders for all nested subassemblies and reprioritizes them in one go. Learn more about this update.
- [BigCommerce inventory management guide](https://katanamrp.com/blog/bigcommerce-inventory-management-guide/): BigCommerce inventory management is great but lacks features that manufacturers need. Learn how to manage and optimize your inventory here.
- [5 ways inventory financing can help grow your sales](https://katanamrp.com/blog/5-ways-inventory-financing-can-help-grow-your-sales/): Inventory financing will help you increase your sales and release tied-up assets. Here are five ways it can help you achieve this.
- [Tales from Rivo, the Katana Debt Collector and Product Engineering Lead](https://katanamrp.com/blog/rivo-heinsalu-product-engineering-lead/): Rivo Heinsalu is a product engineering lead for the Shop Floor Control team. Here is a day in the life of a more than average Katanaut.
- [Make-to-order (MTO) vs. make-to-stock (MTS)](https://katanamrp.com/blog/make-to-order-vs-make-to-stock/): Learn about make-to-order and make-to-stock, the differences, advantages, and disadvantages of choosing a workflow for your manufacturing.
- [You can now access purchase order data via Katana API](https://katanamrp.com/blog/purchase-orders/): Automatically send purchase order data to vendors, suppliers, and integration workflows via Katana API. Here’s what you can do with our latest API update.
- [Katana receives a nomination in SaaS Partnerships Awards](https://katanamrp.com/blog/partnerstack-awards/): Katana receives a nomination for the Top Use of Technology award in SaaS Partnerships Awards by PartnerStack.
- [What is a master production schedule? The complete guide](https://katanamrp.com/blog/master-production-schedule/): What is a master production schedule? MPS is an essential component to running your operations and meeting demand. Learn all about MPS manufacturing.
- [Automate sales order management workflows with Katana and CartRover](https://katanamrp.com/blog/cartrover/): Katana’s latest API integration with CartRover lets you import sales orders from your preferred e-commerce store to Katana.
- [How to calculate selling price for your products](https://katanamrp.com/blog/how-to-calculate-selling-price/): Learn the selling price formula and techniques on how to find the perfect selling price. Maximize profits with the perfect pricing strategy!
- [Automate stock transfers and adjustments via API](https://katanamrp.com/blog/api-stock-transfers/): New Katana API update — you can now automate stock transfers and stock adjustments between your preferred integrations and Katana. Learn more about this update here.
- [Integrate with SyncHub to connect Katana to more reporting and BI tools](https://katanamrp.com/blog/synchub-integration/): Integrate with reporting and BI tools like Excel, Power BI, and Tableau via SyncHub to better understand your business data. Learn more about this update.
- [Manage shipping data from addresses to tracking information in Katana](https://katanamrp.com/blog/shipping-data/): Add addresses and order tracking information to sales orders and connect to shipping solutions via Katana API. Learn more about our latest update.
- [Katana’s Easy Insight integration is now available on all subscription plans](https://katanamrp.com/blog/easy-insight-reporting/): Integrate Katana and Easy Insight to create custom dashboards for your sales and inventory data. Now available on Pro and Essential plans. Learn more.
- [Import your Wix orders as Katana sales orders](https://katanamrp.com/blog/wix-integration/): Import orders, related products, and customer data from your Wix ecommerce store with Katana’s latest integration. Learn more.
- [Changes to Shopify orders now automatically synced in Katana](https://katanamrp.com/blog/shopify-order-changes/): Katana’s latest update makes it possible to automatically sync changes made in Shopify orders to reduce human error and keep your data aligned. Learn more.
- [Connect to HubSpot to import deals and related data into Katana](https://katanamrp.com/blog/hubspot-integration/): Using HubSpot to manage your sales pipeline? Import your deals as Katana sales orders with our latest integration via Make. Learn more.
- [Your guide to WooCommerce barcode inventory](https://katanamrp.com/blog/woocommerce-barcode-inventory/): WooCommerce barcode inventory helps automate and optimize your business' inventory management. Learn all about it here.
- [Sync sales orders and order fulfillment statuses from Squarespace to Katana](https://katanamrp.com/blog/squarespace-integration/): This new integration allows you to import sales orders together with products and customers and sync the fulfillment status back to Katana.
- [Scan barcodes with smart devices for floor-level batch and inventory tracking](https://katanamrp.com/blog/barcode-scanning-smart-device/): Scan barcodes with your smart device to track inventory, monitor material usage, and trace batches. Read about barcode scanning in Katana.
- [You can now purchase and sell in multiple currencies in Katana](https://katanamrp.com/blog/multiple-currencies/): Automatically convert purchase prices and sales order values to your base currency. Learn more about Katana's multicurrency support features.
- [8 best Shopify barcode scanning tools to manage your inventory](https://katanamrp.com/blog/shopify-barcode-inventory/): Shopify barcode scanner is an easy way to take control of your inventory. Keep reading to learn about the different software available.
- [Katana Manufacturing ERP featured in 3 best software guides 2021](https://katanamrp.com/blog/katana-manufacturing-erp-featured-2021/): The latest reports by Software Advice, Capterra, and GetApp announced Katana as one of the best manufacturing and production scheduling...
- [Analyze inventory data with Katana and Easy Insight](https://katanamrp.com/blog/analyze-inventory-data/): By connecting Easy Insight to Katana, quickly access pre-built dashboards, edit the existing reports or create your own using Katana data.
- [International selling made easy with multicurrency support](https://katanamrp.com/blog/multicurrency-sales/): Katana enables you to sell in multiple currencies and automatically converts your sales prices to foreign currencies.
- [Sync sales orders and fulfillment statuses between Katana and Etsy](https://katanamrp.com/blog/etsy-integration/): This new integration will allow you to import sales orders together with products and customers and sync the fulfillment status back to Etsy.
- [Introducing Katana's new brand and the story behind it](https://katanamrp.com/blog/katanas-new-brand/): There is a lot more to a brand than what meets the eye, and we wanted to share the story behind our new look. Read about Katana's new brand.
- [Katana rebrands to bring more love and life to the manufacturing software space](https://katanamrp.com/blog/meet-katana-new-brand/): We’re excited to launch our new brand and a revamped vision to give manufacturers software they will love as much as the products they make.
- [5 big custom package trends for e-commerce in 2024](https://katanamrp.com/blog/package-trends-for-ecommerce/): Here are the five packaging trends manufacturers need to know if they want to get ahead of the competition in 2024.
- [Introducing barcode scanning features in Katana](https://katanamrp.com/blog/barcode-scanning/): Users can now introduce barcode scanning into their workflow with our latest update to optimize your inventory management.
- [Automate your sales imports with Katana and Shift4Shop](https://katanamrp.com/blog/shift4shop-integration/): Katana's integration with Shift4Shop (formerly known as 3dcart) via Zapier allows you to manage all your orders in one place....
- [Shopify Plus vs Shopify: what are the key differences?](https://katanamrp.com/blog/shopify-vs-shopify-plus-differences/): As a manufacturer selling on Shopify, what is the right plan for you? Here's everything you need to know about Shopify's plans, pricing, and benefits.
- [5 tips for inventory management with barcode scanning](https://katanamrp.com/blog/barcode-inventory-control/): The ultimate guide manufacturers need for barcode inventory control, the quickest and most reliable way of monitoring inventory movements.
- [Katana joins the Shopify Plus Certified Partner app program](https://katanamrp.com/blog/shopify-plus-certified-partner/): We are honored and excited that our efforts in building Katana were recognized by the Shopify Plus Program. Learn more.
- [Katana API now supports inventory and batch stock synchronization](https://katanamrp.com/blog/api-inventory-sync/): The latest update to the Katana API allows users to synchronize stock data and support their inventory and batch management.
- [Top 11 B2B e-commerce platforms for entrepreneurs in 2024](https://katanamrp.com/blog/b2b-ecommerce-platform/): In this article, we list our top 11 B2B eCommerce platforms for entrepreneurs looking to get established online.
- [Import your Pipedrive Deals as Katana Sales Orders](https://katanamrp.com/blog/pipedrive-integration/): Bridge the gap between sales and manufacturing by automating Deal imports from Pipedrive to Katana via Zapier.
- [26 tips for small manufacturing business owners in 2023](https://katanamrp.com/blog/small-manufacturing-business-tips/): Most useful tips for small manufacturing businesses who want to make 2021 their best year yet. Includes overview of the small manufacturing world in 2020.
- [Katana API supports webhooks for full e-commerce integration](https://katanamrp.com/blog/api-webhooks/): Get fulfillment status sync between Katana and any of your e-commerce platforms with the latest addition to API: Webhooks.
- [In-depth study of modern manufacturers crushing it in 2024](https://katanamrp.com/blog/study-of-modern-manufacturers/): We've investigated modern manufacturers who are growing their business in 2024 and performed an in-depth analysis of the tools they use. Here is what we found.
- [Katana named in Digital’s Best Inventory Management Software 2021](https://katanamrp.com/blog/best-inventory-software-programs-2021/): Digital. com is a review site that amalgamates reviews from all over the web to give small businesses the means...
- [Katana raises $11M series A to be the manufacturing entrepreneur’s secret weapon](https://katanamrp.com/blog/katana-raises-11-million-dollars/): This latest investment was led by Atomico with the participation of several angel investors, and an earlier investor 42Cap, bringing...
- [Katana featured twice in Top Order Management Systems of 2021](https://katanamrp.com/blog/best-inventory-management-software-programs/): Katana was featured in two leading software comparison sites for the Best Manufacturing Order Management Systems of 2021. Learn more.
- [Automate sales imports from Ecwid to Katana with Zapier](https://katanamrp.com/blog/ecwid-integration/): Katana's latest integration with Ecwid allows you to automatically import sales orders from your e-commerce shop to Katana.
- [Manufacturing throughput time: Fast-forwarding production](https://katanamrp.com/blog/throughput-time/): Throughput time breaks down manufacturing processes into bitesize chunks. Make sense of it and produce faster without compromising the quality of your product.
- [Import orders from Seller Central and FBA with Katana's integration with Amazon](https://katanamrp.com/blog/amazon-integration/): Our latest integration will allow you to set up automatic imports of sales orders from your Amazon account to Katana MRP. Learn more.
- [Improved inventory tracking with material yield reporting](https://katanamrp.com/blog/material-yield-reporting/): Easily track your consumed inventory on your shop-floor with our latest update — material yield reporting. Learn more.
- [Katana is one of the best MRP Software programs of 2021](https://katanamrp.com/blog/15-best-mrp-software-programs-2021/): Digital. com consolidates reviews from all over the web to give small businesses the means to investigate tools before committing...
- [What is the 80/20 inventory management rule?](https://katanamrp.com/blog/inventory-management-rule/): The 80/20 inventory rule states that 80% of your profits come from 20% of your inventory. But, how do you take advantage of this information?
- [End-to-end traceability of all your inventory items with Katana](https://katanamrp.com/blog/full-traceability/): Our latest update allows you to track all your inventory movement throughout your entire production cycle. Learn more.
- [Katana x Salesforce: Centralize your order management](https://katanamrp.com/blog/import-salesforce-orders/): Set up automatic import of orders from Salesforce to Katana, helping you manage your sales and manufacturing orders from one platform.
- [The winning formula for D2C manufacturers in 2024](https://katanamrp.com/blog/winning-formula-for-d2c-manufacturers/): Feel like you’re losing momentum and need a little pick me up? In this article, we look at the winning formula for DC2 manufacturers in 2024.
- [Best accounting software for Shopify in 2024](https://katanamrp.com/blog/best-accounting-software-for-shopify/): Check out our top picks for the best accounting software for Shopify for modern manufacturers looking to optimize their workflows.
- [Multilevel BOMs explained for product-making businesses](https://katanamrp.com/blog/multi-level-bom/): A multilevel BOM is a hierarchical representation of components, assemblies, and subassemblies needed to manufacture a product. Learn more.
- [Automatic sales imports from eBay to Katana](https://katanamrp.com/blog/ebay-integration/): Take advantage of Zapier to set-up the Katana X eBay integration.
- [Faster stock transfer speeds between Shopify and Katana](https://katanamrp.com/blog/shopify-api-payload/): Starting from right now, you can enjoy improvements to your inventory synchronization, giving you quick and reliable stock sync between Shopify and Katana!
- [Katana x Magento: automatic import of your sales orders to Katana](https://katanamrp.com/blog/magento-integration/): You can now import Magento sales orders (SOs) to Katana manually or automatically using our latest tried and tested integration with Zapier! Learn more.
- [Forge your own integrations with Katana’s new API](https://katanamrp.com/blog/api-integration/): The latest update brings the new API, which allows Katana users to create their own integrations with their other business...
- [How to make multiple Shopify stores to maximize your sales](https://katanamrp.com/blog/shopify-multi-stores/): Having multiple Shopify stores can be tricky. Here's everything you need to know about Shopify multi-store management for manufacturers.
- [Improve manufacturing with sales import between Xero and Katana](https://katanamrp.com/blog/xero-sales-import/): Get more control over your sales and manufacturing orders with the latest Zapier integration: Katana and Xero.
- [What is a bill of materials (BOM)?](https://katanamrp.com/blog/bill-of-materials/): A bill of materials (BOM) is a comprehensive list of all the raw materials, components, sub-assemblies, and parts required to manufacture a product.
- [Import your sales orders from BigCommerce to Katana](https://katanamrp.com/blog/import-bigcommerce-sales-orders/): Bridge the gap between your sales and manufacturing with the new Katana x BigCommerce integration.
- [The new Zapier integration helps you centralize all your SO’s](https://katanamrp.com/blog/import-sale-orders-with-zapier/): Katana's Zapier integration gives you the tools to automate your sale orders from your favorite e-commerce platforms.
- [Katana MRP is one of the Top Manufacturing Software in 2020](https://katanamrp.com/blog/software-advice-top-manufacturing-software-2020/): According to Software Advice’s latest report, Katana MRP is one of Gartner FrontRunners in the Top Manufacturing Software Report 2020, based...
- [Katana named Capterra’s top 20 most popular MRP and manufacturing software 2020](https://katanamrp.com/blog/capterra-top-20-mrp-software-2020/): Katana is one of the most popular MRP and Manufacturing Software in 2020, based on verified ratings from users.
- [Don’t lose another minute with the time-tracking feature](https://katanamrp.com/blog/time-tracking/): Evaluate shop floor performance to compare planned task execution time against the actual completion time of operations.
- [You can now see expected and missing ingredients on sales order](https://katanamrp.com/blog/expected-and-missing-ingredients/): Katana users can now see expected and missing ingredients on their sales order cards. Learn more about this update.
- [See and make changes to completed tasks in any given period](https://katanamrp.com/blog/completed-tasks/): You can now easily see your completed operations under the Done task list, to help you track completed production runs, from any given period.
- [Traceability made easy with batch tracking numbers](https://katanamrp.com/blog/batch-tracking-numbers/): Start using batch tracking by activating the option via the product card.
- [Go Advanced and get floor-level task access with the Katana Shop Floor App](https://katanamrp.com/blog/shop-floor-control-app/): Katana's Professional plan comes with a mobile app that allows managers and operators a channel of communication and streamlined production flow.
- [What is statistical process control (SPC) and is it for you?](https://katanamrp.com/blog/spc-manufacturing/): SPC manufacturing is a method of analyzing production to identify areas of waste. In this article, we look into statistical process control.
- [Resource leveling vs resource smoothing](https://katanamrp.com/blog/resource-leveling/): If you’re experiencing scheduling issues you need to use resource leveling or smoothing to fix the problem. But, how do you use them?
- [Rough Cut Capacity Planning: Is it right for you?](https://katanamrp.com/blog/rough-cut-capacity-planning/): Rough cut capacity planning will be essential in balancing your production capacity against customer demand. But is it good for your manufacturing business?
- [Shop floor planning and scheduling](https://katanamrp.com/blog/shop-floor-planning/): Shop floor planning and control is a crucial element of maintaining a healthy and successful production line. Discover how you can improve it.
- [View and export historical stock levels in Katana](https://katanamrp.com/blog/historical-stock-levels/): Easily view and export your historical stock levels in Katana to grab information retrospectively for your accounting.
- [Optimizing Xero tracked inventory for batch and expiry tracking](https://katanamrp.com/blog/xero-inventory-expiration-date-tracking/): The issues with the lack of features for Xero tracked inventory and expiry dates can be solved, with the use of 3rd party manufacturing software.
- [Generate new quotes for sales in Katana](https://katanamrp.com/blog/quotes/): You can now effortlessly manage your quotes with Katana’s new quotation functionality, separate from your online sales orders (SO).
- [Food traceability: Why it’s essential for food production](https://katanamrp.com/blog/food-traceability/): Food traceability systems are essential for tracking inventory and identifying issues on your production line. Here are the reasons why your business needs it.
- [Perishable inventory: The best tools for expiry date tracking](https://katanamrp.com/blog/perishable-inventory/): When working with perishable inventory, you need to be vigilant about tracking. Here's how you can improve your inventory management.
- [Exporting your stock adjustments as a CSV file from Katana](https://katanamrp.com/blog/stock-adjustment/): In Katana, you can now easily export your stock adjustments as a CSV file, so you can prepare the data for your bookkeeping. Learn more.
- [What is traceability and how to implement in manufacturing?](https://katanamrp.com/blog/product-traceability/): Product traceability in manufacturing optimizes production and is a legal requirement for some industries. What is it and how do you use it?
- [Change shipping location for multiple sales orders in one go](https://katanamrp.com/blog/change-shipping-location/): In a few clicks, you can now edit the shipping locations for multiple open sales orders in one go, saving you time and increasing efficiency.
- [Bulk import, edit, and delete operations with Katana](https://katanamrp.com/blog/bulk-import-edit-and-delete-operations/): Get more control over your production operations with our newest feature, that lets you import, edit, and delete operations in bulk.
- [Bulk select open manufacturing orders to update product recipes](https://katanamrp.com/blog/bulk-update-product-recipes/): It’s now quicker and easier for you to edit product recipes for open manufacturing orders with the new bulk select feature. Learn more.
- [How to add default cost per hour to resources](https://katanamrp.com/blog/default-cost-per-hour/): It’s now easier to save your default costs per hour for your resources in Katana. Now, you can save these...
- [Handle 20,000 SKUs effortlessly with Katana latest update](https://katanamrp.com/blog/20k-sku/): Katana is now able to effortlessly support businesses that handle up to 20K unique SKUs. Learn more about this performance boost.
- [Add process steps to specific variants to remove inefficiencies](https://katanamrp.com/blog/add-process-steps-to-specific-variants/): Add more or fewer process steps to specific variants. This new update saves you the hassle of having to create a new product for each variant.
- [Intermittent production: Making sense of the irregularity](https://katanamrp.com/blog/intermittent-production/): There are some issues which affect manufacturers of every industry. Here is a list of ten common challenges faced by manufacturers and how to overcome them.
- [Smart manufacturing: Don't miss out on the Industrial Revolution](https://katanamrp.com/blog/smart-manufacturing/): Smart manufacturing is a crucial component for growth. But what is smart manufacturing and how will we benefit from it?
- [Multiple sales location support for Shopify POS locations](https://katanamrp.com/blog/multiple-sales-location-support-shopify-pos/): You can now easily map POS locations in Katana to manage stock and orders. Learn more about this update.
- [Add variants to existing products and materials via import](https://katanamrp.com/blog/add-variants-existing-products-materials/): You can now import new variants to existing products and materials by uploading an .XLSX document. Learn more.
- [What is an order management system?](https://katanamrp.com/blog/order-management-system/): An order management system is a platform used to track sales, orders, inventory, and fulfillment across business operations. Learn more here.
- [Textile manufacturing: Unweave the key to success](https://katanamrp.com/blog/textile-manufacturing/): Textile manufacturing is an old, but still a massively important industry. In this article, we explore the history and how you can make it in the industry.
- [Katana enters the big leagues with Capterra’s Top 20 MRPs list](https://katanamrp.com/blog/capterra-top-20-mrps-list/): This list is the ultimate who’s who of the MRP software world, letting Capterra users quickly compare features from the...
- [You can now opt out of importing payment pending orders from Shopify](https://katanamrp.com/blog/opt-out-importi-payment-pending-orders/): You can now choose whether or not you want to import your open sales orders with “Payment pending” status from Shopify into Katana!
- [Katana raises $3.9 million to help D2C manufacturers scale](https://katanamrp.com/blog/katana-raises-3-9-million-dollars/): Katana fills this gap by offering a smart, modern, and affordable cloud-based solution, the first of its kind to focus...
- [Katana Now Integrates with Popular Accounting Software Xero](https://katanamrp.com/blog/katana-xero-integration/): Streamline floor-level tasks and ingredients with our newest feature: printing multiple manufacturing orders and consolidated pick list.
- [Production management and operations management: key differences, tips, and solutions](https://katanamrp.com/blog/production-and-material-management/): Optimizing production and operations management is important for manufacturers. Here’s why, and how to do it right.
- [Print Multiple Manufacturing Orders and Consolidated Pick List](https://katanamrp.com/blog/print-multiple-mos-consolidated-pick-list/): Streamline how you organize your floor-level tasks and ingredients by printing multiple manufacturing orders and consolidated pick lists.
- [Keep Your Chosen Filter and Sorting State](https://katanamrp.com/blog/remember-filter-sorting-state/): Working with Katana is now even smoother! We’ve got a cool new feature that enables Katana to remember the filter...
- [Multiple manufacturing and purchasing locations available](https://katanamrp.com/blog/multiple-manufacturing-purchasing-locations/): With this new update, Katana supports multi-location manufacturing and purchasing. Learn more.
- [You can now edit ingredients and operations lists on MOs](https://katanamrp.com/blog/you-can-now-edit-ingredients-and-operations-lists-on-mos/): We’ve just updated Katana with a brand-new feature which allows you to edit ingredients and operations lists on manufacturing orders (MOs).
- [You can now bulk export, delete, and import your product recipes or BOMs](https://katanamrp.com/blog/bulk-export-delete-and-import-boms/): We’re happy to announce that Katana now allows you to export, delete, and import existing recipes/BOMs in bulk using .xls or .xlsx templates.
- [You can now receive a PO in parts](https://katanamrp.com/blog/receive-po-in-parts/): You can now receive a purchase order in parts, allowing you to choose which items and quantities to receive now...
- [Company and Warehouse Addresses on POs](https://katanamrp.com/blog/company-warehouse-addresses-on-pos/): From today onward, you can save your company and warehouse addresses on your printed purchase orders, allowing you to use...
- [Unit conversion for purchasing](https://katanamrp.com/blog/unit-conversion-for-purchasing/): You can now enter a separate purchasing unit of measure for each material and purchasable product in Katana and define...
- [Craft production: How to make it in the craft business](https://katanamrp.com/blog/craft-production/): Craft production is a manufacturing technique that goes back to ancient times. Here we explore craft production and how to be a successful craft worker.
- [Expanding your reach: Multichannel selling](https://katanamrp.com/blog/multi-channel-selling/): Multichannel selling is more important than ever if you want to leverage your reach. Learn all about what it is and how to benefit from it.
- [Automation in manufacturing: embracing the future](https://katanamrp.com/blog/manufacturing-process-automation/): Automation in manufacturing will soon become a standardized tool. In this article, we explore process automation and all it has to offer.
- [Taking Your Fair Slice of the Food Production Pie](https://katanamrp.com/blog/food-production/): Food production is not only an expansive sector of the manufacturing industry but an important one too. Discover the industry and how to run a business in it.
- [Leather manufacturing: An in-depth look beyond the skin](https://katanamrp.com/blog/leather-manufacturing/): Leather manufacturing has a long history, a bright future, and is still a relevant material today. Read all about the leather industry here.
- [Is assemble to order (ATO) the right workflow for your business?](https://katanamrp.com/blog/assemble-to-order/): In this article, we explore the assemble to order workflow, including examples, the pros and cons, and the tools you can use to make it work in your favor.
- [How to Dominate the Market with D2C Manufacturing](https://katanamrp.com/blog/d2c-manufacturing/): DTC or D2C manufacturing is becoming the main choice of business model among manufacturers. Discover direct to consumer manufacturing and how to work it.
- [3 WooCommerce integrations every manufacturer must use](https://katanamrp.com/blog/woocommerce-integrations/): Running a business online can be a tough affair. That’s why we’ve looked into the best three WooCommerce integrations you can adopt to optimize your company.
- [How to master bottleneck management in production process](https://katanamrp.com/blog/bottleneck-management/): Bottleneck management is essential as bottlenecks occur in all manufacturing industries. Here, we explain what they are and how to fix them.
- [Mass customization: how to satisfy more of your customers](https://katanamrp.com/blog/mass-customization/): Consumer expectations are rising, meaning that more modern manufacturers are looking to mass customization to ensure customers are satisfied.
- [Green manufacturing: ensure the survival of your business](https://katanamrp.com/blog/green-manufacturing/): Consumers and businesses are conscious of their impact on the environment, meaning green manufacturing is more important than ever.
- [Why you need to take your manufacturing branding seriously](https://katanamrp.com/blog/manufacturing-branding/): Manufacturers need to focus on their manufacturing branding, especially as consumers continue to buy from manufacturers directly.
- [5 product bundling strategies you need to be using in 2024](https://katanamrp.com/blog/product-bundling/): Looking for product bundling strategies? We go through the benefits of selling product bundles and even more importantly, the strategies you can use to make the most out of them.
- [6 ways paperless manufacturing will skyrocket your business](https://katanamrp.com/blog/paperless-manufacturing/): Here we delve into paperless manufacturing, how it can change your business today, and how it will affect businesses in the future.
- [The ins and outs of contract manufacturing](https://katanamrp.com/blog/contract-manufacturing/): Contract manufacturing can help you save money and resources but outsource production to third-party companies. Here's how to do it properly.
- [The ultimate guide on how to outsource manufacturing](https://katanamrp.com/blog/how-to-outsource-manufacturing/): Explore how to outsource manufacturing, the risks of outsourcing, and the tools to help manufacturers keep their production under control.
- [Remove Shopify variant limit with these 5 awesome apps](https://katanamrp.com/blog/shopify-variant-limit/): The Shopify variant limit is an issue many face with the platform. Thankfully there are a variety of plugins that can get around this.
- [Top 8 WooCommerce stock management tools for manufacturers](https://katanamrp.com/blog/woocommerce-stock-management/): Manufacturers can use the best WooCommerce stock management tools for more control over their inventory, plus insights into features.
- [A guide to WooCommerce order management](https://katanamrp.com/blog/woocommerce-order-management/): WooCommerce order management is the process of efficiently handling and processing customer orders on WooCommerce. Learn more here.
- [8 Ways Direct to Consumer Brands Can Make It Big](https://katanamrp.com/blog/direct-to-consumer-brands/): Struggling for profitability at scale is common for direct to consumer brands. Here we dive into challenges and solutions available for scaling DTC brands.
- [Shopify POS inventory management guide (2024)](https://katanamrp.com/blog/shopify-pos-inventory-management/): Selling products in person can benefit your sales and brand. Explore what Shopify POS inventory management is and how to use it.
- [WooCommerce inventory management explained](https://katanamrp.com/blog/woocommerce-inventory-management/): WooCommerce stock manager allows basic inventory management. Discover how to have full control of your inventory management with Katana.
- [Say farewell to late deliveries by calculating fill rate](https://katanamrp.com/blog/fill-rate/): Fill rate is the metric of satisfaction. We show you how to calculate and get the most out of it, so your products always stay in demand.
- [10 hidden secrets makers don't know about selling online](https://katanamrp.com/blog/secrets-makers-dont-know-selling/): Here are our top ten tips for growing manufacturers looking to set-up an online store and take advantage of the mass consumer drift towards online shopping.
- [Shopify vs. Etsy: Which is the best for manufacturers?](https://katanamrp.com/blog/shopify-vs-etsy/): Manufacturers often get stuck choosing between whether to sell product on Shopify or Etsy. Here's a comparison to help you choose.
- [How to get your Shopify image sizes picture perfect](https://katanamrp.com/blog/shopify-image-sizes/): This article focuses on making the best Shopify images sizes for manufacturing businesses that make and sell their own products.
- [Ultimate guide to growing a successful Shopify CBD store](https://katanamrp.com/blog/shopify-cbd/): Setting up a Shopify CBD store has opportunities and challenges. Learn how to manage this fast-growing market and stay ahead of the curve.
- [6 American companies defining responsible manufacturing](https://katanamrp.com/blog/responsible-manufacturing/): Socially responsible manufacturing is fast becoming the standard. Check out our list of American companies paving the way by merging adopting ethical practices.
- [10 best Shopify tools for time-savvy manufacturers in 2024](https://katanamrp.com/blog/shopify-tools/): The best Shopify tools for manufacturers in 2024, we've cherry-picked for both established and upcoming stores looking to boost business.
- [Bespoke manufacturing: How custom manufacturing works](https://katanamrp.com/blog/bespoke-manufacturing/): Bespoke is a term appearing in several industries. But what is bespoke manufacturing and how can a modern manufacturer benefit from custom manufacturing?
- [Kitting manufacturing: Making and selling bundles of joy](https://katanamrp.com/blog/what-is-kitting/): Kitting manufacturing is an easy way to lower shipping costs and increase sales. Here's how to make the most out of product bundles.
- [Forward scheduling vs. backward scheduling for manufacturers](https://katanamrp.com/blog/forward-scheduling-vs-backward-scheduling/): Forward scheduling vs. backward scheduling — which is best for modern manufacturers looking to organize their workflow? Find out now.
- [19 best Shopify stores to inspire](https://katanamrp.com/blog/best-shopify-stores/): Here are the best Shopify stores of 2024. Perfect inspiration if you're starting out or for growing businesses looking to improve their Shopify store.
- [Routing manufacturing: mapping your production](https://katanamrp.com/blog/routing-manufacturing/): Routing Manufacturing maps the journey of your products through the manufacturing process. Discover the importance of manufacturing routing.
- [Repetitive manufacturing and what crafters can learn from It](https://katanamrp.com/blog/repetitive-manufacturing/): Stereotypically, when we think of the manufacturing industry, we imagine repetitive manufacturing. But what is it, and can growing manufacturers make use of it?
- [What is continuous manufacturing and can you use it?](https://katanamrp.com/blog/what-is-continuous-manufacturing/): Here’s a deconstruction of continuous manufacturing, weighing up the benefits and the risks for a small-scale manufacturer adopting this process.
- [What is discrete manufacturing in theory and practice?](https://katanamrp.com/blog/discrete-manufacturing/): Discrete manufacturing for those brushing up on their theory. What is discrete manufacturing and a comprehensive review of discrete vs process manufacturing.
- [Mastering batch production: Enhance efficiency and quality control](https://katanamrp.com/blog/batch-manufacturing/): Batch production is a manufacturing process that produces a specific quantity of items before changing to another product. Learn all about it here.
- [Packaging ideas for handmade items](https://katanamrp.com/blog/packaging-ideas-for-handmade-items/): Using unique packaging is a great way to enhance the product experience for your customers. Here we give you some of our own packaging ideas for handmade items.
- [Why inventory excel sheets are inefficient for manufacturers](https://katanamrp.com/blog/inventory-excel-sheet-inefficient-for-small-manufacturers/): Are you a manufacturer using an inventory excel sheet for monitoring stock and material levels? Cloud-based alternatives could really free up your resources.
- [Manufacturing lead time: what it is and how to reduce it](https://katanamrp.com/blog/manufacturing-lead-time/): Lead time is the time taken from scheduling to delivering a product and is vital for your business efficiency. Find out how to reduce lead time.
- [How to set up a Shopify store and make it awesome](https://katanamrp.com/blog/set-up-shopify-store/): Set up a Shopify store like an expert with this guide to ecommerce for modern manufacturers selling online.
- [How to Start a Craft Business 101](https://katanamrp.com/blog/how-to-start-a-craft-business-101/): Ever considered how to start a craft business from the comfort of your own home? Here’s a step by step guide on setting up a profitable online business.
- [10 Hobbies That Make Money and How to Get Started](https://katanamrp.com/blog/hobbies-that-make-money/): Tired of working for someone else? Or maybe you have kids and would like to work from home? Join the thousands of people with hobbies that make money.
- [Order fulfillment cycle time: how to measure and reduce it](https://katanamrp.com/blog/order-fulfillment-cycle/): Order fulfillment cycle time - how you can measure and reduce it. We show you how to speed up “e-fulfillment” so you can ship online orders faster than ever.
- [Production planning and scheduling for manufacturing](https://katanamrp.com/blog/production-planning-scheduling/): Production planning and scheduling involve setting targets and creating a detailed plan to meet customer demand in a timely and cost-effective manner.

---


## Case Studies

- [Mine Baseball](https://katanamrp.com/case-studies/mine-baseball/): Discover how Mine Baseball, the fastest-growing wood bat maker in the U.S., used Katana and Shiptheory to streamline inventory and fulfillment across Shopify, Amazon, Etsy, and more—saving over 30 hours per week.
- [Found Surface](https://katanamrp.com/case-studies/found-surface/): Found Surface, a Cleveland-based textile manufacturer, recovered $40,000 in forgotten inventory and enabled a 5× facility scale-up using Katana’s connected manufacturing platform. Discover how they turned operational chaos into scalable growth.
- [SpeedShield Technologies](https://katanamrp.com/case-studies/speedshield-technologies/): Discover how SpeedShield Technologies implemented Katana to streamline their inventory management and financial data, enabling them to expand.
- [Rehmann](https://katanamrp.com/case-studies/rehmann/): Discover how Rehmann helps manufacturers replace manual processes with real-time inventory tracking and automation using Katana.
- [Raw coffee Company](https://katanamrp.com/case-studies/raw-coffee-company/): Bill-of-materials (BOM) is a tremendous help in our manufacturing process and overall production management. Integrations with Shopify and Xero also play a big role in business management, helping us streamline our operations from sales orders to ready-made goods.
- [Komali Tortillas](https://katanamrp.com/case-studies/komali-tortillas/): Our overall efficiency has significantly improved. Katana is a very user-friendly and easy-to-use system for each of the struggles that we used to have before. Even more, I appreciate the communication when they are developing new tools, they are open to feedback and take our improvements into account.
- [CT LAB](https://katanamrp.com/case-studies/ct-lab/): CT LAB is a South-Africa-based company specializing in power quality solutions. Being a quite complex electronic device manufacturer means keeping track of all the transistors, circuits, diodes, and other components.
- [Hornby Organic](https://katanamrp.com/case-studies/hornby-organic/): Katana fulfills all our needs in a simple easy solution. As an organic food processor, traceability is a critical requirement, and our records must be meticulously kept.
- [Puppy Cake](https://katanamrp.com/case-studies/puppy-cake/): Katana helps keep accurate stock of assemblies and ingredients so that a plan can be developed for manufacturing and receive instant feedback on whether or not there are enough resources in stock to complete an order.
- [Paper Republic](https://katanamrp.com/case-studies/paper-republic/): With Katana we know our real-time inventory of raw materials, finished and non-finished products. We can plan sourcing and production accordingly, and have a direct overview of production costs.
- [Delta Development](https://katanamrp.com/case-studies/delta-development/): Delta Development Team produces portable refrigerators for blood. Katana provides inventory tracking, planning, and a well-oiled manufacturing process.
- [GJ Motorsports](https://katanamrp.com/case-studies/gj-motorsports/): GJ Motorsports has used Katana API to optimize and simplify their manufacturing workflow - saving hours every week. Could we help you too?
- [Kron Technologies](https://katanamrp.com/case-studies/kron-technologies/): Kron Technologies makes amazing high-speed imaging cameras with Katana and sells them seamlessly with WooCommerce. Learn more.
- [Naturewall](https://katanamrp.com/case-studies/naturewall/): Naturewall manufactures and sells natural acoustic paneling. With Katana, they were able to get the visibility they needed to scale. Read the case study.
- [Sylmasta](https://katanamrp.com/case-studies/sylmasta/): Sylmasta uses Katana and native ecommerce and shipping integrations to make and sell their excellent adhesive repair products.
- [Wabanaki Maple](https://katanamrp.com/case-studies/wabanaki-maple/): Wabanaki Maple produces barrel-aged maple syrup, and once they combined Katana and its integrations, they doubled their sales volume without hiring.
- [Peace Collective](https://katanamrp.com/case-studies/peace-collective/): With Katana, Peace Collective was able to transition to an on-demand manufacturing model and more than double its product offering. Read the full case study.

---


## Industries

- [Organize your workflow and inventory with textile manufacturing software](https://katanamrp.com/industries/textile-manufacturing-software/): Knit production and sales together with Katana’s textile ERP. Organize your inventory and plan production all on one platform.
- [Simplified production with plastics and rubber manufacturing software](https://katanamrp.com/industries/plastics-rubber-manufacturing-software/): Plastics and rubber manufacturing software to take the guesswork out of your business. Integrate with Katana and take control of your entire product lifecycle.
- [Track your inventory and reduce waste with food distribution software](https://katanamrp.com/industries/food-distribution-software/): Food distribution software like Katana gives you the tools and the visibility you need to track and manage your products with the least effort.
- [Cannabis manufacturing software](https://katanamrp.com/industries/cannabis-manufacturing-software/): Greenlight your new production ideas with Katana’s cannabis manufacturing software. Katana ERP organizes products and inventory in one intuitive platform.
- [Cannabis](https://katanamrp.com/industries/cannabis-inventory-management-software/): Save time daily with Katana’s cannabis inventory management software and ensure that you never run low on great products or satisfied customers.
- [Traceability Software for Food Manufacturing](https://katanamrp.com/industries/traceability-software-food-manufacturing/): Traceability software for food manufacturing is crucial for trust in your products and remaining compliant with food production regulations
- [Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Software](https://katanamrp.com/industries/pharmaceutical-manufacturing-software/): Work smarter with pharmaceutical manufacturing software to organize inventory and products, and bring accounting and sales in one platform
- [Chemical Manufacturing Software](https://katanamrp.com/industries/chemical-manufacturing-software/): Work smarter with chemical manufacturing software to organize inventory and products, and bring accounting and sales in one platform
- [Packaging ERP Software](https://katanamrp.com/industries/packaging-erp-software/): Use Katana as your packaging ERP software to plan, produce, and sell your brilliant packaging products worldwide.
- [Steel Fabrication Estimating Software](https://katanamrp.com/industries/steel-fabrication-estimating-software/): Use Katana’s cloud manufacturing software as your steel fabrication estimating software to save money and gain time daily.
- [Brewery Production Software](https://katanamrp.com/industries/brewery-production-software/): Katana Brewery production software helps refine your brewing process, manage your raw ingredients, and increase sales with smart integrations
- [Brewery](https://katanamrp.com/industries/brewery-inventory-management-software/): Work smarter with brewery inventory management software to organize inventory and products, and bring accounting and sales in one platform
- [3PL inventory management software](https://katanamrp.com/industries/3pl-inventory-management-software/): Use 3PL inventory management software to simplify your stock processes and boost sales, both online and in-store with Katana.
- [Retail Order Management Software](https://katanamrp.com/industries/retail-order-management-software/): Use Katana’s retail order management software to help in maximizing efficiency, increasing profit, and minimizing waste.
- [Lumber and Building Materials Inventory Software](https://katanamrp.com/industries/lumber-and-building-materials-inventory-software/): Streamline operations and manage your building materials with lumber inventory software. Katana gives you the end-to-end traceability you need to stay profitable.
- [Retail Inventory Management Software](https://katanamrp.com/industries/retail-inventory-management-software/): Retail inventory management software from Katana that saves you time, optimizes stock levels, and sets your business up for success. Read more here.
- [Food ERP Software](https://katanamrp.com/industries/food-erp-software/): Katana offers food ERP software with batch tracking, automatic reordering, and simplified sales for easier food manufacturing.
- [Fashion ERP Software](https://katanamrp.com/industries/fashion-erp-software/): Katana's fashion ERP software works for you, helping maximize profits through smart decisions and reducing waste.
- [Apparel ERP Software](https://katanamrp.com/industries/apparel-erp-software/): Katana offers perfect apparel ERP software, helping you make smarter decisions and integrating sales and shipping with production.
- [Automotive inventory management software](https://katanamrp.com/industries/automobile-inventory-management-software/): Katana's automotive inventory management software minimizes waste and effort while maximizing profits, quality, and customer satisfaction.
- [Automotive manufacturing software](https://katanamrp.com/industries/automotive-manufacturing-software/): As a manufacturing software for the automotive industry, Katana will help you save time and boost your automotive product sales.
- [ERP for Electronics Industry](https://katanamrp.com/industries/electronics-erp-software/): Streamline industrial manufacturing with Katana's electronics ERP. Optimize operations with features tailored for electronics manufacturing.
- [Winery management software](https://katanamrp.com/industries/winery-management-software/): Katana ERP offers excellent winery management software features to increase wine production and decrease waste daily
- [Wine inventory management software](https://katanamrp.com/industries/wine-inventory-management-software/): Katana offers wine inventory management software to cut waste and increase daily productivity of your wine production business.
- [Footwear ERP Software](https://katanamrp.com/industries/footwear-erp-software/): An ERP software for the footwear industry, Katana offers real-time inventory tracking, a warehouse management app, and sales and shipping.
- [Cosmetics](https://katanamrp.com/industries/cosmetics-inventory-software/): With Katana you can simplify your cosmetics production process, track inventory and waste less valuable stock with our manufacturing ERP.
- [Furniture inventory management software](https://katanamrp.com/industries/furniture-inventory-management-software/): Use Katana to simplify your furniture inventory processes, increase profits, and boost sales, both online and in physical stores.
- [Jewelry manufacturing software](https://katanamrp.com/industries/jewelry-manufacturing-software/): Jewelry manufacturing software that will make the production of your precious creations more efficient and cost effective. Try it for free.
- [Apparel and footwear](https://katanamrp.com/industries/apparel-inventory-software/): Apparel inventory software for fashion retailers. Streamline stock management, enhance efficiency, and boost sales with an intuitive cloud platform.
- [Food and beverage](https://katanamrp.com/industries/food-inventory-management-software/): Katana offers the best inventory management software for food industry, helping you track perishable stock and offer excellent service.
- [Electronics manufacturing software](https://katanamrp.com/industries/electronics-manufacturing-software/): Greater inventory control, clear resource planning, and fair software pricing make Katana the ideal software for electronics manufacturing.
- [Cosmetic manufacturing software](https://katanamrp.com/industries/cosmetic-manufacturing-software/): Cosmetic manufacturing software is an essential piece of the cosmetics production puzzle. Ensure smooth and accurate inventory management.
- [Metal fabrication software](https://katanamrp.com/industries/metal-fabrication-software/): Optimize your business processes and get the visibility you need with metal fabrication software like Katana. Learn more.
- [Furniture](https://katanamrp.com/industries/furniture-manufacturing/): Furniture manufacturing software for modern woodworking manufacturers selling online. Try Katana free for 14 days.
- [Coffee roasting](https://katanamrp.com/industries/coffee-roasting-software/): Katana's coffee roasting software gives coffee roasters total production and inventory control. Try it for 14 days free.
- [Food and beverage manufacturing software](https://katanamrp.com/industries/food-beverage-inventory-manufacturing-software/): Katana food manufacturing software gives food & beverage manufacturers operational efficiency, food safety, and up-to-date information. Try it for free now!
- [Apparel and footwear manufacturing](https://katanamrp.com/industries/apparel-footwear-manufacturing/): Intuitive apparel manufacturing software to take control of your garment and footwear production. Get a demo today.
- [Equipment and technology](https://katanamrp.com/industries/technology-inventory-manufacturing-software/): Improve order management and production of machinery and equipment with real-time updates from manufacturing ERP software that's easy to use.
- [Industrial machinery and equipment](https://katanamrp.com/industries/industrial-equipment-manufacturing/): Take control of your industrial equipment manufacturing with Katana, manufacturing ERP software that gives you total visibility. Try it free.
- [Automotive ERP Systems](https://katanamrp.com/industries/automotive-manufacturing/): Take control of your automotive production with Katana, manufacturing ERP software that makes an ideal automotive ERP system. Try it for free.
- [Jewelry and accessories](https://katanamrp.com/industries/jewelry-inventory-software/): Katanas jewelry inventory software gives you complete control over your stock, planning, costing, and more to set your business up for success.
- [Health and beauty](https://katanamrp.com/industries/health-beauty-inventory-manufacturing-software/): Take on the health and beauty industry with production management, real-time inventory, and master planning software. Try it free.
- [Toys and entertainment](https://katanamrp.com/industries/toys-entertainment-manufacturing/): Take control of your toys and entertainment manufacturing with Katana, which helps manufacturers get more control over their business. Start a free trial.
- [Pet food and supplies](https://katanamrp.com/industries/pet-supplies-manufacturing/): Take control of your pet supplies manufacturing with Katana, which helps manufacturers get more control over their business. Start a free trial.
- [Paper and packaging](https://katanamrp.com/industries/paper-packaging-manufacturing/): Take control of your packaging manufacturing with Katana, which helps manufacturers get more control over their business. Start a free trial.

---


## Integrations

- [Bring your B2B storefront and operations together](https://katanamrp.com/integrations/sparklayer/): SparkLayer powers the ecommerce side of B2B sales. Katana powers what happens behind the scenes. Together, they help brands streamline wholesale ordering, sync inventory and pricing, and deliver on every promise to retail partners.
- [Automate shipping and keep your orders synced with Starshipit](https://katanamrp.com/integrations/starshipit/): Eliminate manual fulfillment steps, sync order and tracking data in real time, and gain full visibility into your delivery process for cost-effective shipping.
- [Get real-time financial insights with Katana and Accountero](https://katanamrp.com/integrations/accountero/): Contextualize your cash flow against inventory with Katana’s open API integration with Accountero.
- [Automate your logistics workflows with Owlery](https://katanamrp.com/integrations/owlery/): Automate logistics, increase reliability, and lower transportation costs by connecting your Katana account to Owlery. Learn more.
- [Maintain a high degree of quality control with WorkClout](https://katanamrp.com/integrations/workclout/): Ensure you’re providing customers with the highest quality of products and services by automating quality checks and safety workflows. Learn more.
- [Streamline complex manufacturing processes with JIKKO and Katana](https://katanamrp.com/integrations/jikko/): Integrating Katana with JIKKO’s Manufacturing Execution System (MES) helps companies to build a more efficient workflow between multiple systems. Learn more.
- [Explore best shipping options via the Shippo integration](https://katanamrp.com/integrations/shippo-extensiv/): Integrate Shippo with Katana via the Extensiv Integration Manager and gain access to all the best carriers and prices to match your needs. Learn more.
- [Develop a multi-channel workflow through Syncware’s app database](https://katanamrp.com/integrations/syncware/): Syncware can connect Katana to over 300 different apps, making it easier to automate your business and allowing you to focus on what matters. Read more.
- [Manage all of your shipping needs with ShipStation](https://katanamrp.com/integrations/shipstation/): Through the Extensiv Integration Manager, you can effortlessly integrate with ShipStation to easily import, manage, and ship out orders. Read more.
- [Upgrade your accounting and manufacturing with the ultimate QuickBooks MRP integration](https://katanamrp.com/integrations/quickbooks/quickbooks-mrp/): QuickBooks MRP software centralizes your inventory, production, and sales order data. Integrate with QuickBooks to sync sales orders and reduce admin time.
- [Centralize sales, purchasing, and manufacturing with the ultimate Xero order management system](https://katanamrp.com/integrations/xero/xero-order-management/): Xero order management made easy with Katana. Integrate Xero accounting software with Katana and streamline Xero sales orders and purchase orders.
- [Streamline customer support workflows with Replyco](https://katanamrp.com/integrations/replyco/): You can centralize customer messages from multiple e-commerce stores in one helpdesk platform. Learn more.
- [Take your online store to the next level with Shopify manufacturing software](https://katanamrp.com/integrations/shopify/shopify-manufacturing-software/): Connect Shopify and Katana to sync manufacturing and sales data automatically. Learn more about Shopify manufacturing software with Katana.
- [Optimizing QuickBooks order management with Katana](https://katanamrp.com/integrations/quickbooks/quickbooks-order-management/): Katana ERP is a purpose-built QuickBooks order management software for managing sales, purchase, and manufacturing orders. Try it for free.
- [Connect to hundreds of business apps with Integrately](https://katanamrp.com/integrations/integrately/): Through Integrately, you can easily connect your Katana account to hundreds of useful business apps without needing to code anything. Learn more.
- [Simplify your bookkeeping and production with QuickBooks manufacturing software](https://katanamrp.com/integrations/quickbooks/quickbooks-manufacturing/): Manufacturing and bookkeeping united with Katana’s QuickBooks manufacturing software for managing production and finances in one go.
- [A BigCommerce ERP integration to manage your online store complication-free](https://katanamrp.com/integrations/bigcommerce/bigcommerce-erp-integration/): Katana’s BigCommerce ERP integration automates and streamlines your manufacturing processes. Try it for free with a 14-day free trial.
- [Xero ERP integration for a 360 view of your accounts](https://katanamrp.com/integrations/xero/xero-erp-integration/): Xero ERP integration to simply update your bills and invoices. Adopt Katana and keep your accounting documents in sync with your ERP.
- [Sync inventory and import sales orders from PrestaShop to Katana](https://katanamrp.com/integrations/prestashop/): Connect your online store to Katana via Extensiv and automate inventory and sales order sync. Learn more.
- [Get the WooCommerce ERP Integration for Ambitious Sellers](https://katanamrp.com/integrations/woocommerce/woocommerce-erp/): Use Katana’s WooCommerce ERP integration to sync your manufacturing production and online sales in a single platform and save time daily.
- [Avoid stock-outs and optimize your inventory with Katana’s eBay ERP integration via CartRover](https://katanamrp.com/integrations/ebay/ebay-erp-integration/): Tired of purchase surges resulting in inventory issues? Gain end-to-end visibility by with Katana's eBay ERP integration. Learn more.
- [Handle Shopify order management more efficiently with Katana](https://katanamrp.com/integrations/shopify/shopify-order-management/): Connect Shopify and Katana to sync sales order data automatically. Learn more about Shopify order management software with Katana.
- [Use Xero and manufacturing software to make your products and manage your money](https://katanamrp.com/integrations/xero/xero-manufacturing/): Combine Xero and Katana to manage your money and your products, and make daily production smarter and simpler.
- [Stay ahead of competition with a Magento order management system](https://katanamrp.com/integrations/magento/magento-order-management/): Integrate your e-commerce store with Magento order management software to streamline every step of the order fulfillment process from picking to shipping.
- [Connect sales and manufacturing with eBay order management software](https://katanamrp.com/integrations/ebay/ebay-order-management-software/): Connect your eBay store and Katana to optimize your order management process. Learn more about eBay order management software with Katana.
- [Remove the guesswork with Magento inventory software](https://katanamrp.com/integrations/magento/magento-inventory-software/): Integrate with Magento inventory software like Katana to keep your sales in sync across multiple channels, reduce carrying costs, and avoid stock-outs.
- [Complete inventory control with Katana’s Magento ERP software](https://katanamrp.com/integrations/magento/magento-erp/): Magento ERP software centralizes your inventory, production, and sales order data. Integrate with Magento to sync sales orders and reduce admin time.
- [Automate your shipping fulfillment with Outvio](https://katanamrp.com/integrations/outvio/): Connect Katana to Outvio to sync order shipping and gain overall better control over your entire delivery process. Learn more.
- [Better inventory planning with StockTrim forecasting](https://katanamrp.com/integrations/stocktrim/): Integrate with StockTrim and benefit from demand forecasting, inventory optimization, and purchase order planning. Learn more.
- [Automate shipping fulfillment processes with ShippyPro](https://katanamrp.com/integrations/shippypro/): Sync orders between ShippyPro and Katana to save hours on shipment fulfillment processes.
- [Automate your shipping order fulfillment - doing away with needlessly repetitive tasks](https://katanamrp.com/integrations/shiptheory/): Automate shipping and manufacturing workflows with Katana’s newest integration - Shiptheory.
- [Sync inventory and import sales orders from Walmart Marketplace to Katana](https://katanamrp.com/integrations/walmart-marketplace/): Katana's integration with the Walmart Marketplace enables you to control order management through sales orders imports and inventory syncing.
- [Create a bridge between Katana and Prospect CRM data](https://katanamrp.com/integrations/prospectcrm/): Connect Katana with Prospect CRM and their Stock-Aware approach to close the gap between your manufacturing and sales.
- [Automate your order and inventory flows between apps with Pipe17](https://katanamrp.com/integrations/pipe17/): Our newest integration to Pipe17 enables real-time order and stock syncing between e-commerce, 3PLs and other apps and your Katana account.
- [Synchronize inventory and import sales orders from Faire to Katana](https://katanamrp.com/integrations/faire/): Katana's new integration with Faire allows you to gain control over order management through sales order importing and inventory synchronization.
- [Use 2Ship to automate shipping – saving you time and money](https://katanamrp.com/integrations/2ship/): With 2Ship API integration, you can automate your shipping workflows while guaranteeing the best rates with 2Ship’s carrier comparison.
- [Connect to 100+ different platforms with Extensiv Integration Manager](https://katanamrp.com/integrations/extensiv/): Extensiv Integration Manager (previously CartRover) is your answer for integrating with all of those useful apps that make life easier. Learn more.
- [Connect Katana to your key reporting and BI tools with SyncHub](https://katanamrp.com/integrations/synchub/): Katana’s API integration with SyncHub gives you access to more data than ever. Connect to reporting and BI tools like Tableau, Excel, and Power BI.
- [Import sales orders and related product and customer data from Wix to Katana](https://katanamrp.com/integrations/wix/): Automate sales orders imports, including product and customer data, from your Wix e-commerce store to Katana. Learn more.
- [Sync your deals and inventory with Katana's HubSpot integration](https://katanamrp.com/integrations/hubspot/): Integrate HubSpot with Katana to import deals as sales orders and keep your sales and manufacturing data in sync. Learn more.
- [Import sales orders and sync fulfillment statuses from Squarespace to Katana](https://katanamrp.com/integrations/squarespace/): Integrate Squarespace with Katana to sync sales orders and streamline your inventory, order fullfillment, and sales. Learn more.
- [Keep your Etsy orders, customer data, and products in sync](https://katanamrp.com/integrations/etsy/): Etsy integration from Katana. Sync your sales orders to streamline your inventory, order fullfillment, and sales. Try it free for 14 days.
- [Connect to thousands of apps with Make](https://katanamrp.com/integrations/make/): You can now connect Katana with Make to integrate with thousands of apps that help your business run smoother.
- [Keep your accounting data in sync with Katana and QuickBooks Online](https://katanamrp.com/integrations/quickbooks/): QuickBooks Online inventory management software to integrate your accounting, inventory, production, and sales in a one platform. Try it free.
- [Import sales orders and sync stock between Amazon and Katana](https://katanamrp.com/integrations/amazon/): Amazon integration from Katana. Sync your sales orders to streamline your inventory, order fullfillment, and sales. Try it free for 14 days.
- [Import sales orders from Ecwid into Katana via Zapier](https://katanamrp.com/integrations/ecwid/): Ecwid integration from Katana. Sync your sales orders to streamline inventory, order fulfillment, and sales for total visibility. Try it free.
- [Import sales orders and sync stock from eBay to Katana via Extensiv](https://katanamrp.com/integrations/ebay/): Connect your eBay online store to Katana (via Extensiv) and automate your workflows between both systems. Learn more.
- [Import Sales orders and sync inventory from Magento to Katana](https://katanamrp.com/integrations/magento/): Integrate Adobe Commerce (previously Magento) with Katana via Extensiv and automate the sync of inventory and sales orders. Learn more.
- [Improve BigCommerce inventory and order management](https://katanamrp.com/integrations/bigcommerce/): BigCommerce inventory management software with real-time stock tracking and omnichannel order management capabilities to boost your sales. Learn more.
- [Manage your WooCommerce inventory and orders with Katana](https://katanamrp.com/integrations/woocommerce/): WooCommerce inventory management integration for Katana. Streamline inventory, order fulfillment, and sales for total visibility. Try it now.
- [Manage and track your Shopify inventory and orders with Katana](https://katanamrp.com/integrations/shopify/): Streamline your inventory, order fulfillment, and sales to gain total visibility. Try Katana's Shopify integration for inventory management now.
- [Import sales orders from Shift4Shop (3Dcart) to Katana via Zapier](https://katanamrp.com/integrations/shift4shop/): Shift4Shop integration from Katana. Sync your sales orders to streamline inventory, order fulfillment, and sales for total visibility. Try it free.
- [Connect to thousands of apps with Katana’s Zapier integration](https://katanamrp.com/integrations/zapier/): Automate repetitive tasks in minutes to save hours. Instantly connect your favorite apps to Katana via Zapier. Try it free.
- [Make sales and inventory reporting simple with Katana and Easy Insight](https://katanamrp.com/integrations/easy-insight/): Easy Insight reporting integration for manufacturing. Use reporting features to manage invenotry and production with ease. Try it free.
- [Import your Pipedrive Deals into Katana via Zapier](https://katanamrp.com/integrations/pipedrive/): Pipedrive CRM integration for modern manufacturers from Katana for easy inventory and production management. Try it free.
- [Import sales orders from Salesforce into Katana via Zapier](https://katanamrp.com/integrations/salesforce/): Salesforce integration from Katana. Sync your sales orders to streamline inventory, order fulfillment, and sales for total visibility. Try it free.
- [Keep your accounting and sales in sync with Katana's Xero integration](https://katanamrp.com/integrations/xero/): The best Xero inventory management software to keep your orders and accounting in sync across all your services. Sign up now.

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## Partners


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# Detailed Content


## Pages

> What are you looking for today? Ask a question and our AI will guide you to the answer—fast, accurate, and always available.

- Published: 2025-04-04
- Modified: 2025-04-04
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/search/

What are you looking for today?

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> KAI, Katana's AI assistant, handles the tedious chores, so you to focus on more strategic and impactful tasks, like growing your business.

- Published: 2025-01-14
- Modified: 2025-01-23
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/ai-assistant/

Level up your inventory management with AI KAI, Katana's AI assistant, takes care of the tedious tasks, giving you back the time to focus on what matters — growing your business. Get a demo Features KAI empowers smarter sales and satisfied customers KAI streamlines sales order management, delivers real-time insights, and creates custom data visualizations, empowering your team to focus on driving growth and customer satisfaction. Automate sales orders Effortlessly transform emails or other messages into sales orders. KAI extracts order details, generates quotes, and lets you convert them into sales orders with just a few clicks. Generate custom charts Turn raw data into actionable insights with KAI’s charting capabilities. Create tailored visualizations to track trends, assess buying patterns, and optimize performance. Gain sales insights Access vital metrics like daily sales, delays, throughput, and VIP customers in real time. Use KAI's interactive widget to dive deeper and generate insights tailored to your needs. How KAI works? Real-time insights at your fingertips Need quick updates on your business performance? KAI delivers instant answers to your questions, from sales metrics to inventory updates, empowering informed decision-making. Create a sales order from the details in this email KAI will identify customer and products and then match these with the records in Katana. Once it has found a match KAI will enter the sales order in quote status. Generate a chart of our TOP-5 best-selling products this month KAI evaluates sales orders to identify the TOP-5 products by sales volume, queries Katana Insights for relevant data, and generates a clear graph to showcase the results.   Show me the total value of sales orders created today  KAI queries today’s sales order data from Katana Insights, calculates the total value, and presents the result. Which sales orders are delayed and why  KAI reviews sales orders marked as delayed, analyzes associated reasons, and compiles a summary with insights into the delays from Katana Insights.   Which orders are at risk due to inventory shortages  KAI checks open sales orders statuses, identifies at-risk orders, and presents a concise overview based on Katana Insights data. Get a demo of KAI Get a demo The future of AI in Katana Katana’s vision for AI goes beyond isolated tools, aiming for networks of intelligent agents streamlining tasks like procurement, inventory management, and supplier interactions. By leveraging advanced AI, Katana empowers businesses with smarter, context-aware tools to automate workflows and deliver actionable insights, ensuring efficiency without losing the personalized touch. Want to learn more about AI and its impact on business? Check out the articles below or visit Katana's AI Hub to learn more about the benefits of AI, its real-world applications, and how it’s driving innovation and efficiency for businesses across various industries. Visit AI Hub Blog post AI for inventory management explained Read more Blog post AI’s role in improving financial accuracy Read more Blog post How AI is revolutionizing accounting Read more Blog post The benefits and challenges of AI in ecommerce Read more Blog post 10 benefits...

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> Expand your service offering with inventory management software that integrates all your clients' SaaS tools for a cohesive experience.

- Published: 2025-01-10
- Modified: 2025-02-28
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/use-cases/agency/
- Folders: USE CASES

Streamline inventory management for your clients Take your practice to the next level with a comprehensive inventory management solution that integrates seamlessly with the SaaS tools your clients love to use. Offer precise inventory insights, drive operational efficiency, and boost your service value. Book a call to learn more document. addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded", function { const button = document. querySelector('. header-buttons__button. is-style-button'); if (button) { button. textContent = 'Book a call'; button. setAttribute('href', 'https://katanamrp. com/demo-agencies/'); } }); Revolutionize inventory management for your clients Katana simplifies inventory complexities with real-time insights, allowing you to replace manual processes and error-prone spreadsheets. Enhance client relationships by delivering clear, actionable data and efficient workflows. See how Katana works Seamlessly integrate with any system Katana's open API and native integrations ensure compatibility with your clients' existing tools. Enable seamless data synchronization and expand your service offerings with ease. Fast adoption and streamlined onboarding 50% of customers are set up within six weeks. Katana's straightforward implementation process allows your clients to adopt new systems quickly and efficiently. Unlock new growth opportunities Expand your portfolio and drive additional revenue by offering innovative solutions. Help your clients overcome challenges, ensuring their success and strengthening your relationships. Make smarter decisions with unified insights Equip your clients with a centralized inventory, sales, and production data solution. Katana's platform ensures accurate records, empowering informed decisions that fuel growth and success. Seamless integrations for modern businesses Katana excels at connecting with the tools your clients rely on most, creating a unified system that streamlines workflows and improves data accuracy. By integrating with popular platforms and offering flexible customization, Katana empowers you to deliver exceptional value to your clients. Effortlessly sync with QuickBooks, Xero, Shopify, HubSpot and more Automate data updates for real-time inventory and financial insights Build tailored workflows with the Open API Reduce manual errors with seamless data synchronization Optimize inventory and manufacturing management Katana Cloud is an inventory management platform that helps your clients by enabling real-time tracking of inventory levels, automated updates, and accurate cost tracking — reducing manual data entry, minimizing errors, and providing deeper insights into inventory performance. Real-time inventory Real-time product visibility at all your locations helps you achieve improved delivery tracking, seamless operations, and efficient order fulfillment. Production management If you're away from the shop floor and need to change production plans, you can prioritize production orders, and Katana will reallocate resources automatically. Purchase management Get ahead of demand by seamlessly generating purchase orders based on precise material requirements and finely tuned reorder points. Cloud accounting Katana Insights and real-time inventory valuations help you track your costs, and you can take your bookkeeping to the next level with accounting integrations. Sales order management Centralize and monitor your sales data from every channel. Seamlessly integrate with ecommerce platforms for comprehensive order management. Warehouse management The Warehouse app helps you improve picking and packing to optimize the fulfillment process, simplify tasks, and achieve better data accuracy when inventory planning. Planning and forecasting Manage your stock levels with insights that...

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> Centralize your sales channels and inventory management with complete visibility across all locations, suppliers, and 3PLs for an omnichannel approach.

- Published: 2024-09-30
- Modified: 2025-04-08
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/use-cases/omnichannel/
- Folders: USE CASES

Omnichannel Centralized inventory for an omnichannel experience Centralize your sales channels and inventory management with complete visibility across all locations, suppliers, and 3PLs for an omnichannel approach. Get started Facing inefficiencies in managing multiple sales channels? Handling inventory and order processing across multiple sales channels and locations can lead to stock imbalances, delays, and missed opportunities. Katana helps companies streamline operations, optimize stock levels, and accelerate order processing across all channels. 3x Faster order processing Katana’s ecommerce integrations make order cycle times 3x faster, getting products to your customers quicker and boosting your revenue potential. 12% Less inventory Katana helps businesses anticipate demand more accurately, reducing inventory levels by 12%, cutting carrying costs, and protecting their profit margins. 33% More purchase orders Katana customers have increased their purchase orders by 33% per month, optimizing purchasing processes and ensuring they can meet growing demand efficiently. Live view of your products and sales — every location, every channel Katana helps you track inventory, stock movements, and fulfillment in real time, allowing you to make quick decisions and streamline operations for better efficiency. Gain real-time visibility to make smarter decisions across all locations Track and manage inventory levels as they move within the company and across multiple facilities, ensuring cost management accuracy and operational efficiency. Real-time inventory tracking across multiple locations Full visibility of inventory across suppliers and 3PLs Accurate cost management, including resources and labor Reduce human errors with accurate record-keeping Agile decision-making through live operational insights Achieve a unified workflow with seamless integrations Integrate Katana with key business systems like ecommerce platforms, accounting tools, and CRM to ensure smooth data flow and enhanced business efficiency. Seamless integrations with ecommerce and accounting tools CRM connections via Make and Zapier Real-time data sharing with suppliers and partners Sync inventory, sales, and financial data across platforms Reconcile item names, numbers, and pricing with standardized formats Streamline supply chain management for timely, efficient production Oversee your diverse supply chain with complete visibility, ensuring product quality, efficient costs, and prompt deliveries. Manage multiple suppliers for the same items seamlessly Make or subcontract production decisions flexibly Capture costs at every stage of production Manage capacity efficiently across all facilities Share real-time order updates directly with customers How Katana works Explore the interactive demo to see how Katana centralizes sales orders across all your channels, enabling you to manage them all on the fly. Case studies See how businesses use Katana to manage all their channels See how companies leverage Katana and simplify their multichannel sales strategies. Katana features Everything you need to manage your omnichannel business Katana unifies all your services and equips you with tools to manage every aspect of your business. Explore the features below. Real-time inventory Real-time product visibility at all your locations helps you achieve improved delivery tracking, seamless operations, and efficient order fulfillment. Read more Production management If you're away from the shop floor and need to change production plans, you can prioritize production orders, and Katana will reallocate resources automatically. Read...

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> Optimize your online store with inventory management software for ecommerce. Streamline operations and reduce costs efficiently.

- Published: 2024-07-05
- Modified: 2024-07-05
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/ecommerce-inventory-management-software/
- Folders: SEO PAGES

Grow your profit with ecommerce inventory management software  Take control of your online sales with Katana’s inventory management software for ecommerce. No more running out of goods and canceling unfulfillable orders. Katana will keep your orders in check. Get a demo Plan, track, and manage your inventory across your channels Ecommerce inventory management software allows you to handle all your inventory in one system, giving you the necessary overview and data to make better decisions for your business. Monitor your inventory and product movements across the supply chain The best ecommerce inventory management software should make your job easier, not slow you down. Ditch the spreadsheets and embrace Katana’s automated workflows for optimized processes and accurate data. Katana allows you to:  Track your stock levels in real time Handle raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods Set up reorder points and safety stock levels Monitor sales across all your online stores and channels Streamline your online sales for faster fulfillment Completing orders has never been so easy. Using inventory management software for ecommerce, you can receive, process, and deliver orders within one easy-to-use platform. Sync your ecommerce platform with Katana and start doing business the right way. Katana makes it easy to: Track the lifecycle of each order, from purchase to delivery Receive live status updates from teams and warehouse operators Integrate with all ecommerce channels  Collaborate with suppliers and delivery partners Demand planning spares you from overstocking or running out Be prepared for possible spikes in sales by following seasonalities and analyzing past trends in consumer behavior. Katana provides you with advanced forecasting technology and features to help you plan ahead and keep carrying costs low while staying equipped for buyers. With Katana, you can: Gather data from every completed task and fulfilled order Analyze your past sales data and customer demand Monitor your revenue, profits, and expenses Keep costs low on account of stocking minimal inventory to meet demand We also wanted an accurate inventory system for batch planning, warehousing, and sales. Katana fulfills all our needs in a simple, easy solution. ” Irah VetFounder and Production Manager at Hornby Organic It’s great to be able to see where inventory faults happen and being able to fulfill orders and where the turnaround happens. ” Alaina OehrleinProduction Lead at Essence One Katana provides us with all the features for manufacturing order management and can track inventory usage and incorporate our sales order tracking into Katana. ” Mikhail MooreChief Executive Officer (CEO) at Vitacore Industries Since implementing Katana, it has freed up my time so I can focus on designing and creating more products. It also means that I am not working until 11 pm every night. ” Thomas JudgeOwner at GJ Motorsports Software that integrates with the tools you need and love Choose from Katana’s built-in integrations or create your own workflows via API From ecommerce to accounting, manufacturing to shipping — all aspects of your business can be centralized onto one platform. Streamline all your operations with Katana’s native integrations...

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> Our mission is to provide you with a secure, reliable platform that you can trust. Below is an overview of our security practices and protocols to ensure the safety of your information.

- Published: 2024-06-25
- Modified: 2024-06-27
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/security/
- Folders: Security Pages

Security at Katana Cloud Inventory  At Katana Cloud Inventory, we take the security and privacy of your data seriously. Our mission is to provide you with a secure, reliable platform that you can trust. Below is an overview of our security practices and protocols to ensure the safety of your information.   Data security  Katana application data is secured in transit using TLS, and encrypted at rest in using industry-standard encryption algorithms. Access Control  Authentication: Employees sign in to resources using Single Sign On. They are required to separately sign in to any system or application that does not support SSO using passwords that conform to Katana’s security policies. Additionally, we enforce MFA wherever possible. Authorization: Role-based access control (RBAC) ensures that users only have access to the data and systems they need to perform their daily tasks. We perform regular access reviews and remove unnecessary permissions.   Infrastructure security  Katana is primarily hosted on AWS infrastructure, giving Katana access to numerous security benefits and tooling that AWS hosting provides to its customers. We follow a continuous posture management approach to ensure all production systems are deployed on a hardened base and follow a standard configuration. Application Security  Code Reviews: Katana audits changes to the application throughout the development lifecycle. Architecture reviews and stringent code review processes are performed. We also have a responsible disclosure program to incentivize external researchers to find and disclose bugs.  See responsible disclosure. Monitoring and Incident Response  Our infrastructure is continuously monitored for suspicious activity and potential threats.   We have an incident response plan ready to act immediately in case of a security breach.   Data backups  Customer data is backed up regularly using automated AWS backup features. Multiple backup schedules are maintained to prevent data loss.   Disaster recovery  Katana has a documented disaster recovery and business continuity plan to be activated and followed in the event of damage or disruption to the systems environment.   Compliance  GDPR: We comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) to ensure your data is handled with the utmost care and privacy.   SOC 2: Katana is proud to have successfully completed SOC 2 Type II audit by an independent third-party auditor, ensuring customers that our security controls have been attested and validated. We are constantly looking for ways to improve not only the security of our product but also how we conduct business on a daily basis. We are also utilizing a 3rd party platform where we continuously monitor our SOC 2 compliance status to make sure we stay compliant even outside of the audit period. By implementing these practices and continuously improving our security measures, we aim to provide a safe and secure environment for all our users. Your trust is our top priority.   Contact Us  If you have any questions about our security practices or need to report a security issue, please contact our security team at security@katanamrp. com.  

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> In our latest report, we partnered with Worldwide Business Research, collecting data from 100 SMB Shopify merchants to understand their key challenges and how they plan to implement inventory software and AI to overcome them.

- Published: 2024-06-03
- Modified: 2024-07-22
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/d2c-trends/
- Folders: GUIDES

D2C manufacturing in a recession: a 2022 review of holiday peaks From recession to the Covid-19 crisis, a cascade of events has put tremendous strain on the global supply chain and economy. Download the full report based on data from real D2C manufacturers to explore key trends and actionable insights that will help you navigate economic volatility. Download the report Summary In 2022, the global economy experienced its toughest set of challenges since World War II. While the residual impact of the COVID-19 crisis lingered, political unrest spurred global inflation to the highest levels since 2001. And for the next two years, it’s not expected to drop to prepandemic levels. Combining expert consumer and market research and data from real D2C manufacturers, the report is concluded with actionable insights that can support D2C manufacturers as they continue to navigate economic volatility. About the report Key trends and observations from the report Contrary to the gloomy economic landscape, Shopify reported 17% more Black Friday sales in 2022 compared to 2021. And consumer research published by PwC cited that 74% of respondents planned to spend as much or more in 2022 than they did the year before. Consumer behavior aside, profitability and success for D2C manufacturers and retailers is still threatened by inflation, rising material costs, and more. Key insights when looking at D2C manufacturers in seasonal industries Black Friday and Cyber Monday are characterized by soaring online discount rates, particularly in seasonal industries where discounts range between 11-32%. E-commerce and D2C manufacturing businesses often use this as an opportunity to ride the wave of high demand. At the same time, they are also forced to compete with lowball offers for the same products. Forecasting demand and understanding the impact of pricing is an ongoing challenge for D2C manufacturers. D2C manufacturers wait until very close to peak sales periods to prepare their software and struggle to update it. Preparation is key to ensuring delivery despite other challenges that come with global supply chain issues. Download the report to learn more The biggest challenges forD2C manufacturers in2022 and beyond Forecasting demand and understanding the impact of pricing is an ongoing challenge for D2C manufacturers that won’t be going anywhere based on the current global economic outlook. Issues with fulfilling sales orders during demand surges are resolved with the rightpreparation Download the report to learn more Katana Cloud Inventory Software Getting your products to customers faster Katana supports your workflows no matter your industry with the features and seamless integrations you need to manage your business how you want.

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> We’re building Katana to be flexible. Here’s how we have helped other businesses in your industry.

- Published: 2024-05-14
- Modified: 2024-06-10
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/industries/

Industries How we serve your industry We're building Katana to be flexible. Here's how we have helped other businesses in your industry.

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> We have hand-selected the top global agencies and implementation partners that love Katana and have a mission to help manufacturing brands grow and thrive.

- Published: 2024-05-07
- Modified: 2024-06-10
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/partner-directory/
- Folders: PARTNER + ONBOARDING

Reach out toa Katana Partner Become a Katana Partner

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> Tailored to suit the specific needs of your manufacturing business. Our options and pricing plans are suited to scale with the growth of your business.

- Published: 2024-05-06
- Modified: 2025-06-11
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/pricing/

Find the right plan for your needs All our plans come with unlimited users, SKUs, and integrations Standard For growing businesses with multiple inventory locations, large teams, and a need for advanced inventory management $359 / month, billed annually $399 /month, billed quarterly Get a demo Core features: Unlimited users Unlimited integrations Unlimited SKU's Standard plan includes: Advanced insights Multicurrency support Custom user permissions Barcode scanning 3 inventory locations View all features View all features Professional For established companies that need a robust solution that offers further customization and more complex workflows $799 / month, billed annually $899 /month, billed quarterly Get a demo Core features: Unlimited users Unlimited integrations Unlimited SKU's All Standard features and: Access to Katana’s API Full traceability Planning and forecasting Warehouse management 10 inventory locations View all features View all features Professional Plus For large-scale companies dealing with a high order volume and a need for premium support, services, and features $1,799 / month, billed annually $1,999 /month, billed quarterly Get a demo Core features: Unlimited users Unlimited integrations Unlimited SKU's All Professional features and: Dedicated key account manager Priority support Unlimited inventory locations View all features View all features *All prices are in USD Annually voted best-in-class by both customers and partners Compare all features Compare all plans — Standard, Professional, and Professional Plus — and see which best matches your business needs. Compare all features Standard Get a demo Professional Get a demo Professional Plus Talk with sales Base fee, paid quarterly $399 / month $899 / month $1,999 / month Base fee, paid annually $359 / month $799 / month $1,799 / month Core features Users with unrestricted access to inventory data and features Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited Unique identifiers for your product or material variants Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited Katana’s native and third-party integrations Learn more Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited Individual inventory locations where you store stock, make products, and fulfill customer orders 3 10 Unlimited Order management Centralize all your sales orders and issue purchase orders directly from Katana Manage and sell products and services seamlessly in one workflow Manage customer and supplier data, such as contact information, shipping and billing addresses, and more Assign and track additional costs on purchase orders for better financial control and precise landed cost calculations. Create manufacturing orders and track progress and costs Sell and purchase in multiple currencies with automatic daily currency conversion in Katana Manage and sell bundled products effortlessly with automated inventory tracking, production management, and real-time stock syncing Set and manage customer-specific pricing, generate revenue, and keep customers happy with Price lists. Access Katana’s Shop Floor App, manufacturing routings, and manufacturing insights $199 / mo $449 / mo $999 / mo Inventory management Manage item information like categories, variants, variant codes / SKUs, sales and purchase prices, and more Monitor your product and material availability for sales and production in real time Receive items, perform stocktakes, and consume materials and batches using a barcode scanner or a smartphone Get end-to-end traceability for materials...

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> Get the latest independent news about Katana, from a range of independent manufacturing-focused media outlets.

- Published: 2024-05-03
- Modified: 2024-05-14
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/newsroom/
- Folders: COMPANY

Newsroom Get the latest press resources Katana closes $35 million round to scale an industry-leading manufacturing ecosystem for SMBs Tallinn-based Katana has raised $35 million in a Series B round. The startup offers makers just about everything they need to keep on making, corralling all the processes, tools, and software manufacturers require within an easy-to-use ERP. With the new influx of capital, Katana is expecting to expand its feature range, including supporting the more complex needs of SMB manufacturers with omnichannel sales strategies as continues to move upmarket. Read the full article The key to manufacturing: our investment in Katana We’re thrilled to announce our latest investment: Katana, the leading manufacturing ERP software company for SMEs. We have led their $35m Series B round with the participation of Lightrock and existing investors Atomico and 42CAP. As part of the round, our partner Michiel Kotting will join the board. Read the full article Manufacturing software startup Katana raises $35 million in a round led by Spotify-backer Northzone using this 19-slide pitch deck Estonian manufacturing software startup Katana has raised $35 million in a Series B round led by early Spotify investor Northzone. The Tallinn-based company, founded in 2017, offers an enterprise resource planning (ERP) program that gives manufacturers real-time data on how their business is operating and enables live inventory management. Read the full article Katana, an ERP for SMB manufacturers, raises $34M Katana, an enterprise resource planning (ERP) platform for small- and medium-sized manufacturers, has raised €35 million ($34 million) in a Series B round of funding. “Manufacturers already have a tech stack of tools like e-commerce platforms, shipping tools, and accounting software,” Vilosius continued. “What’s missing is a central source-of-truth that streamlines the flow of information and minimizes manual data entry and, as a result, human error. ” Read the full article Estonian startup Katana makes manufacturers love software ‘Make locally, sell globally’ is the motto and the principle of one of the most successful Estonian startups Katana. Kristjan Vilosius, co-founder and CEO of the business, spoke at the Estonian startup pitching event Unicorn59 that Katana's goal is to make the manufacturers love Katana's software as much as they love their own products. Read the full article Katana raises $11M to be the SaaS powering 'Manufacturing Entrepreneurs' Katana has raised $11 million in Series A funding. Leading the round is European venture capital firm Atomico, with participation from angel investors Ott Kaukver (Checkout. com CTO), Sten Tamkivi (CPO Topia, formerly Skype), Sergei Anikin (CTO, Pipedrive) and Kairi Pauskar (former TransferWise HR Architect). Previous backer 42Cap also followed on, bringing the total investment raised by the company to date to $16 million. Read the full article Katana raises $11 million for smart ERP software built for manufacturers The global ERP market was pegged as a $43 billion industry in 2020, according to some estimates, a figure that could rise to $60 billion within five years. Prior to now, Katana had raised around $5. 5 million, and with another $11 million...

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> Katana integrates with your favorite online services: ecommerce (such as Shopify and Woocommerce), accounting, and many more integrations.

- Published: 2024-05-03
- Modified: 2025-01-22
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/integrations-library/

Unite all your favorite tools, apps, and platforms Find your manufacturing, inventory, sales, and financial data all in one place with Katana's integrations. Get a demo Build your own API integrations Access Katana's API to easily set up and build the custom workflows you need to help you manage any aspect of your business. Find everything you need to set up custom integrations in our Developer Portal.

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> In our latest report, we partnered with Worldwide Business Research, collecting data from 100 SMB Shopify merchants to understand their key challenges and how they plan to implement inventory software and AI to overcome them.

- Published: 2024-04-25
- Modified: 2025-04-09
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/inventory-management-report/
- Folders: GUIDES

The State of Inventory Management A Review of Rising Costs Businesses worldwide have faced challenges from supply chain volatility and may continue to experience hardships going into 2024. Download the report and see how omnichannel selling has helped Katana customers increase sales orders despite economic uncertainty. Download the report About the sample data From thousands of SMB's Thousands of companies manage operations from sales to inventory on Katana’s cloud inventory platform — accounting for almost $2 billion in sales order value annually. >40% of all customers integrate Katana with accounting platforms like QuickBooks Online and Xero, relying on Katana as the central source of truth for all their key business
data and operations. Industries and products explored Businesses reviewed in this report have marked purchase orders as received and sales orders as done consistently with Katana in 2021 and 2023. Industries included in this report: >30% of Katana’s customer base are direct-to-consumer manufacturers who use a range of e-commerce integrations like Shopify, BigCommerce, and WooCommerce. About the report Key insights and trends Combining expert consumer and market research and data from real businesses, the report is concluded with actionable insights that can support businesses carrying inventory as they continue to navigate an unstable economy. E-commerce boom Leveraging both e-commerce and other sales channels is the key to achieving revenue growth. Businesses using a combination of e-commerce and other selling methods saw an increase of 40% in turnover from 2021 to 2022, with e-commerce accounting for over half of the total sales order turnover. Learn why more and more businesses are implementinge-commerce into their selling strategy Get the report The cost of rising inflation Inflation began to rise due to global supply chain issues caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, with inflation rates reaching 4. 7% in 2021. By 2022, the economy had fared no better, and inflation reached 8% in the US. This report investigated 8,500+ SKUs and observed that prices had increased for 80. 28% of SKUs during this period. Learn how businesses have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, increasing inflation and interest rates Get the report Prices surge for electronics There was an increase in purchasing costs and sales order revenue for the industrial and technology industry, particularly for the electronics sub-sector. In 2022, consumer electronics produced a combined revenue of approximately $987 billion in the US, indicating a decrease of 4. 4% compared to the preceding year due to economic slowdown, surging inflation rates, and increased energy prices. Get an actionable checklist for navigating economic volatility based on the outlook for 2024 Get the report Get the insights and trends you need to prepare your inventory for 2024 Download the free report

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> Katana's onboarding service for Standard, Professional and Professional Plus plans help you make the most of Katana as quickly and efficiently as possible.

- Published: 2024-04-25
- Modified: 2025-06-13
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/onboarding-overview/
- Folders: PARTNER + ONBOARDING

Expert assistance to unlock the full potential of Katana Discover the fastest and most efficient approach to fully leveraging Katana’s capabilities through our specialized onboarding services. Get a demo Customers enrolled in our onboarding program get set up 2 to 3 times faster And are twice as likely to achieve sustained long-term success How onboarding services save you time and money Receive individual guidance on your account, defining the necessary onboarding steps and establishing the most efficient workflows. Onboarding is required for Standard, Professional, and Professional Plus plan subscribers, with a one-time fee starting from $2,000, based on the selected plan. Dedicated Onboarding Manager Your dedicated onboarding manager guides you through setup and Katana implementation through a series of live calls, emails, and learning materials. Workflow and data structure coaching Get individualized assistance to seamlessly align Katana’s data and workflow setup with your business goals and operations. Data migration guidance Acquire expert guidance for optimizing data migration and establishing the most optimal configuration of your Katana account and business. Additional support and resources Leverage Katana’s support team and partner network, and explore other valuable resources like the video academy and Knowledge Base. Help with Katana’s native integrations Get technical advice and guidance on configuring integrations between Katana and your ecommerce and accounting software to get the most out of them.   Post-onboarding support We'll be here whenever you need help. Connect with our support team and enjoy ongoing assistance from your dedicated Customer Success Manager. What to expect when onboarding Our onboarding services are custom-designed around your industry and business processes, but a typical agenda for setting up your account may look like this.   Day 1 Getting started with Katana Review existing workflows Katana overview Uploading products and materials Day 4 Refining your inventory setup Review product and material upload BOMs and operations Day 7 Optimizing production and workflow Review BOM/operations upload Review workflow Prepare for stocktake, including batch and serial numbers Day 12 Integrating and enhancing operations Upload stocktake Connect integrations Final workflow review Day 30 Operational fine-tuning Live check-in Day 45 Onboarding graduation Customer success manager introduction Getting started with Katana Everything you need to know about getting started with Katana. From onboarding and implementation to going live. Download full implementation guide

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> Cloud inventory platform for a live view of your inventory levels across multiple locations. Learn more here.

- Published: 2024-04-24
- Modified: 2025-06-05
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/use-cases/wholesale/
- Folders: USE CASES

Timely order fulfillment with a wholesale platform Track your stock levels across all locations with live inventory management software. Get started Features Managing and scaling wholesale operations is a constant challenge Using Katana, you can ensure optimal stock levels and track batches across all your warehouses and other locations. Real-time inventory Automate inventory transactions and obtain real-time insights into your inventory levels and stock movements, effectively preventing stockouts and overstock. Learn more Multiple inventory locations Effortlessly track stock levels and manage your inventory transfers across all your locations, ensuring efficient operations and precise stock control. Serial and batch numbers Track serial numbers, batches, and expiry dates, and implement a barcoding system for swift and frictionless product identification. Learn more Automatic unit conversion Guarantee timely and precise restocking with automatic unit conversion for bulk purchases, ensuring you order the right quantities at the right time. Integrations with popular wholesale tools Seamlessly integrate with your sales, accounting, and other business platforms, and leverage Katana’s open API to create custom workflows. See all integrations Inventory insights and reporting Monitor business metrics, like sales performance, revenue, profit margins, and costs, to identify your top-performing products and customers with ease. Learn more Real-time inventory management Enhance supply chain visibility, improve order accuracy, and respond swiftly to changing market demands to maximize profit and customer satisfaction. Get a demo Real results from real people Real-time Inventory management The inventory optimization and control you need End-to-end inventory insights that put an end to stockouts and overstock Get total inventory control for finished products and raw materials Know where your products are, when they are arriving, and how much for each location Automate inventory transactions and set reorder points to prevent stock-outs Track on-hand, committed, and expected stock amounts in real-time Manage product variants and materials in one place Monitor your inventory across multiple warehouses Use barcodes to receive and count stock Use stocktakes to find and eliminate discrepancies in your stock levels Receive restock notifications to keep your stock levels optimal Treaceability Tracing for batches, expiry dates, serial numbers and more Keep an eye on your inventory beyond the warehouse End-to-end traceability for materials and products with batch tracking Track the expiry date of items and stay in control of expiring stock Autogenerate batch and internal barcodes Use serial numbers to identify individual products for warranty claims, maintenance, and customer support Quickly locate items across multiple warehouses, giving all teams access to the same live data Trace faulty batches, materials, and products from materials to sold goods for effective quality assurance and recalls Katana insights Data-driven decisions with Katana Insights Analyze and share insights for better collaboration and performance Track sales and profit margin trends over time Identify your most profitable products or product categories Identify your top clients and most successful sales channels Track your spending, lead times, and supplier performance Identify margin outliers to maximize profitability Recognize sales trends and risks to reprioritize items Understand your production costs and improvement/optimization areas Keep an eye on...

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> Cloud inventory platform for maintaining optimal inventory levels across all your warehouses. Learn more here

- Published: 2024-04-24
- Modified: 2025-06-05
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/use-cases/distribution/
- Folders: USE CASES

Optimized distribution inventory management Katana supports both B2B and B2C sales channels with real-time visibility into inventory to optimize your order fulfillment. Get started Features One miscalculation and you're stuck with a large order crushing profit margins Katana gives you the insights you need to forecast demand, analyze sales trends, and better anticipate inventory requirements. Real-time inventory Gain a comprehensive live overview of your inventory for proactive stock management, preventing stockouts and overstock, and guaranteeing uninterrupted operations. Learn more Multiple locations Monitor inventory levels across all your business locations, view unified stock data, and execute stock transfers between warehouses with ease. Traceability Track serial numbers, batches, and expiry dates seamlessly, guaranteeing precise stock identification and a process in place for potential recalls. Learn more Sales order management Consolidate sales data into a single view, streamline order fulfillment by tracking product availability, and gain valuable insights for your business. Purchasing Ensure timely and accurate restocking by ordering the correct quantities at the right moment and employing automatic unit conversion for bulk purchases. Multiple currencies Optimize your global operations and simplify cross-border transactions with robust multicurrency support for both sales and purchasing processes. Real-time inventory management By harnessing real-time software, you can optimize inventory allocation, streamline order fulfillment processes, and deliver goods to customers faster and more reliably. Get a demo Real results from real people Real-time Inventory management The inventory optimization and control you need End-to-end inventory insights that put an end to stockouts and overstock Get total inventory control for finished products and raw materials Know where your products are, when they are arriving, and how much for each location Automate inventory transactions and set reorder points to prevent stock-outs Track on-hand, committed, and expected stock amounts in real-time Manage product variants and materials in one place Monitor your inventory across multiple warehouses Use barcodes to receive and count stock Use stocktakes to find and eliminate discrepancies in your stock levels Receive restock notifications to keep your stock levels optimal Treaceability Tracing for batches, expiry dates, serial numbers and more Keep an eye on your inventory beyond the warehouse End-to-end traceability for materials and products with batch tracking Track the expiry date of items and stay in control of expiring stock Autogenerate batch and internal barcodes Use serial numbers to identify individual products for warranty claims, maintenance, and customer support Quickly locate items across multiple warehouses, giving all teams access to the same live data Trace faulty batches, materials, and products from materials to sold goods for effective quality assurance and recalls

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> Cloud inventory platform to keep track of all the moving parts of your business, from sales and inventory to production and beyond. Learn more.

- Published: 2024-04-24
- Modified: 2024-06-10
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/use-cases/hybrid/
- Folders: USE CASES

Get a live overview of your entire business Katana supports real-time inventory management and sales, purchasing, and production tracking. Get started Features Using multiple tools and spreadsheets for management leads to lost items and orders Katana gives you real-time visibility into stock levels to ensure you have the correct inventory levels to meet demand and keep operations moving. Real-time inventory Gain a live view of your inventory, from raw materials to finished goods, and effortlessly manage items with multiple variants Learn more Omnichannel sales Centralize all your B2B and B2C sales orders into a single platform, streamlining the process of identifying available stock for sale and enhancing order fulfillment. Production planning Define your bill of materials and operations to fine-tune production scheduling for granular task-level control and real-time insights directly from the shop floor. Product availability Track purchases and sales orders, including committed and arriving products, to ensure precise order management and timely fulfillment. Integrations Seamlessly integrate Katana with accounting, sales, and other business software, and create your own custom workflows with Katana’s open API. See all integrations Outsourcing Order raw materials, monitor their quantities, and track costs at your contract manufacturer locations for full visibility when outsourcing. Real-time inventory management Optimize your capacity utilization with real-time inventory and manufacturing management to minimize waste and improve production scheduling. Get a demo Real results from real people Real-time Inventory management The inventory optimization and control you need End-to-end inventory insights that put an end to stockouts and overstock Get total inventory control for finished products and raw materials Know where your products are, when they are arriving, and how much for each location Automate inventory transactions and set reorder points to prevent stock-outs Track on-hand, committed, and expected stock amounts in real-time Manage product variants and materials in one place Monitor your inventory across multiple warehouses Use barcodes to receive and count stock Use stocktakes to find and eliminate discrepancies in your stock levels Receive restock notifications to keep your stock levels optimal

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> Cloud inventory platform for enhanced stock management and streamlined operations. Learn more here.

- Published: 2024-04-24
- Modified: 2025-04-08
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/use-cases/retail/
- Folders: USE CASES

Retail Real-time visibility into inventory at your retail sites Seamlessly integrate your sales channels to track product availability and issue purchase orders directly from Katana. Get started Features Products overstaying their welcome means you're paying the price Improve inventory turnover and reduce carrying costs by monitoring product movements and setting reorder points with Katana. Real-time inventory Automate inventory transactions to view stock levels and movements as they happen, preventing stockouts and overstock for improved customer satisfaction. Learn more Accounting integrations Integrate with QuickBooks Online or Xero to ensure consistency between your sales, inventory, and accounting records Learn more Product availability Track sale and purchase orders, including committed and arriving products, to ensure timely order fulfillment, enhancing inventory accuracy and customer experience. Insights and reporting Gain insights into your sales performance, revenue, and costs to identify top-performing products and most valuable customers for data-driven business decisions. Learn more Built-in purchasing Issue purchase orders directly from Katana for optimized procurement and proactively track supply chain delay risks to ensure uninterrupted operations. Ecommerce integrations Integrate inventory and sales data with ecommerce platforms for a streamlined order management system that ensures smooth operations and real-time tracking. See all integrations Real-time inventory management Only customers should be returning, not your stock management issues. Accurately monitor stock levels and make data-driven decisions to improve inventory turnover. Get a demo Real results from real people Real-time Inventory management The inventory optimization and control you need End-to-end inventory insights that put an end to stockouts and overstock Get total inventory control for finished products and raw materials Know where your products are, when they are arriving, and how much for each location Automate inventory transactions and set reorder points to prevent stock-outs Track on-hand, committed, and expected stock amounts in real-time Manage product variants and materials in one place Monitor your inventory across multiple warehouses Use barcodes to receive and count stock Use stocktakes to find and eliminate discrepancies in your stock levels Receive restock notifications to keep your stock levels optimal Accounting integrations Sync your accounting, sales, and inventory with QBO or Xero Seamlessly integrate Katana with your accounting software Send key financial data to accounting software like QuickBooks Online and Xero Ensure consistency between inventory and accounting records Create and update invoices based on sales orders in Katana Convert purchase orders in Katana to bills in one click Automatically keep your inventory balance up to date (QBO) Make precise pricing decisions based on your product margins Sync all your contact information to ensure consistent and accurate supplier and customer data See all integrations Katana insights Data-driven decisions with Katana Insights Analyze and share insights for better collaboration and performance Track sales and profit margin trends over time Identify your most profitable products or product categories Identify your top clients and most successful sales channels Track your spending, lead times, and supplier performance Identify margin outliers to maximize profitability Recognize sales trends and risks to reprioritize items Understand your production costs and improvement/optimization areas Keep an eye...

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> Optimize your inventory with Katana’s cloud inventory platform that streamlines operations, prevents stockouts, and maximizes profits. Learn more here.

- Published: 2024-04-23
- Modified: 2025-06-05
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/features/real-time-inventory/
- Folders: FEATURE PAGES

Get live inventory insights with Katana Real-time product visibility at all your locations helps you achieve improved delivery tracking, seamless operations, and efficient order fulfillment. Get a demo Optimal inventory levels for boosted sales revenue Katana gives you real-time inventory insights, enabling you to monitor and optimize your stock levels. This helps you minimize waste, reduce carrying costs, and boost your sales. See it for yourself Check out Katana’s product walkthrough to see how you can optimize inventory levels in real time and anticipate purchase orders to ensure you always have stock available to meet demand. No more stockouts or overstocking Boost customer satisfaction by always having products and materials on hand to fulfill all your orders immediately. Set reorder points to get notifications when inventory levels fall too low. Real-time inventory Gain a live view of your inventory, from raw materials to finished goods, and effortlessly manage items with multiple variants Learn more Multilocation support Easily monitor stock levels across all locations, view joint stock data, and execute transfers between warehouses Reorder points Set up reorder points for products and materials to ensure uninterrupted availability and avoid stockouts End-to-end traceability Frictionlessly track serial numbers, batches, and expiry dates, guaranteeing precise stock identification and recall readiness Learn more Multichannel inventory Maintain accurate stock levels across online and offline sales channels, ensuring seamless inventory management Product availability Track purchase and sales orders along with committed and arriving products to ensure timely order fulfilment Real results from real people Real-time Inventory management The inventory optimization and control you need End-to-end inventory insights that put an end to stockouts and overstock Get total inventory control for finished products and raw materials Know where your products are, when they are arriving, and how much for each location Automate inventory transactions and set reorder points to prevent stock-outs Track on-hand, committed, and expected stock amounts in real-time Manage product variants and materials in one place Monitor your inventory across multiple warehouses Use barcodes to receive and count stock Use stocktakes to find and eliminate discrepancies in your stock levels Receive restock notifications to keep your stock levels optimal Treaceability Tracing for batches, expiry dates, serial numbers and more Keep an eye on your inventory beyond the warehouse End-to-end traceability for materials and products with batch tracking Track the expiry date of items and stay in control of expiring stock Autogenerate batch and internal barcodes Use serial numbers to identify individual products for warranty claims, maintenance, and customer support Quickly locate items across multiple warehouses, giving all teams access to the same live data Trace faulty batches, materials, and products from materials to sold goods for effective quality assurance and recalls

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> Katana’s production management tools empower you to oversee manufacturing processes, increase productivity, and meet deadlines. Learn more here.

- Published: 2024-04-23
- Modified: 2025-06-05
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/features/production-management/
- Folders: FEATURE PAGES

Monitor your production from anywhere If you're away from the shop floor and need to change production plans, you can prioritize production orders, and Katana will reallocate resources automatically. Get a demo Build your products more efficiently Katana gives you total control over your inventory, manufacturing processes, and product composition, allowing you to stay lean while maximizing sales revenue. See it for yourself Check out Katana's product walkthrough to see how the advanced manufacturing add-on helps take production to the next level with Katana's Shop Floor app and more. Improve efficiency and remove downtime Intuitive, user-friendly production management that helps you eliminate bottlenecks and improve your resource planning with real-time insights into the performance of your shop floor. Real-time planning Leverage live insights for informed production decisions and constantly maintain optimal inventory levels Learn more MTS and MTO workflows Opt for make-to-order or fulfill sales from existing inventory, adapting to your exact business requirements Shop Floor App Easily assign tasks to your team, track materials and time spent, and access real-time shop floor insights Learn more BOM and subassemblies Define bill of materials, oversee product operations, and manage subassemblies for maximized production scheduling efficiency Manufacturing costs Automate manufacturing cost calculations based on your bill of materials and production operations for accurate costing Ingredient availability Monitor material availability for streamlined order fulfillment, maintaining consistent inventory levels for peak productivity Real results from real people Real-time Inventory management The inventory optimization and control you need End-to-end inventory insights that put an end to stockouts and overstock Get total inventory control for finished products and raw materials Know where your products are, when they are arriving, and how much for each location Automate inventory transactions and set reorder points to prevent stock-outs Track on-hand, committed, and expected stock amounts in real-time Manage product variants and materials in one place Monitor your inventory across multiple warehouses Use barcodes to receive and count stock Use stocktakes to find and eliminate discrepancies in your stock levels Receive restock notifications to keep your stock levels optimal Shop Floor App Floor-level control from scheduling to task prioritization Use the Katana Shop Floor App to align sales and production Send tasks to the app according to product operations for incoming manufacturing orders Assign and reassign jobs to operators who can start, pause, and resume tasks to keep you up to date on production View manufacturing order task and ingredient list for every task in the app Track time spent on tasks to optimize shop floor activities View resource consumption with live material tracking Add notes to manufacturing orders to be displayed for related tasks Scan barcodes with any smart device to monitor material usage and track batches and products

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> Simplify purchase order processes with Katana to take control of procurement, track orders, and enhance supplier relationships. Learn more here.

- Published: 2024-04-23
- Modified: 2025-06-05
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/features/purchasing/
- Folders: FEATURE PAGES

Streamlined purchase management Get ahead of demand by seamlessly generating purchase orders based on precise material requirements and finely tuned reorder points to keep fulfilling orders. Get a demo A procurement process that eliminates stockouts Built-in purchase order tracking that supports you in maintaining ideal stock levels, tracking delay risks in the supply chain, and improving procurement efficiency, all at your fingertips. Purchase order Issue purchase orders directly from Katana to streamline procurement and proactively track supply chain delay risks Flexible unit purchasing Accommodate various packaging and sizing options through automatic unit conversion for your product purchases Reorder points Enhance procurement with customizable reorder points, ensuring timely purchasing and uninterrupted product flow Contract manufacturing Manage partially or fully outsourced manufacturing by issuing purchase orders and tracking materials at partner locations Multicurrency Seamlessly manage multiple currencies, automatically converting purchase order values for enhanced financial agility Purchasing insights Gain valuable insights by tracking spending, lead times, and supplier performance for informed purchasing decisions Learn more Protect your profits with tariff management With tariffs expected to shift over the next four years, businesses must adopt flexible, data-driven inventory management. Katana provides real-time insights, automated cost tracking, and smart forecasting to help you navigate the impact of tariffs efficiently. Learn more Real results from real people Katana insights Data-driven decisions with Katana Insights Analyze and share insights for better collaboration and performance Track sales and profit margin trends over time Identify your most profitable products or product categories Identify your top clients and most successful sales channels Track your spending, lead times, and supplier performance Identify margin outliers to maximize profitability Recognize sales trends and risks to reprioritize items Understand your production costs and improvement/optimization areas Keep an eye on revenue, profit, costs, and average order values

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> Experience smarter accounting in the cloud with Katana by synchronizing financial data and gaining real-time insights into your business. Learn more here.

- Published: 2024-04-23
- Modified: 2025-06-05
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/features/financial-visibility/
- Folders: FEATURE PAGES

Tracking and syncing your financials Katana Insights and real-time inventory valuations help you track your costs, and you can take your bookkeeping to the next level with accounting integrations. Get a demo Every purchase and sale tracked automatically Katana gives you the tools to analyze business performance effortlessly to gain comprehensive financial insights into your business, from operational costs to costs of goods sold and more. Accounting integrations Integrate with QuickBooks Online or Xero to ensure consistency between your sales, inventory, and accounting records Learn more Katana Insights Analyze sales, purchasing, and manufacturing data, improve collaboration, and optimize performance Learn more Accurate costing Achieve cost accuracy through real-time inventory valuation, meticulous cost tracking, and informed pricing decisions Live inventory Maintain accurate inventory balance through automatic real-time updates to prevent stockouts and overstocking Learn more Sales orders Consolidate all your sales orders to one place, and send Katana’s sales orders to your accounting software as invoices Purchase orders Issue purchase orders directly from Katana, and seamlessly sync purchasing data with your accounting software Real results from real people Real-time Inventory management The inventory optimization and control you need End-to-end inventory insights that put an end to stockouts and overstock Get total inventory control for finished products and raw materials Know where your products are, when they are arriving, and how much for each location Automate inventory transactions and set reorder points to prevent stock-outs Track on-hand, committed, and expected stock amounts in real-time Manage product variants and materials in one place Monitor your inventory across multiple warehouses Use barcodes to receive and count stock Use stocktakes to find and eliminate discrepancies in your stock levels Receive restock notifications to keep your stock levels optimal Accounting integrations Sync your accounting, sales, and inventory with QBO or Xero Seamlessly integrate Katana with your accounting software Send key financial data to accounting software like QuickBooks Online and Xero Ensure consistency between inventory and accounting records Create and update invoices based on sales orders in Katana Convert purchase orders in Katana to bills in one click Automatically keep your inventory balance up to date (QBO) Make precise pricing decisions based on your product margins Sync all your contact information to ensure consistent and accurate supplier and customer data See all integrations Katana insights Data-driven decisions with Katana Insights Analyze and share insights for better collaboration and performance Track sales and profit margin trends over time Identify your most profitable products or product categories Identify your top clients and most successful sales channels Track your spending, lead times, and supplier performance Identify margin outliers to maximize profitability Recognize sales trends and risks to reprioritize items Understand your production costs and improvement/optimization areas Keep an eye on revenue, profit, costs, and average order values

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> Boost sales efficiency with Katana by effortlessly managing orders, tracking sales pipelines, and delivering exceptional customer service. Learn more here.

- Published: 2024-04-23
- Modified: 2025-06-05
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/features/omnichannel-sales/
- Folders: FEATURE PAGES

View all your sales orders in one place Centralize and monitor your sales data from every channel. Seamlessly integrate with ecommerce platforms for comprehensive order management and elevate your workflow with AI-powered features. Get a demo All your sales channels unified Katana connects all your online and offline sales channels, giving you a complete overview of your inventory and orders. This significantly speeds up your order processing, empowering you to sell more. See it for yourself Check out Katana's product walkthrough to see how you can easily monitor sales data from all your different channels to improve your selling strategies. Get all your sales data at your fingertips in real time Enhance your efficiency and overhaul your operations to manage your sales orders from a single source and implement B2B, B2C, and ecommerce omnichannel management with Katana. Sales insights Track your sales performance, revenue, costs, and profit to identify your best performing products and customers Learn more Multicurrency Effortlessly handle multiple currencies, automatically converting sales order values for precise tracking and analysis Traceability Track batches and serial numbers of sold items, ensuring precise oversight and facilitating speedy returns Learn more Partial order fulfillment Provide partial shipping and invoicing to customers when complete availability isn’t possible, ensuring their satisfaction Ecommerce integrations Integrate inventory and sales data with ecommerce platforms, enhancing efficiency and customer experience See all integrations Sell goods and services  Manage and sell products and services seamlessly in one workflow — no manual tracking, no stock hacks, no workarounds  AI-powered assistant Automate sales order creation from emails and messages and gain real-time insights into sales trends, delays, and top-performing products Learn more Kits and bundles  Manage and sell bundled products effortlessly with automated inventory tracking, production management, and real-time stock syncing  Learn more Return management  Handle returns just like any other essential part of order management, ensuring every return is processed accurately and efficiently Learn more Real results from real people Treaceability Tracing for batches, expiry dates, serial numbers and more Keep an eye on your inventory beyond the warehouse End-to-end traceability for materials and products with batch tracking Track the expiry date of items and stay in control of expiring stock Autogenerate batch and internal barcodes Use serial numbers to identify individual products for warranty claims, maintenance, and customer support Quickly locate items across multiple warehouses, giving all teams access to the same live data Trace faulty batches, materials, and products from materials to sold goods for effective quality assurance and recalls Kits and bundles Gain full control over your bundled product operations Effortlessly manage and sell bundles with automated workflows, from potential stock calculations to real-time inventory synchronization. Speed up production and shipping for bundled products  Keep track of your bundle stock based on the availability of individual components  Auto-generate manufacturing orders for individual components  Streamline order fulfillment with clear component insights  Sync stock levels between Katana and your Shopify online store  Katana insights Data-driven decisions with Katana Insights Analyze and share insights for better collaboration and performance...

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> Optimize the management of goods and materials in your warehouse by streamlining the entire process and improving accuracy at the same time. Learn more.

- Published: 2024-04-23
- Modified: 2025-06-05
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/features/warehouse-management/
- Folders: FEATURE PAGES

Optimize your warehouse Go paperless. Increase the accuracy and speed of order fulfillment. Organize your warehouse by using storage bins.   Get a demo Streamline your warehouse operations with precision Katana gives you the tools needed to optimize your warehouse. Streamlined storage management processes help reduce waste, improve inventory turnover, and increase sales orders. See it for yourself Check out Katana's Warehouse app and see how you can improve order workflows to optimize fulfillment, simplify tasks, and enhance inventory planning Refine every step of your warehouse workflow with real-time precision Maximizing workflow efficiency reduces receiving and stock counting errors by giving operators the inventory visibility they need to move items accurately, efficiently, and cost-effectively. Mobile pick and pack Give your team the tools they need to pick and pack orders with unmatched speed and accuracy. With mobile devices, they can access up-to-date order details and ensure every item is handled correctly. Eliminate costly errors that lead to incorrect shipments Boost productivity by allowing operators to pack more rows daily Meet tight deadlines by delivering orders on time, even during peak periods Mobile receiving Speed up receiving by equipping your team with real-time data and instant feedback. This ensures incoming stock is verified quickly, preventing delays and keeping your operations running smoothly. Detect short deliveries faster to prevent stockouts Spot discrepancies earlier to minimize backorders Keep your stock levels up-to-date, cutting customer wait times Storage bins Maximize warehouse efficiency by organizing your inventory into dedicated storage bins. This system improves access and accuracy and ensures your team can locate items quickly when they’re needed most. Improve inventory turnover rates by keeping stock moving efficiently Reduces misplaced items, lowering stock adjustment needs Handle larger inventory volumes without sacrificing organization The warehouse app divides our operations into exactly those parts as it is in life: Office, Production, and Packaging. Thanks to this app, everything is in its place. Aleksejs Golovnovs CEO at VELO MACHINE Ltd

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> Know exactly where your products are with intuitive cloud inventory software that aligns supply and demand. Katana helps you stay lean and efficient — goodbye stockouts and overstock

- Published: 2024-04-23
- Modified: 2025-06-05
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/features/planning-and-forecasting/
- Folders: FEATURE PAGES

Inventory planning and forecasting Manage your stock levels with insights that help you predict customer demand and avoid delays with tools that automate the forecasting process. Get a demo Plan ahead to meet demand Katana's planning and forecasting features help keep stock levels optimal to meet customer demand. Sell more with less to maximize the efficient use of resources and boost your bottom line. See it in action Start the self-guided tour below to discover how Planning and Forecasting helps your company avoid stockouts while meeting customer demand Keeping optimal inventory levels to fulfill every order The planning and forecasting feature enables you to predict future inventory needs by analyzing current sales data and past trends. Make data-driven decisions to maintain optimal stock levels and streamline the supply chain. Demand planning and forecasting Bring data-driven forecasting into the forefront of your inventory planning to ensure you meet customer demand. Use historical and real-time data to proactively prevent stockouts and overstock. Flexible inventory control Set inventory control parameters that will help you always keep right amount of stock at hand. Determine ideal safety stock levels to safeguard against demand fluctuations. Smart replenishment planning Plan your purchasing and issue purchase orders directly from Katana to ensure timely and cost-efficient order fulfillment without stockouts or overstock. Planning and forecasting features built to meet your demand Future-looking visibility of inventory levels is crucial for businesses working with physical inventory to avoid excess inventory and stockouts. Planning and forecasting tools to meet customer demand Demand planning — base your decisions on real-time sales data and maintain ideal inventory levels at all times Demand forecasting — use historical data to proactively order and restock items, prevent stockouts, minimize overstock, and improve supply chain efficiency Get a demo Replenishment planning made to fit your business needs SKU-based lead times — get accurate replenishment recommendations to stay on top of your inventory needs Minimum order quantity — set precise order thresholds to minimize costs and reduce waste Automatic reorder points — adjust reorder points based on real-time demand and consumption data Safety stock calculations — determine ideal safety stock levels to safeguard from unexpected fluctuations in demand Get a demo Always stay in stock with streamlined purchasing Replenishment recommendations – get a list of all your items and their forecasted stockout date, suggested reorder date, and quantities Purchase order management — issue purchase orders based on replenishment recommendations and easily track purchase order statuses Get a demo Real results from real people

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> Cloud inventory platform that integrates with all your ecommerce platforms, simplifying omnichannel sales and inventory tracking. Learn more here.

- Published: 2024-04-23
- Modified: 2025-06-05
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/use-cases/ecommerce/
- Folders: USE CASES

Ecommerce Drive profitability with centralized ecommerce order management Centralize your sales orders and inventory data from all channels, both online and offline, for complete visibility and simplified management. Get started Stop data silos from disrupting your business Katana integrates seamlessly with your tools, synchronizing orders and centralizing data from all your business apps. Get cloud-based software that empowers you to make better decisions, streamline processes, and maintain control over inventory and sales across every channel. 3x Faster order processing Katana’s ecommerce integrations accelerate order processing by 3x, ensuring quicker deliveries and improved efficiency. 60% Higher sales revenue Katana users have achieved a 60% yearly increase in sales revenue by optimizing sales across all channels. 1. 2x Inventory turnover A 1. 2x boost in inventory turnover means stronger sales, better stock management, and greater business performance. Gain real-time visibility into every aspect of your ecommerce business Katana unifies your stock and order data and automates key tasks, enabling you to streamline operations, improve inventory visibility, and scale efficiently across all areas of your business. Optimize operations with real-time insights Track goods and services across all locations, minimizing any imbalances while enabling more efficient order fulfillment and resource allocation. Automatically updated stock and service statuses enable faster decision-making, reducing waste, carrying costs, and operational delays.   Real-time tracking of inventory status across multiple locations  Automated updates as inventory moves or service orders are scheduled  Accurate stock availability across internal and external locations  Improved decision-making based on live data for both product and service fulfillment  Unify financial, inventory, and service data for informed decision-making Integrate all your tools with Katana for smooth data flow, creating a centralized source of truth for both product and service sales. Keep all your departments aligned with consistent, accurate information, improving collaboration and data-driven decisions.   Ecommerce integrations for accurate stock and service availability across sales channels  Sync orders, products, and service offerings across ecommerce stores  Automated shipping and service scheduling with real-time updates  Accounting integration for automated financial data syncing  Automate operational processes to scale efficiently Automating manual tasks like inventory replenishment and order creation helps scale your operations efficiently, reduce costs, and maintain a reliable supply chain while driving profitability and growth.   Automation of repetitive tasks across operations  Monitoring costs, including materials, labor, and logistics  Adjust pricing and processes based on live and historical data for both products and services  Supply chain and service management for timely deliveries, service execution, and cost efficiency  How Katana works Explore the interactive demo to see how Katana centralizes orders across all your channels, enabling you to manage them all on the fly. Case studies See how ecommerce businesses use Katana for centralized order management Discover how companies streamline operations with Katana’s centralized order management, seamlessly syncing orders from all sales channels, both online and offline. Katana features Everything you need to manage your ecommerce business Katana integrates all your essential ecommerce tools, providing features to streamline order management, inventory tracking, and fulfillment across all your online sales channels....

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> Manufacturing software to oversee your entire production process, from purchasing to sales. Learn more here.

- Published: 2024-04-23
- Modified: 2025-04-22
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/use-cases/manufacturing/
- Folders: USE CASES

Manufacturing Seamless manufacturing and inventory management Katana Cloud Inventory Platform gives you a centralized view of your inventory and operation, enabling complete production control across all stages. Get started Manufacturing software that supports your way of working As your business grows, operational complexity increases. Excel spreadsheets become unsustainable, IMS doesn't have features you need, and legacy ERP systems lack the agility to adapt. 1. Don’t lose control over your bill of materials Gain full control over your product composition, ensuring accurate BOM management and protecting product ownership, even as your business scales. 2. Don’t let rapid growth overwhelm your operations Katana’s intuitive system enables you to keep up with increasing demand, staff, and revenue, streamlining operations without overwhelming your team. 3. Avoid delays with inefficient production planning Achieve accurate production schedules, with real-time visibility into every step of your operations, and the flexibility to plan or subcontract manufacturing operations as needed. Easily track your stock, manufacturing processes, and costs Katana unifies all your business processes for a cohesive experience across the board, enabling you to track everything and make informed decisions with real-time data. Streamlined production for in-house, outsourced, and hybrid manufacturing Whether you keep production in-house, completely or partially outsource manufacturing, or constantly switch between these options based on market demand, Katana enables you to track it all. Manage bills of materials Track production operations Outsource manufacturing Manage raw materials Create consecutive operations Track production metrics End-to-end inventory management for real-time control and visibility Inventory is at the heart of every product business. Katana gives you complete control over your inventory, so you can rest assured your customers get what they ordered without delays. Real-time inventory Planning and forecasting Multiple locations Full traceability Multichannel support Inventory insights Accounting integrations for accurate financial data to drive profitability Your business cannot thrive without accurate accounting. That’s why Katana integrates with QuickBooks Online and Xero to ensure your books are up-to-date and reliable. Seamless integration with QBO and Xero Convert sales orders to invoices Convert purchase orders to bills Sync customers and suppliers Accurate COGS based on manufacturing operations and BOMs How Katana works Take a look at the interactive demo to see how Katana can help organize your inventory and manufacturing processes and give you a clear overview for making informed decisions. Case studies See how businesses using Katana manage growth sustainably See how businesses using Katana overcome growing pains, achieving sustainable success with streamlined processes and clear insights. Katana features Powerful features — easy to use Katana combines powerful features with user-friendly design, enabling you to manage production, inventory, and sales effortlessly. Explore the features below. Real-time inventory Real-time product visibility at all your locations helps you achieve improved delivery tracking, seamless operations, and efficient order fulfillment. Read more Production management If you're away from the shop floor and need to change production plans, you can prioritize production orders, and Katana will reallocate resources automatically. Read more Purchase management Get ahead of demand by seamlessly generating purchase orders based on...

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> Talk to the people behind the software. Send us your general questions or feedback and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.

- Published: 2024-04-22
- Modified: 2024-08-02
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/contact-us/
- Folders: COMPANY

Contact us Talk to the people behind the software Partnerships Careers Customer support Want to see how Katana works? Enter your details and choose a time that works for you to see how Katana can help your business.

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> In our latest report, we partnered with Worldwide Business Research, collecting data from 100 SMB Shopify merchants to understand their key challenges and how they plan to implement inventory software and AI to overcome them.

- Published: 2024-04-19
- Modified: 2024-07-22
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/shopify-report/
- Folders: GUIDES

Optimizing Ecommerce Inventory and Performance in 2024 As technology continues to improve, more and more businesses are turning to automated solutions to manage their inventory. In our latest report, we partnered with Worldwide Business Research, collecting data from 100 SMB Shopify merchants to understand their key challenges and how they plan to implement inventory software and AI to overcome them. Download the report Summary This report uses proprietary data collected via surveys conducted by the WBR Insights research team, comprising 100 ecommerce leaders in the US and Canada. These respondents are exclusively Shopify sellers who handle physical inventory and do not participate in dropshipping. According to the analysis, adopting user-friendly inventory management systems and integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into business operations will be pivotal strategies for ecommerce businesses in 2024. About the report Key trends and observations from the report According to our research, 83% of SMB Shopify merchants struggle with maintaining synchronized inventory, manufacturing, and accounting data due to operational obstacles. Download the report to learn how embracing user-friendly inventory management systems and incorporating AI into business processes will be essential strategies for ecommerce enterprises in 2024. How SMBs mitigated rising costs from external factors Prices have skyrocketed due to inflation, supply chain disruptions, and other events. 73% of businesses are using technology to ease financial pressures. This reflects the significance of digital tools in modern inventory management and signals a rising preference for innovative, tech-driven solutions to tackle conventional business obstacles. Download the report to learn more Businesses planning to implement AI into their operations in 2024 Almost all ecommerce merchants are adopting AI to enhance operations. They use AI for customer service, inventory management, marketing, and productivity tracking. AI will break customer communication barriers, improve immediacy, and drive data-driven decision-making while optimizing processes. Download the report to learn more Katana Cloud Inventory Software Getting your products to customers faster Katana supports your workflows no matter your industry with the features and seamless integrations you need to manage your business how you want.

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- Published: 2024-04-18
- Modified: 2024-09-23
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/privacy-policy/
- Folders: Security Pages

Last updated: August 20, 2024 Privacy Policy Introduction Welcome, and thank you for your interest in Katana Technologies OÜ (“Katana”, “we,” or “us”), our web site at https://katanamrp. com/ (the “Site”), and all related web sites, downloadable software, mobile applications (including tablet applications), and other services provided by us and on which a link to this Privacy Policy is displayed, and all other communications with individuals though from written or oral means, such as email or phone (collectively, together with the Site, our “Service”). This Privacy Policy (“Policy”) describes the information that we gather on or through the Service, how we use and disclose such information, and the steps we take to protect such information. By visiting the Site, or by purchasing or using the Service, you consent to the privacy practices described in this Policy. This Policy is incorporated into, and is subject to, the Katana Terms of Service. Capitalized terms used but not defined in this Policy have the meaning given to them in the Katana Terms of Service. 1. Definitions Client – a customer of Katana. Authorization – the set of rights and privileges on the Web Site assigned to a User by a Client; Client data – personal data, reports, addresses, and other files, folders or documents in electronic form that a User of the Service stores within the Service. Personal Data – means any information relating to an identified or identifiable natural person. Public Area – the area of the Site that can be accessed both by Users and Visitors, without needing to use a login ID and a password. Restricted Area – the area of the Site that can be accessed only by Users, and where access requires the use of a login ID and a password. User – an employee, agent, or representative of a Client, who primarily uses the restricted areas of the Site for the purpose of accessing the Service in such capacity. Visitor – an individual other than a User, who uses the public area, but has no access to the restricted areas of the Site or Service. 2. The Information We Collect on the Service We collect different types of information from or through the Service. The legal bases for Katana’s processing of personal data are primarily that the processing is necessary for providing the Service in accordance with Katana’s Terms of Service and that the processing is carried out in Katana’s legitimate interests, which are further explained in the section “How We Use the Information We Collect” of this Policy. We may also process data upon your consent, asking for it as appropriate. User-provided Information.  When you use the Service, as a User or as a Visitor, you may provide, and we may collect Personal Data. Examples of Personal Data include name, email address, mailing address, mobile phone number, and credit card or other billing information. Personal Data also includes other information, such as geographic area or preferences, when any such information is linked to information that identifies a specific individual. You may provide us with Personal Data in various ways on the Service. For example,...

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> Help your clients boost their manufacturing business and grow yours in the process by becoming a Katana Integration Partner. Learn more.

- Published: 2024-04-17
- Modified: 2024-12-11
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/integration-partners/
- Folders: PARTNER + ONBOARDING

Tech partner program Become a KatanaTechnology Partner Katana's SaaS cloud inventory software supports thousands of SMBs — and we're looking for best-in-class solutions to integrate with us. Book a call with us See all integrations Here’s why you want to be a Katana partner In addition to compensation for every referral, Technology Partners also get the support they need to grow with us. Give your clients an end-to-end inventory solution Today’s small to medium-sized businesses need flexible, powerful, and enjoyable cloud inventory software — the days of desktop solutions are over. Businesses rely on Katana as a central source of truth, and our software connects with other best-in-class solutions to build the ultimate ecosystem of business tools. Grow and expand your value offering with Katana Katana and our ecosystem partners are here to help you serve, attract, and retain clients. Happy clients mean happy partners — and that’s what we strive to see. Our growing network of partners and integrations can give you the edge you need to differentiate your service offering. We’ll help you consult your clients on the benefits of moving to the cloud — and how you can take them there. See all Katana Partners Have a say in Katana’s product development Partners get priority customer support and a front-row seat at product roadmap discussions. As ambassadors for Katana, your feedback plays a major role in helping shape Katana into a product your clients will love. All partners get access to a demo account and the supporting materials and consultation they need to pitch Katana as the end-to-end cloud inventory solution clients need. Want to learn more about becoming a Technology Partner Talk to our API team to learn more about joining Katana's growing ecosystem of Integration Partners. Book a call with us Cloud inventory software that goes beyond the benchmark Today's business needs flexible, powerful, and enjoyable cloud inventory software — the days of desktop solutions are over. Secure all your business data in the cloud Monitor your teams, sales, and inventory in real-time with cloud-based software built for speed and accuracy. Best-in-class partner and customer support Monitor your teams, sales, and inventory in real-time with cloud-based software built for speed and accuracy. Plug and play with the other business tools you need Connect Katana to an extensive list of e-commerce, accounting, and shipping solutions — or others via API. Voted easiest-to-use by customers and partners Katana is designed for ease of use, and our implementation packages guarantee success — fast.

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> Welcome to www.katanamrp.com. These Terms of Service contain the terms and conditions that govern the use of our Platform (as defined below) and Katana Services (as defined below) and all content, services and/or products available on or through the Platform.

- Published: 2024-04-17
- Modified: 2024-10-04
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/service-terms/
- Folders: Security Pages

Last updated: October 4, 2024 Terms of service Introduction Welcome to www. katanamrp. com. These Terms of Service contain the terms and conditions that govern the use of our Platform (as defined below) and Katana Services (as defined below) and all content, services and/or products available on or through the Platform. The Katana Services are offered to you subject to your acceptance, without modification (other than Special Terms (as defined below) agreed by the parties pursuant to these Terms of Service), of all of the terms and conditions contained herein and all other operating rules, policies (including, without limitation, our Privacy Policy at www. katanamrp. com/privacy-policy), the Guidelines (as defined below) and any future modifications thereof, and procedures that may be published from time to time on the Platform or made available to you on or through the Katana Services (collectively, the “Terms”). When accepted by you (as defined below), these Terms form a legally binding contract between you and Supplier (as defined below). If you are entering into these Terms on behalf of an entity, such as your employer or the company you work for, you represent that you have the legal authority to bind that entity. PLEASE READ THESE TERMS CAREFULLY. BY REGISTERING FOR, ACCESSING, BROWSING, AND/OR OTHERWISE USING THE KATANA SERVICES, YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU HAVE READ, UNDERSTOOD, AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THESE TERMS. IF YOU DO NOT AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THESE TERMS, DO NOT ACCESS, BROWSE OR OTHERWISE USE THE PLATFORM OR THE KATANA SERVICES. Supplier may, in its sole discretion, elect to suspend or terminate access to, or use of the Katana Services to anyone who violates these Terms. If you register for a free trial of the Katana Services, the applicable provisions of these Terms will govern that free trial. The original language of these Terms is English. Supplier may make available translations for convenience. In case of conflicts between the original English version and any translation, the English version shall prevail. 1. Definitions Account – the primary means for accessing and using the Katana Services, subject to payment of a Fee designated in the selected Plan Add-on – additional features, functions, capabilities (aka “modules“) that the Client may choose to add to their Plan, normally for an additional fee, as outlined in these Terms of Service. Authorization – the set of rights and privileges on the Web Site assigned to a User by a Client; Client, you or your – a natural or legal person who has accepted these Terms with the Supplier; Client Data – Files and any other digital data and information, which is subjected to the Katana Services or otherwise inserted to the System by the Client (including the specific Users, Products, Materials, Orders associated with the Client); Content – any data and information available through Katana Services or contained within the structure of the System, articles, documents, brochures, presentations, pictures, images, audiovisual works, other informational materials and any comments; Fee – regular payment for using the activated Account and one-time payment for...

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> At Katana, we value the support of the cybersecurity community. If you identify a security vulnerability, please notify us.

- Published: 2024-04-17
- Modified: 2024-05-02
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/responsible-disclosure/
- Folders: Security Pages

Responsible Disclosure At Katana, we greatly value the support of IT security researchers and cybersecurity community members in helping us maintain high IT security standards. If you identify a security vulnerability relating to our product, please notify us before disclosing the vulnerability to the outside world so we can take the necessary measures. This is known as responsible disclosure. Scope Katana’s core platform. (factory. katanamrp. com) How do I submit a report? If you have identified a security vulnerability, please notify us as soon as possible via email to security@katanamrp. com. What happens after I submit my report? You will receive an email within two business days confirming that we have received your submission. Our engineers will review the submission, including reproducing the vulnerability. The review time may vary depending on the complexity and completeness of the report. However, we aim to assess reports within 2 weeks. We will inform you regarding our assessment in line with an expected remediation timeline. We will inform you in case your submission is eligible for a reward. What should I include in the report? The main factors that influence the time it takes to address a vulnerability are how long it takes to assess its root cause, severity, and impact. Better quality reports will be treated with higher priority and processed faster. However, we still want to learn about vulnerabilities even if the reports are not of the highest quality. To help us address reports in the best possible way, please include the following information in your report: The type of vulnerability. The service/device/application impacted by the vulnerability. The output from a successful reproduction of the vulnerability. This could consist of debugger output, a screenshot, a video, or any other format that demonstrates a reproduction of the issue. Proof-of-concept code depending on the nature of the vulnerability. A detailed description. This analysis should correctly describe how each part of the proof-of-concept affects the target in terms of triggering the vulnerability. In addition, the analysis should include information about how timing, environment, or other constraints affect successfully triggering the vulnerability. Description of the root cause of the vulnerability and any potential remediation to the highest degree possible. Any plans or intentions for public disclosure. Guidelines Please act responsibly in dealing with your discovery of the identified security vulnerability. Do your best to avoid research that violates customer privacy policy, destroys data, or interrupts our service. Do not take any actions beyond what is needed to identify and verify the issue. Please keep confidential all information relating to the discovered vulnerability from third parties for at least 90 days. This allows us to identify and implement measures to address your reported issue. Please do not use the identified security vulnerability to your advantage and avoid storing any confidential data obtained due to the issue. The output of well-known automated tools/solutions is not sufficient. Brute force, DOS, phishing, social engineering, and physical security attacks will not be rewarded. Reward Guidelines 1. We do NOT reward every report....

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> Katana is a Smart Manufacturing Software, designed to revolutionize the way modern makers, crafters and small manufacturers work. It is an innovative, easy-to-use, and affordable solution for managing production and inventory efficiently.

- Published: 2024-04-17
- Modified: 2024-04-17
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/partner-terms-of-service/
- Folders: Security Pages

Katana Ambassador Agreement This AMBASSADOR AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is between Katana Technologies OÜ, an Estonian company (“Katana”), with an address of Staapli 12-13, Tallinn 10416, Estonia, and you or your company, organization, or entity (“Ambassador”), (collectively, the “Parties”). RECITALS Katana is a Smart Manufacturing Software, designed to revolutionize the way modern makers, crafters and small manufacturers work. It is an innovative, easy-to-use, and affordable solution for managing production and inventory efficiently. Ambassador and Katana each desire that Ambassador promote the Services (as defined below) to potential Customers (as defined below) and refer such Customers to Katana for a referral commission, in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements contained herein, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby expressly acknowledged, the Parties, intending to be legally bound, agree as follows: 1. DEFINITIONS As used in this Agreement and any amendments or exhibits therein, each capitalized term will have the meaning and definition specified below: 1. 1 “Katana Marketing Materials” means marketing materials developed by or for the benefit of Katana and used to market and promote the Services. Katana may modify or alter Katana Marketing Materials at any time in its sole discretion, without notice or notification. 1. 2 “Katana Marks” means trademarks, service marks, logos, insignias, trade dress, brand assets and branded terms, and other designations proprietary to Katana. Katana may modify or alter Katana Marks at any time in its sole discretion, without notice or notification. 1. 3 “Confidential Information” has the meaning as defined in Section 6. 1. 1. 4 “Customer” means an end-user who acquires the Services for use (and not for re-sale) and agrees to a Subscription for the Services. 1. 5 "Derivative Work" means any work which uses, is based on, or incorporates the Services or any part thereof, including, without limitation, translations, adaptations, condensations, improvements, updates, enhancements, or any other form in which the Services or any part thereof may be recast, transformed, adapted, or revised. 1. 6 “Intellectual Property Rights” means trade secrets, trade names, trademarks, logos, trade dress, copyrights, patents, proprietary information, know-how, processes, methodologies, designs, formulas, procedures, programs, methods, apparatuses, ideas, inventions, creations, improvements, works of authorship or other similar material, moral rights, publicity rights, privacy rights, and any and all other proprietary rights and any and all applications, registrations, renewals, extensions, and restorations thereof, now or hereafter in force and effect anywhere in the world. 1. 7 “Person” means an individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, or other entity. 1. 8 “Services” means Katana’s offerings as defined in Katana’s Terms of Service. Katana may modify or alter the Services at any time in its sole discretion, without notice or notification. 1. 9 “Subscription” to Katana encompasses access to paid features. 1. 10 “Term” means the period of time described in Section 5. 1. 2. LICENSE GRANTS; OWNERSHIP 2. 1 License Grants. 2. 1. 1 License. Subject to Ambassador’s compliance with all terms of this Agreement, Katana hereby grants to Ambassador...

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- Published: 2024-04-17
- Modified: 2024-05-02
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/technology-partner-terms-of-service/
- Folders: Security Pages

LAST UPDATED: JANUARY 29, 2024 Katana Technologies LTD. Technology Partner Program Agreement PLEASE READ THIS PARTNER PROGRAM AGREEMENT (THIS “AGREEMENT“) CAREFULLY. This Agreement governs your participation in the Technology Partner Program (as defined below) and is an agreement between Katana Technologies Ltd. , a corporation incorporated under the federal laws of Canada (“Katana”, “our” or “us”) and you or the entity you represent (“you” “You“, or “Partner“). This Agreement must be signed by you and delivered to us and will be effective upon email confirmation from Katana that your participation in the Technology Partner Program is accepted (the “Effective Date“). Katana and Partner are sometimes referred to individually as a “Party” and collectively as the “Parties. ” 1. DEFINITIONS 1. 1 “Affiliate” has the meaning ascribed to that term in the Canada Business Corporations Act, and in the case of Katana, includes Katana Technologies OÜ, Inc. , Katana’s parent company. 1. 2 “Confidential Information” means all data and information of a Party that is disclosed by such Party to the other Party at any time, regardless of whether or not such data or information is marked as confidential or not, and regardless of whether disclosed orally, in writing, or in any other recorded or tangible form, including, without limitation, methods of operation, business practices, software, code, technology, programs, source code, technical information, inventions, products, prices, fees, costs, plans, programming or design techniques or plans, know-how, trade secrets, prospects, marketing methods, marketing materials, personnel, customers, referral sources, end users, suppliers, competitors, development plans or projects, services and other confidential or proprietary information or other specialized information or proprietary matters. 1. 3 “Eligible Referral” means a Sales Lead: (a) who at the time Partner identifies such Sales Lead, is not already an existing customer of Katana or was not already involved in preliminary or advanced discussions with Katana or its Affiliates relating to the sale of Katana Products; (b) who has not previously been submitted to Katana through a Sales Lead Registration Application by Partner or any other third party; (c) who Katana accepts a Sales Lead Registration Application from Partner as further described in Section 4. 4(b) below; and (d) who Katana enters into an agreement to provide Katana Products to no later than ninety (90) days after Katana’s receipt of a Sales Lead Registration Application for such Eligible Referral from Partner. 1. 4 “Intellectual Property Rights” means all intellectual property and proprietary rights now known or hereafter recognized in any jurisdiction, including rights associated with any of the following (i) patents, patent applications, patent disclosures, and inventions and all improvements thereto (whether or not patentable or reduced to practice), (ii) trademarks, service marks, domain names, trade dress, and other indicia of source, together with the goodwill associated therewith, (iii) copyrights, moral rights and works of authorship (whether or not copyrightable), and (iv) trade secrets, know-how, technologies, software, databases, processes, techniques, protocols, methods, formulae, algorithms, layouts, designs, specifications and other Confidential Information. 1. 5 “Katana Marks” has the meaning ascribed to...

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> Sign up for comarketing opportunities and earn commissions as an official Katana Partner. Learn more.

- Published: 2024-04-16
- Modified: 2025-04-11
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/partner-program/
- Folders: PARTNER + ONBOARDING

Grow your business as a Katana Partner Expand your value offering with Katana and earn commissions as a verified partner. Help clients streamline operations with an inventory management platform that integrates all their tools. Book a call with us See integrations Grow your revenue while helping clients succeed The Katana Partner Program is designed for companies looking to expand their service offerings with a powerful, cloud-based inventory management solution. Becoming a Katana partner lets you offer a seamless, all-in-one system that optimizes inventory, production, and financial management. As a verified partner, you’ll unlock exclusive benefits, including revenue-sharing opportunities, priority support, and a direct say in Katana’s product development. Book a call with us Use cases Streamline client operations with Katana Whether you’re an accounting firm or a business consultant, Katana gives your clients a seamless inventory and financial management solution. Empower businesses with real-time cost tracking, optimized workflows, and a smooth transition to cloud-based operations — all while unlocking new growth opportunities for your firm. Accounting firms Enhance your accounting services by offering clients a robust inventory management solution that integrates seamlessly with their financial systems. What you'll get: Accurate cost tracking gives clients precise financial and real-time inventory insights. Sync Katana with QuickBooks Online to streamline financial data management and improve overall business insights.   With Katana, you can help clients improve operational efficiency while strengthening your firm’s value proposition. Katana for accounting firms Consultants and agencies Expand your service offerings and boost client satisfaction by integrating Katana's cloud-based inventory management solutions into your portfolio. What you'll get: Effortlessly sync with QuickBooks, Xero, Shopify, HubSpot and more Seamless cloud migration helps clients transition from outdated systems to a modern, flexible inventory solution Partner with Katana to deliver more value to your clients while unlocking new revenue opportunities for your agency. Katana for consultants What you get as a Katana Partner Katana's built-in features and seamless integrations ensure accurate data across the board, enabling informed decision-making and advisory services. Give your clients an end-to-end inventory solution Today’s small to medium-sized businesses need flexible, powerful, and enjoyable cloud inventory software — the days of desktop solutions are over. Businesses rely on Katana as a central source of truth, and our software connects with other best-in-class solutions to build the ultimate ecosystem of business tools. Book a demo to learn more Grow and expand your value offering with Katana Katana and our ecosystem partners are here to help you serve, attract, and retain clients. Happy clients mean happy partners — and that’s what we strive to see. Our growing network of partners and integrations can give you the edge you need to differentiate your service offering. We’ll help you consult your clients on the benefits of moving to the cloud — and how you can take them there. See all Katana Integrations Have a say in Katana’s product development Partners get priority customer support and a front-row seat at product roadmap discussions. As ambassadors for Katana, your feedback plays a major role...

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> At Katana, our vision is to build software that businesses love as much as the products they sell. Read our story.

- Published: 2024-04-15
- Modified: 2025-05-06
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/about-us/
- Folders: COMPANY

About Katana Running a business doesn't have to be complicated, and we're here to prove it.  We're on a mission to create loveable software that's easy and delightful to use and makes complex tasks easy. 1,500+ Businesses that trust Katana 150+ Proud Katanauts helping deliver our mission $51m+ Amount raised to support Katana The Katana Story Past Before a single line of code was written, our co-founders Kristjan and Priit raised $700,000 from investors with a 10-slide presentation in April 2017. With the help of two developers and a designer, they built the very first prototype a month later. And by the end of the year, Katana went live, and welcomed its first paying customers in early 2018.   Present Since those humble beginnings, Katana evolved dramatically, becoming a cloud inventory platform, offering built-in inventory, production, and reporting features to give you an end-to-end inventory management solution for modern businesses. From our HQ in Tallinn, with the help of staff across North America, Europe, and New Zealand, we’re helping businesses use the best software available for every element of their business with Katana, uniting them all in a single platform.   Future Our product may evolve, but our mission remains the same — to empower businesses around the world by providing them with the tools and resources they need to flourish. Businesses should be able to use software when they need it, without losing key data or seeing their numbers go out of sync. Introducing the Katanauts Katanaut (n. ): an awesome individual who makes up the whole of Katana. Meet the leadership team Kristjan Vilosius Co-CEO & Founder Read profile Ben Hussey Co-CEO Read profile Priit Kaasik Chief Technical Officer & Founder Read profile Hannes Kert Chief Customer Officer & Founder Read profile Riikka Söderlund Chief Operating Officer & CMO Read profile Kristi Schumann VP of People and Culture Read profile The values we live by Be customer value driven Our customers' businesses are at the center of everything we do, and we measure our success by how we positively impact them. We put ourselves in their shoes, speak their lingo, and always listen with empathy. Go beyond the benchmark Goals are meant to be surpassed, and we do that by being ambitious and continuously challenging ourselves. Instead of dwelling on problems, we approach them head-on and work as a team to find a path forward. Be present and be open Success is a team effort, and knowing how to use our collective mind sets us apart. When things are unclear, we ask questions. When things get tough, we talk. We're in this together and aim to be open and honest. Embrace being you You are the sum of your best features and strangest quirks — we want to see the good and the weird. Being yourself comes with responsibilities, but we trust that good intentions drive everyone's actions. Kristjan Vilosius Co-CEO & Founder Before Katana, Kristjan was the CEO of one of the largest investment firms in Estonia and had been an angel investor for nearly a decade in technology and manufacturing. He was excited by the impact of...

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> Easy inventory management. Visual production planning. Accurate costing based on product recipes and production operations.

- Published: 2024-04-15
- Modified: 2025-06-05
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/features/
- Folders: FEATURE PAGES

Optimize stock levels and get total inventory control Keeping up with increasing sales volume and items flying off the shelves has never been easier with real-time access to all your data. Get a demo Features Powerful features – easy to use With the right software and workflows in place, it will feel like yourproducts are selling themselves. Product demo Check out Katana's product walkthrough to see how our features will help you support end-to-end inventory management while eliminating excess inventory and stockouts. Features to maintain optimal inventory levels at all times Deliver precise stock level information to your online shoppers through real-time inventory software that consolidates your sales orders across all channels, keeping your products moving and customers happy. Real-time inventory Gain a live view of your inventory, from raw materials to finished goods, and effortlessly manage items with multiple variants. Learn more Ecommerce integrations Integrate inventory and sales data with ecommerce platforms, enhancing efficiency and customer experience. See all integrations Accounting integrations Integrate with QuickBooks Online or Xero to ensure consistency between your sales, inventory, and accounting records. Learn more Shop Floor app Easily assign tasks to your team, track materials and time spent, and access real-time shop floor insights. Learn more Warehouse app Improve order workflows for picking and packing to optimize the fulfillment process and simplify tasks. Learn more Katana Insights Analyze sales, purchasing, and manufacturing data, improve collaboration, and optimize your performance. Learn more Barcode scanning Scan products and material barcodes to simplify the overall process of receiving and counting stock. Traceability Track batches and serial numbers of sold items, ensuring precise oversight and facilitating speedy returns. Learn more Manufacturing costs Automate manufacturing cost calculations based on your bill of materials and production operations for accurate costing Sell goods and services  Manage and sell products and services seamlessly in one workflow — no manual tracking, no stock hacks, no workarounds  Kits and bundles  Manage and sell bundled products effortlessly with automated inventory tracking, production management, and real-time stock syncing  Learn more AI-powered assistant Automate sales order creation from emails and messages and gain real-time insights into sales trends, delays, and top-performing products Learn more Return management  Handle returns just like any other essential part of order management, ensuring every return is processed accurately and efficiently Learn more Real-time Inventory management The inventory optimization and control you need End-to-end inventory insights that put an end to stockouts and overstock Get total inventory control for finished products and raw materials Know where your products are, when they are arriving, and how much for each location Automate inventory transactions and set reorder points to prevent stock-outs Track on-hand, committed, and expected stock amounts in real-time Manage product variants and materials in one place Monitor your inventory across multiple warehouses Use barcodes to receive and count stock Use stocktakes to find and eliminate discrepancies in your stock levels Receive restock notifications to keep your stock levels optimal Shop Floor App Floor-level control from scheduling to task prioritization Use the Katana...

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> Whether you’re just beginning your journey or you’re a seasoned vet, the academy provides an extensive collection of educational tools to help you get the most out of Katana.

- Published: 2024-04-15
- Modified: 2024-12-13
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/academy/
- Folders: COMPANY

Katana Academy Whether you’re just beginning your journey or you’re a seasoned vet, the academy provides an extensive collection of educational tools to help you get the most out of Katana. Getting started Gain familiarity with Katana as you establishing company processes, such as workflows, inventory management, and general account settings. Start now Knowledge base Browse through hundreds of articles that cover every aspect of the Katana experience. From step-by-step guides to FAQs and everything else in between. Open knowledge base Video library Sometimes the best way to process and retain information is to watch how it’s done. That’s why we’ve put together over 100 episodes of videos for your viewing pleasure. View recordings Interactive demos Explore the collection of interactive product walkthroughs to see exactly what Katana has to offer — everything from production to inventory to order management. Try interactive demos Here’s a few handpicked articles that we’ve found to be quite useful for the Katana experience Connecting QuickBooks Online Connect QuickBooks Online with Katana to streamline accounting, sales, purchases, and inventory management. Read the article Syncing Shopify sales orders Establish a Shopify to Katana order sync — from sales to fulfillment statuses. Read the article How to create an Outsourced purchase order Manage outsourced production with OPOs, handling raw materials for contractor manufacturing. Read the article Bulk update stock levels and values Simplify stock updates by bulk editing your stock for more efficient inventory management. Read the article Scanning barcodes Enhance stock management with efficient barcode scanning in Katana. Read the article Basics of Batch Tracking Ensures complete traceability from purchase to sale using batch tracking. Read the article Talk to a Katana expert Struggling to find the answer to a question? Contact us directly and receive quick help. Get a demo

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> Modern cloud inventory software that helps you stay on top of inventory management, material planning, production scheduling, and more.

- Published: 2024-04-10
- Modified: 2025-06-12
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/

Simplify your inventory and scale your business Ensure on-time deliveries, accurate stock levels, and a resilient supply chain with Katana — a cloud-based inventory software. Get a demo Discover Katana Spreadsheets and overkill ERPs slowing down your business?   Stop inefficient data management and paying for features you don’t use. Switch to a system that gives you exactly what you need to enhance operational efficiency, improve cash flow, and reduce stockouts and overstock. Features Getting your products to customers faster Katana supports your workflows, regardless of industry, with the features and seamless integrations needed to do business your way. Get started with Katana A fast track to success — we're always here to help Learn about the fastest and most efficient ways to get the most out of Katana’s capabilities through a specialized onboarding process that focuses on your company’s needs or the Katana Academy.

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> MRO inventory software empowers users with accurate, real-time data to make informed business decisions. Sign up for free here.

- Published: 2024-03-27
- Modified: 2024-05-20
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/inventory-management-guide/mro-inventory-management-software/
- Folders: SEO PAGES

Your MRO inventory management software matters — don’t leave it up to chance Your MRO inventory management is essential to your business, so ensure it is properly managed and optimized with a leading software provider, Katana. Get full visibility of all your resources and gain the ability to track and manage all MRO items. By bringing all your data into one place, you’ll have the possibility to unlock the potential of your business and identify new opportunities. Get a demo Use our manufacturing ERP to run your business online from anywhere, and save time and money in the process You may question if your business needs ERP software, depending on your stage of growth and level of business. The answer is yes, it does. Along with optimizing inventory management, and seamlessly integrating into your business processes, Katana will help you cut down daily admin through powerful inventory automation and smarter organization in a platform that’s as pleasing to use as it is to look at. Scale inventory management smartly as your business grows When you start a small manufacturing business, it can work well to use free tools like spreadsheets to keep track of business. But as production scales, and orders come in, you need a solution designed to meet your needs. Katana is a perfect fit for inventory optimization, helping you automate reordering stock and order fulfillment processes, as well as customize the units of measure for all your raw materials. Here are some of the features that help keep inventory in line: Import all your existing data to Katana easily and customize units of measurement to you needs Create bills of materials (BOMs) for each product and their variants Track stock changes as orders come in, and reprioritize orders to suit your schedule Set automatic reorder points for all raw materials so you’re never hit by a stock-out Manage everything in a single platform with a clear color system to keep you informed Keep your online inventory up-to-date and keep customers smiling Thanks to Katana’s integrations with e-commerce suppliers, you’ll get real-time inventory updates when orders are made and have a clear picture of the demand for your products. This ability to track inventory closely helps define your reorder points, so raw materials for your most popular products don’t suddenly run out. Here’s how we integrate our cloud-based inventory management software with the tools you need to get your business in front of potential customers: We have native integration with both Shopify and WooCommerce to make online sales simple You can also choose from a range of third-party e-commerce options to increase your online presence Use QuickBooks Online or Xero for company accounting, also integrated directly with Katana Take advantage of our API to connect your preferred accounting software instead Deliver orders on time with one of our excellent shipping partners Use your online inventory data to make informed forecasts and smarter decisions With all of your raw material, stock, order, and accounting data synced up and easily...

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> Inventory planning software ensures you're prepared to meet customer demand consistently while minimizing carrying costs and wasted resources.

- Published: 2024-02-26
- Modified: 2024-05-20
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/inventory-planning-software/
- Folders: SEO PAGES

Meet demand with inventory planning software Eliminate the guesswork from demand forecasting with Katana's inventory planning software. Katana ensures optimal stock levels and on-time order fulfillment while keeping your carrying costs low. Get a demo Be prepared with Katana's inventory planning and forecasting software Two of the biggest issues product-based businesses deal with are excess inventory and stockouts. Excess inventory incurs unnecessary carrying costs and ties up capital, inventory space, and human resources. Stockouts, on the other hand, make you lose sales, and even customers. Katana's inventory forecasting software for optimal stock levels Katana's inventory forecasting software leverages historical sales data, allowing you to proactively order and restock items to prevent stockouts, minimize overstock, and enhance supply chain efficiency. With inventory planning and forecasting software, you can: Gather insights across all inventory locations and sales channels Forecast future demand based on real-time sales data Set SKU-based lead times for accurate restock recommendations Issue purchase orders directly from Katana for streamlined order fulfillment Peace of mind with Katana's inventory planning software Katana's demand and inventory planning software gives you full control of your stock, allowing you to execute your demand plan based on inventory forecast. Keep your inventory and orders flowing and customers happy with Katana. Katana gives you the tools to: Monitor the weekly planner to spot potential stockouts at a glance Set automatic reorder points based on accurate consumption data Apply safety stock levels for those unexpected demand fluctuations Set minimum order quantities to reduce costs and minimize waste Advanced features for granular inventory management Katana's inventory planning software won't just help you forecast and plan — it equips you with everything you need to take full control of all your inventory movements. Whether you're a retailer, distributor, wholesaler, or manufacturer, Katana has got you covered. Katana's software enables you to: Monitor all 4 types of inventory — finished goods, raw materials, WIP, and MRO Effortlessly make stock transfers between your inventory locations Track serial numbers, batches, and expiry dates for end-to-end traceability Integrate all your sales channels for accurate in-sync inventory levels Integrating Katana with the tools you need and love Connect Katana with native integrations or create your own workflows via API Choose from a range of e-commerce, accounting, CRM, reporting, and automation integrations to streamline inventory management and optimize your entire business. Take a gander at Katana’s growing list of integrations to learn more. Katana provides us with all the features for manufacturing order management and can track inventory usage and incorporate our sales order tracking into Katana. ” Mikhail MooreChief Executive Office (CEO) at Vitacore Industries It’s great to be able to see where inventory faults happen and being able to fulfill orders and where the turnaround happens. ” Alaina OehrleinProduction Lead at Essence One Katana accurately keeps stock of assemblies and ingredients so that I can plan production and get instant feedback on whether we enough resources in stock. " Kelly CostelloChief Executive Officer (CEO) at Puppy Cake We also wanted an accurate inventory system for...

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> Parts inventory management software to track the quantity and location of each and every part.

- Published: 2024-02-05
- Modified: 2024-05-20
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/parts-inventory-management-software/
- Folders: SEO PAGES

Optimize stock levels with parts inventory management software Businesses need accurate inventory data to keep stock levels optimal. Katana's parts inventory management software gives you real-time info about every part, product, and material. Get a demo Parts inventory management software to manage every part of your business Katana's parts tracking software is the ideal platform for businesses that need to track more than just finished goods. Besides finished products, it tracks work-in-progress, MRO, and raw materials, giving you a complete overview of your entire inventory. Full traceability with parts tracking software Tracking every piece in your inventory is no easy task, but it becomes effortless with a parts inventory management system. Katana gives you a live overview of your entire inventory, including locations, quantities, and incoming and outgoing orders. Parts inventory system like Katana allows you to: Ensure full end-to-end traceability with serial number tracking Automate inventory operations with barcode scanning Set reorder points and safety stock for optimized inventory levels Monitor inventory in real time across all of your locations Keep your entire business connected with Katana Katana's parts inventory management software is the heart of your business, connecting all your other tools. With its seamless integrations and an open API, you don't have to worry about manually copying information between your applications. Katana's parts inventory system makes it easy to: Keep your inventory and accounting data synchronized Integrate with e-commerce platforms to automate inventory transactions Create customized workflows with Katana's open API Monitor your business metrics with the built-in analytics feature Make better decisions with the real-time inventory data you need Without real-time data, it can be difficult to know what's in stock, what needs to be ordered, and how to optimize your inventory levels to ensure you have the products your customers want, when they want them. But there's a better way to keep track of all this information - and it starts with inventory management software. Powerful features in inventory management systems allow you to see real-time updates on the status of your inventory, make better decisions about how to manage it, and synchronize inventory data across multiple locations. Considering these advantages, an inventory management software solution is the key to unlocking the power of real-time data in your business. Katana gives you the real-time inventory data you need to: Make accurate manufacturing and purchasing decisions with live data Ensure optimal inventory levels at all times Prioritize production based on raw material availability Get task-level control for effective shop floor management Automate manufacturing cost calculations based on your bill of materials and operations Features Keep track of all your moving parts with Katana's parts tracker Katana offers a wide range of features enabling businesses to effortlessly monitor and manage their inventory, production, sales, and purchasing operations. Live inventory management Easily manage your entire inventory from raw materials to finished goods, including products with multiple variants Read more End-to-end traceability Generate and track serial numbers on parts and finished products for full traceability and recall readiness Read more...

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> Optimize efficiency with multilocation inventory management and achieve success by streamlining operations across all your locations.

- Published: 2023-11-24
- Modified: 2025-01-22
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/multilocation-inventory-management/
- Folders: GUIDES

How to master multilocation inventory management Setting up multilocation inventory management is a tough task for many growing businesses. That’s why gathering the right tools and strategies is vital to making sure that operations still run as normal. There’s no sweeter sight than the steady growth of your business as you watch the fruits of your labor come to the fore, and your sales reports read as fine as ever. But there’s no doubt that success brings challenges in itself. And one of the main obstacles to taking your business to the next level will always be a matter of space. Whether you have decided to take your operation global or even just require extra storage, it’s very likely that, at some point, you will encounter issues with multilocation inventory management. In other words, you are going to have difficulties managing stock and how it moves around, especially if you distribute manufacturing, too. The complications can be endless when there is more than one production schedule and stock room to manage. And without the proper tools, you may easily feel that your growth is getting stunted. Like a flower that’s outgrown its pot, your business will lack the space to grow and risk suffocating without a new pot. Now, that might seem like a tough hill to climb. But there are methods you can use to lighten the load, and thankfully, there is smart inventory software out there that deals with this precise issue. But before we get to that, let’s dive into what multilocation inventory management really means and how it applies in the modern world of commercial entrepreneurship. What is multilocation inventory management? Multilocation inventory management is a strategy to efficiently control and coordinate inventory across various locations, warehouses, or production sites. Also known as multilocation warehouse management, this approach involves the synchronization of inventory control and order fulfillment to ensure seamless operations despite geographical distribution. With warehouses scattered across the country, and in some cases worldwide, different challenges arise that threaten to disrupt inventory operations across the entire supply chain. The objective is to optimize the storage, movement, and utilization of inventory across these diverse locations, ensuring that materials are available where and when they are needed. Does your business require multilocation inventory management? The first step toward enhancing your inventory management involves inspecting your stock operations and determining if adopting a multisite management strategy is necessary. To find the best solution, the following key factors need to be analyzed. 1. Geographical expansion Geographical expansion means spreading its operations to different locations, including branches, warehouses, or retail outlets in various regions or countries. This means dealing with diverse markets, various consumer behavior, and logistical complexities. Each location may have different demand patterns, regulatory requirements, and cultural preferences. Multilocation inventory management enables businesses to coordinate and control their inventory across all sites. It involves using specialized inventory software and strategies to keep track of stock levels, streamline order fulfillment, and optimize the movement of goods between locations. Additionally, it contributes to...

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> Start managing your stock like a professional and optimize your processes with Katana's enterprise inventory management software. Try it now!

- Published: 2023-11-09
- Modified: 2024-05-20
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/enterprise-inventory-management/
- Folders: SEO PAGES

Enterprise inventory management software for all your inventory needs Experience the power of Katana and gain a complete rundown of your inventory, supply chain, and beyond. Get a demo Get a live overview of your stock with enterprise inventory software Enterprise inventory management software allows you to track your inventory levels in real time and across the whole supply chain. Whether you manage products, materials, or both — Katana gives you the tools to find, receive, and ship all your goods. Stop worrying about stockouts with Katana Enterprise warehouse management helps you guarantee the consistent availability of raw materials and finished goods. Prevent stockout and overstocking by managing your inventory levels across all your locations. Streamline your operations and automate daily inventory tasks. Katana allows you to: Monitor live inventory levels and avoid running out of necessary ingredients with reorder points Prioritize tasks and reallocate materials in an intuitive drag-and-drop interface Forecast inventory needs and be prepared for demand fluctuations by analyzing past seasons and sales trends Track your items across the entire supply chain and manage product variants for ent-to-end traceability Streamline operations in all your locations Enterprise inventory software is the perfect way to monitor all your sales channels and warehouses, wherever they are. Improve decision-making and create business strategies based on accurate data from your past sales. Katana makes it easy to: Track items and transactions across your locations with multichannel inventory management Centralize all your inventory information, access it from everywhere, and share live data with your team Label and identify items with serial numbers or barcode scanning to speed up your inventory transactions Integrate your sales channels and automatically allocate products to orders and ship them out accordingly Make better decisions with the real-time inventory data you need Without real-time data, it can be difficult to know what's in stock, what needs to be ordered, and how to optimize your inventory levels to ensure you have the products your customers want, when they want them. But there's a better way to keep track of all this information - and it starts with inventory management software. Powerful features in inventory management systems allow you to see real-time updates on the status of your inventory, make better decisions about how to manage it, and synchronize inventory data across multiple locations. Considering these advantages, an inventory management software solution is the key to unlocking the power of real-time data in your business. Katana gives you the real-time inventory data you need to: Make accurate manufacturing and purchasing decisions with live data Ensure optimal inventory levels at all times Prioritize production based on raw material availability Get task-level control for effective shop floor management Automate manufacturing cost calculations based on your bill of materials and operations Features Reach your full potential with enterprise inventory management software Katana has a wide range of features and tools that empower you to streamline your inventory processes, keep your stock levels steady, and be prepared for demand fluctuations. Inventory management Stay up-to-date on inventory...

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> QuickBooks vs. Xero — two accounting software giants, but which is better for manufacturers? Read all about these tools in this article.

- Published: 2023-10-24
- Modified: 2024-05-20
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/quickbooks-vs-xero/
- Folders: GUIDES

QuickBooks vs. Xero: which is best? Whether you freelance, have a small business, or operate a larger operation, choosing the right accounting software is incredibly important. There are many options out there, and many people will end up assessing QuickBooks vs. Xero to find which is better. Both QuickBooks and Xero have their pros and cons, so looking at the key features like pricing, ease of use, integrations, and scalability will help you decide whether QuickBooks or Xero is more suitable for you. So, when it comes to Xero vs. QuickBooks, which is better? Let’s find out! Overview of QuickBooks Let’s start by looking closer at QuickBooks, seen as it is the original accounting software of its kind. First created in 1983, QuickBooks has been very popular over the years, and it has remained relevant more recently by bringing out its cloud-based software, QuickBooks Online. QuickBooks has a solid reputation, with its ability to help businesses streamline repetitive tasks and processes, manage bills and invoices, keep track of mileage and integrate seamlessly with other key business apps and management systems. The interesting question here is, “Do accountants prefer QuickBooks? ” And of course, this is a key aspect to consider. The short answer is yes. Most accountants do seem to prefer QuickBooks vs. Xero. Indeed the software is trusted by millions. According to a survey from Accountancy Age, around 78% of accounts personnel, including small and mid-sized businesses, rely on cloud technology like QuickBooks. Looking at the figures further, more than 1. 57 million subscribers prefer QuickBooks more than other accounting tools. Who is QuickBooks Online for? The cloud-based system is a good fit for small businesses, and, crucially, it is also great for growing businesses as the application is designed to grow with you. QuickBooks’ abilities include: Creation of professional invoices Uploading receipts for business expenses Syncing with your accountant Connecting bank accounts Real-time reporting of profit and loss Want to learn more about QuickBooks? For further reading materials on QuickBooks, particularly QBO, be sure to check out these articles on the subject: How to set up QuickBooks barcode inventory for your online account QuickBooks bill of materials: the secret to making it work How to solve your QuickBooks raw material inventory woes The ultimate guide to converting QuickBooks Desktop to Online QuickBooks Online vs. Desktop 2023 Overview of Xero Now let’s look at the Xero accounting software vs. QuickBooks. Xero is the newer product, having made its way onto the market in 2006. In a relatively short time, it has established itself as a top accounting tool, and its great user reviews mean it has an enviable reputation. The software is known to be sleek and user-friendly and is even described by some as beautiful — an impressive achievement for an accountancy tool! Perhaps because it is younger and fresher than its counterpart, Xero is often the accounting software of choice for start-ups and tech entrepreneurs, who often cite how easy it is to use, even for financial novices....

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> Just started using QuickBooks Online and trying to wrap your head around things? Here's a quick breakdown of what a QuickBooks inventory asset is.

- Published: 2023-10-18
- Modified: 2024-05-22
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/quickbooks-inventory-asset/
- Folders: GUIDES

Quickbooks inventory asset: The basics Despite our best efforts, little accounting mistakes can slip in when managing inventory. QuickBooks gives manufacturers a tool that can help them track their finances and manage other areas of their business. This is why many manufacturers opt to use solutions such as QuickBooks for their accounting and inventory needs. If you’re a manufacturer that uses QuickBooks for inventory management, you might have already stumbled across QuickBooks inventory assets and might be wondering what it is. This article will explain what is an inventory asset and how you can set up and use them in QuickBooks Online. Terminology: Inventory and COGS in QuickBooks Online First, let’s go over some terminology used in relation to inventory assets in QuickBooks Online. Inventory Inventory is simply the physical (or, in some cases, digital) goods you have on hand, available for sale to customers. Cost of goods sold Cost of goods sold (COGS) is the cost of goods you’ve already sold to your customers. Your gross profit line shows the difference in the value of your total COGS amount and total income amount. Basically, inventory refers to the goods you haven’t sold yet, and COGS is the cost of goods you’ve already sold. Current assets Current assets are short-term assets that a company expects to sell (or otherwise use up, convert into cash, etc. ) within a period of one year. Inventory assets are considered to be current assets. What is a QuickBooks inventory asset? In QuickBooks Online, inventory assets refer to the inventory items you have at hand and ready to sell. Let’s say that you’re a manufacturer that produces microphones. The number of microphones you currently have prepared and ready for sale would be considered inventory assets. As inventory assets can be converted into cash through sales (in fact, that’s basically their purpose), they are considered current assets. You can see the value of your current inventory assets on your balance sheet. You should find your inventory asset accounts under "other current assets. " The value of an inventory asset account is the total value of the inventory assets you have on hand. In other words, if each of your microphones was worth $100, and you had five available at hand, the value of your inventory asset account would be $500. What is the difference between inventory and inventory assets in QuickBooks Online? There might be some confusion between the terms inventory and inventory asset as they are often used interchangeably. Both terms refer to the goods a business has available for sale. However, “QuickBooks inventory asset” can also refer to the value of the inventory items in QuickBooks and how they are tracked in the accounting system. How do I enter an inventory asset in QuickBooks Online? You can set up QuickBooks Online inventory assets if you have QuickBooks Online Advanced or Plus. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it: Navigate to either the gear icon, then Products and Services, or alternatively, select Get...

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> Here are the 11 best Xero inventory add-ons for businesses looking to optimize their time-tracking, reporting, and inventory management.

- Published: 2023-10-13
- Modified: 2024-05-22
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/best-xero-inventory-add-on/
- Folders: GUIDES

11 Xero inventory add-ons to take your business to the next level There are tons of Xero add-ons available on the market, but with so many options, what do you choose? We've compiled this list to help you see what Xero inventory add-ons are available and which could be perfect for your business. Xero is a cloud-based accounting tool ideal for businesses seeking control over their finances. However, even though it's excellent at helping you get more control over your finances, it doesn't have everything businesses need to organize their inventory or production. Below, you'll find some of the best Xero inventory add-ons available on the Xero App Store for solutions that will help you improve your e-commerce, CRM, inventory management, and much more. 1. Katana https://vimeo. com/865482402 Katana's cloud-based inventory management software is the best Xero inventory add-on for businesses with more complex inventory needs. It integrates seamlessly with Xero, bridging the feature gap between your inventory, sales, production, and accounting. Katana's Xero inventory add-on helps you with: Finished goods and raw material inventory management Product traceability — batches, serial numbers, etc. Production planning and scheduling Managing your bill of materials Automating your manufacturing processes Katana makes it easy to push your bills and invoices over to Xero as soon as you finish making a purchase order or fulfilling a sales order. Integrating Katana with Xero allows you to manage your entire business from an intuitive centralized platform without worrying about tediously copying information from one platform to another. https://www. youtube. com/watch? v=ppZUnXSo9eM 2. TidyStock TidyStock is a cloud-based inventory management tool specializing in automating reorder triggers and tracking stock levels across multiple locations. TidyStock's Inventory add-on for Xero streamlines accounting processes and ensures financial data is synced. In addition, TidyStock lets you: Manage all your supplier and customer details in one place Create accurate quotes and proposals based on up-to-date material and resource costs Manage, track, and transfer items, parts, and products between multiple locations This Xero inventory add-on is a simple yet powerful tool for businesses in many industries, including construction, retail, and healthcare. Shopify + Xero Centralize your entire business by integrating your Xero with Shopify. Learn how to optimize production with: Integrated Shopify manufacturing software Multiple Shopify store management The best Shopify tools to take your business to the next level 3. Airsquare Airsquare is a point-of-sale (POS) Xero inventory management add-on that gives users the tools to manage their online and in-store sales. Airsquare is an all-in-one web platform that helps you with setting up your online store, along with giving you control over: Stock management Accepting payments Processing your orders Integrating and syncing your Airsquare and Xero accounts will automatically push all sales orders to Xero as invoices. Saving you the hassle of reconciling the invoices yourself. This ecosystem allows you to keep manufacturing and selling, and the Xero integrations automatically save your financial transactions. 4. Stock&Buy Stock&Buy is a Xero inventory app that's designed for e-commerce businesses and focuses on managing stock levels across...

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> QuickBooks inventory scanner is the ultimate solution for streamlining your inventory management. Learn more on simplifying your workflows.

- Published: 2023-10-12
- Modified: 2024-06-19
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/quickbooks-barcode-inventory/
- Folders: GUIDES

How to set up a QuickBooks inventory scanner for your online account QuickBooks inventory scanner is the ideal tool to save you hours of time and eliminate human errors so you can be sure your inventory counts are accurate. Many manufacturers begin their journey with QuickBooks Online. The cloud-based accounting software that tracks your finances and manages your inventory — a two-birds-one-stone solution to their problems. It's when the sales start flooding in that the problems rear their head. As good as QuickBooks Online is, there are limitations to be found, especially for manufacturers who need to track their inventory. Thankfully, there are third-party apps that can help you implement a QuickBooks inventory scanner. This article will look at why barcodes are important, how to implement QuickBooks barcode inventory management software, and the numerous benefits. Getting started with QuickBooks inventory scanner We won't overload you with the intricate details of how barcode scanning works. If you're eager to learn, check out our ultimate guide to barcode inventory control for manufacturers. But you need to know that QuickBooks comes in two versions — QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Desktop. Both can be broken down into different packages and payment plans. We mention this because, currently, you cannot use QuickBooks inventory scanner with the online version. If you're already a QuickBooks Online user, don't close the page just yet, as we have workarounds for navigating the missing feature. With QuickBooks Desktop, you get access to the barcode scanner for QuickBooks Advanced Inventory, which includes: Order management Warehouse management Accounting and finance tracking Check your subscription Barcodes are available on QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise when signed up for a Platinum or Diamond package. When looking into how to work with barcodes and QuickBooks, imagine you're a large-scale manufacturer who prints unique artwork of several collaborating artists on t-shirts. You need to track work in progress, raw materials, and finished goods. QuickBooks barcode software allows you to track these items as they move along your shop floor and warehouses in real time. It will enable you to keep all your inventory information centralized, removing the chance of human errors. To do this with QuickBooks Desktop, log into your QuickBooks account and follow these steps: At the top of the screen, select Edit From the drop-down menu, select Preferences... to continue A new window will open where you can customize various aspects of your business. Here, you will find a tab called Company Preferences — click on that Once here, go ahead and check the box to Enable my barcode scanner When you have set it up, you can use QuickBooks Desktop barcode software for invoices, sales receipts, purchase orders, and inventory reports. Want to make a shift from QuickBooks Desktop to Online? Companies are abandoning QBD for QBO. But why? Intuit joined us for a webinar explaining why companies are switching and how you can get the most out of transitioning from Desktop to Online. Check out the recording here! How do I use a barcode...

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> Master e-commerce accounting: boost your business with expert financial management. Learn about essential tips and tools today.

- Published: 2023-10-09
- Modified: 2024-05-16
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/ecommerce-accounting/
- Folders: GUIDES

E-commerce accounting: the most straightforward guide It's time to digitalize your manufacturing and set up your e-commerce store on platforms such as Shopify or BigCommerce. However, as exciting as these times might be, there's always that dreaded thought lingering in the back of the mind of any sensible manufacturer. How am I going to handle the financial aspect involved with selling online? And that's why we've put together this article to dispel any of your worries. Here, you'll learn everything you need to know about e-commerce accounting, how to handle it, and the responsibilities you'll need to consider. Without further ado, let's begin. What is e-commerce accounting? E-commerce accounting is the process of tracking, managing, and analyzing financial transactions within an online business. It involves thoroughly recording revenue, expenses, taxes, and profit margins unique to digital commerce. Proper e-commerce accounting ensures accurate financial insights, compliance, and informed decision-making. It provides a clear picture of the business's financial health. By properly managing your e-commerce bookkeeping, you can make informed decisions about your business's future and identify areas where you can improve profitability. E-commerce business accounting software, such as QuickBooks Online or Xero, is recommended to help manage the financial aspects of your e-commerce business. Additionally, consulting with a professional accountant can help ensure you adhere to tax regulations and optimize your financial management practices. Accounting vs. bookkeeping Bookkeeping involves recording and tracking financial transactions of a business, including purchases, sales, receipts, and payments, to create accurate financial reports such as balance sheets and income statements. Accounting involves interpreting and analyzing financial information to make strategic decisions such as budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning to identify trends, opportunities, and risks for developing strategies. How do you record e-commerce sales? When recording e-commerce sales, it's important to have a system in place to track each transaction's details accurately. Here are the steps you can follow to record e-commerce sales: Choose an accounting software — Select a bookkeeping solution that fits the needs of your e-commerce business, whether that's a simple spreadsheet or a more robust accounting software. Record sales transactions — Once you've chosen your software, record each sales transaction as it occurs. Include details such as the date of the sale, the customer's name and contact information, the product or service sold, the sale price, any discounts applied, shipping charges, and any taxes collected. Track inventory — If you're selling physical products, keep track of your inventory levels so you know when to reorder. Make sure to record each item sold and adjust your inventory levels accordingly. Reconcile payments — If you're using a payment gateway or third-party processor, reconcile each payment to ensure you've received the full amount due. Also, keep track of any fees associated with the payment processing. Record refunds and returns — Keep track of any refunds or returns and adjust your records accordingly. Make sure to record the date, the customer's name and contact information, the reason for the return, and any additional fees associated. Generate reports...

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> QuickBooks does not offer native features to track serial and lot numbers. Keep reading to explore how to enable QuickBooks serial number tracking.

- Published: 2023-10-06
- Modified: 2024-05-21
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/quickbooks-online-serial-number-tracking/
- Folders: GUIDES

QuickBooks Online serial number tracking Businesses often turn to QuickBooks to address two critical challenges: managing their finances and keeping tabs on inventory. However, for those who want to track lot and serial numbers, QuickBooks Online's features may come up short in meeting their specific needs. This article delves into the inherent limitations of QuickBooks Online's lot and serial tracking functions and explores solutions that enable you to leverage QuickBooks without compromising your ability to manage your inventory effectively. We'll also introduce you to Katana manufacturing software, which can be a game-changer for enhancing your lot tracking capabilities. What are serial and lot numbers? A serial number serves as a distinct identification code assigned by a manufacturer to a specific product during the manufacturing process. Additionally, products often carry another identifier known as a stock keeping unit (SKU). Serial numbers are crucial in post-sale activities, such as tracking warranties and addressing service-related issues. In contrast, a lot tracking number is assigned to a group of products sharing specific common attributes. Lot tracking, also known as batch tracking, involves monitoring materials and products throughout the entire supply chain. This practice offers several advantages, including the ability to: Monitor product expiration dates Trace defective items back to the specific batch they originated from Facilitate efficient product recalls when necessary Implementing a robust lot tracking system is essential for businesses dealing with perishable inventory to prevent faulty products from reaching the market. Now, the pressing question is whether QuickBooks offers features for tracking serial numbers and lot numbers. Can you track serial numbers in QuickBooks? You can manually enter QuickBooks serial numbers or SKUs after you've enabled inventory tracking by heading over to: First, head over to Get paid & pay and select Product & services Here you can find all your inventory and services and add SKUs to them by selecting Edit under the Action column This will open a tab where you can add an SKU to your items and services Unfortunately, there is no QuickBooks serial number generator to automatically create inventory serial numbers. When you need to assign a serial number, a practical approach is to utilize the batch number and creation date or leverage an SKU generator for consistency. Configuring your serial numbers for items in QuickBooks can significantly enhance your lot tracking capabilities. This enables you to generate valuable insights into your inventory, including identifying top-selling items, assessing current stock levels, and keeping track of outstanding orders. However, it's important to note that serial numbers must be added manually and primarily serve as references on invoices. Can you track lot numbers in QuickBooks? Tracking lot numbers is not a native feature in QuickBooks Online. To enable it, you would need to integrate a 3rd party inventory management system to achieve this functionality. QuickBooks Online's inventory management capabilities are more tailored to support drop shippers rather than manufacturers dealing with complex inventory types. For manufacturers with relatively small inventories and products that don't require intricate tracking, QuickBooks Online may...

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> QuickBooks bill of materials is tricky in the online version. Let's see how it all works and how 3rd party tools can optimize your business.

- Published: 2023-10-06
- Modified: 2024-06-19
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/quickbooks-bill-of-materials/
- Folders: GUIDES

QuickBooks bill of materials: The secret to making it work Let's jump headfirst into this topic with a hypothetical set in the pinnacle of popular culture — Hell's Kitchen. You have a fast-food background but are confident you can easily transition to a fancy restaurant's working conditions. Before you start, you study the dishes, but as soon as you're in the kitchen, Gordon Ramsay asks you for a risotto with scallops, which isn't on the menu, and you don't know how to make it. As a manufacturer using QuickBooks bill of materials (BOM), you need to know how and where you can save your product recipes. Maybe your QuickBooks BOM is saved in that entrepreneurial noggin of yours. But, if you don't have it written down and stored elsewhere, just like the hypothetically inexperienced chef, how can you expect to scale your business if new staff needs access to those all-important QuickBooks Online (QBO) bill of materials? This guide will overview what a bill of materials is, whether you can save a bill of materials in QuickBooks Online, and how you can get more control over your QuickBooks BOM. So, to avoid calling your teammates idiot sandwiches, as Gordon Ramsay does, when they're struggling with inventory assembly in QuickBooks Online, be sure to read all the way through. What is a bill of materials? A bill of materials (often referred to as a product recipe) is a document containing the materials and components used to make your products and the manufacturing process these products pass through. Much like a master chef needs the right ingredients for a culinary masterpiece, businesses require precise tools for successful operations. In the world of manufacturing and inventory management, QuickBooks Online is a trusted resource for financial tracking. Recall the last phenomenon of an IKEA purchase you made. Remember the instructions it came with (that you certainly read like a responsible consumer before blindly starting to construct your item)? That is basically a bill of materials. However, the absence of a native bill of materials support can leave businesses feeling like the heat of the kitchen is too much. A BOM comes in different forms depending on the complexity of the product: Modular Configurable Multi-level But we bet you already know this — you're here because you want to figure out how to configure your QuickBooks bill of materials, so let's get to it. Centralize your entire business with QuickBooks and Shopify Get a unified experience by integrating QuickBooks Online with Shopify. Learn how to optimize production with: Integrated Shopify manufacturing software Multiple Shopify stores management The best Shopify tools to take your business to the next level How does QuickBooks bill of materials work? Whether you can use QuickBooks bill of materials depends on what package you purchased: QuickBooks Desktop — Bill of materials is available, but still missing some features, with certain versions QuickBooks Online — Bill of materials is not available Most manufacturing businesses start off with QuickBooks Online. And why wouldn't they? QuickBooks Online...

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> Xero doesn't support barcodes for inventory, but you can get this feature with the help of a third-party app. Here's how and why you should.

- Published: 2023-09-27
- Modified: 2024-05-21
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/xero-barcode-inventory-system/
- Folders: GUIDES

Upgrade your workflows with a Xero barcode inventory system Xero is a fantastic platform for manufacturers looking for inventory management and accounting tools. Especially since manufacturers need to cover both areas, it seems logical to get set up with Xero to help you manage these tasks. However, if you're a scaling manufacturer, you're probably starting to see the limitations beginning to rear its head. Many manufacturers reaching this stage start to ask themselves this question, "Is there a good Xero barcode inventory system? " If you're in this position, you'll be glad to know that we answer this very question. This article looks into Xero barcodes, why they're important, how to implement them, and the best tools for the job. Introducing Xero barcode inventory management into your business First things first, barcodes are machine-readable visual bars alternating between black and white spaces of various widths translated into digestible data for the person scanning this barcode. In simpler terms, scanning a barcode will give you information like: Price of the items Inventory location, including the origin Supplier details Barcodes can contain more information, but that depends on what information you want to store and the type of barcode you use, as barcodes come in two different forms: 1-dimensional barcodes (1D) 2-dimensional barcodes (2D) The major difference between the two is the amount of data stored on them and how they function. The easiest way to remember the difference is to think of 2D barcodes like QR codes. If you want to read more about the functions and different types of barcodes, check out the Barcode inventory control article. Now we've got the basic principles of barcodes out of the way. We can look at introducing Xero inventory barcodes into your manufacturing process because, as you're probably already aware, Xero does not come with a barcode scanning feature. Many manufacturers who want to get started with a Xero barcode inventory system turn to a Xero inventory add-on to help implement them into their workflow. But are barcodes necessary for you? Well, that depends on how you intend to utilize them throughout your business. So, why exactly is it important to implement Xero inventory management with a barcode in your manufacturing? Why is it important to use barcodes in your business? Managing your inventory and monitoring equipment moving around your business can be quite challenging. Without Xero barcode software, orders can go unfulfilled, and items can quickly go missing or even stolen. Your business' growth will only exacerbate these problems, and before you know it, your profit margins have taken a hit due to the chaos of manual inventory and asset tracking. However, it doesn't all have to be a slog. Modernized barcode inventory software can help you vastly improve your inventory and asset management. Handling inventory with spreadsheets can lead to you and your employees inputting errors and damaging your business. On the other hand, a Xero barcode inventory system can significantly reduce those errors. According to one study, a computer has an...

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> Can you track raw materials in Xero? The short answer is no, but there is a solution. Click here to learn about the workarounds that enable you to do it.

- Published: 2023-09-19
- Modified: 2024-05-21
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/xero-raw-materials/
- Folders: GUIDES

Xero raw materials: How to track and manage If you use Xero for your accounting, you've probably wondered if you can use it to track raw materials. Managing raw material inventory is a critical aspect of various businesses, especially those involved in manufacturing or product-based industries. While Xero is a powerful accounting software known for its financial management capabilities, it does have limitations when it comes to detailed inventory management, particularly for raw materials. In this article, we'll explore these limitations, discuss workarounds for tracking raw materials in Xero, and highlight the importance of utilizing a third-party Xero inventory add-on. Can you track raw materials with Xero? The simple answer is no, you can't use Xero for tracking raw materials. Neither can you use it to track work-in-progress. You can only track the inventory that is bought and sold as a finished product. There are a few workarounds to track raw materials with Xero, but these will be ineffective if your business needs advanced inventory tracking for: High volumes of raw materials and items Following a make-to-order (MTO) workflow since you can't operate at a negative inventory with Xero Using bespoke manufacturing Monitoring the progress of your production Xero itself recommends using a specialized app if you need advanced inventory features. So, fixing these issues is as simple as typing "raw material inventory" into the Xero Appstore. Before we get to the limitations and workarounds, let's briefly go over tracking raw material in accounting software. Xero is a fabulous app built specifically to help you manage your business' bookkeeping. It also comes with basic inventory management features, though these have been catered more to retailers or drop shippers, so it's missing a lot of essential features for businesses with more advanced inventory needs, like manufacturers. Let's move on and see the more specific limitations you can run into when trying to use Xero for raw material tracking. What are the limitations of Xero raw materials tracking? As previously mentioned, there are workarounds to address the absence of features for recording raw material consumption in Xero. However, before delving into how you can partially utilize Xero for tracking raw materials, it's crucial to first understand its limitations. Xero's inventory management functionality primarily caters to businesses monitoring finished goods inventory. When it comes to tracking other products and raw materials within Xero, you can place them under Untracked Inventory. However, this approach comes with some limitations: You can't track the quantity of these items effectively You can't make updates to these items in your assets account Not only that, but manufacturers also need to be able to track their production processes and preserve crucial data about the products they make. It's not just the absence of Xero's support for raw materials, the platform also lacks a bill of materials (BOM). This feature is essential for storing the blueprints or specifications required for manufacturing your products. These blueprints play a vital role in calculating the manufacturing costs accurately. This brings us to another significant concern. In...

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> Discover workarounds for Xero bill of materials. Explore practical solutions to streamline production processes and optimize inventory. Learn more.

- Published: 2023-09-11
- Modified: 2024-05-21
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/xero-bill-of-materials/
- Folders: GUIDES

Xero bill of materials (BOM): Tips and tricks Bill of materials (BOM) is like a recipe for manufacturers. But can Xero, known for accounting, handle your BOMs? In this blog, we'll see if Xero can help you manage BOMs effectively, making your business smoother and smarter. Read on to explore how Xero's numbers expertise meets the world of production details. What is a bill of material? A bill of materials, often called just BOM or a product recipe, lists the raw materials, sub-assemblies, parts, components, and quantities each product will need during production. It serves as a detailed reference document that outlines the structure and composition of the final product. BOMs are commonly used in various industries, such as manufacturing, engineering, construction, electronics, and more, to facilitate the planning, procurement, and production processes. However, a BOM doesn’t stop there — it also details the operations (and the number of times) a product will need to go through routing manufacturing until it becomes a finished product. Getting your BOMs sorted is an essential element to running an efficient factory floor. This is why it’s important to know about them before you start looking into your bill of materials on Xero. When it comes to designing your Xero bill of materials, how in-depth you want to go is extremely limited (we’ll look into this in the next chapter), as the complexity of building some products consumes more resources than others. Take assemble to order products like a bicycle and a computer. A bicycle could be realistically built with only a few subassemblies and in a few steps. But a computer? You have the electronic bits, cases, and sensitive hardware. You’ll need to smolder, assemble, and follow many more steps and consume more materials before you’re finished. Not the most elegant example, but the point is a BOM for one product could be simple, while another BOM could be complex. Your product's BOM will fall under one of three types: Modular BOMs Configurable BOMs Multi-Level BOMs Does Xero have a bill of materials? There is no bill of materials on Xero, meaning there isn’t a module to save your bill of materials or BOMs onto Xero. But don’t go unsubscribing from Xero just yet, as there is hope. Even though it is true that you’re unable to save your Xero BOMs, it does have an impressive App Store allowing you to search for third-party Xero inventory add-ons that support Xero bill of materials. Alternatively, if you don’t wish to integrate a third-party solution for your BOMs, some workarounds can (technically) allow you to save and even track a basic Xero inventory bill of materials structure within the software. So, let's see what options there are. Bill of materials on Xero So, we've established that Xero doesn't have a BOM but that there are workarounds to saving your Xero bill of materials. For explanation, let's look at a Xero bill of materials solution for bike manufacturers. Xero inventory management boils down to two categories: Tracked inventory Untracked inventory Your tracked...

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> Product costing is the process of calculating the total expenses incurred in manufacturing a product, including direct materials, labor, and overheads.

- Published: 2023-08-10
- Modified: 2024-05-22
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/product-costing/
- Folders: GUIDES

Product costing methods for business success Have you ever opened your banking app and been struck with a wave of panic? Or found yourself staring at your phone screen in utter bewilderment, wondering where all your money went? These are all-too-common experiences that can be easily remedied with a well-implemented product costing system. While personal finance can be daunting, the stakes are even higher when it comes to running a successful business. Without a solid understanding of where your expenses are going, you risk losing money and valuable resources. That's why product costing is a vital component of any thriving business. This article delves into the intricacies of product costing to help you gain a deeper understanding of its importance. What is product costing? Product costing is the process of calculating the comprehensive expenses associated with creating or acquiring a product, including direct costs like raw materials and labor, as well as indirect costs such as overhead and administrative expenses. By meticulously accounting for all cost components, product costing provides a holistic understanding of the true production expenses, allowing companies to set appropriate prices that cover costs and generate a profit. Having precise and up-to-date product costing information empowers companies to make well-informed decisions about pricing strategies, production quantities, and resource allocation. With this valuable insight, businesses can determine the most cost-effective ways to produce goods, identify areas for cost reduction, and optimize their operations to drive profitability and competitiveness in the market. Additionally, product costing plays a crucial role in budgeting, financial forecasting, and assessing the financial viability of product lines or projects, giving businesses a comprehensive view of their financial health and aiding in long-term planning. Let's take a closer look at the importance of product costing and the benefits it brings. Importance of product costing Product costing plays a pivotal role in the success and financial health of any business, regardless of its size or industry. It serves as a critical tool that enables companies to make informed and strategic decisions that can directly impact profitability and overall business performance. Here are some key reasons why product costing is of paramount importance: Accurate pricing — Product costing allows businesses to determine the true cost of manufacturing or acquiring a product. With precise cost data, companies can set appropriate prices that cover production expenses and provide a reasonable profit margin. This prevents underpricing, which can lead to losses, or overpricing, which may deter potential customers. Cost control and efficiency — By analyzing the detailed costs involved in the production process, companies can identify areas of inefficiency and take measures to control expenses. Whether it's optimizing raw material usage, streamlining production processes, or reducing overhead costs, product costing provides insights that drive cost-saving initiatives and boost overall efficiency. Resource allocation — Understanding the cost breakdown of each product helps companies allocate their resources wisely. They can focus on high-margin products or those with strong market demand while phasing out less profitable ones. This strategic allocation ensures that resources are...

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> Cost of goods sold (COGS) refers to the direct expenses incurred by a business to produce or purchase the goods it sells during a specific period.

- Published: 2023-08-10
- Modified: 2024-05-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/cost-of-goods-sold/
- Folders: GUIDES

Complete guide to cost of good sold (COGS) In accounting and finance, few concepts hold as much significance for businesses as cost of goods sold (COGS). Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned business owner, or simply someone curious about the financial intricacies behind the products you purchase, understanding COGS is essential. This metric lies at the heart of every company's financial operations, shedding light on the direct costs of production, the efficiency of operations, and the foundation of profit calculations. COGS, often referred to as the cost of sales, provides a window into how much it truly costs a company to manufacture or acquire the goods it sells to its customers. From the raw materials used to create a product to the final packaging that reaches consumers, every step along the production chain contributes to the COGS equation. This blog delves deep into the world of COGS — exploring its definition, significance, calculation methods, and the pivotal role it plays in influencing pricing strategies, inventory management, and overall business decision-making. What is cost of goods sold? Cost of goods sold (COGS) is an essential accounting term that represents the direct costs incurred by a company to produce or purchase the goods it sells during a specific period. COGS is a significant component of a company's income statement, which helps determine the gross profit. COGS is a method of giving a real-world valuation to your inventory. It’s a must-know for proper inventory management. Your material and labor expenses could fluctuate from month to month. It pays to keep up with the price of getting your goods to market. COGS tells you how much you spend to turn your raw materials into sold products. It is useful in two main ways: It gives you important information about your business’ expenditure It is necessary to produce accurate tax statements In the US, scaling manufacturers are routinely subject to tax audits. The IRS makes sure they are reporting their income accurately. This means that COGS is serious business. Calculating cost of goods sold is vital to know your taxable income. Other metrics, like leftover stock, can also be taxable, so you need to be on top of everything. Additionally, the accurate calculation and reporting of COGS is necessary under generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). We'll get to how to calculate cost of goods sold, but first, let's go over the importance of COGS. Importance of COGS Cost of goods sold is one of the vital cogs in your business. It may be tempting to ignore or overlook it — this is not only bad practice but bad for your margins. We mentioned tax implications, but there are many more reasons why you need to know your COGS: Profit calculation — COGS is a critical component in calculating a company's gross profit. Gross profit is the difference between total revenue (sales) and COGS. It provides insight into how efficiently a company is producing goods and generating revenue from its core operations. Inventory management —...

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> Learn how to calculate the costs of goods manufactured, how to review them, and what this figure means for your business.

- Published: 2023-08-10
- Modified: 2024-05-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/cost-of-goods-manufactured/
- Folders: GUIDES

How to calculate the cost of goods manufactured Goods manufactured refer to products produced by a company or manufacturer through a series of processes, using raw materials, components, and labor, to create finished products for consumers or other businesses. The cost of goods manufactured (COGM) is an important metric, especially for manufacturing businesses, because it can affect profitability, which is the ultimate goal of any business. What is the cost of goods manufactured (COGM)? The cost of goods manufactured (COGM) refers to all the costs involved in producing a product, including direct labor, indirect labor, raw materials, and overhead costs. COGM is a useful accounting metric because it can be used to measure the performance of production and manufacturing costs with target costs. It determines the profit margin and other costs related to manufacturing or selling products, so knowing this number is crucial for any business owner or manager. How to calculate the cost of goods manufactured? Figuring out how to find the cost of goods manufactured, you'll want to break it down into three components: Direct material costs Direct labor costs Overhead costs Materials cost money when you buy them, so you know exactly how much is being used. Labor is easier because it's paid for regularly as salaries each month. Overhead costs can be harder to track because they may not be as directly related to the production process as materials or labor are. This can include examples such as: Utilities — Electricity used in running machines, insurance paid on machinery, freight charges incurred, etc. Factory and warehouse rent Depreciation of machines (or equipment) The cost of goods manufactured formula The cost of goods manufactured can easily be calculated with the following formula: COGM = Beginning inventory + Costs incurred during production — Ending inventory You add the value of raw materials and work-in-progress inventory at the start of the period to all the costs of making products during the period and subtract the value of inventory at the end of the period. The resulting answer is the cost of goods manufactured, which represents the total amount paid for direct materials and labor costs associated with manufacturing your products. This number can be used to compare actual and planned manufacturing costs. The COGM formula can be calculated manually or automatically using cloud manufacturing software like Katana. Why is understanding COGM important? As a manufacturer, your survival depends on profitability. Your profitability depends on identifying all sources of costs, and your inventory is the core part of your costs. You can stay on top of your costs by understanding, measuring, and tracking COGM. Without knowing COGM, it's almost impossible for a manufacturer to reduce manufacturing costs and improve profitability. Financial analysts and business managers use COGM to determine whether a company's products are profitable enough to continue selling or if they need to change elements of the supply chain to lower those costs. An example of calculating COGM To perform the COGM calculation, identify the three important calculation parts. Beginning inventory You...

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> Here are the 9 best accounting software for manufacturing you can use and integrate into your business workflow.

- Published: 2023-08-08
- Modified: 2024-05-22
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/best-accounting-software-for-manufacturing/
- Folders: GUIDES

The 9 best accounting software for manufacturing Managing QuickBooks Online manufacturing inventory can present challenges for growing businesses. One of the primary issues is the absence of a dedicated manufacturing module within QuickBooks. However, there are solutions available. QuickBooks Online is an excellent tool for organizing accounts and finances, but it does have limitations, particularly when it comes to inventory management and tracking raw materials. While resellers and drop shippers may find it relatively easy to monitor their goods, the process becomes more complex for scaling manufacturers. This is especially true for businesses seeking growth without the luxury of time to manually update inventory consistently. This blog post will explore the options for businesses using QuickBooks that need to track their raw material inventory. Which accounting software is best for a manufacturing business? Jumping straight into it, here are some key factors to consider when looking for the best accounting software for manufacturing. Inventory management Look for software that offers robust inventory management features, such as tracking inventory levels, managing purchase orders, creating bills of materials, and providing real-time visibility into inventory movements. Job costing Manufacturing businesses need to track the costs associated with producing individual products or batches. Find software that offers job costing features, like tracking direct and indirect costs, allocating overhead costs, and calculating profitability by job or product. Financial reporting Manufacturing businesses often have complex financial reporting requirements. Get software that offers robust financial reporting capabilities, such as generating custom reports and consolidating financial data from multiple entities if needed. Integration capabilities Consider the software's integration capabilities with other business systems, such as CRM, inventory management, or e-commerce platforms. Ease of use Find software that is intuitive and easy to use, with a user-friendly interface and clear navigation. The best accounting software for manufacturing should also have helpful customer support resources, such as a knowledge base or user community. Scalability Choose software that can scale with your business as it grows. Find software that offers features and functionality that will meet your needs now and in the future. Security and compliance Cloud-based accounting software should be secure and compliant with industry standards and regulations, such as SOC 2, HIPAA, or GDPR. The most important thing to consider — the location Cloud-based accounting software can be used in many countries worldwide, but there may be certain limitations depending on the software and the country. Some software may be designed specifically for certain regions or countries and unavailable elsewhere. Legal and regulatory compliance issues also need to be considered when using cloud-based accounting software. For example, some countries may have specific tax laws or regulations that must be followed, and the software may need to be configured to accommodate these requirements. Data privacy and security regulations may vary from country to country, so ensuring that the software provider has appropriate security measures to protect sensitive financial data is important. It is also important to work with a provider with experience working with businesses in your country or region to ensure the software is...

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> Job order costing is the process of calculating the cost to make each item. Learn all about it here and how to implement it in your business.

- Published: 2023-08-08
- Modified: 2024-05-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/job-order-costing/
- Folders: GUIDES

Job order costing done right Getting your costing and accounting right is important when you are in the customized manufacturing space. Since your jobs are unique and customized to specific customers, your invoices and costing also need to be done on a per-job basis. Job order costing allows you to do just that. In this article, we will look at how job order costing works and understand it in detail with the help of examples. So, let’s dive right in. What is job order costing? Job order costing method is used to determine the cost of manufacturing products. It is employed when your business manufactures bespoke products customized to specific customers instead of delivering standardized products. This implies that for every job order, you need to account for all the costs incurred for that specific order separately, ranging from direct raw materials and labor to overheads. For example, let’s assume that you are in the business of producing bespoke premium furniture. Every piece in your furniture inventory you produce is unique and custom-made for your customers. Since every job is unique, you have to cost each of your jobs separately. This is exactly what job order costing is. To make the idea clearer, Let's look at the opposite end of this spectrum by looking at IKEA and its furniture. IKEA produces standardized and identical furniture in huge quantities. Given the standardization and also IKEA’s make-to-stock workflow, the costing would likely have standard costs associated with each manufacturing process step. So, it doesn’t need to approach costing on a per-job basis, but instead, it can do its accounting with the process costing approach. Job order costing vs. process costing Job order costing is employed for custom or unique products and involves tracking costs for each individual job or project. Process costing, on the other hand, is used for standardized mass production, where costs are averaged over processes or departments. Job order costing: Unique products Relatively small quantities Every job is different Ex: Bespoke furniture shops, Cabinet makers, etc Process costing: Identical and standard products Generally large quantities Each product undergoes a specific set of processes Ex: IKEA, Coca-cola, etc. Cost accumulation in job order costing There are three main components that go into cost accumulation when you run your business with a job order costing method. As a running example, we will consider a lawyer’s firm placing an order for a large Partner’s desk made of Bocote wood with your business. Direct materials All the raw materials that are required to create the finished product are accounted for in this. For the Partner’s desk, all the Bocote wood, and the metal furnishings, such as handles and rails for the drawers, would be part of the direct raw materials. Direct Labor The direct effort to turn raw materials into finished products is accounted for under direct labor. This also includes the machining costs. For the desk, it would imply the amount of time and effort that your carpenters spend on skillfully turning...

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> Learn to tackle QuickBooks Online inventory limitations. Find a workaround to optimize your inventory and financial features effectively.

- Published: 2023-08-04
- Modified: 2024-05-21
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/quickbooks-online-inventory-limitations/
- Folders: GUIDES

Overcome QuickBooks Online inventory limitations QuickBooks Online is a widely popular cloud-based accounting software that enables businesses to manage their financials efficiently.    One of its significant features is inventory management, which offers tracking and monitoring of stock levels. However, some QuickBooks Online inventory limitations may cause doubt or hesitation in some businesses.   But rest assured, a workaround can enable you to optimize the financial and inventory features of QuickBooks Online, providing a seamless solution for your inventory management needs. Does QuickBooks Online allow inventory management? Yes, QuickBooks Online does offer inventory management functionality to its users. With QuickBooks Online's inventory management, users can create and manage items, record inventory quantities, and even set up reorder points for automatic inventory restocking. Inventory management is particularly helpful for businesses that deal with physical goods and need to track their stock levels accurately. It provides businesses with a comprehensive overview of their inventory, ensuring they can optimize their stock levels and avoid stockouts. What is the inventory limit on QuickBooks Online? While it does offer inventory management, it's essential also to be aware of QuickBooks Online inventory limitations. As of today, the inventory management feature in QuickBooks Online is only available in the higher-tiered plans. The Simple Start and Essentials plans do not support inventory tracking, leaving this functionality exclusive to the Plus and Advanced plans. In terms of quantity limits, you'll be happy to learn that QuickBooks Online offers limitless inventory items, including products and services. What can't QuickBooks Online do with inventory? Despite its inventory management capabilities, there are certain aspects that QuickBooks Online cannot handle. It's essential to be aware of the limitations of QuickBooks Online to make informed decisions about using the software for your inventory management needs. Serial number and batch tracking QuickBooks Online offers only the basics of serial number and batch tracking features, requiring you to choose one or the other. This can be a drawback for businesses that deal with serialized or batch-tracked inventory. Such companies may need to look for third-party integrations or consider more specialized inventory management software for serial number tracking. Multiple locations While QuickBooks Online allows tracking financial data across all your facilities, it does not support handling inventory in multiple locations. This limitation can be challenging for businesses with multiple warehouses or stores, as they might need a more sophisticated system to effectively manage stock across different areas. Advanced inventory features QuickBooks Online's inventory management is relatively basic compared to other dedicated inventory management systems. It lacks advanced features such as bin locations or automated inventory optimization. Businesses with complex inventory needs might find these QuickBooks Online limitations restrictive. Real-time inventory updates QuickBooks Online may not update inventory quantities in real-time, especially in cases where multiple users access the system simultaneously. Delayed updates can lead to confusion and discrepancies in managing stock levels. No multiple UOM (Units of Measure) QuickBooks Online does not support multiple units of measure for inventory items. This can limit businesses that need to...

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> Discover the power of QuickBooks manufacturing. Optimize your inventory, finances, and efficiency. Learn more and find the best tools for you.

- Published: 2023-08-02
- Modified: 2024-06-19
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/quickbooks-manufacturing/
- Folders: GUIDES

How to use QuickBooks Online for manufacturing Looking for a way to manage QuickBooks for manufacturing? To find a way to effortlessly track raw material inventory and spare parts throughout the process to finished goods?   You came to the right place. This article will help you optimize your QuickBooks for manufacturing.   As a clarification, today we will cover the features of QuickBooks Online, as Intuit has discontinued QuickBooks Desktop as of May 31st, 2023.   What is QuickBooks Online? QuickBooks Online is a powerful cloud-based accounting and financial management software. It serves as a foundational tool for businesses to manage their financial transactions, invoices, and expenses efficiently. Although QuickBooks is primarily known for its accounting capabilities, it can also play a significant role in manufacturing. It has become an essential companion for manufacturers looking to achieve financial clarity while producing goods. QuickBooks helps manufacturers track income and expenses related to production, including the costs of raw materials, labor, and overhead. This gives businesses a clear view of their manufacturing costs, profit margins, and overall financial health. Moreover, QuickBooks offers basic inventory management features that allow manufacturers to keep track of inventory levels, sales, and purchases. This visibility is crucial for maintaining an optimal stock level, ensuring that production processes run smoothly without running out of essential materials or dealing with excessive overstocking. Why QuickBooks? QuickBooks is the preferred choice for many businesses, and it has established itself as a leading accounting and financial management software. There are many reasons why to use QuickBooks, such as: User-friendly interface — QuickBooks is known for its simple interface, making it convenient also for users without extensive accounting knowledge. Its intuitive design allows for navigating and performing tasks, saving time and reducing the learning curve. Versatility — QuickBooks caters to a wide range of businesses, from small startups to large enterprises. It offers various versions tailored to different industries and business sizes, ensuring that each user finds a suitable fit for their specific needs. Comprehensive features — QuickBooks provides a comprehensive set of features for accounting, invoicing, inventory management, payroll processing, and more. It serves as an all-in-one solution, eliminating the need for multiple financial tools and simplifying bookkeeping. Accessibility — QuickBooks Online enables users to access their data from anywhere around the world with an internet connection. This increases mobility and allows for real-time collaboration and better remote work possibilities. Cost-effectiveness — QuickBooks offers different pricing plans, including affordable options for small businesses, making it accessible to a wide range of budgets. The value it provides in terms of time and resource savings often outweighs the cost. QuickBooks and inventory management QuickBooks is also equipped with inventory management features that allow businesses to track and manage their inventory efficiently. Whether you're a retailer, wholesaler, or manufacturer, QuickBooks provides tools to help you maintain accurate inventory records and make informed decisions regarding your stock. Here's an overview of the inventory capabilities QuickBooks offers. Inventory tracking QuickBooks allows you to create a list...

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> Discover the best techniques for inventory accounting. Streamline your processes, optimize stock levels, and ensure accurate financial data.

- Published: 2023-07-07
- Modified: 2024-05-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/inventory-accounting/
- Folders: GUIDES

Inventory accounting: A guide to an efficient warehouse Welcome to inventory accounting, where the art of balancing numbers meets the intricate network of warehouses and stockpiles. Picture a maze of towering shelves, filled to the brim with products waiting to be accounted for. Prepare to unravel the secrets of inventory management while we guide you through the twists and turns of this complex world. Sharpen your accounting skills and equip yourself with the tools needed to conquer this labyrinth as we illuminate the path to accurate inventory records, optimized stock levels, and financial success. What is inventory accounting? Inventory accounting means tracking and valuing a company's inventory, consisting of goods held for sale, raw materials used in production, and work-in-progress items. It involves recording, monitoring, and reporting the quantity, cost, and value of inventory items held by a business at any given time. Accounting for inventory has a few main objectives. Valuation Determining the monetary value of inventory on hand is essential for accurate financial reporting. This involves assigning costs to products, including purchase and production costs as well as any additional expenses incurred by bringing the inventory to its present condition and location. Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) Calculating COGS is crucial for determining the profitability of a company. Inventory bookkeeping helps determine the cost of inventory sold during a specific period by subtracting the value of ending inventory from the sum of beginning inventory and purchases or production costs. Financial statements Inventory accounting provides the necessary information to prepare financial documents, such as income statements and balance sheets. Balance sheets show how much the inventory is worth as an asset, while the income statement includes COGS, affecting your company's profitability. Decision-making Proper inventory accounting allows management to make informed decisions regarding stock levels, purchasing, pricing, and production. Having accurate and up-to-date information on inventory quantities and values helps companies optimize their inventory management and costs. Download a free manufacturing inventory Excel template Not ready for cloud inventory software? Download a manufacturing inventory Excel and manage your stock in one powerful spreadsheet. Download a free template How to do inventory accounting? Accounting for inventory is done by tracking and recording the flow of goods in and out of a company. Here's a general overview of the process: Establish an inventory system — Implement a system to track and record inventory transactions. This can be a manual system using spreadsheets or live inventory management software. Determine inventory categories — Categorize inventory based on its nature, such as finished goods, raw materials, or work-in-progress. This helps in organizing and analyzing inventory data effectively. Set valuation method — Select a suitable valuation method for your inventory. Common methods include First-In, First-Out (FIFO), Last-In, First-Out (LIFO), or Weighted Average Cost (WAC). The chosen method should be consistently applied for accuracy and comparability. Record purchases — When buying inventory, record the transaction by debiting the inventory account and crediting either the accounts payable or a cash account, depending on how you made the payment....

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> Optimize QuickBooks raw material inventory management. Streamline processes, overcome limitations, and improve efficiency. Learn more here.

- Published: 2023-07-06
- Modified: 2024-05-21
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/quickbooks-raw-material-inventory/
- Folders: GUIDES

How to solve your QuickBooks raw materials inventory woes Managing QuickBooks Online manufacturing inventory can present challenges for growing businesses. One of the primary issues is the absence of a dedicated manufacturing module within QuickBooks. However, there are solutions available. QuickBooks Online is an excellent tool for organizing accounts and finances, but it does have limitations, particularly when it comes to inventory management and tracking raw materials. While resellers and drop shippers may find it relatively easy to monitor their goods, the process becomes more complex for scaling manufacturers. This is especially true for businesses seeking growth without the luxury of time to manually update inventory consistently. This blog post will explore the options for businesses using QuickBooks that need to track their raw material inventory. How to track QuickBooks Online manufacturing inventory It's important to understand that QuickBooks Online isn't a specialized inventory management tool. While you can track finished products as inventory items, managing raw material inventory in QuickBooks Online is a different story. The QuickBooks Online Plus version offers an inventory management module that allows you to categorize your stock into Inventory and Non-inventory items. This allows you to classify raw materials as Non-inventory items, making it easier to differentiate. However, it's crucial to note that QuickBooks Online is primarily designed to track raw materials only as an expense for calculating the cost of goods sold. It doesn't consider the manufacturing costs associated with production. For instance, let's say you use textiles for manufacturing T-shirts and picnic blankets. QuickBooks tracks the expenses of the raw material used, but it won't account for the value variations in each operation or the additional resources required for producing the picnic blanket with its longer lead time. To manage raw material inventory in QuickBooks Online, you have to manually adjust the Non-inventory items whenever you use them in production. This manual process is inefficient and time-consuming, especially for manufacturers who rely on constantly depleting materials to create finished products. Fortunately, there is a workaround for this limitation, which we'll explore later. The second issue lies in the absence of a bill of materials (BOM) feature. Creating a list of materials or sub-assemblies for finished products without this feature becomes cumbersome. Tracking the availability of specific materials for different products also gets challenging, as each product may require varying materials and quantities. The lack of a bill of materials and material availability tracking increases the risk of errors in production and purchasing. QuickBooks Online just hasn't been designed to effectively track the manufacturing process and associated costs of your raw materials inventory. Before we look into solutions, let's see how to input inventory into QuickBooks Online. How to enter inventory in QuickBooks Online? https://www. youtube. com/watch? v=xAtj8u3Dvr0 To enter inventory into QuickBooks Online, navigate to Products and Services and click New. From there, you can choose an Inventory Item to open a new window for the item you wish to enter into QuickBooks. Fill out the product name and all the other...

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> A costing method is a technique used to determine production expenses, helping businesses accurately calculate the total cost per unit. Learn more.

- Published: 2023-07-04
- Modified: 2024-05-16
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/costing-methods/
- Folders: GUIDES

Costing methods and the importance of choosing the correct one Setting the right price for a product is vital for any manufacturer. Price your item too high, and you could drive potential customers straight to your competitors. But price the item too low, and your accountant may experience heart palpitations whenever they look at the balance sheet. By applying the appropriate costing method for your business, you can strike a balance between delivering the best value for your customers and ensuring financial stability, saving your accountant from stress-related trips to the doctor. This blog post will explore different costing methods and their implications, empowering you to make informed decisions that optimize your pricing strategy and boost your bottom line. So, let's dive in and discover the right costing method to help your business thrive. What is a costing method? A costing method refers to the approach or technique used by businesses to determine the costs associated with producing a product or providing a service. It involves analyzing various cost elements such as raw materials, labor, overhead expenses, and other factors to accurately calculate the total cost per unit or service. Different costing methods exist, and each has its own advantages and applicability depending on the nature of the business. Correct terminology Sometimes people use the term costing methods when talking about the value of remaining inventory. However, that’s not entirely correct. The right term to use when talking about inventory is inventory valuation methods In this article, we’ll focus on the accounting method used to determine the cost of a product. Choosing the right costing method is crucial as it impacts pricing decisions, profit margins, and financial performance. By selecting the most appropriate method for their business, companies can achieve optimal cost control and make informed pricing strategies. Before we jump to specific costing methods, let's go over some hidden costs businesses need to be aware of. Indirect costs When discussing production costs, it's easy to focus solely on direct costs like raw materials and labor. However, overlooking indirect costs can lead to inaccurate pricing. Businesses, especially those starting out, often forget to consider these hidden expenses when determining product prices. Indirect costs encompass all the necessary expenses to keep your business running smoothly, even if they are not directly tied to the production process. Examples of indirect costs include: Rent or mortgage payments for your facilities Utilities such as electricity, water, and gas Equipment maintenance and repairs Administrative expenses like accounting and HR Marketing and advertising costs Factoring in indirect expenses provides a more comprehensive understanding of your production costs. However, this calculation can be time-consuming and complex. It's important to weigh the benefits of precision against the costs associated with investing significant time and resources in this exercise. For instance, consider a scenario where one costing method is 7% more accurate but would require three times longer to complete by your cost accountants. In such cases, it becomes crucial to assess whether the increased accuracy justifies the investment...

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> Manufacturing accounting tracks, analyzes, and manages production costs, inventory, and operational performance in the manufacturing industry.

- Published: 2023-06-29
- Modified: 2025-04-09
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/manufacturing-accounting/
- Folders: GUIDES

Manufacturing accounting: A unique approach for a unique sector As a manufacturing business, you understand the crucial link between a seamless production line and achieving lasting success. The efficient flow of operations, from raw materials to finished products, is vital to meet customer demands and maintain a competitive edge in the industry. However, the significance of maintaining a firm grip on your financial affairs should not be underestimated. Effective cost management lies at the core of the manufacturing sector's financial stability and long-term profitability. By implementing sound strategies and prudent practices, you can optimize financial performance, enhance decision-making processes, and safeguard your business against potential risks. This blog post will explore a range of indispensable tips and proven strategies specifically tailored to the unique challenges of accounting in manufacturing. Whether you possess years of experience in the field or are just beginning to navigate its complexities, these insights will help you ensure your financial operations run smoothly. Download the ultimate guide to manufacturing accounting A comprehensive ebook with everything you need to know about accounting for manufacturers. Get the guide What is manufacturing accounting? Manufacturing accounting refers to the specialized branch of cost accounting that focuses on the financial management and control of manufacturing operations within a business. It involves the application of accounting principles and practices to accurately track, analyze, and report the financial aspects of the manufacturing process. In manufacturing accounting, various financial aspects are addressed, including the cost of raw materials, labor, overhead expenses, and inventory valuation. The primary objective is to provide insights into the financial performance and profitability of manufacturing activities, enabling informed decision-making and effective cost management. Manufacturing accountants are responsible for tasks such as recording production costs, calculating product costs, analyzing variances between expected and actual costs, and providing financial reports tailored to the manufacturing sector. They play a critical role in helping businesses understand the true costs of their products, identifying areas for cost optimization, and ensuring compliance with accounting standards and regulations specific to the manufacturing industry. By implementing robust manufacturing accounting practices, businesses can gain a comprehensive understanding of their financial performance, make informed decisions to improve efficiency and profitability, and maintain financial transparency throughout the manufacturing process. What type of accounting is used in manufacturing? In manufacturing, a distinct form of accounting is employed to meet the specific demands of this industry. Manufacturing accounting entails a dedicated set of requirements, necessitating specialized software and processes to effectively monitor and record production costs associated with each product. To ensure accuracy and precision, a tailored approach is crucial. This is typically achieved by implementing a double-entry system, which diligently tracks all financial transactions and safeguards against errors or discrepancies. Within manufacturing accounting, particular emphasis is placed on meticulously tracking and allocating expenditures related to labor, overhead, and other associated costs. By doing so, businesses gain a comprehensive understanding of the financial performance of their manufacturing processes, enabling effective decision-making and proactive cost management. By employing this tailored approach to manufacturing accounting,...

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> Learn about different inventory costing methods and discover which factors to consider when choosing the best match for your business.

- Published: 2023-06-29
- Modified: 2024-05-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/inventory-costing/
- Folders: GUIDES

Inventory costing: How to choose the right method Inventory costing may sound like a dry and serious topic, so we've decided to make it juicy and fun with a cup of lemonade, using that as an example to help explain the concept of inventory costing. Imagine being a kid and running a lemonade stand. You've got a pitcher of lemonade, a stack of cups, and a big bag of lemons. You know that the lemons and cups cost money, and you want to ensure you're charging enough for each cup of lemonade to cover the costs while also making a profit. But how do you figure out how much each cup costs to make? That's where inventory costing comes in. What is inventory costing? Inventory costing is an accounting process that helps businesses determine the value of their inventory. It involves calculating the cost of each item in a company's stock, including raw materials, labor, and other expenses related to inventory management, including production, purchasing, and carrying costs. Inventory costs can also include shipping and handling fees, storage costs such as rent or utilities for warehouse space, insurance, taxes, and any other expenses incurred to get the inventory ready for sale. This information is then used to determine the total value of a company's inventory, which is essential for accurate financial reporting, tax purposes, and decision-making. Inventory costing is a common way to calculate the overall success of a supply chain, determining whether the current processes are working as smoothly and efficiently as expected. What's the difference between cost of goods sold vs. inventory costs? Cost of goods sold and inventory costs are two important accounting terms that relate to the expenses involved in producing and selling goods. Here's a brief explanation of the difference between these two costs. Cost of goods sold (COGS) COGS is an important metric for businesses, as it helps them determine their gross profit margin. COGS refers to the direct costs associated with producing or purchasing goods that a company sells during a specific time. These include the cost of materials, labor, and other related manufacturing costs. COGS is calculated using a simple formula, adding the cost of the inventory you had at the beginning of the period to the total price of the merchandise you purchased during this time, then subtracting the cost of products you have left at the end of the period. COGS = start inventory + purchases during the period – ending inventory Example of COGS calculation Suppose you own a store that sells T-shirts and need to calculate a month's COGS. At the beginning of the month, you had 100 shirts in your inventory that you bought for $10 each, making a total of $1000 start inventory. During the month, you purchased 200 more for $12 a piece, bringing your purchases to $2,400. At the end of the month, you have 50 left in your inventory, which means $600 worth of T-shirts. Using the COGS formula, you can calculate the...

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> Track and control your manufacturing budget by mastering process costing. Understand your business expenses and find new cost-saving ways.

- Published: 2023-06-29
- Modified: 2024-05-16
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/process-costing/
- Folders: GUIDES

Process costing and process costing accounting Running a successful manufacturing business can sometimes feel like a juggling act at the circus. Making sure not to drop any balls can eventually become overwhelming and exhausting. Luckily, there are methods and tricks that can make the balancing seem effortless, allowing you to bask in the applause. Enter process costing — a method that helps manage manufacturing expenses, optimize costs, and gain a competitive edge. In this article, we will explore the world of process costing, what it is, and how it can benefit your business. So, grab your calculator, and let's get processing. What is process costing? Process costing is a way for businesses to figure out the overall cost of manufacturing in large quantities. It involves looking at how much money is spent on things like materials, workers, and machines during the production process. By using process costing, companies can calculate the average cost per unit, make smart pricing choices, and improve their operations to make more money. Imagine an electronics company that manufactures televisions. They produce thousands of TVs that are almost identical. In such cases, process costing is crucial for determining the cost per unit or at least putting them in the same price class. Since the products are so alike, the cost to make each item tends to be very close. Process costing helps these companies calculate the average cost of putting together one TV by analyzing the expenses incurred throughout the production process. They consider costs associated with each step of production, such as: Materials Labor Machinery and equipment Overhead expenses Process costing helps ensure that the price per unit remains consistent or falls within the same price range for products of similar nature. With this information, companies can make informed decisions about pricing their products, setting competitive rates, and determining profit margins. Process costing provides valuable insights into the costs of producing similar products on a large scale. It helps companies optimize their operations, improve efficiency, and maintain a competitive edge in the market. What is process costing in cost accounting? In cost accounting, process costing is a method used to determine the cost of producing goods or services in a continuous manufacturing environment. The total expenses incurred during a particular production process or within a department are allocated to the units produced within that process. Instead of assigning costs to individual units, process costing focuses on spreading the costs evenly across all units manufactured within a specific time period. The process starts by dividing the production process into distinct stages or departments. Each department has its own costs, such as materials, labor, and manufacturing overhead. These costs are summed up for a given period, typically a month, to determine the total cost incurred by each department. The sum for each department is then divided by the total number of units produced within that department during the period. This calculation yields the average cost per unit (CPU). It is important to note that process costing assumes...

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> WIP manufacturing looks at critical costs you incur during production. Learn how to calculate these costs and reduce them down to size.

- Published: 2023-06-29
- Modified: 2024-05-16
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/wip-manufacturing/
- Folders: GUIDES

WIP manufacturing: Calculation and cost reduction Many modern manufacturers have found themselves stuck trying to figure out their WIP manufacturing costs.    Thankfully, there is a formula, and once you have a grasp, it’s going to be easy sailing from there on in. They say it’s the journey that counts, not the destination. And though you might disagree, there can be no doubt that finding the best route is as vital to your success as getting to the destination itself.   In lean manufacturing, that often means zoning in on your WIP manufacturing, aka Work-in-Progress manufacturing.    WIP manufacturing is made up of all the materials, overheads, and labor costs involved in products that are still in the process of production. By analyzing these details, you can lay out a roadmap that allows your manufacturing to become far more efficient while also reducing the costs involved with it. It might sound like a tedious job to take on, but the reality is that improving your WIP manufacturing is going to give you space to grow your business at a greater rate.   Once your processes are in place, it will become second nature to start taking elements like your inventory management of raw materials seriously.   The question is, what is WIP in manufacturing?   WIP manufacturing definition When we look at WIP in manufacturing, we are essentially taking inventory of products that are still in the process of being made. So, as soon as a raw material is starting to be molded into an assembly item through labor, we can calculate it as WIP. Essentially, we’re looking at the all-important middle ground between material purchasing and landing with finished products. For example, if you are a maker of good old-fashioned bicycles, you will start by making the saddles, brakes, wheels, frames, handlebars, and gear shifts long before you have the finished product. Now the costs of all these items, the labor that goes into them, and the manufacturing overheads involved add up to your current inventory assets on your balance sheet. Later they are transferred to your finished goods account and then to your cost of goods sold. But until they do, they are an area of cost that should be isolated from your finished products. There is a great benefit to doing this, as you will find that a lot of your production bottlenecks and areas for improvement come in WIP manufacturing. Problems can occur when certain materials are more prone to breaking, for example, or when you simply don’t have a process in place for purchasing materials. We’ll get to the solutions to these problems later. But first, let’s look at how we can calculate our WIP manufacturing costs. 3 elements of manufacturing WIP There are a few aspects to keep in mind when calculating and analyzing your WIP manufacturing. The three elements or components of WIP manufacturing are: 1. Raw Materials Raw materials are the basic supplies or substances used to manufacture a product. These materials...

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> Serial number tracking software helps organize your inventory, keep track of products, streamline processes, and reduce errors. Try it today!

- Published: 2023-05-18
- Modified: 2024-05-21
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/serial-number-tracking/
- Folders: SEO PAGES

Optimize your inventory management with serial number tracking Managing inventory without serial numbers is like looking for treasure without a map. Serial number tracking gives you a clear and organized system for tracking and tracing stock — helping you eliminate bottlenecks, maintain accurate records, and meet quality standards. Get a demo Unlock the full potential of your inventory Manual inventory checks work best when there's only a few items to track. As inventory volumes increase, so do the errors — and the need for automation becomes more apparent with each new order. You can streamline stock operations and automate processes across the supply chain with serial number tracking software to trace and count inventory for you. Track your stock Attach serial numbers to your inventory and monitor items from production to sales. Start using a serial tracker and gain better visibility into your stock levels, improve supply chain management, and enhance customer service. Katana can help you with: Improving inventory accuracy — Make data-driven decisions about when to order more products, which products to prioritize, and which to stop selling Better supply chain management — Identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies, improve communication with suppliers and customers, and ensure timely delivery of products Enhancing customer service — Identify individual products and track their historical movements faster, resolve issues easier and provide high-quality customer service End-to-end traceability Katana's serial number tracker software helps businesses achieve end-to-end traceability and improve inventory operations, such as quality control, waste management, and overall productivity. Katana provides you with the tools to: Improve quality control — Track individual products throughout the entire production process to identify quality issues and improve overall product quality Reduce waste — Ensure that you have the right amount of products on hand at all times to reduce waste and minimize the risk of stockouts and overstocking Enhance operational efficiency — Optimize your operations and improve overall efficiency to reduce lead times, improve cycle time, and improve customer satisfaction Integrate other tools Katana has partnered up with other platforms to offer an all-in-one manufacturing experience. From accounting to sales to delivery — build a custom workspace to meet the needs of your business. Katana offers integrations to take care of: Accounting — Get on top of your bookkeeping with tools like QuickBooks Online and Xero E-commerce — Automate your sales flows with WooCommerce, BigCommerce, and Shopify And even more tools — Create your own integrations using Katana's open API Streamline your manufacturing with integrations Build a workspace that fulfills all the needs of your business Aside from serial number tracking and inventory management, there are more business responsibilities that need your attention. That is why Katana offers integrations with several platforms to simplify your operations and cover all angles of your manufacturing. From accounting to sales, shipping to automation — Katana has you covered. If you're already using tools that you want to keep benefiting from, you can integrate them into your workflow using Katana's open API. See all integrations Katana provides us with...

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> Inventory optimization software helps companies keep inventory levels just right while avoiding stockouts and overstocking. Learn all about it here.

- Published: 2023-05-04
- Modified: 2024-05-31
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/inventory-optimization-software/
- Folders: SEO PAGES

Scale your business with inventory optimization software Streamlining your inventory management processes is easy with the proper inventory optimization solution. Keep track of all moving parts, including purchases, sales, and inventory while maintaining ideal stock levels and growing your business. Get a demo Optimized inventory for improved bottom line Inflated carrying costs due to slow-moving excess inventory are one of the largest monetary waste businesses have to deal with. At the other end of the scale, stockouts make you lose out on sales and erode trust in your company. Inventory optimization software ensures optimal inventory levels for minimal waste and maximum profits. Balancing your inventory and associated costs Inventory optimization solutions help businesses balance their stock levels and associated costs by analyzing demand, lead times, and carrying costs to determine the most optimal inventory levels. Katana's inventory optimization software helps you with: Setting reorder points for low stock thresholds so you never run out of popular items End-to-end stock management for managing product variations/SKUs and materials in a single platform  Avoiding stockouts while minimizing inventory carrying costs Optimizing workflows throughout your business Stock optimization software helps streamline workflows throughout your business by improving inventory management, reducing waste, and increasing efficiency. Katana's stock optimization software gives you the tools to: Quickly receive and count stock using barcode scanners Effortlessly manage inventory across all your locations and sales channels Make data-driven decisions with valuable insights into inventory levels, usage, and demand patterns Integrate your favorite business tools for centralized management If you’re already set up with tools to manage your business that you don’t want to part ways with, then no worries. Katana easily integrates with the best tools on the market to give you the smoothest manufacturing process. Katana's inventory optimization software lets users: Integrate online sales platforms such as Shopify, WooCommerce, and BigCommerce Integrate accounting tools such as QuickBooks Online and Xero Create customized workflows with Katana’s open API Integrating Katana with the tools you need and love Connect Katana with native integrations or create your own workflows via API Choose from a range of e-commerce, accounting, CRM, reporting, and automation integrations to streamline inventory management and optimize your entire business. Take a gander at Katana’s growing list of integrations to learn more. Katana provides us with all the features for manufacturing order management and can track inventory usage and incorporate our sales order tracking into Katana. ” Mikhail MooreChief Executive Office (CEO) at Vitacore Industries It’s great to be able to see where inventory faults happen and being able to fulfill orders and where the turnaround happens. " Alaina OehrleinProduction Lead at Essence One Katana accurately keeps stock of assemblies and ingredients so that I can plan production and get instant feedback on whether we enough resources in stock. " Kelly CostelloChief Executive Officer (CEO) at Puppy Cake We also wanted an accurate inventory system for batch planning, warehousing, and sales. Katana fulfills all our needs in a simple, easy way, unlike other inventory solutions. " Irah VetFounder and Production...

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> Ensure your business is running optimally by using manufacturing KPIs. Here's a list of common KPIs manufacturers use to track performance.

- Published: 2023-03-07
- Modified: 2024-05-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/manufacturing-kpis/
- Folders: GUIDES

24 practical manufacturing KPIs for time-starved production managers When you look closer, working in any manufacturing industry can resemble a relay race. Ultimate speed in every leg of the race, battling against quick rivals, and aligning your team towards a unified goal is both challenging and rewarding. As a production manager, your job is similar to the head coach of the relay team, but with smart manufacturers instead of sprinters. Like a head coach, you need to track your team's performance — this is where manufacturing KPIs can help. In this article you will find a longer list of key performance indicators (KPIs) to help you find or save your most valuable resources. Here you'll find 24 quality KPIs in manufacturing that you can consider implementing. Manufacturing KPIs — the good, bad, and the ugly Speed, efficiency, and the ability to assess situations from all angles are critical. Sometimes you have the time to take a deep dive into your data to spot opportunities and areas of improvement, yet there are so many responsibilities on the daily plate and so few hours to spare.   Before browsing through the KPIs listed below, let’s set the record straight about manufacturing KPIs.   Manufacturing KPIs are not magical spells that your competitors haven’t heard of. They are popular and easy-to-find tools. Many use them to monitor and optimize production processes. Each manufacturing company and its respective product manager(s) has its own set of tools.   As the company grows, the production manager can feel an imminent urge to add more KPIs for manufacturing. Primarily tracking your manufacturing cost per unit, throughput, and cycle times can feel too simplistic. But in reality, more KPIs aren’t always the right approach. You don’t necessarily have to multiply the number of trackable manufacturing KPIs when your company grows.   Another ugly truth is that manufacturing analytics often rely on data from clunky spreadsheets and charts prone to human error. Manufacturing management software that presents data that is also accurate can be helpful, especially if it integrates with different programs that suit your specific manufacturing needs. The most important Manufacturing KPIs As already stated, some, if not most, KPIs might not be necessary to implement. However, for manufacturing professionals, these are considered the most important ones to use along your production lines. 1. Cycle times Experienced managers who work for manufacturing industries define cycle times as the average time spent on producing products. One of the great manufacturing KPI examples is the automobile industry. A Toyota car's cycle time is about 18 hours, while a handmade Rolls-Royce car's cycle time is about 4,320 hours (or six months). However, the term has more layers to it. In the car manufacturing industry, cycle times are also used to measure the time it takes to produce a finished vehicle's gearbox or driver's seat. This KPI for production managers uses this metric to measure the time it takes for the car to reach the dealership. In short, cycle times are a good indicator of how quick your manufacturing...

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> Material tracking software for manufacturing to automate workflows and optimize operations. Try Katana for free here.

- Published: 2023-03-07
- Modified: 2024-05-20
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/material-tracking-software/
- Folders: SEO PAGES

Use material tracking software to allocate materials automatically Stop guessing and start anticipating what is happening in your supply chain and manufacturing pipeline. Katana provides you with a complete overview of the locations and movements of your raw material inventory. Get a demo Get the correct inventory levels at all your locations Having too much or too little materials at the different stages of production can be detrimental to your output and efficiency. With the help of a materials tracking system, you or your manufacturing supervisors gain a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of the stock of materials at different locations in your business. Uncover inefficiencies in your manufacturing pipeline Setting sensible and balanced production quotas and expectations for your operators is a tricky endeavor. Having an objective set of metrics is necessary to determine if new arrivals have settled in or if you want to commend your best workers. Your workers’ performance depends on many variables, so you need to see the full picture before making any conclusions. With Katana’s materials tracking across time, you can benchmark performance by comparing data across shifts. By having an eye on the whole production flow, you can determine if a delay is due to specific individuals or is caused by something out of their control. With Katana, you can: Get real-time updates on the progress of manufacturing  Track actual completion times against planned completion times Reprioritize open orders and get items reallocated automatically Eliminate bottlenecks and inefficiencies by tracking materials An unwelcome anomaly might be something simple to fix. However, systemic problems, such as operator shifts being too demanding, may be much harder to recognize. Location time and material tracker provide the necessary means in either scenario. Katana will help you anticipate hiccups by giving you visibility over the movement of materials and empowering you to record and analyze production history so you can identify trends and patterns in the long term. With Katana, you can: Determine the necessary amount of materials for manufacturing orders (MO) and correspondingly check their availability Have operators report the actual quantity of materials consumed for a task Automatically see updated material levels after items are allocated to an MO  Create a digital audit trail to settle any blunders quickly We all make mistakes — mostly innocent. Tracking a faulty batch of materials or finding lost items can be very problematic and takes up valuable time that could be otherwise spent producing goods. Whatever the root cause, having a digital audit trail in the way of materials tracking logs means you can spend less time speculating and more time locating items. With Katana, you can: Assign batch numbers to a set of materials Track the movement and usage of batches across all locations, even if a batch is separated Keep and access the history of batch usage and movement Integrate Katana's material tracker with other tools and software Unite the services you love with an integrated material tracking software Choose from various e-commerce, accounting, CRM, reporting, and automation...

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> 5 simple steps you can follow to learn and master how to manufacture a product. From development all the way to launch.

- Published: 2023-03-06
- Modified: 2024-05-16
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/how-to-start-manufacturing-a-product/
- Folders: GUIDES

How to manufacture a product: 5 simple steps Ever get to the end of the aisle and think, "I wish there were a way to ______. " For most people, those ideas come and go without another thought. But for some, those bit by the entrepreneurial bug become an obsession. They see a problem, think of the solution, and can't sleep without making it a reality. Are you one of those people? If you have brilliant business ideas, are interested in building a better mousetrap, or have already started doing the market research required to bring your product to life — congratulations!  You are about to embark on an amazing journey. But where do you start your business? How do you take that first step from idea to mass production? How do you get a product manufactured? We're here to help. In this article, we’ll walk through a step-by-step guide for how to start manufacturing a product and the best small business manufacturing software to help you out once you start to scale. Get everything off the ground with manufacturing software Getting started with product manufacturing is one thing. The next step is to keep going and growing. Small business manufacturing software will help you manage your entire business without breaking the bank. Read more about it here How do you start manufacturing a product? Manufacturing a product can be a complex process that involves many different steps. Here are some general steps to consider when starting the manufacturing process: Develop your idea Research the market Create a business plan Find a manufacturing partner Launch your product Boost your business with ERP software Step 1: develop your idea You may think you already have this figured out, but there's more to it than just saying, “I want to make something cool. ” You'll need to focus on three things to increase your chances of success when learning how to manufacture a product. What problem does it solve? Even boutique high-end clothing manufacturers will have an answer to this question. For them, it might be: "We provide an escape from the mundane. " Your product doesn't have to be life-altering, but it should make someone's life better somehow, even if it's just making them smile. Define the problems your product solves and be as specific as possible. Consider it from every angle, and you might even find some ways it can be marketed to unexpected potential customers. Take the Slinky, for instance. Before it was the most popular toy of all time, the metal coil was designed to help stabilize naval equipment on the high seas. Only later did its utility as a children's toy become evident. Make sure that you don't pigeonhole yourself at this point. You should be open to any applications for your product. Features and benefits Start thinking about your product's features and how those features will benefit your customer. Do some competitive analysis to see what similar products are on the market and consider what you can do to make...

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> Maximize your manufacturing efficiency with a free Excel production schedule template. Download now and streamline your workflow management.

- Published: 2023-03-06
- Modified: 2024-07-22
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/production-schedule-template/
- Folders: SEO PAGES

Optimize your manufacturing with a production schedule template Download a free production schedule Excel template and start planning your manufacturing effortlessly. Eliminate inefficiencies while maximizing productivity. Free production schedule Excel template Fill in the form below to download your template Streamline your operations with a production scheduling template Production scheduling is the secret ingredient to any successful manufacturing business. Using a production planning template will help speed up the process of creating a schedule and conveniently covers all areas of manufacturing. What is production scheduling?   Production scheduling is the process of planning and organizing manufacturing in a business. It encompasses many areas of manufacturing, including: Manufacturing quantity — units that need to be produced  Teams and assignments — exact routing from start to finish  Time management — deadlines and lead times for supplies, manufacturing, and shipping  Bill of materials — breakdown of supplies and products  Resources — workers, equipment, materials, and budget What are the benefits of production scheduling?   Production scheduling helps eliminate inefficiencies in manufacturing and streamlines many processes. To elaborate further, production planning can help your business with the following: Improving efficiency — better use of resources while completing orders faster  Increasing productivity — all teams are aware of what is expected of them and when  Customer satisfaction — buyers will learn to trust you to deliver good products on time  Reducing costs — reduce waste, downtime, and overtime hours  Preventing risks — fewer errors, miscommunications, and delays in production Using software for production scheduling  Spreadsheets and paperwork aren’t for everyone, and many turn to production scheduling software to perform this task in a matter of seconds. There are many advantages to using an automated solution, including:  Scalability — when working with large quantities, software is faster and more reliable  Optimization — automate processes and leave more time for other tasks  Visibility — receive updates and live status reports at the click of a button Accuracy — reduce risks and delays by working with real-time data  Cooperation — better communication with teams, suppliers, and partners Features How Katana helps grow your business Katana offers several features specifically designed to help manufacturers optimize their production scheduling processes, including: Live inventory tracking Get real-time updates on your stock levels, including finished products, incoming supply shipments, and raw materials Read more Prioritization Rank production operations based on customer demand and available materials, especially when supplies run low Read more Reorder points Setting minimum allowed stock levels ensures your business always has enough materials or products to meet customer demand Read more End-to-end traceability Batch tracking enables you to follow a product’s lifecycle from raw materials to manufacturing to retail Read more Shop-level access The Shop Floor App gives your workers an overview of all their ongoing and assigned tasks Read more Customization Create a personalized workflow with integrations, or build your own workspace with Katana’s open API Read more Besides improving day-to-day operations and inventory management for our raw materials and finished goods, Katana has also helped us decrease...

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> Best free purchase order template. Use this PO template whenever you need to stock up on supplies and raw materials.

- Published: 2023-03-02
- Modified: 2024-07-22
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/purchase-order-template/
- Folders: SEO PAGES

Streamline your processes with a purchase order Excel template Looking for templates for a purchase order to streamline your procurement processes? This free template will help you cut down on admin time so you can focus on growing your business. Free purchase order Excel template Fill in the form below to download your template Purchase order template in Excel for consistent ordering experience A sample purchase order template for a standardized format when purchasing to ensure all information is entered consistently and accurately. This can help reduce errors and minimize the risk of disputes with suppliers. What are purchase orders, and what are they used for? Purchase orders (POs) are documents issued by a buyer to a seller that officially request specific goods or services. The PO serves as an offer from the buyer to the seller and, when accepted by the seller, becomes a binding agreement between both parties. POs are used throughout almost all industries and help ensure that buyers receive exactly what they requested — in the right quantity, quality, and at the right price. POs also ensure that sellers are paid for the goods or services on time. Improved control over spendings with this PO template Businesses can use a PO template to ensure that POs are properly authorized and that all purchases are made according to the company's purchasing policies and procedures. This can help improve control over spending and reduce the risk of fraud or unauthorized purchases. It can also help businesses maintain an organized record of all POs, making it great for tracking expenses, monitoring inventory levels, and preparing financial statements. Create purchase orders directly from your inventory management system Now wouldn't it be even better if you could create purchase orders with just a few clicks? With Katana, you can. Katana's real-time inventory management software makes creating and tracking your POs easy by automating your purchase order management. Changing the status of your POs also updates your inventory counts. This way, you know exactly what you have in stock and which items you're still waiting for. Click on the button below and improve your purchase order process with Katana. Get a demo

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> Want to get the most out of your inventory? Learn about the key elements of inventory planning and how your business can benefit from them.

- Published: 2023-03-01
- Modified: 2024-05-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/inventory-planning/
- Folders: GUIDES

How to protect your business with inventory planning Are you tired of playing hide-and-seek with your inventory? Do you feel like you’re constantly in a race with stock either running out or overflowing your spaces? Well, fear not! Inventory planning is here to save the day (and your sanity). With forecasting and strategic ordering, you can say goodbye to the chaos and hello to an organized supply chain. So make inventory planning your new favorite game and enjoy a winning streak! What is inventory planning? Inventory planning is the process of managing and tracking the inventory of a business. It involves tracking the quantity, type, and value of items in stock while also planning for future needs and ordering new supplies when necessary. Inventory management planning can be done manually using spreadsheets and files, but more and more businesses are opting for software and online solutions. They're more reliable as they offer real-time updates on stock levels and automatic analytics. What are the biggest challenges in inventory management planning? Inventory planning can be a complicated process, but there are several key challenges that should be addressed to make your daily work that much easier. These include:  Accurate forecasting Supply chain visibility Managing multiple locations Seasonal fluctuations 1. Accurate forecasting  It can be difficult to accurately forecast demand for inventory items, which can lead to stock shortages or overstocking. Forecasting can be improved by using the correct tools and specialty software. 2. Supply chain visibility  Having visibility into your entire supply chain is essential to ensure that stock levels are always accurate. Tracking your inventory from raw materials to manufacturing to sales leaves minimal room for errors or theft. 3. Managing multiple locations  When operating in multiple locations, stock-level tracking and efficient inventory management across all those locations can be challenging. Once you have an overview of your entire inventory, it is easier to move stock from one warehouse to another and make overall better business decisions. 4. Seasonal fluctuations  Seasonal changes can have an impact on inventory levels, and it’s important to plan accordingly for these fluctuations in demand. Working with past data will give you insights into trends that you can take into consideration when planning ahead. What are the benefits of planning inventory management? Overall, stock planning makes managing inventory easier for you and your teams. As with anything else, creating a plan to work things out ahead helps avoid having to fix them afterward. Some of the main benefits of inventory planning include: Overview of stock levels Better customer relationships Insights into inventory data 1. Overview of stock levels By taking a proactive approach to inventory management, businesses are able to plan ahead for future orders and ensure they have the right items in the right quantities at the right time. That helps them avoid overstocking or understocking, resulting in reduced costs. 2. Better customer relationships  Businesses gain a higher customer satisfaction rate due to the timely delivery of products and more accurate lead times. A good inventory plan streamlines the manufacturing and sales flows, which...

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> Download a bill of materials template and get the most out of your inventory planning. Read on to learn how a BOM can benefit your business.

- Published: 2023-02-27
- Modified: 2024-07-22
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/bill-of-materials-template/
- Folders: SEO PAGES

Boost your productivity with a free bill of materials template Download a free bill of materials (BOM) template and start managing your stock. A proper bill of materials sample will help you plan, schedule and manage your inventory and production. Free BOM Excel template Fill in the form below to download your template A BOM is essential for accurate inventory planning and management As a manufacturer, you probably know everything there is to know about inventory management and are possibly familiar with a bill of materials (BOM) too. Using a bill of materials Excel template will help you optimize your inventory and plan your production in as much detail as possible. What is a bill of materials? A BOM is a report that describes the requirements of inventory and product assembly. It includes data like: Components used in production  Materials needed in manufacturing  Quantities of materials and components per product or batch  Source and supplier for each inventory item  Additional requirements for assembling or constructing the product  Benefits of BOM Manufacturers use BOMs mainly to optimize all their processes and to avoid inefficiencies. More specifically, a BOM has benefits like:  Streamline the ordering process  Minimize waste and cost by increasing accuracy in material tracking  Identify components used in the assembly processes  Prevent overstocking or understocking parts  Simplify meeting regulatory requirements  BOM software If BOM spreadsheets and documents freak you out or seem like too much trouble, it’s time to find software to ease the process even more. Why not try out Katana and see how it can help you? Real-time tracking of your inventory in all locations  Batch tracking from production to retail Reorder points to prevent understocking  Generate and use barcodes for better inventory management  Multilevel access to all your data Get a demo Features Why do you need a bill of materials software? Using a bill of materials software has several advantages, but here are the main ones to look out for: Eliminate inefficiencies With BOM software, you can track processes and time spent on them, thereby optimizing production and preventing idle time Reduce costs Tracking inventory in real time gives an accurate overview of how much materials are and should be used in the future Improve productivity Using the Shop Floor App gives access to shop-level workers and streamlines the manufacturing process Manage resources Supervise all your raw materials, suppliers, operators, and assignments in one place Minimize waste Once you have a better overview of your materials, you can plan your supplies better and cut down on leftovers Maintain standards Following your own guidelines and processes ensures your product passes every quality check and makes your customers happy

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> Excess inventory are the items you expected to have parted with but somehow haven’t. Learn how to identify and remove this stock.

- Published: 2023-02-23
- Modified: 2024-05-15
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/excess-inventory/
- Folders: GUIDES

Everything you need to know about excess inventory No matter how well your inventory management system is optimized, mistakes will still be made. Customer demand could fall well short of forecasts, production could accidentally run longer than supposed to, or you could get stuck with a product that’s difficult to sell. This can all lead to unwanted and unneeded inventory, otherwise known as excess inventory. Excess inventory is a common issue in the manufacturing industry, but it’s not something you should ignore — it has significant implications for your business operations and bottom line. In this article, we’ll at an excess inventory definition, how to spot it before it becomes an issue, and how to manage excess stock effectively. No more excess with inventory management software Inventory management software like Katana gives you a real-time overview of your item movements throughout your entire supply chain. Get a demo What is excess inventory? Excess inventory is any item a business has in excess of its immediate needs. It may be due to overproduction, overstocking, or simply an inability to sell the items quickly enough. Whatever the case, excess products can cost businesses money if not properly managed. It ties up cash flow, occupies valuable warehouse space, and increases carrying costs and labor costs associated with managing it. What causes excess stock? Excess stock is caused by three main culprits: Customer demand Shipping delays Technical challenges 1. Customer demand In manufacturing, companies must always be careful to forecast customer demand accurately. If the market is overestimated, companies are left with excess inventory that may be difficult to sell or even obsolete. This is a delicate balance between ensuring you have enough stock to meet customer demand and not overstocking. Some of the methods businesses can use to protect against overstocking include: Using a just-in-time inventory management system Performing regular stocktakes Making use of safety stock levels Utilizing demand forecasting software With the right tools and processes, businesses can more accurately gauge customer demand, reducing the risk of excess inventory. 2. Shipping delays Supply chain or shipping delays can also lead to excess inventory. If goods are delayed in transit, companies may purchase more stock than necessary to meet customer demand. The term lead time describes the total time it takes for a product to be delivered from supplier to customer. To reduce the risk of excess inventory due to shipping delays, businesses can use lead time management tools that help them reach consistent levels of inventory accuracy. 3. Technical challenges Any number of manufacturing challenges can lead to excess inventory. For example, production could run too long if machines are incorrectly set up or materials aren’t available in time. E-commerce stores can be down for extended periods, preventing customers from making purchases. Factory power or network outages can also play a role in creating excess inventory. These technical challenges can be difficult to anticipate, but businesses should do their best to take preventive steps and create contingency plans for when things go...

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> Food manufacturing has evolved a lot in the last century. Learn more about the history, production processes, quality control, and innovations.

- Published: 2023-02-23
- Modified: 2024-05-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/food-manufacturing/
- Folders: GUIDES

What's cooking: Everything you need to know about food manufacturing When you begin your manufacturing endeavor, you need to ask yourself one important question. Will your product satisfy a need or a want? Convincing someone that they want your product is great, but the best thing is to have something that consumers need, something that is essential to living. Anything that ticks our physiological needs is certainly a product that will perform well. Theoretically speaking, that is. There’s still competition you’ll need to overcome and a lot of room for error when making something as seemingly simple as food. This article explores the history of food manufacturing, the processes businesses implement, the steps you can take to become a successful food manufacturer, and the perfect tool to help you along the way. What is food manufacturing? Food manufacturing is the process of turning raw agricultural materials into food products that people can consume. It involves various steps such as cleaning, processing, packaging, and distributing food items. Food manufacturing aims to create safe, healthy, and nutritious food products that meet the needs and preferences of consumers. Food manufacturing is a complex and highly regulated industry that requires strict adherence to food safety and quality standards. Manufacturers must follow strict guidelines and regulations set by local and international authorities to ensure that the food they produce is safe for human consumption. This includes measures to prevent contamination, ensure proper labeling, and maintain proper hygiene and sanitation practices throughout the production process. Food manufacturing industry statistics Global food manufacturing generates about $4. 15 trillion Consumers spent $2. 12 trillion on food in the US alone, which accounts for about 11% of the country’s GDP 1. 7 million people are working in food and beverage manufacturing Approximately 133 billion pounds of food is wasted in the US yearly, which is about 35% of the food produced The history of food manufacturing Food manufacturing spans back to ancient times when communities took steps to preserve their harvests to help them survive the harsh winters. In addition to the saved vegetables and meats, our ancestors practiced lean inventory techniques by taking the skins from hunts and converting them into apparel. As soon as these communities had a surplus of food, they could grow and build a hierarchy around the food based on management, tracking, and the distribution of their inventory. Food manufacturing probably started on an industrial level with sugar, which was taken from New Guinea, grown in plantations, and manufactured into different products across the globe. With the Industrial Revolution and expanding urban populations, food production changed drastically. The new focus was put on producing foodstuffs with a longer shelf life since an increasing amount of people lacked access to fresh food. Large production facilities started popping up, like the early meatpacking factory, Frigorífico Anglo, pictured above. In the modern era of food production, manufacturers create a range of products, from frozen foods to supplement pills for essential nutrients. Synthesized products now often bear no...

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> Obsolete inventory refers to items that you have that can’t be used or sold. Learn how to deal with this type of inventory.

- Published: 2023-02-22
- Modified: 2024-05-15
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/obsolete-inventory/
- Folders: GUIDES

The ultimate guide to obsolete inventory Consumers are picky. If they walk into a store filled with too many different products, they might walk right back out. It is a delicate balance between having enough stock to satisfy customers and not having too much of it. Manufacturing companies understand this all too well, as they must keep track of the inventory in their warehouses. Over time, certain products become obsolete. In the manufacturing industry, it is essential to manage these obsolete inventories so that they do not clog up warehouse space and reduce profits. If you don't have a plan to manage your old inventory, you could lose out on valuable resources and money. Below, we'll look at an obsolete inventory definition, the causes of obsolete inventory, and strategies for managing it. What is obsolete inventory? Obsolete inventory is any product sitting in a warehouse for too long and no longer has a buyer. It can include outdated parts, components, or materials no longer used in production. Because these products cannot be sold, they can take up valuable space and resources that could otherwise be used to store more profitable items. How does obsolete inventory work? The world is always changing, and other companies are coming out with newer, better versions of the same product. Your products will eventually become obsolete and no longer have a consumer base. Obsolete inventory accounting Accounting for obsolete inventory and its value is critical, as it can impact a company's financial statements. When obsolete inventory benchmarks are reached, the cost of goods sold and the value of total assets will both decrease. This means that manufacturers must keep track of their inventory to ensure they are not spending too much money on unsellable products. A write-down is a standard accounting obsolete inventory journal entry used to record the value of the old stock. This write-down is typically done when a company has certain products that are no longer useful and will not be sold. For example, if the value of 200 units is initially $10,000, but they have become obsolete, the company may write down the value of these units to $5,000. This will then be reflected in their financial statements as a decrease of $5,000 in the cost of goods sold and assets. A write-off is when a company eliminates an obsolete stock item from its financial statements. This is usually done when a product has become so outdated that it has no value left or is a net negative for the company. Causes of obsolete inventory Here are some of the ways that your inventory can become obsolete. Technological advances Technology is always changing and improving. This can render a product obsolete as newer products offer more features or better performance at a lower cost. Consider the example of the VHS tape. Once DVD and Blu-Ray players became popular, VHS tapes were no longer in demand. Now those, too, have been replaced by streaming services. Innovative companies can cause internal obsolescence by...

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> The 10 best MRP software on the market in 2024, perfect for SME businesses looking to optimize their manufacturing operations.

- Published: 2023-02-17
- Modified: 2025-06-02
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/best-mrp-software/
- Folders: GUIDES

The 10 best MRP software on the market in 2025 Spreadsheets spreading you too thin and your patience even thinner? Good ol’ Excel spreadsheets were great in the beginning, offering an inexpensive solution to running every aspect of your business. But, as the number of orders grows, so does the spreadsheet that you have to update manually. And what was once a nice little fix is becoming a major bottleneck for growth. At this stage, many manufacturers turn to automated solutions to help them manage their business. But, with so many options, where do you start? That’s why we’ve compiled this list of the best MRP software for manufacturing businesses. Here you’ll learn all about MRP systems and get to know 10 of them in the hopes of finding the perfect solution for you. Let’s begin. What is the best MRP? The best MRP software for a company will depend on its specific needs and requirements. However, here are some general criteria that may help identify high-quality MRP software: Intuitive interface — Good software is user-friendly, simple, and straightforward. The more logical the platform, the faster your team can learn to use it to its full potential. Features — Ideal MRP software offers a wide range of features for inventory management, production scheduling, and material requirements planning. It also allows you to track data in real time, generate reports, and integrate with other systems. Customization — Choose software that lets you build your own workflows, dashboards, and reports. This allows you to add new features and functionalities based on your specific needs and requirements. Scalability — Great MRP software should adapt to the success of your business by growing with it and remaining flexible as your needs change. Switching service providers is always a nuisance, so find a platform that you can stick with for the long haul. Integration — Look for the ability to integrate with other systems, such as accounting, CRM, and ecommerce platforms. Centralizing all your operations onto one platform gives you a better overview of your business as a whole. Reliability and support — The best MRP software is reliable, with minimal downtime or data loss. It should also have a responsive and knowledgeable support team available to address any issues and answer questions. Cost-effectiveness — Good things come at a price, that's why it's important to find software that's cost-effective and offers a reasonable return on investment (ROI) for your business. Overall, the best MRP software for manufacturing meets the specific needs and requirements of a company while also offering extra value with its features, user-friendliness, customization, scalability, and top-level support. All this at a reasonable cost. Want to dig deeper into software reviews? To get a better picture of available software, be sure to read the following articles: 7 best ERP software for manufacturing in 2024 7 best inventory management software solutions in 2024 Now you know what MRP software is and have a basic checklist to follow when selecting one for your business, let's dive down into the nitty-gritty. Here are...

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> Manufacturing capacity planning is the act of getting the available capacity to meet forecasted demand. Learn more about production capacity planning here.

- Published: 2023-02-14
- Modified: 2024-05-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/manufacturing-capacity-planning/
- Folders: GUIDES

How to apply manufacturing capacity planning in your business Your analyst crunched the numbers and provided you with a demand forecast. Now, you need to figure out the capacity and devise a plan to ensure your production lines can keep up. This can be a headache when managing your shop floor. But you can cure those aches by adopting capacity planning into your business, a model that will help you determine the most realistic approach to manufacturing. In this article, we'll figure out answers to questions like what is capacity planning in manufacturing, how it works, and how you can get started with it. What is manufacturing capacity planning? Manufacturing capacity planning is a method makers use for calculating how much they can realistically produce on their production lines to keep up with forecasted demand. Capacity planning has to consider factors such as: Available resources Lead times Production processes Your capacity plan can be set to achieve short or long-term goals. Regardless of the period, the main objective of manufacturing capacity planning is to increase your profits and minimize costs. You can read more about setting goals in the rough cut capacity planning article. But, for now, let’s quickly look at resource planning. What is resource planning? Resource planning is the process of managing your resources, such as personnel and machines, and allocating them to projects. Resource planning also includes analyzing current resource use and making recommendations for how resource use can be optimized. In addition, it involves creating strategies to best utilize the resources at hand in order to reach desired outcomes and goals. The 3 types of capacity planning in manufacturing Before starting, you need to be aware of three main types of manufacturing capacity planning. Having a plan in place will ensure you have the right amount of everything you need to produce your products and grow your business. Workforce capacity planning Workforce capacity planning means you will ensure that you have enough team members working for the required hours to produce your items. Workforce planning is easier when you have an overview of your shop floor operations, so it is worth investing in a platform that can provide this. Equipment capacity planning Equipment capacity planning ensures that you have the right equipment available and that it's used efficiently to produce and complete your orders. Depending on what you are making, this can be anything from assembly line components to drilling machinery. Product capacity planning Product capacity planning makes sure you have enough raw materials and products to complete an order. Proper raw material management is critical to product capacity planning, so confirm that you have suitable systems to track and monitor your materials. Benefits of production capacity planning Production capacity planning is an essential tool for organizations to maximize the efficiency of their production, and ensure a smooth workflow. It can help businesses anticipate and plan for any changes in demand, optimize resources, reduce costs, identify bottlenecks, and prevent product shortages. Ultimately, capacity planning in production can...

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> Manufacturing execution system (MES) is a control system for managing and monitoring production on a factory floor. Learn all about it here.

- Published: 2023-02-08
- Modified: 2024-06-19
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/manufacturing-execution-system/
- Folders: GUIDES

What is a manufacturing execution system (MES) Once upon a time, there was a company called Handy Trinkets. They started in a small garage, making bespoke widgets that quickly became a hit. At first, keeping track of what to make, when, and how was easy. The team was small, and a big whiteboard with sticky notes was enough for planning everything from ordering materials to shipping finished widgets. As Handy Trinkets grew, things got complicated. Orders poured in, the team expanded, and the self-proclaimed kanban board couldn't keep up. Suddenly, they found themselves juggling dozens of orders, materials arriving at different times, machines needing maintenance, and products that needed to be just right to keep customers happy. It was like trying to conduct an orchestra without knowing how to read music. Amid this chaos, the team realized they needed help. They spent too much time figuring out what to do next instead of actually making their beloved trinkets. They needed a way to see everything happening in real time, from the arrival of raw materials to the delivery of finished products. And not just see it, but manage it effectively to avoid delays, reduce waste, and ensure every widget is perfect. This article is all about manufacturing execution systems (MES), how they work, what are the benefits, and a great deal more. What is an MES system? Manufacturing execution systems are computerized control systems to manage and optimize production on the shop floor. MES systems monitor and control manufacturing operations and information flow on your shop floor. In other words, an MES system helps to track and record the transformation of raw materials to finished goods on the shop floor. This allows manufacturers to control all activities and operations on their shop floor. An MES aims to ensure the effective execution of production operations and improve output. MES has real-time features to help you control all aspects of your shop floor, including: Inventory Workers Machines Support services Along with handling your shop floor operations, MES can help you with: Shop floor planning Managing the entire product lifecycle Production tracking Order management Manufacturing data analysis Product traceability Benefits of MES Manufacturing execution systems offer a wide range of short- and long-term benefits. So, let's go over the benefits of using this software within your business. 1. Reduce costs MES allows you to track costs in real time from the shop floor, such as: Labor Downtime Maintenance This data at hand will help you increase productivity and minimize your manufacturing costs. A better understanding of your expenses helps your business make informed decisions and identify saving opportunities. 2. Minimize inventory MES provides information about the materials and products you need on hand. That makes keeping your inventory levels optimal and reducing your carrying costs easy. With a real-time view of your inventory levels, you also know precisely what you need to reorder and when. 3. Reduce waste Easily identify inconsistencies on your production lines, so you can immediately halt them to limit the number...

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> Manufacturers can use a perpetual inventory system to get real-time updates on actual inventory levels. Here is how it works and the formulas.

- Published: 2023-02-08
- Modified: 2024-05-22
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/perpetual-inventory-system/
- Folders: GUIDES

Perpetual inventory system: The best way to track inventory Which stocktaking method sounds easier to you? A.  Taking a spreadsheet, heading into a warehouse that looks like Hanger 51 from Indian Jones, using your index finger to point between your spreadsheet and an item on the shelf to see what you have in stock — and doing that for every single item you hold? Or B.  Using software that automates stocktaking and displays the latest quantity? If you chose option B, you chose the inventory management method that takes advantage of a perpetual inventory system. But what is it, and how does it work? In this article, you'll learn about perpetual inventory and the formulas it uses to update inventory levels regularly. Let's begin.   The thought of another spreadsheet making you sick? Katana cloud software is a perpetual inventory management system built for manufacturers to centralize sales, production, and accounting to one easy-to-use platform. Get a demo What is perpetual inventory? Perpetual inventory is the accounting practice of continuously maintaining inventory records in real time without counting stock levels by hand. In the words of Biggie Smalls, “If you don’t know, now you know. ” You might not have known the definition of perpetual inventory, but computers, smart devices, automation, and AI have made perpetual inventory management in business and home life fairly commonplace. Take smart fridges — many come with gadgets and gizmos that help you track expiration dates and items inside and outside the fridge (just one of the many examples of perpetual inventory in action). Of course, that’s in theory — in business, perpetually monitoring inventory is a means to track stock accurately and is also important for your bookkeeping. So, how exactly does a perpetual inventory system work? What is a perpetual inventory system? Perpetual inventory systems track the quantity and value of inventory in real time by continuously updating the inventory records with each sale, purchase, and manufacturing order. It provides an up-to-date and accurate record of the quantity and value of items in stock, which allows for better control and management of inventory levels — ensuring that sufficient stock is available to meet customer demand. In a perpetual inventory system, the cost of goods sold (COGS) is recorded as you go along. This way, you always know how much money you’re making at any given time.   What is the difference between a perpetual inventory and periodic inventory? Perpetual inventory and periodic inventory are two methods of tracking and managing inventory. In a periodic inventory system, the inventory records are updated less frequently, often at the end of an accounting period. The information about the quantity and value of inventory is less accurate and up-to-date, and a physical count of inventory is required to reconcile the records. Periodic inventory is suitable for businesses with lower turnover or those that don't need real-time inventory information. Quick breakdown Perpetual inventory — continuous inventory tracking. Periodic inventory — physical inventory stocktakes at fixed time intervals. If you're wondering if periodic inventory might be more of your business's...

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> Learn about manufacturing quality control checklists and how to run checks that will enhance your business and ensure high manufacturing standards. Read more here.

- Published: 2023-02-03
- Modified: 2024-09-09
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/production-quality-control-checklist/
- Folders: GUIDES

Production quality control checklist for manufacturing In this competitive world, keeping your business standing out is vital. While excellent marketing strategies can go a long way, it is still your products that help you make a name for yourself. Whether you produce your products from scratch or have supply partners — issues and defects should be avoided or eliminated as soon as possible. That’s where a manufacturing quality control checklist comes to the rescue. Luckily for you, we have put together a detailed description of what a quality control checklist should entail and how it will benefit your business. What is a manufacturing quality control checklist? A quality control checklist for manufacturing includes all the requirements for a product, both visual and physical. It is a beneficial tool to ensure all parties are on the same page about the demands for the parts, materials, and final product. It outlines the standards your suppliers and manufacturers should meet and describes the “ideal” product that your customer expects from you. You can think of a quality control checklist as guidelines for all teams to follow when making and selling your products. It streamlines the cooperation process and helps eliminate any possible errors occurring along your entire manufacturing workflow. A production quality control checklist for manufacturing can entail all product features, including (but not limited to): Size Color Functionality Branding Packaging Defects Manufacturing flaws Why does your business need a quality control checklist? Imagine a situation where your supplier delivers parts with defects, some are visual while others have also left the materials unfit for use. What options does a manufacturer have in this instance? Well, they might have to order new pieces or even fix the existing ones to make them fit for purpose. Either way, this serves only to raise the costs for the manufacturer as they now have to pay more in time and money. This scenario could have easily been avoided if they’d had a quality control checklist in place, so all parties understood what was expected with the delivery. Whether your business deals with clothes, pet toys, or custom alarm clocks, one thing is for sure – you attract customers by being the best at what you do. A client base does not come easy, and you must ensure your business is delivering high-quality services to support and grow it. Using a manufacturing quality control checklist can help you streamline two essential processes. 1. Reviewing of incoming materials and parts Any deviations can cost you time, money, and potentially business. Mark down all your requirements as precisely as possible so your suppliers also know what is allowed and what is not. What looks like a minor defect to the supplier can take you a long time to fix or might eventually prove to be unusable. If you receive a whole shipment of defective items, your manufacturing might fall behind, and it will start impacting not only production but also sales. 2. Inspection of finished products A QA team...

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> Increase profits and eliminate inefficiencies with Katana's ERP software for process manufacturing. Learn more and sign up for a free trial.

- Published: 2023-02-02
- Modified: 2024-05-20
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/process-manufacturing-software/
- Folders: SEO PAGES

Grow your business with a process manufacturing software It's easy to get overwhelmed when managing resources, developing a product, and tracking production. Start using a process manufacturing ERP software and get an overview of your entire workflow — from purchase management to manufacturing and beyond. Get a demo Manufacturing doesn't have to be hard to process Creating your own products from scratch can be a challenge. Whether you're working with consumable goods or not, process manufacturing includes many ingredients that require strict regulation. When streamlining your business, manufacturing process software like Katana can take the weight off your shoulders and allow you to focus on more important tasks. Take care of your inventory  In process manufacturing, businesses often work with perishable materials and ingredients, so following strict protocols for safety and health reasons is crucial. By implementing automation, you can optimize the workflow and follow a higher standard for your products. Some features of process manufacturing that Katana offers are:  Product recipes or bill of materials (BOM)  Unit conversions in inventory  Expiry date tracking on perishable goods  Get an overview of your manufacturing In process manufacturing, it is crucial to ensure that operations run smoothly. One little mistake could ruin the whole batch. Luckily, Katana is here to help you out. Here are a few ways you can improve your production quality with software like Katana:   End-to-end traceability or batch tracking Barcode systems for inventory management and manufacturing Assigning tasks in the Shop Floor App  Integrate your favorite software If you're already using software for your daily tasks, then easily integrate them with Katana. You can pick from native integrations, carefully selected to help take your business to the next level. Some integrations that Katana supports include: BigCommerce, WooCommerce, and Shopify to sync your sales  Xero and QuickBooks Online for accounting Building your own integrations using Katana's open API As an organic food processor, traceability is critical and our records must be meticulously kept. Katana fulfills all our needs in a simple, easy solution. ” Irah VetFounder and Production Manager at Hornby Organic  Katana accurately keeps stock of assemblies and ingredients so that I can plan production and get instant feedback on whether we have enough resources in stock. ” Kelly CostelloChief Executive Officer (CEO) at Puppy Cake In Katana, we can more effectively see and follow inventory levels, and have recipes and BOM for our manufactured products that let us follow the manufacturing status throughout the whole production cycle. ” Richie DuncanFounder of KODAMA Katana’s bill of materials (BOM) is a tremendous help. Integrations with Shopify and Xero also play a big role in business management, and we can now manage both B2B and B2C orders with greater ease. ” Nadia HussainSupply Chain Manager at Raw Coffee Company Streamline your business using integrations Choose from native integrations or build your own  Katana offers various native integrations that improve your sales management, accounting, delivery, and even automation. If there's a tool you would like to keep using, then feel free to integrate it into Katana using...

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> Manufacturing overhead formula to reduce the indirect costs you rarely think about. Learn what these costs are and how you can start dissolving them.

- Published: 2023-02-02
- Modified: 2024-05-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/manufacturing-overhead/
- Folders: GUIDES

Catch your runaway costs with manufacturing overhead formula We've all checked our bank balances to find them slimmer than expected, thanks to some expenses we don't always remember. Whether it's the forgotten Netflix subscriptions or cheeky midday coffee cakes — they all add up. These hidden costs will keep building up on your statement unless you take the time to reduce the unnecessary ones and take back control. It's the same thing when running a manufacturing business. It's easy for all your little costs for things like cleaning and security to get buried away and forgotten when you're spending energy on making. This is why learning how to calculate manufacturing overhead can help to resolve this issue and bring to light all the costs you might have lost track of. This article will explore the importance of manufacturing overhead and how it can help keep your business running efficiently and effectively. We'll explore the manufacturing overhead formula, figure out what is manufacturing overhead, why it's important, and how to calculate it accurately to make the most of your resources. What is manufacturing overhead? Manufacturing overhead refers to indirect costs incurred during production, such as utilities, rent, insurance, indirect labor, and materials. These costs are not directly tied to the production of specific goods but are necessary for the overall operation of a manufacturing facility. Often without these things, you couldn’t run your manufacturing at all. But by breaking down your indirect costs, you can reduce those pesky bills that rarely come to the front of your mind. It’s a calculation used for accounting purposes, but more importantly, it’s a method to begin to save on unnecessary costs. Types of manufacturing overhead costs When you think of what costs you have outside of direct materials, labor, and manufacturing processes, you might be overwhelmed by the thoughts that cross your mind. There are just so many details that cost your business money, right? So, what does manufacturing overhead consist of? Well, the first thing to remember here is that we're just looking at indirect costs related to manufacturing. To get everything right, you may want to read up on what is manufacturing. But, administrative, sales, marketing, and finance expenses aren't included in manufacturing overhead. Those fall under the umbrella of administrative overhead. Instead, we can break down manufacturing overhead costs into four sections: Indirect labor Indirect materials Utilities Depreciation Fixed overhead vs. variable manufacturing overhead Fixed overhead — Manufacturing costs that do not change with the production volume, such as rent and property taxes Variable overhead — Manufacturing costs that vary directly with the volume of production, such as electricity and raw materials 1. Indirect labor Indirect labor includes the salaries of anyone that works in your workshop but isn't involved in the manufacturing process. That means maintenance people, janitors, cleaners, security guards, supervisors, quality control workers, and anyone else that helps keep the ball rolling. As long as their job indirectly affects your production or production facility, you should include their salary in...

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> Reducing manufacturing waste improves efficiency and increases profit. Here are 9 tips to improve your manufacturing waste management.

- Published: 2023-01-31
- Modified: 2024-05-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/manufacturing-waste/
- Folders: GUIDES

9 essential tips to reduce manufacturing waste Manufacturing waste can mean different things in different industries. Regardless of specific definitions, reducing waste in manufacturing translates to higher efficiency. Fortunately, we have come a long way in understanding the different types of manufacturing waste and how to reduce it. In this article, we'll take a look at the different types of manufacturing waste, how to recognize it, and what strategies you can use to reduce it. But first, let's go over the basics and define what we mean by manufacturing waste. What is manufacturing waste? By one definition, manufacturing waste refers to any materials or resources discarded or not used in manufacturing. Some manufacturing waste examples include excess raw materials, scrap materials, broken or defective products, and energy or water used in production. These types of waste can have negative environmental and economic impacts, and many manufacturers aim to reduce or eliminate waste to improve efficiency and sustainability. With the introduction of lean manufacturing, the perception of manufacturing waste management changed significantly. Lean principles encoded the idea of eliminating waste from the process of manufacturing. The lean manufacturing principles require you to define value and then classify your processes into two depending on whether they provide value to your business and customers. This process allows you to identify and systematically reduce waste in manufacturing. The 7 types of manufacturing waste Knowing and identifying the type of waste your manufacturing workflows create helps you to tackle it better. Lean principles categorize the different types of lean manufacturing waste in the following way: Overproduction — Producing more than what is needed, simply to store it Waiting — Idle machines and technicians, bottlenecks in your production Transport — Moving parts and products multiple times Processing — Performing unnecessary processing steps in the production of your products Inventory — Overstocking supplies leads to manufacturing overheads in storage and inventory management Motion — Inefficient workflows leading to unnecessary movement of people, machinery, or equipment Correction — Producing defective products or employing a process that produces a lot of scraps Unrealized potential is often considered the eighth type of waste in lean manufacturing. Underutilizing the skills of your workforce is probably the most important and, at the same time, the most challenging form of waste to minimize. How to reduce waste and boost manufacturing productivity? With the above classification, you can understand the kind of waste you generate the most, regardless of your industry. Of course, the specifics differ from industry to industry. For instance, material waste can come from your perishable inventory expiring in the food manufacturing business. Whereas in textile and metal manufacturing, waste comes from scraps.  However, mapping out your waste streams and classifying the type of waste you generate is the first step. Once you have that clear, you can move on to the various things you can do to reduce waste. 9 Tips to reduce waste in manufacturing Regardless of the sector, here are nine tips that outline how to reduce waste in lean manufacturing.   1. Set...

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> Average inventory formula with examples. Learn how to calculate your average inventory to gather data and keep your stock levels optimal.

- Published: 2023-01-27
- Modified: 2024-05-30
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/how-to-calculate-average-inventory/
- Folders: GUIDES

How to calculate average inventory in manufacturing Inventory management will be the backbone of your business — and the bane of your inventory manager’s existence. Have too much inventory on hand, and your profit margin will decrease. Have too little, and you’ll find yourself quickly running out. When it comes to keeping inventory, it’s a never-ending balancing act. Those practicing lean inventory obsess over finding the ideal inventory amount, and many achieve this by learning how to calculate average inventory. Read on to learn how to calculate inventory turnover ratio for your business, including all the necessary formulas for calculating your beginning and ending inventory. Average inventory calculation formulas In case you just want to know what is average inventory cost formula without too much reading, here you’ll find everything for calculating inventory levels. Average Inventory = (beginning inventory + ending inventory) / 2 COGS = Beginning inventory + purchases – ending inventory Beginning inventory = COGS – purchases + ending inventory Ending inventory = Beginning inventory + purchases – sales Confused? Read on as we’ll explain these formulas, with average inventory examples later. What is average inventory? Average inventory estimates the amount or value of inventory a company has over a specific time. This figure is important for businesses because it helps them budget and plan for future inventory needs. Additionally, average inventory can be used to assess a company's overall financial health. There are a few different ways to calculate average inventory. The most common method is to take the total inventory value at the beginning of a period, add it to the total value at the end, and divide it by two. Another way to calculate the average inventory is to take the total cost of goods sold (COGS) during a period and divide it by the number of days in that period. Regardless of the method used, average inventory provides valuable information you can use for business-critical decisions. For example, if a company's average inventory increases over time, it may need to invest in more storage space or hire additional staff to manage inventory. On the other hand, if a company's average inventory level is decreasing, it may be able to cut costs by reducing its items on hand. Overall, average inventory is a helpful tool for businesses of all sizes. By understanding and tracking their average inventory, companies can make informed decisions about their inventories and ensure they meet their customers' needs. Get the ultimate guide to inventory management A comprehensive ebook that covers everything you need to know about inventory management. Get the ebook How to calculate average inventory in practice? There are a few ways you can use the results of your average inventory calculations. For example, you can use them to help determine how much inventory you need to keep on hand or to help you budget for future purchase orders for raw materials and components. Average inventory calculations can also be helpful when it comes to forecasting future overall sales volume. Knowing how to...

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> Learn how to improve your inventory turnover ratio. Keep reading for inventory turnover ratio formula calculation with examples.

- Published: 2023-01-27
- Modified: 2024-09-25
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/inventory-turnover-ratio/
- Folders: GUIDES

How to improve inventory turnover ratio As a seller of physical goods, you must understand how to manage your inventory for your business to keep growing. Inventory management is not only about the materials and goods you have at any time. It’s also important to consider the rate at which inventory arrives and leaves your shop floor. Your inventory turnover ratio is the amount you sell in relation to your average inventory. It is a critical business performance metric, yet many manufacturers neglect this. Knowing about your stock turns helps you to make decisions about your business. It helps you answer questions like: Am I keeping too much inventory at one time? Are my carrying costs too high? Am I selling enough? Are my manufacturing costs too high? Am I producing orders fast enough? These questions go to the heart of inventory management and production flow. Therefore, you need to know how to calculate your inventory turnover. Your optimal turn rate depends on the size of your business and what you manufacture. This article helps you learn how to increase inventory turnover, understand what is a good inventory turnover ratio for manufacturing companies, and how to apply it to your business. What is inventory turnover ratio?

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> Here are the five types of manufacturing processes used by businesses across the industry — including a bonus sixth process type.

- Published: 2023-01-23
- Modified: 2024-05-17
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/manufacturing-processes/
- Folders: GUIDES

The 5 types of manufacturing processes When you think of manufacturing, it usually conjures up images of endless assembly lines, oily overalls, and even oilier mechanics making some metallic contraption. In the early 1900s, this might have been correct, but now you can find different types of manufacturing. Some manufacturing types might even surprise the most seasoned manufacturer. The industry nowadays is far more diverse since the industrial revolution. For example, all of these exist within the manufacturing industry: Food manufacturing Textile product mills Apparel manufacturing Wood product manufacturing Chemical manufacturing Computer and electronics product manufacturing These sub-sectors within the manufacturing industry share one thing in common — they all implement one of the five manufacturing processes alongside their manufacturing ERP software. In this article, we'll explore the five types of manufacturing processes, where you'll learn all about what a manufacturing process is and which is the best for your business. But be sure to read on to the end, as we have a sixth bonus manufacturing process you can use instead. What is a manufacturing process? A manufacturing process is a method a business will follow to make its products. Deciding on the types of manufacturing you can use is determined by several factors, such as: Market demand for products The state of raw materials, components, and chemicals you handle Availability of resources and the state of your factory The manufacturing techniques are all different, and all have unique advantages when used correctly. For example, the batch production process works in large, make-to-stock continuous runs or smaller batches to satisfy demand and minimize waste. However, regardless of implementation, the process types remain largely the same. Knowing the five manufacturing processes will help you better decide which process type is best for your business. Pro tip: Depending on the materials you handle and the products you make, one manufacturing process will be best for you. We’ve put together the ultimate guide to what manufacturing is for small businesses to help you choose the best processes for you. The five types of manufacturing processes Repetitive manufacturing Discrete manufacturing Job shop manufacturing Process manufacturing (continuous) Process manufacturing (batch) 1. Repetitive manufacturing A manufacturer uses process types like repetitive manufacturing for repeating production to commit to a production rate. Repetitive processing comprises dedicated production lines that produce the same or similar items, 24/7, all year round. With its requirements for setup being minimal or having little changeover, the operation speeds can be increased or decreased to meet customer demands or requirements. Types of manufacturing like repetitive manufacturing distinguishing characteristic is its use of assembly/production lines. 2. Discrete manufacturing Like repetitive manufacturing, discrete manufacturing also utilizes an assembly or production line. However, this process type is highly diverse, with a variety of setups and frequent changeovers. This is due to factors based on whether the products in production are similar or different in design. If the items are vastly different, this will require altering the setup and a tear-down, which means production will need more time. In theory, the types of manufacturing businesses that use discrete manufacturing produce products that can be broken down and recycled — automobiles, furniture, airplanes, toys, smartphones, etc. 3. Job shop...

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> Here are the 7 best manufacturing software, perfect for SMBs looking to streamline their production processes and inventory management in 2024.

- Published: 2023-01-18
- Modified: 2025-06-02
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/best-manufacturing-erp-software/
- Folders: GUIDES

The 7 best manufacturing software in 2024 With a market jammed-packed with different types of software, finding the right tool for your business is overwhelming. This article will focus on ERP to help you find the best manufacturing software solutions. But why ERP? It provides a comprehensive solution that addresses the unique challenges of the manufacturing industry while incorporating almost all the features of other manufacturing tools. With that all being said, now onto the important question: Which one is the best manufacturing software for your business? If you’re looking for software or want to switch, this article will help you start with the 7 best manufacturing ERP software on the market. What is manufacturing software? Manufacturing software is a type of software specifically designed to assist manufacturers in planning, executing, managing, and optimizing their production processes. It encompasses a wide range of functionalities and systems that aim to improve various aspects of the manufacturing process, including: Engineering design Production planning Inventory tracking Forecasting Purchasing It also facilitates communication between different departments within a company to ensure that the manufacturing process runs smoothly and efficiently. Manufacturing software can be used to track inventory levels and raw materials needed for production and easily identify where additional supplies are needed. This allows businesses to plan ahead when it comes to fulfilling customer orders quickly and accurately. Manufacturers can use this type of software for quality control purposes, helping them ensure that products meet safety standards before they’re shipped out. Manufacturing software can be used to help analyze manufacturing data and control the factory floor. This includes identifying areas of waste or inefficiency and making changes that will reduce overhead costs while improving overall efficiency. By streamlining their production processes with the right software, businesses can keep up with customer demand while ensuring top-notch quality control. What are the manufacturing software benefits? Manufacturing ERP software offers a variety of benefits to help your business achieve efficiency and accuracy. Here are the seven key advantages just to get you started: 1. Automated workflow — ERP systems use automation to move processed information from one part of the system to the next, eliminating manual data entry. Thus: Reducing errors Saving time Increasing productivity for your team 2. Increased visibility — You'll have better visibility into every step of the production process with an ERP system, including: Inventory management Demand forecasting Scheduling optimization With this information at hand, you can make better decisions that improve workflow efficiency and reduce costs. 3. Improved traceability — Manufacturing ERPs provide detailed records on each component involved in the manufacturing process. This traceability helps you quickly identify and address issues with: Product quality Non-conforming materials Incorrect orders 4. Faster delivery — Manufacturing ERP software allows you to plan production runs more efficiently, leading to increased: Throughput Faster delivery times for customers Customer satisfaction 5. Enhanced compliance — With full traceability of production processes, manufacturers can ensure that they comply with: Safety and environmental standards Regulations Legal and ethical requirements 6. Increased accuracy — Automation reduces errors while...

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> Learn how to make your own barcode generator in Excel or other spreadsheet programs using this step-by-step guide.

- Published: 2023-01-17
- Modified: 2024-09-25
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/barcode-generator-excel/
- Folders: GUIDES

How to make a barcode generator in Excel? It can cost a pretty penny to get your business up and running. In the beginning, it might be hard to justify some of the costs while just getting started. That’s why many businesses turn to inventory management in spreadsheets. However, spreadsheets require a lot of manual work and can only do so much. So, is there a way to introduce automation into your business while using Excel spreadsheets? Using this article, you’ll learn how to make a barcode in Excel to help you manage your business’ inventory. What is a barcode in Excel? A barcode is a machine-readable code that is used to store data. Barcodes can be found on product packages in supermarkets, on book covers, and on identification cards. You can read barcodes by scanning them with a barcode reader, which converts the code into readable information stored in a database. Barcodes have been around since the early 1970s, and their use has become increasingly common as businesses look for ways to speed up transactions and track inventory. So, want to know how to create a barcode inventory system in Excel? Microsoft Excel is a spreadsheet program that is often used for data entry and analysis. You can set up an Excel barcode generator system using barcode fonts. But, when you create a barcode in Excel, you must change the font to one that supports barcodes. There are many free and commercial fonts available that support barcodes. Once you have selected and changed the font, you can enter data into the cell content in MS Excel, and the barcode will be generated automatically. Barcodes are a convenient way to store data, and they can be used for various purposes. You can use barcodes to track inventory, speed up transactions, or simply store data. Creating barcodes in Excel is a simple process, and there are many fonts available that support barcodes.   With a little planning, you can easily create barcodes that meet your needs. Different types of barcodes 1D barcodes:  EAN-13 and EAN-8 UPC-A and UPC-E Code128 ITF-14 Code39  2D barcodes: QR code  Aztec code  Data matrix PDF417 MaxiCode GS1 Composite code  Do you need a beefier system with more potential for manufacturing process automation and inventory management? Be sure to check out the 7 best inventory management software. How to generate barcodes in Excel? Another popular method is to use Excel barcode add-ins. These Excel add-ins and barcode add-ins will generate barcodes using special formulas. And because they don't require additional fonts or formatted cells, they're generally straightforward to use.   Finally, there are several online tools that can generate barcodes as images. This can be useful if you need to print the barcodes or use them in an application that doesn't support font-based barcodes. Once you've generated your barcode, you'll need to test it to ensure it's working correctly. The best way to do this is to scan the barcode using barcode scanners. You can find handheld readers...

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> Inventory valuation methods are essential for monitoring your inventory levels. Learn about the different types and the best tool to use.

- Published: 2023-01-17
- Modified: 2024-06-10
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/inventory-valuation-methods/
- Folders: GUIDES

Inventory valuation methods: The best tool for checking inventory Inventory valuation methods are essential to inventory management, allowing you to calculate the cost of goods sold (COGS) and put a value on your remaining inventory levels. Counting your inventory at the end of a period is no fun task, especially when there are some 10 methods of inventory valuation. No one wants to do it, and there’s no enjoyment in it, but as once said in an inspirational YouTube video: You got to make your bed. Some former Navy SEAL So, in this article, we’re going to look at what are inventory valuation methods, some of the inventory valuation methods examples, and the best tool for making them work. What is inventory valuation? Inventory valuation is the process of determining the cost of goods on hand at the end of an accounting period. The cost is then used to report the value of a company’s inventory on its balance sheet. Inventory valuation is done periodically, usually at the end of each accounting period. The inventory must be valued using the method that best reflects a company’s cost structure and is most commonly based on the first-in, first-out (FIFO), last-in, first-out (LIFO), or moving average cost (MAC) methods. Why is inventory valuation important? Inventory valuation is important because the cost of goods sold for the period is based on the value of the inventory at the beginning of the period. So the accuracy of the inventory valuation affects the accuracy of the cost of goods sold, which in turn affects the gross profit reported for the period. It's also worth noting that production costs change over time due to inflation or bottlenecks on your shop floor, and these methods allow you to work out the actual value of your products. What are the methods of inventory valuation? Inventory valuation methods are an essential inventory management practice of applying a monetary value to a manufacturer’s products that make up their inventory at the end of a reporting period. The idea is that the costs to manufacture products change over time. Performing one of the many inventory valuation methods allows you to allocate costs correctly to your sales and your remaining inventory. So, when looking at the purpose of inventory valuation methods, you need to understand how these are calculated. The key aspect of the inventory method is calculating your cost of goods sold and your current inventory levels at the end of a reporting period. Regardless of which inventory method you decide to use, it doesn’t include the administrative or selling costs of inventory. However, the costs that are associated with inventory valuation methods are: Manufacturing costs Raw materials Manufacturing overheads Transportation Handling Any import duties So, you know the purpose of inventory valuation methods but now comes the difficult part: actually choosing a method. Let’s look at some more popular methods of inventory valuation with examples, along with their advantages and disadvantages. (FIFO)First-in-first-out First in, first out is probably one of the most utilized inventory valuation methods used by modern...

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> Too much inventory hacking away at your profits? Here are cost formulas and everything else you need to know about inventory carrying costs.

- Published: 2023-01-17
- Modified: 2024-05-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/inventory-carrying-costs/
- Folders: GUIDES

Inventory carrying costs: Slicing the excess waste Fluctuations in sales can leave you struggling to find a solution for optimizing inventory levels and fulfilling orders. In a situation like this, you might approach your warehouse management with a very simple strategy — keep your shelves full. This may seem like the best solution, but this tactic is counterintuitive and will force you to miss out on opportunity costs in the long run. Why? Because of inventory carrying costs. In this article, we'll figure out what is the carrying cost of inventory and how to calculate it using the inventory carrying cost formula. You'll also learn tips on reducing these costs and keeping them minimal. So, let's get to it. What is the inventory carrying cost? Inventory carrying costs is the total cost of holding inventory for your business, also known as inventory holding cost. Some inventory holding cost examples include: Warehouse space and storage rent Work hours spent handling inventory Transportation costs Security costs, including systems and personnel You know the cost of buying raw materials, but you might not know you are also paying to store and carry them. So, holding inventory that you intend to sell, but have not yet done so, increases your carrying costs. Every business that sells a physical product is subject to these costs. Every second you have items sitting in your different types of inventory, money continues to leak from your profits and stunt your business' growth. Why is calculating the cost of carrying inventory important? Calculating inventory carrying costs helps businesses determine the optimal level of inventory to maintain. If a company carries too much inventory, it can tie up capital that could be used for other purposes, such as investing in new equipment or expanding the business. Excess inventory can also lead to storage and insurance costs and an increased risk of stock becoming obsolete or perishable. On the other hand, if a business carries too little inventory, it can lead to stockouts and lost sales. Additionally, the cost of frequently reordering small quantities of merchandise can be higher than the cost of carrying a larger amount. By calculating the cost of carrying inventory, a business can determine the right balance between having too much and too little inventory, which can help to improve overall efficiency and profitability. Another important reason for calculating the cost of carrying inventory is that it helps a business understand how inventory costs contribute to the overall cost of goods sold. Carrying cost is a component of the overall inventory cost. By understanding how it fluctuates with changes in inventory levels, production schedules, and suppliers, a business can make more informed decisions that ultimately affect the bottom line. Pro tip: The costs of carrying inventory do not include the cost of producing your finished goods. While your business retains its inventory during production, you shouldn’t conflate these expenses. To track manufacturing costs, be sure to look into the costs of goods manufactured. What are the components...

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> Stock keeping unit (SKU) is a unique code that you use to identify every inventory item in your stockroom. Learn what is an SKU and how can it help you.

- Published: 2023-01-17
- Modified: 2024-05-21
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/sku/
- Folders: GUIDES

Stock keeping units (SKUs) to boost your inventory organization The more inventory you have, the harder it becomes to keep track of everything. To ensure all your items are well organized, there are helpful inventory management systems and different tools available. One way to keep your inventory well-organized is through the use of stock keeping units (SKUs). So, this article will explore what is SKU, the importance of having good SKU management, SKU meaning in production, and how you can use SKUs to better organize your stock. What does SKU stand for, and why is it important? SKU stands for stock keeping unit, and it's used to identify every inventory item in your stockroom. Using SKU codes is an essential element of inventory management that helps you easily track your inventory items and their variants (e. g. , color, size) in: Lists Invoices Manufacturing Purchase orders Having SKUs is important because if your warehouse is filled with hundreds of products, having a clear understanding of stock levels without SKUs is impossible. Now that the SKU meaning is clear let's see what is a SKU number. What is a SKU number? SKU number is a unique alphanumeric code used to identify every inventory item in the stockroom. SKUs need to be set up in a way so that anyone in your manufacturing business can understand them. Take a look at this example SKU in manufacturing: TBL-M-WH Do you know what it means? How about this: COA-14-BK No? Well, there is nothing to worry about because there’s no way you can know what this jumble of numbers and letters means. Yet. This seemingly random assortment of characters is an example of SKU codes that can be read by machines or workers. SKU codes should help you identify the exact product variant you are looking for. Therefore, you should incorporate information such as color, type, size, and other similar attributes into the SKU. This saves you time decoding the SKU during everyday operations. For example, if your product list includes a pink sleeveless shirt for women, then the following would be a good SKU example code: This is a relatively simplistic code, but you can make your SKUs more complex. For example, if you have products that move between locations, then maybe having area codes of the original location is necessary. Reading these codes might seem like a lot of effort at the beginning. But the reality is that they will be used daily, so eventually, reading them will become second nature. When setting up your SKUs, remember that this is ultimately to make communication easier and help grow your business, taking into account what is important for your business so that you can tailor the SKUs to what you want. What are SKUs used for? SKUs are an important tool, not just for manufacturers but for retailers too. But, for manufacturers, it’s more important to have them set up since you’ll need to track the following: Raw material inventory Work-in-progress (WIP) inventory Finished goods...

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> Katana is ideal for real-time inventory tracking, task management, and manufacturing process monitoring. Sign up for a free 14-day trial.

- Published: 2023-01-16
- Modified: 2024-05-20
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/discrete-manufacturing-software/
- Folders: SEO PAGES

Monitor and improve processes using a discrete manufacturing software While micromanaging gives you a sense of security and control over your business, it also takes a lot of time out of your day. Katana’s discrete manufacturing software streamlines repetitive tasks and gives you the time to scale your business. Get a demo Nothing’s discreet with discrete manufacturing software The business world is competitive, and making a name for your company is challenging. While marketing goes a long way, your products speak for themselves. That is why it’s crucial to perfect your processes as much as possible and consistently deliver the best quality. Using discrete manufacturing software, streamlining manufacturing has never been easier. Stay up-to-date on your inventory and supplies With real-time inventory tracking and reorder points, stockouts are a thing of the past. Katana’s discrete manufacturing ERP software allows supply chain visibility and task management. That means you’ll no longer have to maintain extensive spreadsheets and manually update them. Here’s how Katana’s discrete manufacturing ERP software can help you keep an eye on your inventory: Real-time stock tracking for all your locations Reorder points to avoid low supplies Barcode scanning for receiving and shipping deliveries Monitor and improve your manufacturing processes Take full advantage of the Shop Floor App to distribute and observe all production tasks. That way, you’ll be able to track costs and time spent per assignment, reducing waste while increasing profits. Here’s how the Shop Floor App will help you eliminate inefficiencies: Receive production updates in real time Assign and monitor tasks across different teams Keep important data discreet using user permissions Create a custom workspace to adapt to your needs Katana’s discrete manufacturing ERP software offers a variety of native integrations that will help take your business to the next level. From accounting to e-commerce, shipping to customer relations — there’s helpful software for all areas of your business. Here’s how Katana helps you synergize your workflows with: Accounting integrations such as QuickBooks Online and Xero E-commerce platform integrations like Shopify, WooCommerce, and BigCommerce Access to Katana’s open API to create your own personalized integrations Katana allows us to have a complete, real-time overview of our manufacturing processes and keeps our operations under control. " Pablo BaqueWalk With Me CEO It’s great to be able to see where inventory faults happen and being able to fulfill orders and where the turnaround happens. ” Alaina OehrleinProduction Lead at Essence One With Katana, we are able to track products, build recipes for materials, and set reorder points for our materials as well. That was the main reason why we selected Katana. ” Lisa DiepChief Operating Officer (COO) at Peace Collective Since implementing Katana, it has freed up my time so I can focus on designing and creating more products. It also means that I am not working until 11 pm every night. ” Thomas JudgeOwner at GJ Motorsports Customize your workflow with the essential tools for your business model Custom API integrations   Katana’s open API lets you create a workspace that meets the specific needs...

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> Check out the 6 dominant manufacturing trends and predictions for 2023 to get your business prepared and surpass your competition.

- Published: 2023-01-11
- Modified: 2024-05-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/manufacturing-trends/
- Folders: GUIDES

6 manufacturing trends and predictions for 2023 The last few years have forced manufacturers to change their ways. The pandemic caused unprecedented disruption to businesses and global supply chains. This left manufacturers to either find new ways to adapt or cross their fingers and hope that everything would return to normal and stay there. Many manufacturers started implementing new strategies early in the pandemic to keep up with changing customer demands. Companies in the SMB sector particularly didn’t have the capital to wait it out, as it was unsure how long the pandemic would last and how much it would affect the economy. But as the consequences of the pandemic kept disrupting the orthodox way of doing business, large manufacturers also started to change their strategies. Many began to prioritize sustainability and digitalization to remain competitive. As businesses are still affected, 2023 marks a pivotal year for manufacturers to continue adapting to the new norm and future-proof their business. But what does it take to make it in the coming year? Will manufacturers need to become more agile and change based on their customers’ needs, strive for sustainability, implement new supply chain strategies, or rely more on new technologies? Let’s try to figure it all out below as we look into the biggest predictions and trends in manufacturing for 2023. Jump to section Key takeaways Bringing manufacturing back home Meeting the needs of the modern consumer Green and sustainable Supply chain and logistics challenges Hyperautomation and integrated software Increased threat of cyberattacks Key takeaways 64% of consumers are willing to pay more for environmentally sustainable products 50% of manufacturers are looking to increase investments in AI The pandemic has accelerated reshoring which has generated about 220,000 new jobs in 2022 73% of customers expect companies to understand their unique needs 40% of manufacturing companies had experienced a cyber attack that impacted their smart factories Customers are willing to pay 20% extra for customized products 66% of customers have stopped buying from companies whose values didn't align with theirs 62% of businesses said they’ll focus on robotics and automation in the next 12 months 1. Bringing manufacturing back home Globalization has been the main driving force of the manufacturing industry for the past decades. However, as the pandemic, the US-China trade war, and the Ukraine war have shown, global supply chains are not as resilient and secure as once thought. This has caused companies to rethink their manufacturing strategies, leading to a reshoring trend. Reshoring is the process of bringing manufacturing and other business activities previously outsourced to other countries back to the domestic market. A 2022 report by Reshore Initiative shows that for the third year in a row, reshoring has created more jobs than foreign direct investment (FDI), and this trend is expected to continue. Estimated numbers show that reshoring has generated approximately 220,000 new jobs in 2022 — an increase of 67% from 2021. If the security that reshoring brings isn’t enough incentive to shift domestic operations, perhaps...

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> A barcode inventory system uses barcodes and barcode scanners to manage and track inventory levels, locations, and transactions. Learn more here.

- Published: 2023-01-09
- Modified: 2024-07-31
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/barcode-inventory-system/
- Folders: GUIDES

How to implement a barcode inventory system Deliveries are coming and going, overwhelming you and your staff trying to keep track of these items whizzing around you. It can quickly become very chaotic, especially during high demand. Disorganization when handling your inventory serves only to disrupt your business and even harm its reputation. So, how exactly do other companies overcome this task? At this critical stage, when your order volumes are increasing, you need to know how to implement a barcode system for inventory to keep your company scaling. This article contains everything you need to know about barcode inventory systems, helping you decide if they are something you need and how to implement them into your workflow. What are barcodes? A barcode is a machine-readable code representing information about the product to which it is attached. A barcode can encode many different pieces of information, such as the price or weight of an item, and can come in many different forms. The two most common are 1D and 2D barcodes. 1D barcodes 1D barcodes are linear or one-dimensional barcodes that consist of black and white bars. They are used for storing information about the item to which it is attached and can be scanned by a laser scanner or camera. 1D barcodes typically contain numerical values but may also encode alphanumeric characters, such as a product name or serial number. Depending on the application, these barcodes can be printed in various sizes and formats. You can commonly find 1D barcodes on products in retail stores, but they are often also used in digital applications such as ticketing systems and loyalty cards. They are an efficient way to store information and are used in various applications, from part tracking to product identification. 1D barcodes can be scanned quickly and accurately, making them ideal for automating inventory processes. With the right technology, 1D barcodes can also capture additional information, such as expiration dates or batch numbers. This makes them invaluable in tracking products throughout their lifecycle. Some examples include UPCs and ISBN codes for books. 2D barcodes 2D barcodes, also known as matrix codes or two-dimensional barcodes, are made up of black and white cells arranged in a grid pattern. Unlike 1D barcodes, which contain short alpha-numerical values, 2D barcodes can store more complex data such as URLs, text files, and images. These types of barcodes provide users with more flexibility to store larger amounts of data and increase security against data tampering. Popular examples of 2D barcodes include QR codes and DataMatrix codes. These types of barcodes are often used in industrial processes, such as tracking materials in manufacturing or identifying drugs in pharmaceutical production. They are also commonly found on printed documents, business cards, and packaging. 2D barcodes are an efficient way to store and share information quickly and accurately. With the right technology, they can also be used for authentication purposes, such as verifying a user’s identity or proving that an item is genuine. Barcodes conveniently store information about...

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> Use a small business order management software to help your business reach its full potential. Learn all about it here and sign-up for free.

- Published: 2022-12-22
- Modified: 2024-05-20
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/small-business-order-management-software/
- Folders: SEO PAGES

Scale fast with order management software for small businesses Running a small business doesn’t have to be complicated. Small business order management software helps you streamline manufacturing, process orders, and track deliveries without having to constantly manually update spreadsheets. Get a demo Small business order management software will prepare your business for scalability When running a small business, you want to be in control of your entire process, from crunching the numbers to going through everything with a fine-tooth comb. While this works at the start, once your business takes off and order volumes increase, human errors can creep in and cause disruptions. This is why many manufacturers turn to order management software for small business to do what it does best — take care of your business in the background, leaving you to reap the benefits. Happy customers often become repeat customers There’s nothing worse than placing an order only to find out that your product is out of stock. This is a sure fire way to drive potential buyers straight into the arms of the competition. Ensure great customer experience by always having your most popular items in stock, while also making sure you never run out of supplies to keep production rolling. Small business order management software helps you: Track inventory on all your products in real time Prioritize supplies according to customer needs and trends Streamline manufacturing and set up reorder points for raw materials  Optimize resources by tracking actual material and time consumption Digitalize your processes with an order management software for small businesses Set yourself up for success by filling orders on time and ensuring your stock is always up to date and ready for shipment. A digital tool can give you and your team a great overview of all your processes, from raw materials to order delivery. Time to move from manual spreadsheets to a more trustworthy, convenient and, most of all, effortless solution. Katana order management software for small business offers: Daily operations management across your entire company Drag-and-drop tasks based on priority, availability, and demand  Time and cost tracking of manufacturing processes Barcode scanning for improving inventory management Get total visibility over your costs and earnings Taking care of accounting and finances can be tedious work if not done efficiently and correctly. Using a small business order management software, you can breathe a sigh of relief when all the numbers match and you don’t have to hunt through spreadsheets to find a pesky error. Get access to a ton of integrations or use the Katana open API to build a tool that will fill your specific needs. Here are some of the integrations Katana offers: Native e-commerce partners like Shopify, WooCommerce, and BigCommerce to help you manage your sales and manufacturing orders Accounting tools like QuickBooks and Xero, which take care of your bookkeeping Different shipping partners to deliver your goods to customers Katana’s open API to build a non-integrated third-party software to help boost your business Katana allows us to have a complete, real-time overview of our manufacturing processes...

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> Order management software gives you a live overview of your entire business, from inventory management to sales, and puts you back in control

- Published: 2022-12-22
- Modified: 2024-06-04
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/order-management-software/
- Folders: SEO PAGES

Take control of your business with order management software Katana's order management software helps you streamline all processes, from inventory management to sales. Ditch the spreadsheets and start scaling your business to new heights. Get a demo Complete order managementfrom receipt to fulfillment Order management software provides a real-time overview of your entire business, from inventory to sales. With Katana, you can automate your inventory transactions, monitor business metrics, and manage sales and purchases. Monitor your inventory and everything related to it Handling inventory can be a headache. Constant monitoring of stock, raw materials, and orders can become overwhelming pretty quickly. That is why software for order management can be a real lifesaver. Katana’s order management software allows you to: Track your live stock levels Forecast demand and plan inventory Set reorder points and safety stock levels Set up stock transfers between locations Simplified order management across all sales channels As a starting company, it might be easy to process orders and manage sales. But, as your business grows, it gets increasingly difficult to handle everything correctly. Why not let sales order management software do the tedious work for you? With order tracking software, you can: Monitor and sync sales across multiple channels Issue purchase order directly from Katana Manage multiple currencies, automatically converting order values Track outgoing orders and incoming supply deliveries  Build your perfect workflow with seamless integrations Feel free to integrate your existing systems or products with Katana’s order management software to help you with tasks such as sales, accounting, delivery, and more. Choose from a variety of integrations or create custom workflows using Katana's open API to connect to your favorite tools. Connect the best order management software to: Shopify, WooCommerce, or BigCommerce to keep your online sales in sync  Various shipping tools for creating and tracking orders and deliveries Accounting tools like QuickBooks Online and Xero to streamline bookkeeping  CRM apps like HubSpot and Pipedrive to enhance customer experience We also wanted an accurate inventory system for batch planning, warehousing, and sales. Katana fulfills all our needs in a simple, easy solution. ” Irah VetFounder and Production Manager at Hornby Organic It’s great to be able to see where inventory faults happen and being able to fulfill orders and where the turnaround happens. ” Alaina OehrleinProduction Lead at Essence One With Katana, we are able to track products, build recipes for materials, and set reorder points for our materials as well. That was the main reason why we selected Katana. ” Lisa DiepChief Operating Officer (COO) at Peace Collective Since implementing Katana, it has freed up my time so I can focus on designing and creating more products. It also means that I am not working until 11 pm every night. ” Thomas JudgeOwner at GJ Motorsports Create a workflow that works for you, not against you Native integrations, codeless templates, and fully customizable API integrations Choose from a wide range of native integrations or take full advantage of the open API to build your...

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> Get ahead of the competition early with 10 manufacturing best practices to take your business to the next level in 2024. Read about it here.

- Published: 2022-12-16
- Modified: 2024-05-16
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/manufacturing-best-practices/
- Folders: GUIDES

10 manufacturing best practices for 2023 In 2023, the manufacturing industry experienced several nearly unprecedented roadblocks, from supply chain disruptions to workforce shortages.   As the industry continues to evolve, manufacturers must be proactive with their business practices to prevent such issues from having catastrophic effects on their operations. What worked in the past may not be enough to remain competitive in the years ahead, so companies need to stay on top of the latest manufacturing best practices. Continuous improvement, frequent communication, and a focus on sustainability will be key components moving forward. In this article, we will examine 10 industry best practices that are geared toward the future, not the past. By implementing these strategies in their operations, manufacturers can maximize their profits for years to come.   1. Invest in automation Through increasingly-rapid technological leaps, automation has become one of the most cost-effective solutions for manufacturers.   Because of this, the industrial automation market size is expected to rise from $189. 7 billion in 2021 to $430. 0 billion by 2030. This massive rise in the market is reflective of the advantages automation can bring to a manufacturing business. No longer does this refer to robotic arms on a factory floor.  Automation now also includes software-driven solutions, such as predictive analytics and machine learning tools used to optimize production processes or monitor inventory levels in real time.   As more money flows into automation, the potential outcomes only improve as artificial intelligence scales more and more effectively. The benefits of investing early in automation technology can be measured in both cost savings and new opportunities. Things like: Reduced labor costs Reduced downtime, errors, and waste Improved product quality and consistency  Increased productivity Automation will be the cornerstone of future success with the rapid movement toward a digital-first world. 2. Move toward digital Digital manufacturing is a process of creating, developing, and producing products in a virtual environment. This includes everything from engineering products to designing production facilities, sales funnels, and marketing materials.   Manufacturers can greatly minimize initial costs and future risks by leveraging digital assets instead of investing in physical production. It allows manufacturers to quickly test and iterate on products, helping them stay agile in the face of ever-changing customer needs. It’s also possible to track customer feedback, analyze data trends, and use machine learning tools to improve production cycles. The combination of automation and digital manufacturing is a powerful one that can help companies stay competitive in an increasingly-connected industry. 3. Focus on talent management In the face of a global pandemic, many manufacturers had to adjust their talent management strategies quickly. These changes included everything from remote working policies to virtual onboarding and training sessions. As industry best practices continue to evolve in 2024 and beyond, manufacturers need to focus on talent management as a way to stay competitive. This includes recruiting top-tier employees with the skills necessary for success in this new landscape.   It also means finding ways to retain existing personnel through flexible work arrangements, attractive compensation packages, and other benefits that make...

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> Here we highlight manufacturing challenges business owners and managers face in their operations and the solutions you can implement.

- Published: 2022-12-08
- Modified: 2024-06-05
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/manufacturing-challenges/
- Folders: GUIDES

10 common manufacturing challenges businesses have to face Capt’n on deck! You’re at the helm of your brand-new manufacturing business. But, being the eager entrepreneur that you are, you’ve decided to set sail without even checking if your business is seaworthy. You launch, but quickly your company begins to take on water. You’re able to steer your way through the problems even though water is pouring in. But eventually, as you reach deeper seas, you continue to sink under the waves until your business is submerged and lost to the murky waters of bad business planning. You don’t have to abandon this metaphorically sinking ship. By understanding manufacturing challenges that could befall your company and having the solutions in place before they occur will help you overcome the treacherous seas and find those calmer waters. So, consider this article your lighthouse, and let’s delve into the ten manufacturing challenges makers face and how you can overcome them in your business. In this article, we'll explore the manufacturing challenges companies face and the solutions you can use to overcome these issues.  TL;DR — the best solution is to embrace. Skip ahead to point 10 if you want to know more about that. 1. Lack of skilled workers Problem One of the challenges manufacturing industries face, from the largest manufacturing business to the most humble workshop, is a lack of skilled labor.   The issue? Young people misunderstand the industry, and older workers are retiring. According to The Manufacturing Institute and Deloitte Consulting LLP, 22% of the workers in manufacturing will be retiring in the next ten years.   Solution It doesn’t have to be this way. You can take the initiative and help unskilled workers find opportunities to become a manufacturer.   Take Soaring Hearts, who featured in the 19 best Shopify stores article. They offer scholarships to anyone studying mental health, compassionate care, or business management. Did you know? You can partner with community colleges or offer training programs to overcome the skilled labor gap. 2. Inventory and project management Problem Inventory management and handling your floor-level management will always plague the shop floor as you try to fulfill your orders amidst the chaos of running a business. You might think that these aspects of manufacturing aren’t related. However, it will directly affect your sales and manufacturing orders if you can’t stay on top of your inventory management. Solution Other manufacturing businesses overcome these manufacturing challenges involving inventory and production schedules by investing in a system that can help you control these areas. Finding manufacturing ERP software to help you automate your inventory management (we’ll talk about the issues involved with automation later) and scheduling your projects will help you overhaul your fulfillment rate. This allows you to focus on scaling your business instead of being overwhelmed by these management processes.   3. Consumerism trends  Problem Customer spending habits are a continuously changing landscape. Over the last few decades, customers were always looking to save a buck when doing their shopping.   That means back in the day, entrepreneurs could outsource their manufacturing,...

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> The 7 best inventory management software on the market in 2025, ranging from software for ecommerce businesses to restaurants.

- Published: 2022-12-07
- Modified: 2024-11-15
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/best-inventory-management-software/
- Folders: GUIDES

7 best inventory management software solutions in 2025 If you handle physical goods, there’s a strong possibility that inventory management is the backbone of your entire business. That’s why it’s essential to find good software to manage inventory that can help you handle this momentous task. But inventory management software comes in many shapes and sizes, so determining the right one for your business is tricky. That’s why we’ve put together this article to help you find the best inventory management software for your business. In this article, we’ll look into what is the best inventory management software available for different businesses and industries, including dropshippers, ecommerce sellers, and restaurant owners. 1. Katana — Cloud inventory platform Price: Starts at $179. 00 per month Free trial: No, but you can get a demo Introducing the best inventory management software for small and medium-sized businesses — Katana Inventory Management Platform. Katana boasts an intuitive design with advanced inventory and production management features to manage all your sales channels across multiple locations. Every plan comes with unlimited users and SKUs at no additional cost, which is perfect for growing companies. To streamline your work, Katana's new AI assistant, KAI, helps you generate purchase orders, gives you real-time business insights, and answers questions about performance metrics. If you need more specialized features, Katana also offers the following add-ons: Full Traceability Planning and Forecasting Advanced Manufacturing Warehouse Management Katana is the centralized platform that unifies all other business services. It offers integrations with the best apps out there, including: Shopify WooCommerce BigCommerce QuickBooks Online Xero With its native integrations, codeless templates, and open API, Katana gives users all the tools necessary to integrate and synchronize with their favorite business tools. Pros Implementation service to get set up 2 to 3 times faster and a stellar support team, ready to assist you whenever you run into any issues Manage products and their variants with the in-depth bill of materials/product recipes End-to-end material and product traceability Cons Katana is designed for businesses that hold their own inventory, so may not be ideal for drop shippers. However, Katana has the tools to support contract manufacturing.   Katana is primarily built to support SMB businesses Need more info? Book a demo to learn more about Katana's features, add-ons, and integrations. Our experts can also guide you through the implementation and advise you on your tech stack. Get a demo Let’s keep going and see what’s the next best software for inventory management. 2. Ordoro — Ecommerce inventory management Price: Starts at $59. 00 per month Free trial: Yes, and a free version Kicking off the best inventory management software for ecommerce for scaling sellers with Ordoro, giving users the tools to compete with large-scale retailers. Ordoro is great software for ecommerce inventory management if you’re a seller looking for: Shipping management Handling dropshipping inventory An open API Advanced analytics Ordoro allows you to integrate your different sale channels to improve your fulfillment workflows with features such as shipping label creation, omnichannel inventory management, automated...

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> Negative inventory is when a manufacturer's inventory is below zero. Learn the reasons for negative stock and how to avoid it.

- Published: 2022-12-05
- Modified: 2024-05-22
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/negative-inventory/
- Folders: GUIDES

Negative inventory: Get your stock back into positive Many manufacturers tell you that negative inventory happens often enough, so you may as well embrace it. However, the unfortunate truth is that it's a sign of bad management. That's why we've looked into negative inventory and how to identify and remove it from your processes. Regardless of company size, manufacturers need to manage their: Administration Finances Resources Production operations Sales Supply chain With so many processes to follow, they can't afford to make any mistakes and risk errors while also trying to meet their production and sales deadlines. This pressure to meet deadlines can lead to mistakes, such as going into negative inventory. Manufacturers often take a reactive approach and only try to correct negative inventory once it's brought to their attention instead of stopping the problem from happening in the first place. However, the longer you put off dealing with your negative inventory, the longer you will be making business decisions based on incorrect information. Negative inventory left unchecked will lead to issues varying in severity, from a minor inconvenience to a problem that stops your entire production. According to some studies, at any one time, 60% of an inventory record is likely to be wrong and, once corrected, can lead to a 4-8% increase in sales growth. One of the reasons many manufacturers choose to deal with these problems when they arise is the difficulty of determining what type of negative inventory your business is carrying. But have no fear! We've looked into the problem of negative inventory and put together an article about how you can identify and address it. What is negative inventory? Negative inventory is when a manufacturer’s inventory count suggests that inventory is below zero. There could be several reasons for negative stock. Regardless of why, it’s a widespread problem in the manufacturing industry, and some companies even use it as an actual business practice. However, by embracing negative stock, you’re in danger of creating more significant problems for your business, mainly because you’ll make unnecessary decisions, such as ordering more raw materials or starting production, due to inaccurate information. Ultimately, negative inventory is a sign of poor management when processing sales and manufacturing orders, not a necessary occurrence that manufacturers must face. And if you continue to allow the negative stock to generate in your inventory, you will always be risking: Selling items to customers that you don’t have in stock Performing a stock transfer with insufficient inventory Ordering more materials even though necessary materials are already in production Knowing the issues is one thing, but the best way to avoid negative inventory is to be proactive and identify what makes negative stock occur. How does negative inventory occur? Now that we’ve looked into what is negative inventory, let’s explore how can stock go negative. Timing  This is probably the most common occurrence when looking into what is negative inventory. An example of a timing issue could be that a customer places an order for...

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> Learn about stock-keeping unit rationalization, what it is, and how SKUs can help keep your inventory optimized.

- Published: 2022-12-05
- Modified: 2024-05-21
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/sku-rationalization/
- Folders: GUIDES

Free up capital and reduce carrying costs with SKU rationalization Constant, repeated SKU rationalization is a best practice of inventory management. This process aims to streamline the product catalog, making it simpler and easier to manage while reducing costs.   Stop wasting money on products that aren't selling!   Here's how SKU rationalization can help. What is SKU rationalization and why is it important? SKU rationalization (product rationalization or SKU optimization) is defined as reducing the number of SKUs (stock keeping units) in a company's inventory. The main goal of this process is to reduce complexity and costs while also making the product catalog simpler and easier to manage. Companies can sometimes get caught up in the "If we build it, they will buy" mindset. They add new products to their catalog without pausing to consider if there is any real demand. This can lead to a bloated catalog with too many SKUs, many of which may not sell. SKU rationalization benefits There are many benefits to stock keeping unit rationalization. Here are some of the most important: Reduced costs — Carrying excess inventory is costly, and companies can save money by reducing the number of SKUs. Eliminating slow-moving or non-selling products can free up storage space and reduce warehousing costs Improved inventory management — A streamlined product catalog is simpler and easier to manage. This can lead to improved inventory management, including more accurate forecasting, better space utilization, and reduced stock-outs Increased sales — By eliminating slow-moving or non-selling products, companies can focus their efforts on promoting the products that are most likely to sell Improved efficiency — An optimized inventory is much easier to manage and organize. Eliminating SKUs that don’t sell clears up your warehouse of obscure items just gathering dust. Additionally, having fewer items can significantly simplify your manufacturing processes as you won’t have to produce as many different types of products Stronger brand identity — With a smaller product portfolio, you will be able to focus on fewer SKUs which can help to solidify your manufacturing brand’s identity. When customers can more easily associate your brand with a limited number of products, they are more likely to remember your brand and convert into loyal customers With all the data you need to collect when rationalizing your SKUs. You have everything you need to generate better ads for your target market. 4 product rationalization challenges While the long-term benefits are clear, every change comes with its own challenges that need to be considered:  Complexity and time-consumption — SKU rationalization can be a complex and time-consuming process. It’s essential to clearly understand your inventory and business goals before you start. In addition, you will need to have access to accurate sales data in order to make informed decisions Changes in the supply chain — Another challenge is that stock keeping unit rationalization can sometimes lead to disruptions in the supply chain. For example, if you discontinue an SKU that is used in the production of another product, you may need to make changes to your manufacturing processes Impact...

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> Discover the benefits and strategies of consignment inventory. Optimize stock management, reduce costs & enhance sales relationships.

- Published: 2022-12-05
- Modified: 2024-05-16
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/consignment-inventory/
- Folders: GUIDES

Win buyers and influence sales with consignment inventory You've put blood, sweat, and tears into a product (metaphorically speaking, perhaps even literally). You're proud of your accomplishments and try to push your brilliance onto the world. Even though you're only trying via one sales channel, it's not been going as successfully as you had hoped — mostly because you compete with companies selling products that are already well-established. But you're confident that your products will fly off the shelves once customers know about them. Luckily for you, there exists another avenue to take — which is selling your goods via consignment inventory. Even better news for you, this isn't a tactic in which you hand over all your rights to some corporate giant (one who slowly excludes you as they engulf your product and life's work). Inventory consignment allows you to retain ownership of your products while a merchant advertises and sells them on your behalf. Sounds too good to be true, doesn't it? In this article, we'll look into what is consignment stock and how you can leverage it within your business's workflow. What is consignment inventory? Consignment inventory allows a business to place its products in a retail store while keeping ownership of the goods, effectively managing stock levels and reducing upfront costs. This inventory consignment management strategy benefits both the supplier (consignor) and retailer (consignee) by optimizing inventory levels and minimizing the risk of unsold stock for both parties. Businesses use the consignment strategy when products are: Seasonal Perishable Previously owned However, that doesn’t exclude products that have no market experience. Consignment inventory is great for businesses coming out with brand-new products. A benefit for the sellers is that they don’t have to commit to selling a product with no history. If the products are not selling well, the seller can return them to the original owner. Here’s a great video available on YouTube explaining in detail what inventory consignment is: https://www. youtube. com/watch? v=5A79j6flC_g&t=37s But what exactly is the process of using this method of inventory management? Get a demo Sign up for a free demo call with our experts and find out how Katana can boost your consignment agreement. Request a demo The process of consignment inventory management Maybe you’re a new business and unsure how your product will be received in the marketplace, but you have a gut feeling that it will do well. This is a scenario in which having stock on consignment could benefit you. So, what do you do? First things first, you need to establish a strong relationship with a potential consignee who’ll be willing to stock your inventory. You and your prospective partner have agreed to embark on this endeavor. You’ll then design a contract explaining both partners’ responsibilities and liabilities. Usually, the terms and conditions will contain details such as: The commission fee (if any) on items sold The duration for how long products will be held by the consignee until being returned to the consignor Who pays...

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> The quest for inventory control taking over your life? Cut out the fluff with this guide to inventory control for a profitable business.

- Published: 2022-12-02
- Modified: 2024-05-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/inventory-control/
- Folders: GUIDES

Inventory control: Laying paths for a bright business future Inventory control, aka stock control, aka “oh no, not again. ” If the phrase inventory control conjures up feelings of dread and despair, you’re not alone. In fact, it may be an issue that some business owners avoid altogether. They don’t employ any effective inventory control techniques and just hope for the best. Perhaps you, too, feel that inventory control systems are overrated. Most of the time, things get to where they’re supposed to, and that’s good enough. But if you don’t have adequate control over your stockroom, it will eventually lead to stock emergencies as you ignore this important aspect of business management. In short, it pays to get this right sooner rather than later. So, let’s get to it. Get to know the ins and outs of controlling your inventory, including how to implement some killer techniques in your business, and feel the daily pressure of stock management being lifted away. What is inventory control? Inventory control is the process of managing a business’s inventory levels, allowing companies to optimize inventory management and assess account balances and financial reports. The terms inventory control and inventory management are often used interchangeably. In fact, they are separate entities — think of the former as a part of the broader discipline of inventory management.  The primary objectives of control over inventory are to know where everything is and to make sure it always gets to the right place. Inventory management deals with inventory costing, buying policies, and selling prices. A good analogy of stock control is the human heart. At its essence, the heart’s job is to pump blood. Not only does it pump blood to every organ in the body, but it also dynamically maintains the correct volumes. If you exert your body more than usual, the heart must compensate and begin pumping blood faster — everything runs in balance. The more you use it, the stronger it gets, and disasters occur if things aren’t regulated properly.   Inventory control is similar and focuses on:  Keeping track of stock — What you already have, how much you have, and where you have it Stock logistics — Organizing the stock in your warehouse or storeroom so transport time is optimized, which in turn reduces lead time Correct storage of goods — Some products require specific conditions for storage. For example, if wood is not stored at the correct temperature or if the humidity is off, then this leads to it becoming obsolete faster than you can use it. This is also a concern of health and safety — is everything stored and transported according to industry regulations and standards In contrast, inventory management is concerned with:  Optimal stock — Stocking the right amount of inventory to minimize holding costs and associated waste Making sure you get the best deals for materials — For example, managing economic order quantity (EOQ). This is reflected in your overall cost of goods sold (COGS) Inventory valuation — Choosing the right costing...

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> Maintaining safety stock levels is vital in avoiding stockouts. Here we delve into the safety stock formula and why it’s so important.

- Published: 2022-12-02
- Modified: 2024-05-21
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/safety-stock/
- Folders: GUIDES

Everything you need to know about the safety stock Safety stock is a mechanism which manufacturers of any size can benefit from. Your business can be prepared whether stock management is going bad or if demand spikes unexpectedly. Better be safe than sorry. What is safety stock? Safety stock is the process of storing a surplus of inventory to avoid a stockout during an unexpected surge of sales. It’s always reassuring to have a safety net. Whether it’s bungee jumping, skydiving, or even a bottle of just-in-case sunscreen when you go on vacation — there’s nothing worse than picking up a nasty streak of sunburn because you ran out of sunscreen. And manufacturing is no different. From a manufacturer’s perspective, safety stock principles can and should be applied to both raw materials and final products. This ensures the availability of materials for production and products for sale. The point is that your customers get their deliveries on time, and safety stock is there behind the scenes making it happen. Otherwise, you might end up with a dreaded stockout and many a-waiting, unhappy customers. It’s not as bad as trying to sleep with a sunburnt back, but it certainly comes close. Want to see Katana in action? Keeping track of inventory can be easy. Get a demo and see why thousands of manufacturers made the switch. Get a demo Why is safety stock important? Most manufacturers employ minimum inventory management principles or MRP tool. In a perfect world, your suppliers always deliver on time, and your sales do not fluctuate unexpectedly. So, your company will always have enough stock. Sadly, we do not live in a perfect world. Your suppliers can face delivery problems due to one-off events or mistakes. It’s not always in their control either, so there is no point in bearing a grudge and getting sulky. The manufacturing world is slippery, and anything can come up at any time. You can find that sometimes you may fail to meet your weekly manufacturing targets. Sometimes your sales are also affected by seasonal effects and unexpected marketing successes or failures. Don’t panic — all of this is normal. Manufacturers carry safety stock for these very reasons. The causes of stock issues can be broken down into the following: Fluctuating manufacturing lead times Customer demand changes Flawed forecasting Unexpected spikes in any of the above are difficult to predict. The supply chain is full of surprises – some fun, others not. Due to this uncertainty, having some safety stock in reserve helps you deliver on time and satisfy your customers. Pro tip: Many manufacturers are cutting out the middleman and selling their products directly to customers. Calculating your safety stock is just the tip of the iceberg. Get ahead of the competition by understanding how Shopify inventory management works. How to calculate safety stock? Despite the importance of safety stock, it does come at a cost. Lean manufacturing principles guide you to eliminate waste, and excessive stock is a waste as...

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> Stocktaking can be a time-consuming process. Thankfully there are ways to make it easier and get the most out of your dreaded stocktake.

- Published: 2022-11-30
- Modified: 2024-05-21
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/stocktake/
- Folders: GUIDES

What is a stocktake? The 2024 complete guide Stocktaking is the process of physically checking stock levels for each product and material you sell to ensure that your data is up-to-date and accurate. It’s important to have a fine grasp of your stock management to make sure your business can grow. Without knowing what you have and what you’re doing with your inventory levels, there’s no way you can run your business efficiently enough to nurture growth without identifying your stock discrepancy. The stocktaking procedure can be a minefield to navigate without the right tools and a well-thought-out strategy. That’s why we have explored the world of stocktaking, including how to do a stocktake, the benefits, and the best techniques for maintaining healthy inventory levels. Discover everything you need to know about stocktaking in this management guide. What is stocktaking? The definition of stocktaking, otherwise known as stock counting or inventory checking, is the act of physically getting verification of the quantities and examining the condition of items held. Two reasons manufacturers may need to perform a stocktake are to provide an audit of existing stock or uncover stock discrepancy information. However, stocktaking is a major contributing factor to your inventory control, especially as a manufacturer, as your business function optimally relies on successfully managing not just stock but different types of inventory. Now you know what is stocktake, why are they important? Why are stocktakes important? It doesn’t take a lot of self-reflection to realize that stocktaking is necessary for taking care of your manufacturing business. After all, your inventory — your raw material, components, and subassemblies — is the makeup of everything you use to make and sell your products. Without a strong foundation, you may be setting yourself up to fail. Just imagine that you don’t prioritize your stock management over an extended period. You might well end up: Running out of stock on a product Finding yourself with an overflowing stock room that is tying up your cash Landing with a pile of dead stock that is no longer usable Having a load of unchecked damaged goods on your hand Losing sight of potentially beneficial inventory management practices And these elements can add up fast to create a monster that gets totally out of control. Imagine that your stock data is so out of sync with reality that you cannot fulfill orders on time without wasting huge resources on overstocking.  But hey, not everything is doom and gloom. What you should be keeping your eyes on are the awesome benefits of having a solid stocktaking procedure in place. Benefits of the stocktakes Once you start accurately managing your stocktakes, the fruits of your upcoming labor will become clearer. Here are just some of the many benefits you can expect to find: 1. Keep your inventory up to date The importance of accurate data cannot be understated. Maintaining correct inventory data is useful for manufacturing your products. It will also help you make sure you have finished goods in stock waiting to be delivered...

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> Dead stock left untreated will eat away profits. Here we help ambitious manufacturers identify and stop dead stock inventory from gathering.

- Published: 2022-11-29
- Modified: 2024-05-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/dead-stock/
- Folders: GUIDES

The dead stock survival guide for manufacturers “When there is no more room in inventory, the stock will flood the shop . ” Firstly, we apologize to any George A. Romero fans who might be offended by the repurposing and rephrasing of that quote. Secondly, even though the quote originally referred to a less-than-convenient zombie outbreak, the sentiment still applies to inventory management. Today, we’re looking at the zombie equivalent of the manufacturing world — dead stock. Cue lightning strikes   Remember those horror stories you heard when you were growing up? A young maiden haunts and terrorizes those who dare venture to the church after she was abandoned at the altar on her wedding day. Creepy — But more than likely, not true. However, like the unwed specter, sometimes an item doesn’t sell and is left abandoned on an unlit shelf in your warehouse. And there, it survives by eating up space and devouring your company’s revenue. You don’t need this zombie-esque product munching away behind your back, and that’s where this guide comes into play. Here you’ll learn the dead stock definition, how to exorcize it, and get more control over your inventory. So, assuming you don’t want to get overrun by dead stock, let’s begin.   What is dead stock? Dead stock is the accumulation of unsellable items. There are several reasons why you end up building dead inventory:  An item’s popularity An item has become obsolete Overzealously stocked too much inventory Bad inventory management means an item has been forgotten Denial that the item is not selling Regardless of how the dead stock infestation occurred, it all leads to the same issues. Dead stock left unchecked occupies space for products that could be earning you “cha-ching” while also driving up carrying costs. Don’t kick yourself if you do have dead stock in inventory. Many companies discover a literal graveyard in their inventory.   Businesses without good inventory management systems are the most prone to gathering dead stock, leaving their products to become forgotten and even obsolete. Dead Stock vs Deadstock So, just to clear up any misunderstandings with the dead stock meaning: Dead Stock — Inventory that hasn’t been sold for an extended period Deadstock — Inventory that isn’t manufactured or stocked anymore and often comes with a premium price Deadstock is a term mainly used by resellers. One man’s dead stock is another man’s deadstock. Try to avoid confusing the two when figuring out which one applies to you. What causes dead inventory? Most horror film dilemmas come from an issue that the protagonists either directly or indirectly caused: They fooled around with an Ouija board, and now demons are causing a ruckus They accidentally invited a vampire around for dinner, and now the bloodsucker has misunderstood what’s on the menu They wanted to create life but, whoopsie made a monster The same can be said for dead stock, it’s created from a problem that might be obvious, not so obvious, or one that you’re actively ignoring — basically, it’s a...

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> Manufacturer ecommerce — a new trend of companies selling their goods B2B online. Here’s the ultimate guide to manufacturing and ecommerce.

- Published: 2022-11-28
- Modified: 2024-05-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/manufacturer-ecommerce/
- Folders: GUIDES

Manufacturer ecommerce: Dawn of a new entrepreneur What if Santa Claus could increase his efficiency without breaking his back to reach kids around the world in one night? As the ultimate manufacturer, Santa could set up a magical online toy store. In this digital workshop, children from every corner of the globe could browse through an endless array of toys, bypassing traditional intermediaries like toy stores or malls. Just as Santa’s online toy store expands his global reach, ecommerce empowers manufacturing businesses to tap into new markets and connect with consumers beyond their local borders. Traditionally seen as a logistical hurdle due to remote production and inventory costs, ecommerce can actually yield significant advantages when done right. Ecommerce presents both opportunities and challenges for manufacturing companies. This is why it requires a strategic approach to maximize benefits and mitigate risks. But fear not, we’re here to spread some knowledge, just like Santa spreads joy and happiness. What does ecommerce for manufacturers look like? Companies that use ecommerce within their manufacturing operations have various options available to them. These include: Setting up an online store to sell directly to consumers Creating a digital marketplace where buyers and sellers can connect Using B2B platforms to connect with wholesalers, retailers, and other businesses Manufacturers may also take advantage of automated inventory tracking systems and analytics tools to monitor sales performance and identify areas that need improvement. Additionally, they can benefit from digital marketing strategies such as SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and targeted campaigns. By leveraging the power of ecommerce, manufacturers can experience increased efficiency in their operations while expanding their reach into new global markets. With the right ecommerce solutions, manufacturers can create a competitive advantage and drive their business forward.   Ecommerce is an effective way for manufacturers to engage with customers, build trust, and develop relationships. Through personalization features such as tailored product recommendations and automated customer service responses, businesses can create a better shopping experience to keep customers coming back. Manufacturers can also use data from ecommerce sales to gain insights into consumer behavior and make informed decisions about: Product development Pricing strategies Marketing campaigns and so much more By leveraging the latest technologies in ecommerce, manufacturers can remain competitive in today’s market and achieve greater success in the future. And that’s all good in the hood, but what exactly are the different forms of ecommerce available for a manufacturer who wants to be ecommerce focused? The cold hard facts for a manufacturer ecommerce business 9% of the total B2B product sales in the US came from ecommerce pre-covid — eMarker report 98% of surveyed manufacturers in 2021 said they plan to implement ecommerce into their sales process. While 42% of those manufacturers who had already invested in ecommerce said that it improved customer relationships — Sana Commerce whitepaper 66% of manufacturers in the US agreed that implementing ecommerce is a “high” or “very high” priority — PwC survey 65% of B2B buyers research products online, while 86% prefer to reorder via the internet instead of speaking to a sales representative — Gartner press release...

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> A proper stock replenishment plan is vital to ensuring your customers get the products on time. Keep reading to see how to do just that.

- Published: 2022-11-28
- Modified: 2024-05-21
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/stock-replenishment/
- Folders: GUIDES

Proper stock replenishment to prevent stockouts Ambitious manufacturers know that stock replenishment is one of the areas which can make a huge difference in scaling their business. For one, it can just be incredibly time-consuming to manage correctly. Thankfully, there is a way. Suppose you're at the coffee machine, ready for a caffeine top-up. Wouldn't it be great if the coffee cup was always there, filled to the brim? Well, it's a dream most manufacturers have with their coffee as much as they do with their stock replenishment. Dreaming their stock room is always in the process of being refreshed and filled for the perfect flow of consumption. Now, as with most things in life, there's a good way of doing replenishment of stock, and there's a bad way. And to make sure you're managing your stock replenishment properly, you need to take your inventory management seriously. Otherwise, you'll come up against stockouts and miserable customers or end up ordering too much stock and unnecessarily increasing your carrying costs. Experts agree that extra inventory costs 18 - 35% of an item's value for a year — a staggering number to consider.  That's why we've come up with this mini guide to make sure you stay on the right path to replenishing stock success. What is stock replenishment? Stock replenishment is the process of reordering materials to meet the demand for your manufacturing and sales orders. That means ensuring you never run out of stock and can deliver to your customers on time. Manufacturers have been battling inventory levels with spreadsheets and stock replenishment systems for a long time. Thankfully, the dawn of best inventory management software has automated many of the processes enough to allow manufacturers to give up the ancient Excel ways and focus on their products and customers instead. It's easy enough to say that stock replenishment is ordering stock to meet demand. But to really gain an understanding, we have to step back and see what that means in terms of the supply chain. Ultimately, your capabilities of keeping stock at optimal levels are affected by many external factors. Your suppliers are as paramount to the process as your own principles. So yes, stock replenishment is about holding an amount of stock that doesn't drastically increase your carrying costs while also making sure you never have stockouts. However, it also ensures you have an entire overview of your inventory, from supplier relations to purchase planning and even production scheduling. You need to build yourself a landscape that covers all of these bases so that your inventory replenishment process becomes part of the natural order of your manufacturing business. Now thankfully, you won't be on your own with all this. Modern production management software can automate this for you. It makes sure that you know exactly when to purchase more materials while also ensuring you have materials available for your current manufacturing and sales orders. But before we get to that, let's see how we can build the foundations of...

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> Lean inventory is a method for reducing costs and improving the management of your business. Learn how to make it work.

- Published: 2022-11-28
- Modified: 2024-05-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/lean-inventory/
- Folders: GUIDES

Lean inventory — trimming the fat from your manufacturing There’s nothing better than a spring clean. Just getting your home spick-and-span, organized to a tee, from rearranging your cutlery draw to alphabetizing your bookshelf, and then putting your feet up knowing you can relax. It might not seem like a big deal. But you’ll notice that when you take the time to carefully and logically store items, you’ll save time and energy completing a task — even if that task is making some food or reading a book. And a factory floor is no different. That’s why in this article, we’re going to explore lean inventory, the benefits of using the method, and finding the right software to help you bring it all together. What is lean inventory management? Lean inventory is the process of increasing the value of a company’s stock by identifying and eliminating any waste when handling materials and managing labor and time through the continuous improvement of manufacturing processes. Before manufacturers used lean inventory management, they usually manufactured their goods based on demand planning (or even built and stocked what they believed the customer might want). However, with lean inventory, the manufacturer identifies and eliminates excess inventory and only stores what they need in a specific time frame. The practice of storing lean stock originated in Japan, with the simple aim of eliminating ‘Muda’ (for example, eliminating bottlenecks or reducing carrying costs) from the manufacturing process to increase the value of the products produced. It was famously adopted by Toyota Motor Corporation, which switched to a make-to-order approach and continuously analyzed its production lines to help the company survive a post-war Japanese economy. Lean manufacturing inventory management can be achieved by: Redesigning routing manufacturing Removing unnecessary processes from manufacturing Rethinking how to keep stock And that’s the basics to what is lean theory in inventory management. However, the tactic stems from five principles, but what are these lean inventory principles? Implement lean techniques with Katana Book a demo with Katana to manage your operations with a real-time inventory system that will help you take your business to the next level. Get a demo What are the 5 elements of lean? The five lean inventory principles are: Value Value stream Flow Pull Perfection These were developed by the renowned engineer and Toyota Production System expert Taiichi Ohno. Let's explore these principles in more detail. 1. Value You’ll need to define the value your business will gain from practicing lean management. Will you be aiming to utilize resources more appropriately? Or are you looking to reduce the amount of inventory you keep on your shelves? 2. Value stream This is the process of creating or obtaining a product or service. A value stream maps out all the steps and activities that are required for production, from raw materials to finished goods. You need this to identify which process steps are necessary to achieve customer value and which can be discarded. 3. Flow You’ll need to understand how your inventory flows in...

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> Demand planning and forecasting are key to the future of your business. It's important to know how much you're going to need to stock.

- Published: 2022-11-28
- Modified: 2024-05-20
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/demand-planning/
- Folders: GUIDES

Demand planning: How to properly forecast your sales Crystal balls are brilliant — they let you know what will happen in the future so you can act accordingly. It’s sad that they only exist in fairy tales and stage shows. Unfortunately, there are no crystal balls in the business world, so you have to resort to other methods to predict your sales and plan accordingly. The next best thing is demand planning. This article will cover everything you need to know about demand planning and forecasting and how it can better prepare you for future sales. So, unless you have some pressing plans for this very moment, make yourself comfy as we dive into the world of demand planning. What is demand planning? Demand planning is the process of forecasting, monitoring, and managing customers' demand for a product or a service while taking into account market conditions, consumer preferences, and other external factors. By understanding the future demand for their products, businesses can better plan supply and production to meet customer needs. Demand planning tools allow businesses to use historical data and insights from analytics to make more informed decisions about how much product they need to produce or purchase to meet customer needs. This helps them ensure that there are enough products available at the right time and place in order to maximize sales opportunities and avoid unnecessary costs associated with over-production or under-stocking. 10 reasons why demand planning is important Returning to the crystal ball analogy — a good demand plan is the closest you can get in the real world. But let's go over the specific benefits it brings. 1. Competitive advantage in the marketplace Demand planning is crucial for businesses to succeed in a competitive market. Understanding product demand and forecasting consumer trends enables companies to efficiently plan their supply chain, minimize costs, and meet customer demand effectively. 2. Efficient supply chain management By forecasting demand accurately, businesses can create more efficient processes within their supply chain. This helps minimize costs and ensures that customers receive what they want, when they want it, and at the lowest possible cost. 3. Enhanced strategy Utilizing demand planning tools allows businesses to gain insights into the market, understand customer preferences, and create plans to anticipate changes in demand or supply. This strategic adjustment helps companies stay competitive and maximize profits. 4. Risk management Demand planning is integral to risk management, mitigating issues related to overproduction, underproduction, or resource misallocation. This helps in managing inventory levels and ensuring business continuity during market fluctuations. 5. Resource optimization Through demand planning, resources, including manpower, machinery, and capital, are allocated more efficiently. This leads to increased productivity and cost savings, preventing the waste of resources on low-demand products. 6. Customer satisfaction and loyalty Meeting customer demand accurately and promptly enhances customer satisfaction, fostering loyalty. Repeat customers are vital for long-term business success and contribute significantly to revenue. 7. Data-driven decision making Advanced analytics and big data in demand planning lead to more accurate...

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> Here's everything you need to know about bulk shipping in inventory management, from shippable items and the vessels that make deliveries.

- Published: 2022-11-28
- Modified: 2024-05-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/bulk-shipping/
- Folders: GUIDES

A guide to bulk shipping’s role in inventory management Bulk shipping is a very efficient inventory management strategy with proper planning and tracking. It is essentially the delivery of bulk shipments using large vessels to deliver huge quantities of goods and is intended to save your business time and money. In this guide, you'll learn more about the basics of bulk shipping, its benefits, and some of the disadvantages so you can mitigate the risks involved. What is bulk shipping? Bulk shipping is transporting goods and products in large quantities, which are usually unpackaged. The vessel acts as the container, and the type of goods carried may vary. Goods and products that qualify can be liquid or non-liquid, in the case of items such as grains, coal, iron, or liquid, such as petroleum, gasoline, or milk. How does bulk shipping work? Bulk shipping is usually handled by an external company that owns the ships and handles the bulk goods' loading, transportation, and storage.   The cargo can then be docked at the destination port or moved to a warehouse, depending on your own manufacturing processes and the nature of the goods and products. Generally, the process of bulk shipping involves three major steps:  Loading  Unloading  Storage  Though it can be a very complex process, mass shipping can help you save money and ensure you have the inventory you need readily available when you need it. There are many moving parts to keep track of, but the returns can be worth the planning ahead required when using this inventory management technique.   What kind of goods can be bulk shipped? Different goods and products can be bulk shipped, generally referred to as bulk cargo. This type of cargo is defined as cargo that is shipped unpackaged and in large quantities, usually loaded directly onto a vessel or container. It is non-fragile and has a longer shelf life, thus lending itself to being loaded, unloaded, and stored for longer periods.   Many goods can be transported as bulk shipments, but they fall under two main categories, which dictate how they are handled and stored and what types of vessels are needed to transport them. 1. Dry bulk This category includes:  Grain Certain food products Coffee Salt Coal Plastics Minerals Wood items  Dry bulk is transported on large vessels carrying bulk products and is handled using equipment such as conveyor belts, cranes, or silos. The bulk carriers have a single-running deck with many hatchways. This type of bulk needs to be kept dry throughout the entire process, and special attention needs to be given to loading it evenly on the vessel so it doesn’t cause any instability. 2. Liquid bulk  Including goods such as:  Matural gas Petroleum Cooking oil Liquid bulk is shipped using specialized tankers that can hold liquid and be handled with the help of pumping stations and pipelines. Liquid bulk can be categorized as hazardous or non-hazardous, with the former needing special attention and conditions when being shipped.   What types of...

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> Here is the ultimate guide to creating the perfect manufacturing business plan for your entrepreneurial ambitions.

- Published: 2022-11-22
- Modified: 2024-05-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/manufacturing-business-plan/
- Folders: GUIDES

Getting started: A guide to creating a manufacturing business plan What is a manufacturing business plan? A manufacturing business plan is a formal document that outlines the goals and objectives of your business. It includes detailed information about your:  Products or services  Target market  Marketing strategy Financial projections  Operational details The purpose of a business plan is to give you a roadmap to follow as you build and grow your business. It forces you to think through every aspect of your venture and identify potential problems or roadblocks before they happen.   Manufacturing business plans can also be used to attract investors or secure funding from lenders. If you are looking for outside financing, your business plan needs to be even more detailed and include information on your management team, financial history, and expected growth.   Ideally, you should update your business plan yearly to ensure that it remains relevant and accurate. As your business grows and changes, so too should your plan.   Why does a manufacturing company need a business plan? No matter how simple or complex your ideas may be, you need a plan, or they will never become a reality. A business plan will clearly understand your costs, competition, and target market. It will also help you to set realistic goals and track your progress over time.   Let's look at a manufacturing strategy example. You have a great idea that you think will revolutionize the automotive industry. Your new safety harness will be made from a lightweight, yet incredibly strong, material that cannot be cut or torn. You are confident that your product will be in high demand and generate a lot of revenue.   But before you walk into Ford or Toyota to try and get a purchase order, you need to have a plan. You must know:  How much will it cost to produce your product How many units do you need to sell to break even  Who is your target market is  What is your competition selling  How will you reach your target market  You also need to clearly understand the regulatory landscape and what it takes to bring a new product to market. All of this information (and more) should be included in your business plan.   This is not just a document that you create and forget about. It is a living, breathing tool that should be used to guide your actions as you build and grow your business.   What are the key components of a business plan? Every manufacturing business plan will be different, but almost always, they will include the same five components:  Executive summary Company description Products and services Market analysis Financial plan  Let's take a closer look. Executive summary The executive summary is the first section of your business plan, but it is typically written last. This is because it should be a concise overview of everything that follows, and you can only do that once you have completed the rest of your plan.   Include the...

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> Cycle inventory is one of the most important things to have control of in the world of inventory management. Learn more about inventory cycle stock.

- Published: 2022-11-21
- Modified: 2024-05-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/cycle-inventory/
- Folders: GUIDES

What is cycle inventory? Here’s everything you need to know In the world of inventory management, one of the most important things to have control of is your cycle stock. This inventory is used to fulfill customer orders and keep production running. By forecasting correctly and maintaining a proper level of cycle inventory, businesses can avoid the costly consequences of stockouts or obsolescence and generating dead stock. In this guide, we'll walk you through the following: A definition of cycle stock How it differs from safety stock and cycle count Factors that impact cycle inventory The cycle inventory formula Inventory management software and how it can help Let's dive in. What is cycle inventory? Cycle stock is the inventory necessary to keep production running and customer orders fulfilled. This includes the raw materials used in the manufacturing and the finished products waiting to be shipped. To calculate cycle stock, businesses need to consider both manufacturing lead time demand and production quantity. Lead time demand is the amount of time it takes for an item to be delivered from a supplier — or for a raw material to be delivered from the point of production. Production quantity is the number of units produced during each production run. Cycle stock vs. safety stock Importantly, cycle stock does not include safety stock. Safety stock is the inventory buffer that's maintained to protect against unforeseeable disruptions, like supplier delays or natural disasters. On the other hand, cycle stock is based on predictable, forecasted customer demand and production schedules. While both are important for a well-run operation, cycle stock is often the focus of inventory management because it directly impacts working capital. By contrast, safety stock levels are usually set by senior management and are not as subject to change. Cycle inventory vs. cycle count It is also not to be confused with cycle count, which is the practice of physically performing a stocktake regularly (daily, weekly, monthly, etc. ). Cycle count is vital for maintaining accurate stock levels, but it's a different process than cycle inventory management. Notably, it usually does not measure the entire inventory but only a sample, providing a projection for the total. Why is cycle stock important? One of the worst things that can happen to a company is a stockout. This is when inventory runs out, and customer orders can't be fulfilled. Stockouts can have a major impact on businesses: Lost sales — When customers can't get the products they want, they'll go to a competitor. This leads to lost revenue for the business Damaged reputation — Stockouts damage reputation because it shows that the company isn't able to meet customer demand. This can lead to long-term damage as customers may never come back Inefficient production — If the inventory isn't available, production will have to stop. This leads to inefficiencies and can cause further disruptions down the line It's important to note that stockouts don't just happen because of low inventory levels. They can also be caused by...

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> Material requirements planning allows manufacturers to take control of their supply chain and production all from one screen.

- Published: 2022-11-18
- Modified: 2024-05-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/mrp-in-supply-chain/
- Folders: GUIDES

A guide to MRP in supply chain management Inventory and supply chain management is critical for any manufacturing business to succeed. This is why many businesses turn to material requirements planning systems to streamline these processes and keep track of inventory levels. If you’re new to manufacturing or are considering implementing an inventory system in your business, this guide will explain how important it is to include MRP in supply chain management. Katana MRP software Just looking to get set up with MRP software as soon as possible. Try Katana for free for inventory management, material requirements planning, and more. Read more about it here What is MRP? Material requirements planning (MRP) is a system used to plan and manage the inventory and resources needed to manufacture products. It coordinates all aspects of production, from sourcing raw materials to delivery of finished products. An MRP system begins with a bill of materials (BOM), which lists all the materials, components, and sub-assemblies needed to manufacture a product. The BOM generates a master production schedule (MPS) that specifies when each component must be produced.   The MRP system also creates production plans for manufacturing operations. These plans detail:  What needs to be done When it needs to be done How much inventory is required  What is MRP in supply chain management? MRP in supply chain management differs slightly as the system must also consider the company's supply chain partners.   In other words, it must consider both the upstream and downstream processes in the supply chain. This means that in addition to managing inventory levels and production schedules, an MRP system must also be able to track supplier performance and delivery times. This information is necessary to ensure that materials are delivered on time, and that production plans can be executed as scheduled.   And it can help in various ways.   Inventory levels One of the most important aspects of any business is inventory levels.   Too much inventory can tie up valuable resources and lead to storage costs. Not enough inventory can result in production delays and lost sales. An MRP system can help businesses manage their inventory levels by providing visibility into the entire manufacturing process. This includes information on: What materials are needed  When they are needed How much inventory is required  Reorder points Reorder points are the inventory levels businesses need to replenish their stock. MRP systems help businesses calculate reorder points to avoid stockouts — the last thing you want when trying to scale a company. These are based on the lead time or the time it takes to receive new inventory after placing an order. Businesses need to account for lead time when calculating reorder points because they need enough inventory to last until the new shipment arrives.   Demand forecasting Demand forecasting, or demand planning, is estimating future customer demand so businesses can plan their production accordingly.   MRP systems can help businesses create accurate forecasts by providing historical data on past sales and trends. This information can be used to generate improved...

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> The reorder point formula is the maximum daily usage multiplied by the maximum lead time days. Never run out of stock again and maximize sales.

- Published: 2022-11-15
- Modified: 2024-05-21
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/reorder-point-formula/
- Folders: GUIDES

Reorder point formula to maximize sales Every manufacturing business out there faces questions like: How much material do I need to order from my supplier? When do I need to place my next supply order? When do I generate a new manufacturing order? If you’re struggling to answer these questions, you can use a reorder point calculation to help you out. Holding inventory incurs expenses, known as carrying costs. For example, it could be $3 per unit or 15% of an item’s price. So, producing too many finished goods could end up evaporating your profit margin. This article looks into the reorder point formula, safety stock, and how to calculate it all. It also gives you an Excel formula for inventory reorder points, shows you how to use reorder level formula in Excel, and explores how you can take your order efficiency to the next level with cloud inventory software. What is a reorder point? The reorder point, sometimes referred to as ROP, is a stock threshold you don't want to go below. The ideal inventory reorder point allows for adequate time to make a new order before your stock is depleted. Reorder point is the metric that tells you two essential things: When it is the right time to order more materials from your supplier(s) When it is the right time to manufacture more products by creating a manufacturing order (MO) This means your stock will be regulated much better, with fewer interruptions like supply chain breakdowns or production bottlenecks. Your inventory reorder point levels should cover every item in stock, including all different SKUs. You can link your inventory levels with each product's bill of materials (BOM) and track it with MRP software. For example, Katana lets you set reorder points and highlights when you need to order more materials to keep ideal inventory levels. It's important to learn how to calculate reorder points because as your business grows and handles more products and SKUs, the more difficult it's going to be to maintain your ideal stock levels. Next, let's look into how to calculate reorder point with the reorder point formula. This doesn't have to be done by hand — a good cloud inventory software can do it for you to cut back on some admin time. Reorder point and safety stock Your safety stock is your trump card in emergencies, but you shouldn't have to keep dipping into it. The ideal reorder point ensures that your business does not fall below your safety stock levels. If you miss your reorder point and use some safety stock, you need to order even more materials to replace that safety stock once the supply order arrives. If you don't, your safety stock will eventually deplete to nothing, and since more orders cost more money, you should try to avoid this. Therefore, an ideal reorder point is typically a little higher than your safety stock level to factor in delivery time. But how much higher does it need to be? It depends on...

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> Get your manufacturing clients software that gives them total visibility over accounting and production. Earn rewards as a Katana Partner.

- Published: 2022-11-14
- Modified: 2024-05-19
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/qbo-partner/
- Folders: SEO PAGES

Looking for an ERP that integrates with QuickBooks Online? Offer your manufacturing clients software that gives them total visibility over accounting and production. As a Katana Partner, you'll have priority support, early access to new features, and a 20% commission for every referral. Schedule a demo to learn more. Book a demo Features Sync your accounting and sales with Katana and QuickBooks Online Create and update QuickBooks Online invoices based on sales order statuses in Katana. You can also convert purchase orders in Katana to QuickBooks Online bills in one click while keeping your contact information and inventory balance in sync between both platforms. Native integration with QBO Access to all your accounting documents directly from Katana and keep your data in sync at all times Connect your e-commerce platforms Sync your Katana data with major e-commerce platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, and more Create custom workflows via API Build your own apps into Katana using our extensive developer resources and open API Job costing built for precision Track manufacturing costs based on your bill of materials (BOM) and production operations and sync with QBO Built-in sales insights and reporting Sales analytics help you make data-driven decisions to accelerate business growth across all channels Voted best-in-class by QBO users Katana's ERP software is rated 4. 8/5 on the QBO App Store for ease of use and implementation Book a demo Ready to become a Katana Partner? Curious about QBO and Katana, commissions, or how you would benefit as an official Katana Partner? Pick a time that works for you to schedule a one-on-one demo with a member of our partnerships team. Here's what we'll cover on the call: Your unique business goals How Katana extends out QBO functionality for manufacturers An overview of the Katana Partner Program

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> Job shop manufacturing guide to keep your teams organized, efficient, and focused with software designed to give you visibility. Learn more.

- Published: 2022-11-11
- Modified: 2024-05-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/job-shop-manufacturing/
- Folders: GUIDES

Job shop manufacturing: A manufacturer’s best friend Every day is Christmas in Santa's workshop. Well, surely that's Father Christmas' approach to management to get his workforce to meet those massive quotas. All ready for that one day of the year. He must operate his not-for-profit business this way since the items are so diverse it'd be impossible for him to incorporate assembly lines. So, how the heck does Santa do it? If you don't know how he does it, don't worry, you're not a cotton-headed ninny muggins. Let us tell you all about the world of the job shop manufacturing process. What is job shop manufacturing? Job shop manufacturing characterizes itself as a shop with tools, machines, and facilities with similar functions or performances. The separated workstations perform different tasks during a product's manufacturing process. The final products are produced in small batches (of varying quantities). Customers customize their orders to meet their specific needs. This means a business will produce a small volume of products that are not standardized. The level of personalization offered by the job shop process means shop floors have a unique setup and process steps. Products produced by a company may not go in the same direction. Meaning items will move differently to the next process and may even return to the same workstation several times. All this depends on the product's manufacturing requirements. Job shop manufacturers can sell their wares directly to customers, via a wholesaler, or produce parts for other businesses. Businesses that use job shop production often employ just-in-time (JIT) workflow to fulfill customer orders. Now that we know what is job shop production let's look at an example. Manufacturing vs. production While these terms are often used interchangeably, there is a distinct difference between the two. Manufacturing — The process of turning raw materials into finished products Production — All the activities associated with the creation of goods The manufacturing process begins with raw materials and ends with finished products. On the other hand, the production process encompasses all the activities necessary to create a product, from start to finish. This includes everything from sourcing and procuring raw materials to packaging and shipping the finished product. To lear more about the differences, you can check out the following article — Production vs. manufacturing: what’s the difference? A job shop production example The fruits of a diverse selection of items were produced in a job shop manufacturing environment. There is a huge list of businesses that use this process. However, for our job shop manufacturing example, we're going to look into the world of producing eyeglasses. Framed by Karl is a business that makes and sells customizable eyeglasses made from wood. Let's look at the exact steps involved. Design At Framed by Karl, glasses are customized by the customer. Job shop production allows manufacturers to personalize each individual item because of their unique setup. The customer chooses from a range of stock frames to have their own personalized glasses. During this stage, they also have...

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> Don't drive blind — Katana’s production tracking software gives you a clear view ahead with easy production tracking. Learn more here.

- Published: 2022-11-10
- Modified: 2024-06-13
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/production-tracking-software/
- Folders: SEO PAGES

Production tracking software to get your business organized Implement Katana’s production tracking software and gain complete visibility of your manufacturing operations. Katana gives you all the necessary tools to efficiently manage everything on-the-fly. Get a demo Production tracking software to ensure you stay on course Running your operations without properly tracking everything is a quick way to run your business off-track. To ensure each task is performed in the most efficient manner, you need to be able to track every part of your business. Katana’s manufacturing tracking software allows you to do just that, leading to a reduction of waste and an improved bottom line. Track materials, finished products, and operations Customers are very particular about their orders arriving on time. To make sure every customer gets their items in a timely manner, you need to have a clear overview of every aspect of your business. You need to know whether you have the materials, equipment, and human resources available to start manufacturing. Katana’s production tracker software keeps you updated in real time, so you always know if you have everything to fulfill the order. With Katana, you can easily track: Different inventories Purchases and sales Production operations Manufacturing tracking software that gets your orders out on time Katana’s production tracker software comes with a real-time master planner. This intuitive system lets you to track your order priorities and automatically reallocates resources to get the highest-priority ones done in time. Katana ensures you never have to worry about running out of stock or missing a deadline by offering features like: Live inventory updates Reorder points and safety stock Real-time master planner A single source of truth for all your business needs Shuffling between multiple tools while trying to ensure data accuracy across platforms can quickly become a hassle. With Katana's prduction tracker, you dont' have to worry about that. Katana's production tracking software comes with simple plug-and-play integrations, so you can connect your favorite business tools without any coding knowledge. Katana also integrates with the tools you use to centralize your data. Connect Katana with: Accounting software CRM platforms Analytics and reporting tools Ecommerce platforms Katana allows us to have a complete, real-time overview of our manufacturing processes and keeps our operations under control. " Pablo BaqueWalk With Me CEO We chose Katana because it seemed to be the most user-friendly software we tried – it is very easy to use and the customer service is great! ” Candice MurnoFounder and Designer at Buttercream Clothing Having the shop floor know what they can or can’t make on a given day is amazing, and replaces our previous “system” of spreadsheets. ” Sara VarelaFounder and Designer at Sara Gabriel Katana provides us with all the features for manufacturing order management and can track inventory usage and incorporate our sales order tracking into Katana. ” Mikhail MooreChief Executive Office (CEO) at Vitacore Industries Integrate with the best ecommerce, accounting, reporting, and CRM apps out there All your business tools — connected Optimize your...

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> Understanding inventory types will help you manage your business and accounting. Here are the different types of inventory in manufacturing.

- Published: 2022-11-09
- Modified: 2024-05-30
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/types-of-inventory/
- Folders: GUIDES

A complete guide to the four types of inventory in manufacturing How you manage your inventory can either make or break your manufacturing operations. Moreover, the complexity of dealing with your inventory grows dramatically with every additional product or product variant you add to your catalog. Hence, it is worthwhile to understand fundamental questions related to inventory and inventory management — exactly what this guide covers. We'll define what inventory is and explain the different types you will encounter in your manufacturing business — to support these definitions, we'll look at the fictional Acme Corporation of Warner Bros fame and the different types of inventory they hold at their factory. So without further ado, let's dive right in. Get the ultimate guide to inventory management A comprehensive ebook that covers everything you need to know about inventory management. Get the ebook What is inventory? Inventory is the sum of all items intended to be sold by your business.   This constitutes a strict definition and only includes everything from your raw materials to finished goods that will eventually end up in your customers' hands. While this definition is of the most practical importance, it is useful to expand our definition a little bit to include materials and goods that are essential to your production process. This expansion allows the inclusion of materials that will never reach your customers but are vital for your business and hence should be part of your inventory. Ultimately, inventory is the sum total of all the goods and materials that your business holds for either resale, production, or utilization. When your business is small, you often don’t even need to think about inventory management. However, as your business grows, so does your inventory and the need to manage it efficiently. Inventory management systems evolve along the following lines in general: Mental notes and intuition Simple paper-based solutions (Sticky notes, notepads, etc. ) Excel-based management Dedicated inventory management software  Each step improves on the previous ones and attempts to equip you with the best tools to tame the complexity of managing your workflows and inventory. Of course, your business could have already grown to the point where you’d have to skip a step or two to use manufacturing software with built-in inventory management features. However, let's return to the task of classifying inventory. What are the 4 types of inventory? The four types of inventory are raw materials, work-in-progress (WIP), finished goods, and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) inventory. Knowing which items belong to which category allows you to optimize your operations and account for each step of the production process more efficiently. Now that different types of inventory have been laid out, let's dive deeper into what each category consists of and what to keep in mind when managing them. Raw materials Raw materials are all the items that your business uses to manufacture finished products.   These materials can be sourced, produced by your company, or procured from a supplier. Raw materials can be further...

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> Performing accurate inventory analysis is essential for increasing your profit margins. Read about the benefits and techniques here.

- Published: 2022-11-08
- Modified: 2024-05-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/inventory-analysis/
- Folders: GUIDES

A guide to inventory analysis for manufacturing Starting a manufacturing business is one thing, but scaling it is entirely different. Instead of fulfilling a few orders for a product, you make at home or in a small facility, you now need to juggle the demands of multiple customers, a larger inventory, and perhaps even employees. To keep things running smoothly, you'll need to track your inventory levels closely and make decisions accordingly. That's where inventory analysis comes in. By analyzing your inventory data, you can better decide what to produce, how much, and when to produce it. In this guide, we'll cover the basics of inventory analysis for manufacturing businesses by examining the definition, benefits, and methods you can use to get started. What is inventory analysis?   Inventory analysis is the process of reviewing your inventory data to understand it better and make more informed decisions about your manufacturing business.   This can include demand forecasting, optimizing safety stock levels, and learning when's the best to order (or reorder) additional materials.   You can use many different methods to analyze your inventory data, but some common ones include:  Trend analysis ABC analysis Economic order quantity (EOQ) analysis  We'll take a closer look at those and more but first, let's consider some of the advantages achieved by analyzing your inventory. Benefits of inventory analysis Many benefits come with analyzing your inventory data, but here are a few of the most important ones: Make better decisions — By understanding what products are selling well and which aren't, you can adjust your production accordingly. This can help you save money on inventory that isn't moving and increase profits by focusing on items in high demand Reduce the risk of stock-outs — No one wants to run out of a product their customers want to buy. Recent data suggests that 37% of customers will go to another brand if they experience a stock-out. By correctly analyzing your inventory, the chance of these disasters will be minimized Save money on storage and shipping costs — Carrying too much inventory can be costly, both in terms of the physical space it takes up and the money you spend shipping it from one location to another. By analyzing your inventory data, you can better understand how much inventory you need to keep on hand Save time — Tracking your inventory manually can be time-consuming and error-prone. But if you use software, you can automate many of the tasks involved in inventory management analysis and free up your time, so you can focus on other aspects of running your business Improve customer satisfaction — If you have a good handle on your inventory levels, you're more likely to be able to fulfill customer orders on time. This can lead to happier customers and improved customer satisfaction There are several others, like reduced waste, more accurate supplier performance, and the ability to plan for future growth. But these are some of the most impactful benefits of conducting inventory analysis. Types of inventory When breaking inventory into sub-categories, there are four major types:  Raw materials...

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> Manufacturing business processes are the activities manufacturing companies follow to make their products. Learn more on how you can improve these.

- Published: 2022-11-07
- Modified: 2024-05-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/manufacturing-business-processes/
- Folders: GUIDES

Manufacturing business processes to streamline your operations Starting out, many small manufacturers just do what they do, day in and day out, without much thought to efficiency or effectiveness. As the business grows, inefficiencies begin to take their toll in the form of longer lead times, higher costs, and less customer satisfaction. At this point, it is usually time to take a step back and analyze the operations and see where improvements can be made. That's where manufacturing business processes come in.   Manufacturing business processes allow you to take a closer look at the individual steps that make up your operations and identify areas where improvements can be made. By streamlining your processes, you can improve efficiency, quality, and customer satisfaction while also reducing costs. So, without further ado, let's take a look at manufacturing business processes and see how you can leverage them to improve your operations. What is a business process? Business processes are the backbone of any organization, large or small. They provide a framework for activities and help ensure work is completed efficiently and effectively. While some business processes are relatively simple, others can be quite complex, involving multiple steps and countless interactions. Regardless of their size or complexity, all business processes share one common goal — adding value to the organization. This value can take many forms, including reducing costs, increasing revenues, or improving product quality. Companies can gain a significant competitive advantage by understanding and leveraging business processes. Some common examples of business processes include order processing, accounts receivable, and accounts payable. Other business processes may be specific to a particular industry, such as claims processing in the insurance industry or loan origination in the banking industry. Now that we have an understanding of what business processes entail, let’s look at the key business processes in manufacturing. What are the business processes in the manufacturing industry? There are many business processes for manufacturing companies needed to produce goods, and these can be broadly classified into the following categories: Product development Supply chain management Sales and marketing Customer support services Other support services Product development The product development process covers all activities from the initial concept to the final product launch. It includes market research, product planning, design, engineering, prototyping, and testing. Product development is often referred to as new product development (NPD) in the manufacturing industry. The NPD process generally has the following seven steps: Idea generation — The first step in the NPD process involves generating new product ideas. Ideas can come from internal sources such as employees, the research and development department, management, or external sources such as customers, suppliers, or industry experts Idea screening — In this stage, ideas are evaluated, and those considered feasible are selected for further development Concept development and testing — The selected ideas are developed into concepts and tested with potential customers to gather feedback Business analysis — This stage involves conducting a detailed analysis of the concept to assess its feasibility from a business...

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> Just-in-time inventory management has surpassed the just-in-case system as the gold standard for efficient manufacturing. Find out why.

- Published: 2022-11-03
- Modified: 2024-05-16
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/just-in-time-inventory/
- Folders: GUIDES

Just-in-time inventory: Definition, example, pros and cons In traditional inventory management, a business orders large quantities of raw materials, ensuring they have enough to start production immediately when an order comes in. But what if you have just enough on-hand inventory to satisfy demand instead of storing all the inventory you might need to gather dust as you wait for an order? Would that approach come with issues rendering the process useless, or is it a methodology that every business owner should jump on without hesitation?   In this article, we’re going to look into the world of just-in-time inventory. We’ll see where it originally started, explore the costs, the benefits, and discuss whether you should implement it in your business. If streamlining your inventory management is something you’re passionate about, you’re definitely in the right place, so make yourself comfortable and let’s get started!   What is just-in-time inventory? Just-in-time stock control is the philosophy of filling the market demand quickly and only using exactly what you need — you make goods when orders come in, not before.   The goal of just-in-time (JIT) inventory is to cut down costs from the production process. This is done with careful planning. All waste and inefficiencies are identified and reduced as much as possible. All resources (human, material, space, and time) are used to create the highest-quality product while cutting down costs.   Retailers use inventory management which is a form of JIT.   When you go into a supermarket, there is an unbelievable amount of choice, but only a few of each item. When an item’s SKU runs low, the supermarket’s JIT inventory system flags this up, so the manager can order more. This approach keeps stock at optimal levels, ensuring that stock-outs don’t happen or that an excess inventory would result in waste.   The history of the just-in-time inventory In the wake of WWII, Japan was in a dire situation — most of its factories had been destroyed. They had to deal with high levels of unemployment and an extreme lack of space and natural resources. Japan was facing post-war stagnation. It seemed impossible to build up any momentum to overcome this.   Meanwhile, in the USA, business was booming.   Everything was in abundance, as they were relatively untouched by the war. Not to mention demand was sky-high, so products were flying out of the door. The philosophy of the day was “more is better. ” There was no reason to hold back, so they favored large-scale mass production.   Isolated Japan needed to get its economy going ASAP.   Pioneers stepped up to develop ways to lean up their inventory management completely. They built smaller factories that only kept the raw material inventory needed for existing orders. Less capital tied up with carrying inventory allowed these businesses to be more flexible. They also adopted the best practices from the US, including Ford’s moving assembly line. The results spoke for themselves, and people paid attention when Japanese manufacturing started to become competitive in the 1970s. Fast-forward to 2022...

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> The essential guide to raw materials inventory management, perfect for businesses looking to get more control and scalability.

- Published: 2022-11-01
- Modified: 2024-05-30
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/raw-materials-inventory-management-guide/
- Folders: GUIDES

Your complete guide to raw materials inventory management As companies are increasingly driven by technology and innovation, the importance of raw materials often remains overlooked. However, these fundamental elements form the backbone of various industries, from construction and manufacturing to technology and renewable energy. Raw materials, whether mined from the earth or harvested from nature, are the starting point for almost everything we use in our daily lives. Maintaining an efficient and effective inventory of raw materials is vital for the smooth operation of any business. This article explores the strategies and best practices for managing raw materials, from procurement to storage. It discusses how to balance cost with demand, minimize waste, and optimize the supply chain. Whether you're a small business owner or a manager in a large corporation, you'll find actionable insights to help you streamline your inventory process, reduce costs, and boost overall productivity. So, let's get started on how to master the art of raw material inventory management. What is raw materials inventory? Raw materials inventory is the total cost of a manufacturer's components, subassemblies, and supplies in stock that are not currently in production. There are two types of raw materials that go into making a final product: Direct materials (DM) Indirect materials (IM) Direct materials Direct materials are the components that are part of your final product. For example, direct materials are: Leather used to manufacture leather bags Wood used to manufacture furniture Copper used to manufacture electronics Indirect materials Indirect materials are the components that are not part of your final product but are used during the manufacturing process. Examples of indirect materials are: Glue Oil Cleaning supplies Disposable tools Light bulbs Get the ultimate guide to inventory management A comprehensive ebook that covers everything you need to know about inventory management. Get the ebook Why is raw material inventory management important? Raw material inventory management is the process you or your managers will follow to ensure enough stock on hand, from direct materials to indirect materials, to keep production moving. As your orders increase, you may order a ton of extra materials, assuming that the more safety stock you have, the better. Well, imagine your raw material inventory was raw produce in a supermarket. Stocking up to last until next Christmas could be a bad move since perishable goods could expire. Even if your inventory never expires, holding too much of it will ultimately increase your carrying costs. This won’t be a small error — something like this could spell the end for your business. Without a proper raw materials inventory plan in place, you will drive up your manufacturing costs for no good reason. Your raw materials may not spoil like supermarket produce, but the result of keeping large amounts of raw material stock around is the same. That’s why it’s important to understand your raw materials’ value and customer demand. How bad is it really to let inventory manage itself? According to Celect and Coresight Research, retailers lost $300 billion...

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> What is lean manufacturing, what are lean manufacturing principles, and how can you use these to streamline your business and reduce waste? Keep reading to find out.

- Published: 2022-10-31
- Modified: 2024-05-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/lean-manufacturing/
- Folders: GUIDES

Lean manufacturing principles to streamline production and eliminate waste The world went from craft production to mass production with the Industrial Revolution, which was great in many ways. However, mass production wasn’t without problems. The sole focus of mass production was to produce goods faster and lower the manufacturing cost per unit. As time went by, assembly lines developed a “move the metal” mentality, leading to defective products and higher attrition of assembly technicians. Addressing this issue is how lean manufacturing principles came to be. The moving assembly line pioneered by Henry Ford in 1913 accelerated the shift from craft to mass by increasing the efficiency of production processes. It didn’t stop there — a host of other innovations made Ford’s manufacturing system so successful that by 1926, it was producing nearly half of all the motor vehicles in the world. Over time, these process improvements and methods were adopted by other industries. Companies that adopted this production process needed to have dedicated rework areas where the products could be disassembled and repaired. Manufacturing defects and a rapid churn rate among the workforce meant a waste of resources and, ultimately, higher prices for customers. This was the context that led to the development of lean principles. History of lean manufacturing After understanding the flaws in mass production systems, coupled with their own insights on manufacturing practices, Taiichi Ohno and Eiji Toyoda of Toyota created the Toyota Production System (TPS). Post World War II, Japan was cash and resource-strapped. Toyota was forced to move away from prioritizing higher output and working with excess inventories, which was the norm in mass manufacturing. Instead, they built their manufacturing system to focus on just-in-time (JIT) production, continuous improvement, and waste elimination.   For instance, their system allowed technicians to halt the entire assembly line in order to fix a defect as soon as they spotted one — this was unimaginable in earlier production systems. Empowering the technicians to fix mistakes early in the process led them to make fewer mistakes and reduce waste over time.   The production systems that we now call lean inventory are a direct result of the Toyota Production System. These ideas were first described in the book “The Machine That Changed the World” by James P. Womack, Daniel Roos, and Daniel T. Jones. Later these were distilled into the five principles of lean manufacturing by Womack and Jones:  Value  Value streams  Flow  Pull  Perfection These are the fundamentals of lean manufacturing. We’ll take a look at the five principles in more detail soon but first, let’s go over the lean manufacturing definition. Putting the lean manufacturing principles into action Implement your lean manufacturing principles with ease by using a live inventory management system for real-time overviews of inventory and operations. Read more about the software here What is lean manufacturing? Lean manufacturing is a production methodology that focuses on eliminating waste and maximizing efficiency. In lean manufacturing, all activities and processes are scrutinized to identify any areas where waste...

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> Are you sinking profits into undefined costs? Learn all about the total manufacturing cost formula and improve your profit margin.

- Published: 2022-10-31
- Modified: 2024-05-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/manufacturing-cost/
- Folders: GUIDES

Everything you need to know about the total manufacturing cost formula Is knowing and understanding your total manufacturing cost at the top of your to-do list? It’s not the most glamorous subject. But taking the time to manage it will pay dividends in the long run. You can use it to find out if you are hitting your targets or if your production process is conducive to your desired level of productivity. The long and short of it is this — if you don’t know your exact costs, how do you know your profit margin? You could be selling stacks of products, but if your costs are out of control, a lot of hard work is going to waste. It may be a cliché, but it is so for a reason: “Turnover is vanity. Profit is sanity. Knowing the value of your current inventory and the cost of goods sold, you can calculate your sales margins. Maybe there’s room to lean up your manufacturing by cutting down on hidden costs to your business. But how do you know where to start? What are manufacturing expenses beyond basic raw materials? What do you need to do to reduce these costs? In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need for your total manufacturing cost formula. Is math not your strong suit? The art of success is doubling down on your strengths. Let Katana's cloud platform take care of calculating your total manufacturing costs, so you can stay focused on doing what you do best — manufacturing. Read more about it here What is total manufacturing cost? The total manufacturing cost is the sum of expenses associated with all the resources spent while manufacturing your finished goods inventory. However, calculating and understanding it is not so obvious. Knowing what each element of your production process costs you is important. You need to understand how to split your total manufacturing cost into its constituent parts. The first distinction is between the three major costs components of manufacturing a product — these can be direct or indirect. Some things never touch your product but still need to be in your total cost calculation.   That’s right — pretty much everything in your business impacts your costs, even if it seems separate at first glance.   Let’s break this concept down even further.   The three major cost components of manufacturing a product are:  Direct materials — the primary raw materials that go into the final product Direct labor — all staff who have a hand in the refining, assembly, and manufacturing of your products Manufacturing overheads — machining, maintenance, and indirect materials and labor in a secondary or support role What is the difference between direct and indirect manufacturing costs? As already explained, your costs will fall into one of two categories. Direct costs Direct costs refer to everything spent on the bulk of the manufacturing process. This could be material costs (for example, raw materials) and time costs (staff wages). They must play a physical role in assembly or production...

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> MRO inventory management software empowers users with accurate, real-time data to make informed business decisions. Sign up for free here.

- Published: 2022-10-27
- Modified: 2024-05-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/mro-inventory-management-software/
- Folders: SEO PAGES

Your MRO inventory management matters — don’t leave it up to chance Your MRO inventory management is essential to your business, so ensure it is properly managed and optimized with a leading software provider, Katana. Get full visibility of all your resources and gain the ability to track and manage all MRO items. By bringing all your data into one place, you’ll have the possibility to unlock the potential of your business and identify new opportunities. Get a demo MRO inventory management is essential — make it part of your data feed MRO inventory management broadly covers all aspects pertaining to how you stock, store, use, and restock the products and parts you need for maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO). And while you might be tempted to treat it as an afterthought since it is not part of actual production output, there are a number of situations that might end up happening if you don’t have a proper way of bringing together your MRO resources. Equipment maintenance makes your business tick — make it a conscious effort The inability to track your resources leads to inoperative halts in production. Katana offers your business a surefire way of avoiding these issues by providing more insight into the availability of MRO resources. By bringing MRO inventory management to light, you can make it a trackable part of your production management and can actively work to prevent potential production stops. The use of software solutions that centralize this aspect of manufacturing will provide quick insight into potential problems with production equipment, leading to less downtime and limited to no production halts.   Using Katana, your business can unlock the following: Tracking potential issues with production equipment maintenance Adding a useful stream of information that prevents downtime An all-in-one data feed that facilitates production management Resource monitoring is key and can help avoid stocking problems Keeping track of resources and inventory intended for your production equipment's maintenance, repair, and operation is essential to any efficient business plan. Avoiding overpaying for parts by ensuring an operational inventory while not having to deal with redundancies in storing and keeping track of overstocking is key. By using an all-in-one software solution that properly integrates MRO inventory management, you can more accurately plan and spend for necessary parts that keep your production activity going at manageable costs.   Inventory management with Katana helps your business: Control costs associated with MRO by maintaining proper part inventory Avoid stocking issues related to poor inventory management integration Integrate MRO inventory management with other production processes Production processes should be tight, as lags can lead to productivity drops There are different types of processes you need to manage in your manufacturing business, but the key elements of inventory management stay the same. Time spent with procurement due to improper monitoring can cause drops in productivity due to reduced uptime. A cloud-based manufacturing software provides your business with an all-encompassing solution that facilitates process management. Ease of use means you can quickly figure out...

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> What does backorder mean for your business? It can save you in a tight spot. You can prevent 99% of stockouts with a backorder.

- Published: 2022-10-27
- Modified: 2024-05-22
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/backordering/
- Folders: GUIDES

What is a backorder? And why manufacturers can’t do without it Picture the scene.   It's a normal day for your manufacturing business. Everything is running smoothly. You take a second to appreciate the thriving factory you have built from scratch. You open up a new email that just came through on your smartphone. You read it through twice to make sure you haven't made a mistake.   An order the size of a small moon has come in through your new e-commerce store. Even if you worked through the night for a week, you still wouldn't have the time to complete the entire order. What would you do? Do you send a polite email to the customer, apologizing and telling them it cannot be done? Or do you flick the order to "In Progress" on your manufacturing software and get to work? Of course, most of us want to choose the latter but don't want to leave the customer waiting for so long. We know you would never sacrifice the quality of your products or risk letting your reputation slide. But there is a solution. This is where backordering comes in.  If you remember Accounting 101, you might remember your professor asking you, "what does backorder mean? " But it's been a few years now.   Maybe you are a manufacturing specialist, and all of this jargon sounds like an alien language to you. That's why we're here to give you an easy-to-understand backorder definition. In the next 10 minutes, you will know the "What? " but also the "How? " and the "Why? " In short, you will have intuition when predicting the need to backorder, so you will never have to turn down a sales order again. No matter how colossal it might be.   What does backorder mean? Backordering is the process of ordering goods that are not currently in stock. Backorders happen when the demand for a product exceeds the supply. Instead of rejecting the customer's order, businesses will put in a backorder and deliver it to the customer once it arrives. This ensures that they can fulfill customer demand as soon as possible. If you need to open a backorder you have a problem, but it is a positive problem! It means your marketing is on point. Your reputation is second to none. Not only do you have customers coming back, but they’re telling their friends and family about you. This surge in sales may be unexpected but make no mistake — it’s an excellent opportunity for your business. Net sales growth is perhaps the biggest KPI for your business, but can you keep everything else up too? Let’s boil backordering down to a single line. The simple backorder definition is this — a way to manage your customers’ expectations in an out-of-stock situation. Backordering vs. out-of-stock From a business perspective, backordering is generally preferable to being out of stock, as it still allows the business to generate revenue from customer demand. Backorders also...

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> What are good manufacturing practices (GMPs) and what should you know about them? Keep reading to find out.

- Published: 2022-10-25
- Modified: 2024-05-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/gmp/
- Folders: GUIDES

Good manufacturing practices to ensure constant high quality standards In 1968, WHO started working on the good manufacturing practices (GMP) draft document. But what are good manufacturing practices, why do good manufacturing practices exist, and who is WHO? The World Health Organization (WHO) says that “good manufacturing practice is a system for ensuring that products are consistently produced and controlled according to quality standards. ” In this article, we will explore GMPs in-depth — what they are, why you need to know what they are, WHO’s involvement in all of this, and if you need to spend resources on implementing them. What is GMP in manufacturing? Good manufacturing practices (GMPs) are a set of guidelines that provide a framework for manufacturing processes and quality control procedures. GMPs are designed to ensure that products are safe, consistent, and effective. WHO wrote the global definition of GMPs in the late 1960s to advise medical manufacturers on how to manufacture their products safely.   The quality of medicines is important not only for therapeutic effects but also to avoid harm. WHO's GMP requirements help ensure that the quality of medicines is acceptable and safe for human use. WHO's GMP covers every aspect of production, including raw materials, facilities, equipment, and the training and personal hygiene of staff. GMPs are essential for ensuring the quality of medicine and certain other products that we'll talk about a bit later. They help ensure that medicines are safe for human use and meet the required quality standards. GMPs are based on a set of internationally recognized principles that provide guidance on how to manufacture medicines safely and effectively. WHO itself does not enforce the GMP requirements but provides guidance and support to countries that wish to implement them. When it comes to enforcing the requirements, WHO works closely with national authorities responsible for regulating medicines, like the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Manage quality control and compliance tasks Read how pharmaceutical manufacturing software helps you stay focused. Pharmaceutical manufacturing software GMP for pharmaceuticals The original GMP guidelines, published in 1968, were aimed at drug manufacturers. These guidelines have been revised several times over the years and are now widely used by manufacturers of pharmaceutical products all over the world. Pharmaceuticals were originally defined as drugs that were used to treat or prevent disease. Today, the term also includes vaccines, blood products, antiallergenics, cell and gene therapies, etc. The GMP requirements for pharmaceuticals are laid out in WHO’s “Quality assurance of pharmaceuticals: A compendium of guidelines and related materials”. This compendium provides guidance on all aspects of pharmaceutical quality assurance, from the starting materials used in production to the finished product. GMP in the food industry Besides the pharmaceutical industry, GMP also needs to be followed by the food industry. The food industry is one of the most regulated industries in the world. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration is responsible for regulating food products. The FDA has established a set of GMP regulations...

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> How to start a manufacturing business — the ultimate guide. From preparation to getting your store and production set up. Read more here.

- Published: 2022-10-25
- Modified: 2024-05-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/how-to-start-a-manufacturing-business/
- Folders: GUIDES

Build it yourself: How to start a manufacturing business If you have ever struggled to find a product that fits your needs or realized one doesn't exist, you might be pondering the entrepreneurial path. Maybe you've already started down this road by researching and have realized that starting your manufacturing business could be the answer. Are you wondering how to start a manufacturing business? This guide is how! It will take you through the basics of starting a manufacturing business, from researching the market to building a prototype to scaling for production. There will be plenty of challenges along the way, but you can turn your manufacturing dreams into a reality with careful planning and execution. Ready to turn your dreams into reality? Katana Cloud Inventory is a scalable tool that supports new manufacturers with the essential tools they need to start their business and keeps up with your business as it grows. Read all about it here What is a manufacturing business? A manufacturing business is a company that produces physical products. This could be anything from food manufacturing to furniture or electronics. The manufacturing process generally involves taking raw materials and transforming them into a finished product through various steps, such as assembly, packaging, and quality control. There are many different manufacturing businesses, each with its unique set of challenges. For example, food product manufacturers must deal with perishable ingredients in the supply chain and strict regulations, while vehicle manufacturers have to worry about driver safety and emissions standards. Even with these hurdles to overcome, it can be an extremely rewarding experience to see your product go from an idea to something that people can use in their everyday lives. The first time you see something you created on a store shelf, or hear someone talking about how your product has made their life better, is an unforgettable feeling. If you're ready to dive in and learn how to start a manufacturing company, the first step is to research the market and find a niche that you can fill. What is the best manufacturing business to start? Some people might tell you it is whatever has the highest profit margins, but it's not that simple. The best manufacturing business to start is one that meets a need in the market and that you are passionate about. It could also be something that you have some experience with or knowledge of so that you can hit the ground running and avoid any costly mistakes. To start your business, weigh the pros and cons of your hobbies, interests, and skillset: What do you know a lot about? What are you good at? Are there any unsolved problems in your industry that you could provide a solution for? The answer to these questions is the best place to start when it comes to how to start a manufacturing business. For example, if you are passionate about sustainable living, you might want to consider starting a company that manufactures solar panels or wind turbines. Don't want to set your sights so high?...

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> Learn more about 8 inventory management methods perfect for businesses looking for more control in their warehouse operations.

- Published: 2022-10-24
- Modified: 2024-05-30
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/inventory-management-methods/
- Folders: GUIDES

Inventory management methods that improve efficiency Are you struggling to keep inventory stocked at an adequate level? It could be that increasing demand has you on the back foot, and your lead time is slowly increasing with each fulfillment. Or maybe you have some finished goods stocked that aren’t selling so well and are taking up space. If these issues sound familiar to you, it’s time to audit your inventory management practices. In this article, you’ll learn all the essentials to adopting inventory management methods, with a choice of eight to get you started on this path. What is inventory? Inventory refers to all the materials and products that a company owns and intends to sell as part of its business operations. Accurate tracking of inventory is essential for businesses to manage their resources effectively and efficiently. Inventory management involves recording and tracking information such as quantity, value, and stock location. This information helps businesses make decisions about operations, purchasing, and sales. Techniques of inventory management are the different ways of overseeing and controlling inventory levels. This includes activities such as order planning, warehousing, and transportation. Effective inventory management ensures businesses have the right stock level to meet customer demand. This can also help to minimize waste and optimize workflows. The most appropriate method will depend on the type of inventory and the business’s accounting needs. Inventory is a key asset for businesses and can significantly impact financial statements. For this reason, it is important to have accurate and up-to-date records of inventory levels. Regular stocktaking can help to ensure that inventory levels are correct in accounting records. Get the ultimate guide to inventory management A comprehensive ebook that covers everything you need to know about inventory management. Get the ebook What are the methods of inventory management? Modern methods of inventory management include tracking and managing stock levels to ensure businesses can meet customer demand. Businesses can use various methods to manage their inventory, such as: FIFO — first in, first out LIFO — last-in, first-out JIT — just-in-time Economic order quantity Average costing Cycle counting ABC analysis Perpetual inventory system Each method has its own pros and cons, so it’s important to choose the right one for your business based on your specific needs. Choosing the right method for your business will depend on various factors, including the type of products you sell, your customer demand, and your budget. Inventory management is an important part of running a successful business. Using the right tools and techniques of inventory management can minimize carrying costs, reduce waste, and increase efficiency. 8 inventory management techniques Now that you know everything there is to know about handling stock in general, here are eight inventory management methods to get you started. 1. FIFO — first in, first out FIFO is one of the most common inventory management methods used in stock operations. This technique helps ensure that the oldest products are used first, reducing the chance of spoilage or obsolescence. FIFO is an inventory valuation method in which assets are...

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> Inventory days on hand (DOH) is a calculation for understanding how fast a company goes through its available inventory. Learn about it here.

- Published: 2022-10-21
- Modified: 2024-05-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/inventory-days-on-hand/
- Folders: GUIDES

A guide to inventory days on hand (DOH) There is nothing more critical to a business than inventory management.   Knowing how much product you have in stock, when you need to reorder raw materials, or how to adjust production based on customer demand are all critical factors in keeping your business running smoothly.   One key metric for any company measuring and managing its inventory is days on hand (DOH).   Inventory DOH tells you how long, on average, it would take to sell all the units of a product you have in stock. This allows you to manage your production levels and inventory effectively and anticipate customer demand. Here's a closer look at DOH and how it can be used in manufacturing.   What is inventory days on hand? Inventory days on hand is a metric used to measure the average number of days it would take to sell all the units of a product you have in stock. It is also known as days inventory outstanding (DIO) and days sales of inventory (DSI). For a grocery store, DOH may be capped at just 2-3 days as products will go bad if they are not sold. For other businesses, such as those selling expensive jewelry or electronics, DOH could be much higher as customers may take longer to make a decision on a purchase, resulting in low inventory turnover. Why do inventory days on hand matter? There are a few reasons why inventory DOH is such an important metric. First, it lets you track how quickly or slowly your product sells. This information can help you make decisions about production levels.   If you see that a product has a high DOH, it may mean that you need to adjust your production levels downwards. On the other hand, if a product has a low DOH, it may be time to ramp up production. Second, inventory DOH can help you predict future customer demand. If you see that a product's DOH is increasing, it may be an indication that customer demand is about to spike. This information can help you have fewer stockouts by ensuring that you have enough product on hand to meet customer needs. Finally, inventory DOH is a key component of capital management.  Working capital is a business's money available to fund day-to-day operations and short-term expenses. Money that is tied up in inventory that has not yet been sold is a major piece of that capital calculation. By optimizing a company's inventory carry costs, businesses can free up working capital that can be used to invest in other areas of the business, fund short-term expenses, or increase their liquidity ratio. This can be a critical tool for small businesses with limited funding access. How to calculate days inventory on hand (DOH)? For a days on hand calculation, you will need three things: Average inventory value — This is the average value of inventory over a given time period, such as monthly or quarterly. To calculate your average inventory, add your beginning inventory to...

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> Set aside items with decoupling inventory techniques to keep your business afloat during slowdowns or shortfalls. Learn about it here.

- Published: 2022-10-20
- Modified: 2024-05-16
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/decoupling-inventory/
- Folders: GUIDES

Decoupling inventory: how to keep production moving Many variables are not under your control when it comes to manufacturing workflows. A small change in factors such as the supply chain could throw a wrench into the works of your manufacturing business and leave you scrambling for solutions. Building up a decoupling inventory can prevent disruptions and give you enough time to fix the issues. Learn more about decoupling inventory and how it can help you build a resilient business. Get control over all your different inventory types Thousands of businesses use Katana cloud inventory software to manage their finished goods, raw inventory and set reorder points to maintain ideal stock levels. See Katana in action. Get a demo What is decoupling inventory? Decoupling inventory effectively decouples (or separates) your business from the supply chain by buffering it from disruptions. Supply chain issues and machinery breakdowns can be the Achilles heel of just-in-time inventory. Their heavy focus on minimizing inventory on hand can make your business fragile and prone to disruption. An intuitive solution is to set aside extra raw material and work-in-progress items for some or all stages of your workflow. You could also store equipment and material to fix broken machinery. For example, let us say you manufacture high-quality bicycles. Your bicycles are fairly complex and require a lot of moving parts. However, for the sake of simplicity, let us say that you require three major sub-parts (subassemblies) to manufacture the bicycles: The frames The wheels The seats You manufacture the frame and the wheels in-house and easily access the raw material. For your seats however, you depend on an external supplier. In this case, your business could be throttled by disrupting your access to the seats. A shipment delay or anything going wrong in your supply chain can force you to delay order fulfillment. To manage this risk, you could stock up some seats in your warehouse as a backup. So in case of an unexpected hiccup in your supply, the backup will buy you time to find solutions without interrupting your production. This excess stock of seats that you hold is called your decoupling inventory. The concept is simple in theory. However, there are plenty of nuances and distinctions to consider before stocking up raw materials for your business. Advantages of decoupling inventory Your business is more resilient against various risk factors Supply chain disruptions don’t impact your production adversely On-time delivery of your products Higher customer loyalty Disadvantages of decoupling inventory Higher overhead to maintain a larger inventory Decoupling can be challenging in the case of complex products The past few years, with their supply chain disruptions and changing geopolitical climates, have forced manufacturing businesses to re-evaluate their JIT production strategies. Increasingly manufacturers are moving away from minimizing the stock they hold and towards shortening their supply chains. Decoupling inventory is an effective tool that can keep your business running in the face of various changes. Decoupling inventory vs. safety stock These two are quite similar...

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> The debate of LIFO vs FIFO method in inventory valuation and accounting never stops. Learn how to use both methods within your business.

- Published: 2022-10-17
- Modified: 2024-05-30
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/fifo-vs-lifo/
- Folders: GUIDES

FIFO vs LIFO: What are they, and when should you use them? FIFO vs LIFO: the two heavyweights in the inventory valuation world. In the red corner, we have First In, First Out, aka FIFO. In the blue corner, we have Last In, First Out, aka LIFO. Both approaches have their strengths and weaknesses, and the best inventory method for your business depends on several factors, changing over time. This guide will explain the FIFO and LIFO methods and explore when you might want to use each while providing some examples. Let’s get ready to rumble.   What is FIFO and LIFO? FIFO is one of the most used inventory valuation methods where businesses try to sell manufactured products in the order they were created. Companies sell the oldest products first, and the new products shall wait for their turn. LIFO, on the other hand, is when you first sell the newer products in your inventory while older products remain on warehouse shelves. FIFO is the standard method modern manufacturing companies use, especially ones that manage perishable goods. Companies use FIFO and LIFO to calculate the cost of goods sold (COGS). Tracking the finances while using FIFO means that you charge the older inventory to the cost of goods sold as soon as it's sold while assessing the remaining expenses of stock left on the shelf at the end of a reporting period. Meanwhile, the COGS in the LIFO inventory method presumes that the cost of the latest purchased units is higher and the ending inventory balance is lower. Also, if item prices surge, the company will first sell the higher-cost products. Knowing when to use FIFO vs. LIFO Knowing when to use LIFO or FIFO gives you a significant advantage in managing your stock and grasping the value of inventory. In manufacturing, industries that use FIFO generally handle perishables. LIFO is often used in industries where the product has a more extended expiration date, like retail, apparel, or heavy machinery. In terms of investing in accounting inventory, FIFO is usually a better method for inventory when prices are rising, and LIFO accounting is better when prices fall because more expensive products are sold first. In terms of tax purposes, FIFO usually results in a higher tax bill because the inventory that is sold first is usually the most expensive. US companies may prefer LIFO when prices rise because it gives them the highest cost of goods sold and the lowest taxable income. It’s important to note that LIFO is banned under the International Financial Reporting Standards, which are the accounting rules followed in the European Union, Japan, Russia, Canada, India, and many other countries. The United States of America is the only country that allows LIFO because it adheres to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).   FIFO vs LIFO advantages and disadvantages There are advantages and disadvantages to FIFO (First In, First Out) and LIFO (Last In, First Out) inventory management methods. The key is understanding when each method is appropriate and how it will impact...

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> What does MOQ mean, how is it calculated, and how can it help to streamline your inventory and order management? Keep reading to find out.

- Published: 2022-10-17
- Modified: 2024-05-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/moq/
- Folders: GUIDES

Minimum order quantity to ensure every sale turns a profit When it comes to minimum order quantity, it’s not something end consumers generally have to worry about often. While you can’t go to a supermarket and buy a cup of milk or three eggs, you most likely weren’t planning to do that anyway. So, while there are certain products you have to buy at least the minimum number of, it’s probably not something that has dramatically inconvenienced your way of living. But when it comes to business-to-business (B2B) trade, minimum order quantity gets thought about a lot. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits and challenges associated with minimum order quantity and see how it can help streamline your sales orders. What does MOQ mean? MQO stands for minimum order quantity, and it’s the smallest quantity of a product that a supplier is willing to produce or sell. Suppliers set MOQs to ensure that they are not losing money when selling a small number of items. What does MOQ mean in manufacturing and what does MOQ mean in wholesale are really not that different: In manufacturing — It's the smallest amount of products that a factory can produce in one production run In wholesale — It’s the minimum number of products that a wholesaler is willing to sell When customers want to purchase a product from a supplier, they must order at least the MOQ. They can buy more than the MOQ but can’t order less. Suppose a customer wants to purchase a product but does not want to order the MOQ. In that case, they can try to rely on their negotiation skills or find another supplier willing to produce the product with a smaller minimum order quantity. However, it’s worth keeping in mind that the product price may be higher for suppliers with a lower MOQ. Now you know what is MOQ, what exactly is EOQ? What is the difference between MOQ and EOQ? The MOQ meaning is clear, but you may have also heard the term economic order quantity (EOQ). Let's quickly go over what that means. While MOQ is the lowest number of products a supplier is willing to produce, the EOQ is the number of products that will minimize the cost of ordering and holding inventory. The two concepts are different, but they are often used together to help businesses decide how many products to order. MOQ — The smallest number of products you can buy from a supplier EOQ — The number of products that will minimize the cost of ordering and holding inventory Why should businesses care about MOQ? We now understand what MOQ stands for, and that’s all well and great, but why should businesses care about it? Since most suppliers have a minimum order quantity, businesses need to purchase at least that amount in order to get the product from the supplier. If a company wants to make a purchase but does not want to order the minimum number of products,...

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> The tradition of ABC inventory helps businesses form strategies that get the most out of their product's lifecycles. Here we show how you can do the same.

- Published: 2022-10-17
- Modified: 2024-05-30
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/abc-inventory/
- Folders: GUIDES

ABC inventory: Get the most out of your best-selling products Over a hundred years ago a man with a brilliantly complicated name stumbled upon a brilliantly simple principle. Italian engineer Vilfredo Federico Damaso Pareto came to realize there was a pattern so common in the universe that it has been applied across a range of disciplines since. In inventory management, it evolved and became the inventory ABC. What is ABC inventory? ABC inventory is an approach to managing inventory that attempts to prioritize sets of stock by the amount of value they bring to the business. Basically, it assumes that some stock is more valuable than others — which means that you should spend more resources on tracking "strong" stock and reducing the amount of "weak" stock. So, provided you have a business with varying product values, this method can help reduce your carrying costs. It’s a perfectly logical system that relies on the pattern which Mr. Pareto came up with, and the great thing is that you can do your own inventory ABC analysis with just a pen and paper. We’ll get around to that a bit later, but first, let's go over some basics. Get the ultimate guide to inventory management A comprehensive ebook that covers everything you need to know about inventory management. Get the ebook What is ABC analysis of inventory? The ABC analysis of inventory is a method of categorizing inventory items based on their importance. The ABC analysis divides inventory into three categories, with "A" items being the most important and "C" items being the least important. The ABC analysis can be used to help make decisions about which inventory items should be given priority in terms of stock levels and reordering. It can also be used to help make decisions about which inventory items are the most important to track and monitor. The story says that Mr. Pareto was strolling through his beloved garden when he noticed his pea pod patch. Unfortunately, many of them were unhealthy, and when he thought about it, he realized that only 20% of them produced 80% of the healthy pods. Drawing on this observation on distribution, he discovered that in Italy, during that time, 80% of the land was owned by 20% of the population. Which, of course, meant that most of the land was owned by the few. 100 years on, and that same principle seemed to apply to the world’s GDP. In 1979 it was found that 80% of the wealth in the world was owned by 20% of the people. Of course, this is not a natural law of the universe, but the funny thing is that this principle has been found to apply to a whole bunch of fields. Here are some of the commonly noted areas: 20% of computer bugs cause 80% of crashes 20% of customers make 80% of profits 20% of staff produce 80% of the results 20% of patients create 80% of healthcare expenditure The point here is to show that many things in life are not distributed evenly, and understanding that some things are more valuable than others means you can focus your energy...

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> Batch tracking, or lot tracking, is the systematic management of product groups using unique identifiers and detailed records. Learn more here.

- Published: 2022-10-17
- Modified: 2024-08-06
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/batch-tracking-guide/
- Folders: GUIDES

End-to-end traceability with batch tracking Get the free guide to batch production Download our free ebook guide on batch production to learn more about the benefits, workflows, and software you need to get started. Get the ebook Efficiency is one of the key metrics in the business world. Whether you're a small-scale artisanal baker or a multinational pharmaceutical giant, the ability to track and manage your products in batches is essential for maintaining quality, compliance, and overall operational excellence. This article looks into batch tracking, exploring its importance and providing valuable insights into how it can improve your business processes. What is batch tracking? Batch tracking, often referred to as lot tracking, is a way to monitor and manage products in discrete groups, known as batches or lots, throughout their lifecycle within a business. This method allows businesses to trace the origin, production, and distribution of each batch, ensuring quality control, regulatory compliance, and improved operational efficiency. In essence, batch number tracking involves assigning a unique identifier, often in the form of a batch or lot number, to a group of products or materials that share common characteristics or were produced together. This identifier is then used to record and track various aspects of the batch's journey, from its inception to its final destination. What is a batch management system? A batch management system is a software or technology solution that allows you to monitor, control, and track batches of products or materials within a manufacturing or supply chain environment. Production tracking is not limited to batch manufacturing. It's equally essential for discrete manufacturing and businesses with diverse manufacturing processes that handle perishable inventory. Using batch management software with batch number tracking allows you to: Track the expiry date of items Track defective items back to the production batch Enable an efficient product recall process Comply with legislation and requirements for your industry An example of a business or industry that uses a batch tracking system is a company that makes beauty products. Picture a cosmetics manufacturer producing a face cream that fights off the onset of wrinkles. It's wonderful! But one day, a customer contacted them saying they bought a cream that contained a cornflake. As the company waits for the cream to be returned, they use their cosmetics production software to track down the batch and remove it from inventory to avoid more faulty products going into circulation and damaging their reputation. Besides the beauty industry, let's see who else benefits from batch management systems. Who needs to use batch tracking? Batch management systems are essential to streamline tracking, allowing you to monitor your inventory efficiently, but finding inventory management software with batch number tracking is especially important for industries such as: Food production Pharmaceutical production Coffee manufacturing Cosmetic manufacturing These industries often need to keep track of perishable raw materials or perform product recalls should something go awry. That's why they require end-to-end traceability. The simplest, fastest, and most reliable way of tracking the location of your...

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> The economic order quantity (EOQ) formula helps you understand the correct order quantities for items. Learn all about it here.

- Published: 2022-10-14
- Modified: 2024-05-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/eoq/
- Folders: GUIDES

Economic order quantity (EOQ): Balancing cost and demand For a business to survive, it must find the perfect balance between meeting customer demand and minimizing costs. This is especially true when it comes to inventory management. Too much inventory results in wasted resources, while too little can lead to stockouts and lost sales. Delivering this balance can be difficult.  Demand forecasting is a challenge for small companies while carrying costs can cripple larger businesses with large inventories. Many factors have to be considered, and many decisions have to be made to gain control of inventory cost increases. One tool businesses can use to find this balance is economic order quantity, a mathematical equation discovered over a hundred years ago but still used today. Below, we will examine: EOQ meaning and definition The benefits of using EOQ How to calculate EOQ Examples of EOQ in action Challenges you will face Grab your calculator, and let’s get into it. Katana live inventory management software Once you have your EOQ calculations on hand, it’s time to implement your findings. Katana ERP can handle and optimize all your different inventory types. Read more about it here What is EOQ in inventory management? Economic order quantity (EOQ) is the calculation of the optimal amount of inventory to order based on factors like demand, carrying costs, and manufacturing lead time. It is also known as economic purchase quantity (EPQ). The goal of EOQ is to minimize risk and capital investment while still providing strong customer service and fulfilling demand. Too much inventory can result in devastating carrying costs, while too little can mean lost sales, reputation, and opportunity. Ford W. Harris first developed the economic order quantity model in 1913 to determine the most efficient production batch size. It was then refined over the years and has now been adopted to improve inventory management. While it can be an intimidating formula at first glance, the EOQ model is a powerful tool that can help businesses save time and money. The benefits of using EOQ Without continuously improving your inventory management systems, it is easy to fall into the trap of over-ordering or under-ordering inventory. This can result in high holdings costs or even production shutdowns. EOQ can help businesses avoid these costly mistakes by finding the perfect balance between meeting customer demand and minimizing costs. There are several key benefits of using EOQ to improve inventory management. Reduced carrying cost One of the main benefits of EOQ is that it can help reduce hold. These are the costs associated with holding inventory, and they can add up quickly if you have too much inventory on hand. Things like: Rent or mortgage payments for storage space Insurance Taxes Depreciation Interest on inventory loans Wages for employees who manage inventory By using EOQ to calculate the optimal quantity of inventory to order, you can minimize the total direct cost and free up working capital. For example, let’s say your carrying cost is $2 per unit per year, and you average 500 units in stock. This means...

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> Vendor managed inventory (VMI) puts you in charge of the reseller's inventory. Read on to understand the advantages and disadvantages of VMI.

- Published: 2022-10-11
- Modified: 2024-05-21
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/vendor-managed-inventory/
- Folders: GUIDES

Strengthen ties with your sellers using vendor-managed inventory (VMI) In the traditional supply chain management model, your distributors and sellers manage their inventories and place orders for your products when their items are running low. However, the sellers play a UNO reverse card with vendor managed inventory and put you in charge of their stock. VMI can significantly optimize your supply chain and manufacturing workflows owing to better insights into manufacturing trends and customer preferences. There are a few finer points to be made about this model of logistics management since it increases your management overheads. So let’s dive right into it. Upgrade your workflow Katana's cloud inventory software integrates with a wide range of business tools, allowing you to centralize your sales, manufacturing, and inventory management to one easy-to-use platform. Read more here What is vendor managed inventory (VMI)? Vendor managed inventory (VMI) is a stock management model in which you are responsible for optimizing and restocking the inventory held by your distributors or sellers. VMI relies on streamlined sharing of inventory data along the supply chain and can lead to significant optimizations in the operations of all the parties involved. Strong ties and a high level of trust between you and your sellers are prerequisites for VMI to work. They need to trust you to take care of their inventory, while you need to trust their ability to provide you with accurate data. When done right, it can lead to an amazing synergy between you and your business partners. Since VMI requires active effort from both the vendors (or manufacturers) and sellers, there are several aspects that need to be considered by both sides. Advantages of vendor managed inventory As noted earlier, VMI has plenty of advantages. Let's start with the benefits of VMI for vendors first. Advantages for vendors 1. Automated orders and streamlined fulfillment Without a doubt, this is one of the biggest advantages of a VMI system. Depending on the inventory levels at your sellers' warehouses, an automatic purchase order is created based on the agreed objectives. The system also recommends a specific order quantity as well. As the vendor, you simply have to approve the order and then continue on to fulfilling it. Additionally, there can be agreements with third-party logistics providers who can ship your products directly to your partners, streamlining the order fulfillment process as well. Together these factors minimize your management overheads when it comes to restocking your sellers' inventories. 2. Better insights into customer trends Since your distributors or sellers are further downstream from you and probably cater directly to end customers, they have better access to customer buying preferences and data. For instance, Walmart is one of the companies that use VMI. Given its size and a large network of stores, it has better insights into customer trends. This data is used to create purchase orders and optimize the inventory turnover rate. 3. Inventory optimization With better insights into customer trends and forecasts, as a manufacturer, you can optimize...

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> Having MRO inventory to hand allows you to keep production moving when things go wrong. Learn what it is and how to manage it.

- Published: 2022-10-11
- Modified: 2024-05-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/mro-inventory/
- Folders: GUIDES

A guide to MRO inventory management When companies allocate resources to managing inventory, it often focuses on three types. These materials go into products or services (finished goods inventory), components used in the production process (work-in-process inventory), and MRO inventory. Unfortunately, some small and medium-sized business owners may think, "what does MRO inventory stand for? " That's a problem many new entrepreneurs face, as they have been hyper-focused on the end product or service and overlook many other things needed to maintain a successful manufacturing process. Even though it is sometimes overlooked, MRO inventory is still an important part of the resource allocation puzzle, and below, we'll walk you through everything there is to know about what it is, how to manage it, and some of the current best practices to keep your carrying cost low. Want to see Katana in action? Book a demo to get all your questions answered regarding Katana’s features, integrations, pricing, and more. Get a demo What is MRO inventory? MRO inventory stands for maintenance, repair, and operations inventory. These are the materials and supplies required to keep a production process running but are not considered direct inputs into that process. That’s the basic MRO inventory definition. This inventory includes tools, machines, raw materials, office supplies, and other equipment or spare parts. Sometimes, it might refer to the staff required to maintain these things or provide support services. The key thing to remember is that MRO items are anything that helps keep the process running but is not part of the final product or service. MRO inventory example Here's an example. At MakeBelievers, our hypothetical company, they produce nightlights and mobiles that are meant to inspire calm dreams in small children. The direct inputs into this process would be the wood, paint, plastic, and other materials that make up the physical product. The MRO inventory for MakeBelievers might include items like saws and other woodworking tools, ladders and other supplies needed to assemble the mobiles, packaging supplies like boxes or bubble wrap, and materials used in maintenance and repairs. These are necessary to produce the final product but are not part of it. It also might include: The computers and software that help design and sell the products The personal protective equipment (PPE) required by line workers  The furniture in the office where the product is designed The vehicles used to transport supplies or finished goods The coffee maker in the break room The janitorial supplies needed to keep the production plant clean  In each of these cases, these are all things that are necessary for MakeBelievers to function but are not part of the final product. These can seem like small details, but they can add up to a significant chunk of inventory that needs to be managed.   It is also easy to see how poor inventory control can make things messy, causing inefficiencies and higher costs. This is why accurate demand planning, inventory forecasting, and optimization are so important.   What is...

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> Work in process inventory management made easy. Learn how to manage work in process inventory and get your costs under control.

- Published: 2022-10-11
- Modified: 2024-05-21
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/work-in-process-inventory/
- Folders: GUIDES

Streamline your work in process inventory management You've probably heard of work in process or work in progress, but what does it actually mean in manufacturing? You're correct if you guessed it's a way to refer to unfinished business. But since unfinished business sounds a bit too ominous, manufacturers have decided to use the term work in process instead. You may also hear the term work in progress, but generally, that's used more in the construction industry when talking about unfinished projects. Below, we'll get into more details about what work in process exactly is, the benefits, and how you, as a manufacturer, can manage work in process inventory efficiently. What is work in process? Work in process (WIP) is inventory being worked on but isn’t ready to be shipped out yet. In other words, it’s goods that are in the middle of the production process. Work in process can also be used to refer to the total value of these goods. As a work in process inventory example, let’s say your company manufactures bicycles. The process of creating each bike might look something like this: Frames are built in the welding department The frames move to the painting department, where they’re painted Then, they go to the assembly line, where all the other parts are added Finally, the bikes are inspected and packaged for shipping The inventory is considered work in process at each stage of this process, except the last because it hasn’t been completed yet. When the bike is finally inspected and packaged, it’s considered finished goods and ready to be shipped out. Want to see Katana in action? Book a demo to get all your questions answered regarding Katana’s features, integrations, pricing, and more. Get a demo Work in process inventory calculation To calculate WIP, you'll need to know your beginning WIP inventory, manufacturing costs, and cost of goods manufactured (COGM). Your manufacturing costs include the direct raw materials, direct labor, and overhead associated with making your product.   Work in process inventory formula: WIP = beginning WIP inventory + manufacturing costs - COGM As a work in process inventory example, let's say your company starts the year with $100,000 in WIP inventory and adds $200,000 in direct labor and materials during the year. If the cost of goods manufactured and shipped during the year is $300,000, then your WIP at the end of the year would be: WIP = $100,000 + $200,000 - $300,000 This means that you ended the year with no WIP inventory, which is ideal. In reality, most companies will have some WIP inventory at the end of the year, but the goal is to keep it as low as possible. The cost of the beginning WIP inventory is the cost of the unfinished goods that were in production at the beginning of the period. It's worth pointing out that this year's beginning WIP is last year's ending WIP inventory. Therefore, you can just look at the previous period's ending WIP. What...

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> Finished goods inventory ins and outs. Keep reading to learn what is finished goods inventory, how to calculate its value, and how to manage it efficiently.

- Published: 2022-10-11
- Modified: 2024-05-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/finished-goods-inventory/
- Folders: GUIDES

Everything you need to know about finished goods inventory You've finally made it. After months or years of toil, you have a product ready to ship. But, before you can do that, you need to deal with one last thing — inventory. Creating and managing finished goods inventory can be daunting, but it doesn't have to be. In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about finished goods inventory, from the basics of stock management to how to calculate your inventory value. By the end, you'll be well on your way to keeping your shelves stocked and your business running smoothly. So let's get started! What is finished goods inventory? Finished goods inventory (FGI) refers to the stock of products ready to be sold to customers. This includes every complete item in your inventory that does not require further manufacturing or assembly. As a finished goods inventory example, let's say you own a clothing boutique. Your apparel inventory contains items that are in finished, wearable condition. On the other hand, raw materials like textile for manufacturing or spools of thread would not be considered finished goods since they can't be sold as is. The same goes for work in process (WIP) items, which are products that are partially complete but not yet ready to be sold. WIP items are usually still undergoing some kind of manufacturing or assembly, and as such, they are not considered finished goods. In order to maintain finished goods inventory, businesses must carefully track both the incoming and outgoing flow of products. This requires the best inventory management software out there, that can handle everything from purchasing and receiving orders to shipping and invoicing customers. Importance of finished goods inventory There are a few reasons why finished goods inventory is so important for businesses. It provides a buffer against fluctuations in demand — By having finished products on hand, businesses can avoid the costs and disruptions associated with sudden spikes in customer demand. It helps you meet customer expectations — Customers today expect faster delivery times than ever before. By keeping finished goods inventory on hand, businesses can ensure that they can meet these expectations and avoid disappointing their customers. It allows you to take advantage of economies of scale — Businesses often get a supplier discount when they purchase raw materials in bulk. Having finished goods inventory on hand allows companies to take advantage of these discounts and reduce overall costs. How to calculate finished goods inventory? Before we start crunching numbers, let's quickly go over some terminology we'll use: Beginning finished goods inventory — The stock of finished goods that a business had on hand at the beginning of a period (usually a month) Ending finished goods inventory — The stock of finished goods that a business had on hand at the end of a period Cost of goods manufactured (COGM) — The total cost of all the raw materials and labor that went into producing the finished product Cost...

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> What is a manufacturing ERP system, and would a manufacturing ERP help your business? Learn everything about ERP systems in this guide.

- Published: 2022-10-11
- Modified: 2024-05-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/manufacturing-erp-system/
- Folders: GUIDES

The comprehensive guide to manufacturing ERP systems In this brief guide on ERP systems, you’ll learn what an ERP system is, why manufacturing companies have relied on it for decades, and how to recognize the differences between various ERPs. By the end of reading this guide, you’ll have a better idea of whether to choose a cloud-based or desktop software and what are the essential features every ERP should have. What is a manufacturing ERP system? A manufacturing ERP system is a software solution that helps companies optimize their production planning, manufacturing operations, shop floor control, and sale orders. It also helps collect the necessary data for streamlining. It includes all the same core modules as a traditional ERP system, such as accounting, inventory management, and CRM. However, manufacturing ERPs also have modules and integrations specifically designed for manufacturers, such as quality control solutions and inventory management. The three most important qualities in production manufacturing are production control, integrations, and flexibility. History of ERPs ERPs have been around for over four decades. They were first developed in the 1970s as large organizations like Coca-Cola and General Electric began to look for ways to manage their complex operations better. The first ERP systems, invented by SAP, were designed to help companies keep track of their inventory levels. Tracking stock accurately was a crucial need at the time, as companies were growing rapidly and needed to keep track of their inventory in real time. ERPs soon began to evolve and include more modules, such as customer relationship management (CRM) and human resources (HR). As companies started to use ERP systems for more than just inventory management, the systems became more complex. In the 1990s, ERPs became more popular as companies realized the benefits of having a centralized approach to managing all their business data. Around this time, the first manufacturing-specific ERP systems like Epicor and Oracle emerged. Oracle and SAP, the two largest ERP vendors worldwide, continue to dominate the market. However, in recent years there has been a shift towards cloud-based ERP systems, which are more flexible and easier to use. Benefits of ERPs for manufacturing companies There are many benefits that manufacturing companies can enjoy with an ERP system: Improved efficiency — one of the most significant benefits of using an ERP is that it can help improve a company’s overall efficiency. By centralizing all your data, you can easily track every aspect of your manufacturing process and identify areas where there is room for improvement. Greater visibility — another benefit of using an ERP is that it can give you greater visibility into your operations. This includes tracking your inventory levels in real time and understanding where bottlenecks occur in your production process. Improved customer service — ERP systems also help to improve customer service by giving you better visibility into your order management. Clear order management allows you to proactively manage any issues that may arise and ensure that your customers are always updated on the status of their orders. Increased profitability — previously...

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> A complete guide for marketing for manufacturing companies. Keep reading to learn about marketing strategies, challenges, and best practices.

- Published: 2022-10-11
- Modified: 2024-05-16
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/marketing-for-manufacturing/
- Folders: GUIDES

Marketing for manufacturers — convert raw materials to products and leads to sales When it comes to marketing, people generally fall into one of two groups. One group thinks it’s the best thing since sliced bread, and the other considers it something annoying that businesses spend too much time and money on.   As with most things, the reality lies somewhere in between — putting marketing above product development is not a sustainable strategy that delivers a lot of repeat customers. But swapping your marketing strategy with a philosophy based on the old adage “build it and they will come” isn’t going to fill your stores with customers either.   The truth is that marketing is an essential part of any business and integral to its success. And while you should definitely have a product or a service that provides value to your customers, just relying on word of mouth, especially in the start, isn’t going to cut it.   This article will explore the world of marketing for manufacturing companies. We’ll take a look at the strategies, the challenges, the best practices, and more. There’s a lot to go through, so without further ado, let’s dive in. What is marketing for manufacturing? Manufacturing marketing is the process of creating and executing a plan to promote and sell products to customers. The goal of manufacturing marketing is to generate sales and build brand awareness.   There are many different aspects to consider when developing a manufacturing marketing plan, including target markets, product positioning, pricing, promotion, and distribution. A well-executed manufacturing marketing plan can help to increase sales, expand into new markets, and build brand recognition. The importance of marketing The marketing function in a manufacturing company is responsible for creating demand for the products that the company produces. Marketing plays a vital role in ensuring that the items a company offers are known and used by potential customers. Marketing also helps build customer relationships, which can result in repeat business. Manufacturers can use many different channels for marketing their products, including advertising, public relations, direct marketing, and online marketing. It is important that they select the right mix of marketing activities to reach their target audiences effectively. A well-planned and executed marketing campaign can help a manufacturing company to increase sales, grow its customer base, and enter new markets. To be successful, manufacturers need to understand their customers' needs and wants and design their marketing activities accordingly. In addition, manufacturers need to track the results of their marketing campaigns carefully so that they can make necessary adjustments to improve their effectiveness. Differences between manufacturer and consumer marketing There are some key ways in which marketing for manufacturers differs from marketing to consumers. For one, the manufacturing sector is still mainly B2B (business-to-business), meaning that companies market their products and services to other businesses rather than to individual consumers. In 2021, U. S. manufacturers saw a total of $4. 104 trillion worth of digital B2B sales. And while direct-to-consumer (D2C) e-commerce sales...

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> Gain more visibility and set new benchmarks with Katana’s inventory control software. Find out how to master inventory operations with Katana

- Published: 2022-10-10
- Modified: 2024-05-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/inventory-control-software/
- Folders: SEO PAGES

Inventory control software that helps you master your stock With Katana, manufacturers get the inventory software they need to handle everything related to product management on one platform. SMB businesses have a clear overview of their inventory levels and get a better idea of what items are selling well, and which aren’t. Get a demo Becoming an expert of asset tracking is possible, if you choose Katana Whether you have a range of integrations that still uses spreadsheets, or your company is among those midsized businesses in dire need of better asset tracking, Katana can elevate your game. Get more accurate stock counts, reduce human errors, upgrade your warehouse management, and avoid prolonged manual entry of items with inventory management software. Intuitive and inexpensive inventory features for SMB manufacturers If you want to remain competitive in the lively world of manufacturing, taking every opportunity to control costs is crucial to keeping your margins high and profitability even higher. Katana’s tracking tools and inventory features provide price control — assisting you in turning your challenges into competitive advantages. Use Katana’s inventory management features to: Keep a close eye on your inventory with warehouse management features Establish end-to-end traceability for raw materials and products with batch tracking Track expiry dates of products and master the control of expiring stock Track items across multiple warehouses, giving all your warehouse managers access to the same live data Save hours and nerve cells with modern inventory software Only masochists want the joy of telling customers that they’ve run out of stock and can’t fulfill their orders. Katana tracks your entire inventory in real-time, so you can avoid low inventory levels or overstocking items. This helps you handle stock more efficiently, and you can use this newfound time to focus on other business needs. Get Katana’s online inventory control software to: Set reorder points and low stock alerts to avoid negative feedback from customers and business partners Track on-hand, committed, and expected stock amounts in real-time Become a pro of multichannel inventory management with automation tools Plug in your compatible barcode scanners, and start receiving and tracking inventory Integrate with multiple platforms to optimize every business angle Katana's inventory software isn’t just a tool for stock management. Katana has steadily grown the range of integrations with industry-leading business platforms for manufacturers who want more out of their inventory control system. If you value integrations between manufacturing and other business aspects, you can make Katana the central point of truth for your business — you can automate data flow between the services you use the most. Katana can help you to boost your business with connections to: E-commerce platforms for multichannel selling purposes Accounting tools for synchronizing your financial and manufacturing data Shipping tools for seamless shipment tracking Forecasting solutions, in case you want more juice out of inventory reporting and analytics A capable inventory management platform that integrates with your favorite tools for a smooth workflow Native integrations, codeless templates, and fully customizable API integrations Katana...

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> What is light manufacturing, how it works, and what you can do as a manufacturer to ensure everything runs as efficiently as possible. Learn more.

- Published: 2022-10-10
- Modified: 2024-05-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/light-manufacturing/
- Folders: GUIDES

The ins and outs of light manufacturing You may have heard the term light manufacturing, but what does it actually mean?   No, it’s not an umbrella term to include all companies that manufacture lamps. That being said, manufacturing lamps and light bulbs does fall under light manufacturing but not because of the end-products’ illuminative characteristics. In this article, we'll take a closer look at light manufacturing, what it is, how it's different from heavy manufacturing, and how you can improve your light industry processes. What is light manufacturing? Light manufacturing, often referred to as light industries, is a process of manufacturing goods using light machinery and equipment where the whole manufacturing takes place inside an enclosed building — rather than outdoors, using heavy equipment and plants, covering a large industrial area. Light manufacturing is used to produce various goods, including food items, shoes, and toys. It is a type of manufacturing process that is done on a smaller scale than heavy manufacturing and often uses less energy and resources. Whenever the manufactured product is targeted to be sold to the end consumer — it is classified as light manufacturing. Examples of light manufacturing The definition of light manufacturing isn't as clear-cut, so let's look at some examples to better understand what it encompasses. Light manufacturing includes things like clothes, electronics, and furniture inventory. The steps to manufacture these products are often quite similar. As a first step, manufacturers need to gather the raw materials. These can include fabric for clothes, wood for furniture, or metals and plastics for electronics. These raw materials go through a series of processes to create the final product. For example: Fabric will be cut to the correct size and shape for clothes, then sewn together Wood will be cut, sanded, and joined together with fasteners to make furniture Metals and plastics will be molded, shaped, and assembled to make consumer electronics The main differences between light and heavy manufacturing Both light and heavy manufacturing deal with the production of goods — here are the key differences between the two manufacturing methods. Scale of production One major difference between light and heavy manufacturing is the scale of production. Light manufacturing often takes place on a smaller scale than heavy manufacturing, meaning that products are typically manufactured in smaller quantities. This is because light manufacturing generally uses less energy and resources than heavy manufacturing, making it more suitable for small-scale production. Types of products The types of products that are manufactured also differ between light and heavy manufacturing. Light manufacturing typically produces goods targeted at the end consumer, such as clothes, shoes, toys, and electronics. Heavy manufacturing, on the other hand, focuses on producing goods that are used in producing other products, such as raw materials, machinery, and equipment. Energy and resource usage Light manufacturing generally uses less energy and resources than heavy manufacturing. This is because light manufacturing often takes place on a smaller scale with less machinery and equipment. While light industry consumes less...

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> Advanced manufacturing is the TikTok of manufacturing industry — trendy, exciting, and many cool kids are using it. Should you? Keep reading to find out.

- Published: 2022-10-10
- Modified: 2024-05-22
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/advanced-manufacturing/
- Folders: GUIDES

Advanced manufacturing — costly gimmicks or the way forward As long as humans have existed, we’ve always looked for ways to simplify different processes and become more efficient.   Manufacturing is one industry where these improvements have been especially noticeable. But does it make sense to keep up with these innovations as a business, or should you take a step back and wait for new technologies to be tried and tested before implementing them yourself?   In this article, we’ll look at advanced manufacturing and try to answer these exact questions. What is advanced manufacturing? Advanced manufacturing uses cutting-edge technologies and processes to improve manufacturing efficiency.   This can include anything from nanotechnology and robotics to artificial intelligence (AI) and laser beam machining. Advanced manufacturing aims to create a more streamlined production process that requires less input in terms of time, labor, and resources but still produces high-quality output. What are the differences between advanced and traditional manufacturing? Advanced manufacturing generally refers to any type of manufacturing that uses cutting-edge technology and processes in order to improve efficiency, quality, or speed. Advanced manufacturing is built on a foundation of continuous innovation to develop new ways to create products and improve efficiency. In advanced manufacturing, a large part of the profits is reinvested in research and development to maintain a competitive advantage. In contrast, traditional manufacturing typically relies on older, more established methods and technologies.  In traditional manufacturing, investments in new technology are often incremental, and the focus is on optimizing existing processes. As a result, traditional manufacturing is often less nimble and adaptive than advanced manufacturing. What are some examples of advanced manufacturing technologies? The list of advanced manufacturing technologies is quite long and gradually grows as new emerging technologies are developed — below we look at the ones that have found wider applications within the manufacturing industry. Additive manufacturing or 3D printing This technology can be used to create prototypes or finished products from a digital file. 3D printing is often used in a product creation’s design and development stage, as it allows for quick and easy iterations. Robotics and automation Robotics are often used in manufacturing to automate repetitive tasks. For example, a robot arm could be used to weld components together or apply sealant. Automation in manufacturing can also be used to manage the flow of materials through the production process. Nanotechnology Nanotechnology is the manipulation of matter on an atomic or molecular level. This technology can be used to create advanced materials that are stronger and lighter, as well as to develop new methods of manufacturing. In chemical manufacturing, nanotechnology is often used to create more efficient catalysts that require less energy for the same reaction and produce less waste. AI and data science AI can be used in manufacturing to predict failures, optimize production schedules, and even control robotic arms. Big data analytics can be used to analyze large data sets generated by manufacturing processes to identify trends and improve efficiency. What industries can benefit the...

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> What is just-in-time (JIT) manufacturing? When, where, and why use JIT manufacturing in your business? We've found the answers for you.

- Published: 2022-10-10
- Modified: 2024-05-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/just-in-time-manufacturing/
- Folders: GUIDES

A comprehensive guide to just-in-time manufacturing Just-in-time (JIT) manufacturing means using the resources at your disposal to their maximum potential while eliminating all waste in the process. This strategy minimizes carrying costs and the need for storage space and maximizes efficiency in production and inventory management all at once. What sets JIT manufacturing apart from other inventory and manufacturing techniques is the minimal buffer that is created. Typical manufacturing is seen as the production of goods that are then set aside on a shelf to wait for incoming orders. JIT production works the other way around — an order comes in, and then manufacturing starts, working with just the right amount of supplies and materials. Historical background of JIT manufacturing Since the early 1970s, just-in-time manufacturing has been applied in production across the globe, but it originated from Japanese businesses. JIT is said to have been developed and perfected within Toyota’s car-making plants by Taiichi Ohno, as Toyota was on the hunt for new methods to help them meet customer demands without delays. As Taiichi Ohno and Japanese manufacturers proved that the JIT philosophy could work, it was adopted in other countries. Especially after the 1973 oil embargo, which led to shortened fossil resources across the globe. Toyota's case study was backed by examples from Japanese shipyards, which used JIT to reduce inventory levels. Other companies saw how Toyota and Japanese shipyards, partially due to JIT manufacturing, survived the oil crisis. Both Toyota and the shipyards managed to figure out a way to engage with every employee during the crisis and streamline their manufacturing processes for maximum output. Toyota's production evolved from a curious test into an exemplary success case in only a few years. Three ways to describe JIT manufacturing Commonly known as a philosophy originating from Toyota production, just-in-time production is sometimes also described as an environment and control technique. Now, you might be asking yourself: "How can a manufacturing practice be an environment, philosophy, and technique? " Let's dissect the question into three puzzle pieces. Just-in-time manufacturing — a philosophy JIT philosophy initially focused on the production of goods to meet exact customer demands rather than making and storing them in advance. In this scenario, the customer could mean the final buyer of the product or the next manufacturing process along the production line. Currently, JIT manufacturing is commonly interpreted as production or manufacturing with minimal waste — including time, resources, and materials. Just-in-time manufacturing — an environment A JIT environment is established by the previously mentioned philosophy since JIT mandates that you manufacture products efficiently and keep an eye on every production process. Some key elements in this environment are repetitive manufacturing, total quality management, employee engagement, and healthy supplier partnerships. Just-in-time manufacturing — a control technique Employees are equipped with just-in-time control methods in their daily operations if JIT manufacturing is implemented at their company. The characteristics of JIT control techniques include: A pull system Repetitive processes Uniform loading Production card usage A synchronized production...

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> Production vs manufacturing might not seem much of a difference, but there is. Learn the definitions and differences between the two.

- Published: 2022-10-10
- Modified: 2024-05-22
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/production-vs-manufacturing/
- Folders: GUIDES

Production vs manufacturing: What’s the difference? As the global economy becomes more and more connected, gathering people from all over the world into the same markets, the need for a shared language is incredibly important. Correct terminology can mean the difference between a smooth quarter of growth and a disastrous one, especially as multinational organizations tackle cultural barriers. Despite the importance, some terms are still used incorrectly, assuming that the other party will understand what they mean in context. One of the most common is manufacturing and production, which are often used interchangeably, even though there is a key difference or two. Below, we'll work through those differences and give you a full understanding of how to use each term correctly so that you aren't involved in any future misunderstandings. What is manufacturing? Manufacturing is the process of converting inputs like raw materials, components, or parts into a tangible product. The word is derived from the Latin term manu factus, which translates to "made by hand. " In other words, manufacturing used to refer to only by-hand production and didn't require any machines. However, over time, as technology has progressed, machines have been introduced to handle certain tasks or steps in the manufacturing process. Today's factories are full of all sorts of machines, from those that cut and convert raw material to those that assemble the final product. What is production? Production is a broader term that includes manufacturing but also encompasses other steps in the process of getting a product ready for market. In addition to manufacturing, production means activity-based processes like farming, mining, fishing, logging (extracting raw materials from the earth), and any other steps required to get those raw materials into finished productions. Production also includes the process of packaging and labeling a product so that it's ready to be sold. It can also cover tangible or intangible services that satisfy human needs. Manufacturing vs production In the debate of production vs manufacturing, five key things differentiate them. Scope Manufacturing involves a much smaller scope (relatively speaking) than production. When we talk about production, we're talking about extracting or growing raw materials on a large scale so that they can be used in manufacturing. For example, you can't manufacture a car without first producing the steel that will be used to make its frame. And you can't produce steel without mining the iron ore that will be used to make it. Function You can think of manufacturing as turning specific raw materials into specific products, including the creation of utility. In contrast, production refers to a much wider range of activities necessary to get raw materials into a state where they can be manufactured. For example, when we talk about the production of wheat, we're not just talking about growing it — we're also talking about harvesting it, threshing it (removing the kernels from the stalk), winnowing it (separating the kernels from the chaff), and milling it (grinding the kernels into flour). The production also then includes everything...

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> Businesses implement IoT manufacturing to gain an extra advantage over competitors. Read here to learn more.

- Published: 2022-10-10
- Modified: 2024-05-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/iot-in-manufacturing/
- Folders: GUIDES

IoT in manufacturing — how to use it to your advantage You should not fear the Internet of Things as a horror movie protagonist fears the monster chasing them. The Internet of Things, or IoT, is a simple system of interconnected devices and sensors that collect and exchange data. IoT in manufacturing is a method to transform traditional and newer industries into innovative, cost-efficient sectors. Manufacturing businesses reap benefits from the Internet of Things as new technologies allow them to optimize most processes and gather data to become as efficient as possible. Experts expect the global IoT in manufacturing market size to grow from USD 33. 2 billion in 2020 to USD 53. 8 billion in 2025, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 10. 1%. In this article, we'll explore what IoT manufacturing is, how it works, why you should embrace IoT and ways managers can use IoT to improve operations at their own companies. The brief history of IoT in manufacturing IoT in manufacturing is not a new concept. In fact, you can track the history of IoT in manufacturing back to the early days of industrial automation: 1960s — a company called Procter & Gamble installed sensors in its Cincinnati soap factory. These sensors tracked the location of products throughout the production process. 1970s — programmable logic controllers (PLCs) replaced relay-based control systems, making it possible to automate complex manufacturing processes, which in turn led to a significant increase in productivity. 1980s — the first industrial robots were used to automate repetitive tasks in manufacturing. Japanese companies initially developed them but quickly gained popularity in other countries. 1990s — the first ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems enter the field of smart manufacturing. ERP manufacturing software helps businesses manage their resources, such as inventory levels, more effectively. 2000s — the term “Industry 4. 0” is coined to describe the state of a new century in industrial automation, characterized by smart and mobile technologies like industrial IoT, big data, and machine learning. 2010s — new technological breakthroughs like 3D printing, advanced mobile apps, and additive manufacturing further changed the manufacturing landscape. How is IoT used in manufacturing? IoT manufacturing systems connect devices and sensors to the internet so that data can be collected and exchanged by managers and analysts. Let’s look at mass customization for example. These operations are complex and require a workable solution. IoT facilitates mass customization and acts as a real-time data source through scheduling and forecasting. Sensors allow to collect and analyze big data, which manufacturers can use to design and produce products that are better tailored to customer specific needs and preferences, at a specific time. When manufacturing is fast and efficient, the product cycle time reduces. Take the example of Harley-Davidson. It used IoT to reconfigure its production and improved its manufacturing facilities layout, which reduced the total time of creating one motorbike from about three weeks to six hours. Bikers with black leather jackets have rarely been happier. What are the benefits of...

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> Pipeline inventory refers to the items not in stock, and tracking them is crucial to your inventory management. Learn how to do it here.

- Published: 2022-10-10
- Modified: 2024-05-22
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/pipeline-inventory/
- Folders: GUIDES

How to calculate pipeline inventory effortlessly If you've ever taken advantage of a pre-sale item, you've interacted with pipeline inventory. Buying a product before it is physically in a brick-and-mortar store, or stocked in an e-commerce warehouse, means you are purchasing a piece of inventory that can't be calculated as part of normal levels. In an ideal world — at least for businesses — no piece of inventory would ever be produced before it has already been purchased at the other end. That would be an example of perfect pipeline inventory management. However, because businesses need to account for things like delays in shipments and changes in customer demand, it's important to have a handle on how much product is "in the pipeline" at any given time. Below, we'll examine: What pipeline inventory is How to calculate pipeline inventory Tips on managing pipeline inventory How to integrate software solutions Let's head down the pipe. Live inventory management software for pipeline inventory Know exactly where all your items are at a moment's notice with pipeline inventory software purpose-built for businesses tracking multiple inventory types. Get a demo What is pipeline stock? From the moment a business places a purchase order with a supplier until the moment it arrives at the customer's door, there is a period in which it is considered pipeline inventory. In other words, it's a product that has been ordered but has not yet arrived at its final destination. Pipeline inventory can be further broken down into three specific categories: In-transit inventory — It has already been shipped from the supplier but has not yet been received by the customer. It's inventory in the transit pipeline or traveling, and therefore not under the direct control of the business Backlogged inventory — This has been ordered by the customer but not yet shipped by the supplier. The order may have been placed weeks or even months ago, and the customer is patiently waiting for it to arrive Stock-in-trade inventory — This is a product a business has received from a supplier, sold to a customer, but has not yet been shipped. Like backlogged inventory, stock-in-trade inventory is under the direct control of the business It is important to note that this applies not just to finished products. It can also apply to intermediary goods and services involved in the manufacturing process. For example, if a company orders new machines to produce a product but hasn't yet received them, those machines would be considered still in the inventory pipeline. The same could be said about a service, like if a company orders advertising time but the ads have not yet aired. Pipeline inventory is also not included in the same way as these other types of inventory that a business owns. Safety stock — This is an extra buffer stock that a business holds to protect against stockouts or the situation where they run out of product to sell Decoupled inventory — The difference between pipeline inventory and decoupled inventory is that the latter is not customer-facing....

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> Inventory forecasting is the process of predicting future inventory requirements to optimize stock levels and meet customer demand. Learn more here.

- Published: 2022-10-10
- Modified: 2024-05-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/inventory-forecasting/
- Folders: GUIDES

Inventory forecasting to prepare for the rainy days When you plan a trip abroad, you will likely look at the weather forecast to ensure you don't have to spend two weeks in your hotel room, watching foreign TV and eating pot noodles because it's raining outside. Forecasting in inventory management is at least as important in the business world. Your employees and customers will even care more about your inventory than your holiday. Incorrectly forecasting your inventory may cause you to be stuck with a room full of unsold products or, even worse, drive customers away who are willing to pay top dollar for your goods since you have nothing in stock. To make sure this doesn’t happen, we’ve compiled the ultimate guide to inventory forecasting, so sit back, grab your favorite beverage, and keep reading. What is inventory forecasting? Inventory forecasting is a process used to predict future inventory requirements. Also known as demand planning or demand forecasting, it involves analyzing past sales trends, production rates, and other relevant data to estimate the amount of inventory needed to meet customer demand without overstocking or running into shortages. The goal is to maintain optimal inventory levels, making sure that products are available when customers want them while minimizing inventory holding costs. There are multiple methods for forecasting inventory, ranging from simple heuristic models to complex statistical and machine learning algorithms. These methods can be broadly categorized into qualitative and quantitative approaches. Qualitative methods often rely on expert judgment and market research, while quantitative methods use historical data to predict future trends. Each method has its unique strengths and weaknesses, and the choice of method can significantly impact the accuracy of the forecasts and the efficiency of inventory management. In the following sections, we'll explore these methods in more detail, discussing how they work and when they are most effectively applied. Understanding this will equip businesses to make informed decisions about inventory management, ultimately contributing to better customer satisfaction and financial performance. The goal of inventory forecasting As we briefly mentioned, the goal of inventory forecasting is to accurately predict future demand so that businesses can have the right amount of stock on hand at all times. This helps to avoid both stockouts and excess inventory, which can tie up capital and increase storage costs. Inventory forecasting helps companies plan ahead, making sure they have the products their customers want when they want them. It's also necessary to minimize obsolete inventory, as your forecasts can show diminishing demand before you would notice it otherwise. Customers have more choices now than ever, so an empty shelf may propel them towards a competitor without a second thought. With the help of stock forecasting, businesses can keep their shelves stocked and their customers happy. It also ensures companies order what they can actually sell and don't get stuck with mountains of fidget spinners or the like that nobody wants anymore. Benefits of accurate inventory forecasts Before we scare you away with the time-consuming and...

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> Take control of your production lines with Katana’s enterprise manufacturing software. Adopt Katana and streamline all of your operations.

- Published: 2022-10-07
- Modified: 2024-06-19
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/enterprise-manufacturing-software/
- Folders: SEO PAGES

Enterprise manufacturing software for all your production needs Adopt Katana’s enterprise manufacturing software and gain full visibility of your production processes, stock levels, supply chain, and much more. Get a demo Streamline your manufacturing processes with Katana Manufacturers often end up spending hours every day on mindless admin tasks that just have to be done. Katana can help you streamline your day-to-day operations to save time and reduce errors, leaving you free to keep manufacturing. A purpose-built ERP platform for manufacturers Manufacturers have very specific needs when it comes to the software they use to run their businesses. From tracking inventory and orders to managing production schedules, manufacturers need an ERP system that is designed specifically for their industry.   Katana is a purpose-built ERP system for manufacturers. It includes all of the features and functionality they require to run their businesses efficiently and effectively. From inventory management to production planning, Katana has everything necessary to streamline production operations, including: Real-time master planning Support for outsourced manufacturing Live inventory management Forecasting and inventory planning Store in multiple warehouses, sell across multiple channels Companies always try to maximize their efficiency and expand their customer base to get a competitive edge. To ensure every potential customer has access to your products and receives them on time, you need visibility into every sales channel and inventory location. With manufacturing enterprise resource planning software you can manage sales from various channels, such as: Online stores Brick-and-mortar retailers Distributors Marketplaces Katana allows manufacturers to track sales orders in one place across all channels. What's more, Katana keeps your inventory in sync across all warehouses, making managing your sales and inventory easy. With Katana's enterprise manufacturing software, you have complete visibility and control over your entire operation All your business tools unified Successfully managing your business becomes a lot easier once you have a single source of truth for all your operations. Katana unifies your favorite business tools, giving you better control and visibility into every aspect of your organization. With Katana's seamless integrations, you can easily connect with: Accounting software CRM platforms Analytics and reporting tools E-commerce platforms Having everything connected makes data transfers a breeze and ensures your information is kept up to date across all your business tools. Katana accurately keeps stock of assemblies and ingredients so that I can plan production and get instant feedback on whether we have enough resources in stock. ” Kelly CostelloChief Executive Officer (CEO) at Puppy Cake We also wanted an accurate inventory system for batch planning, warehousing, and sales. Katana fulfills all our needs in a simple, easy solution. ” Irah VetFounder and Production Manager at Hornby Organic Having the shop floor know what they can or can’t make on a given day is amazing, and replaces our previous “system” of spreadsheets. ” Sara VarelaFounder and Designer at Sara Gabriel Katana provides us with all the features for manufacturing order management and can track inventory usage and incorporate our sales order tracking into Katana. ” Mikhail...

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> Days inventory outstanding is a way of calculating the average number of days a company holds its inventory before selling. Learn DIO here.

- Published: 2022-10-06
- Modified: 2024-05-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/days-inventory-outstanding/
- Folders: GUIDES

A guide to days inventory outstanding (DIO) Inventory management is one of the most critical things to get right for any manufacturing business. Maintaining the proper level of inventory ensures that production can continue uninterrupted while also avoiding the high costs associated with housing finished goods far longer than necessary. Keeping track of all the different acronyms and initialisms can be extremely difficult for some. While live inventory management software can help sort things out, it's even more useful for owners and operators to understand these key terms. One such term is days inventory outstanding, or DIO, as it is often called. If you've never heard of DIO before, don't worry. In this guide, we'll break down everything you need to know about this helpful metric, including: What does DIO mean? What is the DIO formula? How do you interpret DIO? What is a good DIO number? How can you create a low DIO ratio? Read on to learn all there is to know about days inventory outstanding. What is days inventory outstanding? Days inventory outstanding (DIO), also known as days in inventory, is a metric used to measure the average number of days that a company's inventory remains unsold. In other words, it tells you how long a product sits on shelves before a customer buys it. Understanding the days inventory outstanding definition is important for a few reasons: It can be used to assess how well a company is managing inventory processing. If the inventory is turning over quickly, that's usually a good sign. However, if products are sitting on shelves for too long, it could be an indication that the company is overproducing or that demand has decreased. DIO can also be used to compare a company's performance to that of its competitors. A lower DIO ratio usually indicates that a company is doing a better job of managing inventory. Finally, DIO can be a helpful tool for forecasting future sales. If the DIO trend is increasing, that might be an indication that future sales will decrease. Importantly, DIO should not be confused with days sales outstanding (DSO), which is a similar metric that measures the number of days it takes a company to collect payment after making a sale, or days payables outstanding (DPO), which measures the number of days it takes a company to pay invoices or creditors. Both DSO and DPO are important metrics, but they provide different information. Inventory turnover vs days inventory outstanding Another term, inventory turnover, is also often conflated with days inventory outstanding. However, these two terms are not the same. Inventory turnover is a metric that measures the number of times a company's inventory is sold and replaced over a given period. In other words, it tells you how often inventory levels are replenished. A high inventory turnover is generally seen as being good since it indicates that products are selling quickly and that not too much cash is tied up. In contrast, a low inventory turnover might be an indication...

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> An alternative to Odoo that’s easy to implement and operate. Adopt Katana and simplify your business management. Learn more here.

- Published: 2022-09-30
- Modified: 2025-06-02
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/alternative-to-odoo/
- Folders: SEO PAGES

An easy-to-use alternative to Odoo with a modern feel Ensure, your employees can spend more time doing the work and less on learning complex programs by switching to Katana — an alternative to Odoo with flexible pricing model and intuitive user experience. Get a demo The best alternative to Odoo that works with you, not against you Katana lets you connect all your business tools keeping your data synchronized and up-to-date across all platforms for a streamlined experience. MTS and MTO workflows Katana supports make-to-order (MTO) and make-to-stock (MTS) workflows and also allows you to use both simultaneously Integrations and API Katana offers seamless integrations with your favorite business tools and keeps your data synchronized across all platforms Real-time master planning Reprioritize manufacturing orders and Katana will automatically reallocate resources based on the new priorities Total shop floor control Use Katana’s Shop Floor App to assign tasks remotely and improve collaboration between your office and the floor staff The best alternative to Odoo that doesn’t take the focus away from your business Katana is a modern ERP system that comes with an intuitive UI that’s easy to learn and use. Thanks to Katana’s easy implementation, most businesses can get everything up and running in no time, while the majority of ERP systems take anywhere from 2 to 24 months to get set up. Your business likely already uses certain tools and platforms that you’re happy with. When adopting Katana, you don’t need to swap these around. Katana offers a lot of native and third-party integrations with the most popular business tools, so you can seamlessly integrate these without any coding knowledge. Simple pricing structure without unwelcomed surprises If you’re like us, you want to know exactly what you’re getting for your money. Paying for software only to find out later that you need to pay more for the features you need can, at the very least, be quite annoying. Traditionally, Odoo used to be known as a software that offered module-based pricing. However, Odoo now offers different pricing plans, so users must pay monthly subscriptions to access essential ERP features. There’s a free trial version, a standard version, and a custom one — however, to use this will require you to pay for a consultant to get help with setting everything up. In contrast, Katana has flexible and upfront pricing, so you know what you get before making the payment. This way, you don’t have to worry about a sudden price jump when it comes out that you need seven additional modules to make the platform meet your needs. An expert support team that’s with you along the way Businesses often keep increasing their marketing budgets while decreasing money spent on their support team. When you add a complex system to this equation, you end up with a lot of users needing customer support that’s nowhere to be found. While Odoo offers customer support, the team is often focused on ensuring your billing information is correct and providing you with links...

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> A NetSuite alternative that’s easy to use. Katana is purpose-built for SMBs, so you won’t need a full-scale IT department just to get started. Learn more.

- Published: 2022-09-30
- Modified: 2025-06-04
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/alternative-to-netsuite/
- Folders: SEO PAGES

An intuitive alternative to NetSuite built for SMBs Adopt Katana, an alternative to NetSuite, that’s built specifically for SMBs. With its logical user interface and easy implementation, you can focus on managing your business instead of spending days trying to decipher the installation instructions. Get a demo Easy to set up and easy to use Katana has an intuitive design and personal support to ensure a smooth user experience, so you can focus on managing your business. Real-time master planning Easily drag and drop your manufacturing and sales orders to reprioritize and Katana will automatically reallocate resources based on the new priorities Dedicated live support Reach out to our expert support team whenever you have questions about Katana. Katana’s support representatives are there to ensure your business succeeds Easy contract manufacturing Use Katana’s outsourced manufacturing workflow and easily track materials at your partner locations and monitor costs based on contractor’s fees Seamless integrations Connect your favorite business tools with Katana via the native integrations and codeless templates and manage everything from a central platform Alternative to NetSuite that was built in the 21st century NetSuite has been around since 1998 and is considered the first cloud computing software company — this shows when starting to implement the system. For large enterprises, hiring a dedicated team that spends months installing the system can make sense. However, companies in the SMB sector oftentimes are not able to bear such large implementation costs. Katana offers self-onboarding and also has a dedicated onboarding team included in Advanced and higher plans to ensure a smooth experience when implementing the system. Expertise from a dedicated support team Legacy systems can have a very steep learning curve and they often outsource their support, which leads to a horrible customer experience. In contrast, Katana comes with an easy-to-use interface, so you don’t need weeks of training before you start using the software.  Katana gives you access to a professional in-house support team reachable via live chat, ready to answer all your questions should you need it. This combination ensures that you can keep managing and growing your business without having to spend hours every day worrying about a software system that was supposed to make your life easier. Single source of truth for your entire business Business suites can make a lot of sense for large enterprises, but these often lack the flexibility needed for small and medium-sized businesses. Katana is a platform that allows you to potentially set up your custom business suite. With Katana’s native, third-party, and API integrations, you can seamlessly connect to the best: Accounting software E-commerce platforms Reporting and analytics tools CRM tools And so much more With Katana, you can adapt the software to your business needs instead of adapting your business to the needs of the software. A NetSuite alternative that integrates with your favorite tools for a smooth workflow From native integrations to codeless templates or fully customizable API integrations Katana's cloud ERP software allows you to create custom workflows...

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> Katana's manufacturing ERP is a cost-effective alternative to Fishbowl. Spend less money and reap the rewards of modern software. Read more.

- Published: 2022-09-29
- Modified: 2024-05-20
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/fishbowl-inventory-alternative/
- Folders: SEO PAGES

An alternative to Fishbowl to satisfy your thirst for better software Katana ERP platform gives you total flexibility with a modern user interface for a fraction of Fishbowl's price. Gain more visibility into your production processes. Get a demo Versatile Fishbowl inventory alternative that's easy to master Have you fallen hook, line, and sinker for software that wasn’t up to par? Katana ERP is an alternative to Fishbowl that clears the murky waters of poor inventory management, providing you with the clarity you need to succeed in the open sea of business management. Real-time master planning Gain visibility with Katana’s modern interface as you book any available material to a manufacturing order, based on its position in the production queue Sleek interface for navigation Katana’s RAG system will give you a visualized overview of your production operations at a glance, diminishing admin time and shedding light on what’s happening daily Straightforward implementation Katana’s vast Knowledge Base has all the answers for your technical questions and Katana’s support team can help you when you need more assistance Workflow integrations Connect Katana with a growing range of accounting, e-commerce, CRM, shipping, and reporting platforms and configure your own workflows that suit your company Get more bang for your buck with Katana Fishbowl software can cost you thousands of dollars, which is quite pricey for manufacturing SMBs. Here are just some of the highlights of why warehouse managers and production planners have made the switch from Fishbowl to Katana's manufacturing software: Inexpensive pricing models — you don’t need to spend thousands of dollars at once, as you would with Fishbowl No need to buy or update licenses for new devices — access Katana from anywhere and from any device Centralized platform for data — a single source to manage your business Inventory management software equipped with powerful integrations Katana aims to evolve with its customers, which is why the range of integrations is constantly expanding. Katana is a trusted partner for manufacturers on Shopify with its seamless integration. However, we also have native integrations with WooCommerce and BigCommerce. Additionally, there are third-party integrations with globally popular marketplaces such as Amazon and eBay. Using Zapier or CartRover, you can use codeless templates to integrate with: Business management solutions Automation software CRM software Reporting tools And more Katana is always developing with its ambitious customers We're continuously working to provide you with the best features for your business. In a short space of time, we have developed: Live manufacturing and inventory management A real-time master planning feature, which Fishbowl or other ERP systems don’t have Batch tracking for end-to-end traceability Shop Floor App for total floor-level control An open API, letting you build custom apps into Katana Your shop floor operators, warehouse managers, and project managers get all the essential quality tools that truly provide the biggest bang for your buck. Get a demo and see Katana in action Get a demo Eliminate stockouts with Katana Easily manage incoming orders from all your sales channels...

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> Katana ERP is an inventory management software alternative to Unleashed. Find out why and learn how to customize your workflows with Katana.

- Published: 2022-09-27
- Modified: 2024-05-20
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/alternative-to-unleashed/
- Folders: SEO PAGES

An alternative to Unleashed that helps you unleash your full potential Katana ERP is an intuitive platform that equips your business with essential features and integrations to control your workflow — from purchases to manufacturing and beyond. Get a demo There are no restrictions to manufacturing with Katana Katana enterprise resource planning (ERP) software is one of the better Unleashed software alternatives that comes packed with the tools for optimizing your supply chain. Warehouse management Your warehouse manager can view stock levels by location if you have multiple warehouses and perform stock transfers Cloud-based access Link your online sales to manufacturing orders and see their statuses from wherever you are Wide range of integrations Sync your data with thousands of e-commerce, shipping, CRM, and accounting platforms, connecting all aspects of your business to Katana Real-time master planning Automated item allocation to open orders and if you need to prioritize an order, Katana will automatically redistribute allocated items Let your manufacturing creativity loose with Katana’s ERP system Katana is developed with one sight in mind — that manufacturers would love the software they use as much as the products they make. Katana is an inexpensive manufacturing software that offers essential production tools, features, and integrations that help you to connect with the best business tools on the market. Here's what you're going to get from this alternative to Unleashed: Controlling multiple manufacturing and selling locations Seeing manufacturing statuses and having the ability to do capacity planning based on resource availability Getting automatically calculated manufacturing costs based on your bill of materials (BOMs) and operations More inventory control, less chaos Katana manufacturing ERP will do all the stock management legwork for you by keeping inventory levels up to date, every time a sales or manufacturing order comes into the system. Katana also has end-to-end traceability for items and raw materials, so you can easily locate items on your shop floor and beyond. Setting reorder points will mark inventory levels as red once stock is running low, allowing you to make additional products or purchase more materials to avoid stockouts. You'll get better inventory control as you can ensure each product travels to the right place, so you can finish production without any hiccups. Powerful integrations to unite your business tools in one place When it comes to an Unleashed software e-commerce alternative, Katana is an easy-to-use platform for seamlessly synchronizing your sales channels and manufacturing data. You don't have to create sales orders in Katana — the ones created in your e-commerce platform are always synchronized with Katana. Katana also integrates with e-commerce platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce, and marketplaces, such as eBay and Amazon, via native, third-party, and API integrations. You'll also have easy access to premium automation, accounting, reporting, and shipping solutions. For example, Katana has powerful integrations with QuickBooks Online and Xero that help you connect accounting with manufacturing. Get a demo and see Katana in action Get a demo Eliminate stockouts with Katana Easily manage incoming orders from...

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> Explore Katana's lean manufacturing software and gain visibility into your business, from supply chain management to floor-level control.

- Published: 2022-09-19
- Modified: 2024-05-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/lean-manufacturing-software/
- Folders: SEO PAGES

Implement lean manufacturing software with Katana Katana equips your company with manufacturing software essentials like inventory management and master production schedule, enabling you to centralize all business aspects into a single platform. Get a demo Optimize your production and business with lean manufacturing software Reducing waste is of the utmost importance when trying to optimize your production process. Katana’s lean manufacturing software equips you with real-time master planning for making accurate manufacturing and purchasing decisions with live data. Eliminate all waste from your everyday processes with Katana and establish lean management principles. Implement lean ideas in your company Manufacturing businesses from any industry, whether it is food and beverage or industrial machinery, can implement lean management software. Easily extract data from Katana for any lean initiatives and analyze how they’re performing against your objectives. Katana can help you implement multiple lean principles in your process, such as: Delivering value to your customers Streamlining your manufacturing processes while reducing both lead time and takt time Refining your business processes Improve your master production schedule Katana equips your business with digital solutions for optimal and smart manufacturing. With Katana, you’ll have an intuitive master production schedule (MTS) system, which can reduce admin time and help you focus on growing your manufacturing business. Use Katana's MPS system to: Prioritize your schedule, so you see what's essential in your manufacturing process and what can be sidelined Make better production and scheduling decisions, such as what needs to be produced, how big a batch should be and when they should be scheduled Review the production schedule of your staff for better shop floor control so that your operators and project managers can stay in constant communication Integrate with top-notch lean tools on the market Katana's software for lean manufacturing integrates with several tools that can help you continuously improve your business. Whether you need more visibility in your accounting or an overview of evolving customer demands — there are suitable integrations for all those needs. Get Katana's lean manufacturing tools and integrate with: QuickBooks Online or Xero to keep your accounting, sales, and inventory in sync to save time CRM tools to understand your sales pipeline and supply chain management better Various automation tools to create custom dashboards with analytics reports and measure the success of your lean principles more precisely Software that integrates with your favorite tools for a smooth workflow Native integrations, codeless templates, and fully customizable API integrations Katana gives users access to the API, allowing you to create custom workflows and connect your business apps to manage your sales, manufacturing, and accounting on one platform. Automate data transfers between the services you use to level up efficiency. Take a look at Katana's API documentation to learn more. See all integrations Katana allows us to have a complete, real-time overview of our manufacturing processes and keeps our operations under control. " Pablo BaqueWalk With Me CEO Katana integrates everything, making for effective company-wide resource planning and control. ” Danielle LouwProduction Manager at CT LAB...

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> Grow your business and set new benchmarks with manufacturing assembly software for more flexibility and inventory control. Learn more

- Published: 2022-09-12
- Modified: 2024-05-20
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/manufacturing-assembly-software/
- Folders: SEO PAGES

Manufacturing assembly software that's easy to use Get the features you need to manage everything related to production in one place with Katana's manufacturing assembly process software. Katana supports small and medium businesses, so you can set it up to fit your manufacturing processes like a glove. Get a demo Improve operational efficiency with Katana's manufacturing software Whether you work in the food and beverage industry handling perishable goods or making nuts and bolts for the industrial machinery sector, Katana helps you optimize your supply chain. Implementing Katana in your company can improve inventory control and warehouse management while enabling you to integrate with a variety of tools. End-to-end traceability of your supply chain and production For assemble-to-order manufacturers, no matter the company size, taking every opportunity to control costs is vital to keep your profitability high. Katana's automated tools and traceability provide price and quality control over your entire supply chain – helping you turn your challenges into competitive advantages. Use Katana's core features to monitor: The movements and expiration dates of your raw materials, components, and sub-assemblies Time allocation of your operators at the assembly lines to improve manufacturing management at all factories Task completion more accurately during your manufacturing operations at all times Perfect your production management with Katana Katana gives thousands of assembly manufacturers the tools for production planning, which they can use for automating inventory transactions to prevent stock-outs. Katana’s assembly software can track on-hand, committed, and expected stock amounts in real time, making it easy to stay in stock on top of inventory movements. Use assembly manufacturing software to: Schedule production and calculate deadlines for optimal assembly operations Track your finished goods and raw materials in real-time for batch traceability Calculate manufacturing costs automatically to get more visibility into budget planning Integrate with various tools for optimizing every aspect of your business Katana's assembly manufacturing ERP software integrates with several tools that can help you streamline and automate business processes. Katana can put the wind in your sails with a variety of integrations, whether you need more automation, advanced production scheduling, CRM solutions for monitoring changing customer demands, or platforms to sell products directly to consumers. Connect Katana with: Native integrations — Shopify, WooCommerce, QuickBooks Online and Xero integrations allow you to manage e-commerce sales and accounting all in one place Third-party platforms — powerful integration platforms CartRover and Zapier can connect Katana with thousands of apps for your every business-related need API — take a look at Katana’s open API and decide whether your company wants to invest resources to build your own app into Katana Assembly manufacturing software that integrates with your favorite tools for a smooth workflow Native integrations, codeless templates, and fully customizable API integrations Katana gives users access to the API, allowing you to create custom workflows and connect your business apps to manage your sales, manufacturing, and accounting on one platform. Automate data transfers between the services you use to level up efficiency. Take a look at Katana's API...

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> Gain total visibility of your inventory with Katana’s part tracking software. Adopt Katana and simplify tracking parts in manufacturing.

- Published: 2022-09-08
- Modified: 2024-05-22
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/part-tracking-software/
- Folders: SEO PAGES

Part tracking software to take care of all your inventory needs Implement Katana’s part tracking software into your manufacturing business to gain real-time visibility of every stock item and simplify your entire inventory management. Get a demo Full overview of your entire inventory Not being able to deliver products to your customers in a timely fashion can quickly damage your reputation and hurt your bottom line. You need a live view of your inventory to avoid stock-outs and ensure every client gets the item they ordered. Katana updates your stock levels in real time, so you always know exactly what you have in stock and what’s running low. Streamline your inventory tracking with barcodes, QR codes, and RFIDs Stocktakes are time-consuming but a crucial part of keeping your inventory levels accurate. To ensure your stock levels are correct, you need to count each item in your warehouse every now and again. This will help you avoid stock-outs and ensures you have the required items to fulfill orders.   With Katana's part tracking software for manufacturing, you can benefit from perpetual inventory and reduce the frequency when manual stocktakes are needed. Katana allows you to automate your inventory counts with barcode, QR, and RFID scanning, making stocktaking a breeze. Improve your inventory management with SKUs Keeping track of every part you have in stock is essential, so you can make sure your inventory levels are optimal and your products are moving nicely. However, the more items you have, the more convoluted it becomes to track everything accurately. That’s where stock-keeping units (SKUs) come in. Using SKUs allows you to collect invaluable data about your product movements. You can use this data for SKU rationalization, developing better marketing strategies, predicting seasonal demands, and more. Katana’s part tracking software can then keep you updated about changes in inventory levels and highlight items that need to be replenished if these have reached your predetermined reorder points. This way you can ensure you always have the necessary parts to fulfill your customers’ orders. Live view of your entire stock no matter where it's stored To remain competitive, businesses constantly need to find new ways to grow while also reducing costs. One way of achieving this is by expanding to new regions. Setting up manufacturing plants and warehouses in new regions can have many benefits, including: Reducing delivery times Reducing costs Managing risks Katana lets you track your inventory across multiple warehouses making it easier to diversify your customer base by meeting demand globally. Katana keeps track of every item and updates your inventory in real time across all locations. Adopting Katana gives you back the reins over your inventory and ensures that you always know what you have in stock, no matter where it's stored. Part tracking software that integrates with your favorite tools for a smooth workflow Native integrations, codeless templates, and fully customizable API integrations Katana gives users access to the API, allowing you to create custom workflows and connect your business apps to manage...

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> Katana's manufacturing CRM software bridges the gap between sales and production. Gain more visibility into your business with Katana.

- Published: 2022-09-05
- Modified: 2024-05-20
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/crm-software-for-manufacturing/
- Folders: SEO PAGES

Improving your customer relationships with CRM software for manufacturing Track sales and manufacturing orders with Katana wherever you are. Katana helps you automate your workflow and keeps customer details safe in an easy-to-use platform where you can integrate with the best CRM solutions on the market. Get a demo Use a manufacturing CRM to gain an edge on competitors in textile industry In the competitive market of textile manufacturing, a few slip-ups here and there can upset customers and damage your reputation. Avoid this happening by implementing the right textile software. Katana gives you real-time insights into sales and helps you unlock your business’s true potential with the tools to provide 5-star-worthy customer experiences. Find the most suitable manufacturing CRM of choice Katana integrates with tools that can assist your sales and marketing teams with relationship management while also providing marketing automation. You can use those platforms to enhance customer experiences and improve the current standard of relationship management. Integrating with popular CRM tools like HubSpot's CRM, Pipedrive, Salesforce CRM, and Prospect CRM allows you to: Visually manage order fulfillment and production Set up triggers that import sales orders as soon as you close a deal Understand your sales pipeline, customer success, and supply chain management better Manage online and offline sales on one do-it-all platform A diverse customer base makes any sales team feel content. Many manufacturers use omnichannel selling strategies to leverage their sales channels, but struggle because they haven't established their systems properly. Katana integrates with Shopify and eBay, while also enabling you to connect with Amazon and other e-commerce platforms to diversify your sales options. Get Katana to: Connect multiple online stores with Katana Oversee your sales and find easy ways to optimize the sales cycle Gain complete inventory control with planning and forecasting Collect insights into how your shop floor functions Katana gives manufacturing companies the tools needed for seamless inventory and sales order management. For example, you can use Katana’s Shop Floor App to monitor shop floor activity via computer or mobile. Your floor-level employees can scan barcodes in the Shop Floor App to find and add batch numbers for tracking products. It can also help you: Assign and reassign jobs to operators who can start, pause, and resume tasks to keep you updated on production Gain a comprehensive overview of all completed tasks and improve project management Lessen the burden of organizing daily, weekly and monthly production schedules Manufacturing CRM software that integrates with your favorite e-commerce sites for managing sales From native integrations to various codeless templates or fully customizable API integrations Get full access to Katana's open API, allowing you to create custom workflows and connect your business apps to manage your sales, manufacturing, and accounting all on one platform. Automate data transfers between the services you use to level up efficiency. Take a look at our API documentation.   See all integrations Katana integrates everything, making for effective company-wide resource planning and control. ” Danielle Louw Production Manager at CT...

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> Katana’s sales order processing software helps you manage all your different sales channels all from one place. Sign up for a free trial.

- Published: 2022-09-05
- Modified: 2024-05-21
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/sales-order-processing-software/
- Folders: SEO PAGES

Sales order processing software that takes care of everything behind the scenes Focus on your production lines with the confidence that your sales order management is under control. Get sales order processing software that integrates with your existing accounting tools so you can sell more easily and efficiently than ever before. Get a demo Would you rather spend your time generating leads or doing paperwork? With Katana, you can process sales and keep track of your sales orders without spending hours on sales documents. An order processing system with an easy-to-use interface allows you to quickly and easily find the necessary customer information, focusing on making more sales and less on administrative work. A better sales pipeline means more sales and more money in your pocket. Maintain total control over your sales process Never miss a beat with our sales order processing system. The Sell screen gives you a complete overview of your sales process, so you can see where each deal is at and what needs to be done to close it. You can also add new deals, contacts, and tasks directly from the Sell screen. This way, you never have to leave Katana to get the information you need. With our sales process software, sales orders can be generated with just a few clicks. Say goodbye to Excel sheets and manual processing, and have a look at what Katana has in store for you: Know your sales item availability in real-time and better understand your stock levels It allows multi-sales channels to create sales orders manually, so you never have to leave the software Get a complete overview of your sales process in one place Generate sales quotes for clients Creating and delivering sales orders has never been easier You can quickly and easily create sales and manufacturing orders, assign them to team members, add products, and track their progress. With the delivery integrations, you can connect Katana with your existing packing and shipping software and automatically send tracking information to your customers. Easily integrate with shipping platforms Assign batches for sales items to be delivered Manage all your sales channels in one platform with omnichannel order management features Effectively manage stock levels Integrate Katana across your entire tech stack We know that a good sales process requires multiple software programs working together. It's easy to integrate Katana with the tools you already use. We provide you with the best software that automates sales tasks such as order processing and tracking. Use these integrations as an advantage, and make your sales process even more efficient: Integrate and synchronize your sales orders with tools such as Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, and more Easily connect to your existing accounting software like QuickBooks Online and Xero Integrate with your CRM system to get valuable information about your leads Use our Zapier integration to connect Katana with the other tools you use Easily sell your products and manage incoming orders with our e-commerce platform integrations. With Katana, you can connect to your existing...

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> Katana’s warehouse inventory management software for manufacturers tracks inventory all along your supply chain. Sign up for a free trial.

- Published: 2022-09-05
- Modified: 2024-06-05
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/warehouse-inventory-management-software/
- Folders: SEO PAGES

Warehouse inventory management software Warehouse managers know how important it is to track inventory. Katana's warehouse stock control software automates your processes so you can see what's in stock, what needs to be ordered, and when items are due to arrive — all at a glance. Get a demo Features Warehouse management software with the features you need The best warehouse stock management system is one that takes care of all aspects of your inventory handling. Real-time inventory tracking Gain a live overview of all your inventory transactions and current stock levels Read more Reorder points Set reminders for restocking when inventory levels fall critically low Read more Multilocation inventory support Keep an eye on your inventory across multiple warehouses Read more Batch tracking Trace the entire lifecycle of your finished goods and components Read more Sales order fulfillment Process sales and keep track of all your sales channels Read more Pick and pack Pick the right orders from your warehouse to ensure customer satisfaction. Read more Control inventory remotely with warehouse management software Know your stock levels at all times, adjust quantities as needed, and complete inventory transfers between locations. The Stock screen gives you an overview of all your inventory items. Being aware of your inventory status is crucial, and that is why finding the right warehouse inventory management system is important. Stay on top of things and know exactly what you have in stock at all times. Katana supports tailored shipping workflows We know that every warehouse is different. That's why Katana's warehouse management software is designed to be flexible and adapt to how you work — not the other way around. Whether managing a single warehouse or multiple across different locations, Katana has the features you need to streamline your operations. Our powerful software offers shipping workflow features like: Search and filter inventory by location, status, or item type Track stock levels, inventory turnover, and more Set reorder points and safety stock levels to avoid reputation-damaging stockouts Picking and packing for streamlined order fulfillment Katana is a favorite for both sales and warehouse teams Gain full transparency of what's in stock and place new orders when items are running low — no more back-and-forth between different platforms. Plus, you can track the status of orders and view past order history. All the data is right there at your fingertips. If you're looking for a warehouse inventory management software that's easy to use and packed with features, look no further than Katana. Katana allows you to: Complete inventory control and sales order management across multiple sales channels View stock levels by location and perform stock transfers if needed Simple and easy-to-use interface to quickly understand the status of orders Centralize all your data and share it with members of the team Achieve full traceability with Katana Receiving items and sending goods is now easier than ever with Katana's warehouse stock management software. Simply scan the item's barcode, and Katana automatically finds the purchase order it belongs to....

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> Katana’s manufacturing warehouse management software helps you manage your production lines and inventory all from one place.

- Published: 2022-09-01
- Modified: 2024-07-05
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/manufacturing-warehouse-management-software/
- Folders: SEO PAGES

Manufacturing warehouse management software to automate your inventory Implement Katana’s warehouse management software for manufacturing businesses to simplify your inventory management and streamline your manufacturing processes. Get a demo Sort out your warehouse and get your production lines running efficiently Keeping your warehouse organized while also making sure your manufacturing processes run optimally takes a lot of planning. Katana’s purpose-built warehouse management software for manufacturing businesses equips you with the tools you need to take care of both simultaneously with minimal manual effort. Easily track your inventory across multiple locations As your business grows, you may find the need for more space to store your inventory. Or perhaps, some of your customers are on the other side of the planet, and it's faster and cheaper to send the goods from a closer location. When storing inventory in multiple locations, tracking all your items can become a real challenge. With Katana, you can keep track of your entire inventory, from raw materials to finished goods, across multiple warehouses. Besides having a real-time overview of your stock levels, Katana also lets you transfer items between locations, so you always have the materials and products exactly where needed. Katana's inventory tracking features ensure your stock levels are kept accurate in all locations, so you can focus on growing your business instead of chasing the missing stock. Informed business decisions with accurate live data Running your business without access to accurate information is like driving in the dark without headlights. You may eventually get to your destination, but the ride will be incredibly stressful and take a lot longer than it should. Katana’s warehouse management software for manufacturing gives you access to both historical and live data so you can predict: Possible trends and downturns Seasonal purchase patterns Inventory needs Staffing needs Possible quality concerns And much more Being equipped with this information allows you to allocate your resources properly and plan ahead so that you can be prepared for the future and stay ahead of your competition. Seamless integration with the best business tools on the market Juggling between different tools and copying information from one platform to another can be a recipe for disaster. Manual inputs are error-prone and mistakes are easily introduced. Katana offers seamless integrations with your favorite business tools to ensure your data is synchronized across all platforms. You can easily connect with the most popular: CRM platforms Automation tools E-commerce platforms Reporting and analytics tools And many others Even if you can’t find the platform you’re looking for from the list of supported applications, Katana has your back. Katana allows you to create custom integrations with other apps to move data between systems automatically by using its open API. Katana integrates with your favorite tools for a smooth workflow Native integrations, codeless templates, and fully customizable API integrations Katana gives users access to the API, allowing you to create custom workflows and connect your business apps to manage your sales, manufacturing, and accounting on one platform. Automate data...

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> Use CRM inventory management software to track stock, manage raw materials, and complete orders at all locations no matter where you are.

- Published: 2022-09-01
- Modified: 2025-01-24
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/inventory-management-crm/
- Folders: SEO PAGES

Complete control with CRM inventory management software Katana's CRM inventory management software keeps your inventory, sales, production, and customers in sync. Update your stock levels and sales orders in real time and save precious hours every day. Get a demo Gain over your inventory and sales with Katana's CRM inventory management software Manufacturers who sell their products need more oomph from their software as their business grows. Many manufacturers choose customer relationship management (CRM) tools to provide that extra boost as CRM software assists them with managing sales and customer details. Katana integrates with several platforms that can provide you with the CRM features you need, and so much more. CRM management software that supports your business as it scales Small and mid-sized businesses often work with free tools like online spreadsheets or freemium software to keep track of their business. Yet as production scales and orders come flying in, they need a solution designed to meet their ever-increasing needs and start looking for cost-effective inventory management systems. Katana Cloud Manufacturing Software helps you and your inventory manager improve order fulfillment processes with real-time item tracking and reorder point features to keep inventory topped up. Here are important management features that can keep your manufacturing in line: Track stock changes according to sales orders, and reschedule production to optimize your production Set reorder points for raw materials and avoid uncomfortable stock-outs Import all existing data to Katana and customize unit conversion for ingredients that are sold in bulk Find low-hanging fruit in your business management data Katana gives you a bird's eye view of your sales orders, online inventory, accounting, and material data, allowing you to analyze your business operations. Use this newfound data to optimize warehouse management or uncover better opportunities in your supply chain. Here are more features of Katana’s CRM and inventory management software: For remote collaboration with your production team, use Katana’s Shop Floor App. Using Katana’s mobile app helps you and your operators streamline the company’s production flow Ability to perform a barcode scan with every product, which enables you to track every item and batch. Learn how to implement barcode scanning in your business with Katana’s Knowledge Base Katana uses the moving average cost method to calculate the cost of your inventory movements automatically Keep your customers smiling and your business processes arranged with integrations Katana’s integrations with CRM suppliers give you a clearer picture of your products and sales. You can manage your product recipes and ensure on-time purchasing of materials in line with real-time data from your sales CRM. You can also enrich customer CRM information with actual inventory data, giving you the option to understand the sales pipeline better and upsell more efficiently. This is how Katana combines CRM with inventory management: Third-party integrations with Prospect CRM, Salesforce, HubSpot and Pipedrive to bridge the gaps between sales and manufacturing and make online sales simple If you need to connect accounting with customer relationship management, Katana has native integrations with QuickBooks Online...

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> Streamline your business with Katana’s automated inventory management software for access to accurate real-time data about your stock levels.

- Published: 2022-08-29
- Modified: 2024-05-22
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/automated-inventory-management/
- Folders: SEO PAGES

Total control with automated inventory management software Accurate inventory tracking is an integral part of your business. Simplify the process with Katana’s automated inventory management software and drastically reduce your admin time. Get a demo Get your stock in order with automated inventory management software Having an accurate overview of your stock levels is crucial to ensure your customers always get the items they order on time. Katana gives you a real-time overview of your entire inventory, so you always know what’s in stock and which items or raw materials you need to order. Connect with the best ecommerce platforms on the market You need a diverse customer base to give your business the best chance to succeed. One way to diversify and expand your audience is by selling your products on different platforms. Katana has native integrations with Shopify and WooCommerce, plus a ton of third-party integrations with other e-commerce platforms. This means you can simply connect your online stores with Katana and have your inventory updated in real time as orders come in, no matter which e-commerce platform the customer used to place the order. By implementing Katana’s automated inventory management system, you can sell on multiple platforms to maximize your reach without increasing the time it takes to manage your inventory. Keep your stock synchronized across multiple warehouses Businesses often opt to store their products across multiple warehouses — which has many benefits. Perhaps the most obvious one is that it allows businesses to keep inventory closer to their customer base, leading to shorter shipping times and lower shipping costs. Additionally, storing inventory in multiple warehouses can help businesses manage their risk, as they can leverage their products across different geographical regions. With Katana’s enterprise resource planning (ERP) software, you get a live overview of your entire inventory across all your warehouses. This helps you make informed decisions about where to send your orders to ensure everything runs as efficiently as possible. Katana automatically keeps everything in sync and updates the stock levels as orders come in. Manage your resources, production, and scheduling from a centralized place In business, there are always risks that something may go wrong. To ensure your operations don’t come to a screeching halt every time a problem arises, you need to have plans in place to adapt quickly and keep going. Katana comes with a real-time master planning feature that can automatically allocate resources based on manufacturing order priority. This means that you can quickly reprioritize your manufacturing orders if you experience any delays with material delivery. By changing the priorities of your manufacturing orders, Katana will automatically allocate raw materials and your workforce so that work can still continue on other projects while you figure out the supply chain issues. Automated inventory management solution that integrates with your favorite tools for a smooth workflow Native integrations, codeless templates, and fully customizable API integrations Katana's ERP for simplified inventory automation. Katana's inventory automation software gives users access to the API, allowing you...

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> Small business inventory control software that helps you slash your admin time so you can focus on growing your business. Learn more.

- Published: 2022-08-26
- Modified: 2024-05-21
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/small-business-inventory-control-software/
- Folders: SEO PAGES

Small business inventory control software to boost your growth Take your business to the next level with Katana’s small business inventory control software. Get back into the driver's seat with an intuitive platform to manage everything from sales to manufacturing. Get a demo Choose a small business inventory control software that can scale with your business Running a business can involve juggling multiple different tools and systems. As your business grows, you may find that certain platforms fall short of your needs. Transferring all your data over to new systems can be quite a headache. That’s why it’s important to choose tools that support your business' growth. Leave the mundane tasks for your inventory control software Starting off with spreadsheets is a no-brainer, as your go-to system to track stock, customer information, orders, and payments. And why not? After all, spreadsheets are free and they do the trick. However, as your order volumes grow, you may spend more hours each day inputting data when that time could be used for much more impactful endeavors. Manuals data entry is also quite an error-prone process and these small mistakes can snowball into large issues like suddenly running out of stock when your spreadsheet shows you had plenty left. That’s why the right time to implement an inventory control system is before things get out of hand. With Katana, you get a real-time overview of your entire inventory. What’s more, your stock levels are automatically updated as new orders come in, raw materials arrive, or new products are manufactured. This way, you always have accurate inventory data when making business decisions. Easy setup solution that doesn’t break the bank Enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions can cost thousands of dollars, not including the expensive hardware requirements. Besides the large upfront cost, these systems can take weeks or even months to set up. And once installed, due to the complexity, the system still requires an in-house IT department to manage and maintain everything. Katana is a cloud-based system which means you don’t need expensive hardware to run it nor will you need to install anything on your computer. All you need is an internet-enabled device with a web browser. This makes Katana an ideal solution for small businesses that need to get everything running with minimal upfront costs. As another benefit besides the easy setup and lower costs, with cloud-based systems, you don’t need to worry about maintenance or updates as the service provider manages everything. Allowing you to focus on running your business and not on managing an IT department. Seamless connection with all your business tools Katana allows you to integrate your favorite platforms, so you can keep your data synchronized across all your favorite tools. With its native and third-party connections, you can connect with: E-commerce platforms Accounting tools Reporting tools Shipping platforms Customer relationship management (CRM) platforms Keeping all your data synced is integral to ensuring your business runs smoothly. You can also use Katana’s open API to set up your own...

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> Katana's multichannel inventory management software helps your business sell via different sales channels to customers around the globe.

- Published: 2022-07-22
- Modified: 2024-05-20
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/multichannel-inventory-management-software/
- Folders: SEO PAGES

Multichannel inventory management software Never miss a delivery deadline with full visibility into your stock, operations, and order fulfillment across multiple sales channels. Katana helps you reach your customers wherever they are via a brilliant range of e-commerce channels, making your daily life that much easier. Get a demo Features Multichannel inventory management features Inventory management Keep an eye on your inventory levels and receive real-time updates on inventory movements Read more End-to-end traceability Track the entire product lifecycle from your warehouse to the buyer's doorstep Read more Warehouse management Take total control of your warehouse operations and business logistics Read more Order management Gain visibility on all incoming and outgoing orders, and prioritize fulfillment based on availability Read more Multilocation inventory Manage all your warehouses and locations from one centralized platform for a more optimized experience Read more Manufacturing planning Businesses who create their own goods can plan production and manage inventory in one place Read more Get a demo Clear organization for materials, inventory, and sales Whether you manufacture products yourself or you’re a reseller, selling online requires a great inventory management tool. That’s exactly what Katana provides - raw material control, product management, and a holistic overview of your entire operation. Scale your business with Katana and keep inventory under control As your business grows and you start expanding your reach, it’s smart to start tracking and forecasting your inventory. This helps you understand which of your products are the most popular, which may need to be discontinued, and how to plan ahead for spikes in orders. Our multichannel inventory management software helps you: Track your inventory at all times, with real-time updates based on existing orders Prioritise orders based on goods you have on hand, and plan ahead with automated reorder points Keep an eye on inventory trends and plan ahead for seasonality and possible fluctuations Access and view inventory levels across all your locations and warehouses Combine multichannel selling with inventory and order management for increased revenue Expanding your reach across multiple marketplaces allows you to put your products in front of an ever-growing audience. Katana helps you sell on multiple online marketplaces, with native integrations with both Shopify and WooCommerce, and a range of third-party options, including marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, and Etsy, among others.   Our integrations allow you to: Take advantage of integrations with Shopify and WooCommerce for simple syncing of production and sales data Add product listings to a wider range of online stores using third-party e-commerce integrations Manage your business’ finances with accounting software like QuickBooks Online and Xero Connect to alternative accounting software via Katana's open API Inventory management software that integrates with your favorite e-commerce sites for simpler sales From native integrations to codeless templates or fully customizable API integrations Katana's cloud inventory software gives users access to the openAPI, allowing you to create custom workflows and connect your business apps to manage your sales, manufacturing, and accounting — all on one platform. Automate data transfers between the...

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> Katana offers the ideal inventory management software for small businesses to track raw materials and automate production processes.

- Published: 2022-07-11
- Modified: 2024-05-20
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/small-business-inventory-management-software/
- Folders: SEO PAGES

Grow with small business inventory management software Katana is the ideal inventory management software for small businesses that's ready to scale with your company. Automate your daily operations with Katana and take your business to the next level. Get a demo Better inventory management,smarter daily operations Katana's cloud inventory platform for small businesses equips you with everything you need to grow your organization. Streamline your workflow with Katana and get a live view of your inventory, production operations, and sales. Cloud-based inventory management for easy access to your business As your business grows, in size of team or income, you need to move from manual processes to using more automation. Retail companies will look to match pace with their sales, but any business looking to expand or adapt to a growing market needs to lighten the burden of paperwork and unnecessary admin. Here’s how Katana’s features can help you do that: Update and prioritize orders to automatically update stock levels and understand what’s on hand at any moment Create multiple bills of materials (BOMs), so you know exactly what makes up each product Customize the way your stock is measured, by pieces, liters, feet, etc. , whatever you need Add notes or comments so your production team has all the information when making products Access all the information from a single platform without needing additional tools or spreadsheets Smarter business inventory management with clearer data and added automation As automation grows, you can look at centralizing inventory management into one place and optimizing inventory management to make smart decisions at a quicker pace. You’ll be able to create inventory reports, understand your lead time, and calculate safety stock. Here are a few more Katana features that make managing inventory easier: Set your reorder points based on specific stock levels Project your lead times so production matches demand and customers stay happy Work in multiple currencies to give your customers a choice about how they pay you Use the Shop Floor App to work with your warehouse teams and manage daily tasks Integrations that amplify your sales, accounting, and overall performance Katana offers a wealth of integrations to assist with business accounting, shipping, CRM, and multichannel e-commerce. Seamlessly integrate Katana's small business inventory software with your favorite platforms and keep all your business data in sync. No more copy-pasting information between apps. Katana's inventory management software for small businesses makes it easy to: Synchronize sales between all your online and offline sales channels Keep your inventory, sales, and accounting data in sync without laborious copy-pasting Track your inventory in real time across multiple locations Eliminate human errors and save countless hours spent on transferring information between spreadsheets Inventory management software that integrates with your favorite tools for a smooth workflow From native integrations to codeless templates or fully customizable API integrations Katana cloud inventory software’s batch production features give users access to the API, allowing you to create custom workflows and connect your business apps to manage your sales, manufacturing, and...

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> Small business procurement software from Katana helps maintain records, track spending, and automate purchase orders to make work easier.

- Published: 2022-06-30
- Modified: 2024-05-20
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/small-business-purchase-order-software/
- Folders: SEO PAGES

Scale with procurement software like Katana's PO system for small businesses Growing fast? Then it's time to look into small business procurement software to help you maintain records and track spending. Luckily an automated purchase order system can make daily operations easy. Get a demo Save time and money and keep track of company purchases with a purchase order system for small businesses Streamline purchasing, and refine your overall purchasing process with procurement software for small businesses which helps minimize manual purchase order processes and maintain legality and accountability in your company’s acquisitions. With a procurement system in place, you can streamline approvals and purchase necessities for your business with the minimal manual effort required. And with the other capabilities Katana offers, it’s a no-brainer. The key to controlling spending and smarter supplier management is purchasing software that works for you For any small business, good supplier relationships are a fantastic building block in growing your business. Early on, you’re likely doing manual procurement of the stock and products you need and working directly with suppliers. However, as your business grows, there can be potential issues with the manual approach, such as human error and delays that hit your stock levels. This is where supply chain management software can help automate your procurement workflows and minimize mistakes — here’s how: With Katana’s platform, you can automate stock reorders, so when your stock hits a certain level we automatically create a purchase order and send it out Automatic calculations are made when orders are created and prioritized, so you always know if you need more stock You have complete control over your stock and products, including their units of measurement, which you can customize Creating detailed bills of materials helps you understand where you’re spending more on each product and how to adapt your purchasing Make approval processes a thing of the past with a spending management solution Your company needs to make physical and digital purchases with as little friction as possible. Procurement operations should run smoothly with clear approval workflows to approve purchases and restrict delays to manufacturing or shipping of customer orders. Katana helps make workflow management easy, with automation for purchasing, and clear inventory management and stock tracking so you always have clarity about what needs to be purchased and when. Here are some of the features of Katana’s platform that help you refine your workflows: The Katana Shop Floor App allows you to work closely with your staff, including your procurement teams, so they know what needs to be done day-to-day You can track inventory across multiple locations, so you know what’s on hand in each warehouse or production space Use barcode scanning for stock takes and tracking completed orders minimizes unnecessary paper admin Get a holistic overview of your entire business in one platform so you can prioritize the right purchases at the right times Make sure your procurement processes leave a clear audit trail and keep finance teams smiling When running a business, paperwork,...

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> Reap the benefits of capacity planning software from Katana with clear lead times, automated reorder points, and improved resource management.

- Published: 2022-06-22
- Modified: 2024-05-20
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/manufacturing-capacity-planning-software/
- Folders: SEO PAGES

Manufacturing capacity planning software to make what you can, when you can Reap the many benefits of capacity planning, with clear lead times, automated reorder points and improved overall resource management. Using Katana as capacity planning software for manufacturing will save you time and make daily operations easier. Get a demo Manufacturers and distributors always need to plan ahead to avoid stock-outs, delays, and unhappy customers Using manufacturing capacity planning software gives you an overview of your entire production process, greater control over resource management, and an understanding of how your entire supply chain can support your daily operations. It’s planning and management in a single platform. Use manufacturing operations data to do predictive analytics and always know what you need Manufacturing practically any product is complex and has a number of steps involved to make sure the finished product is up to scratch. This is why a well-plotted planning process is crucial, and this includes understanding your manufacturing capacity on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis. With the holistic overview and thorough business data provided by Katana, you can use analytical modeling to help plan ahead and not over or under-order on raw materials for your business. Here are some features of capacity planning Katana helps with: You’ll have complete control over your inventory within Katana, including the units of measurement it comes in With our detailed bills of materials, you can create recipes for each individual product to precise specifications Watch both your stock and safety stock, and get automatic calculations and updates as new orders come in Set automatic reorder points, just in case an item is suddenly in huge demand, so you won’t need to manually reorder Manage all of this in a single platform with clear information across your business With forecast accuracy, you make daily operations easier for your team and yourself Along with understanding your requirements for raw materials, knowing your accurate capacity will allow for greater supply chain optimization across your entire production process. This makes life simpler for your production team, whether it’s one individual, or a whole crew working in your warehouse. Using historical data to inform your production management means production and capacity are working in sync. Here are a few of the capacity planning tools Katana offers that can feed into your overall production data and make operations easier: Our mobile shop floor app lets you set tasks for your team remotely, so they know what needs to be done on a daily basis Using the app you can then track completed products and shipped orders This helps with better overall warehouse management making your operations streamlined and adding clarity Track your raw material inventory and completed stock with barcode tracking in one, or multiple, warehouses How capacity planning helps lead to more finished products and happier customers With optimized production, your finished products will be stacking up, ready to be shipped out to eager customers. As you make sales, you’ll be able to start utilizing sales data...

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> Katana batch manufacturing software is the ultimate solution for manufacturers needing expiry date tracking and full traceability.

- Published: 2022-05-26
- Modified: 2024-05-20
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/batch-manufacturing-software/
- Folders: SEO PAGES

Batch manufacturing software for end-to-end traceability Being under-prepared for a product recall can stop your business operations dead in its tracks. Katana batch manufacturing software supports you in tracking items from supplier to customer — so you can simultaneously keep your eye on the ball while scaling your manufacturing operations. Get a demo One mistake in a spreadsheet can bring your batch processing to a screeching halt Batch control software helps manufacturers manage B2B and D2C sales fulfillment strategies. It helps you identify where your products come from and where they have gone in seconds. The benefits don’t stop there. Using Katana Cloud Manufacturing software, you can perform accurate recalls, improve quality control and safety standards, and so much more. Batch process manufacturing software with end-to-end inventory management Farm to table or microchip to computer — whatever items you need to track, Katana’s full product traceability has your back. No more confusion when looking between your shop floors and storage units. Katana empowers you with real-time visibility over your entire manufacturing process, from purchase order management to delivering the finished product to the customer. Batch process manufacturing software allows you to integrate your favorite e-commerce and accounting tools and automate data collection on raw material costs and finished products. Batch tracking for raw materials, expiry dates, components, and finished goods Monitor inventory levels with warehouse management features  Implement end-to-end tracking and traceability for raw materials and products, perfect for those in food distribution  Stay in control with batch scheduling and expiry tracking  Autogenerate batch and internal barcodes for improved visibility  Omnichannel and manufacturing inventory management with batch manufacturing software Centralize your sales and inventory management with Katana Cloud Manufacturing. The all-in-one cloud-hosted solution means you can access and monitor business activity, regardless of location. Suppose inventory runs low while you’re stuck at home with the flu or scaling Mount Everest. You can easily perform a stock transfer from one location to the other, provided you have a connection to the internet. Batch production allows you to implement and manage omnichannel order management with features for cross-channel item tracking, stock movement updates, and automated inventory and warehouse management. Consolidate your e-commerce inventory and sales order management  Synchronize your sales reports for efficient order fulfillment  Monitor the availability of products and open sales orders will have products automatically assigned  Simple yet intuitive drag-and-drop system to reprioritize sales and manufacturing orders  Automatically convert sales order values to multiple currencies Batch manufacturing software with real-time data tracking from anywhere in the world Don’t let external factors derail your batch production runs. Katana helps eliminate human error by automating the repetitive day-to-day tasks of managing a manufacturing business. Using batch software in your process manufacturing workflow gives you insight into invaluable data such as sales, supplies, products, customers, and other essential departments in your business. Katana achieves this by giving you access to features designed to make managing your business as easy as pie. This includes barcode scanning, data handling, and integrations with other important business management...

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> Manage workflows with contractors and get total visibility over supplier materials and production progress throughout your supply chain. Learn more.

- Published: 2022-04-28
- Modified: 2024-05-20
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/contract-manufacturing-software/
- Folders: SEO PAGES

Reduce costs and get total inventory control with contract manufacturing software Contract manufacturing can involve partially or fully outsourcing manufacturing orders to scale operations and maintain efficiency. Learn more about common outsourced manufacturing workflows and how a cloud platform for contract manufacturing can help. Get a demo Different ways to outsource manufacturing and how a cloud platform can help Contract manufacturing involves having another company manufacture products or components on your behalf. This workflow is often used when a company does not have the internal resources to produce a certain product or component, or when it makes sense to outsource production in order to focus on other core areas of the business. When it comes to managing inventory and production in supplier locations as well as your own, contract manufacturing software can be a huge help. Fully outsourced manufacturing and its benefits explained There are advantages and disadvantages to outsourcing manufacturing. One advantage is that it can free up resources within the company so that they can be used elsewhere. For example, if a manufacturing company outsources fully, it will no longer need to allocate funds or personnel to that particular area. This allows manufacturers to invest more in other areas, like research and development or marketing. Another advantage of outsourcing manufacturing is that it can often lead to increased efficiency. This is because third-party companies that specialize in manufacturing tend to have more efficient processes and better technology than most companies. They may also be able to scale up production more quickly if demand for a product increases. A disadvantage of this approach is a lower level of control — unless you are using contract manufacturing software that supports this workflow and allows you to track raw materials across supplier locations. With contract manufacturing software you can: Use priority-based material requirements planning to avoid stockouts for your and your suppliers' locations Track on-hand, committed, and expected stock amounts in real-time and address supplier shortages Scan a range of barcodes, including supplier item codes, internally registered barcodes, and batch barcodes Integrate with shipping and e-commerce platforms to manage your entire supply chain The hybrid approach — partially outsourced manufacturing Having a full-contract manufacturing model has its benefits, but some manufacturers prefer to split their manufacturing process between contractors and in-house teams. Partially outsourcing production involves contracting with another company to handle some or all of the operations, which can involve manufacturing certain components or completing different stages of the production process. There are benefits to partially outsourcing manufacturing, there are also some drawbacks. For example, it can create logistical challenges, such as coordinating production and delivery schedules between the two companies involved. Additionally, it may require companies to develop new relationships with suppliers in order to ensure quality control of the production. However, some software solutions centralize manufacturing order data in order to maintain better control over production and inventory, regardless of who or where items are produced. Cloud software features that make it easy to outsource manufacturing: Track manufacturing...

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> Inventory management software helps businesses track their inventory across multiple warehouses and sales channels in real time. Learn more.

- Published: 2022-04-28
- Modified: 2024-09-28
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/inventory-management-software/
- Folders: SEO PAGES

Stay efficient with inventory management software Businesses rely on cloud-based inventory tracking systems for real-time control. Learn how inventory management software provides total control across all your warehouses and supplier locations. Get a demo Inventory management software to track stock and optimize resource planning Discover how a live inventory management system precisely monitors stock, ensuring you have the right raw materials and products on hand to meet customer demand. This effective inventory management software reduces costs and boosts sales, improving your bottom line. Reduce costs and save time with an inventory tracking system Tracking your inventory becomes effortless with an inventory management system. Real-time tracking prevents overstocking and stockouts, saving you money and freeing up time to focus on other aspects of your business. Invest in an inventory program and streamline your operations. Live inventory tracking system like Katana allows you to: Get total visibility over finished products and raw materials with live inventory tracking features Automate inventory transactions and set reorder points for low stock to prevent shortages Track on-hand, committed, and expected stock amounts in real-time Manage product variants and materials in one place for end-to-end stock management Use barcode scanners to automate inventory processing Avoid stockouts with multichannel inventory management Multichannel inventory software is the perfect tool to ensure your most popular items are always available for sale. Katana's multichannel inventory software makes it easy to: Manage inventory across multiple warehouses and throughout the whole supply chain Centralize your inventory data and gain a comprehensive view of stock levels and orders from all your sales channels Track availability for required materials for efficient sales order fulfillment Get accurate expected production dates to keep sales teams informed Integrate your sales platforms and automate your inventory status updates Make better decisions with the real-time inventory data you need Real-time data makes it easy to see what's in stock, what needs to be ordered, and how to optimize your inventory levels. Katana gives you the real-time inventory data you need to: Make accurate purchasing and manufacturing decisions with live data Ensure optimal inventory levels at all times Prioritize production based on raw material availability Get task-level control for effective shop floor management Automate manufacturing cost calculations based on your bill of materials and operations Keep a close eye on your inventory with warehouse management features Establish end-to-end traceability for raw materials and products with batch and serial number tracking Features Unlock stock efficiency with inventory management software With a range of features and functionalities, Katana equips businesses with features to streamline their inventory management, ensure efficient stock allocation, and fulfill customer demands. End-to-end traceability Track your products and materials with batch and serial numbers for compliance and recall readiness Read more Order management Streamline order fulfillment by centralizing order tracking, automating workflows, and ensuring accurate order processing Read more Seamless integrations Connect your accounting, ecommerce, CRM, and other platforms for accurate up-to-date info and reduced human errors Read more Material requirements planning Automate order fulfillment and optimize resource allocation with drag-and-drop...

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> Track delay risks in your supply chain to ensure on-time purchasing with purchase order software that gives you the visibility you need. Learn more.

- Published: 2022-04-28
- Modified: 2024-06-26
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/purchase-order-software/
- Folders: SEO PAGES

Automate your business with purchase order software Each inventory item comes with a purchase order, and tracking them all can become a mess. Purchase order software enables you to automate the procurement process and track your stock effortlessly. Get a demo Centralize all your data with purchase order management software Purchase order software helps you keep track of all your outstanding orders in one place. This can be a huge time-saver since you won’t have to go through your email, spreadsheets, or paper files trying to locate outstanding orders. It also makes it easy to process payments and track inventory, so you can be sure that you received what you ordered. Automate procurement with purchase order software to reduce human error Automating procurement management is a great way to improve efficiency in your organization. By automating the process, you can ensure all orders are placed on time, and follow company standards and guidelines. With automation, you can also reduce the amount of paperwork needed to manage orders and improve inventory tracking. Adopting purchasing software can help you: Improve budget tracking and set up audit trails with accounting integrations that simplify expense management Access purchase order data in a user-friendly interface that allows you to easily spot supply shortages Improve vendor management both from an operational and relationship perspective Integrate with accounting solutions to streamline financial operations and optimize spend management Set up customizable invoice templates for your purchase orders Get total visibility over your operations with a purchase order management system Purchase order management software automates generating and sending purchase orders, tracking deliveries, processing invoices, and controlling spending. This can save you a lot of time and hassle while also reducing the risk of errors. If you’re looking for a purchase order tracking system that can help you manage your purchase orders more effectively and make running your business easier, Katana may be the right software for you. Purchase order systems like Katana allow you to: Ensure on-time purchasing based on clear material requirements Know when to purchase missing raw materials from suppliers Update your inventory to reflect when purchase orders were received in parts Track delay risks in your supply chain to keep all teams informed Select and use multiple currencies to automatically convert purchase order values Integrate with accounting software to ensure accurate costing for purchase orders If you manage your business with several applications, it can be difficult to get a holistic overview of your purchase orders, inventory levels, and production. A unified purchase order management system can help by integrating all your data into one platform. This way, you can see the big picture and make informed decisions about your procurement process. Katana's open API and integrations make it possible to: Sync your Katana data with hundreds of ecommerce, shipping, accounting, and reporting platforms Build your own apps into Katana using our developer resources and open API Take advantage of apps that have been built into Katana on our open API Develop your custom workflows with Katana API Integrate...

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> Equip yourself with the tools you need to ensure smooth, fast, and concise ecommerce operations. Learn more.

- Published: 2022-03-07
- Modified: 2024-07-05
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/order-management-software-for-ecommerce/
- Folders: SEO PAGES

Order management software for ecommerce that keeps you competitive As an ecommerce business, you should always be on the lookout for software that allows you to be efficient and competitive. An effective solution to this is automation, particularly through order management software. Get a demo Why should you implement order management software? One of the biggest challenges for ecommerce businesses is accurate inventory management while maintaining high customer satisfaction. Katana's order management software gives companies the tools to track and manage all their sales channels, all from a single, ridiculously easy-to-use platform. Monitor your sales and inventory — all in one place Ecommerce order management software equips your business with the tools to track inventory in real time, automate operations, ensure quick and simple sales order fulfillment, and much more. Katana allows you to keep track of demand in real time and automatically adjust stock levels to ensure maximum efficiency. Using multichannel order management software for ecommerce gives your business the freedom to focus on your sales strategy and business operations, not troubleshooting. Order management software like Katana allows you to: Make precise purchasing decisions with real-time data management systems Manage your stock levels with insights that help you predict customer demand Avoid delays with inventory planning and forecasting Keep your ecommerce order management software in sync Entering data manually is always a risk — one typo is all it takes to send things into chaos. By syncing your ecommerce platform with Katana, you can be sure your orders and sales activities run smoother. Align your product inventory with data related to sales, and Katana's order management system does the rest. Inventory tracking doesn’t have to be difficult and time-consuming. Katana gives you the flexibility to track inventory and stock levels on the fly. It’s designed to reduce your team’s workload in a multichannel sales environment — so you can direct your resources toward increasing customer satisfaction and growing as a company. Katana's end-to-end OMS software makes it easy to: Closely monitor day-to-day tasks via our Shop Floor App Keep up with inventory tracking and control the levels for your online store(s) at all times Ensure efficient sales order fulfillment by keeping track of your multichannel inventory Gain total visibility of products and sales in one OMS Optimizing and tracking your entire sales channel has never been easier. Katana delivers high-quality, efficient results by giving you the tools to set up reorder points and prioritize your sales orders with a unified order system. Easily integrate your online store with an order management system for ecommerce. Ecommerce order management software allows you to: Drag and drop your daily tasks based on their priority Receive accurate status updates and completion dates to help keep sales teams up-to-date Maintain a real-time overview of your supply chain Integrate your order management software with the services you know and love Combine your order management software with the ecommerce solutions you trust Katana can be connected and integrated with several ecommerce website builders and plugins —...

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> Modern manufacturing ERP software for small businesses. All you need for total control over operations, inventory, and sales. Try Katana for free!

- Published: 2022-02-22
- Modified: 2024-05-20
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/manufacturing-erp-software-small-business/
- Folders: SEO PAGES

Plan your resources with manufacturing ERP software for small businesses The majority of workforces use manufacturing ERP software for material requirements planning, inventory management, and plenty more. Learn the benefits of such software, and why they are essential for modern-day manufacturing companies. Get a demo Learn more Manufacturing without ERP software makes staying competitive challenging Let's face it, direct-to-consumer business manufacturing is bigger than it ever was. That brings your company many opportunities – but plenty of competition, too. Software is becoming a staple of the manufacturing world, both in managing production and sales channels – the power to possess agility is essential. ERP software allows you, as a small business, to manage, prioritize, and most importantly, scale your operations in this ever-competitive space. Let's dig into the how. Manufacturing ERP software supplies complete visibility of your inventory This allows you to have total visibility over your inventory, also helping you prevent instabilities in productivity. No more will you need to worry about new orders failing to be completed on time due to lack of raw materials – all the data you'll ever need is managed. Sounds good, right? Well, there's more: ERP software for small businesses like yours gives you real-time alerts when new products need to be created or when shortages are surfacing concerning your raw materials. ERP solutions like Katana give you the chance to exploit your untapped resources – including tracking material health, checking up on material costs, and ensuring you have enough raw material for manufacturing at any one time. In addtion, it can help you with your financial management and planning for future projects. Manufacturing ERP software like Katana gives you the power to: Utilize priority-based planning for material requirements, helping you avoid stockouts Keep track of your current, committed, and expected stock numbers in realtime Oversee materials and product types in one system Check your resources and inventory across multiple warehouses Scan and recognize several barcode types, including internal, supplier item codes, and batches Eradicate wasted time and start saving money with the suitable ERP software By facilitating a hassle-free flow of materials and goods, manufacturing software helps your operations become much more efficient. There's nothing more frustrating than holding on to a specific product or material for too long or, indeed, allowing it to go when you may need it the most. As a small business, saving money is vital to sustained growth. As a manufacturer, having the right products on hand at the right time is also crucial. Put those two things together, and you get ERP software – namely, Katana. Not only can you reduce costs with more negligible overhead, but you'll be avoiding wasting your products due to complicated inventory management.  Oh, and did we mention the hundreds of integrations with the industry's biggest e-commerce and accounting tools? Katana’s integrated cloud ERP system makes it effortless for you to: Connect Katana's cloudbased ERP software to your e-commerce store, accounting tools, and much more – to maintain a perfect sync...

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> Manufacturing quoting software allows scaling manufacturers to get complete control over their purchase management, quote, and invoices.

- Published: 2022-02-02
- Modified: 2024-05-20
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/manufacturing-quoting-software/
- Folders: SEO PAGES

Support your sales process and manufacturing with the best manufacturing quoting software Imagine a stress-free experience when generating purchase orders, RFQs, or customer quotes and estimates. Manufacturing quoting software allows scaling manufacturers to enable quotes and invoices in just a few seconds automatically. Get a demo Reassurance and reliable calculations with manufacturing quoting software Manufacturing cost estimating software allows manufacturers to produce a faster quote system, provide customers fairer prices, and free up resources for other business concerns. Quoting software for manufacturing works by compiling data, such as pricing and production. This costing analysis is put into a quote template, which will remove the labor of assembling the information when a quote needs to be generated. Manufacturing companies realize the importance of estimate and quoting software because it allows them to achieve their business goals faster and efficiently. Sending quotes that are fairer for you and your customers Manufacturing quoting software empowers users to generate quotes for your B2B or B2C sales quickly and easily. This allows you to automatically calculate manufacturing costs, lead times, and configure price before committing any resources to production. Once the customer is happy with the sales quoting, you can use the quoting software for manufacturing to convert the quote into a sales order. Manufacturing estimating and quoting software like Katana will help you:  Save time, money, materials labor, and other essential resources Give detailed cost estimations improve your customer support Improve workflow quotes for bespoke products Achieve lean manufacturing Paying the right price with improved purchase management Looking for the best deal is a challenge that requires getting accurate estimates quotes from qualified suppliers. Manufacturing estimating software can generate purchase orders and RFQs for you to send to vendors in a couple of seconds. This allows you to track POs and RFQs to get the best deal and start manufacturing at the lowest viable cost. Manufacturing quoting and estimating software like Katana will help you: Send quotes and get quick responses from suppliers Save time and energy creating and sending quotes Save on the cost of services Get detailed quotes from suppliers Compare multiple quotes in a short amount of time Unlocking full traceability with manufacturing quoting software From sending an RFQ to receiving the items to manufacturing your goods and beyond. Quoting and estimating software such as Katana gives users complete visibility of their supply chain, manufacturing, and sales, meaning you can track items from the supplier all the way through to the customer. This allows you to identify bottlenecks and locate products if a mistake is made during production. Manufacturing quoting software like Katana will help you: Get an overview of production progress across the business or at the task level Automates quoting data entry to make better business decisions Perform better risk assessments by monitoring purchasing and production Improve communication between staff and contract manufacturers Improve visibility over inventory and business Integrate your manufacturing quoting software with the services you know and love Connect Katana to third-party software or create your...

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> Modern manufacturing software for small businesses. Katana's cloud-based MRP for small and medium-sized businesses is a flexible but robust tool. Try it for free!

- Published: 2022-01-21
- Modified: 2024-05-20
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/small-business-manufacturing-software/
- Folders: SEO PAGES

Outperform competitors with small business manufacturing software Small manufacturing businesses strive to stay ahead of the competition by enhancing efficiency and productivity. Through the power of automation, effortlessly achieve these goals using Katana's small business manufacturing software. Get a demo Learn more Small business manufacturing software These days small businesses, including small manufacturers, can overcome entry barriers more easily than ever before. With the advent of cloud software, affordable access to powerful tools on par with high-cost enterprise solutions is now within reach. Discover the advantages cloud-based manufacturing software can offer a small business. What is small business manufacturing software? Katana's powerful manufacturing software for small businesses streamlines operations and maximizes efficiency. With its comprehensive set of features, it automates tasks, optimizes workflows, and provides valuable insights. By centralizing data, fostering collaboration, and enabling data-driven decision-making, simple manufacturing software for small businesses empowers businesses to thrive in the competitive manufacturing landscape while achieving remarkable results. Katana equips you with: Real-time inventory management Intuitive production planning Real-time order tracking Manufacturing and sales analytics Benefits of small business manufacturing software This software enhances productivity for small manufacturers by streamlining operations.  It helps to automate tasks and provides real-time visibility into inventory, orders, and production schedules, enabling informed decision-making and efficient order fulfillment. With valuable analytics and reporting capabilities, manufacturing software for small businesses empowers data-driven decision-making and drives growth and competitiveness in the manufacturing landscape. Katana makes it easy to: Automate inventory transactions and set reorder points to prevent stockouts Track on-hand, committed, and expected stock amounts in real-time Manage product variants and materials in one place Monitor your inventory across multiple warehouses Why you need manufacturing software Manufacturing software is indispensable for small businesses in the manufacturing industry. It optimizes operations, inventory management, production planning, order tracking and fulfillment, while providing actionable insights and fostering collaboration. With automated processes, real-time visibility, and data-driven decision-making, manufacturing ERP software for small businesses empowers small manufacturers to achieve operational excellence, maximize productivity, and gain a competitive edge in the dynamic landscape. Katana's ERP for small manufacturing businesses allows you to: Make accurate manufacturing and purchasing decisions with live data Prioritize production based on raw material availability Get task-level control for effective shop floor management Automate manufacturing cost calculations based on your bill of materials and operations Integrate your small business manufacturing software with the services you know and love Connect Katana to third-party software or create your own workflows via API Choose from various e-commerce, accounting, CRM, reporting, and automation integrations to streamline your key business operations. Katana's small business manufacturing software is built to fit the platforms you need. Take a look at Katana's growing list of integrations to learn more. Having the shop floor know what they can or can’t make on a given day is amazing, and replaces our previous “system” of spreadsheets. ” Sara VarelaFounder and Designer at Sara Gabriel We chose Katana because it seemed to be the most user-friendly software we tried – it is very easy to...

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> Manufacturing inventory software makes stock management more accurate and gives you the live data you need to run efficiently. Here's how.

- Published: 2022-01-21
- Modified: 2024-05-20
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/manufacturing-inventory-software/
- Folders: SEO PAGES

Stay in stock with live manufacturing inventory software Manufacturing inventory management software is an important part of any business strategy, as it allows a company to keep track of its assets. It helps make stock management more accurate, and gives manufacturers the real-time data to run processes efficiently. Get a demo Learn more Features Optimize stock levels with real-time manufacturing inventory software Enhance your manufacturing experience with features that keep your operations running smoothly. Live inventory management Get total inventory control from raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods Read more End-to-end traceability Track your products from materials to sold goods for effective quality assurance Read more Accurate costing Track manufacturing costs and make better pricing decisions based on data Read more Production planning Reprioritize tasks and reallocate materials for efficient sales order fulfillment Read more Inventory planning Generate forecasts based on accurate consumption data and plan ahead to consistently meet demand Read more Custom workflows via API Set up integrations and create workflows to streamline your business operations Read more How manufacturing inventory software helps you cut costs and stay agile With the increased prevalence of outsourcing and global production, many manufacturers are reconsidering what inventory management means for them on a day-to-day basis. This also includes balancing it with in-house production if you're using a mixed manufacturing model. Here are a few ways a quality factory stock management software can help. Manufacturing inventory software helps you reduce stock-related costs Ensuring product availability is key for manufacturers, and there’s no reason why you can’t offer quick delivery times while stocking less. With better insight into inventory levels, you can be sure that your business will waste less cash on unneeded stock and more on boosting the bottom line. Katana allows you to: Get total inventory control for finished products and raw materials Automate inventory transactions and set reorder points to prevent stock-outs Manage product variants and materials in one place Monitor your inventory across multiple warehouses Use barcodes to receive stock Ensure you have the inventory items you need for production Implementing manufacturing inventory software gives your business the visibility of what you have available and when you need to reorder. This allows purchasing professionals to carry out just-in-time delivery of production items and keep all their equipment fully stocked without having large warehouses full of obsolete stock that will never get used. Katana makes it easy to: Drag-and-drop priorities for manufacturing tasks Track availability for required materials for efficient sales order fulfillment Identify delay risks related to material supply lead times Get accurate expected completion dates to keep sales teams informed Have a live floor-level production status overview Track inventory demand for better decision-making Inventory management software also provides companies with a new level of market insight. Manufacturers get a better idea of what items are selling well and which aren’t, helping them improve production planning for each product. Katana gives you the real-time data you need to: Make accurate manufacturing and purchasing decisions with live data Ensure optimal inventory...

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- Published: 2021-09-16
- Modified: 2024-07-22
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/batch-production-ebook/
- Folders: SEO PAGES

Your definitive guide to batch production for manufacturers Download the free ebook to learn everything you need to know about batch production — from what it is to industry use cases to software that will help you implement batch production workflows. The definitive guide to batch production Fill in the form below to download your free e-book What you'll learn in this ebook Batch production or batch manufacturing is a method of grouping your raw materials and components to make finished goods in one go. In this ebook, you'll find more information on: What batch production is 4Industry use cases Batch tracking software What is batch production? Learn everything you need to know about batch production How to use batch production in your business Difference between batch production and other workflows Batch production workflows in practice with examples The importance of batch tracking in certain industries INDUSTRIES USING BATCH PRODUCTION Find out if batch production is right for your manufacturing business An overview of industries using batch production When and why batch production is the right workflow Case studies of Katana customers who use batch production Software for batch production Manage batch production with the right tools and software Essential software features for manufacturers using batch production How these features can give you the visibility you need to meet industry standards How cloud manufacturing software helps you manage batch production Is batch production right for you? You can find batch production in many different industries, making it a very common production method. It is mainly associated with the pharmaceutical industry, given that it needs to have multiple quality checks.  However, other sectors, from bakeries to t-shirt makers, can also take advantage of this workflow.

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> Katana is ideal for scaling manufacturers looking for production management software. End your inventory and production problems today.

- Published: 2021-06-09
- Modified: 2024-05-22
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/production-management-software/
- Folders: SEO PAGES

Effectively grow your business with production management software Production management doesn’t have to be complex. Stop spending hours updating spreadsheets or flipping through a manual with intuitive production planning software that aligns your inventory, purchasing, and production in one platform. Get a demo Features Boost efficiency and align your teams with features designed to give you total visibility and control Get a live look at your manufacturing business with features that keep your teams and products moving. Live inventory management Get real-time updates on inventory movements, so you know exactly what you have on hand and what's expected to arrive Read more Real-time master planning Have available raw materials and components automatically allocated to open manufacturing orders based on the priority of the order Read more Shop Floor App Align your open sales orders and production runs with Katana Shop Floor App to assign and monitor tasks from Katana's main dashboard Read more Contract manufacturing Gain an overview of material usage and outsourced production statuses with accurate cost values and the ability to create outsourced purchase orders Read more Set reorder points Decide at what level is too low for inventory, and Katana will highlight items that have reached this point so you can order more Read more Integrations Create a smooth workflow between sales, production, accounting, and other departments by integrating Katana with your favorite business tools Read more Production management software can make the most complex process simple Managing your business without the help of production management software is tedious — especially if you're using error-prone spreadsheets for managing your production runs. Production management software like Katana automates your production planning and scheduling so you confidently fulfill orders knowing that you have software that has your back. Minimize product defects and stock-outs with production management software Production management software comes with production scheduling features for real-time sales and inventory data tracking — ensuring all your teams are on the same page and have total inventory control. Production management software allows you to track and monitor inputs and materials required and reduce human error — ultimately helping you detect flaws early in production, making it easy to stay in stock and keep your customers and team happy. Production management software like Katana makes it possible to: Track availability for required materials for efficient sales order fulfillment Get total inventory control for finished products and raw materials Automate inventory transactions and set reorder points to prevent stock-outs Track on-hand, committed, and expected stock amounts in real time Monitor your inventory levels across multiple warehouses Production management software that supports your planning — from materials to human capital Manufacturers face constant change, both inside and outside their business. Customers demand customizations and fast shipping, and the more you expand and grow, the more critical and challenging production planning becomes. Production scheduling software helps you manage your manufacturing lines and optimize production schedules according to your inventory levels — helping you avoid production overload and human resource issues without incurring overtime costs. Planning with...

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> Katana is the software of choice for scaling businesses selling on Faire Marketplace and other online channels. Sign up for a free trial.

- Published: 2021-06-09
- Modified: 2024-05-20
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/wholesale-software/
- Folders: SEO PAGES

Scale your business with a visual software for Faire wholesalers Katana is the manufacturing software of choice for scaling wholesale businesses. Katana integrates with e-commerce platforms, importing your sales orders and inventory to give you total control over order management. Get a demo Want to see Katana in action? Book a demo to get all your questions answered regarding Katana’s features, integrations, pricing, and more. Get a demo Integrate with the best e-commerce, accounting, reporting, and CRM software out there Create custom API integrations Use Katana’s open API to create custom workflows and connect to apps beyond our list of integrations. Automate data transfers between the services you use to level up efficiency. Take a look at our API documentation to learn more. See all integrations Katana integrates everything, making for effective company-wide resource planning and control. " Danielle Louw Production Manager at CT LAB We needed help with Shopify inventory management for raw materials, and Katana exceeded our expectations. " Pablo BaqueWalk With Me CEO Having the shop floor know what they can or can't make on a given day is amazing, and replaces our previous "system" of spreadsheets. " Sara VarelaFounder and Designer at Sara Gabriel As an organic food processor, traceability is critical and our records must be meticulously kept. Katana fulfills all our needs in a simple, easy solution. " Irah VetFounder and Production Manager at Hornby Organic

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> Identify, track, and trace products throughout your entire supply chain. Never lose track with traceability features built into your inventory.

- Published: 2021-06-09
- Modified: 2024-05-19
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/traceability-software/
- Folders: SEO PAGES

Track your items with traceability software Product traceability software allows tracking your inventory movements from supplier to customer. Assign batch or lot numbers to your inventory and orders to monitor the entire product lifecycle, keep tabs on expiring stock, and simplify product recalls. Get a demo Features Features that give you the visibility you need Get a live look at your business with material traceability software that keeps your teams and products moving Live inventory management Keep track of raw materials, work in progress, and finished products to avoid stockouts and keep up with demand Read more Expiry date tracking Assign and monitor expiration dates for batches, minimizing waste and ensuring product freshness Read more Purchase order management Keep popular items in stock by tracking your purchase orders and restocking on supplies when necessary Read more Multilocation inventory management Track stock across all your locations and make strategic inventory movements between your warehouses Read more Manufacturing management Create tasks, allocate supplies and prioritize orders based on material availability and customer demand Read more Integrations Build custom workflows and integrate tools to centralize all your business aspects and tasks into one platform Read more See more features See Katana’s traceability feature in action Click through the product tour below to discover how to effortlessly manage batch tracking, expiration dates, and quality assurance, ensuring the safety and satisfaction of your customers. Product traceability software FAQs What is product traceability? Product traceability is about knowing where a product comes from, where it's been, and where it's going. Using unique codes, like serial numbers or batch numbers, businesses track products from start to finish. This is a key feature across many industries, from food to electronics, because it helps ensure products are safe and high-quality. Traceability systems collect detailed information about each product's journey. They're designed to work well with other supply chain tools, making it easier to keep track of everything in real time. These systems follow strict rules to make sure products and processes meet the required standards. As technology gets better, traceability will become even more important for businesses and consumers alike. How do you do traceability in manufacturing? Traceability in manufacturing is achieved through a combination of processes, systems, and tools that enable manufacturers to track and record the movement of materials and products through every stage of the production process. Here are some steps involved in traceability in manufacturing: 1. Identification and labeling — All materials, components, and finished products are identified with unique codes or labels that enable them to be tracked throughout the manufacturing process. 2. Record keeping — Manufacturers use specialized production software systems to record data related to every stage of manufacturing, including the origin and characteristics of all materials and components used, the processes involved, and the distribution and delivery of finished products. 3. Data collection — Manufacturers use various data collection methods to capture information about each product or component, including barcode scanning, RFID tagging, and manual data entry. 4. Data analysis — Manufacturers...

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> Lot or batch tracking allows you to keep track of elements of products using a batch number. Learn more about cloud supply chain tracking.

- Published: 2021-06-09
- Modified: 2024-05-20
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/lot-tracking-software/
- Folders: SEO PAGES

Lot tracking software for end-to-end traceability Product recalls happen, and a business needs to be prepared. Lot traceability software is critical for handling medical supplies or distributing food. Cloud manufacturing software like Katana for expiry date tracking ensures industry compliance and total visibility when lot tracking. Get a demo One human error can collapse an entire business when using spreadsheets instead of lot traceability software A lot tracking system is essential for batch production manufacturers taking selling into their own hands, from implementing B2B and D2C selling strategies to breaking into foreign markets. The benefits of lot tracking include accurate recalls, improvements to quality and safety, optimizing inventory tracking and traceability, implementing material requirements planning, and compliance with industry regulations. Lot traceability and batch production for end-to-end inventory management Katana lot tracking software offers traceability with real-time lot visibility for large lot sizes and multiple storage locations. Katana has a warehouse management feature that automates lot information collection on finished goods and raw materials, integrates accounting and e-commerce inventory to create a smooth workflow between your tools and departments. Lot identification is a process of attaching a lot number to a particular lot of a product. This lot identification becomes necessary for large lot sizes and multiple storage locations that lack immediate visibility. Lot tracking software helps to implement lot traceability by providing real-time lot visibility. Batch tracking for raw materials, expiry dates, and more Keep an eye on your inventory with warehouse management features End-to-end traceability for raw materials and products with batch tracking Track expiry dates of items and stay in control of expiring stock Autogenerate batch and internal barcodes Quickly locate items across multiple warehouses, giving all teams access to the same live data Trace faulty batches, materials, and products — from materials to sold goods — for effective quality assurance and recalls Omnichannel sales and inventory management to centralize your entire business to one platform Today's consumers are omnicompetent, omnicurious, and omniengaged. It is very important to look at omnichannel order management in this context. As a business owner, you don't want to leave any stone unturned when increasing your share of the omnichannel market. Katana provides the necessary order management requirements for omnichannel order management, including cross-channel item tracking, stock visibility, support, inventory and order management, fulfillment, returns and exchanges, and financials. Unified B2B and e-commerce inventory and sales order management Synchronize your sales channels for optimal order fulfillment Track the availability of products for open sales orders Drag-and-drop order priorities according to raw materials availability and delivery deadlines Choose to make to order or fulfill from available product stock Identify delivery delay risks and reprioritize to boost efficiency Synchronize sales orders from multiple channels into a single, easy-to-use platform Select and use multiple currencies to automatically convert sales order values from around the world Lot tracking software helps you manage and track live data The last few years have taught manufacturers that anything can happen, which can bring production and even your business to...

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> Learn how to improve production, take advantage of industry opportunities, and understand manufacturing jargon. Get your free ebook.

- Published: 2021-06-09
- Modified: 2024-07-22
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/small-business-manufacturing-101/
- Folders: SEO PAGES

Get your free ebook on manufacturing for small businesses Access our free step-by-step guide on how to manufacture and price your products efficiently. In this ebook, you’ll find a detailed overview of the manufacturing industry, as well as the challenges small manufacturers face, and how you can overcome them. Small business manufacturing 101 Fill in the form below to download your free e-book Integrate with the best e-commerce, accounting, reporting, and CRM software out there Create custom API integrations Use Katana’s open API to create custom workflows and connect to apps beyond our list of integrations. Automate data transfers between the services you use to level up efficiency. Take a look at our API documentation to learn more. See all integrations Katana integrates everything, making for effective company-wide resource planning and control. " Danielle Louw Production Manager at CT LAB We needed help with Shopify inventory management for raw materials, and Katana exceeded our expectations. " Pablo BaqueWalk With Me CEO Having the shop floor know what they can or can't make on a given day is amazing, and replaces our previous "system" of spreadsheets. " Sara VarelaFounder and Designer at Sara Gabriel As an organic food processor, traceability is critical and our records must be meticulously kept. Katana fulfills all our needs in a simple, easy solution. " Irah VetFounder and Production Manager at Hornby Organic

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> Learn about the challenges Shopify manufacturers face and how to choose the right software for your needs. Download your free ebook.

- Published: 2021-06-09
- Modified: 2024-07-22
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/ultimate-shopify-guide-for-manufacturers/
- Folders: SEO PAGES

Get your free ebook on Shopify selling for manufacturers Download our step-by-step guide on how to manage your Shopify store efficiently. Get an in-depth overview of the challenges and opportunities Shopify manufacturers face plus access to all the information you need to choose the right software for your needs. The ultimate guide for Shopify manufacturers Fill in the form below to download your free e-book Integrate with the best e-commerce, accounting, reporting, and CRM software out there Create custom API integrations Use Katana’s open API to create custom workflows and connect to apps beyond our list of integrations. Automate data transfers between the services you use to level up efficiency. Take a look at our API documentation to learn more. See all integrations Katana integrates everything, making for effective company-wide resource planning and control. " Danielle Louw Production Manager at CT LAB We needed help with Shopify inventory management for raw materials, and Katana exceeded our expectations. " Pablo BaqueWalk With Me CEO Having the shop floor know what they can or can't make on a given day is amazing, and replaces our previous "system" of spreadsheets. " Sara VarelaFounder and Designer at Sara Gabriel As an organic food processor, traceability is critical and our records must be meticulously kept. Katana fulfills all our needs in a simple, easy solution. " Irah VetFounder and Production Manager at Hornby Organic

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> Download a free Excel inventory template for manufacturers. Automate stock tracking, define your BOMs, and automatically update orders.

- Published: 2021-06-09
- Modified: 2024-09-03
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/manufacturer-inventory-spreadsheet-template/
- Folders: SEO PAGES

Free manufacturing inventory management Excel template Not ready for cloud manufacturing software? Download a manufacturing inventory management Excel to import material and stock levels, define your product recipes, and automatically update sales, purchasing, and manufacturing orders in one powerful spreadsheet. Keep your inventory under control Fill in the form below to download your free template Manufacturing inventory management with Excel is great for getting started — but not the best An Excel inventory template is a low-cost solution for getting your inventory under control. But, as soon as you start scaling production and sales, keeping your inventory tracking spreadsheets up to date will cost you more than you think. Raw materials inventory management with Excel cannot be done in real time Raw material inventory management Excel templates are static, but your inventory constantly moves. The more products you manufacture, the more efficient you need to be. At some stage, the time you originally saved will be lost as it will take more and more time to update the free manufacturing Excel template. Katana’s cloud manufacturing software tracks the movement of materials and goods from production to sales, giving you the live insights you need to manage your inventory without the risk of a corrupted inventory spreadsheet. Katana helps thousands of manufacturers track their inventory. Try it for 14 days free. Get a demo Replace Excel inventory templates with a real-time master planner While an inventory template can support your product recipes and bill of materials (BOM), an Excel inventory template won’t get you very far when creating complex products that require subassembly BOMs. The same applies in an industry where batch tracking is essential. Real-time master production planning software like Katana streamlines your manufacturing processes as they become more complex. Instead of manually updating a raw material Excel sheet, Katana automatically allocates available raw materials and finished products to fulfill orders and prioritizes your production schedule accordingly. Aligning your team with inventory spreadsheets is a challenge With production stock management Excel templates, getting total task-level control of your production line and sales teams is tricky. While an inventory spreadsheet is great for a team of one or two, the more people making edits and updates to your file, the higher the possibility of mistakes occurring — not to mention all the administrative work. Inventory tracking spreadsheets are not a scalable management system. In terms of the time it takes to keep them up to date and the degree of complexity, they can only help you so much as a manufacturer. Moving away from inventory spreadsheets is a must, and cloud manufacturing software can help. Features Import your spreadsheet to Katana and scale your business to new heights Katana comes equipped with the essential features and more to assist manufacturers in optimizing their production scheduling processes, including: Real-time inventory tracking Get real-time updates on your stock movements, from raw materials to work-in-progress and finished goods inventory. Read more Prioritization Easily switch focus to high-priority orders while Katana automatically reschedules and reallocates...

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> Streamline your inventory management with a free SKU generator. Create unique SKUs and start tracking your inventory like a pro. Download now!

- Published: 2021-06-09
- Modified: 2024-09-03
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/sku-generator/
- Folders: SEO PAGES

Simplify your inventory with a free SKU generator Create unique stock keeping units (SKUs) and assign them to all your product variants with a free SKU generator template. This Excel file can help you create the SKUs and help you monitor material and product availability, detect shrinkage, and ensure sufficient stock levels. Free SKU generator template Fill in the form below to download your SKU generator SKU generators give you the overview you need to stay in stock If you're a small manufacturer, you may already be familiar with the term SKU or even use them in some capacity. With the help of an SKU generator tool, you can easily create and track SKUs as you start boosting your product offering and scaling your team. What is an SKU and how do SKUs work? SKU or stock keeping unit is a unique alphanumeric code assigned to a product in inventory. They are used to track and manage inventory and identify products. Each product variant or item is assigned a specific code, which enables accurate inventory tracking, reordering, and analysis of sales data. SKUs typically include information like brand, model, color, size, and other relevant attributes. Reasons to use an Excel SKU generator like this free tool Using one tool to create SKUs reduces the risk of human error and ensures that all your teams use the same references when handling materials and products. Katana's free SKU number generator simplifies the SKU creation process and provides everything you need for efficient inventory tracking and management. Easily manage stock availability and track product SKUs Identify the products that have the highest profit margins Keep your team aligned by using the same product references Track and assign SKUs with cloud manufacturing software Spreadsheets are static, but your inventory is not. With Katana, you can effortlessly manage up to 20,000 unique SKUs, making it possible to continuously add products and materials to your catalog without affecting your account's performance. No manual updating or risk of corrupted Excel spreadsheets. Features Switch from an SKU generator to software built to help you scale Once your business starts scaling, Excel SKU generators won't cut it. Grow your manufacturing business with features that give you the live inventory control you need. Live inventory management Get total inventory control of your raw materials and finished goods. Track stock in real time and receive live updates on status changes. Read more Total shop floor control Assign jobs to operators, who can view, edit and complete tasks to keep you updated on production progress. Track time spent on assignments to optimize workflows. Read more End-to-end traceability Track individual items or whole batches with barcode scanning and serial numbers. Trace faulty batches, issue recalls, and follow products across the supply chain. Read more Production planning and scheduling Drag-and-drop allows to easily reprioritize tasks and reallocate supplies accordingly. Track production cycles and completion times based on relevant data. Read more Open API and integrations Connect necessary tools and software to fill your accounting, e-commerce,...

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> Manufacturing is the conversion of raw materials, sub-assemblies, and materials into finished products. Keep reading for a comprehensive guide for your manufacturing business.

- Published: 2021-05-25
- Modified: 2024-09-03
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/what-is-manufacturing/
- Folders: GUIDES

The ultimate guide to what is manufacturing Download the manufacturing ebook for small manufacturers Learn how to organize and scale your manufacturing. Are you someone who lies awake at night, being pestered by an innovative and brilliant idea for a product that will change the world, but you’re unsure how to make this dream a reality? Or are you someone who has taken the plunge and already delved into the industry but needs a helping hand running your business? Perhaps you’re an expert and just want to refresh your knowledge with some easy-to-follow literature to keep your business running at 100% efficiency. Whoever you are, an ambitious hopeful, a newbie, or a seasoned veteran, here is our comprehensive mini-encyclopedia on the manufacturing industry — easily broken down for manufacturers. The guide will cover the industry and explore the nitty-gritty details of running and organizing a manufacturing business. So, let’s get started! What is manufacturing? Manufacturing involves converting raw materials, parts, and components into a finished product using labor, tools, and machinery. Traditionally, and according to Dictionary. com, manufacturing refers to making goods on a large scale. But that isn't always necessarily the case. Manufacturing encompasses not only factories but also the butcher, the baker, and the candlestick maker. This means that manufacturing products can be mass-produced or customized as one-of-a-kind items. Regardless of the manufacturing process, once a final product finishes production, it's sold to a business or directly to a consumer. Normally, manufacturers would sell their wares through a wholesaler. But, if you're a small business manufacturer, this can be extremely counter-productive and expensive since a wholesaler is likely to buy in bulk and have their own fees for selling your wares. What does that mean? Many forward-thinking manufacturers are cutting out the middleman — nothing personal middleman. It's just business. If this is a move that you would consider making with your business, then you'll be glad to know that getting set up and selling independently nowadays it's pretty straightforward — especially with the emergence of e-commerce websites such as BigCommerce, WooCommerce, and Shopify. The manufacturing industry is constantly expanding, and so are the methods of getting your products in front of buyers. Using your wits, you can seize this opportunity because, as demand increases for skilled workers and customers seek bespoke options on their products, it's quickly becoming a profitable market to start operating within. However, demand is one thing. If you can't efficiently organize and maintain your business, you won't be able to tap into the potential this market offers and risk going under. Now that we know what is manufacturing, let's see if small workshops have any business in the sector or if manufacturing is only for large enterprises. Small scale manufacturers In September 2022, there were a total of 12. 8 million manufacturing jobs in the US alone. Manufacturing makes up 8. 2% of the total workforce in the United States. When people think about manufacturing, they usually picture large factories, warehouses, heavy machinery, and the like. But you don't...

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> Get real-time visibility to boost your business’s efficiency with material requirements planning systems. Learn all about MRP systems here.

- Published: 2021-05-25
- Modified: 2024-05-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/mrp-system-guide/
- Folders: GUIDES

MRP systems for manufacturers: the ultimate guide A common denominator for most businesses is aiming for growth. As soon as the business is sustainable, the next plan is to increase sales, expand to new markets, or add new products to the range. But as your business grows, so does the challenge of keeping up with customer demand. You need to find ways to streamline processes and make your operation more efficient in order to meet the needs of a larger customer base. Your sales are increasing, but so is your workload. Times are great, but with sales and manufacturing orders piling up, you realize that manually tracking your inventory, production, and sales will not cut it anymore. It's probably a good time to check out how you can leverage software to streamline your processes and keep up with the demand. That's why we've put together this epic guide on what is an MRP system, which is the best software for you, and how to choose between MRP and ERP systems. What is an MRP system? MRP, or material requirements planning systems, are tools for calculating the raw materials, sub-assemblies, and components a manufacturer needs to create a product. MRP systems perform this task following three steps: Monitoring the current level of raw materials and components on hand Understanding which inventory is low and needs reordering Scheduling the production or purchasing of those materials When it comes to answering the question of what MRP software is and how it works, that’s it in a nutshell. However, although it appears to be this way, MRP systems aren’t considered lean production and are considered by many practitioners to be antithetical. But that doesn’t mean they don’t go hand-in-hand! So that’s the general definition of an MRP, but what does it mean in manufacturing? What is MRP in manufacturing? An MRP system for manufacturers is a piece of software used to automate production, scheduling, and inventory. Though this definition, especially for MRP systems in manufacturing, has changed over time since there have been big strides in technological advancements in this area. Traditionally, MRP systems used to be considered a pull production system. However, as the software and technology improved, capable MRP systems became able to support all types of production workflows: Make-to-order (MTO) Make-to-stock (MTS) Assemble-to-order (ATO) That means the MRP systems of today allow growing manufacturers to be flexible with their production lines and change their production speed depending on the different challenges they encounter. So, we’ve already touched upon this a little bit. But how exactly does an MRP system work in manufacturing? How does MRP work? The way earlier MRP system iterations automate these areas and meet demand efficiently is by following the bill of materials (BOMs) of a manufacturers product, which details: The raw materials, subassemblies, and components used The quantity of these items Total costs Operational steps The BOMs will highlight the relationship of the items that go into making your product as either parent or child. As the...

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> Inventory management is the process of ordering, storing, and selling raw materials and finished goods. Learn how to optimize the process.

- Published: 2021-05-24
- Modified: 2024-10-03
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/inventory-management-guide/
- Folders: GUIDES

The ultimate inventory management guide Get the ultimate guide to inventory management A comprehensive ebook that covers everything you need to know about inventory management. Get the ebook Inventory management is a central part of any business that deals with physical products. Whether you sell ice cream, lug nuts, or handmade vests for spaniels, in one way or another, you will need to manage your inventory. How well you do it will determine your success. This article contains everything you need to know about inventory management to help you take your inventory game to the next level. If you can master and implement the advice below, you’ll put yourself ahead of the competition in no time. What is inventory management? Inventory management is the process of keeping track of all the goods your company has in stock. It's the science and art of ordering, storing, and using a company’s inventory — the materials, components, and products a business sells or uses to make its finished goods. Inventory management includes the systems and processes companies use to track their inventory and determine when and how much they need to order to meet customer demand while keeping handling and storage costs minimal. What counts as inventory? There are many definitions of inventory out there. Some offer an interpretation that refers to inventory as the sum of all items used in your business. This includes anything related to the operations of your business, such as safety or office equipment. We believe it’s more helpful to think of inventory as the sum of all items used in your business intended for sale. That means looking at all the bits that go into getting your products made. Regarding materials directly related to your production process, it includes items ready to be sold and items you intend to sell in the future. You could break down the types of inventory into the following: Raw materials — Components that can be used to create products Work-in-process (WIP) — Items in the process of becoming finished products Finished goods — Products that are completed and ready to be sold MRO inventory (MRO) — Maintenance, repair, and operations supplies needed to keep production running Let’s look at the example of making candles. Raw materials would be wax, wicks, and colors. Work-in-progress would be colored or shaped wax. And, of course, the finished good would be a fully formed candle with a wick on top, ready to burn for a cheesy romantic dinner. Before moving on, let's quickly review the distinction between inventory and stock. These two terms can often be used interchangeably, but technically, there is a difference. As we mentioned already, inventory encompasses all the bits and pieces from raw materials to finished products, while stock only includes finished goods ready for sale. Inventory management vs. inventory control Inventory control — One part of the broader discipline of inventory management that's focused on knowing where your inventory is and ensuring it travels to the right place. Inventory management...

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> Shop floor control enables the digital management of floor operations to improve performance. Get real-time visibility with Katana.

- Published: 2021-05-14
- Modified: 2024-05-20
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/shop-floor-control/
- Folders: SEO PAGES

Optimizing your entire workflow with shop floor control software Maximize productivity with an overview of your entire business and total shop floor control — from inventory to manufacturing. Katana's shop floor management software tracks time spent on tasks and material usage to give you the insights your business needs to grow. Get a demo Track and schedule production with shop floor control software Monitor raw material usage, operational task progress, stock counts, and order fulfillment with shop floor control software that gives you the complete visibility you need for your business. Streamline operations with shop floor software You need a live overview of your production to make the right decisions at the right time. Shop floor software allows you to track progress with sales and production orders in real time, giving you a virtual window into your operations for optimal resource planning. By spotting delays and drops in material availability before they happen, manufacturers can keep up with deadlines no matter how high demand is. Katana's shop floor control software helps you: Get a live floor-level production status overview in one intuitive cloud manufacturing platform View manufacturing orders and ingredient lists in the Katana Shop Floor App to keep your teams aligned Manage inventory, scheduling, and production planning in a single platform Assign tasks and track resources Improve your floor-level operations and gain direct access to production tasks and ingredient lists with Katana’s Shop Floor App. Easily create, set up, and remove shop floor operators, track time spent on jobs, and measure real versus actual materials used to cut costs and time. Smart manufacturing is all about live data, and shop floor control software like Katana makes production monitoring and supply chain planning easy. Katana makes planning and scheduling easy with features that enable you to: Assign tasks to operators to maximize resource planning efficiency Generate and track tasks for operators with shop floor control Add, set up, and remove shop floor operators based on demand Keep your teams and data in sync at all times Managers, sales teams, and shop floor employees need access to the same information to keep their operations in sync and improve resource planning. Shop floor control systems give everyone in your organization the knowledge they need to make the right decisions. No more miscommunication or mistakes when it comes to deadlines, scheduling, or stock counting with Katana's visual scheduling tool. Katana makes improving production operations simple, allowing you to: Add notes to manufacturing orders to be displayed for related tasks in the Shop Floor App Automatically send task status updates to your cloud manufacturing software Adopt native and API integrations that connect all your software systems Integrate with the best e-commerce, accounting, reporting, and CRM software out there Connect Katana to third-party software or create your own workflows via API Choose from a range of e-commerce, accounting, CRM, reporting, and automation integrations to optimize resource planning, sales, and more. Katana’s shop floor management software is built to fit with the tools you need, and...

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> Bill of materials (BOM) software for automatic inventory adjustments, cost estimation, and raw material management. Start a free trial with Katana.

- Published: 2021-05-14
- Modified: 2024-05-20
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/bill-of-materials-software/
- Folders: SEO PAGES

Start managing production, procurement, and costing with bill of material software Inventory management and production is the backbone of any successful manufacturing business. Forward-thinking manufacturers use bill of materials software for real-time master production planning, production scheduling, and raw materials management. Get a demo Manage your entire business with bill of materials software Manufacturers are taking control of their entire business, implementing B2B and D2C selling strategies. But, to achieve this, many businesses adopt software to help them manage the different aspects of their business, using tools for managing raw materials, production, multi-channel selling, and much more. Katana BOM software helps users centralize their business to one easy-to-use platform, saving manufacturers time and money in the long run. Real-time master planning with bill of materials software Spreadsheets are static, but that doesn’t mean the same for your inventory. Managing inventory with spreadsheets is time-consuming and prone to errors which can topple a manufacturing company. Katana BOM software is for small manufacturers or large factories who need to track production progress, design and engineering changes, and raw materials usage. It does this by giving users live insights to optimize resources and schedule production to meet deadlines. Available raw materials and products are also automatically allocated to fulfill orders and prioritize your schedule to assist you in meeting deadlines effortlessly. production planning software, scheduling, and resource planning in one place Gain real-time visibility to optimize all your key resources Make accurate manufacturing, lead times, and purchasing decisions with live data Ensure optimal inventory levels at all times Prioritize production based on raw materials availability Get task-level floor control for effective job shops management Automate manufacturing cost calculations based on your bill of materials and production Ensure accuracy with costing features built for precision To make the right decisions at the right time, you need a live overview of your materials and production to make accurate costing. Bill of materials BOM allows you to track progress with sales and production orders in real-time, updating your raw materials and resources cost to make pricing decisions easier. BOM software keeps your costing error-free when it comes to your financial data. Track manufacturing costs based on your bill of materials and production operations Create multi-level BOMs with subassemblies for accurate costing Make precise pricing decisions based on your product margins Track your cost of goods sold (COGS) Set the initial cost for stock imported from your e-commerce platforms in Katana Materials BOM software equipped with powerful live inventory management features Materials BOM software like Katana gives users the tools to track different manufacturing inventory types and implement end-to-end traceability into their business. Manufacturers can pursue different manufacturing processes, such as making bespoke products or tracking batches of items with expiry dates. This level of flexibility allows you to keep a close eye on items moving along your supply chain, all the way to the customer. Get total inventory control for finished products and raw materials and improve product lifecycle management Automate inventory transactions and set reorder points...

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> Job shop manufacturing is a process which most growing manufacturers adopt early on. We explain what the process is and how you can make use of it.

- Published: 2021-05-14
- Modified: 2024-05-20
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/job-shop-software/
- Folders: SEO PAGES

Optimize production with job shop scheduling software for manufacturers Streamline your operations, inventory, and sales with job shop software like Katana. Keep you and your teams organized, efficient, and focused with software designed to give you the shop floor visibility you need. Get a demo Check order progress with real-time job shop tracking software Track your product life cycle from start to finish with job shop software like Katana. Monitor raw material usage, operational task progress, stock counts, and order fulfillment in one visual platform designed to give you total visibility. Never lose control over your production operations To make the right decisions at the right time, you need a live overview of your production. Job shop software allows you to track progress with sales and production orders in real-time, giving you a virtual window into your shop floor operations. By spotting delays before they happen, manufacturers can keep up with deadlines no matter how high demand is. Get a live floor-level production status overview View manufacturing orders and ingredient lists in Katana’s Shop Floor App to keep your teams aligned Assign tasks and track time and resources spent Improve your floor-level operations with direct access to production tasks and ingredient lists for each task with job shop tracking software like Katana’s Shop Floor App. Easily create, set up, and remove shop floor operators, track time spent on jobs, and measure real versus actual materials used to cut costs and time. Easily re-assign tasks to operators to maximize efficiency Generate shop floor tasks according to product operations for incoming manufacturing orders Add, set up, and remove shop floor operators effortlessly Keep your teams and data in sync at all times Managers, sales teams, and shop floor employees need access to the same information to keep their operations in sync. Job shop software gives everyone in your organization the knowledge they need to make the right decisions. No more miscommunication or mistakes when it comes to deadlines, scheduling, or stock counting. Add notes to manufacturing orders to be displayed for related tasks in the Shop Floor App Shop Floor App task status updates are automatically sent to your manufacturing ERP Integrate with the best e-commerce, accounting, reporting, and CRM software out there Create custom API integrations Use Katana’s open API to create custom workflows and connect to apps beyond our list of integrations. Automate data transfers between the services you use to level up efficiency. Take a look at our API documentation to learn more. See all integrations Katana integrates everything, making for effective company-wide resource planning and control. " Danielle Louw Production Manager at CT LAB We needed help with Shopify inventory management for raw materials, and Katana exceeded our expectations. " Pablo BaqueWalk With Me CEO Having the shop floor know what they can or can't make on a given day is amazing, and replaces our previous "system" of spreadsheets. " Sara VarelaFounder and Designer at Sara Gabriel As an organic food processor, traceability is critical and our records...

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> Track work in progress (WIP) on your shop floor in real time with Katana. Easily track inventory, people, and materials with cloud integration.

- Published: 2021-05-14
- Modified: 2024-05-20
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/wip-tracking-software/
- Folders: SEO PAGES

Effectively manage your shop floor with WIP tracking software for manufacturing Increase workstation flexibility without losing control of manufacturing operations. Work-in-progress tracking software like Katana helps you monitor time spent on tasks and materials used, giving you real-time insights into your business. Get a demo Check order progress with real-time WIP tracking software Get live manufacturing status updates from anywhere with WIP tracking software like Katana. Set tasks for team members and track time and materials spent for total shop floor control. Never lose control over your production operations To make the right decisions at the right time, you need a live overview of your production. WIP software allows you to track progress with sales and production orders in real-time, giving you a virtual window into your shop floor operations. By spotting delays before they happen, manufacturers can keep up with deadlines no matter how high demand is. Get a live floor-level production status overview View manufacturing orders and ingredient lists in Katana’s Shop Floor App to keep your teams aligned Assign tasks and track time and resources spent Improve your floor-level operations with direct access to production tasks and ingredient lists for each task with a WIP tracking system like Katana’s Shop Floor App. Easily create, set up, and remove shop floor operators, track time spent on jobs, and measure real versus actual materials used to cut costs and time. Easily re-assign tasks to operators to maximize efficiency Generate shop floor tasks according to product operations for incoming manufacturing orders Keep your teams and data in sync at all times Managers, sales teams, and shop floor employees need access to the same information to keep their operations in sync. WIP software gives everyone in your organization the knowledge they need to make the right decisions. No more miscommunication or mistakes when it comes to deadlines, scheduling, or stock counting. Add notes to manufacturing orders to be displayed for related tasks in the Shop Floor App Shop Floor App task status updates are automatically sent to your cloud manufacturing software Integrate with the best e-commerce, accounting, reporting, and CRM software out there Create custom API integrations Use Katana’s open API to create custom workflows and connect to apps beyond our list of integrations. Automate data transfers between the services you use to level up efficiency. Take a look at our API documentation to learn more. See all integrations Katana integrates everything, making for effective company-wide resource planning and control. " Danielle Louw Production Manager at CT LAB We needed help with Shopify inventory management for raw materials, and Katana exceeded our expectations. " Pablo BaqueWalk With Me CEO Having the shop floor know what they can or can't make on a given day is amazing, and replaces our previous "system" of spreadsheets. " Sara VarelaFounder and Designer at Sara Gabriel As an organic food processor, traceability is critical and our records must be meticulously kept. Katana fulfills all our needs in a simple, easy solution. " Irah VetFounder and Production...

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> Automate processes and integrate with other products and services with Katana API. Explore the mant ways you can use our API for your business. Try it free.

- Published: 2021-05-14
- Modified: 2024-05-20
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/ecommerce-api/
- Folders: SEO PAGES

Automate your manufacturing business with an e-commerce API Transfer data between your e-commerce platforms and tools with API integrations that streamline operations. Katana’s open API is designed for developers and businesses who want to take their manufacturing software to the next level. Get a demo Unite your e-commerce platforms and business apps with Katana’s open API Align your manufacturing, production, and sales with custom API workflows. Katana’s open API gives you access to apps and tools beyond our list of native integrations for total control. Create custom workflows that boost accuracy and free up your time Katana API allows you to build custom solutions that integrate your production operations with your e-commerce systems. Automation allows you to save time spent on repetitive tasks and reduce human error, giving you the accuracy and focus you need to scale your business. Sync your inventory data with hundreds of e-commerce, shipping, accounting, and reporting platforms Automate sales order import from multiple e-commerce platforms for a unified overview Align your team with real-time data Managers, sales teams, and shop floor employees need access to the same information to keep their operations in sync. E-commerce APIs connect all your tools to give everyone in your organization access to the live data they need in a single, unified platform. No more miscommunication or mistakes when it comes to deadlines, scheduling, or stock counting. Get task-level control for effective shop floor management Specify user access and permissions for different team members using your manufacturing software Integrate with the best e-commerce, accounting, reporting, and CRM software out there Create custom API integrations Use Katana’s open API to create custom workflows and connect to apps beyond our list of integrations. Automate data transfers between the services you use to level up efficiency. Take a look at our API documentation to learn more. See all integrations Katana integrates everything, making for effective company-wide resource planning and control. " Danielle Louw Production Manager at CT LAB We needed help with Shopify inventory management for raw materials, and Katana exceeded our expectations. " Pablo BaqueWalk With Me CEO Having the shop floor know what they can or can't make on a given day is amazing, and replaces our previous "system" of spreadsheets. " Sara VarelaFounder and Designer at Sara Gabriel As an organic food processor, traceability is critical and our records must be meticulously kept. Katana fulfills all our needs in a simple, easy solution. " Irah VetFounder and Production Manager at Hornby Organic

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> An MES software automates your manufacturing processes to solve your production issues. Get real-time visibility with Katana. Learn more.

- Published: 2021-05-14
- Modified: 2024-05-20
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/mes-software/
- Folders: SEO PAGES

MES software to track real-time production Resource planning and staying on top of manufacturing operations can be tricky. But with the help of an MES provider, manufacturers can easily monitor their product lifecycle, track and trace items in stock, and manage all data sources in one platform. Get a demo Optimize operations with manufacturing MES software MES software gives your team the live data they need to align production and order fulfillment. Cloud solutions in particular are ideal for growing teams in need of complete visibility at all times. Here are a few ways an MES can help you boost profitability. Keep your production teams and operations aligned Production planners, sales teams, quality managers, and shop floor employees need access to the same information to keep their operations in sync. MES software gives everyone in your organization the knowledge they need to make the right decisions. With the right MES implementations, you can say goodbye to miscommunication and mistakes mistakes when it comes to deadlines, scheduling, or stock counting. MES software like Katana includes functionalities that help you: Ensure optimal inventory levels at all times with real-time master planning software Sync inventory and sales across all channels with one unified platform Prioritize task lists for every operator on your production line to ensure efficiency Collecting data from sales to your shop floor made simple Using spreadsheets to track and trace stock and sales orders takes more time than you have to spare. MES software reduces human error and automates repetitive tasks with features like barcode scanning, data import and export, and integrations with industry-leading accounting and e-commerce tools. Having software in place streamlines data collection and keeps your sales and production data in sync. An MES software like Katana makes it possible to: Eliminate manual inventory updating by automatically collecting data Automate data entry, importing, and exporting for sales and production data Connect with hundreds of integrations in one MES software Reduce costs with production labor management features An MES software makes managing your team and tasks simple. Get complete visibility over tasks assigned to shop floor employees as well as production progress for quality managers. Managing multiple data sources, teams, and warehouses with MES software will ultimately reduce costs by improving efficiency and visibility. Advanced MES features can help you: Assign and reassign jobs to operators who can start, pause, and resume tasks to keep you up to date on production View manufacturing order task and ingredient list for every task in the app Track time spent on tasks to optimize shop floor activities View resource consumption with live material tracking Integrate with the best e-commerce, accounting, reporting, and CRM software out there Build an integrated software solution with native and custom API integrations Select from a range of integrations with leading software solutions or use Katana’s open API to create custom workflows. Katana automates data transfers between the services you use on a day-to-day basis to level up efficiency with one MRP software solution. Take a look at...

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> Barcode inventory software for faster, error-proof tracking. Use Katana to trace and track your inventory and operations in real time. Learn more.

- Published: 2021-05-14
- Modified: 2024-05-22
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/barcode-inventory-management-software/
- Folders: SEO PAGES

Barcode inventory software for faster, error-proof tracking In manufacturing, efficiency and accuracy are critical. Barcode scanning software makes tracing and tracking your inventory and operations a breeze. Get a demo Get a real-time overview of your stock with a barcode inventory system Barcode inventory management software streamlines your inventory tracking and keeps your shop floor staff and other departments in sync. With Katana, you can scan incoming items and identify what and where your inventory is in seconds. Easily identify items when receiving, consuming, or counting inventory When it comes to updating your inventory, barcode scanning is the optimal solution in terms of time and accuracy. Barcode inventory software automates the flow of information from sales to the shop floor, making it easy to identify items and keep track of availability to avoid stockouts. Scan and receive items using a smart device Simplify stocktaking and inventory counting Scan a range of barcodes, including supplier item codes, internally registered barcodes, and batch barcodes Ensure accuracy with a centralized barcode inventory software Paper-based inventory tracking and spreadsheets are both time-consuming to work with and prone to human error. As your business expands, you need a live barcode inventory system that can keep up with warehouse operations and give your team accurate tracking data at every production stage. Pick lists with barcodes for improved accuracy Export and print barcodes for label printing, making all physical items machine-readable Track batches and items in the same place using a unified barcode inventory system Boost efficiency and eliminate wasted time and resources with a live system Matching physical materials with database items in a machine-readable way has benefits beyond time efficiency at an operational level. Barcode scanning systems allow you to differentiate between similar products, making it possible to track faulty batches, reduce waste, and improve quality assurance. Autogenerate barcodes for batches and items using internal barcodes Use multiple devices to scan barcodes, from USB and Bluetooth scanners to smartphones and tablets Quickly locate items across multiple warehouses, giving all teams access to the same live data Features Barcode scanning software that goes beyond inventory control Katana's inventory barcode software gives you a live look at your manufacturing business with features that keep your teams and products moving. Live inventory management Get a real-time overview of your raw materials and finished goods to keep your production lines running and avoid stockouts. Read more Shop floor control Assign tasks and track the progress of your sales and production orders in real time with Katana's Shop Floor app. Read more End-to-end traceability Track the expiry dates of your products and materials with batch tracking to simplify product recalls in case of faulty batches. Read more Omnichannel order management Synchronize your orders across multiple sales channels for optimal order fulfillment. Read more Accurate costing Track manufacturing costs based on your bill of materials (BOM) and production operations and make accurate pricing decisions. Read more Total inventory control Track all four types of inventory across multiple locations in real time,...

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> The MRP software of choice for seamless inventory and production management. Control stock, shop-floor operations, and get full traceability with Katana's MRP solution.

- Published: 2021-05-14
- Modified: 2024-05-20
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/mrp-software/
- Folders: SEO PAGES

Resource planning made simple with MRP software manufacturers love Most manufacturers use MRP software for inventory management, material requirements planning, and more. Learn more about the benefits of MRP software and why they are critical for modern manufacturing. Get a demo Managing your manufacturing business without MRP software is no longer viable With the rise in direct-to-consumer manufacturing, manufacturers have more opportunities than ever — as well as competition. MRP software helps manufacturers manage, prioritize, and scale operations in an increasingly digitalized and competitive space. Here's how. Cloud MRP software provides full visibility of your inventory MRP software for manufacturing allows you to tap into your inventory’s health, including tracking material costs and ensuring that you have enough materials for manufacturing at any given time. An MRP solution also gives you real-time alerts when new products need to be manufactured or when shortages of raw materials are going on so you can have them replaced immediately. This prevents fluctuations in productivity due to new orders not being completed on time because materials are unavailable, and makes the data you need come to life. Cloud MRP software like Katana allows you to: Use priority-based material requirements planning to avoid stockouts Track on-hand, committed, and expected stock amounts in real-time Manage product variants and materials in one place Monitor your resources and inventory across multiple warehouses Scan a range of barcodes, including supplier item codes, internally registered barcodes, and batch barcodes Eliminate waste and save money with the right MRP solution Katana MRP facilitates a smooth flow of goods and materials, helping you avoid having to hold on too long to a certain product or material or letting it go when you need it most. It gives you the features you need to properly manage your resources and help you complete orders without having any leftover items. This way, you can actually cut costs by minimizing overhead or avoiding wasting products. Add hundreds of integrations with industry-leading e-commerce and accounting tools, and it’s a recipe for sustainable growth. Katana's end-to-end MRP software makes it easy to: Connect MRP software with your e-commerce shop, accounting tools, and more to keep your data in sync Track manufacturing costs based on your bill of materials (BOM) and production operations Create multilevel BOMs with subassemblies for accurate costing Make precise pricing decisions based on your product margins MRP software improves resource and materials planning MRP software is designed to help manufacturers run more efficiently thanks to its capacity to manage resources and offer better planning capabilities. With the right MRP software, you can plan production faster and better than ever before, so your business will always stay up to date with current developments. MRP systems allow you to plan not only the materials needed for production but also other critical resources such as employees or machines — giving companies that make use of manufacturing software the advantage of running smoothly at all times. Cloud MRP software like Katana allows you to: Drag-and-drop priorities for manufacturing tasks...

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> Optimize production with Katana's planning and scheduling software. Streamline operations, manage inventory, and meet deadlines efficiently.

- Published: 2021-05-14
- Modified: 2024-08-30
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/production-scheduling-software/
- Folders: SEO PAGES

Manufacturing planning and scheduling software Ditch the spreadsheets for an intuitive production scheduling software that automatically prioritizes your manufacturing and allocates materials to open orders. Get a production plan up and running without lifting a finger. Get a demo Empower your manufacturing business with cutting-edge production planning software Seamlessly manage resource allocation and production schedules, mitigating potential pitfalls that could disrupt your operations. Experience streamlined efficiency and optimized supply chain coordination, all thanks to the power of manufacturing scheduling software. Stay ahead of competitors and achieve your business goals with ease. Manufacturing planning software that does the heavy work for you Katana automatically prioritizes your tasks based on when a manufacturing order (MO) is generated. If there's an order you need to work on sooner rather than later, though — no worries! In Katana, simply drag and drop an MO to the top of your production list. The production planning software will reprioritize the order and reallocate materials to fit the new workflow. Katana's manufacturing planning and scheduling software can automatically: Create a workflow and visually display the status of each MO Generate production deadlines based on your bill of materials (BOM) Calculate cost estimates and planned completion times Assign operators to resources if already specified beforehand Production planning and scheduling software helps you manage all your resources Manufacturers face constant change, both inside and outside their business. The more your business expands and grows, the more critical and challenging production planning becomes. Katana comes with manufacturing analytics to anticipate future demand according to past sales performance. This can help you avoid production overload and HR issues without incurring overtime costs. Manufacturing production scheduling software allows you to: Set up tasks according to product operations for incoming MOs Plan, schedule, and assign tasks to operators View the MO card and ingredient list for every task Track time spent on tasks to optimize shop floor activities Unlock the potential of your business with production scheduling software Gain access to a great deal of benefits that drive efficiency and enhance productivity. Seamlessly manage and allocate resources, optimize production timelines, and meet deadlines with precision. Production schedule software helps you to establish manufacturing schedules, ensuring efficient collaboration across all teams and locations. Stay organized and enhance productivity by providing your team with a unified roadmap to follow. Production scheduling software for manufacturing lets you: Maximize resource utilization Minimize downtime Improve workflow visibility Ensure on-time delivery Features Maximise productivity with Katana's efficient production management tools With a range of essential features and functionalities, Katana empowers businesses to optimize their manufacturing processes, efficiently allocate resources, and meet customer demands with ease. Production planning Ensure efficiency and accuracy by creating and optimizing production plans based on demand, available resources, and business requirements Read more Real-time traceability Gain an instant overview of your production processes, track progress and make better decisions based on data Read more Inventory management Effectively manage inventory levels and track stock movements in real time and across multiple locations Read more Order management...

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> Manufacturing software makes inventory and production management easy. Keep reading to explore the benefits manufacturing software provides.

- Published: 2021-05-14
- Modified: 2024-05-20
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/manufacturing-erp-software/
- Folders: SEO PAGES

Get the real-time data you need with manufacturing software Katana equips you with live insights about your production processes, inventory, and sales. Gain easy access to all the information you need, allowing you to make informed decisions and elevate your manufacturing business to new heights. Get a demo Connect all the moving parts of your business with manufacturing software Managing teams, products, and data in real time is a struggle for any business, and manufacturers are no exception. Cloud manufacturing software gives you the visibility you need to keep your products and teams moving. Cloud manufacturing software, no matter where you are Cloud manufacturing software doesn't require expensive hardware or time-consuming installations. All you need is an internet connection and a browser. This allows you to access real-time data on the fly, no matter where you are. Cloud manufacturing software ensures that your team stays connected and informed about their work and schedules, whether they're at the office or on the move. Cloud-based software for manufacturing also enables you to seamlessly integrate with other cloud-based solutions, enabling easy data transfers between the services you use. Katana's cloud manufacturing software allows you to: Monitor your inventory levels and production processes in real time from anywhere Integrate with the best business tools for a unified experience Effortlessly track your sales performance and other business-related metrics Create multilevel BOMs with subassemblies for accurate costing Make precise pricing decisions based on your product margins Key functions of manufacturing software Manufacturing ERP software centralizes all your business processes into a unified system. It also integrates seamlessly with a wide range of business platforms, enabling you to expand the features while keeping all your systems synchronized. Planning and scheduling Intuitive production planning and scheduling to ensure you meet customer demand, minimize costs, and maintain smooth workflow. Manufacturing execution system (MES) Sync inventory and sales across all channels with one unified platform and prioritize task lists for production line operators to ensure efficiency. Manufacturing resource planning (MRP) Optimize your resource allocation, track your stock movements, and manage your inventory from raw materials to finished goods. Shop floor control Assign tasks to your team, track materials and time spent, and access real-time shop floor insights for total shop floor control. Manufacturing accounting Integrate with the best accounting software like QuickBooks Online and Xero to keep your accounting data in sync. Benefits of manufacturing software Manufacturing software allows you to effortlessly manage raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods, even with multiple product variants. Adapt your production plans on the fly to meet demand, optimize resource utilization, and define bill of materials for maximum production scheduling effectiveness. Whether you choose make-to-order or make-to-stock workflows, manufacturing software ensures you meet customer demand while maintaining optimal inventory levels. Furthermore, Katana's Shop Floor App lets you assign tasks to operators, monitor real-time progress, and efficiently manage resources. Say goodbye to order management headaches as Katana consolidates sales and purchase orders from all channels into a single view, providing real-time product availability tracking. Manufacturing...

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> Track and prioritize your raw materials and products by expiration date to produce the right products at the right time with Katana.

- Published: 2021-05-13
- Modified: 2024-05-20
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/shelf-life-management/
- Folders: SEO PAGES

Track your perishable inventory with expiry date tracking software Reduce waste and cut costs with built-in batch expiry date tracking. Katana’s end-to-end traceability features make quality control throughout your supply chain simple. Get a demo End-to-end traceability for your supply chain with built-in expiry tracking Optimize your supply chain with expiry date tracking software that gives you total traceability. Katana supports batch and lot number tracing, ensuring industry compliance and visibility when it comes to tracking your perishable stock. Real-time traceability for your moving inventory Spreadsheets are static, but your inventory is not. Expiry tracking software tracks the movement of materials and goods from production to sales, giving you the live insights you need to manage your inventory effectively. No risk of corrupted spreadsheet files or manual updates required. Trace faulty batches, materials, and products from materials to sold goods Quickly locate items across multiple warehouses, giving all teams access to the same live data End-to-end traceability for materials and products with batch tracking Keep track of materials and products to avoid stock-outs Track and optimize inventory movements by setting up reorder points and prioritizing your sales orders. Katana’s expiry tracking software integrates with e-commerce platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce to prevent stock-outs and keep your products moving, no matter how high demand is. Get total inventory control for finished products and raw materials Automate inventory transactions and set reorder points to prevent stock-outs Use barcodes to scan in received purchase orders Features beyond expiry tracking that give you the visibility you need Get a live look at your manufacturing business with features that keep your teams and products moving. Live inventory management Real-time master planning Total shop floor control Omnichannel order management End-to-end traceability Production planning Purchase order management Accurate costing Custom workflows via API LIVE INVENTORY MANAGEMENT The inventory optimization and control you need Keep track of materials and product stock to avoid stock-outs Get total inventory control for finished products and raw materials Automate inventory transactions and set reorder points to prevent stock-outs Track on-hand, committed, and expected stock amounts in real-time Manage product variants and materials in one place Monitor your inventory across multiple warehouses Use barcodes to receive stock See what else is included in your plan REAL-TIME MASTER PLANNING Production, scheduling, and resource management in one place Gain real-time visibility to optimize all your key resources. Make accurate manufacturing and purchasing decisions with live data Ensure optimal inventory levels at all times Prioritize production based on raw material availability Get task-level control for effective shop floor management Automate manufacturing cost calculations based on your bill of materials and operations See what else is included in your plan TOTAL SHOP FLOOR CONTROL Floor-level control from scheduling to task prioritization Use the Shop Floor App to align sales and production Send tasks to the app according to product operations for incoming manufacturing orders Assign and reassign jobs to operators who can start, pause, and resume tasks to keep you up to date on production View manufacturing...

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## Posts

> Material tracking chaos ends here. Katana’s new picking workflow gives you the real-time visibility and traceability you've been missing.

- Published: 2025-05-21
- Modified: 2025-05-22
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/ingredient-picking/
- Categories: Product updates

Material tracking chaos ends here. Katana’s new picking workflow gives you the real-time visibility and traceability you've been missing. Every delay matters on a busy production floor, and ingredient availability often makes or breaks a job. Yet many manufacturers still rely on outdated methods to track material usage, waiting until a task is completed before registering stock movement. This lag creates blind spots in inventory, increases the risk of production delays, and leaves teams reacting to problems instead of preventing them. That’s where Katana’s new picking workflow comes in. Now available as part of the Advanced Manufacturing add-on, this feature lets you reserve and move ingredients into work-in-progress (WIP) status the moment they’re picked. Why picking matters Picking allows companies to act on real-time inventory data, not after-the-fact updates. Introducing a dedicated picking workflow helps manufacturers solve key challenges across production and inventory control. Real-time visibility and traceability No more guessing what's been used or what’s available. As ingredients are picked, they're instantly moved into WIP, giving you live updates on material usage and a clear view of what’s happening on the shop floor. Clear job-based material ownership When materials aren’t tied to specific jobs at the time of picking, stock can be consumed by the wrong order, leading to costly mistakes. Katana fixes that. Ingredients are now directly linked to individual production jobs, ensuring clean, traceable stock usage from the start. Cleaner audits, sooner Previously, full traceability depended on the financial closure of a job. Not anymore. With picking, you gain early visibility into material movements, supporting audit-readiness before financial entries are finalized and helping teams spot and solve issues proactively. More flexible cost accounting In many systems, moving materials immediately triggers financial costs, locking in numbers before you're ready. Katana separates the two, allowing operational decisions to happen in real time while keeping financial entries clean and controlled. Ready to try it? If you're already using the Advanced Manufacturing add-on, you can enable picking today by heading to Settings > Manufacturing > Enable picking for manufacturing. Not using the add-on yet? You can trial Advanced Manufacturing add on before buying to see the value of smarter picking workflows, risk free.

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> Returns are a part of selling products, so Katana provides a seamless way to track, manage, and reconcile them within your sales workflow.

- Published: 2025-05-08
- Modified: 2025-05-09
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/return-orders/
- Categories: Product updates

A seamless solution to track, process, and reconcile customer returns directly within your sales workflow. Processing customer returns has traditionally been a messy, manual process for many businesses. From juggling spreadsheets to manually updating stock levels and issuing refunds, teams often found themselves stuck between tools, risking errors and inefficiencies. Without a structured system, returns became a source of inventory inaccuracies, accounting headaches, and frustrating delays for both businesses and their customers. That’s why we’re excited to introduce Return Orders in Katana — an all-in-one solution designed to bring clarity, control, and automation to your returns management. What’s new with return orders? Return Orders empower teams to handle returns just like any other essential part of order management, ensuring every return is processed accurately and efficiently. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect. Full sales order traceability Every return is linked to its original sales order, with support for multiple return orders from a single sale. Whether you're managing partial returns, multilocation fulfillments, or batch-tracked inventory, Katana keeps your records organized and fully traceable, eliminating the need for manual cross-checking or fragmented systems. Detailed return item control Return Orders allow for granular control over each return. Add or remove products from a return, adjust quantities, and even specify return reasons. If you're dealing with batch-tracked inventory, Katana ensures precise item handling throughout the return process. Flexible restocking options Not every returned item is resale-ready. Katana gives you the flexibility to manage restocking accordingly. Choose which items to include on each return based on their condition, and restock them only when you're ready. You can create multiple returns for a single sales order, ensuring only suitable items are returned and restocked. Plus, restocked items can be routed to any location, giving your warehouse teams full operational control. Automated refund and credit handling with QBO If you’re connected to QuickBooks Online, Katana can automatically trigger credit note creation based on the status of your return orders, saving your finance team valuable time and minimizing errors. This seamless sync ensures your accounting stays up-to-date as returns are processed, without needing to manually create credit memos outside your workflow. Seamless Shopify returns integration If you’re using Shopify, customer-initiated returns flow directly into Katana. Line items, return reasons, and warehouse locations are all captured automatically, ensuring real-time visibility across your sales and fulfillment operations. Open API for custom workflows Want to take it even further? Katana’s open API allows you to build custom return workflows, automate repetitive tasks, and integrate return management into your broader ecosystem, tailored exactly to your business needs. How to get started Returns management is available on all Katana plans, so you can start using it right away. You’ll find the Returns on your Sales Screen. To learn more about how it works, check out our Knowledge Base article here.

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> Learn how integrating HubSpot with your manufacturing system improves inventory visibility, speeds up fulfillment, and boosts customer satisfaction.

- Published: 2025-04-29
- Modified: 2025-04-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/connect-hubspot-and-manufacturing/
- Categories: Inventory management, Manufacturing

Disconnected sales and operations slow fulfillment and hurt customer trust. As businesses grow, integrations offer a scalable way to improve visibility, speed, and decision-making, without overhauling existing tools. Modern manufacturing businesses are more digitally enabled than ever. CRMs, inventory tools, shop floor software, ERPs — the ecosystem is expanding, and with it comes a new kind of complexity. But technology, for all its promise, often creates just as many problems as it solves when tools don’t talk to each other. One of the most common and costly examples of this is the disconnect between sales and operations. While sales teams work diligently in platforms like HubSpot to manage pipelines and customer relationships, operations departments are often left out of the loop. And when those two sides of the business can’t collaborate efficiently, cracks start to form. Where good intentions break down For many growing manufacturers, it starts innocently enough. Sales reps log a new deal in the CRM, sometimes with handoff notes in an email or a shared spreadsheet. Operations then manually picks up that information, enters it into their inventory or manufacturing system, and starts fulfilling the order. It works — until it doesn’t. As volumes grow and teams scale, the manual effort required to keep systems in sync becomes a bottleneck. Sales can’t see real-time inventory, so they promise lead times that ops can’t deliver. Production is overwhelmed with last-minute changes. Fulfillment slows, errors multiply, and the customer experience suffers. Even businesses that pride themselves on lean manufacturing or tight process control can be thrown off by the simple fact that their sales and operations software aren’t aligned. Why visibility is the real game-changer When sales teams lack visibility into what’s actually available in stock, or when production teams don’t get timely updates about incoming orders, trust breaks down. Not just between teams, but between the business and its customers. And it’s not just about internal harmony. B2B customers now expect B2C-style service: fast, clear communication, accurate delivery estimates, and status updates at every step. Meeting those expectations without real-time systems integration is like trying to run a relay race with no handoffs. Integration as an enabler — not a disruption This is where integrated tools start to make a real impact — not by reinventing the wheel, but by connecting the systems teams already rely on. By pairing a CRM like HubSpot with an operational platform like Katana, manufacturers can create a seamless flow of information from sales to production, without having to rip and replace their existing tech stack. The moment a deal is closed in HubSpot, the corresponding sales order appears in Katana. All the relevant data — customer info, line items, quantities, delivery details — is pulled in automatically. No rekeying. No miscommunication. And crucially, the sales team doesn’t have to leave their familiar HubSpot interface to gain insights into fulfillment or stock levels. This real-time connection doesn’t just save time — it prevents mistakes, improves forecasting, and ensures that customers get exactly what...

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> Managing both products and services in Katana has never been smoother — no extra steps, just a seamless workflow.

- Published: 2025-03-24
- Modified: 2025-04-15
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/sell-services/
- Categories: Product updates

Managing both products and services in Katana has never been smoother — no extra steps, just a seamless workflow. Businesses today do more than just sell physical products — they also offer services like delivery, installation, maintenance, customization, warranties, etc. , to give customers a better experience and keep revenue flowing. But if you’ve ever tried selling services using an inventory management system, you know it's a struggle. Most systems aren’t built for services, which means you’ve probably had to hack your way around it — creating fake stock items, using spreadsheets to track service revenue, or juggling multiple tools just to keep things running. It’s frustrating, time-consuming, and makes reporting a nightmare. But not anymore. Today, we’re introducing a new way to sell services in Katana — just like products, with no workarounds. No more stock hacks, manual tracking, or disconnected workflows. Just a seamless way to track both products and services — so you can focus on growing your business, not fighting your software. Sell it your way Whether you need to charge for installation, maintenance, or a custom product design, add it straight to the sales order and roll the fee into the same transaction. Katana makes it easy to manage everything without extra steps or manual fixes. Not only does this feature make selling services hassle-free, but it also provides complete revenue visibility, allowing you to track product and service sales together for accurate financial reporting, deeper insights, and smarter decision-making. Plus, with seamless native HubSpot integration, both products and services sync effortlessly, keeping your sales and fulfillment teams aligned and ensuring a smooth workflow from order to delivery. What does this mean for you? No more workarounds One source of truth to keep all revenue streams Sales and fulfillment, in sync Who is this for? Real businesses, real use cases Here are just a few examples of businesses that can now streamline service sales with Katana:  Furniture manufacturer offering installation services White-label cosmetics reseller providing packaging and branding Jewelry-making company selling custom design work Fashion brand providing made-to-order tailoring Electronics business offering extended warranties and repairs Automotive parts supplier providing performance tuning and diagnostics Tool and hardware distributor offering worksite training, equipment calibration, and rental services  Even if you didn’t see your exact business model on this list, there’s a good chance you’re selling services in some way. The possibilities are endless, and whatever service you offer, Katana helps you track and sell it effortlessly. How to get started? Great news! This feature is available to all Katana users, across all plans, meaning you can start selling services right away — no upgrades required. Not using Katana yet? Book a demo today and discover how you can effortlessly manage product and service sales in one seamless workflow.

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> Constantly changing tariffs are disrupting SMB supply chains and margins. Learn five key strategies to adapt, optimize inventory, and protect your profits.

- Published: 2025-03-06
- Modified: 2025-05-06
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/navigating-tariffs/
- Categories: Accounting, Business tips

Tariffs are constantly shifting, creating uncertainty for SMBs managing supply chains and costs. To stay competitive, businesses must be agile — optimizing inventory, adjusting pricing, and leveraging technology to track and adapt to these changes in real time. Tariffs have become an unpredictable force for SMBs, with new duties being introduced, delayed, adjusted, and countered by other nations. The US has rolled out fresh tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China, while also expanding Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum. Meanwhile, Canada, China, and Mexico have responded with their own retaliatory measures, escalating trade tensions even further. This constant back-and-forth creates uncertainty for businesses that rely on stable supply chains and predictable costs. If there’s one lesson from these developments, it’s that agility is key. SMBs must be ready to adapt — whether by reassessing suppliers, refining pricing strategies, or optimizing inventory management. In this post, we’ll break down the impact of these changes, highlight industry-specific trends, and provide actionable strategies to help SMBs navigate the shifting landscape while protecting their margins. The current tariff landscape For SMBs, tariffs aren’t just another expense — they can disrupt supply chains, squeeze profit margins, and create unexpected financial stress. Businesses are responding to tariff uncertainty in different ways. Many have stockpiled inventory to avoid future cost increases, while others are reassessing supplier relationships to find more cost-effective sourcing options. Some businesses are also adjusting pricing strategies to maintain profitability while staying competitive. While these actions provide temporary relief, they aren’t long-term solutions. SMBs must proactively plan and optimize their inventory and financial strategies to stay ahead. Key trends across industries Each industry is experiencing tariff-related cost increases differently. Here’s what we’ve observed from businesses using Katana: Cosmetics and pharmaceuticals — Costs rose a dramatic 103% from Q3 2024 to Q4, yet stock levels remained unseasonably low, signaling caution. Raw materials (steel, timber, aluminum) — Significant inventory buildup, with some companies quadrupling their usual stock to hedge against future tariffs. Fashion and accessories — Rising costs throughout 2024, but declining average order values make price adjustments challenging. Food and beverage — Profit margins continue to shrink as businesses struggle to pass on cost increases to consumers. Machinery and automotive parts — Massive inventory purchases in Q4 2024, effectively buying their 2025 stock in advance to avoid tariff impacts. Electronics and appliances — The only industry that successfully increased profit margins by passing costs to customers. Understanding these trends can help businesses benchmark their approach and develop strategies tailored to their industry’s specific challenges. Your guide to managing tariffs Shifting tariffs create uncertainty and disrupt planning, pricing, and supply chains for SMBs. This practical guide explains how tariffs work, their ripple effects, and what businesses can do to stay competitive. Get the ebook 5 ways how SMBs can navigate tariff challenges Successfully navigating tariffs requires a strategic approach. Businesses must assess risks, optimize supplier relationships, and refine pricing strategies to stay profitable. Below are key steps to help SMBs manage and mitigate...

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> Optimize your post-purchase operations to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and enhance customer retention. Learn five proven strategies here.

- Published: 2025-02-26
- Modified: 2025-02-26
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/post-purchase-operations/
- Categories: Business tips, Inventory management

Struggling with post-purchase inefficiencies that drive customers away? A seamless, automated post-sale experience — spanning shipping, tracking, returns, and real-time support — can transform retention and boost profitability. Discover how the right tools can turn operations into a growth engine. Ever wondered why some great products struggle to sell while competitors with inferior offerings seem to thrive? It’s not always about the product — it’s the shopping experience that makes the difference. A frustrating checkout, slow delivery, or complicated return process can erode trust and drive customers straight to the competition. Even after a purchase, your job isn’t done. Buyer’s remorse is real, and the moments after checkout are critical. A smooth, reassuring post-purchase experience not only prevents regret but also builds the confidence needed for repeat purchases. In fact, 70% of manufacturers say that optimizing post-purchase operations improves customer satisfaction and increases retention. It’s not just about what you sell — it’s about how you manage everything that happens after checkout. Let’s explore how automation can turn post-purchase operations into a competitive advantage. Why post-sale operations are critical for brands selling directly When you control the entire supply chain, every post-purchase interaction reflects directly on your brand. A delayed shipment or a complicated return doesn’t just affect one sale — it erodes trust, reduces retention, and eats into your bottom line. But the impact goes beyond lost revenue. Inefficient post-sale operations create hidden costs that silently drain profits: Return handling expenses — Complex return processes lead to higher labor costs, restocking fees, and product depreciation. Customer support overload — More "Where is my order? " inquiries mean longer resolution times and bigger support teams. Last-minute shipping fixes — Failed deliveries often result in costly express shipping to correct mistakes. Inventory inefficiencies — Poor tracking causes stock discrepancies, leading to overstocking, stockouts, and rushed replenishments. Lost marketing spend — Acquiring customers is expensive. If post-purchase friction drives them away, that investment goes to waste. The business case for better post-purchase operations Imagine your average customer spends $100 per order and buys from you twice a year. With a 60% retention rate, each customer generates $200 annually. If improving post-sale operations increases retention to 75%, that’s an extra $50 per customer per year. For a brand with 10,000 customers, that’s an additional $500,000 in annual revenue — purely from optimizing post-purchase processes. So, how do you unlock this potential? 5 ways to improve your post-purchase operations A great post-purchase experience doesn’t happen by accident — it’s built through smart systems, automation, and customer-focused strategies. By streamlining operations after checkout, brands can reduce inefficiencies, cut costs, and, most importantly, keep customers coming back. Here are five key ways to optimize your post-purchase operations and turn every sale into a long-term relationship. 1. Choose a powerful, fully integrated software for post-purchase operations Handling post-purchase operations effectively requires more than just a basic system — it demands robust, well-integrated software that seamlessly connects with your inventory and production management. Without this level of integration,...

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> Explore how tariffs and supply chain changes impact manufacturers in 2025, plus strategies to protect margins with tools like Katana.

- Published: 2025-02-14
- Modified: 2025-03-31
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/tariffs-impact-on-manufacturers/
- Categories: Accounting, Business tips

In 2025, new tariffs and supply chain shifts are forcing manufacturers to rethink costs, pricing, and sourcing. Some sectors adapted well, while others face tighter margins and tough decisions. The manufacturing industry closed out 2024 under considerable pressure, hit by mounting trade barriers and evolving supply chain disruptions. Now, as 2025 gains momentum, it’s clear that manufacturers must stay sharp, responding to these changes while balancing rising costs and operational challenges. New tariffs leave manufacturers scrambling Early 2025 brought a fresh wave of tariffs that left manufacturers juggling higher expenses almost overnight. The US government imposed a hefty 25% duty on imports from Mexico and Canada — except for Canadian oil, which was hit with a smaller 10% levy — and tacked on another 10% tariff for goods coming from China. The tariffs on Mexican and Canadian imports have been delayed until March 4, 2025, providing a brief window for manufacturers to adjust their strategies. These moves aimed to address trade imbalances, but they had a more immediate effect: bumping up costs on raw materials and components for U. S. manufacturers. Sectors like automotive manufacturing, where parts cross borders multiple times, felt the squeeze the hardest. The price per vehicle could climb by as much as $6,250 due to these tariffs. At Katana, we cater to small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) that often depend on overseas suppliers. Many also sell their products internationally, so these tariff shifts can hit their bottom line hard. With over $2. 5 billion in annual sales volume running through Katana’s platform, we get a front-row seat to what SMBs are thinking, adjusting, and planning to stay afloat during unpredictable times. How different industries are weathering the storm Different industries are feeling the effects of tariffs and shifting supply chains in unique ways. While some have managed to adapt and even thrive, others are struggling with tighter margins, stockouts, and changing consumer behavior. Here’s a closer look at how key sectors are responding. Your guide to managing tariffs Shifting tariffs create uncertainty and disrupt planning, pricing, and supply chains for SMBs. This practical guide explains how tariffs work, their ripple effects, and what businesses can do to stay competitive. Get the ebook Food and beverage Food and beverage producers spent much of 2024 dealing with higher costs of imported ingredients and packaging materials, forcing many to rethink their pricing. We saw price hikes across the board, but even that wasn’t enough to protect profit margins. Many brands leaned into tighter inventory management, which often backfired, leaving shelves bare due to understocking. In industries with slim profit margins, even a small overstock can spell trouble. Electronics and appliances In contrast, electronics and appliances thrived in 2024 despite the rising cost of imported components. Demand remained strong, and some computer manufacturers even saw their margins grow. Strategic cost management and steady consumer interest helped this sector emerge as one of the few bright spots. Luxury goods High-end categories like footwear and perfumes raised prices by up to 50%...

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> Tariffs can throw a wrench in your operations. Discover how Katana can help you protect your bottom line and stay agile in a rapidly changing economy.

- Published: 2025-02-07
- Modified: 2025-03-31
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/moving-average-cost-for-tariffs/
- Categories: Accounting, Business tips

Manufacturers can manage tariff-induced cost fluctuations by implementing moving average cost (MAC) systems. Katana's real-time inventory management integrates MAC, helping businesses maintain accurate profit margins and make informed pricing decisions. One of the most powerful tools available to manufacturers during this period of cost fluctuations is moving average cost (MAC) — a system that Katana seamlessly integrates into its real-time inventory and cost management. Why moving average cost is an advantage When it comes to managing the unpredictable nature of costs, moving average cost (MAC) serves as a trusty companion for businesses. By averaging out expenses over time, MAC provides a clearer picture of financial health, helping companies stay on course even when individual costs fluctuate. This method offers several perks that can make a significant difference in day-to-day operations: Blends cost fluctuations over time — As the older, tariff-free stock is utilized, newer inventory subject to tariffs is gradually factored into expense calculations. Ensures accurate profit margin tracking — Real-time manufacturing order costing enables businesses to keep an eye on profit margins as expenses change. Supports strategic pricing updates — Companies can proactively adjust pricing to prevent losses and maintain healthy profit margins. Your guide to managing tariffs Shifting tariffs create uncertainty and disrupt planning, pricing, and supply chains for SMBs. This practical guide explains how tariffs work, their ripple effects, and what businesses can do to stay competitive. Get the ebook How Katana helps you adapt to tariff-driven cost increases Facing the challenges posed by tariff-induced cost hikes can feel like navigating a maze. However, Katana offers a suite of features designed to guide businesses through these obstacles with greater ease. By leveraging these tools, companies can better manage the financial impact of tariffs and maintain operational efficiency: Estimating profitability in real-time Katana’s Item Cards allow you to manually increase material costs and simulate profit margins before placing new orders. Users can update purchase prices via import, ensuring that all goods procured outside the US reflect tariff-adjusted costs. Adjusting pricing to reflect new costs Use Katana’s Price Lists to ensure that customers receive updated pricing that reflects increased manufacturing costs. Businesses can assign different price groups for B2B customers, ensuring tailored pricing strategies to match cost structures. Avoid selling at a loss by automatically incorporating MAC-based cost changes into BOM pricing. Optimizing inventory and purchasing strategies Monitor inventory in real time to see how much tariff-free stock you have left before transitioning to higher-cost materials. Re-evaluate supplier strategies. If necessary, find alternative suppliers or adjust order volumes to reduce financial strain. Import cost-adjusted pricing for materials sourced from affected countries, ensuring all profitability insights remain accurate. Expanding sales channels to offset tariff impact With Katana’s unlimited sales channels, manufacturers can focus on stronger domestic sales and mitigate profit erosion due to tariffs. Adjust pricing across multiple platforms simultaneously, ensuring uniform price updates across different markets. Next steps: Take control of your tariff strategy with Katana To effectively manage tariff-related cost changes, consider the following actions: Update material costs...

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> Discover, access, and connect with best-in-breed software to create a powerful tech stack that drives efficiency and growth.

- Published: 2025-01-22
- Modified: 2025-02-03
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/integration-marketplace/
- Categories: Product updates

Discover, access, and connect with best-in-breed software to create a powerful tech stack that drives efficiency and growth. At Katana, we focus on what we do best — delivering powerful tools to optimize your manufacturing, inventory, and production workflows. But we also know that no single platform can do everything. That’s why today we’re so excited to introduce Katana’s Integration Marketplace, designed to empower your business with the best software for every task while keeping Katana as your central hub.   With multiple connections and third-party integrations, as well as an open API, Katana brings together industry-leading platforms to streamline operations, reduce manual work, and drive smarter decisions. Connectivity is the future — let us help you get there.   A home for all your favorite tools  The Integration Marketplace is a centralized hub that simplifies the discovery, access, and connection of third-party tools and platforms with Katana. With multiple existing integrations and a lineup of new additions, you can freely customize your tech stack to fit your unique business needs. You can find the Integration Marketplace directly in Katana’s redesigned navigation bar — no more digging through settings!   The Integration Marketplace is accessible to all Katana users, allowing everyone to explore the full range of integrations. However, only users with Admin → Manage Integrations permission can install integrations, ensuring secure and controlled access.   Discover the new native and third-party integrations The launch of the Integration Marketplace comes with an exciting update — the long-awaited native HubSpot integration, which bridges the gap between sales and production. What can you do with the native HubSpot integration? Automatically convert deals into Katana sales orders and keep your inventory data up to date in real time. Discover more here.   Besides HubSpot, we’re also introducing several new third-party integrations to expand your business possibilities:  Zoey TikTok Store Lightspeed Retail Square POS ShipBob ShipHero These integrations cover ecommerce, point-of-sale systems, and logistics, enabling you to connect with best-in-breed software and streamline workflows across every aspect of your business. The new navigation bar — redesigned for a better experience To support the launch of the Integration Marketplace, we redesigned Katana’s navigation bar for a cleaner, more user-friendly experience. We removed the Contacts screen and moved the two tables inside it (Customers and Suppliers) to other screens. You can now find Customers on the Sell screen, and Suppliers on the Buy screen. Additionally, we removed the Settings screen from the navigation bar and placed it in the dropdown menu under the username in the top right.   The Integration Marketplace is now live — dive in and discover new possibilities! Log in to Katana to see all the tools available to take your workflows to the next level. Not using Katana yet? Get a demo and unlock the power of seamless connectivity.  

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> With the newest improvements to multisite order fulfillment, scaling your business across multiple locations has never been easier.

- Published: 2025-01-15
- Modified: 2025-06-04
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/multilocation-operations/
- Categories: Product updates

With the newest improvements to multisite order fulfillment, scaling your business across multiple locations has never been easier. With enhanced multisite order fulfillment, you can keep inventory, orders, and production in sync across multiple locations with real-time insights into items in transit. Whether expanding to new warehouses and manufacturing sites or optimizing retail and online sales fulfillment, Katana’s multisite order fulfillment adapts to your growing needs.   Let’s dive into how it can improve your operations:  Speed up order fulfillment across multiple sites Handle multisite order fulfillment effortlessly by consistently delivering items from the best locations. This effectively helps you minimize stockouts while scaling your operations across sites. Fulfill Shopify orders smarter and faster In Katana, Shopify sales orders now display real-time inventory levels based on each location, allowing you to identify the best location for fulfilling orders. Through real-time stock availability, Katana simplifies the entire decision-making process across all of your sites. Real-time inventory tracking — including items in transit Gain complete visibility of inventory movements between locations — whether the stock is on the shelf, being moved between warehouses, or heading to a retail store or fulfillment center. Using Katana, dispatchers can plan transfers more effectively, ensuring goods are shipped on time while receivers prepare for incoming stock, knowing exactly when and where it will arrive. Control access with location-access permissions Manage inventory adjustments by assigning location-access permissions on an individual level. This helps to prevent unauthorized changes and access to sensitive information at any location. Easily manage backorders Handle per-item back ordering on sales orders, where it's easy to create purchase orders or outsource items.   Who benefits from this update?   Only those on a Standard or higher plan can create multiple locations and thus be able to use the new functionality.   Standard plans support up to three locations, so if you need more advanced features and/or more locations, we suggest moving to the Professional plan. Not using Katana yet? Book a demo today and experience how multisite order fulfillment can simplify your operations and help you scale.  

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> Compare features between NetSuite CRM and HubSpot, including pricing, and AI tools to choose the best CRM for your manufacturing business.

- Published: 2025-01-09
- Modified: 2025-02-07
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/netsuite-vs-hubspot/
- Categories: Inventory management, Manufacturing

Choosing the right CRM can make or break your business strategy. This blog compares NetSuite CRM and HubSpot, highlighting their strengths to help you find the best fit for your needs. In the digital age, selecting the perfect customer relationship management (CRM) system is pivotal for business success. When choosing a CRM for a manufacturing business, two popular options stand out: NetSuite CRM and HubSpot. Both cater to different needs, offering unique features, pricing structures, and benefits. This guide compares these platforms to help you make an informed decision.   What's the main difference between HubSpot and NetSuite CRM? NetSuite CRM and HubSpot both provide robust CRM capabilities but differ in focus and functionality.   HubSpot specializes in marketing, sales, and customer service. It’s ideal for businesses aiming to improve customer acquisition and engagement. It also offers great features for managing leads and marketing automation. NetSuite CRM is part of Oracles ERP system. This means it integrates seamlessly with other Oracle business tools, offering a holistic view of business operations. It's better suited for larger enterprises that require the integration of business management, CRM, analytics, and more. If you’re deciding between these platforms, consider HubSpot as a focused CRM tool, while NetSuite serves as an all-in-one ERP solution. HubSpot: A comprehensive CRM for marketing-focused teams HubSpot stands out as a powerful ally for SMBs looking to streamline marketing and sales efforts. Its user-friendly design and robust features ensure teams can focus on building relationships and driving growth, rather than navigating complex systems. Let's take a closer look at its key capabilities.   Key features of HubSpot CRM  HubSpot excels in marketing automation and customer relationship management, making it a top choice for small to mid-sized businesses (SMBs):  Marketing automation — Tools to create campaigns, automate emails, and track customer journeys Lead nurturing — Advanced segmentation and workflows to guide leads through the sales funnel Integrations — Access to over 1,000 apps, including Slack, Zoom, and Shopify Ease of use — Intuitive design with a minimal learning curve AI tools — Predictive lead scoring, content suggestions, and workflow optimization  Pricing for HubSpot CRM  HubSpot offers a free CRM plan for small businesses, with premium tiers starting at $15/month per user. Costs increase with additional features and users. Transparent pricing is available on their website.   AI-powered advantages  HubSpot’s AI tools streamline marketing and sales efforts:  Content optimization for emails, blogs, and social media Chatbots to handle customer inquiries and capture leads Predictive lead scoring to prioritize sales efforts Workflow optimization to enhance team efficiency NetSuite CRM: The ERP-integrated powerhouse NetSuite CRM combines the capabilities of customer relationship management with the operational power of ERP. This integration empowers businesses to streamline processes, gain deeper customer insights, and scale efficiently while leveraging advanced tools like AI-driven analytics. Key features of NetSuite CRM NetSuite CRM integrates with its ERP, making it a robust solution for businesses requiring complex operational management: ERP integration — Seamless connection between sales, inventory, and financial data Sales forecasting —...

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> Discover the key differences between Odoo and HubSpot. Compare features, pricing, and integrations to choose the best solution for your business.

- Published: 2025-01-09
- Modified: 2025-01-09
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/hubspot-vs-odoo/
- Categories: Inventory management, Manufacturing

Choosing the right CRM is critical for your business strategy. This blog explores Odoo and HubSpot, showcasing their strengths to help you determine the best fit. Odoo and HubSpot are two popular solutions for customer management, but they cater to different needs and audiences. HubSpot is primarily a CRM platform specializing in marketing, sales, and customer service, but it lacks inventory and production management. Odoo, on the other hand, is an ERP platform with integrated CRM, offering a comprehensive suite of tools for manufacturers, including inventory and accounting. Choosing the right platform to manage customer relationships and marketing for your manufacturing business is crucial. This article compares the features, pricing, and use cases of Odoo vs HubSpot to help you make an informed decision. Overview of Odoo vs HubSpot Odoo and HubSpot share many similarities but differ in their core focus. Odoo is a comprehensive business management platform with integrated CRM (customer relationship management), ERP (enterprise resource planning), and other business modules, such as inventory, accounting, and HR.   HubSpot is primarily a CRM and marketing automation platform designed to improve customer engagement, sales, and service. While both offer CRM functionalities that can be useful for manufacturing businesses, Odoo focuses on providing a full suite of ERP tools, whereas HubSpot specializes in marketing and sales enablement. Understanding HubSpot's core features HubSpot is a CRM platform that integrates marketing, sales, customer service, and content management tools. It's designed for businesses looking to enhance customer interactions and streamline sales processes. HubSpot is ideal for: Small to mid-sized businesses (SMBs) — Ideal for companies focusing on inbound marketing and lead generation Marketing agencies — A go-to tool for agencies managing campaigns for multiple clients Customer-focused teams — Great for businesses emphasizing customer service and satisfaction Key features of HubSpot CRM — Free CRM with deal tracking, contact management, and sales pipeline visualization Marketing automation — Tools for email campaigns, lead nurturing, and content management  Sales tools — Includes quotes, forecasting, and call tracking. Customer service — Ticketing systems, customer feedback, and knowledge bases Integrations — Over 1,000 third-party integrations, including Slack, Zoom, and Shopify Analytics — Comprehensive reporting on marketing campaigns and sales performance Mobile app — Access HubSpot's CRM on the go with its user-friendly mobile application  HubSpot also leverages AI to boost productivity in your manufacturing business and customer engagement: Predictive lead scoring — AI evaluates historical data to prioritize leads most likely to convert Content optimization — Automatically generate email, blog, and social media content recommendations Workflow suggestions — AI identifies inefficiencies and offers optimization tips for better automation Sales insights — AI-driven forecasts provide better visibility into future sales trends, enabling proactive decision-making Chatbots — AI-powered bots streamline customer support by answering FAQs, capturing leads, and routing queries efficiently While HubSpot is a powerful CRM, its strengths lie in customer relationship management rather than operations or production management. It needs to be integrated with ERP systems like Katana to manage inventory and production.   Understanding Odoo's core features Odoo...

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> Discover how to leverage HubSpot for lead generation, streamline workflows, and integrate with tools like Katana for seamless processes.

- Published: 2025-01-09
- Modified: 2025-01-09
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/hubspot-for-manufacturing/
- Categories: Manufacturing

HubSpot CRM empowers manufacturers to overcome industry challenges by streamlining lead generation, centralizing customer data, automating workflows, and enhancing marketing efforts. As the manufacturing industry embraces a digital revolution in customer management, HubSpot is at the forefront, offering tools to enhance lead generation, sales, and workflow optimization. This guide explores how manufacturers can leverage HubSpot’s CRM capabilities, integrate it with cloud inventory platforms like Katana, and unlock new growth opportunities. 5 ways HubSpot CRM supports manufacturing Manufacturing businesses face unique challenges, such as complex buyer journeys, extended sales cycles, and diverse customer needs. HubSpot’s intuitive AI-powered CRM simplifies these complexities through tools like lead scoring, contact management, and sales pipeline visualization. It ensures a seamless experience throughout the buyer journey, from lead generation to post-sale support.   1. Lead generation with HubSpot HubSpot offers robust lead-generation tools tailored for manufacturing:  Trade show lead management — Capture leads using forms or QR codes and assign them to sales reps for timely follow-ups Custom quote generation — Automate detailed quotes and proposals based on customer inquiries and historical data Predictive lead scoring — Prioritize high-potential leads using AI-driven analysis of customer behavior HubSpot also minimizes manual tracking errors by automating follow-ups and leveraging historical data to predict sales trends. Chatbots and forms streamline the process of gathering prospect information, easily turning visitors into leads. 2. Centralizing customer data HubSpot’s CRM enables manufacturers to:  Track interactions with prospects and customers Store comprehensive records of quotes, orders, and communications Provide a 360-degree view of the customer journey Centralized data fosters seamless communication and collaboration across sales, marketing, and customer service teams, reducing miscommunication and enhancing efficiency.   3. Enhancing customer support HubSpot’s AI-powered chatbots ensure 24/7 customer support by:  Answering common questions Capturing leads Routing inquiries to appropriate teams This improves customer engagement and enables quick and efficient communication with your manufacturing business.   4. Marketing with HubSpot HubSpot’s marketing tools empower manufacturers to:  Send targeted campaigns — Personalize emails to showcase new products, case studies, or insights Segment audiences — Focus on specific customer groups by industry, geography, or buying behavior Analyze performance — Measure the success of trade shows, ad campaigns, and email marketing Generate content — Use AI to suggest personalized content for emails and blogs, boosting customer engagement HubSpot’s multichannel approach — including email, SMS, LinkedIn, and WhatsApp — aligns marketing efforts with sales goals for impactful campaigns.   5. Automating Workflows HubSpot simplifies manufacturing workflows through automation, such as:  Sales-to-production handoff — Notify production teams when deals are closed Inventory alerts — Trigger notifications when inventory levels fall below thresholds Customer follow-ups — Send automated emails for feedback or support Lead nurturing — Create email sequences for interested but undecided leads Sales forecasting — Use AI to predict trends and allocate resources effectively These automations free up time for strategic activities, improve efficiency, and identify workflow bottlenecks for optimization.   Does HubSpot include inventory management? While HubSpot excels in customer management, it doesn’t offer native inventory management capabilities. However,...

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> AI in finance helps to improve accuracy with smarter data handling, real-time error-catching, and improved forecasting. Learn more here.

- Published: 2024-12-03
- Modified: 2025-01-14
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/ai-financial-accuracy/
- Categories: Accounting, Business tips

The widespread use of AI has changed many industries. One specific role where it's incredibly helpful is data handling. Since there are huge swathes of data in finance, AI can deliver a big impact if utilized correctly. In a world where a single misplaced decimal can cost millions or trigger regulatory red flags, getting the numbers right is no longer optional. Businesses now operate in environments where errors aren't just costly — they’re reputational risks. And while traditional methods have served us well, they’re struggling to keep pace with today’s demands. AI is stepping into this chaos, not as a magic wand but as a system that makes financial accuracy something you can depend on. Let’s explore how. Smarter data handling According to The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, data scientists can spend an astonishing 50 - 80%¹ of their time wrangling data — collecting, sorting, and fixing errors. That’s not just work — that’s tedium and a massive drain on productivity. Instead of playing cleanup with messy spreadsheets, AI automates the nitty-gritty tasks that bog down finance teams. From syncing data across multiple sources to spotting duplicates, AI ensures that the numbers are reliable all the way through. Its ability to cleanse and validate data in real time eliminates manual errors and provides teams with a trustworthy foundation. Cleaner inputs mean fewer cascading errors down the line, translating to more accurate insights, quicker reporting, and the freedom to focus on driving business growth. Did you know? Employees using AI save an average of 1. 5 hours per day² or about 390 hours per year. Error-catching in real time Say you’re wrapping up a critical financial report, only to discover a glaring mistake at the eleventh hour. Cue the late-night scramble, the missed dinner with your spouse, and the attempt to survive the next day with only three hours of sleep. AI stops these nightmare scenarios before they start. Its real-time monitoring tools catch mistakes on the spot — whether it’s an outlier in expense reports or an unusually high transaction in payroll. If someone accidentally logs a $75,000 expense as $750,000, AI flags it immediately, comparing it to historical norms. No spreadsheets, no manual digging, no chaos. Spotting errors and fixing them as they happen ensures that small mistakes don’t snowball into bigger issues. It also greatly reduces surprises when audit season rolls around, and keeps one's spouse happy. Staying ahead without the headache Regulatory updates don’t come with a friendly heads-up email. They arrive quietly, and before you know it, your reports are outdated or worse — noncompliant. Instead of relying on human vigilance, AI tracks these changes for you. It cross-checks your workflows, adjusts processes where needed, and keeps your financial systems compliant without demanding your team’s constant attention. Regulatory updates don’t come with a friendly heads-up email. They slip in quietly, and before you know it, your reports are outdated — or worse, noncompliant. Ignoring these changes isn’t an option. The cost of...

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> Better BOM management means improved work processes all around. Our guide has all the info you need to get to grips with it.

- Published: 2024-11-26
- Modified: 2024-11-27
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/bom-management/
- Categories: Business tips, Inventory management

A suave, handsome, besuited man casually walks into a factory one morning. Heads turn, women swoon, and the room falls silent. He introduces himself as ‘BOM. James BOM. ’ Now, if every workday included Daniel Craig walking in and offering his top-class services, that would be a win-win. We can’t promise that 007 will turn up at your place of work to assist with making your production line run smoothly. However, we can offer some hints and tips to help make BOM management a sinch. Don’t be shaken, or stirred — we’re here to help.   What is a BOM (in short)? Put simply, a bill of materials (BOM) is a detailed checklist that outlines all the materials, items, and steps needed to produce a product.   When used properly, it should ensure that the production line runs smoothly from start to finish. All the components will be in the right place at the right time. Any unexpected faults or changes will be logged accurately. The finished product will be completed on schedule — and everyone involved will be happy with the process.   Manufacturing processes rely on BOM management solutions to make sure that the ‘recipe’ for their product stays on track. BOMs allow companies to better manage production, and keep everything well managed and sustainable. Thus, deadlines are met, and customers are happy.   Whether it's for inventory management, checking the lifecycle of a product, or inspecting quality control standards, BOM management is the key to successful manufacturing processes.   What is BOM management? When we talk about BOM management, what do we mean? It refers to the people and processes that manage a business' bills of materials.   Effective BOM management includes all the right strategies to collaborate on BOMs.   Businesses can communicate with all the parties involved in the manufacturing processes — from buyers to workers. It also means there’s instant access to all the systems used to streamline production, from assembly lines to sales. Well-managed BOMs ensure all staff at every level know what’s needed to build the product and to bring it to market. Whether it’s a car part or a smartphone, production will be slick, and the finished item will be accurate and ready to sell.   Setting out a detailed bill of materials for all products will help manufacturers cut down on waste, maintain effective production lines, and ensure that all the required parts and materials are always in stock. Collaboration in person and through the medium of well-managed databases is key. To do all this and more, superior BOM software is required alongside human ingenuity. Free Excel BOM template If a simple BOM Excel template is all you need, you can download one for free by clicking the download button. Download Benefits of effective BOM management Well-resourced and managed BOMs offer many benefits to the overall production process. Grab a Martini, and we’ll take you through them now: Enhanced planning and production — Well-managed BOMs offer clear, accurate breakdowns of...

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> BOM is an integral part of MRP, and both work together for your manufacturing business to achieve sustainable success.

- Published: 2024-11-21
- Modified: 2024-11-15
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/bom-in-material-requirements-planning-mrp/
- Categories: Inventory management, Manufacturing

Manufacturing is in itself an intricate dance of multiple parts that keep each other in motion. Bill of materials (BOM) and material requirements planning are just two of the essential elements that work together to support other systems forward. If you think about it like throwing a party, you can easily draw parallels between the organizing principles that make both happen. You need to know what each person requires, where best to source it, and in what order everything needs to be served (BOM). Based on that information, you can calculate the total amount of what is needed for the event, how much goes straight out vs how much is in storage until later. What is a bill of materials? One of the most important tools for any manufacturing business, the BOM is a highly strategic instrument that is well worth mastering. From bowling pins to laptops and beyond, pretty much everything we manufacture has a bill of materials “attached. ” This documentation specifies every component that goes into a product, as well as how many of each element or what volume or weight.   What’s more, the same blueprint specifies the order and the way in which they all come together to form the finished product. See our deep dive into bill of materials if you want a detailed take on how to create one, what different types of BOM there are, the many purposes it can serve, and more. What is material requirements planning? Material requirements planning, or MRP for short, refers to a system for production planning and inventory control that enables you to determine the number of purchases required to meet production needs, as well as the optimal timing for these purchases to be made. It’s important to note that it should not be confused with manufacturing resource planning, which is generally abbreviated as MRP (II) or referred to as enterprise resource planning (ERP).   MRP I vs MRP II For clarity, material requirements planning is the MRP I, and it is a tool used to calculate material costs, material availability, expected demand, forecasted demand, staffing ability, and machinery capacity. MRP II, meanwhile, is an improved version of that system that builds on the initial set of features and expands functionality. A manufacturing resource planning system also enables advanced demand forecasting, machinery capacity scheduling, quality assurance, and general accounting. Take the time to find out more about the complexities of both in our detailed MRP system guide.   The benefits of BOM in MRP I Bill of materials and material requirements planning are quite closely interconnected — the first clue is that materials are a key element even in their names. Let’s delve into why they are essential to each other and the ways in which their connection can support the success of your business. We understand that the bill of materials provides, in great detail, a list of all the components, assemblies, and subassemblies that are required to manufacture a given product.   MRP uses...

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> How can a BOM assist with procurement processes and make manufacturing products simpler? We’ve got the know-how in our deep dive.

- Published: 2024-11-19
- Modified: 2024-11-12
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/bom-procurement/
- Categories: Business tips, Inventory management

We wanted to start this article with a joke about procurement, but we didn’t think you’d buy it. So, instead, we’ll dive straight in with this — what’s the easiest way to find your missing manufacturing inventory? Place a new procurement order. OK, there’s a reason for the dad jokes. BOM procurement processes can be tricky things to get right. If only there was a way to make them simpler. Well, guess what, there is. Sit back and relax — this article has got you covered. What is a BOM? Let’s start with the basics, and define what a BOM is. A bill of materials (BOM) is a comprehensive list of all parts, components, and materials that are needed to create a product from scratch.   A BOM plays an essential role in ensuring that all the materials are ordered, delivered, and used at the right time and for the right price.   Now, that’s the definition out of the way — we’ll see how this can assist with the process of procurement.   What’s the role of a BOM in the procurement process? BOMs play an essential role in the process of procurement. They offer accurate and detailed information about all the following factors: Components and materials needed to manufacture a product BOM cost reduction Planning budgets Ensuring that all materials are delivered on time  When it comes to the final production planning and scheduling for manufacturing and the packaging and delivery of a finished item, BOM procurement will help manufacturers comply with all the right regulations. The BOM is an essential tool for manufacturers. Therefore it must be carefully implemented and managed to make sure all the procurement processes run smoothly. Benefits of a BOM for procurement  There are various benefits to be unlocked when developing a BOM for procurement. For one thing, they offer detailed info about all the components required to manufacture the product. This means that buying teams can efficiently plan and execute purchasing strategies. So, let’s look at this a bit more closely. One of the first ways a BOM helps with procurement is by ensuring accurate BOM inventory management. When a manufacturing team has a proper guide to all the components it needs, a procurement team can simply work out what needs to be ordered and when. Long-term, this stops overbuying — or underbuying — and it means that stock levels can be consistently maintained throughout the process. BOMs ensure better cost control during the procurement process. Buyers will know what parts are needed for each product. They can then go on to negotiate better prices with suppliers and acquire volume discounts for buying in bulk.   Procurement BOMs used effectively mean there’s better communication and collaboration with suppliers and buyers. If both groups have the same access to the right, detailed information, it makes it easier to work out product specifications and make the correct decisions as a group.   There’s also the aspect of quality control to be considered. BOMs will...

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> Learn all there is to know about material management, and how it differs from operations or production management, on the Katana blog.

- Published: 2024-11-12
- Modified: 2024-11-12
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/material-management/
- Categories: Business tips

Learn all there is to know about material management and how it differs from operations or production management. We’ve already tackled the subjects of production management, as well as operations management, so now it’s time to also take a look at material management, and what it’s all about. Think of it as the third piece of the puzzle we’re trying to put together here for you, to give you a better picture of how these processes intertwine and how they keep your operations moving forward.   What is material management? Material management in manufacturing refers to the planning, organizing, and control of the flow of materials and inventory throughout the production process. It encompasses a wide range of activities aimed at ensuring that the right materials are available at the right time, in the right quantity, and at the right cost.   Below are some of the key components of material management for the manufacturing industry.   Procurement — Sourcing and purchasing raw materials and components needed for production Inventory management — Monitoring and controlling stock levels to minimize costs while ensuring that materials are available when needed Inventory storage — Managing the storage of materials to optimize space and maintain material quality Transportation — Coordinating the movement of materials between suppliers, storage locations, and production areas Production planning — Aligning material availability with production schedules to meet demand Quality control — Ensuring that materials meet required specifications and standards before they enter the production process Supplier management — Building and maintaining relationships with suppliers to ensure reliable delivery and quality of materials What’s the difference between production management and material management? Without even going into details, you can sense the answer to this question here. Production management, as the name suggests, focuses on the entire production process, while material management focuses on the materials and resources needed within that production process. Basically, there’s no production and no final product without the required materials. Production management focuses on the overall manufacturing process, including planning, scheduling, and controlling production activities to maximize efficiency, minimize costs, and ensure product quality. It encompasses aspects like workflow management, capacity planning, and quality control. Material management deals specifically with the procurement, handling, storage, and distribution of materials used in production. Its primary goal is to ensure that the right materials are available at the right time and at the right price, thus supporting the production process.   While both functions are interconnected, production management is broader in scope, while material management is a critical subset focused on materials. The different types of material management While it might seem like a small piece of the production management puzzle, material management is a critical component of the supply chain. By failing to provide the necessary materials needed for the smooth flow of operations, the entire system can come to a halt, causing unwanted delays in your production process and leading to dissatisfied customers. Let’s take a look at the types of material management you should focus on,...

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> KAI, our brand-new AI-powered sales assistant, helps you by decreasing manual order entries and displaying essential sales metrics (currently in beta).

- Published: 2024-11-07
- Modified: 2024-11-07
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/ai-assistant/
- Categories: Product updates

KAI, our brand-new AI-powered sales assistant, helps you by decreasing manual order entries and displaying essential sales metrics (currently in beta). In business, efficiency is often everything. Manual tasks can eat into time better spent building customer relationships and driving growth. That’s where KAI — your AI-powered sales assistant — comes in. Designed to automate order processing, deliver real-time sales insights, and enhance productivity, KAI transforms how you manage sales and inventory. KAI is currently available in an early beta version. How can KAI assist you? Automates sales order entries  With KAI, you can automate order entry to save you time and reduce errors. Simply copy-paste sales order details from an email or a message into KAI, and it automatically extracts the information and creates a quote. Afterward, you can review accuracy, make adjustments, and convert it to a sales order when you’re ready.   Provides daily sales insights KAI provides real-time sales metrics, giving you a clear overview of daily sales, delays, throughput rates, top-performing products and high-value customers – all in a widget placed on the top of the Sales screen. Interact with the widget by clicking on it and opening KAI in a side panel. Here you can choose premade options to generate graphs or request custom insights. Generates custom charts  Whether you’re looking to monitor long-term sales trends, assess customer buying patterns, or dive into product performance, KAI’s charting capabilities let you create tailored visualizations. To turn raw data into actionable insights, just ask KAI to generate a chart that fits your needs.   If you want to get back the time spent on data entry, enhance sales insights, or optimize inventory management, KAI is here to help. By automating routine tasks and delivering crucial metrics, KAI empowers your team to focus on what really matters — driving growth, engaging customers, and making strategic decisions.   Try it out now KAI is designed to enhance productivity by automating tasks and delivering valuable insights. However, as with any AI-powered tool, its results may vary and won't always achieve 100% accuracy. We recommend reviewing AI-generated outputs to ensure they meet your specific needs and standards.  

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> AI in accounting automates tasks, boosts efficiency, and supports strategic insights. Keep reading to learn about the benefits it brings.

- Published: 2024-10-30
- Modified: 2024-12-04
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/ai-in-accounting/
- Categories: Business tips, Inventory management

AI in accounting automates routine tasks, boosts efficiency, and enables accountants to focus on strategic insights, supporting better decision-making and compliance. Chances are that if you’ve been on the internet or skimmed through more archaic forms of media like newspapers within the last year, you’ve come across articles about artificial intelligence (AI). Perhaps you read how AI steals jobs, how it creates beautiful poetry, or, in the case of Google’s Gemini, how it recommends including at least one small rock a day in a healthy diet. The reality is that AI is here to stay. We have to admit that its rapid spread often seems driven more by a fear of missing the hype train than by a genuine desire to improve existing systems. However, there are still many applications providing real-world value. Today, we’ll look into one of such areas — accounting. So, let’s move along and see the benefits AI can provide accountants today. Automation of routine tasks One of the most significant impacts of AI in accounting is the automation of tedious, time-consuming tasks. Bookkeeping, data entry, and transaction categorization are essential functions but often eat up a large portion of an accountant’s day. Below you'll find examples of how AI can help accountants by taking care of such tasks. Streamlining bookkeeping AI-powered software can now handle much of the grunt work involved in bookkeeping. This shift reduces errors, speeds up workflows, and frees accountants to focus on higher-value work. Some examples include: Automatic data entry — Tools equipped with AI can extract data from receipts, invoices, and financial documents, adding it directly into accounting software. Transaction categorization — Machine learning (ML) algorithms learn from past data to accurately categorize new transactions, which greatly reduces errors and speeds up the process. Receipt and bill capture — Converting unstructured data from receipts, bills, and similar documents, interpreting the information, and analyzing money inflows and outflows. For example, QuickBooks Online does just that. It uses AI to automate transaction matching and categorization and captures data from receipts and bills. It also learns from the users’ actions, improving over time and reducing the need for manual corrections. Freeing up time for more valuable work AI frees up accountants to tackle more strategic tasks, like financial analysis and advisory services, by automating routine work. This shift lets accountants focus on areas where they can create a bigger impact. Financial analysis — With more time on their hands, accountants can dive deeper into financial data to provide insights that can drive business growth. Advisory services — Accountants can offer more value to clients or their organizations by advising on tax planning, investment strategies, and financial forecasting. Integrating AI into existing accounting processes helps companies enhance efficiency without overhauling their entire system. It's worth noting that the integration of AI into routine accounting tasks is not about replacing accountants but empowering them. Spending less time on mundane tasks lets accountants focus on complex problem-solving and provide greater value for their company and clients....

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> Warehouse operators can now use the app to receive goods, scan items, and print essential documents on-the-go.

- Published: 2024-10-29
- Modified: 2024-10-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/warehouse-receiving-mobile-scanning-and-printing/
- Categories: Product updates

Warehouse operators can now use the app to receive goods, scan items, and print essential documents on-the-go. Are you ready for some crucial additions to our Warehouse app in the way of receiving, mobile scanning and printing? A set of features which allows your team to handle warehouse operations with greater ease. Let’s explore exactly how these features can simplify your warehouse day-to-day tasks Receive goods on the go  Conveniently manage purchase orders and ensure real-time inventory updates as soon as goods arrive. Paired with barcode scanning, you can easily identify and verify goods and their quantities, guaranteeing that what you ordered is what you received. Easily scan with a mobile device  Quickly identify items by scanning barcodes with your mobile camera, removing the need for additional scanning hardware and delivering a budget-friendly solution to inventory control. Print documents right from the app  Keep paperwork ready when and where you need it by generating PDFs, such as packing lists and barcode labels, directly from the Warehouse app. This helps to reduce downtime between tasks and ensures that your warehouse managers can keep up with demand without delays. This update is associated with the Warehouse add-on. Not using the add-on yet? Here’s how to get started  First make sure you have the Warehouse app enabled by switching the toggle on from Settings Add Warehouse operators from your Team settings and invite them to use the app That’s it! Now you can send sales orders for picking and packing right to the Warehouse app Find a detailed guide to enabling the app and adding operators from our Knowledge Base.   Happy warehousing!  

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> What is API in inventory management, what can it do for your business, and how does it work? Find out on the Katana blog.

- Published: 2024-10-29
- Modified: 2024-11-14
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/inventory-management-api/
- Categories: Business tips, Inventory management

Understand what an API is, why it is important, what benefits it brings, and how it powers a variety of operations and features that can empower and support your business to level up.   API has been an integral part of our daily lives in countless ways, powering everything from how we get weather reports to how we shop online, book trips, get directions through our map apps, and so much more. APIs are essential tools that enable software to communicate effortlessly across the globe, driving business and innovation in today’s digital economy. Enterprise software, manufacturing, inventory management, and ecommerce are no different — they all work together much better when connected through powerful tools such as API.   What is an API? API, or application programming interface, is a set of rules that allows one software program to communicate with another. It acts like a messenger that takes requests, tells a system what you want to do, and then returns the response. APIs let different systems work together, like how apps on your phone interact with web services to fetch data. APIs are what make integrations possible, which, as we know, saves a lot of headaches in the kind of complex interconnected operations we run today. What are the benefits of using an API? APIs are essential to the way we do business today, the platforms we use, and how they compete for our everyday convenience. There are many benefits, both for software developers and businesses that use that software extensively. Let’s go over a few of the main benefits of each. 3 key API benefits for developers Innovation — This bridge-building technology allows developers to create new connections and develop new applications that better answer the needs of evolving businesses. Adaptability — As an API uses standardized protocols, it can be adapted and reused relatively easily to build new applications, which can add up to significant savings in time and effort. Simplified development — An API can take dealing with complex underlying systems off your plate, which also translates to more efficient use of time and other resources. 3 key API benefits for businesses Efficiency — APIs make it possible to automate several tasks and processes, which helps streamline workflows and increase efficiency and productivity. Seamless integrations — Build your business across multiple channels and easily gather data from all the moving parts of your business, to support your decision-making process with data-driven analysis and insights. Elevates customer experience — With the use of API, you can offer customers a personalized experience, provide accurate and up-to-date information on inventory levels, and build a reliable reputation. Katana API Katana Cloud Inventory Platform offers prebuilt integrations as well as an open API, enabling you to create your own custom workflows. Get a demo What is an API for inventory management? API for inventory management enables your business to connect inventory software to other applications. Examples include ecommerce platforms, point-of-sale systems, and supply chain management software. Leveraging inventory management APIs can...

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> Smooth manufacturing processes and quality products rely on effective BOM cost analysis. Here’s a deep dive on how to calculate BOM properly.

- Published: 2024-10-22
- Modified: 2024-10-21
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/how-to-calculate-bom/
- Categories: Business tips, Inventory management

Smooth manufacturing processes and quality products rely on effective BOM cost analysis. Here’s a deep dive on how to calculate BOMs properly.   They always say, “Rome wasn’t built in a day. ” Want to know the reason why? It’s because Romulus and Remus didn’t argue. Instead, they locked themselves away and figured out how to properly calculate their bill of materials (BOM) to build a branch of Starbucks near the Colosseum.   Friends, Romans, and Countrymen — order a Grande Latte with optional biscotti and settle down. We’ll explain how to figure out a BOM cost analysis and why it’s a non-negotiable stage in the manufacturing process.   The importance of BOM cost analysis  Manufacturing businesses must find innovative ways of optimizing production processes and reducing costs. All this has got to be done without any loss of quality. One of the key ways of achieving this is by looking at the bill of materials and analyzing its costs. Wait. Before you dust off your abacus in a panic — it isn’t simply a case of looking at the figures. It’s also about examining the key insights that help drive manufacturing success. Later on, we’ll examine these. First, we’ll take a look at some of the challenges BOM management creates. Challenges of traditional (manual) BOM management When we consider the challenges of managing BOMs — especially in their traditional form, it raises a few issues. The first is that it can be a time-consuming process. Manually entering and checking data can take up valuable manhours that are better used elsewhere. Secondly, a result of spending so much time on traditional BOM management is that the analysis can be error-prone.   Finally, the configurable BOM can sometimes lack real-time insight. This means it can be difficult to assess what is working and what isn’t. It then makes it tricky to instigate effective changes to manufacturing processes. The upshot of all this is that companies end up with: Inaccurate cost calculations Badly managed supply chains  Lack of proper inventory management Delays in delivering the finished product Not to be the bringer of even more bad tidings — please don’t spill your latte — but manual BOM management systems will struggle to keep up with certain industries. Especially those that move at a pace. Think about the IT industry, for instance, because pricing for components and the technologies themselves change so quickly.   This leads to a lack of agility, which ends up costing more money and causing production delays. A knock-on effect is that communications with suppliers, buyers, and other business stakeholders are affected, and information sharing slows down. This creates frustration for everyone.   OK, we’re done with the bad news now. Let’s look at ways to turn a situation like this around with consistent, effective BOM cost analysis strategies. Free bill of materials template Want to get started with your bill of materials calculations? Download this free template to get yourself on the right track. Download How to calculate...

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> With kits and bundles, you can gain full control over any bundled product operation.

- Published: 2024-10-16
- Modified: 2024-11-07
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/kits-and-bundles/
- Categories: Product updates

With kits and bundles, you can gain full control over any bundled product operation. We’re now happy to introduce Kits and Bundles, a toolset that provides you with full control over your bundled product operations. With Kits and Bundles, managing and selling bundled products is even easier thanks to automated workflows, potential stock calculations, and real-time inventory synchronization. It’s a complete solution for businesses that sell products in bundles that reduces manual effort and simplifies operations.   A breakdown of Kits and Bundles Accurate Inventory Tracking  The clear availability of individual components allows you to keep track of your bundle stock, so your Shopify store always displays the correct inventory levels. This helps you prevent overselling by ensuring you know exactly what’s available for selling.   Easy Production Management  Speed up order fulfillment using auto-generated manufacturing orders — if someone places an order that includes a bundle, a manufacturing order is automatically created, saving you time and making it easier to assemble and deliver products without delays. Seamless Stock Syncing  Keep stock levels in perfect sync between Shopify and Katana, ensuring that your online store is always up to date with real-time availability. Doing so improves the customers’ shopping experience and builds trust.   Simplified Order Fulfillment  Quickly prepare and ship orders through clear insights into what you need for each bundle. With everything clearly laid out, you can avoid running out of stock and ensure that orders are shipped on time, every time.   What can Kits and Bundles be used for?   A wide range of business scenarios fit the use of kits and bundles. Here are just a few examples of how this powerful toolset can enhance operations. Upsell and cross-sell complimentary products. When customers make a purchase, offer a related bundle to encourage them to buy more and increase your order’s average value. Offer value-packed bundles. Bundle products together and offer them at a lower price than if purchased separately to attract customers and increase sales volume. This is particularly effective during sales events or holiday seasons when customers are looking for deals.   Move slow-moving inventory. Bundle popular products with dead stock items to clear out less desirable stock while providing value to customers. This helps you maintain healthier inventory levels while avoiding deep discounting that can devalue products.   Kits and Bundles availability  Kits and Bundles are available for those on Standard and Professional plans. Not using Katana yet? Get a demo and start selling your products in bundles today!  

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> Learn how to create a BOM and learn all about the best BOM practices to streamline your manufacturing process.

- Published: 2024-10-10
- Modified: 2024-10-10
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/how-to-create-a-bom/
- Categories: Business tips, Inventory management

Gain a detailed understanding of how to create a bill of materials (BOM), why it is essential to your manufacturing process, and what best practices to follow. Can you imagine what it would be like to complete a puzzle with no instructions or a complete picture? That is kind of what it would be like to manufacture products without the blueprint — not impossible, but what a headache! With all the potential pitfalls and setbacks of a manufacturing process, you need to be up to speed with and well-versed in any essential tools and best practices that can help your business navigate to sustained success.   The bill of materials is the blueprint to get you there, but it comes with complexities and challenges of its own. Let’s break down what it is, why it is important, as well as what best practices to follow when creating one.   What is a BOM? Think of a bill of materials as you would of a blueprint — specifically, a blueprint for production. It is an essential instrument that captures information about the quantity, type, and specifications of an item. For any particular product, a BOM lists all of the components, assemblies, and sub-assemblies that go into the manufacturing of that product.   Why is it important to create a BOM? The bill of materials is a document of extensive importance. It serves in many aspects of your process, including the following: Inventory management — Make sure that you have sufficient stock of components available Costs — You can have a pretty good estimate of the total cost of the product Purchasing — Creating a BOM gives you a good guide for the procurement of necessary materials Manufacturing — A BOM can also serve as an instrument of instruction for assembly and production Quality control — You can use a BOM to verify the accuracy and completeness of the final product What should you include when you make a BOM? The contents of a BOM depend to a degree on the complexity of the product it supports. For instance, in the case of very complex products, a BOM includes not just assemblies but also sub-assemblies. Consequently, it shows how they are supposed to come together, which means the bill of materials also serves to visualize the product's structure and how to manage components effectively. But let’s go through some of the somewhat standard elements that you should include when you make a BOM: Item number — Include a unique identifier for each component on your bill of materials Description — A detailed description of the component, which explains its function and specifications Quantity — How many units are required to manufacture the final product Unit of measure — The measurement unit employed to express quantity, such as pieces, inches, or ounces Drawing number — This is a reference to the engineering drawing or blueprint for a component Material — The specific material that is used to manufacture a component  Supplier — The...

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> Learn about the processes of creating bespoke configurable BOM (CBOM) to improve manufacturing workflow and get the most for your buyers.

- Published: 2024-10-01
- Modified: 2024-10-30
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/configurable-bom/
- Categories: Business tips, Inventory management

Learn about the processes of creating bespoke configurable BOMs to improve workflows and get the most for your buyers. What is a configurable BOM, or CBOM? No, not the bodybuilder, he's CBum. Sadly, neither is it the concealed weapon Inspector Gadget keeps in his trench coat to get him out of hilarious scrapes. It’s a bit more complex than that — and no catchy theme tune, either. Here, we’ll explain configurable BOMs, and why they’re essential for any manufacturing business. But let’s first recap what a bill of materials (BOM) is in the first place. What is a bill of materials (BOM)? A bill of materials is a list of raw materials, components, parts, quantities, and just about anything else needed to manufacture a product.   One of the best ways to understand BOMs is to think about them as you would a cake recipe. They’re like a list of ingredients. When they come together with the right method, you get a perfect end product.   The problem with BOMs is that they’re a tad static and rigid. The business can’t adjust them if they want to for any reason. That’s why lots of manufacturers are now switching to CBOMs instead. Let’s talk about that.   What is a configurable BOM? Otherwise known as a CBOM, a configurable bill of materials is a customizable manufacturing tool. It allows the specific needs of buyers to be met when ordering products to be developed and made by a business. CBOMs are used in a lot more industries than you might think. Any type of manufacturing situation that needs a degree of customization will use them. Think about things like medical devices, car parts, farm machinery, or even telecom systems.   Why does this matter? These days, everyone wants personalized service. A CBOM makes sure a customer can get exactly what they want every single time. Aside from that, it also helps the business understand exactly what they need to do to create the perfect custom product.   CBOMs are also essential for safety in manufacturing. A chocolate cake recipe without sugar or cocoa is a sad disappointment. But it’s not the end of the world. However, if we apply the same rule in manufacturing terms, a car brake assembly line with the wrong components for a customer’s use case puts lives in danger.   That’s why it’s so important to make sure our CBOM is correct. With proper CBOM processes in place, risks are mitigated and production processes streamlined. CBOMs have a few other names. To paraphrase Troy McClure, “You might recognize them from such manufacturing acronyms as:” Variable BOM Dynamic BOM Modular BOM Adaptive BOM They all refer to the same thing, though for this article, we’ll use CBOM or configurable BOM to keep things easy.   Download a free BOM template If you need something to get you started, try out this free bill of materials template. Download The challenges of configurable BOMs Let’s get straight into the nitty-gritty. What...

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> Learn the best supply chain management tools currently on the market in 2024 and how to optimize your current supply chain processes.

- Published: 2024-09-09
- Modified: 2024-11-14
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/best-supply-chain-management-tools/
- Categories: Business tips, Inventory management

Learn the best supply chain management tools currently on the market in 2024 and how to optimize your current supply chain processes.   Selling and shipping your products to waiting customers on time is only made possible when you have a strong grasp on your supply chain. More and more businesses are offering free shipping or next-day delivery. There’s mounting pressure to keep your supply chain running as smoothly as possible. It’s the only way to stay competitive!   Luckily, supply chain management software is making it far easier for businesses like yours to manage the entire supply chain process. Read on for our top picks for 2024 and how to optimize your supply chain management.   What is supply chain management, and why is it important? Supply chain management (SCM) is all about overseeing the entire process of moving goods, from the initial suppliers to shipping to customers. It covers everything from ordering your raw materials to manufacturing and warehousing.   Having a unique SCM process that works for your business is crucial. It helps you keep costs down and avoid delays in shipping to customers. It also lets you track your inventory levels so you can forecast future demand more accurately.   With a well-managed supply chain, you can not only meet but exceed your customers' expectations, helping you stay ahead of your competition. How to optimize your supply chain management As you begin to optimize your supply chain, you need to make sure that every part of your process is working as smoothly as possible. Below are some strategies and best practices to help you streamline how you manage your current supply chain. Improve your communication  You’ll need clear communication if you want to enjoy a smooth supply chain. You want to make sure that everyone gets involved, including your suppliers and warehouse staff. They need to know what you expect from them as they fulfill their duties and stay up to date with any changes you make.   Use supply chain software  Tracking and managing your operations is made much easier using supply chain management software. They work by automating every aspect of your warehouse and supply chain management, from processing orders all the way to tracking your shipments.   We’ll cover your options in a bit more detail later on! Pay attention to your inventory levels Don't hold too much or too little inventory. Instead, use inventory management tools to keep track of your stock levels and adjust orders as demand goes up or down. By doing so, you can prevent stockouts or overstocking that may tie up your resources or cause lost sales. Want to automate your supply chain management? Katana's Cloud Inventory Platform helps you manage every aspect of your business — everything from procurement to inventory management to production to shipping. Get a demo Build strong supplier relationships Working closely with your suppliers should be a priority, so don't underestimate supplier management. Building a good relationship will eventually lead to better terms...

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> Understand what can lead to inventory discrepancies and get top tips for improved inventory management and reduced losses.

- Published: 2024-09-05
- Modified: 2024-09-05
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/inventory-discrepancy/
- Categories: Inventory management

Understand what can lead to inventory discrepancies and get top tips for improved inventory management and reduced losses. Finding a mismatch between recorded and physical stock levels is one of the most common challenges faced by businesses. Whether you have too much or too little of something, compared to what you planned for, can result in unhappy customers, operational disruption, and even financial loss. An inventory discrepancy is a problem. Depending on how large the discrepancy is, the problem can be small or big. But, as with all problems, the first step in dealing with it is to acknowledge it exists. To that end, let’s get into how inventory discrepancies can be created, how to best identify them early, and what steps you can take to prevent them. What is inventory discrepancy? A simple way to think of a discrepancy is that it is a mismatch. Specifically, it represents a mismatch between the number of items you have on your books and the actual number of items you have in storage. You might have a shortage (less inventory than you thought you had) or a surplus (more inventory than you expected).  Either way, it's something you have to deal with. Causes of inventory discrepancies Inventory discrepancies more often happen due to a combination of factors over time, rather than one event. Understanding possible causes can help you find ways to avoid them. The most common issues leading to inventory mismatches are: Human error — Discrepancies can start from someone making a mistake when counting stock or recording the data Theft — Shortages can be the consequence of unauthorized removal of items from your inventory Damage or spoilage — It can happen that products that are damaged or spoiled are not properly identified as such during a stock count  Vendor errors — Mistakes can also happen on the supplier end, either in shipping or invoicing, that can lead to discrepancies in your books System glitches — You may experience technical issues with inventory management software, that can affect your record-keeping or data entry Poor inventory management practices — Having less-than-adequate procedures for receiving, storing, and issuing items can add up to discrepancies in your inventory Natural disasters — A one-time event like fires, floods, or earthquakes can cause significant loss of inventory Accurate inventory levels, every time Katana's cloud inventory platform keeps track of all your stock in real time. Streamline your inventory management by eliminating inventory discrepancies with Katana. Get a demo 6 key strategies to avoid inventory discrepancies Once you understand where a discrepancy can originate, you can plan to get ahead of it so that you give yourself the best chances of avoiding these situations altogether. Let’s go over some of the key strategies that are recommended for best results. Cycle counting Instead of doing a full physical inventory count more often, conduct regular cycle counts of specific items. This method of stocktaking allows you to make more frequent checks and adjustments and can help you identify discrepancies...

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> A B2B2C business model makes it much quicker to get your product to market. Learn all you need to know about B2B2C on the Katana blog!

- Published: 2024-09-05
- Modified: 2024-09-05
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/b2b2c/
- Categories: Business tips, Ecommerce, Inventory management

A B2B2C business model makes it much quicker to get your product to market. Learn all you need to know about B2B2C and how it really works. So, let’s say you’ve mastered the business model basics. B2B vs. B2C? Nailed it. Subscription vs. freemium? Easy. Direct vs. indirect? Not a problem. But wait, B2B2C? Just when you thought you had all the ecommerce models lodged in your brain, too. All jokes aside, B2B2C has some similarities with B2B and B2C, but it’s still very much a business model of its own design. It has its own benefits, features, and challenges to consider.   What is B2B2C, anyway? B2B2C stands for ‘business-to-business-to-consumer. ’ It’s a business model where two businesses partner together to provide customers with a combined service. This is usually a service that they can’t efficiently provide on their own.   B2B2C partnerships are very common, even more common than you’d think. A classic example is when a manufacturer provides a product to a retailer. The retailer then provides a platform (like a department store or online marketplace) to sell that product. Here’s an example. Say you head to Walmart to buy some Bounty Paper Towels (lucky you). That makes you the end customer in a B2B2C chain. Bounty is the first business in the chain. They sell the product wholesale to Walmart.   Walmart is the second business. They help Bounty’s products reach more customers. You are the customer at the end of the chain. You buy the product from Walmart (and get your super-absorbent paper towels).   B2B2C and white labeling aren’t the same thing. With white labeling, the business that buys the product from the manufacturer can rebrand it as their own. But with B2B2C, the customer clearly knows they are buying the original provider’s products. It’s an important distinction.   Got that? Great! You now understand the basic B2B2C meaning. Let’s go a bit deeper.   B2B, B2C, B2B2C? Regardless of the business model you subscribe to, Katana has your back. Katana's inventory management platform supports all your workflows and helps maintain accurate and efficient inventory. Get a demo The B2B2C model explained In the B2B2C business model, the second company is the ‘link’ in the chain. It provides a service to the first business and a product to the end customer.   What service is the ‘link’ company providing? Imagine this. You’ve just made the next-best frying pan and want to sell it under a business-to-consumer (B2C) model. That means you need to market that pan and take care of orders and shipping. You’ll also be responsible for handling customer service. In doing so, you’re at risk of spreading your resources a little too thin. You’d rather avoid that if possible, especially because you’re just starting out in the ruthlessly competitive frying pan market. Instead, you pitch your product to TJ Maxx. They offer to buy 30,000 pans to sell in their stores. In doing so, TJ Maxx will market and sell the pans...

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> Learn all you need to know about warehouse barcoding systems, including the benefits, and how to implement them into your current process.

- Published: 2024-09-05
- Modified: 2024-09-05
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/warehouse-barcoding-systems/
- Categories: Business tips, Inventory management

Learn all you need to know about warehouse barcoding systems, including the benefits, and how to implement them into your current process. There are a lot of moving parts in a warehouse, from picking and packing to shipping and beyond. Luckily for warehouse managers, there’s no need to manually track every single item in stock anymore. Now, they can use automation technology to improve the overall speed and efficiency of warehouse operations. One of the technologies that is taking warehousing operations by storm is barcoding systems. They’re an efficient way to scan, track, and manage inventory as it moves through a warehouse. Read on to learn what a barcode inventory system is in more detail, and how you can implement one in your own warehouse. What is a warehouse barcoding system? A warehouse barcode inventory system is a technology that uses barcodes and scanning devices to both track and manage inventory as it moves through a warehouse. They’re a major aspect of a modern warehouse management system, helping managers accurately track goods from the moment they’re received to shipped. The key parts of a warehouse barcoding system are:  Barcode labels — A barcode is printed on a label and then attached to a product. Each barcode contains a unique identifier representing information about an item.   Barcode scanners — Portable devices for warehouse staff to scan barcodes. Often wireless so they can easily move around. Warehouse management software (WMS) — Holding the operation together, WMS integrates with the barcoding system to update and track the status of products as they move around the warehouse. Why does your warehouse need one? A warehouse barcode system helps to automate warehousing operations to reduce manpower and the chances of human error. Without it, deliveries will take more time, and your customers won’t be as impressed with your service. Your profits won’t be as high, either. You won’t have an accurate picture of your inventory and may fall into the trap of overstocking. Benefits of warehouse barcoding systems The main upsides to having a warehouse barcoding system are better accuracy and efficiency, as well as the ability to scale up as your business grows. Here’s a closer look at what you can expect when you implement your very own barcoding system into your warehouse. Improve your inventory accuracy  Inputting product data manually is prone to errors. Without a warehouse barcode system, you could potentially face incorrect stock levels and misplaced items. With barcode technology, you can automate how you gather data. Each scan will identify the item and make sure that the inventory records you have on file are correct. Having such precision means your business can avoid costly mistakes like shipping the wrong product or losing track of where valuable items are within your warehouse. Boost efficiency and reduce manpower  Time is money in business. Having a warehouse barcode system can go a long way in streamlining your warehouse processes. From receiving the goods all the way to picking, packing, and shipping, barcoding...

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> Proper inventory storage is the key to success. Finding the right way to store your inventory can be a game-changer for your business. Lear more here.

- Published: 2024-09-04
- Modified: 2024-09-04
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/inventory-storage/
- Categories: Business tips, Inventory management

Just like choosing the perfect music can make or break a party, picking the right inventory storage solution can make or break your business. Yes, it’s that important. Gone are the days when managing inventory was just about keeping tabs on your products. Nowadays, it's about turning your stock into a well-oiled machine that saves you time, money, and stress. The good news? With the right system in place, you'll set a rhythm that keeps things running smoothly, just like the ultimate party playlist keeps the good times rolling. And, much like hosting a house party when your folks are out of town, the pressure is on. That’s because if you choose your inventory storage system poorly, you might end up with lost or damaged stock. Even worse, some products may become unavailable when your customers want to buy them.   With the risk of missed sales and unhappy customers, picking the right system can sometimes feel overwhelming. But it’s all worth it to have your business dance to its own successful beat.   What is inventory storage? Your inventory is made up of products just waiting to be purchased. Your goal is to ensure that every item is easy to find, organize, and track. So, it makes complete sense that how you store, track, and move said products is crucial to creating a seamless system.   Think of it as setting up the dance floor. It's not just about having enough space for everyone invited, but also about arranging everything so that everyone can dance in peace, the vibe is good, and you don’t trip on your way to the bar. This is why choosing the right inventory storage solution involves more than just putting up shelves or renting a random warehouse. It’s about creating a system that takes into account the available space, budget, as well as concerns about unloading or spoilage (especially for items like food, beverages, or cosmetics). When you get it right, your inventory storage is what becomes a powerhouse for growth, saving you time, money, and headaches. Inventory storage best practices Say it with me now: Effective inventory storage is a critical part of long-term retail success. Essentially, if you don’t manage your stock in the best way possible, you risk losing track of it, having it damaged, or even stolen. This means money down the drain for your business. Inventory storage is like orchestrating a smooth operation where every piece is in its right place. But fear not! There are a few tips and tricks to make sure your business hits all the right notes and makes customers dance. Make way — Clearing up floor space makes everything easier for everyone. It’s important to organize items and make them easy to access without cluttering the floor. A tip would be to use wall shelves and vertical storage to maximize space and increase storage capacity. Regular inventory checks — Much like ensuring your party playlist is up-to-date, regular inventory checks are essential. Depending on...

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> Why is digital inventory better than traditional? Read on to understand the benefits and best practices for top results.

- Published: 2024-09-04
- Modified: 2024-09-04
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/digital-inventory-management/
- Categories: Inventory management

It seems every industry is a fast-paced environment nowadays and it is manufacturing and logistics that underpin and connect them all. As such, efficient inventory management is more important than ever to keep up with the pace of the world. Traditional methods of inventory tracking have given way to digital inventory systems, which enable businesses to have unprecedented visibility, accuracy, and control over stock levels. Below, we explore the benefits, best practices, and challenges of leveraging modern technology to optimize operations, reduce costs, enhance customer satisfaction, and so much more! What is digital inventory? Digital inventory is a way of keeping track of stock using digital technology solutions. Tracking and managing your inventory through software and automated systems instead of traditional manual methods provides you with real-time visibility into stock levels, locations, and movement.   Traditional vs. digital inventory: What’s the difference? The primary difference between traditional and digital inventory is the degree of technology involved in the process of managing your stock. Each of the two approaches has its benefits, depending on your inventory management needs. Traditional inventory management In the case of traditional inventory keeping, the most advanced technological tool in your process might be a spreadsheet. This strategy relies mainly on manual counting and involves periodic stocktaking, which can lead to limited visibility between inventory counts, higher error rates, and potentially slower responses in terms of stock status and order fulfillment.   Digital inventory management The digital inventory management approach relies on technologies like barcode scanners, RFID, and software to automate the counting and monitoring processes. Automated data capture means fewer errors than you would get by opting for manual data entry, and a comprehensive real-time view of what inventory you have and where it is, as well as better order fulfillment and customer service. Digital inventory management with Katana Katana Cloud Inventory Platform equips you with all the tools to manage your entire inventory, sales, purchases, and production digitally. Get a demo Benefits of digital inventory management systems Traditional inventory keeping can be a good enough solution for certain businesses that are perhaps just starting out or deal with inventory that is easy enough to track manually. However, it is perhaps clear enough by this point that a digital inventory system offers a wide range of benefits that you might want to consider tapping into for your business. Real-time visibility — Using digital inventory gives you reliable access to accurate inventory levels, locations, and movement. Improved accuracy — With a digital inventory management system, you face fewer instances of human error and discrepancies in inventory counts. Increased efficiency — Digital inventory management allows you to automate manual tasks, which saves you time and resources. Cost reduction — By operating with real-time visibility, you can quickly optimize inventory levels to prevent stockouts and/or overstocking. Improved order fulfillment — Part of digital inventory automation is the ability to streamline the picking, packing, and shipping processes, for more efficient order fulfillment.   Enhanced customer satisfaction — Reducing or avoiding...

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> Explore the benefits and challenges of centralized inventory management and compare to the pros and cons of a decentralized strategy.

- Published: 2024-09-04
- Modified: 2024-09-04
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/centralized-inventory-management/
- Categories: Inventory management

Inventory management is a critical aspect of any business that makes and/or sells goods, and the way it is physically structured can significantly influence operations, costs, and customer satisfaction. Where and how you store your products is a strategic decision that should help you feed all your storefronts — be they brick-and-mortar or online — and it should ensure that orders are shipped as quickly and cost-effectively as possible. Let’s explore some of the most important advantages, as well as potential drawbacks, of the centralized inventory management (CIM) strategy. What is centralized inventory management, and how does it work? Centralized inventory management is a system where a single, central location or team controls and oversees inventory decisions, such as stock levels, orders, and distribution, across all branches or locations of a business. Perhaps the best way to think about centralized inventory management is the old adage about keeping your eggs in one basket — to centralize your inventory means keeping it all in one place. Contrary to the popular saying, however, there are some instances in which you might actually prefer to keep your eggs centralized rather than distributed.   The key element is that your inventory is condensed in one central hub. This hub is where you receive your purchases and where you ship your orders from. The central hub connects to your physical retail store(s) or directly to the customers of your online storefront(s). Inventory moves to and from this central storage location, and that has an influence on the efficiency of your entire business. Why do you need a centralized inventory management system? Keeping your inventory in one place means, first of all, that everything is within easier reach. This can translate to greater efficiency in terms of inventory management and control, costs, streamlined order shipping, and customer service. Benefits of a CIM system Depending on the type and scale of your business, there are several benefits you can unlock by opting for a centralized inventory strategy. Improved efficiency Managing all your inventory from a single location reduces complexity, which can be of great help in improving operational efficiency. It makes it easier to track and control inventory levels more accurately and, therefore, gives you a better chance of avoiding stockouts or overstocking. Centralized inventory also reduces handling time, as there are fewer movements to retrieve and prepare inventory when you have everything in one place. Reduced costs Not having to move inventory between multiple locations also reduces shipping costs, not just handling time. Additionally, with a centralized inventory strategy, you can buy products in larger quantities, which puts you in a better position to negotiate lower unit prices. Not least, centralized storage requires comparatively lower costs for warehouse space and operations. Enhanced control Real-time visibility is easier when you have one inventory location to manage. With a centralized inventory system, you can more easily have a clear overview of inventory levels. Similarly, it is easier to ensure that quality standards are maintained consistently, and it’s easier...

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> Learn why retail supply chain management is crucial for keeping things running smoothly and meeting customer expectations.

- Published: 2024-09-04
- Modified: 2024-09-04
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/retail-supply-chain-management/
- Categories: Inventory management

Gone are the days when a local mom-and-pop shop was the heartbeat of the neighborhood.  Picture a quaint main street where friendly store owners greet you by name, and you can find everything you need with a quick stroll down the block. Once the hub of shopping, these familiar storefronts with local suppliers delivering goods right to the door are no longer the norm.   Alas, a savvy business is not built on nostalgia. Instead, shoppers have long traded in their physical carts for online ones, and they expect speedy, convenient delivery right to their homes. Nowadays, that same quaint shop is transformed into a vibrant digital marketplace. The cozy storefront has been replaced by virtual shops that span continents, products are just a click away, and suppliers might be thousands of miles from a customer’s doorstep — but they still make it work. Let’s find out how. What is a retail supply chain? The retail supply chain is a well-coordinated system that ensures products move seamlessly from suppliers to customers. It’s like a conveyor belt moving products from suppliers straight to users’ doorsteps — the smoother it runs, the more productive the business, and the happier the user. It all begins with inbound logistics, which deals with products arriving from various suppliers. These items are then carefully stored in warehousing facilities. Next, we get to order fulfillment, which involves picking the right items from the shelves and packing them up for shipment once a customer places an order. Finally, these packages are shipped and delivered right to their homes. If something is amiss, returns management handles any returns smoothly and efficiently. Notably, at the heart of it all lies inventory management, ensuring that a business always knows exactly what’s in stock and what’s running low. Each part of this intricate process works together to make sure products are delivered quickly and without hassle, keeping everything flowing seamlessly. And, of course, having the most up-to-date retail supply chain software is paramount.   In today’s rapidly changing market, implementing an effective supply chain is not just about improving operations, but also about driving revenue and positioning a business for long-term success. But why bother with such complexities? Retail supply chain management made easy Katana equips you with everything you need to manage your retail supply chain. From real-time inventory control to end-to-end traceability to seamless ecommerce platform integrations. Get a demo Benefits of a retail supply chain By optimizing these complexities, you can save time and money, freeing yourself up to concentrate on expanding your business.   With the pandemic reshaping buying habits and setting new expectations for online shopping, handling a retail supply chain is becoming harder and harder. And buckle up, because it’s expected to get even more complex as ecommerce continues to soar.   If you are struggling with stagnant sales or rising consumer expectations, effective supply chain management is the be-all and end-all of your business. Particularly if you’re aiming to boost output and revenue while minimizing...

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> Learn the fundamentals of the law of supply and demand for businesses, including why it’s important to track and some real-life examples.

- Published: 2024-09-04
- Modified: 2024-09-04
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/law-of-supply-and-demand/
- Categories: Business tips, Inventory management

The law of supply and demand is a balancing act that your business needs to master to have any chance of turning a profit. It doesn’t matter if you’re running a one-man startup or a multinational corporation — understanding it can make all the difference between your ultimate success or failure.   Read on to get to grips with the law of supply and demand with some real-life examples. What is the law of supply and demand? Imagine you’re at a food stand, and there’s only one slice of pizza left for sale. Everyone’s pushing to the front, desperate to get their hands on it. The more slices people want (demand), the more the food stand can decide to charge for them.   At the same time, if the stand has one hundred slices of pizza and only ten customers, they might slash their prices to shift as much as they can.   This basic example is the true essence of the law of supply and demand.   It’s all about how the availability of the product (supply) and the desire for the product (demand) interact with each other to determine the price set for the product.   When demand increases, and supply remains unchanged, a shortage happens. This will eventually push prices up. On the flip side, when supply increases and demand remains unchanged, a surplus occurs, which will cause prices to drop. The law of supply  The law of supply states that, all else being equal, an increase in the price of goods leads to an increase in the quantity supplied, while a decrease in price results in a decrease in the quantity supplied. This usually happens because the manufacturers are more willing to create and supply a product when they can sell for more cash as they can enjoy a bigger profit. They’ll also supply far less when the price drops because the incentive to keep producing is no longer there. Let’s go back to the food stand theory again. If the market price of a slice of pizza goes up, the stand will want to bake more of them to maximize their profits. If the price plummets, the stand will cut back on baking since the cost of the ingredients isn’t worth it.   The law of demand The law of demand states that, all else being equal, an increase in the price of goods leads to a decreased demand, while a decrease in price results in increased demand. Basically, consumers want to get the best value for their money, so they’re far more likely to buy more of a product when it’s cheaper. In the food stand example, this would mean that if the price of a slice of pizza doubles overnight, fewer people will go there for lunch — they might look for a cheaper option nearby. But if the price drops by half, customers might buy two slices.   Manage your supply and demand with Katana Katana lets you forecast your inventory and...

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> Read our ultimate guide to inventory lists, what to include, why you should keep them, and an example, including a downloadable template.

- Published: 2024-09-04
- Modified: 2024-09-04
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/inventory-lists/
- Categories: Inventory management

Whether you choose to keep a manual list, an Excel spreadsheet, or an inventory management system, each method has its benefits. But nothing beats the automation of inventory software.   If you’ve ever found yourself in a mountain of inventory chaos or scratching your head over your business’ stock levels, you probably need an inventory list. It’s a way for you to exert more control over all your company’s assets to improve how you manage inventory.   Inventory lists aren’t just about keeping a close eye on what you have — they’re also about streamlining how you manage your operations so you don’t fall into the trap of over or understocking.   It doesn’t matter whether you’re managing raw materials or finishing off your products. This guide will help you write a comprehensive inventory list. Keep reading to transform your inventory management.   What is an inventory list, and why do you need one? An inventory list is essentially a detailed catalog that lists all the items your business holds. It could be anything from raw materials to finished goods to office supplies. Acting as a snapshot of your inventory in real time, inventory lists provide a clear view of what you have and where it’s located. But do you really need one?   Even if your inventory is small, it’s still necessary to create your own inventory list. Here’s why. It helps you manage your resources better  An up-to-date inventory list will help you keep a closer eye on what you have on hand so you can manage your resources. This means far fewer surprises, like running out of suppliers or having excess stock that ties up your cash flow.   Improves your accuracy  Keeping your inventory list updated constantly will minimize any errors. Having accurate records will help prevent making costly mistakes like over-ordering, which will have a big impact on your bottom line.   Helps you make better decisions regarding your stock  By having your inventory list constantly on hand, you can make better decisions regarding purchasing and production. It provides all the data you need to forecast any future demand and plan for seasonal changes.   Boosts your customers’ satisfaction  When you know exactly what’s in your inventory, you’ll find it easier to fulfill orders quickly and, most importantly, accurately. This will lead to happier customers and better service in the long run. Let’s face it, no one likes delays or stockouts! Automate your inventory lists with Katana Katana Cloud Inventory Platform keeps track of all your stock levels in real time. It lets you know exactly what you have, how much, and where everything is located. Get a demo What to include on an inventory list Are you ready to start curating your very own inventory list? Then keep reading. Below, we’re covering everything you should include, from the manufacturer’s name to the quantity of products you currently have in stock.   Item name — The name of the product or material you want to...

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> Get the spark notes on the difference between inventory write-down and inventory write-off and how to navigate these accounting adjustments.

- Published: 2024-08-21
- Modified: 2024-09-04
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/inventory-write-down-and-inventory-write-off/
- Categories: Accounting, Inventory management

Write down, right hand. Write off, left hand. Just as Mr. Miyagi taught us, the journey to success includes some situations, tasks, and chores that we would probably prefer to skip, but that are also important to the quality of our overall effort. Every journey faces adjustments along the way, for various reasons, and inventory management is no different!   Although unfortunate, writing down or writing off inventory is unavoidable. In fact, you'll find that you're likely to come across situations in which either one or both adjustments might be your smartest option. And that is truly the best way to think about them — adjustments that you can make to ensure that the accounting of your balance sheet and your income statement truly match. Let's dig into the details of an inventory write-down, a write-off, and how each one works, specifically.   What is inventory write-down? This accounting adjustment is what you would use to reduce the value of certain inventory on your balance sheet. Also sometimes referred to as "inventory impairment," what you need it for is to formally acknowledge when the market value of some inventory has dropped below its value on your books. The key factor in this scenario is that the inventory in question is still sellable.   Benefits of inventory write-down While it's understandable that you might think of this adjustment as a negative, it's important to consider the benefits of inventory write-down to your business: Fact-based decision making — Maintaining an accurate valuation of your inventory helps you better adjust your production, purchasing, and pricing strategies. Prevent future losses — Recognizing inventory devaluation early helps you prevent total inventory loss later, such as forced liquidation of damaged or obsolete inventory. Correct financial reporting — Legitimate write-downs ensure that your financial statements reflect your company's financial health. Tax benefit — Check if write-downs can translate to tax savings in your jurisdiction. Challenges of inventory write-down Maintaining a healthy financial situation is essential to any business, and an inventory write-down is an important element of that. It can, however, present challenges: Valuation — It can be difficult to accurately estimate the market value of certain inventory, depending on how fast prices vary for it or how active the market is. Judgment call — Similarly, estimating the devaluation you should write down might be subjective. Timing — The best timing for an inventory write-down can also be challenging to pin down — waiting too long could distort your financial statements, but writing down too soon might reduce reported profits unnecessarily.   Profitability — Since write-downs reduce net income, this adjustment reflects on profits and earnings per share, which investors tend to keep an eye on. How to write down inventory There are multiple ways you could adjust your inventory value on the balance sheet to reflect either the current market value or its lower of cost or market (LCM) value. It is also important to note that the specific accounting treatment you choose for inventory write-downs...

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> Learn everything you need to know about using the FIFO strategy for managing your inventory, and the main differences between FIFO and LIFO.

- Published: 2024-08-21
- Modified: 2024-08-21
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/fifo-inventory-management/
- Categories: Accounting, Inventory management

What exactly is FIFO, when do you need it, and how does it compare to other inventory management methods? If you’ve had any experience with inventory, you’ve probably heard the phrase “Fifo” being thrown around now and again. Instead of nodding along with no clue whether FIFO is an Italian restaurant chain or a dog’s name, read our ultimate guide below. We’re covering what FIFO means, and whether it’s the right method for your business.   What is the FIFO method? FIFO, or first in, first out, is an inventory management method where your oldest inventory items get sold or used first. One great example of this is the discount stickers at the supermarket. Older food is pushed to be sold by heavily discounting the item. That’s why FIFO works best for perishable goods — if they don’t get sold, you don’t make a profit.   It does also work for businesses that sell non-perishables, but want to keep their inventory fresh and up-to-date.   How does FIFO work? The FIFO method is, surprisingly, as straightforward as it sounds. Here’s a quick guide on how it works:  Receiving inventory — When new inventory arrives, it’s placed right at the back of the storage area, while older inventory gets pushed to the front.   Selling or using inventory — As sales come in or materials need to be used for production, the older inventory is used first. Items that have been sitting in storage the longest are the first to go.   Keeping records — Having accurate records means it’s easy to track how old your inventory is so that the oldest items are always prioritized.   Pros and cons of FIFO inventory management Like any strategy, FIFO has both its strengths and weaknesses. Let’s break them down so you can decide whether it’s right for you.   Pros of FIFO inventory management Reduces waste — FIFO ensures that all your older inventory is used or sold first so you can reduce the risk of spoilage. Improves your cash flow — By selling all your older inventory first, you’re far less likely to have your money tied up in unsold stock.   Simplifies accounting practices — FIFO aligns well with your actual and physical cash flow of goods, making it far easier to track inventory costs and profits.   Complies with regulations — For businesses dealing with perishables, FIFO helps them to comply with health and safety rules.   Cons of FIFO inventory management Complexity of storage — With FIFO, you need to organize your storage very carefully so that your older inventory is always accessible.   Potentially higher taxes — For times when prices rise, FIFO results in a lower cost of goods sold (COGS), which increases reported profits and taxes.   Overstated inventory value — Since the oldest and typically cheapest inventory is used first, your balance sheet will show a higher inventory valuation than it really is. What’s the difference between FIFO and LIFO in inventory management? FIFO’s...

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> Read Katana’s guide to creating your own inventory strategy for your business and why you should do this to improve your revenue and sales.

- Published: 2024-08-21
- Modified: 2024-08-21
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/inventory-strategy/
- Categories: Inventory management

Having a clear strategy helps to plan ahead and also measure your success. This is also true in inventory management. Keep reading to learn how to create one. Welcome to the fascinating world of inventory strategies! Think of your inventory as the treasure chest owned by your business — if you look after it well, you’ll enjoy riches and spoils. But, without a proper strategy in place, you might find yourself positively lost in the sea of stockouts and overstock.   Become an adventurer and explore our inventory strategy guide below. We’re going over what a strategy might look like, why you need to use one, and how to find the best strategy that works for you.   Ready to set sail? Keep reading.   What is an inventory strategy? An inventory strategy provides a roadmap for properly managing your stock. It’s a set of guidelines that helps to optimize the flow of your goods through your business. In simple terms, it’s a plan for ensuring that you always have the exact right amount of products at the right time and in the right place.   A salient inventory strategy will work to help you navigate the complexities of supply and demand to help you minimize costs and improve how efficiently your business runs.   Why do you need one? So, should you actually bother with implementing an inventory strategy for your business? We think you should, and here’s why. Keeps you efficient  A well-made strategy works by streamlining your business operations. It helps you reduce the amount of time and effort spent on managing your inventory so that you can focus on the more important stuff. Save on costs  Optimizing your stock levels in real time helps you avoid the costs of overstocking and stockouts.   Help your customers stay satisfied  If products are always available when your customers need them, they’re far more likely to come back for more — they know you’re reliable. Stay competitive  Having a smart inventory strategy gives you an edge over your competitors by improving how rapidly you can respond to market changes.   Manage your risk levels Taking the time to develop a proper inventory management strategy will reduce the risk of any financial losses. You’ll be able to see the exact state of your industry at all times. You can check for missing items.   5 tried-and-true inventory strategies to apply to your business Ready to dive into the choppy seas of inventory strategies? We’ve gathered five options below that can work wonders for your business. Inventory management automation Automation is the secret sauce behind modern methods of inventory management. Leveraging burgeoning technology helps you to automate your most repetitive tasks, like tracking your stock levels and generating reports. It can even place orders for you! Automated systems work to reduce the chance of human-made errors and save you time in the process. Katana’s inventory management software can help you automatically update your stock levels in real time, giving you a...

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> Read Katana’s ultimate guide to inventory flow, including what it is and how you can streamline it in your own business with key strategies.

- Published: 2024-08-21
- Modified: 2024-08-21
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/inventory-flow/
- Categories: Inventory management

Learn all about inventory flow — what is it, why is it important, and what are some strategies you should employ to ensure your inventory flows smoothly. Imagine that your inventory is a river that flows through your business. Just like a river, your inventory has to flow smoothly — otherwise, it will flood the landscape around it.   Whether you’re a seasoned business owner or just starting out on your entrepreneurial journey, understanding your inventory flow can make a world of difference. Read on for our ultimate guide to keeping your inventory flowing smoothly! What is inventory flow? Inventory flow is the movement of your products through all the different stages of your business, from procurement all the way to production, storage, and finally, the sale. Think of it as the lifeblood of your business. It means that your goods are always available, as and when you need them. Staying on top of things will help you keep the exact right balance of stock so that you can avoid costly shortages and surplus errors.   Why is inventory flow important? So, why should you care about your inventory flow? Here are the main reasons why you should make it a priority for your business: It makes your operations efficient — Keeping a smooth inventory flow means that all your products can move easily from one stage to the next. Doing this can help you reduce any delays and bottlenecks in your current business practices.   It keeps your customers satisfied — Keeping your inventory flowing smoothly allows you to fulfill all your customer orders quickly and more accurately, so your customers stay happy.   It improves cash flow — Optimizing all your inventory flow means far less money is tied up in stock. That way, your cash is free to be spent on all your other business needs.   It makes it more scalable — A well-designed inventory flow system lets you scale your business far more easily as you continue to grow. You can do all this without sacrificing efficiency. Inventory flow challenges Managing inventory flow isn’t exactly a walk in the park. There are some common things that businesses face as a roadblock, including the following. Demand variability — Customer demand will fluctuate now and again, which can disrupt industry flow and either lead to stockouts or too much inventory.   Disruptions to supply chains — Delays from your suppliers or issues with transport can halt the flow of goods, which can lead to hiccups down the line.   Complexity — Managing inventory flow becomes complex if you have multiple locations or lots of different product lines, all manufactured using different processes.   Integration with existing technology — Combining all your different systems and technologies to manage the flow of your inventory is almost impossible without some careful planning.   Human errors — Mistakes in your data entry, and even picking and packing, lead to discrepancies in your industry numbers, which will go a long way towards...

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> Learn the importance of keeping inventory accuracy and how you can use tips and tricks for record keeping.

- Published: 2024-08-21
- Modified: 2024-08-21
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/inventory-acuracy/
- Categories: Business tips, Inventory management

Learn the importance of keeping high inventory accuracy and how you can use tips and tricks for record keeping.   Imagine a world where your inventory is 100% accurate and where you always know exactly what’s sitting in your warehouse on any given day. Sounds too good to be true, right? We’re here to tell you it’s not. In fact, with the right tricks at your disposal, it’s actually quite easy! Read on for the ultimate guide to maintaining an accurate inventory, including how to calculate its current state and ways you can improve going forward.   What is inventory accuracy? Having an accurate inventory simply means that all your inventory records match the physical stock sitting on your shelves. In other words, when your records say you have 1,000 units of products, all 1,000 of them are currently in your warehouse.   It’s crucial for keeping your operations efficient and making sure everyone in your business has an accurate view of what your finances look like. Why is inventory accuracy important? If you’re still questioning why having an accurate inventory is important, we’ve covered it below:It keeps your operations running efficiently — An accurate inventory will help you actively avoid stockouts and overstocking, so you always have the right amount of product on hand to meet demand without wasting any resources.   Your business can stay in good financial health — A correct inventory count has a positive knock-on effect on your financial statements — in short terms, they’ll be accurate, too. All of this is crucial for budgeting and forecasting, keeping your business healthy.   Customers will be more satisfied — When you have an accurate inventory, you’re able to fulfill your orders better to keep your customers happy. No one likes to receive an “out of stock notification” after placing an order.   Prevent losses — Keeping tight control over your inventory helps identify any discrepancies early on to reduce the risk of theft and damage.   Why is inventory accuracy a challenge for businesses? Keeping inventory accurate can almost feel like herding cats — tricky and chaotic. Below are just a few reasons why you may have found inventory tracking a bit of a challenge. Human-made errors — Mistakes happen. Anything from miscounting and incorrect data entry to misplaced items can lead to inaccuracies presenting themselves in your records.   Complex inventory systems — As your business continues to grow and evolve, so too does the complexity of your inventory systems. You may have to tackle multiple different warehouses and lots of different products, which can all make handling stock a lot more complicated.   Seasonal changes — Busy seasons like Christmas time can disrupt your inventory routines, making it that much harder to keep track of your stock. This doesn’t give you a very accurate picture of the day to day sales in your business.   Issues with your current technology — You may face problems because you’re using outdated systems, which can lead to...

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> 10 essential inventory management terms that will help you build an optimal control strategy and enhance the efficiency of your business.

- Published: 2024-08-19
- Modified: 2024-08-19
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/inventory-management-terms/
- Categories: Inventory management, Top lists

You won't find any of these terms helpful for Wordle, but you might try using this knowledge to score some points at Scrabble. That is, of course, when you are not busy applying it to unlock the benefits of good inventory management for your business. Understanding the concepts presented below will help you optimize stock levels, reduce costs, prevent stockouts, and improve the overall operational efficiency of your business.   1. Inventory This term primarily represents the totality of goods or materials that your business holds for future sale or use. It can also refer to the detailed record of the totality of these goods and materials. Overall, it is generally broken down into four main categories: Raw materials, which incorporate components that can be used to create products that you then sell Work-in-process inventory (WIP) refers to items that are in the process of becoming finished products Finished goods, which refers to inventory consisting of products that are completed and ready to be sold MRO inventory, which stands for maintenance, repair, and operations supplies that are needed to keep your production going 2. Stock keeping unit (SKU) A stock keeping unit is a unique identifier that is assigned to each item in your inventory. This is done to help you accurately track and manage the levels of all types of inventory in your care. It includes several details about the product, such as its size, color, material, and packaging. SKUs are essential to accurately accounting for your stock and to help you streamline all your inventory management processes. As your business grows, an SKU generator will be one of the handiest tools at your disposal to help you keep your inventory well-organized. You'll find it is most useful in tracking items across everything from lists to invoices, throughout all steps of the manufacturing process, and in purchase orders.   Easily track and assign SKUs with Katana cloud inventory software. Contact us for a demo to find out more. Want to effortlessly generate SKUs? Generate unique stock keeping units and assign them to all your product variants with this free SKU generator template.   Download 3. Inventory turnover Inventory turnover refers to a way of measuring how efficiently your business manages inventory. It is a calculation of the number of times that inventory is sold and replaced within a specific period of time (usually a year). If your inventory turnover is high, that is a sign of very efficient inventory management. On the other hand, a low turnover is seen to suggest that your business might be facing challenges like overstocking or slow sales.   Once you get a good understanding of it, your inventory turnover calculation should tell you things like whether you are holding too much inventory at one time, if you have enough sales, if your costs are too high, or if you've done a good job of keeping up with customer orders.   4. Lead time Lead time refers to the duration between when an order...

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> Understand store inventory control meaning, benefits, challenges, and the best tools you can employ to ensure your success at it.

- Published: 2024-08-19
- Modified: 2024-08-19
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/store-inventory-control/
- Categories: Business tips, Inventory management

What is store inventory control and what is it good for? Like all important aspects of business, it is a complex process that comes with its own set of challenges. The success of any product-based business relies largely on the quality of inventory management. As inventory represents one of the biggest costs of doing business, having good control of your stock is one of the most important ways in which you can protect your investment.   Whether you sell your products in online or offline stores (or both! ), achieving effective store inventory control is key to ensuring the financial health of your business, the satisfaction of your customers, and cost-optimizing operational efficiency, as well as smart, data-based business decisions.   What is store inventory control? Store inventory control is essentially about keeping track of the stock of products in your store. You need to know: What items are located where How many of them there are How many of them are needed, and where Which products are selling from which storefront Where is customer demand increasing or decreasing How to best distribute your products between your storage and your stores That's all necessary, so you don’t run out of anything or end up holding on to much more than you're likely to sell. Your mission here is to maintain an optimal balance between how much inventory is readily available to satisfy customer demand, while making sure you are not overstocked. You also want to avoid running dangerously low on anything and risking a stockout that might translate to shipping delays and unhappy clients.   How do you control store inventory? Store inventory control is a complex process that requires you to keep an eye on multiple aspects of your business. These tend to operate interdependently and influence each other over time, which makes it all the more important to make sure you are using the right tools for the job. Here is what the process entails: Stock tracking — You’ll need to keep accurate records of item quantities, locations, and movement Demand forecasting — In order to optimize the stock level for each of your stores, you’ll have to analyze and predict customer demand trends Purchasing and ordering — Ideally, you’ll purchase the right quantity of products at the right time to align with the conclusions of your demand forecasting analysis  Receiving and storing — Track the handling of incoming stock and have your storage organized so that it is easy to pick and ship Stocktaking — Conduct physical inventory counts regularly to verify the accuracy of your records Inventory valuation — Determine the value of your inventory to ensure a healthy financial situation Challenges of store inventory control There’s no sugarcoating it — if store inventory control sounds challenging so far, it’s because it is. Although with the right tools at hand, you are certainly going to get the hang of it, there are some issues that you might come across, that you should keep in mind and...

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> Learn everything about how to record inventory, including the benefits and the best software to use to make your life easier.

- Published: 2024-08-19
- Modified: 2024-08-19
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/how-to-record-inventory/
- Categories: Inventory management

Learn everything you need to know about how to record inventory, including the benefits and the best software to use to make your life easier.   Your inventory is constantly moving through your supply chain — it's like trying to catch a slippery fish. Think of inventory records as a strong net, keeping the fish (i. e. , your stock) from falling out of control. Like catching a fish with your bare hands, managing all the inventory coming in and out of your warehouse is impossible without keeping a record. Back in the day, this was done with paper and pen. But now, modern businesses are realizing that this doesn't cut it. In 2023, document challenges resulted in a productivity loss of 21. 3%¹, and so more and more companies are digitizing their inventory records. Read on to learn how to record inventory the right way.   What are inventory records? Inventory records are a detailed set of documents that track all the goods and materials that your business owns. Basically, it's about recording anything that can be sold or used in the production process. Maintaining accurate records can help you easily navigate how you operate your business without getting lost in the sea of products. Why is it important to record inventory? You wouldn't set off on a road trip without a map. So, why would you start the production process without a record of your inventory? Here are a few more reasons why you have no choice but to keep a record of your inventory:  You gain a stronger hold on your finances — Knowing exactly what you have in stock goes a long way in helping you calculate your inventory's value. You need this for not only your financial statements, but your tax reports. Operations become more efficient — Keeping track of your inventory helps you avoid overstocking and understocking, so you always have the right amount of products to meet demand. Enjoy happier customers — Having a grasp on your inventory means you can fulfill customer orders quicker, leaving them happier and more satisfied. Prevent wasting your inventory — With accurate records, you'll find it easier to see discrepancies like theft or damage to stock. Even better, inventory management software will be able to pick anomalies out for you automatically! Make more informed decisions — By having the full picture, you can make smarter decisions for your business, whether it's buying new stock or getting rid of underperforming products. Real-time inventory management Katana keeps all your inventory records in one place, so you know exactly what you have and what you need. Take control of your stock with Katana. Get a demo Benefits and challenges of inventory records Keeping inventory records isn't just solely about jotting down numbers and hoping for the best. You can use it strategically to make other important decisions regarding your business. Below are some of the top benefits of keeping accurate inventory records.   Better accuracy — Regularly updating your inventory...

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> Learn to streamline your manufacturing processes by rearranging your equipment, workstations, and staff for more efficiency. Learn more here.

- Published: 2024-08-19
- Modified: 2024-08-19
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/production-layout-guide/
- Categories: Inventory management

An efficient production layout can improve your workflow and minimize costs. Keep reading to learn about essential strategies and practical tips for optimizing your manufacturing. A manufacturer’s success is often attributed to how smoothly their operations work.   While machinery, materials, and skilled staff are important, it’s also essential to ensure the fast and efficient execution of tasks.   Time is money, and wasted time is money wasted. Luckily, there are strategies and methods for identifying and eliminating bottlenecks in your manufacturing processes.   This is where a thorough production layout guide enters the game.   What is production layout?   Production layout is the arrangement of physical facilities in a manufacturing plant. It involves the strategic placement of elements, including machines, workstations, and storage areas, to streamline the flow of materials and workers. A well-designed production layout helps manufacturers minimize their production costs, enhance productivity, and improve the overall efficiency of their processes. A production layout guide is a document that helps businesses map their factories in a way that’s understandable to all teams and workers.   It provides detailed instructions and best practices for arranging the physical components of your facility. Think of it as a blueprint for organizing your production floor.   A manufacturing layout typically includes tips to optimize workflows and streamline tasks to increase efficiency. Factory layout design helps manufacturers simplify operations, improve cross-team collaboration, and meet production goals while minimizing disruptions and wasting resources.   6 principles of manufacturing layout While a manufacturing layout mostly depends on the specific needs of a company, there are some universal truths to keep in mind when creating a production layout guide for your operations.   Material handling Efficient material handling is all about reducing the time spent moving materials and supplies throughout the production process. A production layout design will help you ensure that the materials are transported in the shortest possible distance with the least amount of handling. This allows you to reduce the time and cost of each process, minimize the risk of potential damage, and streamline your production flow.   Some techniques employed for better material handling include conveyors, automated material handling systems, and optimized pathways within the facility.   Workflow An uninterrupted workflow is a solid foundation for maintaining high quality and efficiency.   When creating a factory layout design, it’s recommended to map out all processes in a way that allows for seamless transitions between different stages of production. Each workstation should be strategically placed to keep products flowing logically and safely from one task to another.   Tools like value stream or shop floor planning can minimize bottlenecks and interruptions. A clear overview of the sequence of all necessary tasks helps you align all manufacturing stations accordingly. Space utilization Optimal space utilization means making the most of all available space and using it to its full potential.   This means that equipment, workstations, and storage areas are placed in the most effective and safe way for the workers and materials. A...

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> Manufacturing inventory management involves managing all the bits and pieces a production company holds. Learn tips and strategies to do it efficiently.

- Published: 2024-08-15
- Modified: 2024-08-15
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/manufacturing-inventory-management/
- Categories: Inventory management, Manufacturing

Manufacturing inventory management requires careful planning due to the various types of inventory involved. It's also crucial to consider the specific production processes to ensure a smooth flow of materials through each stage. When talking about inventory management, people unusually picture a warehouse with loads of shelving space and a forklift driving around looking for the right package. However, inventory management is much more complex than just stacking boxes on a shelf and retrieving them at a later time. Managing inventory can also vary wildly depending on the exact business type, the industry, the company's size, the products it sells, and much more. A small frozen yogurt retailer can’t follow the same methods as an international steel beam manufacturer. Today, we explore manufacturing inventory management. We explain what it is, what’s special about it, what are some tested and tried strategies, and go over some tips and techniques to help you boost your efficiency in this sector. First, Let’s answer the question of what manufacturing inventory management is and what sets it apart. What is manufacturing inventory management? Manufacturing inventory management is the process of managing the inventory a manufacturing company holds. What sets manufacturing or production inventory management apart is the fact that besides goods waiting to be sold, a manufacturing company also holds other types of inventory. Most manufacturing companies need to manage four types of stock: Raw materials Work-in-progress (WIP) Finished goods Maintenance, repair, operations (MRO) Let's dive into these next. Inventory types used in manufacturing As mentioned, production companies mostly need to manage four types of inventory. Below you'll find detailed descriptions with examples and some specifics to consider when managing them. Raw materials Raw materials inventory consists of all the materials and components a company uses to produce its goods. This includes all the ingredients, parts, and substances a manufacturer gets from their supplier that haven’t yet undergone any form of transformation within the manufacturing process. These can include: Sheet metal Microchips Fabric Flour Lumber For maximum efficiency, manufacturers can store raw materials close to the loading dock where they receive them. This helps store the materials more quickly and reduces the risk of injuries by shortening the distance workers need to transport them. For the same reasons, facilities can be designed to move raw materials through the manufacturing processes in a linear flow from one side of the building to the next. Manufacturers can minimize unnecessary movement and streamline the production process by designing the layout to facilitate a smooth progression from raw materials storage to production areas. Want to take full control of your raw materials? Katana's cloud-based inventory management software gives you a full overview of all your inventory types and makes managing it all a breeze. Get a demo Work-in-progress Work-in-progress is another type of inventory specific to manufacturers. These are all the items that have gone through some form of processing but have not yet been finished. WIP inventory can include: Partially assembled products Sub-assemblies Components undergoing testing or quality...

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> QuickBooks Online inventory tracking lacks some features that product-based businesses may need. Read on to learn how to bridge this gap.

- Published: 2024-08-01
- Modified: 2024-08-01
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/quickbooks-online-inventory-tracking/
- Categories: Accounting, Inventory management

QuickBooks Online is one of the leading accounting software available. This article explores whether it's sufficient for inventory tracking or should you look into add-ons. QuickBooks Online (QBO) is the leading accounting software available on the market, with approximately 6. 5 million subscribers¹. But besides managing your finances, are you able to use it for inventory tracking? This article looks into QuickBooks Online inventory tracking to see if product businesses can rely on QBO to track their inventory, if they would be better off using dedicated inventory management software, or should they perhaps combine the two. Can QuickBooks Online track inventory?   Yes, it can. Even though QBO is mainly an accounting software, you are able to utilize it for tracking inventory. It offers features to: Track stock levels and costs Scan barcodes Manage SKUs Set reorder points Create inventory reports If you’re running a smaller business and currently use Excel spreadsheets and a periodic inventory system, QuickBooks Online inventory tracking may be all you need to upgrade your stock management. But even if you have more complex inventory requirements, below we'll introduce solutions that allow you to get the best of both worlds. Before we get too carried away, let’s review how to turn on inventory tracking in QuickBooks Online. Features for tracking inventory in QuickBooks Online are available on the Plus and Advanced versions, so make sure you have the correct subscription before continuing. Go to Settings and choose Account and settings. Click on the Sales tab. In the Products and services section, click Edit. Enable Show Product/Service column on sales forms. Turn on Track quantity and price/rate and Track inventory quantity on hand. Click Save, then select Done. We mentioned that inventory tracking in QuickBooks Online is mainly suitable for smaller businesses. Next, we’ll look at the disadvantages of tracking inventory in QuickBooks Online, which may render it unsuitable for companies with more complex stock management needs. QuickBooks Online inventory tracking disadvantages Here are some of the key disadvantages of using QBO for inventory tracking. 1. Limited advanced inventory features QBO lacks some of the advanced inventory management features found in dedicated inventory management software. For example, it does not support advanced demand forecasting, batch tracking, serial number tracking, or advanced warehouse management functionalities. This can be a significant drawback for businesses that require these capabilities to manage their inventory efficiently. 2. Inventory management across multiple locations Managing inventory across multiple warehouses or locations can be challenging with QBO. The software does not natively support multilocation inventory tracking, which means businesses with several storage facilities might struggle to keep track of their stock accurately and efficiently. 3. Scalability issues As your business grows, so do your inventory management needs. QuickBooks Online’s inventory tracking capabilities may not scale well with a rapidly expanding business. Larger companies often require more sophisticated systems that can handle high transaction volumes, complex supply chains, and detailed inventory analytics, which QBO may not provide adequately. 4. Manual Processes Many inventory management tasks in...

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> Periodic inventory systems fit businesses like a glove. But does it suit your business? We look at what a periodic inventory system can do, its pitfalls, and advantages.

- Published: 2024-07-30
- Modified: 2024-07-30
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/periodic-inventory-system/
- Categories: Inventory management

If Professor Snape had had a periodic inventory system, he would have realized sooner that Harry Potter’s brainy friend, Hermione, had stolen his ingredients for the Polyjuice Potion. Let’s back up a bit. One of the best methods for tracking your stock is the periodic inventory system. Unlike perpetual inventory systems, the periodic inventory system doesn’t require continuous tracking, a lot of updating, or extra staff. The method, preferred because of its simplicity and cost-effectiveness, involves counting inventory at specific intervals. Sure, managing inventory efficiently is crucial for any business, regardless of its size. The periodic inventory system is favored by small businesses and startups. It should also be favored by, say, neurotic professors who keep a cupboard full of some of the most dangerous ingredients known to wizards and muggles alike. What is a periodic inventory? Periodic inventory refers to the stock counted and accounted for at specific intervals. At the end of each period, businesses physically count their goods and products, and use this information to update their general ledger. One such example is the inventory amount at the end of the year, for which a company or business performs a physical count of stock. For monthly, quarterly, or other interim reports, estimates are more likely to be used. This method is popular with small businesses or those with simpler and more straightforward inventory needs because of its user-friendliness and cost-effectiveness. What is a periodic inventory system? A periodic inventory system refers to a periodic count of all inventory at the end of a certain period or event. Whether it’s monthly, quarterly, or annually, a periodic inventory system implies record updates and safety counts to determine how many items are left, as well as how many got sold during that specific period. The periodic inventory system method can even end up determining the cost of goods sold based on these particular periodic counts. As previously stated, the periodic inventory system works well for smaller businesses as it doesn’t rely much on frequent inventory assessments, is easier to implement, and can be conducted by fewer responsible parties. In contrast, a perpetual inventory system means goods are continuously monitored and inventory levels are updated — which is also something Snape could’ve done instead of pining after Harry’s mom.   Benefits of having a periodic inventory system At their core, periodic inventory systems allow businesses to track their beginning and ending inventory within a certain accounting period. Since it doesn't have to occur on a regular basis, this method of accounting rarely requires additional staff, complex equipment, or fancy updates on even fancier software. This makes tracking product data a breeze, especially for businesses offering only a few products. So, simplicity and cost-effectiveness are the name of the game here. But let’s see why smaller companies and businesses that are just starting up prefer it. Here are some of the advantages of having a periodic inventory system. It’s easy to implement — Periodic inventory systems require fewer records than other valuation...

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> Do you really need a specialized ERP system for the food industry? How can you make the right choice and which features should you look out for?

- Published: 2024-07-30
- Modified: 2024-07-30
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/erp-for-food-industry/
- Categories: Business tips

The food and beverage industry is not for the faint-hearted. Businesses in this sector have a lot more on their plate besides delicious meats and cakes. By this we mean that they have to adhere to very strict regulatory standards to ensure the quality and safety of their products, not to mention they need to ensure timely delivery of said products to their customers. Producing, handling, storing, and shipping perishable products can be quite challenging, so businesses tend to rely on tools and technologies that make their lives easier, and most of the time, this includes an ERP.   What is an ERP? An enterprise resource planning (ERP) system is a complex software platform used by businesses to integrate and manage core processes in real time. These systems can easily and seamlessly centralize data from various departments — including financing, human resources, sales, and supply chain management — into a unified database that’s easy to manage and navigate. This connectivity can improve information flow and operational efficiency, making businesses more productive and ensuring transparency.   Why do you need a specialized food ERP? A specialized ERP that caters to the specific needs of the food and beverage industry is essential for businesses in this sector, helping them adhere to rigorous regulatory requirements.   A dedicated food ERP can offer tools that cater specifically to the food and beverage industry, features relating to batch processing, quality control, waste reduction, recipe management, and more. This enables businesses in this sector to adhere to safety standards, handle and store delicate and perishable inventory efficiently, and deliver high-quality products to their loyal customers. How to choose an ERP for the food and beverages industry Choosing an ERP for the food and beverages industry requires a strategic approach that focuses on the unique demands and complexities of the sector, while also factoring in the specifics of your business.   First, it’s crucial to select a system that offers traceability and compliance features, enabling adherence to regulatory requirements such as the FDA, the HACCP, and other local or international food safety standards. The ERP should provide end-to-end visibility across the entire supply chain, from raw material sourcing to final product delivery, ensuring comprehensive tracking and quality assurance, not to mention customer satisfaction. Then, you need to consider the ERP's capability to handle industry-specific processes, such as batch processing, recipe management, and shelf-life tracking. The system you choose should facilitate efficient inventory management, minimizing waste and optimizing stock levels for the perishable goods in your inventory. Easy integration with existing systems, scalability, and user-friendliness are also critical factors that can tip the scales in favor of one ERP over another. During the selection process, you’ll have to take into consideration some key criteria that are relevant to your specific industry and operation, including the ones on the list below. Regulatory compliance and traceability — Ensuring you meet food safety standards and enabling complete supply chain visibility Industry-related capabilities — Look for batch processing, recipe management, waste management,...

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> Learn the ins and outs of supply chain management, from key features and benefits to strategies and practical business tips.

- Published: 2024-07-30
- Modified: 2024-07-30
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/supply-chain-management/
- Categories: Business tips

In today's global economy, effective supply chain management is crucial for businesses aiming to maintain competitiveness and ensure customer satisfaction, regardless of the industry they operate in. But what does it take to ensure that your supply chain works like a well-oiled machine? It’s time to get down to the core concepts, phases, types, and frequently asked questions about SCM, providing a comprehensive overview suitable for businesses seeking to optimize their supply chains. So, without further ado, let’s get right into it. What is supply chain management and why is it important? Supply chain management, otherwise known as SCM, involves the coordination and management of a wide network of interconnected businesses working to provide goods and services to end consumers. It encompasses the entire process, from raw material procurement to the delivery of the final product to the consumer, ensuring efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and customer satisfaction. Supply chain management is a critical focus for any business, for reasons that directly impact a company's bottom line and overall performance. Efficiency — Streamlined SCM processes reduce waste, lower costs, and improve speed. By managing resources efficiently, businesses can minimize production delays and optimize their inventory levels. Customer satisfaction — Ensures timely delivery of quality products. Effective SCM ensures that customers receive their orders on time and in good condition, which enhances their overall experience and loyalty. Competitive advantage — Enhances a company's ability to respond to market changes and demands. Companies with agile and responsive supply chains can better meet changing customer preferences and market conditions, providing a significant edge over competitors. Risk management — Identifies and mitigates potential disruptions in the supply chain. Effective SCM strategies include contingency planning and risk assessment to address potential issues such as supplier failures, natural disasters, and geopolitical tensions. How does supply chain management work? Supply chain management integrates various functions and processes, from product development and sourcing to production and logistics. The process can involve multiple stakeholders, including suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers, all working towards a common goal — delivering the final product to the consumer efficiently and effectively. SCM consists of several stages, including procurement, production, distribution, and logistics, and each stage comes with its unique set of challenges. Effective SCM requires strategic, careful planning and seamless operational execution to ensure that each link in the chain functions smoothly and efficiently. You know that show, ‘The Weakest Link’? That’s exactly what you’re trying to avoid in the SCM process. The goal is to minimize costs, reduce waste, and meet customer demand promptly and accurately. The process begins with the sourcing of raw materials. Companies must identify reliable suppliers, negotiate contracts, and ensure the timely delivery of inputs.   These materials are then transported to manufacturing facilities, where they undergo production processes to become finished goods. Production planning is crucial here, involving decisions on what to produce, in what quantities, and when. Advanced techniques like just-in-time (JIT) manufacturing aim to reduce inventory costs by aligning production closely with demand. Once products are manufactured, they...

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> Unlock the secrets to warehouse efficiency. Learn strategies to streamline operations, reduce costs, and improve customer satisfaction.

- Published: 2024-07-30
- Modified: 2024-07-30
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/warehouse-efficiency/
- Categories: Business tips, Top lists

Efficiency — it’s become almost a buzzword when it comes to the way we operate our tasks and how we run our daily lives. It seems to be as elusive as that highly sought-after, yet never-achieved work-life balance everyone’s always talking about. However, in your personal life, inefficiency might not always have dire consequences. It’s perfectly fine if you postpone that vacuuming for another day, or work on updating your LinkedIn profile tomorrow. The world won’t crumble, we promise. But when it comes to optimizing your warehouse operations, inefficiency can have some gnarly consequences, like revenue loss and even unhappy customers.   So, what are some things you can do to make sure you reach optimal warehouse efficiency and keep operations running smoothly? Let’s have a look at some tips and strategies you can implement to optimize warehouse efficiency and start reaping the benefits.   What is warehouse efficiency? Warehouse efficiency is all about getting your operations running like a well-oiled machine. It means optimizing everything in your warehouse — from the warehouse layout and inventory organization to the tech and systems you use to manage orders and shipments. When your warehouse is efficient, things flow smoothly, orders get fulfilled quickly and accurately, and you keep costs and errors to a minimum. This, in turn, leads to satisfied customers, which is the ultimate goal, really. To achieve warehouse efficiency, you need a good recipe that mixes smart planning with best practices and a mindset of continuous improvement. This involves training your staff, embracing automation and software solutions (like Katana), and regularly tweaking your processes. Think of it like fine-tuning an engine: the goal here is to create an environment where all the little cogs work in perfect harmony, leading to happier customers and a healthier bottom line. Why is warehouse efficiency important? Warehouse efficiency is critical to any business because it keeps your entire operation humming smoothly — yes, another car analogy, sorry. When your warehouse is running efficiently, you’re saving time and money by reducing handling costs, speeding up order fulfillment, and minimizing errors. This translates to happier customers who get their orders on time and in perfect condition — no more angry emails or stressful phone calls! What’s more, an efficient warehouse makes the best use of your space and resources, allowing you to store more products and handle higher volumes without breaking a sweat. It’s like having a secret weapon that boosts your productivity and keeps your business ahead of the competition. So, in a nutshell, warehouse efficiency is key to keeping everything on track and your business thriving. Full steam ahead! How do you measure warehouse efficiency? Measuring warehouse efficiency involves assessing various key performance indicators (KPIs) that reflect how well your warehouse is performing when it comes to productivity, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness.   Common KPIs to track warehouse efficiency can include: Order fulfillment rate Inventory turnover Order picking accuracy On-time delivery performance Labor productivity Of course, these are just some of the most common KPIs...

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> Explore the benefits of inventory audits and reduce stockouts, eliminate human error, and maximize profits. Learn all about it here.

- Published: 2024-07-30
- Modified: 2024-09-25
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/inventory-audit/
- Categories: Inventory management

This quick guide explores best practices, procedures, and benefits of inventory audits, empowering you to reduce errors and maximize profits.   Depending on how nerdy you are when it comes to technology, but also business in general, learning new things about various technical terminologies can sometimes be quite daunting. That’s why today we’ll try our best to explain the inventory audit with an analogy — running a restaurant. What is an inventory audit? An inventory audit consists of a physical count of the goods in your warehouse and/or in transit, cross-checked against financial records. This is to eliminate discrepancies between your actual inventory and records. Imagine your business is a restaurant. Your inventory makes up the ingredients in your kitchen. An inventory audit is like a chef taking stock of the pantry before a big rush. It ensures you have the right amount of everything — enough flour for bread, enough cheese for pizza, and enough vegetables for salads — to fulfill orders or, in this case, serve hungry customers smoothly. Why is inventory auditing important? There’s not only one reason why inventory auditing is crucial when running a business. There are several points you should focus on here: Improved accuracy — Having accurate inventory records is essential for not only calculating profits and budgeting effectively, but also making informed purchasing decisions. Reduced shrinkage — Imagine going through the loss of inventory due to theft, damage, or administrative errors. Regular audits help identify shrinkage and implement measures to prevent it. Enhanced planning — Every entrepreneur has to be aware of and understand their inventory levels alongside sales trends. By doing so, they’ll be able to forecast future demand and make informed decisions about purchasing and production. This helps avoid stockouts and reduces the risk of having excess inventory that ties up capital. Fraud detection — Constant audits can uncover instances of inventory fraud, such as employee theft or manipulation of records. Inventory audit benefits By now, you probably have an idea of what an inventory audit is and why it is important. While understanding the importance of it might seem like a good enough benefit, there are still some aspects of inventory auditing that we’d like to point out.   Profit calculation — Accurate inventory records directly affect your bottom line. Inventory audits help identify discrepancies and ensure your cost of goods sold (COGS) is calculated correctly, leading to a more accurate reflection of your profits. Accurate budgeting — When you don't have accurate inventory data, budgeting becomes a guessing game. Luckily, audits provide a clear picture of your inventory levels, allowing you to allocate resources more effectively when planning for future purchases, like the sauce, flour, cheese, oregano, or mushrooms, to name a few ingredients. Identifying inefficiencies — Inventory audits can reveal inefficiencies in your inventory management system, such as slow-moving products, inaccurate storage methods, or overstocking — and sometimes even employee errors. Optimizing inventory levels — Holding too much inventory can tie up capital and incur storage costs —...

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> Read our ultimate guide to circular economy and closed-loop manufacturing and learn how you can adopt these principles for your own business.

- Published: 2024-07-30
- Modified: 2024-07-30
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/circular-economy/
- Categories: Business tips, Manufacturing

Our world is getting hotter, partly due to product waste. As products decompose in landfills, they release harmful gasses like CO2 and nitrogen into the atmosphere. A circular economy strives to end harm to our planet by recycling existing materials and keeping them in circulation for as long as possible.   Implementing a circular economy into your business’ manufacturing practices not only saves our environment — it saves money, too. In this ultimate guide, we cover everything you need to know about circular economies and closed-loop manufacturing. This will help you make your business more sustainable and protect the future of our planet.   What is a circular economy? A circular economy is a type of economic system that aims to eliminate unnecessary waste and continually use resources.   In a traditional linear economy¹, manufacturing revolves around the “take, make, dispose” model. In other words, people buy products, use them, and then throw them away. Circular economies aim to get rid of this harmful system and instead design products that minimize overall waste to avoid further pollution. To do this, products are repaired, reused, refurbished, and recycled to keep them in circulation for as long as possible before being placed in landfills.   If enough companies invest in a circular economy, the world will begin to rebuild itself by regenerating its natural systems. Valuable nutrients will return to the soil, improving Earth’s health one step at a time.   The goals of the circular economy are to:  Eliminate waste and pollution — Redesign the traditional linear economy to prevent waste and pollution from happening in the first place Keep materials in use — Extend the lifespan of products by reusing and refurbishing existing materials already in circulation  Regenerate natural systems — To protect ecosystems, circular economies aim to restore natural systems by returning nutrients to the soil and improving overall biodiversity  Key features of a circular economy Now, let’s take a look at the key features of a circular economy designed to make manufacturing more sustainable in the long term. 1. Sustainable product design  In a circular economy, durability and repairability are priorities when designing products. They also need to be easily disassembled to refurbish and recycle products. Typically, materials will be renewable and recyclable for a lower environmental impact. 2. Using resources more efficiently  Currently, the industrial sector uses 54% of the world’s energy². Circular economies aim to counteract this by using energy-efficient technology while creating products. Water recycling is also encouraged during the industrial process. 3. Reducing waste  One key feature of a circular economy is the idea of zero waste. This means all products need to be reusable and recyclable so they don’t end up in landfills.   4. Extending the life of products  Rather than throwing away products at the end of their lifecycle, circle economies promote refurbishing them to make them as good as new. Businesses like ThreadUp also have second-hand markets where products are bought. The second-hand market in the US is expected to...

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> Learn everything you need to know about store performance dashboards, including how you can use them to make data-driven decisions for your retail store.

- Published: 2024-07-30
- Modified: 2024-07-30
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/store-performance-dashboards/
- Categories: Business tips

Retail is a data-driven business. With so much competition, more and more physical stores are using data from sales transactions, customer interactions, and other sources to adapt their business strategies. One powerful way to do this is with a store performance dashboard.   Imagine being able to get a visual overview of your retail store’s performance in real time. This is all possible with the help of a store performance dashboard. In this guide, we’ll be covering everything you need to know about implementing and using this technology, as well as examples of how you might use it for your own business moving forward. What is a store performance dashboard? A store performance dashboard is a tool that tracks the progress of your physical store and displays it in an easy-to-use format, like a graph. Rather than getting bogged down in thousands of lines of data, these dashboards are designed to provide a quick snapshot of how your store is performing on any given day.   The dashboard will look at your business’ key performance indicators (KPIs) to see the progress you’re making toward company-wide goals. This could be anything from boosting overall sales to reducing the amount of product returns. The great thing about store performance dashboards is that you can adapt them to measure data that matters to you.   Let’s say you want to focus on individual employee sales. Your dashboard will be able to tell you the average sales made by each individual team member and the star of the show on any given retail day. That way, you can develop strategies for boosting the overall sales figures of your team.   Why is it useful? It can be hard to stay competitive in the crowded retail market. To have any chance of succeeding, you need to make the right decision every time. Store performance dashboards make this a lot easier. Rather than making a guess, this dashboard gives you all the insights you need to tailor your strategy to your store.   You get real-time visibility into your store’s performance  With a performance dashboard, you can see how your store is doing at any given moment. Your business can use these insights to either create a new strategy for boosting sales or to adapt and evolve a strategy currently in place.   Dashboards improve your ability to make good decisions Because you can access up-to-date insights into your performance based on metrics like customer behavior and sales trends, dashboards allow you to see what’s working and where you can adapt your current strategies. Experience better inventory management You have the option to track your inventory within a store performance dashboard, giving you insights into your inventory levels, stockouts, and demand forecasting. This data can help you optimize your inventory levels so you can spend less on holding costs. Improve the customer experience  Using a store performance dashboard, you can gain valuable insights into what your customers like. This will allow you to personalize the customer...

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> Discover and consider the pros and cons of perpetual vs. periodic inventory systems and how either one can benefit your business.

- Published: 2024-07-30
- Modified: 2024-07-30
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/perpetual-vs-periodic-inventory/
- Categories: Inventory management

Makers, traders, and retailers of all kinds know that you can't get too far ahead in business without learning how to best keep your proverbial house in order. That is to say, the sooner you figure out how to best manage your inventory and all tasks and functions associated with it, the sooner your business will feel less like a chore and more like a valuable enterprise. To that end, we'll take this opportunity to go over some of the pros and cons of the two main strategy types for keeping your assets in check — periodic inventory versus perpetual inventory. What is periodic inventory?   Accounting through periodic inventory (a. k. a stocktaking) refers to physically counting your stock at specific time intervals, rather than tracking it constantly. This might be done monthly, quarterly, or even just once a year. You might think it's old school, but there are instances in which it is a very sensible way to keep your ducks in a row. Pros of periodic inventory accounting Simplicity of implementation — Since it relies on doing a physical count of items at a predetermined time, it's easier to understand and manage, which makes it very appealing for businesses that are new to inventory management. Suitable for low-volume businesses — If you have a small business and are managing a relatively small amount of inventory and if your inventory doesn't sell very quickly, doing a physical count every now and then might be sufficient for your inventory management needs. Less data maintenance — One of the upsides of choosing this inventory accounting strategy for your business is that you won't be doing day-to-day record-keeping to constantly update inventory levels with every sale or purchase. You count your stock periodically and calculate the cost of goods sold (COGS) for the period in question. Cost-effective — Doing a periodic inventory requires minimal upfront investment, in that there is no need for dedicated software, hardware, or constant data entry and updates. Hands-on troubleshooting — Through physical inventory counts, you can identify problems like damaged or misplaced stock that might go unnoticed in a perpetual system. Cons of periodic inventory accounting Time-consuming process — Although it does not require much upfront investment, it can be costly in terms of time. Depending on the size and complexity of your inventory, physical counts can be significantly disruptive and require staff to suspend regular operations. Inaccurate real-time data — Between the physical counts you do at predetermined intervals, you won't have a precise account of your inventory levels. This can translate to overstocking, as well as possible missed sales opportunities due to stockouts. Increased risk of errors — While it's best to go for a "hands-on" approach in some respects, the human process is prone to human error, and periodic inventory is no exception. Difficult to track trends — By refreshing your inventory data only at specific intervals, you will have a harder time identifying trends in demand or spotting any potential issues like...

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> QuickBooks’ inventory management helps you meet your customers’ demands. Learn how to use it and how to improve it today!

- Published: 2024-07-26
- Modified: 2024-07-26
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/quickbooks-inventory-management/
- Categories: Inventory management

Inventory management is like a game of Jenga.   You need to move with precision and accuracy, or your tower (aka your business) will come tumbling down. It makes a family game night of Monopoly seem less stressful now, right?   Unlike a family game night, your inventory management doesn’t have to end in tears or merciless wrath (bet you’re glad you don’t have to witness my family game nights! ).   With good software like QuickBooks Online inventory management — and a couple of coffees — you can maintain a spotless record of order fulfillment. After all, think of all you can do with software that enables you to track stock value in real time and keep track of your orders. Best of all, that’s only a glimpse of what QuickBooks inventory management can do for you. Let’s get right to it, shall we?   Is QuickBooks Online good for inventory management? Indeed it is. We aren’t the best at hiding spoilers, we know. We all know that inventory tracking can eat up your valuable time. There is no arguing that. But with QuickBooks Online, you’ll speed this process up tenfold. With QuickBooks, you can track inventory quantities and related costs in real time. So, not only is it easy to see what stock is flying off your shelves, but you can also determine what stock you need to order. The end result? You can consistently meet consumer demands without the hassle of the dreaded understocking or overstocking of products. But that feature won’t do you any good if you can’t actually identify your products. QuickBooks has got your back there, too. QuickBooks allows for no-fuss organization, enabling you to organize your products with images, categories, and prices.   On the topic of costs, QuickBooks will also generate reports that summarize your best-selling products, as well as your total taxes, and sales.   Ultimately, QuickBooks’ inventory management software will make your inventory tracking process a breeze while also ensuring you meet your customers’ expectations. The question to ask now is, ‘How can I use QuickBooks to track my inventory? ’ How to use QuickBooks for inventory management Let’s get down to brass tacks. Inventory management for QuickBooks is straightforward and simple, even if you’re the type of person who shudders at the thought of opening Windows. But don’t take our word for it. See for yourself.   Activating inventory tracking  Needless to say, you first need to start on your QuickBooks Online account.   Once you’re there, follow these steps:  Move to the Settings tab and select the Account and Settings option.   From here, you need to select the Sales tab.   A drop-down menu will appear, and at the bottom of it, you’ll see the Products and Services option. This is where you want to be, so click on it.   Select the Edit option (it's in the Actions column).   Now, you’ve got to turn on a bunch of settings, starting with the Show Product/Services Column...

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> Benefit from clearer visibility and control with improved customizability, flows, and enhanced account mapping for the QuickBooks Online integration.

- Published: 2024-07-16
- Modified: 2024-07-16
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/customizable-qbo-integration/
- Categories: Product updates

Experience further control and accuracy with an updated integration setup that lets you define precisely how QuickBooks works with Katana. We've improved the setup and configuration of your QuickBooks Online integration with Katana so that it’s easier than ever. Doing away with a step-by-step configuration, the setup flow now lets you connect and activate the integration separately from its configuration, offering expanded visibility and control. Simplified connect and config Connecting QuickBooks Online to Katana is easier than ever! Connect and activate: It will only take you a few moments to link Katana with QuickBooks Online and activate the integration. Customized setup and mapping: Connect different QuickBooks Online accounts to specific types of Katana orders Associate revenue between Katana categories and QuickBooks Online income accounts Tie Katana tax rates to QuickBooks Online tax types Import customer and supplier data from QuickBooks Online to Katana Enhanced account mapping The updated mapping ensures a more robust and accurate handling of data, reducing the chances of duplicate entries. You can also tailor the integration to fit your particular business processes. The newly created configuration page provides a detailed overview of the connection settings, making it easier to manage what data is shared between Katana and QuickBooks Online: Purchase orders → QuickBooks bills (as inventory assets)With this configuration, you can: Send COGS to QuickBooks Include additional purchase order costs in QuickBooks bills Transfer stock adjustment values and manufacturing operation costs to accounting Purchase orders → QuickBooks Bills (as expenses): Send purchase orders as expenses, bypassing inventory tracking, with the optional choice to include additional PO costs in QuickBooks bills. Sales orders →QuickBooks Invoices (as income): Track sales revenue by sending sales orders from Katana to QuickBooks Online as invoices. Customize this setup by: Including shipping fees in QuickBooks invoices Pushing invoice payment statuses to Katana If you’ve already integrated your Katana account with QuickBooks Online, there’s no need to worry about changes — all your existing setups are safe and have been automatically migrated to the new flow. There’s no need to reconfigure anything unless you want to make changes to your existing workflow. Find more details about the new setup from our Knowledge Base. What's Next for the QuickBooks Online integration? We know that accuracy is everything when it comes to accounting, so the next step is to provide more granularity and add the inventory value for raw, work-in-progress, and finished goods to the QuickBooks Online integration. Stay tuned! The latest update to the QuickBooks Online integration ensures your accounting processes are more efficient and tailored to your specific needs. Enjoy the control and accuracy it brings to your business operations. Happy accounting!

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> Boost your manufacturing efficiency with production optimization. Learn practical tips and strategies to enhance productivity and reduce costs.

- Published: 2024-07-09
- Modified: 2024-07-09
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/production-optimization-in-manufacturing/
- Categories: Manufacturing

Optimized production processes improve efficiency, minimize waste, and keep things running smoothly. This article explores the benefits, challenges, and tips to help you optimize production. Production optimization in manufacturing is all about fine-tuning your production processes to achieve the highest levels of efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness for your business. By optimizing production, you can reduce waste, lower costs, and boost overall productivity, while keeping customers happy and your bottom line consistent.   In this article, we'll dive into the world of production optimization, exploring what it really means, the benefits it brings to your business, and the challenges you might face along the way. We'll also share some practical tips and strategies to help you optimize your manufacturing processes. So, buckle up and get ready to take your production game to the next level! What is production optimization, exactly?   Production optimization is the process of refining and improving manufacturing processes to maximize efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure that your supply chain works smoothly, like a well-oiled machine. This process involves things like: Reducing waste Streamlining workflows Speeding up production lines Eliminating errors and bottlenecks Improving delivery times Simplifying production management processes Enhancing productivity  How does it work? The production optimization process involves analyzing and updating various aspects of the manufacturing workflow to achieve peak performance in all of your operations. This can include things like evaluating current processes, identifying inefficiencies and bottlenecks, and embracing advanced technologies, automation, and lean manufacturing principles. It also involves regularly monitoring and tweaking operations to maintain optimal efficiency and adapting to changes in demand or production requirements. What are the benefits of production optimization in manufacturing? Production optimization offers numerous benefits that can significantly impact a business' bottom line and overall performance, keeping both staff and clients satisfied. By streamlining processes, automation, and proper inventory management, you can boost productivity, reduce operational costs, and improve product quality. This leads to faster production cycles and the ability to meet customer demand more effectively, enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty. Moreover, production optimization helps in better resource management, minimizing waste, and reducing downtime. This not only conserves materials and energy, which obviously bodes well for the environment, but also contributes to a more sustainable manufacturing process. There is increased interest on behalf of consumers in sustainability, and businesses that adhere to sustainable standards have a competitive edge. Below are some of the key benefits of production optimization in manufacturing, to give you a clearer picture of what you have to gain from prioritizing it.   Increased productivity and efficiency Reduced operational costs Upgraded product quality Enhanced customer satisfaction and loyalty Better resource management Minimized waste and downtime Greater sustainability in manufacturing processes Enhanced competitiveness and market adaptability What are the challenges of production optimization? Like all good things in life, product optimization does come with certain challenges. One major challenge of product optimization relates to implementing new technologies and automations into existing systems. This process often involves sacrificing a lot of time, effort, and capital, as implementing...

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> Supply chain forecasting is your secret weapon to predicting demand. Learn how to optimize inventory levels and keep customers happy.

- Published: 2024-07-09
- Modified: 2024-07-26
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/supply-chain-forecasting/
- Categories: Business tips

Accurate supply chain forecasting helps businesses stay ahead by predicting demand and managing inventory effectively. By using smart analytics and real-time data, companies can avoid shortages, cut costs, and keep customers happy. Ever feel like you're constantly guessing how much of your favorite product will be on the shelves? Maybe you've missed out on that perfect gadget because the store underestimated demand. This is where supply chain forecasting comes in. It's like having an ability that helps businesses predict what they’ll sell and when. Sounds interesting, right? Now, imagine being able to do this with only one tool — Katana. But, before we get into why Katana is one of the best supply chain forecasting software options available online, let’s try to slightly better understand what supply chain forecasting actually is and how it works. What is supply chain forecasting? Supply chain forecasting predicts future product demand to ensure the supply chain operates smoothly and efficiently. It involves analyzing historical data, market trends, and other relevant information to anticipate customer needs and adjust inventory levels, production schedules, and distribution plans accordingly. An accurate supply chain forecast helps businesses minimize costs, avoid stockouts and overstock, and effectively meet customer demand. Why is supply chain forecasting vital? The term forecasting, or at least forecast, should give you some insight right off the bat. Have you ever looked at the weather forecast? Some people do that on a daily basis. And they do so for an obvious reason. They don’t want to forget to take their umbrella with them if it’s going to rain later that day. The same goes for running your own business — the idea is to be able to predict what’s going to happen as accurately as you can. That way, your business can run smoothly, because just being able to start a business isn’t enough. Being able to sustain it is what matters, as practically almost anyone can, for example, open up a shop nowadays. Let’s focus on some concrete examples now. By predicting demand, businesses can achieve the following: Plan strategically — This means making smart decisions about different aspects like expanding to new markets or budgeting for supplies, using similar ingredients for the majority of the menu without compromising the original recipe. Here, forecasting helps ensure they can meet customer demand without running out of stock. Stay on top of inventory — Nobody wants to see empty shelves. Forecasting helps businesses maintain the perfect amount of stock, keeping customers happy and avoiding those annoying out-of-stock signs. Deliver a positive customer experience — Imagine waiting in line for a product you’ve been looking forward to for some time now, only to find out that the store is out of it. Forecasting helps businesses avoid this by ensuring they have enough stock to fulfill orders and keep customers coming back for more. The benefits of supply chain forecasting Supply chain forecasting helps businesses in a few key ways: Reduced costs — Nobody likes wasting money. Forecasting helps businesses...

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> Let’s take a look at what cross-docking is, how it works, and how it can enhance productivity and efficiency for your business.

- Published: 2024-07-09
- Modified: 2024-07-26
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/cross-docking/
- Categories: Inventory management

Cross-docking involves the direct transfer of products from inbound to outbound transportation, bypassing traditional warehousing. In the fast-moving world of supply chain management, efficiency and speed are paramount. One method that has gained significant traction for its ability to streamline operations is cross-docking. In this article, we’ll explore the essentials of cross-docking, detailing its benefits, challenges, and strategies for effective implementation. Let’s dive right in, shall we? What is cross-docking, exactly? At its core, cross-docking is a logistics strategy meant to expedite the distribution process. It involves the direct transfer of products from inbound to outbound transportation, bypassing traditional warehousing. Products are received at a docking terminal, quickly inspected and sorted, and then immediately loaded onto outbound vehicles for delivery. This method drastically reduces or even fully eliminates storage time, which benefits both businesses and customers, in a win-win situation.   How does cross-docking work? The cross-docking process begins once goods are received at a terminal or docking facility. Upon arrival, these goods are swiftly unloaded and subjected to a quality inspection to ensure they meet the required standards, and right after that, they are sorted according to their final destinations (don’t tell us you didn’t immediately think of that log truck in Final Destination 2).   Finally, the sorted goods are loaded onto outbound transportation vehicles — trucks, railcars, or other means — for immediate delivery to customers or retail locations. This seamless transition from inbound to outbound logistics minimizes handling and storage time, enhancing overall supply chain efficiency.   Types of cross-docking Cross-docking is not a one-size-fits-all solution, unfortunately, but it can be adapted to fulfill different operational needs.   Manufacturing cross-docking, for instance, combines various products required for the production process, delivering them just in time to the manufacturing site. Distributor cross-docking, on the other hand, involves consolidating products from multiple suppliers to be distributed to various customers or retail locations. Transportation cross-docking consolidates shipments from different suppliers intended for the same destination, optimizing the transportation process. Lastly, retail cross-docking involves sorting products according to customer demand and delivering them directly to retail stores, ensuring the timely availability of goods. What are the key benefits of cross-docking? One of the most compelling benefits of cross-docking lies in the reduction in inventory costs. By minimizing the need for warehousing, businesses can substantially cut down on storage expenses. This efficiency extends to the overall supply chain, speeding up the movement of goods and reducing delivery times. What’s more, business owners get to reduce warehouse management costs, as there’s no need to store, sort, or keep track of products while they’re in storage in real time.   Another clear advantage of cross-docking is faster shipping. Because goods move quickly from one vehicle to the other, the time it takes for them to reach their final destination is significantly shortened, resulting in satisfied customers.   Add to that the benefit of lowering shipping costs, since one truckload can transport multiple shipments at once, reducing the need for more vehicles required for...

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> Take advantage of more detailed costs by adding shipping fees to sales orders and Additional costs to purchase orders. Learn more about this update.

- Published: 2024-07-09
- Modified: 2024-07-09
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/added-costs/
- Categories: Product updates

By adding shipping fees to sales orders and additional costs to purchase orders, you can better understand how your business is performing. Analyze your supply chain, obtain more precise accounting, and get more visibility into costing data to better pinpoint extra expenses on sales or purchase orders. Two new features With this update, everyone using Katana will have access to Shipping fees for sales orders (SO) and will also be able to add Additional costs to purchase orders (PO) and outsourced purchase orders (OPO). Shipping fees The Shipping fees feature enables you to track the exact price of a sales order by clearly showing the shipping costs separately. The Shipping fee field itself can be found directly inside an SO card, where this data can be included in exported PDF invoices, . csv, and . xlsx files. Shipping fees can be added to sales orders manually or pulled to Katana automatically from an integration with: Shopify BigCommerce WooCommerce Note: You'll need to reconfigure your existing e-com integration to enable this automation. If you've integrated your account with QuickBooks Online, you can also have shipping fees sent automatically to QuickBooks. To enable this, just reconnect the integration (don't worry – no data will be lost in the process). Learn more about shipping fees and how to reconfigure an integration from our Knowledge Base. Additional costs By applying Additional costs to POs and OPOs, you can provide extra information to better represent the accurate cost of acquired items and inventory reporting. The types of expenses you’d like to add are up to you. You could add shipping, freight, customs fees, or anything else related to importing goods from abroad and clearly see the landed cost per unit. Find the additional cost field inside PO and OPO cards after clicking the Additional cost button. This data will then be included in exported PDF templates, . csv, and . xlsx files. These costs can be added when creating an order or after receiving items – whichever works best. With the latest update, you can even add those costs to partially received purchase orders! What's more, you can also add a reference to each additional cost. If your account is integrated with QuickBooks Online, the additional cost will be automatically sent to when creating a bill. To enable this sync, you’ll first need to reconnect the QuickBooks Online integration. Learn more about Additional costs in Katana in from our Knowledge Base. What's up next? We've got several things in the pipeline and will continue to update Katana and improve workflows, so stay tuned! Happy cost visibility! The Katana Team

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> Pharmaceutical warehousing is the storage and management of pharmaceuticals under strict conditions to ensure quality, safety, and regulatory compliance.

- Published: 2024-07-08
- Modified: 2024-07-08
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/pharmaceutical-warehousing/
- Categories: Manufacturing

If your daily tasks include handling pharmaceutical products, you've come to the right place. This article looks into pharmaceutical warehousing, the standards regulating the industry, and tools to ensure high quality and operational efficiency. Storage facilities are a necessity for any business dealing with physical products. While some can get by with a small shelf in the back room of a shop or a big yard, others may need more specialized warehousing solutions. If the product is being consumed by humans, the warehousing requirements can get very strict. This is the case with pharmaceutical warehousing. Today, we look at pharmaceutical warehousing to see what it is all about, what you need to keep in mind when storing pharmaceuticals, and what are some of the best practices. What is pharmaceutical warehousing? Pharmaceutical warehousing is storing and managing pharmaceuticals in purpose-built facilities that meet all the mandatory regulatory requirements set forth by agencies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the World Health Organization (WHO). Pharmaceutical warehousing involves handling, storing, and distributing pharmaceuticals while making sure the products adhere to the highest quality, efficacy, and safety standards. Pharmaceutical warehousing standards and elements affecting pharmaceuticals You need to consider many elements when storing pharmaceuticals. These include temperature, humidity, access, security, cross-contamination, etc. To ensure proper pharmaceutical storage solutions, there are regulatory guidelines that must be followed. In the pharmaceutical industry, the main ones to consider are: GMPs GSPs GDPs Good manufacturing practices GMPs are set by the FDA and provide guidelines to ensure that products are consistently produced and controlled according to quality standards. They are designed to minimize the risks involved in any pharmaceutical production that cannot be eliminated through testing the final product. Good storage practices GSPs are established by the WHO and ensure that pharmaceuticals are stored under appropriate conditions to maintain their quality, efficacy, and safety. These guidelines cover aspects such as temperature control, humidity, security, and inventory management to prevent deterioration and contamination. Good distribution practices Finally, GDPs are established by the WHO and EMA, among other regulatory bodies, to ensure that the quality of pharmaceuticals is maintained throughout the distribution process. GDPs cover the principles of proper distribution, storage, transportation, and handling practices, ensuring that products reach consumers in a safe and effective condition. These are not the only guidelines, but some of the most important ones to follow for pharmaceutical warehousing. Some other to look into are good warehousing practices (GWPs) and good laboratory practices (GLPs). Pharmaceutical warehousing layout When planning your pharmaceutical warehouse layout, there are many different approaches you can take. However, there are some best practices you should first consider. Let’s cover some of them here, 1. Zoning Temperature-controlled zones — Designate specific areas for products that require different temperature ranges, such as cold storage for vaccines and ambient storage for tablets. Humidity-controlled zones — Certain pharmaceuticals need to be stored in low-humidity environments to prevent degradation. Make sure you have a specific area for that. Quarantine areas — Allocate separate zones...

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> Understand the benefits and challenges of omnichannel fulfillment and get tips on strategies and examples of how to make it work for you and your clients.

- Published: 2024-07-04
- Modified: 2024-07-09
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/omnichannel-fulfillment/
- Categories: Business tips

Omnichannel fulfillment is a strategy where retailers use multiple sales channels, like online stores, physical shops, and mobile apps, to efficiently manage and deliver products to customers wherever and however they choose to shop. In the great ecommerce vs brick-and-mortar debate, the answer seems more and more to be, both. Both answer the very real needs of a great many people, and they each have a place in the relationship between a brand and its customers. But how can a business thrive in both worlds? Omnichannel fulfillment might be your answer to that — a centralized strategy that helps you seamlessly manage all your sales channels, both online and offline.   What is omnichannel fulfillment? Omnichannel fulfillment is a retail approach that seamlessly integrates various shopping platforms. It connects online stores, physical locations, and mobile apps to manage and deliver products to customers according to their preferred method of purchase and delivery. You can think of it as a retail version of "all roads lead to Rome. ” It is a strategy that manages orders that come through various sales channels and seamlessly fulfillis them.   An important note to make is that omnichannel is not to be confused with multichannel retail — while it also means working with several sales channels, they each operate independently in the multichannel model.   Why is omnichannel order fulfillment important? Moving your inventory effectively is a goal where all your operational routes meet. In an omnichannel fulfillment model, all your paths are interconnected and can act as a strong foundation for better business performance, as well as a great experience for customers. In fact, the omnichannel approach is very customer-oriented, in that it makes it easy to make your products available to consumers in any way that is most convenient for them.   Benefits of the omnichannel fulfillment strategy Most of the benefits you gain by implementing omnichannel fulfillment are related to and stemming from improving your relationship with your customers. Below, we detail what are perhaps the three most important benefits of omnichannel fulfillment. Customer convenience  Streamlining the fulfillment process Cost savings Customer convenience Making the effort to meet the different needs of different people has the added effect of expanding your pool of customers. Offering options such as in-store pick-up, home delivery, or even same-day delivery makes your products more easily accessible to more people. Creating a convenient and reliable shopping experience builds trust for your company, reduces shopping cart abandonment, and drives recommendations that will attract even more customers over time. Did you know? The cart abandonment rate is one of the biggest issues for online retailers. In 2024, about 70% of shoppers abandoned their carts. Streamlining the fulfillment process With omnichannel fulfillment, you manage your inventory as a whole and you need to operate in certain ways to make it work well. For instance, to create that convenient customer experience, you have to optimize your back-end operations, streamline order picking and packing processes, and reduce errors. By streamlining your...

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- Published: 2024-07-02
- Modified: 2025-01-09
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/customers-prefer-a-real-human-over-an-ai-chatbot/
- Categories: Business tips

Customer service is one of the most popular use cases for generative AI. Tools like GTP-4 or Google Bard are disrupting B2C interactions, and businesses in virtually every industry have implemented solutions like AI chatbots into their customer-facing operations. These bots can handle complex queries, provide information, and reduce the workload of customer service representatives. A recent study conducted by Katana showed that 94% of SMB ecommerce merchants intend to incorporate AI into their business operations in 2024. But is that what customers want?   To gauge people’s opinions on the effectiveness of AI chatbots, we ran a survey using Pollfish and asked people detailed questions about their interactions with AI tools. Are these artificial intelligence tools really delivering on their promise to elevate the customer experience? Here’s what our analysis revealed. Key findings  1 in 2 customers prefer talking to a person over an AI chatbot Millennials and Gen Zers are more comfortable sharing information with AI compared to older generations High-income respondents are more satisfied with AI chatbots, yet they still prefer human interaction Men are more trusting than women when it comes to sharing information with AI chatbots Humans vs. AI chatbots: 1 in 2 customers prefer a person Generally speaking, the results of our survey are clear: even in the age of AI and digital transformation, people still prefer talking to a human rather than interacting with a chatbot. Roughly 49% of respondents said they prefer interacting with a real person for customer support, while only 12% said they prefer interacting with an AI chatbot. At the same time, 25% of respondents said that it depends on the situation and the complexity of their issue. AI chatbots are effective when it comes to quick, less complex issues, but the more complex the situation, the higher the preference for human interaction.   Millennials and Gen Zers are more comfortable sharing information with AI compared to older generations Looking at how respondents in different age groups responded to our survey, we notice that younger generations are more trusting of artificial intelligence services. 25% of Millennials and Gen Zers said they are very comfortable sharing personal information with AI chatbots for a more personalized experience, while 24% said they were uncomfortable with it. 23% of younger respondents said they don’t have much experience interacting with AI for customer service, and 13% don’t mind sharing information with a chatbot if they know that information is protected and secure.   However, 40% of our Millennial and Gen Z respondents said they prefer interacting with a live human for customer support, with only 13% picking AI interaction. This shows that while younger generations are quite open and trusting when it comes to interacting with chatbots, they still prefer talking to an actual person. Moreover, most of these respondents (28%) said they were only ‘somewhat satisfied’ with the customer service provided by chatbots, so it’s clear there is still room for improvement in this area.   While younger generations are relatively open when...

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> Pharmaceutical manufacturing process involves producing medications, from formulation to distribution, ensuring quality and safety standards are met.

- Published: 2024-07-01
- Modified: 2024-07-08
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/pharmaceutical-manufacturing-process/
- Categories: Manufacturing

Pharmaceutical manufacturing is a highly regulated industry where every step must be carefully measured, logged, and executed. Today, we take a look at the pharmaceutical manufacturing process and see what it entails. The pharmaceutical industry is one of the most lucrative, regulated, yet controversial industries there is. With the likes of Martin Shkreli and the Sackler family, there are many examples of how the industry can be incredibly unethical and corrupt. However, there’s also a lot of good. I guess most of us have reached for an Advil to ease the headache after a long and stressful day at work. Today, we’ll look into how the sausage is made — more precisely, how pharmaceuticals are made. We explore pharmaceutical manufacturing processes, the different stages drugs go through before making it to the pharmacy, and the best ways to manage it all. But first, let’s get up to speed with the terminology. What is pharmaceutical manufacturing process? Pharmaceutical manufacturing process is a series of steps used to produce medication for human and animal consumption. The process usually includes the following: Formulation — Designing the drug's composition and determining the correct mix of active ingredients and excipients to achieve the desired therapeutic effect. Mixing and granulation — Combining raw materials to form a consistent mixture, often converting powders into granules to improve flow and compression properties. Drying — Removing moisture from the coarse material to ensure stability and prevent degradation. Compression and encapsulation — Pressing the dry granules into tablets or filling them into capsules to ensure uniform weight and dosage. Coating — Applying a protective layer to tablets or capsules to enhance stability, control release rates, and improve patient compliance. Quality control — Conducting rigorous testing at various stages of production to ensure each manufactured batch meets predefined quality standards for purity, potency, and safety. Packaging — Sealing the final product in appropriate containers, such as blister packs or bottles, to protect from contamination and ensure proper dosage administration. Labeling and distribution — Applying labels with essential information and distributing the packaged drugs to pharmacies, hospitals, and other healthcare providers. This is a fairly generic list, and the drug product manufacturing processes can vary depending on the exact medication produced. For example, cough syrup clearly won’t need compression and coating. However, the list does cover the most common processes in pharmaceutical manufacturing. We mentioned that the pharmaceutical industry is one of the most regulated, so let’s see how that is achieved. Pharma production processes simplified Katana Cloud Inventory Platform gives you a 360-view of your raw materials, operations, inventory, and sales. Book a demo to see how. Book a demo Pharmaceutical manufacturing process and regulations When the safety of citizens is at risk, governments, in most cases, try to come up with different regulations to mitigate these risks. In the US, the Food and Drug Administration, or the FDA, establishes these regulations and ensures pharmaceutical production follows the set guidelines. To ensure the safety of the pharmaceutical production process, the FDA...

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> The use of 3PL helps businesses outsource specialized tasks and unlock growth paths by focusing on perfecting products and processes.

- Published: 2024-06-26
- Modified: 2024-06-28
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/3pl-logistics/
- Categories: Inventory management

“Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn! ” You may think that this is what Rhett Butler once told Scarlett O’Hara while a lot of wind was blowing. However, this is exactly what a production business manager was overheard saying after being asked how much storage space his current inventory requires. That’s because, said manager, is using 3PL to handle all of his fulfillment needs. Confused? Allow us to explain.   Businesses of any size in the manufacturing sector are faced with multiple challenges in an increasingly changing landscape, especially at a time when reshoring and nearshoring are effectively remaking the global supply chain as we know it. Understanding the fundamental changes that are happening is a task in itself, so one of the quickest and most efficient ways to deal with these changes is keeping as flight-footed and as flexible a business as possible. That’s where the 3PL option comes in, providing an out-of-the-box option for businesses working to scale up quickly with potentially lower overhead. What is 3PL? Standing for third-party logistics, the term precisely describes the outsourcing of logistics services. These services could range from individual components of the process, such as: Warehousing Transportation Managing inventory Fulfillment As a result, 3PL companies can often be referred to as order fulfillment companies or fulfillment services.   However, more robust services can include all components of the supply chain, for a comprehensive outsourcing solution. So, whichever level of service you need, if you’re a growing company eager to use your shop space for production rather than storage and your energy for maximizing production rather than figuring out shipping, then 3PL is likely an option to seriously consider.   How does 3PL work? Companies that manufacture items may not have the bandwidth necessary to process, freight, and then ship said items directly to customers. Instead, they contract companies to either handle one of those tasks each, or a more comprehensive solution that packages them together. That’s the essence of why and how a 3PL business works.   The process of outsourcing large chunks of the supply chain management of a manufacturing business means that you might feel the overall level of transparency of your business is taking a hit. However, a good understanding of the model, what it takes, and how it works is the first big step to eliminating that drawback.   The 3PL order fulfillment process Below, we’ve listed some of the key elements of the process through which 3PL can work and add value to any enterprise. Stocking In order to carry out customer orders efficiently, a warehouse needs to hold a certain volume of that stock at all times. The 3PL warehouse needs to stay in communication with businesses to have a good image of how much space it has available and what order volume to expect. This helps them budget space and resources properly. Managing inventory Once the warehouse stocks the necessary inventory, it must go through regular inventory management policies, to ensure proper...

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> Warehouse optimization is the secret key that can unlock a treasure chest of benefits aimed at supercharging the potential of your warehouse.

- Published: 2024-06-26
- Modified: 2024-06-28
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/warehouse-optimization/
- Categories: Inventory management

Nowadays, simple missteps or delays can disrupt warehouse inventory operations at the drop of a hat. Whether we’re talking minor glitches in your back-end logistics or a slight count hiccup, it’s enough to throw everything off course. And with it, throw a company's reputation down the drain. The guiding beacon in a sea of such hidden challenges? Warehouse optimization. First things first, warehouse optimization isn't just a buzzword. It's a crucial strategy for companies aiming to pump up efficiency, slash costs, and keep up with the neverending competition. Warehouses have become the one place where efficiency, technology, and strategy all converge. Yet, a successful busy warehouse isn't about its location or how many people work in it. It's all about making it work better by improving the resources you have. And, like any other business, they need to change with the market. Sure, proper optimization takes time and planning, but with savvy optimization techniques, a company can unlock a treasure trove of benefits. What is warehouse optimization? Warehouse optimization is the one thing that can boost productivity, iron out workflows, and wow customers — all in one go. But, alas, it cannot be achieved with the flick of a magic wand. Rather, it’s an ongoing process that involves a lot of brains, a lot of hands at work, and a lot of fine-tuning. Effective warehouse optimization relies on two buzzwords that are as repeated as they are relevant — efficiency and precision. Mixed with a proper warehouse management system (WMS), this trifecta is a game-changer that not only automates and streamlines processes, but also enhances business-wide communication. At the end of the day, the goal of warehouse optimization is to make everything run like clockwork. This involves everything from streamlining operations, making the most of your space, managing inventory, and cutting costs, all the way up to keeping customers happy. Let’s find out more about how you can do that. Warehouse optimization tips and strategies Enhancing warehouse performance is complex, to say the least. The endeavor demands thorough and systematic strategies, but at least the math here is easy — boosting warehouse efficiency boosts productivity, which ends up boosting customer satisfaction. It’s important to make your processes smoother and more reliable, which in turn leads to better overall performance and efficiency in your warehouse operations. Here are some quick tips to help you do that: Process standardization — Tasks like unloading, scheduling, and facility management should be streamlined as soon as possible. This saves time, cuts costs, and reduces errors. Clear communication — Good communication boosts productivity and reduces staff turnover. So make it a point to keep your team in the loop about goals, processes, and chances that might affect them.   Employee engagement — While we’re at it, make sure to involve and empower your team as much as possible. A culture of inquiry and responsibility can pump up productivity and reduce employee dissatisfaction. Educated leadership — Employee engagement is driven by involved leaders. In the end, both...

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> Learn the basics of inventory tracking, including what it is, the different methods available and why inventory tracking software is the way forward.

- Published: 2024-06-26
- Modified: 2024-09-04
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/inventory-tracking/
- Categories: Inventory management

As of 2024, there are between 12 and 24 million online businesses globally. With so much competition and just one chance to make an impression that leaves customers coming back, you need to make the shopping experience as seamless as possible. One way to do that is with inventory tracking. Having a salient inventory tracking strategy means your customers can easily find which of your products are in stock and receive their orders quickly. This might make all the difference between ordering from you or a competitor.   The longer you go without meticulously tracking your inventory, the more likely you’ll struggle to sell your products online. Luckily, this article will outline everything you need to know about inventory tracking, including the best software to use for your small company.   What is inventory tracking? Inventory tracking is simply the method of monitoring your different types of stock, whether it’s how much you have available or where it is. The numbers you have will change daily as new orders come in and get shipped. Plenty of smaller businesses will use Excel spreadsheets to keep track of their inventory, but this comes with its own problems. For one, inputting numbers is bound to lead to human error and be time-consuming — and time is usually in short supply for small business owners.   Using inventory tracking software makes life easier for small businesses and large enterprises alike. It allows you to automatically keep track of all your stock and will send alerts when certain products are low.   Benefits of inventory tracking Taking the steps to track your business inventory comes with a host of advantages. One is that knowing how many products you have in stock and how many are on order will save you time and money. Let’s go over some additional advantages of having an inventory tracking strategy in place. Avoid wasting resources on storing excess stock It costs money to store inventory, so keeping excess stock will make you less profitable in the long run. Keeping a tight leash on your inventory levels will allow you to optimize your operations — you’ll only keep stock needed to fulfill sales.   Monitor any damaged products  Tracking your inventory allows you to keep a close eye on the condition of your products, meaning you can monitor how much of your inventory is getting damaged.   Speed up your order processing To have any chance of competing against other online stores, you need to ship your orders to customers speedily. Inventory tracking allows you to pinpoint your product locations quickly and send them out to customers, increasing their satisfaction with your business.   Better understand your sales patterns Demand forecasting is an important part of managing your business and its supply chain. Inventory tracking allows you to get a better insight into ordering trends so that you can prepare for high-demand periods. Challenges of inventory tracking Tracking inventory accurately comes with its challenges. Even with the help of inventory tracking...

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> This guide explains the why, what, and how, of supplier management. Learn about key features and how to choose the best software for you.

- Published: 2024-06-26
- Modified: 2024-06-28
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/supplier-management/
- Categories: Business tips

Supplier management is all about carefully choosing the best suppliers, negotiating contracts, and monitoring performance to ensure the collaboration meets or exceeds your expectations. Have you ever ridden a bicycle? We’ll assume that you have. But, even if you’re among the roughly 10% of adults all around the world who haven’t, don’t worry! You’ll still understand the supplier management analogy we’re going to use throughout this article. What is supplier management, exactly? Supplier management is basically a fancy way of saying how a certain company finds, chooses, and works with the business that provides them with the stuff they need to make their products. Now, here’s that analogy. Imagine a company that manufactures bicycles. Like every other manufacturing company in the world, they need suppliers — suppliers that provide various bicycle parts like wheels, seats, frames, and handlebars. Now, supplier management is the process that said company goes through. The process of not only finding the best supplier for those parts and making sure that everything is delivered on time (and at a good price), but also working together to solve any problems that may come up during that very same process. What the experts say — why is it important? There are several reasons why a supplier management system is important: By relying on suppliers that deliver high-quality materials and components, a manufacturing company maintains consistent product quality. On the other hand, relying on a supplier that provides parts of sub-bar quality can lead to defects, recalls, and most importantly, customer dissatisfaction. It reduces costs. If a company manages its supplies effectively, it can also negotiate better pricing. Not only that, but that same (bicycle) company can also streamline procurement processes and avoid certain disruptions that can lead to some additional (and unexpected) costs. Improving supply chain agility, as strong supplier relationships, oftentimes means being able to adapt to changing market demands. Mitigating risks, aka identifying and addressing potential risks such as supply shortages and quality-related issues. Boosting innovation and leveraging the expertise and capabilities of strategic suppliers in both product development and new technologies. The benefits of supplier management If you understood the part about the importance of supplier management, we’re almost certain you’re already starting to see the benefits. If not, again, here are some examples that should give you a somewhat better insight into how our fake bicycle company can improve its business by using a certain supplier management system — it’s quite simple, actually. The bicycle company increases its profitability by reducing costs, improving product quality, and creating an efficient procurement process. A satisfied customer is the best customer. Manufacturing quality bicycles, delivering them on time, and listening to what the customer has to say about potential improvements all lead to creating an even stronger chain that helps the company grow. The stronger the chain, the stronger the company. By collaborating and openly communicating with all parties involved, both the supplier and the company build a strong relationship that benefits them in the long term....

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> What is order routing, how does it work, why do you need it, and what can Katana do to streamline it even more? Keep reading and find out.

- Published: 2024-06-21
- Modified: 2024-06-21
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/order-routing/
- Categories: Business tips

Efficient order routing is the backbone of high-quality service. The best time to receive an order is now, the next best time is as soon as possible. In this article, we explore how order routing can help you save money while increasing sales and customer satisfaction. Visualizing the lifecycle of a product, from the warehouse shelves to your doorstep, doesn't require a very vivid imagination. The goods are grabbed off a shelf, put on a truck, and eventually, delivered to you. Nothing too complicated, one would guess. Although the process seems simple and straightforward, there are some nuances that fulfillment teams need to know and follow. Cutting corners can come at a high cost, literally. What is order routing? Order routing is the process of ensuring the safe and fast movement of products from the warehouse to the buyer's doorstep. It's essentially a roadmap with written directions and guidelines for the fulfillment team to follow to save resources on the journey and make the shipment process as effective as possible.   Overview of the process  As an example, let's look at a made-up order.   John Smith needs a new laptop. He purchases one online to save himself the trouble of driving to a store. He receives an email confirming his order, with the order number and estimated delivery date. The store automatically forwards the order to an order management system (OMS) and starts processing it. The OMS checks the inventory levels of his selected laptop across all warehouses. Using predefined rules and algorithms, the OMS decides on the best fulfillment center to process the order. This decision is based on factors like inventory levels, John Smith's location, and transportation options and costs. The order is forwarded to the suitable fulfillment center, where the warehouse team starts processing it. They pick the laptop from storage, pack it securely, and prepare it for shipping. The package is handed over to a shipping carrier. John Smith receives an email confirming the shipment of his order along with a tracking number to follow his delivery in real time. The shipping carrier transports the package to John Smith's house. After receiving his package, John Smith receives another email confirming the delivery of his goods, thanking him for choosing this online store for his purchase and asking him to leave feedback on the order process. John Smith is happy with the speedy delivery and his new laptop, so he recommends the store to his friends and keeps it in mind the next time he needs to buy something. The steps of order routing  Let's go over order routing and its processes once more, one by one. Order placement – John Smith places an order for a laptop  Order confirmation  – John Smith receives an email confirmation  Order processing – The order is added to an OMS to start processing it  Inventory check – OMS checks inventory levels  Routing decision – OMS selects the best fulfillment center  Order fulfillment – The warehouse team picks, packs, and...

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> Harness the power of EDI for your ecommerce business. Embrace efficiency with electronic data interchange and say goodbye to manual data entry.

- Published: 2024-06-11
- Modified: 2024-06-11
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/edi-for-ecommerce/
- Categories: Ecommerce

Commerce is fully reliant on efficient communication. It would have never really worked without it — not if you imagine the first barter trades from before written history, not along the Silk Road, and least of all in today’s increasingly complex trade networks.   Moreover, in the age of electronic communication and cloud-based solutions, it’s not just people who have to understand each other well, but it’s just as crucial for computer systems to speak the same language, too. That’s where EDI comes in. What is EDI? Simply put, EDI or electronic data interchange is a communication standard for computer systems. It allows the fast and efficient exchange of business documents between business partners. It also enables you to integrate the data from those documents directly into your internal systems. Many retail businesses use EDI, for the most part, to exchange documents accompanying transactions — invoices, purchase orders, PO acknowledgments, and shipping notices. With many of today’s ERPs and accounting systems being EDI-compatible, you can automate a lot of repetitive processes. In this way, EDI improves speed, accuracy, and security in trade communication. Still, although its early versions popped up in the 1960s, many businesses have remained unaware of EDI, and could benefit greatly from adopting it. Benefits of EDI for ecommerce There are many ways EDI can help your ecommerce business streamline its operations and gain a competitive edge. Below you'll find some of the most impactful ones. Efficiency and error reduction EDI standardizes and automates transaction processes. This way, exchanges become easier to track, and incorrect orders and data entry errors are minimized, leading to quicker transactions, fewer shipping problems, and better overall operational efficiency. Improved supply chain management and bottom line Better communication between you and your trading partners unlocks faster order processing, invoice reconciliation, and payment settlement, giving you more control over your inventory, all while cutting expenses. Implementing EDI for ecommerce can also help reduce labor costs by improving productivity without increasing staff. Enhanced record-keeping and compliance Automated receipt verification and electronic documentation help streamline your record-keeping processes and ensure compliance with industry regulations. Better planning and competitive advantage Early notifications of likely orders through EDI can help you improve the accuracy of your forecasting, allowing you to optimize your inventory and avoid stockouts. EDI capabilities also open the door for more opportunities for growth and profitability, giving you a competitive edge over non-EDI-enabled suppliers. Real-time inventory management Ask for a demo of Katana’s inventory platform, developed for businesses to have holistic visibility and control of their operations. Book a demo How does EDI work? EDI uses standardized formats to communicate data between trading partners. These formats are sets of rules defining how data is structured and transmitted. EDI systems require a complex interface to coordinate the communication between trading partners. To better understand how EDI works and how it adds value to your ecommerce business, it’s best to first reiterate how a transaction is processed without it. For example, a purchase order starts out...

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> What makes B2B ecommerce so crucial in allowing distributors nowadays to stay competitive? Find out in our ecommerce for distributors guide.

- Published: 2024-06-11
- Modified: 2024-06-11
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/ecommerce-for-distributors/
- Categories: Ecommerce

Let’s face it — the world of ecommerce for distributors is like a dodgeball game. Sure, it’s fun, we get to be part of a team, and rely on shared strengths. But, at the same time, it involves challenges, game-changing moments, and a whole lot of keeping up to do.   Today's online buyers expect the same reflexes and quick moves as dodging a perfectly aimed ball coming your way. With B2B online sales surging, it's crystal clear that keeping up with this trend is a make-or-break move for distributors. And, just like on a dodgeball court, the key to ecommerce for distributors is avoiding blindsides from competition while staying nimble to meet customer needs. What is distributor ecommerce? In a nutshell, ecommerce makes the world go round. No, really. It’s essentially what sets the pace of your entire business game. In a slightly bigger nutshell, B2B ecommerce for distributors sells products or services through digital platforms, allowing them to expand beyond local areas and reach global markets, streamline operations, and reduce costs. Just as making it through a rain of incoming balls is essential for victory in dodgeball, adapting to the ever-shifting expectations of customers is crucial to remaining competitive in the digital arena. However, maintaining competitiveness is just one side of the ecommerce coin. Boosting customer satisfaction is another. And yes, both sides are equally important. Benefits of ecommerce for distributors Most distributors already know that, by adopting ecommerce, it becomes easier to stay competitive and grow a business. Before making a decision, it’s a game of weighing the pros and cons of B2B ecommerce for distributors. And, even at first glance, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. Here are the main benefits of ecommerce for distributors: Increased sales — By maintaining an online presence, distributors can expand their market reach beyond traditional brick-and-mortar limitations. Nowadays, it’s vital to capture sales from more and more customers who prefer to shop online. Global access — Reaching customers worldwide is where it’s at. Ecommerce enables distributors to tap into new markets and customer segments beyond their local geographical boundaries. Increased efficiency — Ecommerce platforms allow distributors to streamline order processing, inventory management, and just about every step of the process. This ends up reducing manual errors and making improvements when it comes to overall operational efficiency. Better customer insights — At the end of the day, it’s all about making improvements based on customer behavior. Ecommerce for distributors comes with enhanced business accounts and data, which enables visibility into customer trends. This, in turn, optimizes marketing decisions, inventory, and even pricing. Open 24/7 — Shopping at any time and without pesky staff is a dream come true for the modern consumer. It’s quite simple — an online shop that’s open round-the-clock leads to increased convenience and accessibility. Get the ultimate guide to inventory management A comprehensive ebook that covers everything you need to know about inventory management. Get the ebook The challenges of ecommerce for distributors With experts preaching that every...

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> Electrical discharge machining (EDM) is a metal fabrication technique perfect for hard, conductive materials. Learn all about it here.

- Published: 2024-06-11
- Modified: 2024-06-28
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/electrical-discharge-machining/
- Categories: Manufacturing

We’re about to blow your mind and tell you that everything you thought you knew about EDM is wrong. Sorry to break it to you, but EDM does not, in fact, stand for ‘electronic dance music. ’ That’s right, you heard it here first: EDM actually stands for ‘electrical discharge machining,’ and it’s a real banger in the industrial manufacturing sector.   All jokes aside, electrical discharge machining, otherwise also known as EDM, has nothing to do with parties or dancing to electronic music. Although, some might see the process as a complex dance among different parts and materials. Let’s get right into it.   What is electrical discharge machining? Electrical discharge machining, or EDM, is an elaborate manufacturing process that involves cutting or shaping hard materials using electrical discharges between electrodes that are submerged into dielectric fluid. It’s mainly used to shape materials that are difficult to machine using conventional methods, like titanium, Inconel, steel, graphite, or tungsten carbide, to name a few.   Since EDM does not require the use of mechanical force to remove or shape raw materials, it’s considered a non-traditional or non-conventional manufacturing method. It only works on materials that are electrically conductive, as it relies on electrical discharges to accomplish its task.   A short history of EDM Electrical discharge machining sounds like a terribly complex process, so you might be wondering who on Earth came up with it and how? The origin story of EDM goes back all the way to 1770, when British physicist Joseph Priestley observed that electrical discharges had an erosive effect on hard materials. Then, in the early 1940s, two Soviet scientists were trying to see if they could prevent erosion of tungsten electrical contacts that occurred due to sparking. Spoiler alert: they failed to figure it out, but they discovered something else in the process, namely that they could control the erosion and manipulate it, if they submerged the electrodes in dielectric fluid. Then they developed the first die-sink EDM machine that could work on materials like tungsten in a controlled and effective manner.   Of course, competitive as they are, Americans were doing their own research at the same time as the Lazarenkos. Harold Stark, Jack Beaver, and Victor Harding developed their own EDM machine that could work on aluminum castings. And there you have it, that’s how the first EDM machines were created!   The electrical discharge machining process, explained  Now it’s time to go into a bit more detail about how electrical discharge machining actually works. But don’t worry, it’s not (quite) as complicated as it seems.   EDM is also known as spark machining, spark eroding, die sinking, wire burning, or wire erosion — and all these terms give you an idea of what the process of EDM might entail. The key components that are part of the EDM process include, but are not limited to, the following: Power supply Dielectric liquid  Control unit Work tank Electrodes Flushing system Filtration and cooling systems How...

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> Merch is great, especially if it's received as a free extra to show appreciation for making a larger purchase. Here are 15 merch ideas to consider.

- Published: 2024-06-11
- Modified: 2024-06-26
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/merch-ideas/
- Categories: Business tips, Ecommerce

Whether you’re a musician, an influencer, a social media sensation, an artist, or an entrepreneur looking to expand your business by selling merchandise online, at some point, you’re going to run out of ideas. That’s right, selling your own merch is not quite as easy and fun as it sounds (although it is pretty fun, let’s not pretend it isn’t). It takes a lot of time and effort spent on finding the right materials, the right sales channels, the right audience to target, and how to promote your merch online. But the most difficult step is always the first one — coming up with original merch ideas that can really take your small business to the next level. Look, chances are, whatever idea you have, someone else has already had it, and benefited from it. There’s nothing new under the sun anymore when it comes to merchandising. Whatever crazy item you can think of, you’re almost sure to find it somewhere in a dark corner of the World Wide Web. Coming up with merch ideas that fit your business needs doesn’t mean reinventing the wheel. There’s no need to think of something completely new, but to come up with ideas that are right for you and your target customers. For instance, if you’re a heavy metal artist or promoter, classic merch ideas like band t-shirts, mugs, guitar picks, or posters will always work, because music fans love that kind of stuff. So, without further ado, let’s dive right in and jot down some cool merch ideas that can help you boost sales, keep your fans and customers happy, and get your name out there.   1. Hoodies and t-shirts When it comes to merchandising, there are certain tried-and-true strategies that have stood the test of time. This includes hoodies, t-shirts, and sweatshirts, because they are practical and easy to customize to your liking. These items of clothing are basically part of everyone’s wardrobe, whether they’re heading to the gym, hanging out at home, going out, running errands, or any other activity you can think of. Hoodies and t-shirts are versatile and they offer plenty of opportunities for designs, from crazy color combinations to images, logos, or anything else you come up with. For music fans in particular, t-shirts or hoodies featuring their favorite band or artist are always popular, so you can never go wrong with adding this type of merch to your collection. 2. Beanies and caps Another practical merchandise idea that’s super easy to customize and produce relates to caps and beanies featuring your brand logo, colors, quotes, or anything else you’d like. Caps are a staple in anyone’s apparel collection during spring and summer, while beanies definitely come in handy during the colder months, so you can cover the whole year easily! They’re small and usually made in one size, so producing these items won’t pose a major challenge. It’s all about choosing a visually appealing color palette and picking a quality, durable fabric. 3. Socks Who...

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> Find out what shop floor management is and how it can help you optimize staff organization and processes in the production area.

- Published: 2024-06-11
- Modified: 2024-06-19
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/shop-floor-management/
- Categories: Inventory management

The need to keep a streamlined and flexible shop floor is crucial to businesses at any and all levels. Just ask Walter White. He definitely ran a tight ship when he was making all of his glassy blue-colored trinkets in that basement in Albuquerque all those years ago. As production processes have become more and more complex and time-sensitive, shop floors need to evolve in order to meet these increasingly rising expectations. Machines and equipment are more sophisticated, the staff is more specialized, and the challenges posed by tight deadlines, high demand, and disrupted supply chains are more common. So, the need for highly optimized shop floors and the adoption of modern inventory management best practices are essential to a business’ success. Read on to find out how shop floor management can help your business thrive and how you can boost efficiency with some easy steps and the right software. What is shop floor management? Shop floor management is an umbrella term for all the processes that go into optimizing activity in the production area of a business. Depending on the type of activities and tasks a business performs, shop floors may include: Machinery Equipment Raw goods Finished products Staff  As production mainly happens in this area, the shop floor is a key piece of the puzzle and any optimizations made in how it functions will impact the bottom line of any business.   Managing a shop floor can be done through the help of staff that have leading and organizing roles, but they will benefit a lot from having tools and software that can help their efforts. There are many things that go into the successful management of a shop floor, but one of the most important ones is data gathering and analysis. In order to make improvements to any process, you first need to fully understand its current status and the needs it has. Data-driven changes bring a higher level of confidence and they can be more targeted on certain aspects.   Besides data monitoring, there are a few other areas that can be the focus of a shop floor management system. We’ll go over some of the methods and objectives commonly set.   Firstly, proper scheduling and workforce planning is an area that can benefit from applying these procedures, together with materials and production flows. Secondly, monitoring processes from start to finish becomes much easier, as well as finding hotspots for optimization opportunities. Any issues detected can be swiftly corrected so that productivity is improved at the same time.   Thirdly, communication can get a big boost through the adoption of modern software and practices, which is crucial in these times of fast turnarounds and ever-changing consumer trends.   Now that we have broadly defined what shop floor management is, we will focus next on the benefits of careful shop floor management and optimization. Why is shop floor management important? We have already touched upon the importance of shop floor management, but let’s dive deeper into some...

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> Improving supply chain efficiency is no picnic. But with the right inventory management software and a few key tips, it's doable.

- Published: 2024-06-11
- Modified: 2024-09-25
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/supply-chain-efficiency/
- Categories: Inventory management

Ah, supply chain efficiency, the holy grail of business management. In an ideal world, we’d all reach maximum efficiency in all of our endeavors, but in reality, this goal is as elusive as the proverbial work-life balance we’re all striving to strike.   Still, it’s a good goal to have, because supply chain efficiency is the key to streamlining business operations and ensuring timely delivery of goods to your clients. Basically, it’s the secret sauce that can improve agility, inventory management processes, and set the stage for customer satisfaction. But how can you reach this seemingly unattainable goal? That's what we're going to find out by the end of this article. What is supply chain efficiency? Supply chain efficiency relates to the ability of a business to make the best of its available resources, technologies, expertise, and skills to deliver goods to its clients in a timely manner, while also minimizing costs and maximizing profits.   It sounds like an ideal scenario, doesn’t it? The end goal of an efficient supply chain is to satisfy the needs of the customer while maintaining a healthy bottom line — a win-win situation, if you will.   How can this be achieved? By optimizing existing processes and enabling end-to-end visibility into the entire supply chain. Such a strategy requires delving deep into all processes, from: Production Distribution Delivery Cost management Time management Waste control Staff productivity And identifying ways of streamlining them.   A company needs to leverage all available resources and technologies at their disposal to this end, from data analytics and inventory management software, to scheduling and tracking software. It might require some time, effort, and investment, but in the end, an efficient supply chain will lead to increased customer satisfaction, better partnerships with business collaborators, and last but not least, better profit margins. Supply chain efficiency vs. effectiveness  You might have heard the terms ‘efficiency’ and ‘effectiveness’ used interchangeably when it comes to the supply chain. However, they mean different things.   Supply chain efficiency correlates to an internal performance standard within a company, while supply chain effectiveness relates to an external standard, in the specific industry or market. To make it even more clear, when we say ‘supply chain effectiveness,’ we’re focusing on delivering goods that meet the standards and demands of the market, the clients, and the partners. When we talk of ‘supply chain efficiency,’ we’re looking to meet the demands set within our own company, in an effort to optimize processes and streamline costs.   Supply chain efficiency vs. responsiveness Another common debate revolves around the difference between supply chain efficiency and supply chain responsiveness. While ideally, they go hand in hand, they also mean different things.   A responsive supply chain means that a company is able to react and adapt quickly to changes and unforeseen events that might impact production or distribution processes. Think of the sudden impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on global supply chains, which took everyone by surprise. Companies must be ready...

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> Key benefits of implementing AI in warehouse management and how it can help your business grow.

- Published: 2024-06-11
- Modified: 2024-11-14
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/ai-for-warehouse-management/
- Categories: Inventory management, Top lists

AI is making its way into everything. Many industries jump on the train due to the fear of missing out even if the technology doesn't offer any real benefits. This isn't the case with AI for inventory management. Today, we'll take a look at the 10 key benefits of implementing AI for warehouse management. The increased adoption of artificial intelligence is having a transformational effect on modern business operations. We’ve gone over the potential of AI for manufacturing success, the financial revolution of ChatGPT in accounting, and we even covered the basics of how AI can help manage inventory.   In warehouse management, this technological revolution has been successfully used to optimize efficiency, enhance operational efficacy, and unlock a multitude of other benefits. By harnessing the superior capabilities of this developing technology, you can manage your storage with greater efficiency, lower costs, minimized waste, improved safety, and more. You can gain valuable data insights in real time that will guide you to optimize your operations and claim the competitive edge that everyone aspires to. Let’s get into the benefits of leveraging the power of AI in your warehouse management strategy. 1. Enhanced inventory accuracy With AI, you can automate data collection from multiple sources, such as barcode scanners, weight scales, RFID tags, warehouse management systems, etc. This will not only free staff of a tedious and time-consuming task, but also eliminate the risk associated with manual data entry. With superior accuracy of stock levels and other details in real time, implementing AI can also automate data analysis for timely insights. Want to incorporate AI into your business? Rainar, a Product Manager and AI enthusiast from Katana, discusses how AI impacts businesses and how AI can be implemented to improve manufacturing operations. Check out the episode 2. Real-time optimization of warehouse operations Artificial intelligence can be the assistant that is always thinking, evaluating, and adjusting. AI can handle constant analysis of data from sensors, scanners, and software feeds about inventory item details, worker movements, equipment status, and more. Based on the information it evaluates, your AI tools can quickly identify bottlenecks or inefficiencies and suggest solutions in real time, for a smoother overall workflow.   3. Superior predictive analysis Boasting unparalleled capabilities of pattern analysis, AI algorithms are an excellent match for warehouse operations management. Looking beyond regular seasonal fluctuations in demand, AI can identify what, for us, might be less predictable patterns and provide insights and recommendations to aid in your sales strategy.   With access to detailed information on all operations in your storage network, AI can orient your decision-making to a highly responsive approach to management. This can allow you to tackle inefficiencies every day in ways that help both your business and your employees, through real-time optimization of workforce planning, inventory organization, timely equipment maintenance alerts, and more.   4. Inventory demand forecasts While AI cannot understand your inventory or the needs it caters to, it can see patterns in all data associated with it and generate...

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> Understand how virtual warehousing works and how you can use it to improve your business operations.

- Published: 2024-05-10
- Modified: 2024-05-10
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/virtual-warehouse/
- Categories: Inventory management

There is no shortage of recommendations and guides about how to gain a competitive advantage and maintain it, how and why to optimize your inventory management, streamline your operations, reach your customers faster, and much more.   Everything is important when building a business in today’s highly dynamic economic environment, and you might sometimes feel that you simply can’t have enough hands, heads, and eyes to keep it all in check.   Luckily, however, technology also advances at a highly dynamic pace and there are plenty of modern approaches to choose from when you need to tackle everything at once. Implementing virtual warehousing software is one of the best ways to ensure that there are enough hands, heads, and eyes to manage your inventory and stay on top of any issues that inevitably arise.   What is a virtual warehouse? Virtual warehousing is a solution businesses use to track their stock in real time across multiple locations. It allows you to leverage technology to streamline your storage tracking and operations, even if (or especially if) you have more than one storage location. With virtual warehousing, you can essentially put together a digital copy of your real-life storage facilities and all the key information about the inventory you have stored in them. Key advantages of virtual warehousing Although not a physical location, the virtual warehouse offers distinctive advantages in terms of inventory and warehouse management, and more. 1. Analytics and insights in real time This software solution allows you to automatically track key metrics such as inventory levels, inventory health, storage costs, and more. With key real-time data always available on hand, you can save the time and effort of making the calculations required by regular warehousing management, easily monitor multiple physical storage locations, and optimize your stocks and logistics as needed. 2. Complete view of inventory Another advantage of virtual warehousing is that it offers you a holistic view across your storage locations and is not limited to one specific warehouse. Regardless of its physical location, any item or batch of inventory can be easily tracked, which puts you in a position to make better decisions regarding things like fulfillment strategies, stock allocation, and forecasting needs for additional stock in certain locations. 3. Optimized storage Monitoring everything digitally from one source gives you and your team superior visibility over all segments of inventory in real-time, which allows you to react quickly to maintain high efficiency across your warehouse operations and always keep your stock optimized. For instance, when your data shows that you have particularly high turnover for a particular item in one location, you can optimize your storage there to allow more room for additional stock of it. What’s more, you can see in the virtual warehouse how you might be able to reconfigure the storage layout in that location, so that it is easier for workers to pick units of the item that is in high demand. 4. Convenient scalability Virtual warehousing is also an asset for you...

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> Lear all about the key phases in the fashion production process, revealing the thought process beyond the glitz and glamor.

- Published: 2024-05-10
- Modified: 2024-05-10
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/fashion-production-process/
- Categories: Manufacturing

Let's talk clothes.   The things you need to wear in order to avoid social shunning. Yet, their significance extends far beyond mere physical necessity. Clothes serve as more than just coverings for our bodies. They can be part of our identity and show who we are, our culture, and sometimes even our social status or beliefs. They can sometimes influence our mood, boost our confidence, and shape our interactions with others. Beyond the finished products that hold so much power over our everyday lives, there’s a ton of thought and hard work. From sketch to stitch, every step in creating those fabulous outfits is a journey packed with creativity, precision, and a whole lot of passion. And the people and companies handling the transformation of design concepts into tangible, wearable clothing items understand this intricate process like nobody else. This is where fashion production comes into play. One thing to know from the start — beyond the glam, it’s all more complex than it seems. What is fashion production? At its core, fashion production is about creating new fashion items, from concept to reaching your closet. It all starts with design and development, but it extends to manufacturing, packaging, and distribution. The entire process encompasses a series of operations, starting from the initial design phase to the creation of the final product. Each step is meticulously orchestrated to produce garments and requires professionals in their field. Fashion companies must grasp the intricacies of this multifaceted process. It enables them to operate efficiently, communicate seamlessly with production teams, and uphold the integrity of their creative vision in every stitch and every seam. Steps in the fashion production process Since creating garments blends vision, creativity, and practicality, each stage of the fashion production process heavily relies on specific skills and expertise. Here are the simplified steps of the fashion production process, from design to market: Design — Creating clothes begins with a vision and a sketch. The main focus is appearance and function, or rather, how the item looks and works. The designer draws concepts and sketches different versions until they're happy with the final result. Calculating costs — Early on, it’s important to figure out how much the item will cost to make and sell. This cost includes fabrics, production, shipping, and other expenses. Once the total cost is calculated, simple math will dictate how much it will sell for in order to make sure there's a profit. Fabric sourcing — Quality is what ultimately sets you apart in the fashion world. So choosing good-quality materials from reliable suppliers is crucial. Also vital is seeing and feeling the fabrics in person to make sure they're right for the design. Fabrication and patterns — This stage involves turning the initial designs into patterns for making clothes. Detailed measurements for different sizes must be included. Production — Now it’s time to make the actual clothes using patterns, cutters, and skilled sewers who understand the guidelines provided. Quality control — After the garments...

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> Understand how the pharma supply chain moves, who the key players are, and how to navigate the particular challenges of the industry.

- Published: 2024-04-19
- Modified: 2024-07-26
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/pharma-supply-chain-logistics/
- Categories: Inventory management

The world runs on intricate supply chains — a global iteration of “connect-the-dots,” where the goal is to fulfill needs and dreams. Our dots are spread across vast networks that, while striving for a more efficient process and better delivery, drive the innovation of how we source and process raw materials, specialize storage and transportation, tailor and manage manufacturing, and more. One such example is the pharmaceutical industry, which relies on one of the most complex, delicate, and innovative supply chains to date. How does the pharma supply chain work? While not always perfect, the pharmaceutical supply chain is an impressively complex and interesting one. The journey of medication to our homes begins with the researchers and manufacturers who source the materials, then make and test the products, which are then acquired by distributors and make their way to the pharmacies where we purchase them either with or without a prescription. That is, of course, an oversimplification of the process. The chain breaks into more steps than that, which we can best understand by following the contributions of the key participants in the process. Who are the key players in the pharma supply chain? Essential participants in a production process are also sometimes referred to as “stakeholders,” a term that you might have come across already. In the pharmaceutical supply chain, the key players include: Raw material suppliers Drug manufacturers Regulatory agencies Wholesale distributors Pharmacy benefit managers Pharmacies Raw material suppliers Material suppliers provide the foundation on which drug discovery research can build treatments. Precision is paramount from common chemicals to complex biological components, so a good material supplier ensures proper quality control and adherence to regulations, like GMP and GLP, reliable sourcing from diverse options, and just-in-time delivery that aligns with the often-tight manufacturing schedules of the pharmaceutical industry. Pharmaceutical manufacturers Taking on the task of turning essential ingredients into medicine that can improve and even save lives, manufacturers are like the alchemists of the pharma supply chain. A good manufacturer should adhere to strict quality control measures and regulations, have thorough testing protocols, optimize manufacturing processes for efficiency and cost-effectiveness, and support innovation. In pharma, manufacturers fall mainly into two categories: Brand name — These stakeholders take complex ownership of the process, from developing original drugs and conducting clinical trials, to marketing and promotion for their products. Contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs) — They specialize in large-scale production for other pharmaceutical companies and can offer great flexibility and expertise in manufacturing a wide range of medications. Pharma stats Brand name pharmaceutical manufacturing industry is estimated to be around $261. 2 billion¹ in the US in 2024. While the pharmaceutical CMO market size is only about $11. 49 billion². The world's biggest brand name pharmaceutical company is Johnson & Johnson, with a revenue of $85. 2 billion³ in 2023 In 20221, Americans spent $1,432 per capita⁴ on pharmaceuticals Regulatory agencies While not directly involved in the active and tangible aspects of the pharma supply chain, regulatory agencies play a crucial...

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> Understand sustainable manufacturing principles and practices, their benefits and challenges, and how you can apply them.

- Published: 2024-04-19
- Modified: 2024-04-19
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/sustainable-manufacturing/
- Categories: Manufacturing

As consumers, we get a lot of direction about how we could make more responsible, green, and mindful choices in our day-to-day lives. However, at least in terms of products that we can buy, those better choices must first be made available to us. Who creates those more responsible, green, mindful options for us to consider? Among the multitude that is the answer to that question, manufacturing businesses have a big role to play in manifesting this green new world that more and more of us want to live in. To that end, the concept of sustainable manufacturing has been growing in its influence across industries, lifted (and sometimes dragged up) by the notable increase in consumer preference for products that are made with ethical and sustainability principles in mind. What is sustainable manufacturing, and why is it important? Everything about sustainable or green manufacturing makes it important in our delicate day and age. It prioritizes making products in a way that minimizes any negative impact on the environment and on the communities it touches, conserves resources as much as possible, and creates a safe and healthy work environment. A sustainable manufacturing process considers these and more guiding principles throughout the entire lifecycle of the product, from the choice of materials that go into making it all the way to what happens to it when the product reaches the end of its useful life. Sustainable manufacturing practices: Your itemized to-do list Adopting a range of practical strategies in the interest of going green helps not only the wider sustainability movement, but also has the power to lend sustainability to the success of your business. Use recycled materials — If applicable to your particular business, this can reduce your reliance on first-time resources and contribute to minimizing landfill waste. If you're worried about using recycled materials, you can start with recycled paper packaging. 3D printing is another example of reducing material waste through reuse, while also enabling on-demand or bespoke manufacturing. Monitor and increase energy efficiency — Consider using energy-saving technologies and processes that can lower your energy consumption and the dreaded carbon footprint. Choices like operating in green-building-certified facilities, investing in energy-efficient machinery, and even making good use of natural light throughout the day can have a significant impact on your consumption profile. Draw on renewable energy sources — By powering operations with solar, wind, geothermal, or other renewable energy, manufacturers can contribute greatly to the transition to a low-carbon economy. Conduct energy audits to identify where you can make improvements and invest in increasing your efficiency across the board. Optimize your use of resources — Water is both a precious resource and an essential element in almost everything we do. Sustainable manufacturing demands that we find ways to use less of it and explore water recycling techniques. Moreover, if using recycled materials does not work for your process, consider where and how your raw materials are sourced, as well as how you can optimize your use of them to...

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> Understand the basics and go for the right tools of clothing warehouse organization that supports the growth of your business.

- Published: 2024-04-19
- Modified: 2024-04-19
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/clothing-warehouse-organization/
- Categories: Inventory management

Anyone who has worked on making something can tell you that you can’t go very far without organization. Even at the very start of a crafting enterprise, you will soon feel the need to keep things in some sort of order so that you can better focus on the crafting work. Similarly, there are puzzle fans who prefer the relaxed chaos of picking any one random piece from the box at a time to see if it fits somewhere. However, the bigger the puzzle gets, the better your chances of finishing it if you organize your pieces. The importance of apparel warehouse organization A successful operation depends on how well it is managed. You can’t manage very well what you don’t measure, and you can’t measure very well what you don’t organize properly. If your business is apparel, then how you organize your warehouse is essential to your efficiency and success. Odds are you are already aware of that by the time you get your business going. However, you might not always realize when the time comes to rethink and improve some things along the way. Signs it is time to reorganize your clothing warehouse Luckily, the need to organize has many ways of introducing itself in a timely fashion. You might start to realize it but feel compelled to put it off because, let’s be honest, it’s a chore at any scale. However, it is important that you don’t ignore the signs, and it is certainly worth the effort to make it happen. Improper or inappropriate organization can manifest as: Slow order fulfillment — If your apparel is not stored properly or organized clearly, it will very likely take longer to be picked, packed, and shipped. Frequent picking errors — If you want to ship orders quickly but have poor categorization, unclear labeling, or haphazard storage, the risk of shipping the wrong items is quite high. Inaccurate inventory — If you frequently find yourself surprised by either overstocking or stockouts, it might be due to a lack of inventory level visibility because of poor organization. Damaged inventory — When garments are folded or stored improperly, it is only a matter of time before they get wrinkled, stained, torn, or damaged in some other way. Inefficient use of space — When your inventory is poorly placed, your employees might find it challenging to move efficiently through the warehouse, even if you actually have plenty of space. Challenges of apparel warehouse organization A well-organized and efficient storage space is an important pillar of growth for your apparel business. Achieving optimal organization does not come without some effort, but with careful planning and consideration of your specific needs and resources, you can navigate the challenges to unlock the benefits. Warehouse layout redesign — Depending on how your current layout works for you and the level of optimization needed, you might need to get creative in reconfiguring your warehouse layout. Space constraints — It can be challenging to implement new storage solutions if...

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> How can inventory management help solve the problem of excess electronic components inventory? Find tips and tricks in our latest blog post!

- Published: 2024-04-19
- Modified: 2024-09-25
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/electronic-components-inventory/
- Categories: Inventory management

The COVID-19 pandemic caused a massive disruption to the electronic components industry. Lockdowns, lack of personnel, unforeseen weather events, and even a gigantic ship blocking the Suez Canal (remember the endless Evergreen-related memes? ) had a big impact on businesses in the electronic components industry and the effectiveness of their supply chain. Add to that the global semiconductor shortage that followed, and suddenly numerous businesses found themselves with excess inventory related to electronic components. The impact of the past few years (we say few because honestly, time doesn’t work the same as it did before 2020) is still felt today, as excess electronic component inventory remains a challenge for many business owners. So, what are some steps you can take to ensure that you don’t end up in the same situation, or that you find your way out of it quickly? What is electronic components inventory, exactly? As the name suggests, electronic components inventory, or ECI, encompasses all the various electronic parts and components used to manufacture and assemble different electronic devices. Think of things like: Connectors Switches and relays Transistors Capacitors Resistors Inductors Crystals and oscillators (not those that astrology-loving influencers are advertising on Instagram) And anything else that is used in electronics manufacturing. Why is electronic components inventory important? Monitoring electronic components inventory in real time is crucial to effectively manage the items you have in stock and ensure the timely delivery of products and services. Without proper stock management processes in place to keep track of every single electronic component in the supply chain, businesses run the risk of overstocking or stockouts. This in turn can significantly disrupt internal processes, lead to storage issues, order processing delays, dissatisfied customers, and it can ultimately hurt your bottom line and profit margin. The other crucial thing to note is that the electronics components industry is constantly evolving, and technologies are always being updated to new, better versions. This means that some of the items in your unsold inventory might soon become obsolete or reach their expiration date as they sit there gathering dust in your warehouse. This is what effective inventory management strategies are meant to prevent — ensuring that you don’t end up with excess inventory at the end of the fiscal year. But things are not always this simple, because so many factors are out of your control, including unpredictable weather events, supply chain disruptions, market volatility, economic shifts, rising costs, scarcity of materials, and even crazy things like global pandemics and wars. Still, there are things you can do to mitigate these risks and ensure you’re at least partially prepared for whatever life throws at you. Avoiding excess electronic components inventory There is no way to completely eliminate risk when it comes to inventory management, but a good software solution (like Katana) can help ensure you are prepared to deal with those challenges if and when they should arise. Basically, inventory management is your best friend in this situation. Inventory management software enables you to monitor...

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> Katana's Price Lists makes managing customer-specific pricing a breeze and error-free, so you can generate revenue and keep customers happy.

- Published: 2024-04-18
- Modified: 2024-08-22
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/price-lists/
- Categories: Product updates

Introducing Price Lists, an easier way to set and manage customer-specific pricing, generate revenue, and keep customers happy. Katana’s new Price List feature helps to make sales order processes more efficient and keeps customer pricing accurate. What can you do with this new feature? Build price lists for specific customers Automatically apply customer-specific pricing on sales orders Set pricing based on percentages or your own fixed rate Create and store up to 100 different price lists Support for lists between 1-10,000 SKUs Eliminate manual price editing on sales orders What problems are we solving? Katana’s Price Lists equip growing B2B and wholesale businesses with a tool that simplifies tedious and manual pricing processes, improving customer relations and streamlining operations to support efficiency and your revenue growth. Best of all, price lists are a set-and-forget solution, designed to minimize the frustration associated with keeping track of pricing for multiple customers. Handling customer price lists manually, especially with tools like Excel or Sheets, can get messy. It's easy for teams to lose files, mix them up, or accidentally share outdated or incorrect pricing with customers. Keeping prices consistent across different files can be a headache, and without a central place to track everything, mistakes are bound to happen. Katana’s price lists function as the single source of truth for businesses that require accurate and up-to-date customer pricing in one location. Best of all, say goodbye to awkwardly named files like: CustomerName-Pricing-2024-FINAL-v9. xlsx. Why are price lists important? Whether you're running a growing Shopify store, operating a wholesale distribution business, or managing a combination of sales channels, price lists provide you with flexibility. You can set, customize, and standardize pricing for different customers, SKUs, categories of items, and sales orders. They also solve a significant challenge for businesses: mistakes. Manual data entry and recalculating and updating pricing for each item on a sales order is error-prone and takes employees away from revenue-generating activities. This process becomes even more daunting for businesses with a vast product range (thousands of SKUs) providing customized pricing to specific customers. Price Lists automate and simplify these adjustments, making the sales order process more efficient and accurate, while saving your team’s time and reducing the risk of errors. The same errors that cost your business money (and a few sighs from your accountant! ). How can I use price lists? Here are a few use-cases of how price lists can help you: Incentivize wholesale customers to buy more - Manufacturers or businesses selling wholesale can create price lists to incentivize customers to purchase more with fixed per-unit pricing or percentage discount. This reduces inventory costs, generates revenue, and passes savings on to the customers. Tailor pricing based on product type - A manufacturer of high-end audio equipment can choose to offer and set lower prices for a particular series of speakers they want to move, before releasing newer SKUs. The same company can also offer lower prices for customers who purchase multiple products at once. Offer seasonal pricing -...

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> Optimize your entire warehouse by streamlining picking & packing workflows — all through the use of a convenient mobile app.

- Published: 2024-04-09
- Modified: 2024-07-10
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/warehouse-app/
- Categories: Product updates

Katana's new Warehouse App provides a gateway to efficient pick & pack workflows and streamlines your sales order fulfillment process. In the ever-changing world of inventory management, keeping up requires tools that can quickly adapt to your needs. Katana's Warehouse App is precisely that — a tool that provides seamless order fulfillment by handling picking and packing directly from a mobile device. Capabilities of the Warehouse App So, what can you do today with the brand new Warehouse App? Plan and optimize sales order fulfillment: Create as many Warehouse operators as you need, and create pick and pack tasks for them. Afterward, you can receive live updates from your warehouse facility to improve order fulfillment planning further. Free your team from fixed workstations and a pen-and-paper routine: The Warehouse App lets operators pick and pack sales orders on the go, straight into the app, ensuring flexibility without compromise. Improve speed and accuracy through barcode scanning: Boost stock-picking via the app's barcode scanning feature. Incorporate speed and precision into your inventory handling. The latest Katana update also allows those who work with batch-trackable items to choose the most convenient workflow — assign a specific batch number and send this information to the Warehouse operator, or let the operator choose the batch, assign it to the sales order (manually or with a barcode scanner) when picking, and send this information back to Katana. This app itself is part of the Warehouse Management add-on, which covers all of your business’s main warehouse management needs. The add-on is included in Professional and Professional Plus plans. Those on a Standard plan can purchase this functionality with the add-on. How to get started? First, make sure you have the Warehouse app enabled by switching the toggle on from Settings Add Warehouse operators from your Team settings and invite them to use the app That's it! Now you can send sales orders for picking and packing right to the Warehouse app Find a detailed guide to enabling the app and adding operators from our Knowledge Base. What's up Next: We’re committed to further elevating your warehouse management experience, so we're actively working on adding useful new features to the Warehouse App — purchase order receiving via the Warehouse app. We hope this app (and the future updates) will make the add-on a useful tool to improve and optimize your order fulfillment and inventory management experience. Happy warehousing!

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> Here are 11 costly warehouse mistakes and how to prevent them. Learn about the common inefficiencies and practical strategies for effective warehouse management.

- Published: 2024-04-05
- Modified: 2024-04-05
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/warehouse-mistakes/
- Categories: Business tips, Inventory management, Top lists

Discover 11 costly warehousing mistakes and how to prevent them. Learn about common inefficiencies and strategies for efficient warehouse management. Regardless of whether you’re just getting started or your warehouse has been in operation for several years, it can be difficult to see where warehouse mistakes occur. Just like driving a car — you learn how to drive and pass your exams, and once you’re on the highway, a bad habit becomes standard practice, and your car’s performance decreases. When this happens, it’s time for a refresher course. And that’s why we’ve put together this article on the 11 most common warehouse mistakes businesses make and how you can fix them. 1. Too much inventory "It's better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it" certainly does not apply to keeping inventory. Probably the most common warehouse mistake all businesses face is holding excess inventory in their storage. This is an easy mistake to make, especially for wholesalers, as their business model is all about buying one particular product in bulk for a discount. Before you know it, what seemed like a great way to save money is now driving up costs as you have items clogging up inventory space and running the risk of becoming obsolete. Ultimately, it doesn’t take a lot for you to lose control over your inventory if you don’t have the space or staff to manage it — not only will it slow down your supply chain, but it will also create a hazardous environment for your workers. Doing more with less When it comes to inventory management, the name of the game is balance. To avoid the warehouse mistake of overstocking, you'll need to watch how your inventory levels and customer demand change over time. Sure, you could do it manually, but even that is prone to mistakes and increases labor costs. Your best bet if excess inventory is a problem for you is to adopt solutions that can automate inventory management and demand planning. For example, Katana's Planning and Forecasting add-on makes demand predictions by processing real-time sales data and analyzing historical trends — preventing inventory errors and enabling strategic growth planning. According to Zak Genefaas¹, Sales and Operations Lead at Wabanaki Maple, “It would require a full-time person just doing documentation in Excel to match what is automatically taken care of in Katana. ” What is Katana? Katana Cloud Inventory is a solution that facilitated a total customer revenue of $2 billion from sales in 2023. From large multi-million-dollar enterprises to small-scale entrepreneurs, Katana assists SMBs in effectively managing their sales and inventory. Katana boasts an average customer rating of 4. 8 out of 5 — recognized by reputable review platforms such as G2, Capterra, and Software Advice as an industry-leading inventory management solution. 2. Too complacent According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics², there were nearly 3 million recorded cases of nonfatal injuries and illnesses in the private sector throughout 2022 — and...

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> Inventory liquidation is selling off stock quickly, often at a discount, to avoid it becoming obsolete and to reduce carrying costs. Learn more here.

- Published: 2024-04-01
- Modified: 2024-04-01
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/what-is-inventory-liquidation/
- Categories: Inventory management

You know what they say — everything should be enjoyed in moderation. Well, the same goes for inventory. Sure, it’s a stretch of a comparison, but it’s not that far from the truth, to be honest. Excess inventory might seem like a totally acceptable problem to have, but it’s a problem nonetheless, and come tax season, you’ll wish you’d gotten rid of it sooner. Nobody wants to end the fiscal year with unsold inventory collecting dust in a warehouse, paying storage costs and taxes on products they aren’t selling. Unfortunately, you can’t predict the future, aka market trends or shifts in consumer behavior, so excess inventory is quite a common problem for businesses. If you’re in a similar situation, you might want to look into inventory liquidation. Luckily, we’re here to give you the rundown. What is excess inventory? Excess inventory consists of unsold or obsolete inventory that a company might have at the end of the year. It can be the result of overstocking, inventory management errors, unpredictable shifts in market trends or consumer behavior, or, of course, unprecedented events like global pandemics. It’s basically extra inventory that’s sitting around gathering dust in a warehouse. In some cases, this inventory can still be sold off or donated, but perishable goods with a shelf life or an expiration date might become obsolete, in which case they’ll need to be discarded. What is inventory liquidation? Inventory liquidation is the process of getting rid of excess inventory or obsolete products sitting around in a company’s warehouse. It usually happens when storage space becomes critical, when products in stock are no longer in demand, have reached their expiration date, or have become obsolete. The main goal of inventory liquidation is to free up storage space, prevent unnecessary spending and losses associated with storing unsold inventory, and recover capital, where possible. You might want to do this before the end of the fiscal year to prevent paying taxes on unsold inventory. Benefits of inventory liquidation The benefits of inventory liquidation are manifold, from freeing up capital to freeing up storage space, to building customer loyalty, and more. Below are some of the top benefits of liquidating inventory: Reducing holding costs — The first priority of inventory liquidation is to reduce holding costs and make sure you’re not keeping products in stock that aren’t going to sell anytime soon. You don’t want financial resources tied up in insurance and storage costs or hold on to depreciating assets. Freeing up storage space — One of the main goals of inventory liquidation is freeing up valuable storage space, so you can stock up on core products that actually sell. You only have a limited amount of space in a warehouse, space that you’re paying rent for, so you want to make the best use of it. Improving cash flow — Getting rid of excess inventory enables businesses to turn obsolete or unsold goods into cash, improving cash flow and the overall bottom line. This cash can then...

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> Learn about the importance of inventory forecasting for Shopify and beyond, best practices, and top software solutions.

- Published: 2024-04-01
- Modified: 2024-07-05
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/shopify-inventory-forecasting/
- Categories: Ecommerce, Inventory management

Let's say you're on vacation. You wake up, the sun is up, you can hear the waves crashing through the open balcony door, and a slight soothing breeze is blowing in your face. It's magical. You make yourself representable and head down to the restaurant for your pre-paid breakfast. To your dismay, most of the serving platters are empty. You manage to scare up a couple of bread buns, two slices of ham, and a pile of artistically shaped cucumber slices. This is the kind of thing that can ruin a good chunk of your morning, regardless of how beautiful everything else was before that. But what went wrong? This article tackles the root cause of such problems with a focus on Shopify. We take a look at what is Shopify inventory forecasting, its benefits, and tools to help you generate them. What is Shopify inventory forecasting? Shopify inventory forecasting is a process used by businesses operating on the Shopify platform to predict future stock requirements based on historical sales data, trends, and patterns. This forecasting helps Shopify store owners make informed decisions about how much inventory to purchase and maintain to meet customer demand without overstocking or understocking. Effective inventory forecasting is crucial for managing cash flow, maximizing sales, and improving customer satisfaction. Why is stock forecasting important for your business? Stock forecasting is about predicting demand to balance numbers: Inventory in Inventory out Smart budgeting Production planning Ordering materials Running a tight ship means getting that balance as close as possible, as it can certainly make a difference to the quality of the relationship you have with your clients, as well as to the sustainability and profitability of your business. Download the ultimate guide to inventory management A comprehensive ebook with everything you need to know about inventory management. What are the main benefits of Shopify inventory forecasting? The full array of benefits your ecommerce business gets from good stock forecasting depends on many aspects that can be particular to your trade, your location, your stock, and much more. But it’s safe to say that the following three examples apply to pretty much any business selling products: Reduce stockouts — Perhaps the first thing you notice with good stock forecasting is that you never have to say, “We’re out of what you’re looking for. ” If you predict demand for your products well enough, you will always have inventory on hand to meet the needs of your customers. Reduce overstocking — Rightsizing your stock also works in the opposite direction, where correctly anticipating demand means you do not end up carrying excess inventory. Optimize cash flow — Avoiding costs related to excess stock storage is just one way to optimize your finances with forecasting. Less money tied up in unnecessary inventory means more money available for investment in other aspects of growth for your business, such as optimizing efficiency throughout your supply chain or more confident procurement and production planning. What are the most common challenges of Shopify...

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> Key considerations for WooCommerce inventory sync approaches and solutions with popular plugins, tools & integrations. Learn more here.

- Published: 2024-04-01
- Modified: 2024-04-01
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/woocommerce-inventory-sync/
- Categories: Ecommerce, Inventory management

In the world of commerce, it’s not unusual to find yourself juggling more and more props. The more your business grows, the more complex your inventory is likely to be, which also goes for the management of it. Having the ability to automatically connect inventory data between one or more storage locations and your sales platforms can take a lot of busy work off your hands and help you juggle essential tasks more efficiently. What is inventory syncing? Inventory synchronization, or inventory sync, is a process of managing inventory across multiple sales channels or storage locations. It involves continuously updating inventory levels to ensure that the information presented across all platforms is accurate and consistent. This is particularly important for businesses selling products through various channels such as physical stores, online marketplaces, e-commerce websites, and social media platforms. How is inventory syncing important to your business? The first obvious advantage is that it saves you precious time, as manually updating inventory levels across different systems can be quite a time-consuming chore. Next, automating the communication of inventory data between different channels ensures a better representation of your available stock for prospective clients. It also helps maintain better quality across your inventory data, as syncing stock details significantly reduces the risk of typos, accidental duplicate counts of the same item, or other similar errors. Last, but not least, keeping track of your stock levels allows you to work with automatic reorder points, so that you more easily steer clear of stockouts. What benefits can you unlock with WooCommerce inventory syncing? Holding roughly a quarter share of the market among online stores, WooCommerce — an open-source WordPress plugin that helps businesses sell both physical and digital products — is one of the most appreciated e-commerce platforms currently available. With no limit on the number of products you can have on your sales platform, WooCommerce can be a very helpful tool for businesses looking to scale online sales. Some of the benefits of WooCommerce inventory management include: The platform’s user-friendly interface and extensive plugin ecosystem make it easy to streamline operations with your inventory management solution. You can easily avoid discrepancies between your store and your stock record. Avoid stockouts to keep good customer relations and high client satisfaction. Syncing sales data and stock levels gives you valuable insights into how to avoid overstocking. How can you sync inventory with WooCommerce? There are several ways you could choose to coordinate the data between your online sales and your stock details: Manual WooCommerce inventory sync — The most bare-bones approach is to manually update your inventory with each new order that is processed. However, once your business lifts off and you reach a certain level of growth, this process becomes very time-consuming and the risk of manual data entry error increases, which carries further risks down the line. What’s more, manual updates wouldn’t facilitate automatic integration with some external solutions for shipment, payment processing, or other features. Inventory management software — Integrating with a...

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> Read on to understand the complexities of selecting the right software solution and grasp the nuanced differences between ERP and WMS.

- Published: 2024-04-01
- Modified: 2024-04-01
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/erp-vs-wms/
- Categories: Business tips, Inventory management

Business management changes with the times, but one thing stays the same: success depends on the tools at hand. And the success of modern business management lies in picking the right software for your company. This is where two software systems stand out, both as indispensable as they are customizable: Enterprise resource planning (ERP) Warehouse management systems (WMS) Are they interchangeable? Kind of. Are they completely distinct from each other? Kind of. Should you understand the difference in order to choose the one that best aligns with your specific business needs? Definitely. The key difference is that ERP integrates entire business processes, while WMS specializes in inventory and warehouse management. ERP focuses on accounting and business automation and may be used for high-level financial decisions. On the other hand, WMS focuses on inventory and warehouse operations, offering detailed optimization insights for supply chain management. Flexibility and scalability in your supply chain depend on ERP or WMS software more often than you think. They play a crucial role in capturing data and automating essential business processes. And, since misusing ERP and WMS software can increase costs and hinder goals, let’s learn more about each of them. What is ERP? Picture enterprise resource planning as the ultimate Swiss army knife for businesses, with all the tools needed to handle various tasks. It's like a digital command center, bringing together different aspects of your business operations under one roof. Usually, an ERP system covers different business functions. You've got finance managing the money, HR taking care of employees, supply chain management making sure everything gets from point A to point B efficiently, customer relationship management keeping tabs on customers, and so on. This integration under one digital roof supports better teamwork and provides management with real-time data for quicker, smarter decisions. ERP pros and cons Enterprise resource planning systems are key to staying competitive in today's business world. Here are some of the advantages of implementing ERP: Improved efficiency — ERP simplifies business workflows, eliminates redundant tasks, and reduces manual labor. This results in a boost in overall efficiency and productivity as resources are optimized for maximum output. Integrated information — Business management, as a whole, relies heavily on data accessibility and accuracy. By centralizing data from various departments within ERP systems, you ensure real-time access to accurate information. ERP essentially integrates data from various departments into a single database, providing real-time insights and a comprehensive view of operations. ERP also offers improved visibility into key performance indicators, allowing businesses to monitor performance, identify trends, and address issues promptly. Scalability — Designed to accommodate business growth, ERP systems can easily scale up to meet expanding needs. This scalability allows organizations to add users, functions, and locations as they evolve and grow. Enhanced customer satisfaction — ERP systems with integrated customer relationship management modules lead to superior customer service. By providing a comprehensive view of customer interactions, businesses can respond promptly and personalize services. Improved collaboration — ERP basically breaks down departmental barriers within...

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> Streamline your Shopify store with the best inventory management software solutions. Optimize efficiency and boost ecommerce success!

- Published: 2024-03-26
- Modified: 2025-06-02
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/best-shopify-inventory-management-software/
- Categories: Inventory management, Top lists

Efficient inventory management is the backbone of a successful Shopify store. Explore our thoughtfully curated list of the top 7 Shopify inventory management apps to elevate your ecommerce game and streamline operations effortlessly. Since the dawn of commerce, the way we buy and sell has transformed drastically. Busy bazaars and marketplaces — once filled with goods hanging from tents and booths, merchants yelling out at each passing buyer, and customers haggling to get the best deal — have now moved into the World Wide Web. Many traditional sellers have migrated online, setting up shop on platforms like Shopify. This shift from physical to digital storefronts has revolutionized retail, but the fundamental importance of managing what's in stock has and will remain unchanged One could even say that in ecommerce, effective inventory management is more crucial than ever. It's the key to meeting customer demand without overstocking or running out of products. With the right tools, Shopify sellers can synchronize their stock across multiple channels, forecast demand, and keep their virtual shelves stocked with the right products at the right time, ensuring their digital bazaar thrives in the online marketplace. How to manage inventory in Shopify? While Shopify provides basic inventory management features, businesses with complex needs may find it falling short in offering comprehensive solutions. To address specific inventory requirements effectively, third-party inventory management software integrations become a considerable choice. Specialized software can improve and boost the capabilities of Shopify, providing features that require fewer resources while increasing productivity. For businesses dealing with different products, variations, or sales channels, integrating external inventory management tools becomes essential. These solutions offer more control over stock levels, order fulfillment processes, and real-time insights into inventory performance. By seeking external solutions, businesses can tailor their Shopify inventory management to match the unique demands of their operations, ensuring a smoother and more productive ecommerce experience. Overall, while Shopify lays a solid foundation for online stores, adding dedicated ecommerce inventory management software into the mix is key to achieving optimal control and efficiency in stock management. But with all the solutions out there, how to choose the best inventory management software for Shopify? What to look for in the best Shopify inventory management app? Selecting the right inventory management software is critical for businesses aiming to streamline operations and enhance efficiency. Here are some features to look for in a Shopify inventory management app. Integration with ecommerce platforms Integrating with ecommerce platforms is critical for Shopify inventory management. This integration ensures that your inventory management system and Shopify store work together seamlessly. It enables real-time synchronization of product details, orders, and customer data across your online store. This feature helps prevent discrepancies between your inventory system and your Shopify store. For example, when a customer places an order, the inventory levels in your management system should automatically update to reflect this change. This helps maintain accurate stock levels, ensuring that your product listings are always up to date. It also avoids situations where products are oversold...

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> Learn more about warehouse order picking, from innovative strategies and technologies to the tools that can turn your warehouse into a beacon of precision.

- Published: 2024-03-22
- Modified: 2024-03-22
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/warehouse-order-picking/
- Categories: Inventory management

If you thought warehouse order picking is just a mundane and unexciting process, think again. It’s actually an art form! It’s where precision meets thrill and where every aisle holds a potential adventure. You could say that it’s almost a carefully choreographed dance, as teams strategically navigate the aisles, picking and packing with the precision and care of a well-experienced choreographer. In this tech-driven era, order picking is about mastering the art of efficiency, turning the mundane aspect of order fulfillment into a streamlined and nuanced process. So, let’s learn more about it and find the best picking strategy for your business. What is order picking in a warehouse? Order picking is the process of picking the right products from a warehouse to fulfill an order. It’s a crucial step in the order fulfillment process within a warehouse or distribution center. For business owners, mastering warehouse order picking is essential. It means efficiently and accurately assembling customer orders to meet expectations and maintain a positive reputation. The ultimate goal? To fulfill customer orders while providing them with a seamless experience and keeping them happy and loyal. Why is a warehouse order-picking system important? A warehouse order-picking system is essential for improving things like efficiency, accuracy, and customer satisfaction. But don’t take our word for it, let’s go through some of the reasons why this system is not just a cog in the machine but an actual crucial part of business operations. Helps reduce costs An optimized order-picking system helps your business save money by reducing labor hours, minimizing operational errors, and overall improving inventory management. It serves as a linchpin for cost reduction and the result is simply a leaner, more agile operation that adapts and minimizes unnecessary expenses. Leads to higher customer satisfaction Using a picking system is like offering customers a first-class flight experience. Think of it as the diligent and always available flight crew making sure they’re having a smooth journey. With meticulous planning, the system acts as the navigational compass by guiding each delivery through the skies of the supply chain. It also minimizes turbulence and ensures each package arrives at its destination with the precision of a scheduled flight. What more could you want? Better optimizes staff’s jobs Your staff should be able to efficiently manage their time and a picking system is the perfect tool to help achieve that. It can strategically organize and assign tasks based on their skills and availability, which leads to enhanced coordination and, overall, a well-functioning team. Top strategies for effective warehouse order picking There are several strategies that can lead to effective warehouse order picking, and if you want to make the best of them, you can consider using each individually or a combination of two. Here are the most popular warehouse order picking methods for improving efficiency. Zone order picking — Dividing the warehouse into zones and assigning specific staff or teams to each zone helps streamline the picking process. With this approach, each team is responsible...

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> We look at distribution management — what is it, how it works, what are its challenges, and why the benefits make it all worthwhile.

- Published: 2024-03-20
- Modified: 2024-03-26
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/distribution-management/
- Categories: Inventory management

When it comes to distribution management, you want to be on the winning team. Picture it as the playbook for seamlessly getting goods into the hands of end-users. Just like in sports, efficient gameplay ensures the smooth movement of goods from producers to consumers. On one hand, it's about scoring timely deliveries and avoiding fumbles like spoilage and financial losses. On the other hand, it's part of a larger logistics game, where we strategize every move, from packaging to fleet management. That said, distribution management is a game many businesses think they rock when, in truth, its moving pieces need to be carefully considered and used in due time. So, what are the moving pieces of distribution management? What is distribution management? Distribution management is a critical play in the sales and profit game. Put simply, it directly affects how fast and efficiently a company can distribute its goods or services. Having a good distribution management system is also essential for maintaining competitiveness and ensuring customer satisfaction. Developing a winning distribution management system for your business is the trick to hitting home runs in the supply chain game. But, overseeing the flow of products and ensuring they reach their destination efficiently and without damage is no easy feat. The profitability of businesses hinges on the speed at which they can sell their goods. The equation is simple — increased sales translate to higher earnings, paving the way for a brighter future for the business. Distribution management oversees the journey of goods from production to the end user. So, it ends up encompassing a range of activities like packaging, warehousing, inventory control, routing, fleet management, delivery, and a lot of clockwork supply chain logistics. The elements of distribution management Distribution management is like the behind-the-scenes magic that ensures products make their way from the factory to your doorstep smoothly. Think of it as a well-choreographed dance involving various steps and tools: Supply chain — This is the big picture with all the players involved, from manufacturers to delivery drivers, working together to get products where they need to go. It includes everyone and everything involved in making and delivering a product, from raw materials to the finished item reaching the customer. Blockchain — Imagine it as a super-secure digital diary that keeps track of every step a product takes on its journey. It's a digital ledger technology that helps ensure transparency and security in tracking the journey of products through the supply chain. Logistics — This is the process of planning, executing, and controlling the movement and storage of products to ensure they get to where they need to be efficiently. It's all about figuring out the best routes, schedules, and methods to move products efficiently. Purchase order and invoicing systems — These are the systems used to create and manage orders and invoices, making sure everyone knows what's been ordered and paid for. Vendor relationship management — This involves building and maintaining good relationships with suppliers to ensure timely and...

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> Read on to find out how a meticulously planned warehouse layout can be the lifeline of a business, saving invaluable time and resources.

- Published: 2024-03-20
- Modified: 2024-03-26
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/warehouse-layout/
- Categories: Inventory management

Business is all about being at the right place at the right time — as long as that right place is optimized to the max. Which is where warehouse layout design comes in. Planning a warehouse layout is much like designing the blueprint for a huge library with intertwining similar rows. Just as a library's layout determines the ease of access to books, a strategically planned warehouse layout is essential for a business to store, organize, and manage various items and raw materials. The most optimal warehouse layout focuses on maximizing space and productivity, as well as ensuring safety. However, the best warehouse layout designs are always tailored to the specific needs of the business. And, at the end of the day, the key to unlocking the potential of a business may lie in something as simple as how its warehouse space is utilized. What is warehouse layout design? An efficient warehouse layout demands meticulous planning and a structured approach. To make the most out of our library metaphor, a well-thought warehouse layout ultimately contributes to the success of the business — just as a well-organized library makes it easy to find books and enhances the reading experience. Effective warehouse operations begin with the optimal use of space. Being heavily reliant on its floor plan, a carefully crafted warehouse layout should ensure seamless movement of goods and materials. Devising an effective warehouse layout takes into account business needs, as well as an intuitive flow of both goods and people working on location. The process includes creating schematics, optimizing space, implementing workflow strategies, and even conducting traffic flow tests. Essentially, businesses should consider the following factors when looking to streamline warehouse operations: Space utilization Storage options Productivity equipment Aisle layouts Production area workflows Just as a library's layout reflects its collection and reader needs, a good warehouse layout should align with your business' inventory management systems to ensure efficient inventory control. Benefits of designing a warehouse layout A well-planned layout of your storage facility aims to facilitate smoother production and distribution processes. Before you know it, this ends up enhancing overall operational efficiency. Without an efficient layout, valuable time is wasted on basic tasks like searching for items, navigating through aisles, and keeping track of inventory. This inefficiency can lead to higher operating costs and disrupt the smooth flow of the supply chain, delaying deliveries to customers. Whether setting up new warehouses, expanding, or reorganizing current ones, designing a warehouse boils down to optimizing the space you have. At the foundation of every good warehouse layout lie concrete principles that aim to: Control inventory effectively Maximize use of space Minimize handling of goods Ensure easy access to goods Create product placement flexibility Challenges of warehouse layout design A good warehouse layout comes with a ton of benefits, but designing it has its share of challenges. While a well-designed layout can help alleviate many issues, preparation is key. Like in life, the key to addressing potential challenges is proactive preparation. But what...

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> What are the main differences between wholesale vs. retail, and which option is a better fit for your business? Learn all about it here.

- Published: 2024-03-20
- Modified: 2024-04-16
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/wholesale-vs-retail/
- Categories: Business tips

Ah, the age-old question: which is better, wholesale or retail, when it comes to your business? Look, we know it doesn’t sound very Shakespearian, but trust us when we tell you that it’s one of the most commonly asked questions in the world of commerce, especially for first-time entrepreneurs. Let’s say you have a product you want to take to market or a business you want to scale, and you’re trying to figure out the best approach to ensure long-term success. So, what will it be? Wholesale or retail? Why not both? Is there even an answer to this question? We know what we’re about to say is not what you want to hear, but the truth is that ‘it depends. ’ On what, exactly? Let’s find out. Wholesale vs. retail — which one is right for your business? Right, so we know that choosing between wholesale or retail as a strategic approach for your business depends on several key factors. But what factors are we talking about here, and why are they important? Well, each approach has its benefits and its challenges, and it’s always best to carefully weigh them before making a decision that could potentially make or break your business. You’ll need to factor in your target market and the best way to reach it, your brand identity and overall business strategy, the nature and quantity of your product(s), and much more. It’s not a cut-and-dry decision, so it’s important to know what you’re getting yourself into before you invest time, money, and effort in the wrong approach. What is wholesale? In a nutshell, wholesalers don’t sell goods or products directly to consumers. Instead, they buy products from manufacturers or often manufacture the products themselves and then sell them in bulk to other businesses, like retailers, outlets, or distributors. They usually sell these goods at a discounted price, which makes them attractive to businesses looking to buy large quantities of products from a single seller. For instance, a wholesaler can buy 1,000 toothbrushes at $2 per item, amounting to a total of $2,000. They can then sell just 100 toothbrushes at a time to 10 different retailers at a price per item of $5 per item. Even after eliminating the delivery and storage costs, they can end up making a profit. A win-win situation for both the seller and buyer. Advantages of wholesale Running a wholesale operation comes with various advantages that can benefit your business both in the short term and in the long run. Dropshipping options — One important perk of running a wholesale business is that you can profit from the advantages of dropshipping. It basically means that an online retailer can fulfill orders without actually holding products in stock, removing the need for storage space and adjacent costs. Instead, the dropshipper redirects customers to a partner supplier, acting as an intermediary between the buyer and the supplier. You could be that partner supplier, handling the products without the hassle of handling the front...

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> Upgrade your warehouse with the latest bin location best practices. Learn how Katana can give your warehouse ultimate efficiency.

- Published: 2024-03-18
- Modified: 2024-03-21
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/warehouse-bin-location/
- Categories: Inventory management

Warehouse bins are the smallest units of storage space within any logistics operation, and as we all know, the devil is in the details. They’re meant to simplify inventory management processes, but to reach their full potential, your warehouse bin storage system must form an integral part of your daily operations. But do you really need such a complex system, and if so, how do you set it up for success and keep it running like a well-oiled machine? This guide will lead you through the benefits of warehouse bin location management, what it looks like in the flesh, as well as the nitty-gritty of labeling your bins and keeping track of where all your products are stored. But first, the why. Do I really need warehouse bin location management? The short answer is yes. The long answer is also yes, unless you run a microbusiness with very slow-moving inventory and you want to keep it that way indefinitely or you want to outsource your warehousing and fulfillment to third-party logistics. But even if you’re a solo entrepreneur and your logistics center is your dad’s garage, once sales pick up, it’s just a matter of time until chaos creeps in and you end up spending more time looking for misplaced stuff than making money. And then we’re back to the short answer. The benefits of warehouse bin location management Without a warehouse location system, retailers usually store products in logical groups or categories, just like your dad used to do in his garage. Everyday tools within reach, heavy stuff on the floor, and junk that will come in handy one day out of sight. But out of sight is out of mind, which is the recipe for lost items, picking errors, delays, and customers asking for the manager. Ultimate transparency for all — Storing and finding each item is always logged, making not only everyday work but even onboarding new warehouse staff quick and easy. Sharper inventory accuracy — The same log you use for bin location management helps keep track of your inventory in real time, helping prevent stockouts and overstock. Faster order fulfillment — Streamlined picking routes mean orders fly out the door on time, keeping customers happy and boosting your service level. Fewer picking errors — Misidentifications become the exception instead of the rule. Accurate bin locations lead to accurate picks, minimizing returns and rework. Amplified warehouse productivity — Time is money, and time spent searching is money being lost. Accurate bin location logging helps your team get more done in less time. In a nutshell, then, optimized bin management boosts accuracy and productivity and therefore, your bottom line. What a warehouse bin location system looks like Efficient work is impossible without a well-thought-out framework, and the basis of your bin location management system is a logical naming convention for all subunits so that you can assign codes to each bin and make them easy to find. You can have as many layers as you need, but a typical...

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> Key points to consider for Shopify ERP integration: methods, benefits, challenges, and best practices for a smooth operation. Learn more here.

- Published: 2024-03-18
- Modified: 2024-03-18
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/shopify-erp/
- Categories: Ecommerce

Dedicated readers of our blog will know that Shopify is one of the best e-commerce platforms you could choose for your business. To those of you just joining us: welcome to our deep dive into ERP integration with Shopify, we are happy to meet you! What is an ERP? Because it’s always best to start with the basics, this is an important one to clarify from the top: ERP stands for enterprise resource planning and refers to a software system that helps you manage the different departments and functions of your business. Ideally, an ERP acts as a central hub to connect everything from inventory to sales, customer service, human resources, and more, allowing you to operate with better communication, data visibility, and overall efficiency. What is ERP integration? In order to have an ERP bring all your essential business processes together, you need to first connect it to your software applications, databases, external systems, or other digital tools and solutions you have built your business with. Achieving this successful connection is basically what we refer to when we talk about integration. Of course, one size does not fit all, so there are several ways to go about it, depending on what works best for you. You can build a custom integration, which can take time and typically requires some technical resources to match your software solution API to the ERP system that you want to integrate with. Some ERP options come with native integration (also referred to as vendor-built), which basically means they offer out-of-the-box integration that you can use to connect to specific applications. If you are using a popular platform, such as Shopify, odds are that many ERP tools are designed to connect directly to it relatively easily. Options also include the integration platform as a service (iPaaS) concept, a cloud-based ERP solution for connecting applications without having to install or manage hardware. What are the main benefits of ERP integration? In addition to a well-designed vision and clear objectives, executing a successful strategy also requires the right tools. Having a good overview of your business can get you a lot of the way there and that is what the key benefits of ERP integration are about. Broad visibility — Connecting several aspects of your business with an ERP allows for optimal visibility across all operations. This, in turn, can be a game-changer for your data analysis and insights about performance, cost-cutting opportunities, and trends. Enhanced operational efficiency — When data feeds instantly from one function to another, your business saves time by eliminating the need for manual data entry and significantly reduces errors. What’s more, it allows different departments to work with consistent real-time data, which increases overall efficiency across your business. Automated workflows — Streamlined data flow also allows you to automate some of the repetitive busy work. For instance, by integrating ERP with your CRM (customer relationship management) application, you can automate order processing based on sales leads information. Improved decision-making — Having more...

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> E-commerce ERP is an integrated system combining business processes, like inventory management, order processing, and customer relationship management.

- Published: 2024-03-15
- Modified: 2024-03-25
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/e-commerce-erp/
- Categories: Ecommerce, Inventory management

Explore the transformative potential of Shopify's multiple warehouses in this comprehensive guide that delves into the strategies for streamlining operations and enhancing efficiency across multiple locations, paving the way for business growth and customer satisfaction. E-commerce sales have been steadily growing ever since the popularization of the World Wide Web. Retail e-commerce reached a staggering $5. 8 trillion in global sales in 2023, and this number is expected to keep growing. If we also lump in B2B e-commerce sales, we’ll get close to $9 trillion. Clearly, it’s a huge market, and making sure everything runs smoothly is no easy feat. Today, we take a look at the systems used to manage it all — e-commerce ERPs. We see exactly what they are, what are the different types, what are the benefits, and what to look for when choosing an e-commerce ERP system. What is an e-commerce ERP? E-commerce ERP refers to the integration of enterprise resource planning (ERP) software with e-commerce platforms aimed at enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of online business operations. This integration creates a seamless flow of information between an e-commerce website and the back-end accounting, inventory, and order management systems that ERP software provides. E-commerce ERP integration enables businesses to automate and streamline key processes such as inventory updates, order processing, customer data management, and financial reporting. This synergy helps in achieving real-time visibility into sales, inventory levels, and customer interactions, thereby enabling better decision-making, improved customer service, and more efficient operations. The integration addresses challenges often faced by e-commerce businesses, including managing high volumes of orders, keeping inventory levels accurate across multiple sales channels, and providing consistent customer experiences. By having a unified system, businesses can avoid issues like overselling, delayed order fulfillment, and inaccuracies in financial reporting. Next, we’ll go over the different types of e-commerce ERPs you may encounter. E-commerce ERP types When talking about e-commerce ERP types, these are generally divided into 3 categories based on how they are implemented; On-premise Cloud Hybrid On-premise On-premise e-commerce ERP systems are installed locally on a company's hardware and servers and then managed by its IT staff. This type of ERP offers complete control over the ERP infrastructure, including security, data management, and customization. On-premise ERPs are often chosen by organizations with complex operations that require extensive customization or those that prioritize having full control over their data and systems. However, they typically involve higher upfront costs for licenses, hardware, and implementation, as well as ongoing expenses for maintenance and upgrades. Cloud Cloud-based e-commerce ERP systems are hosted on the vendor's servers and accessed via the internet. This model offers a more flexible and scalable approach to ERP, with the advantage of lower initial costs since it usually operates on a subscription-based pricing model. Cloud ERPs provide ease of access from anywhere, making them ideal for businesses with remote teams or those that need to scale quickly. They also offer automatic updates and maintenance, reducing the IT burden on the company. Hybrid Hybrid e-commerce ERP...

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> Inventory optimization is a balancing act. Learn how inventory optimization software helps avoid stockouts, cut costs, and boost your profits.

- Published: 2024-03-15
- Modified: 2024-03-15
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/inventory-optimization/
- Categories: Inventory management

Ever seen those kids in the park doing tricks on a slackline stretched between two trees? You must have wondered how on earth do they manage to keep their balance from one jump to the next and land perfectly on such a thin line. While we’re no experts in that kind of balancing act, we do know a thing or two about inventory optimization — and once you do, you can’t unsee the similarities. You see, some of those daredevils are naturals, but most of them just fell off enough times to learn what corrections to make and exactly when. It really is the same process with inventory optimization, too. Except the faceplants are much less spectacular, and there’s software to help you avoid them. What is inventory optimization? Inventory optimization is a strategic approach used by businesses to ensure that the right amount of inventory is held at the right time, in the right place, to meet customer demand while minimizing costs and maximizing efficiency and profitability. It involves a careful balance between minimizing inventory costs, such as holding, ordering, and shortage costs, and maximizing service levels, such as product availability and customer satisfaction. Why inventory optimization is important Avoiding dead stock and stockouts helps you build trust and offer reliability, growing and nurturing your client base in the process. Because it helps keep your operational costs in check, it’s also a great way to improve your bottom line and stay on track toward your revenue goals. In other words, inventory optimization helps you make sure you always have enough of what your customers need within arm’s reach. When done right, it can help you do the same, even during global supply chain disruptions. Key inventory optimization concepts Slacklining after school is fun and all, but if we are to compare it to running a serious business, it’s best we kick the analogy up a notch and go pro. You’re now backstage in Cirque du Soleil, and the tightrope number is coming up. Let’s meet the key players" Inventory level is the star of the show. It represents the number of products you currently have in stock. Too high and your cash flow suffers because they occupy valuable space and increase holding costs, too low and your customer satisfaction plummets because of delayed or canceled orders. Safety stock is the understudy, the acrobat who’s just as good as the star but only gets in the spotlight when something goes wrong (or, in your business’ case, better than expected). Its role is to mitigate the risk of stocking out, ensuring the show goes on when demand spikes unexpectedly. Reorder point whispers the cue for new inventory, marking the ideal time and order volume of new items to avoid any hiccups. It’s the player that always keeps their ear to the ground and constantly adjusts based on the ever-changing rhythm of customer demand. Service level is the applause-o-meter or the encore-to-boo ratio, if you will. It measures how successful the last...

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> Explore the benefits of a great wholesale ecommerce platform and learn more about how you can take your business to the next level.

- Published: 2024-03-15
- Modified: 2024-03-15
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/wholesale-e-commerce/
- Categories: Ecommerce, Inventory management

Before we proceed with the grand opening of the wholesale ecommerce show, it’s important to set the ambiance. Imagine it as the opening scene of your favorite sitcom, full of information, intrigue, laughter, and a dash of useful explanations. Get ready to buckle up for a behind-the-scenes peek into the B2B versus retail showdown, the comedy gold benefits that await, and a character-filled exploration of wholesalers in the ecommerce sitcom. So, grab your popcorn, settle into your favorite seat, and let the wholesale ecommerce story unfold. What is wholesale ecommerce? At its core, wholesale ecommerce is a type of B2B ecommerce for businesses to bulk buy in the digital world. It's the online sale and distribution of goods in large quantities, typically to retailers or other businesses rather than to individual consumers. In wholesale ecommerce, businesses buy products in bulk from wholesalers, who, in turn, source and distribute goods to retailers or other businesses. For this, the main focus is on supplying goods in large volumes, often at discounted rates, facilitating efficiency in wholesale inventory management and cost savings for the purchasing businesses. It’s like catching the best deals in a comedy special, where the punchlines are discounts, and everyone leaves with a wallet full of laughter! Like a comedy club for budgets — where the more you buy, the more you save, giving the companies a chance to be the Jerry Seinfeld of savings. B2B wholesale vs. retail ecommerce: Clash of the titans Now, let’s distinguish between two main players in the ecommerce arena: B2B wholesale and retail ecommerce. They’re like the Ross and Rachel of the business world — different yet intertwined. B2B (aka. business-to-business) wholesale is the behind-the-scenes strategist, catering to other businesses in a dance of supply and demand. Retail ecommerce, on the other hand, is the show-stealer, directly touching base with end consumers. Benefits of B2B wholesale ecommerce: Who doesn’t like perks? From cost savings and enhanced efficiency to great customer relationships and inventory control, B2B wholesale ecommerce is reshaping the dynamics of modern-day trade. Here are just a few of the benefits that position businesses at the forefront of the ever-evolving digital marketplace: Cost savings Wholesale ecommerce is like finding out your favorite show got renewed for another season — exciting and full of cost-saving surprises. Buying in bulk means serious discounts, like creating a financial sitcom with a happy ending, allowing businesses to stretch their budget further. Efficiency unleashed Ever watched a TV character effortlessly juggle multiple storylines? That’s B2B wholesale ecommerce for you. Since it’s not tied to a physical location, it can reach customers wherever and whenever. It streamlines processes, reduces order chaos, and leaves you with more time for the important stuff, like enjoying the particular TV show that just popped into your mind when we mentioned the TV character. Great customer relationships While B2B wholesale ecommerce might sound kind of technical and complicated, it isn’t just an unknown face in the crowd — it’s actually the friend who remembers...

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> 3PL e-commerce fulfillment involves outsourcing storage, packing, and shipping of orders to a specialized logistics provider. Learn all about it here.

- Published: 2024-03-06
- Modified: 2024-05-22
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/3pl-e-commerce-fulfillment/
- Categories: Business tips, Ecommerce

Explore the transformative potential of Shopify's multiple warehouses in this comprehensive guide that delves into the strategies for streamlining operations and enhancing efficiency across multiple locations, paving the way for business growth and customer satisfaction. Have you ever thought about starting an e-commerce business? Maybe you’ve been shopping online and have pictured your own store. Perhaps you even have a great idea for a product you want to sell. But while picturing that, another image comes to your head. An image of the hoards of trucks reversing to your warehouse, emitting this annoying high-pitched peep while you run around trying to find an optimal spot to store all the goods, where they won't mess up your entire inventory management you’ve been improving for so long. And quickly, the desire to start an e-commerce business has vanished. If even a word from this was relatable, you’d be happy to know there’s a solution. This article looks into 3PL e-commerce fulfillment, a way to transform logistical nightmares into streamlined, efficient processes that can scale with your business. What is 3PL ecommerce fulfillment? 3PL (third-party logistics) e-commerce fulfillment refers to outsourcing the storage, handling, and shipping of e-commerce goods to a third-party provider. This process is an integral part of the e-commerce business model, allowing online retailers to focus on other aspects of their business, such as product development, marketing, and customer service. At the same time, the 3PL provider takes care of the logistics chain. That can clearly benefit many businesses that don't have the resources to deal with the logistics themselves. To get a better understanding, let's move on and take a look at the step-by-step process. What does the 3PL ecommerce fulfillment process look like? The 3PL e-commerce fulfillment process usually consists of 10 steps. Let’s go through each one and break them down. 1. Integration As the first step, the e-commerce business integrates its online sales channels and inventory management system with the 3PL provider's system. This enables seamless communication of order and inventory data between the e-commerce platform and the 3PL. 2. Inventory shipment Next, the e-commerce business ships its inventory to the 3PL provider's warehouse or fulfillment center. This can involve multiple products and quantities depending on the exact business needs. 3. Receiving and storage Once the 3PL provider receives the inventory, they inspect it for damage and store it in their warehouse. The products are organized and shelved in a way that optimizes the picking and packing process. 4. Order processing When a customer places an order on the e-commerce site, the order details are automatically sent to the 3PL provider. This includes information on the items purchased, the quantity, and the shipping destination. 5. Picking and packing The 3PL's warehouse staff retrieves the ordered items from their storage locations (picking) and then packages them securely for shipment (packing). This step may include assembling multiple items into one order, adding packaging materials, and adding any necessary documentation. 6. Shipping Once an order is packed, the 3PL...

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- Published: 2024-03-05
- Modified: 2024-05-03
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/planning-and-forecasting/
- Categories: Product updates

Simplify your inventory challenges with advanced planning and forecasting toolset and always meet your customer demand. At Katana, we understand the complexities of managing inventory in today's complex environment. That's why we're happy to announce the launch of the Planning and Forecasting module, designed to help you accurately predict demand and maintain optimal inventory levels. The add-on is designed to work with the many different ways companies can manage inventory. Whether you’re a manufacturer planning production schedules or a retailer wanting to optimize stock levels across multiple locations, Katana’s Planning and Forecasting module gives you the insights and advice to succeed. Key features of the module Demand planning – make informed decisions about purchasing and production using real-time sales to maintain ideal inventory levels Demand forecasting – use historical sales data to predict future demand, reducing the risk of overstocking or stockouts SKU-based lead times – customize your inventory planning down to the SKU so you never miss an ordering deadline Minimum order quantity – implement precise reorder thresholds to minimize storage costs and eliminate waste Take the self-guided tour below to discover how Planning and Forecasting helps your company avoid stockouts while meeting customer demand. How accurate forecasting can grow your business Accurate inventory management and forecasting is crucial to growing your business. Katana's Planning and Forecasting add-on gives you a forward-looking view of your inventory needs based on real-time sales data and historical insights. This module enables you to keep your stock levels optimal, allowing for timely production and restocks. Incorporating accurate forecasts into your planning ensures balanced inventory levels and streamlines your supply chain operations so you can make informed choices about product lines, market expansion, and purchasing optimization. Getting started with Planning and Forecasting We've designed the module to be intuitive. To help you get started, we've put together a series of resources, including detailed guides and a comprehensive product tour that walks you through every aspect of the module. Getting started guide Detailed product walkthrough What’s coming next We’re constantly improving our tools and building new features to meet your needs. Recent feature releases include: Custom fields - add detailed, specific information to products and materials Category filter - easily view the forecast for specific product categories Manual edits - adjust the forecast based on seasonality or upcoming events Stockout filter – quickly identify the items at risk of running out stock Upcoming features on the roadmap include: Safety stock - maintain desired inventory levels to lower the risk of a stockout Extended planning horizon – view and plan inventory needs up to 12 months ahead Katana's Planning and Forecasting module isn't just a new feature; it's a strategic tool for aligning with your demand, cutting excess inventory costs, and improving customer experience. With this powerful information at your fingertips, your business is well-equipped to navigate and succeed in today’s highly competitive market.

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> Get to understand the stages of ecommerce order management and the benefits of implementing a modern order management system for your business.

- Published: 2024-02-29
- Modified: 2024-07-05
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/ecommerce-order-management/
- Categories: Ecommerce

Picture this — It’s your birthday, friends and family gather around you, and the cake is front and center, with 36, erm, 29 candles on top of it. You sing along with everyone, blow out the candles, and then you get to open your present. It’s a picture of the gift you thought you were getting, with a disappointing message included. “Your gift is coming in a few weeks, the shipping is a little clunky. Happy birthday! ” Does this situation sound familiar? Why does it happen? Rising businesses in the ecommerce space need to compete in an environment that’s increasingly driven by efficiency and birthday wishes. Amid reshoring and nearshoring initiatives across the globe, competition is rising, as is the impetus to move into leaner, more manageable business practices. So, what can businesses do to simultaneously boost their business, manage growth, and make sure that you’ll actually get your present on time next year? The process is called ecommerce order management, and it’s a detailed flow of all the stages that an order goes through. This is the lifeblood of any modern ecommerce business and our topic for today. What is ecommerce order management? Ecommerce order management refers to the entire process that begins once an order is placed. That includes processing, counting, and fulfilling orders, in order to have as good an outlook of the process. Essentially, it involves the tracking of an order from the moment it is placed to the moment it is delivered to the customer. Now, think of the number of processes that have to happen in order for that process to conclude. Yeah. A lot. Here, they are quickly broken down: Customer interaction — Your products must reach customers’ attention, which they normally do through your direct website, or a third-party ecommerce platform. They then place an order, which kickstarts the entire process. Sales channel synchronization — Once an order is placed by a customer, a sales order is generated that further moves things along. Processes now track available inventory to ensure that the product is available, and the order is then forwarded to the warehousing component. Having a clear image of all sales channels is key to getting the process going. Inventory management — In order to ensure good order fulfillment times, you need to have all products available in your inventory. The order is now linked to a physical product in a warehousing facility, which needs to be picked up and shipped to the customer. Therefore, you need to make sure that your operation is on top of all necessary materials and is stocked to meet demand. The best way to do this is by utilizing ecommerce inventory management software. Figuring out the logistics — Once an order leaves the warehouse, you and your customer should have as clear of an image as possible as to where the order is. So, managing the space in which products and materials are held, as well as the logistics and fulfillment component, are also...

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> Find out more about the use of AI in ecommerce and discover the benefits of AI adoption while staying aware of the challenges posed by this new technology.

- Published: 2024-02-29
- Modified: 2024-11-05
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/ai-in-ecommerce/
- Categories: Business tips, Ecommerce

One of the most profound quotes attributed to AI is likely one that very quickly summarizes the importance of integrating the new technology in ecommerce: Hasta la vista, baby! T-800, Terminator 2: Judgment Day While the recent meteoric rise of AI in the public scene might dominate the conversation around this technology, AI has been employed for a while now across different domains. So, while it’s only now reaching the masses with its huge potential to streamline repetitive processes or become a top-star personal assistant, its time-saving benefits are not new in many fast-growing industries. Take ecommerce, for example, another quickly rising field in the past decade, that has revolutionized the way we shop and receive products. It’s not surprising that such a dynamic field as ecommerce would be quick at adopting AI, so let’s go over some common use cases and the top benefits and challenges it poses. We’ll go beyond the many general definitions of AI and explore how it’s been implemented in ecommerce. The main types of AI technology used in ecommerce Generative AI has become widely known as ChatGPT in recent years, and it has quickly taken over the tech scene. However, AI can fulfill many other roles, beyond the realm of tech and IT, depending on the goals that need to be reached. There are a few top AI technologies worth mentioning here, as they are the main ones with broad applications in ecommerce. Firstly, data mining is a process through which companies can collect and analyze vast quantities of data, thus enabling them to make data-driven decisions. For example, dynamic and instant product recommendations can be optimized if data mining is properly leveraged. Combining advanced statistics with artificial intelligence is the recipe for successful business initiatives. You will also save valuable time, as data can be analyzed in an automatic manner, and recommendations will be powered by AI. Secondly, machine learning opens up a wealth of opportunities, and predictive analytics can power up any process. Combining data mining and machine learning will allow you to spot patterns and train your own models to suit your needs. Thirdly, applications such as computer vision or speech recognition can help businesses advance their image and video processing. Indexing large databases of images can be made easy through the use of AI, and your ecommerce business will benefit, as the visual aspect is often key to being successful. While these concepts might be more difficult to grasp, their applications are everywhere around us, even if we don’t always realize it. To take things closer to our daily lives, let’s go over some actual use cases of AI in ecommerce. AI use cases in ecommerce AI opens up so many opportunities and can be applied to many business needs. To better illustrate this, we will present some use cases that are varied and take advantage of different technologies. The list of use cases is, of course, much longer, and it will likely only continue to expand as adoption becomes...

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> Explore the essentials of ecommerce fulfillment to optimize your operations and increase efficiency and customer satisfaction.

- Published: 2024-02-20
- Modified: 2024-07-05
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/ecommerce-fulfillment/
- Categories: Ecommerce, Inventory management

We've all heard quotes about journeys and destinations. While embarking on an unknown journey, blind to the dangers and challenges that await, holds a certain thrill, there's wisdom in introducing oneself to the specifics beforehand. Whether it's a rocky and dangerous road to Mordor, a yellow-brick road to Oz, or a routine cargo voyage across the Pacific from your warehouse to the client's doorstep — being prepared, transforms the journey from potential chaos to an exciting adventure. Unless you have a wizard named Gandalf who does the logistics for your operations, it's best to plan ahead and ensure you optimize your ecommerce fulfillment to your best capabilities. Gandalf may leave you to go on a side quest, but a streamlined ecommerce fulfillment system will support your adventure without taking any unexpected detours. This is precisely why we want you to understand what ecommerce fulfillment entails and how it can become the cornerstone of your successful online business operations. What is ecommerce fulfillment? Ecommerce order fulfillment is the process of fulfilling ecommerce orders. This includes everything from receiving items to the ecommerce fulfillment center, order picking and packing, delivering it to the customer, as well as dealing with returns. Often also referred to as simply order fulfillment, ecommerce fulfillment is specific to orders placed via ecommerce channels such as online stores and marketplaces. At the same time, order fulfillment can also be applied to purchases made directly from the manufacturer, via phone or email, or in a brick-and-mortar store. Ecommerce order fulfillment depends strongly on technological solutions, such as ecommerce fulfillment systems and online logistics solutions. In contrast, regular order fulfillment can, theoretically, still be done with a pen and paper. But as an inventory software solution, we don't recommend that. Ecommerce fulfillment emphasizes the importance of streamlined operations and real-time updates to both the seller and buyer regarding order status, inventory levels, and shipping details. Given the competitive nature of ecommerce, fulfillment in this context also heavily focuses on customer experience, including fast shipping, accurate order tracking, and efficient returns processing to encourage repeat business and customer loyalty. What's the difference between fulfillment and shipping? When hearing the term e-commerce fulfillment, many assume it means the stage of the process when the order is fulfilled aka. when it's shipped. While it's a solid logic, in the world of supply chain, that's not quite accurate. So, let's briefly go over the definition of both terms and how they're used in this context: Fulfillment encompasses the entire process of handling an order from the moment it is placed by the customer until it is delivered to them. In the case of returns — these are also under fulfillment. Shipping is the specific stage of the e-commerce logistics process that deals with the physical transportation of the order from the warehouse or fulfillment center to the customer's address. So, fulfillment covers multiple steps within the warehouse or fulfillment center, from order receipt to packing and labeling for shipment, while shipping is specifically about...

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> Which are the best e-commerce platforms for your specific business needs today? Find out in our latest guide!

- Published: 2024-02-19
- Modified: 2024-07-03
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/best-ecommerce-platforms/
- Categories: Business tips, Ecommerce

Manufacturing businesses need to focus on circular supply chains in order to ensure that they’re generating less waste and material redundancy, as they move away from the increasingly unproductive linear model. Choosing the right e-commerce platform for your retail or wholesale business is as easy as rolling the dice and letting fate decide. Just kidding, this is a serious decision that can have a big impact on your bottom line and the relationship you establish with your customers. The good news is that there are various great options for you to choose from. You just have to know what exactly you’re looking for. It sounds easy enough, but narrowing down the list and figuring out what your priorities from a business perspective are, can often pose a challenge. So, we thought we’d lend a helping hand by doing some research and crafting a list of the best e-commerce platforms out there today. But which one is right for you? Let’s start by figuring out your needs. From e-commerce inventory management to boosting sales and upgrading the customer experience, these platforms have you covered. Choosing the best e-commerce platform for your business needs The first step in selecting an e-commerce platform that works for you is pinpointing the features that are vital to your business. Your specific needs will vary depending on the size of your business, the type and amount of products you sell, your budget, cybersecurity needs, and so on. Below are the most common factors impacting the decision-making process: Pricing — This is a no-brainer if you run a small company or you’re in the early stages of building a business. Your budget will be your top priority in this case, so you’ll want to look at these platforms and their monthly fees, as well as their processing fees and any other additional expenses. Features and capabilities — Each one of the platforms on our list comes with a number of similar features, but some of them offer extra services that might be relevant to your business. These might include dropshipping integrations, marketing tools, a free domain name or website builder, encryption and cybersecurity features, and more. Customization — If you want an e-commerce platform that allows you to customize your website, add different design features, or choose an awesome template or theme that fits your brand, you’ll want to make sure the platform you choose provides these services. Ease of use — In this day and age, convenience and accessibility should be top priorities when building an e-commerce website. You’ll want to make sure your new website is SEO-friendly and easy to navigate and use on desktop and mobile, so look for platforms that offer this advantage. The best e-commerce platforms to choose from Now that we’ve gone over some of the crucial factors to consider when choosing an e-commerce platform for your business, it’s time to check out some options. After years of experience researching and working with such platforms, these are our top picks, and...

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> B2B ecommerce refers to the online sale and purchase of goods and services between businesses. Keep reading to learn everything about it.

- Published: 2024-02-16
- Modified: 2024-05-22
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/b2b-e-commerce/
- Categories: Ecommerce

Explore the transformative potential of Shopify's multiple warehouses in this comprehensive guide that delves into the strategies for streamlining operations and enhancing efficiency across multiple locations, paving the way for business growth and customer satisfaction. When hearing the term ecommerce, most of us imagine browsing an Amazon storefront offering bulk deals on batteries or Hawaiian shirts, or looking through Wish. com for some exorbitantly cheap and weird-looking contraptions. However, there's a sophisticated side to online business that goes beyond late-night impulse purchases and the hunt for the best deals. Welcome to the world of B2B ecommerce, where companies are quietly revolutionizing the way they operate, trade, and collaborate. Before the digital transformation brought about by the advent of electronic data interchange (EDI) systems in the late 1960s, B2B transactions were largely manual and cumbersome. Businesses relied on paper-based processes or cold calling, with orders, invoices, and payments being handled physically, which was both time-consuming and error-prone. This innovation marked the beginning of digital business transactions, paving the way for today’s ecommerce platforms. It was born out of necessity — to reduce costs, improve transaction speeds, and expand market reach. Ultimately, B2B transactions became a big part of global commerce. As the internet became widely accessible in the 1990s, B2B ecommerce saw another leap forward with the creation of online marketplaces. The new digital presence of businesses facilitated direct sales and expanded market reach globally. In the early 2000s, it became possible to integrate ecommerce platforms with back-end systems like ERP (enterprise resource planning) and CRM (customer relationship management), enhancing efficiency and data accuracy. This period also saw the rise of cloud computing, making ecommerce more scalable and cost-effective. The rise of mobile technology and apps further expanded access and convenience for B2B transactions. Today, B2B ecommerce software uses AI and machine learning for personalized experiences, predictive analytics, and automated customer service, introducing more intelligent and user-friendly systems. The future of B2B ecommerce will see more integration with emerging technologies, such as blockchain for secure transactions and IoT (internet of things) for improved supply chain management. This signals an ongoing evolution towards more interconnected, efficient, and sophisticated B2B ecommerce ecosystems. As you may have guessed, this article is all about business-to-business online transactions, exploring the intricacies and advantages that make it more than just a digital shopping spree. So, postpone that online shopping for now as we dive into the world of B2B ecommerce. What is B2B ecommerce? B2B ecommerce, or business-to-business electronic commerce, is the online sale and purchase of goods and services between businesses. Unlike B2C (business-to-consumer) ecommerce, which facilitates deals between companies and individual consumers, B2B ecommerce typically involves transactions between manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers. These transactions often involve larger volumes, higher values, and more complex processes than B2C transactions. B2B ecommerce allows businesses to streamline their purchasing and sales operations by automating order processing, payment transactions, logistics management, and other business functions. Key features of B2B ecommerce include: Bulk ordering — Businesses often purchase large quantities,...

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> Here are our detailed business trends and predictions for 2024, focusing on AI implementation, reshoring, rising costs, omnichannel selling, and sustainability.

- Published: 2024-02-15
- Modified: 2024-05-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/business-trends-and-predictions/
- Categories: Business tips, Top lists

Here are our detailed business trends and predictions for 2024, focusing on AI implementation, reshoring, rising costs, omnichannel selling, and sustainability. At this point, it's safe to say that anything can happen that will force businesses to adapt and improve to keep moving forward. However, even though some things can be unpredictable, looking at the last several years, we can forecast what will likely happen within the next 12 months. Here are our business trends for 2024 for companies handling physical goods. Key takeaways on our business predictions 40% of AI applications used by businesses are for improving inventory management The average number of AI capabilities utilized by businesses doubled from 1. 9 to 3. 6 Imports from Mexico to the US have increased from $320 billion to $402 billion — a 26% increase 96% of CEOs were already evaluating reshoring their operations or had already done so 78% of small businesses have noted price increases Companies with an agile business model experienced a 10% higher total shareholder return during the Covid-19 pandemic compared to less resilient companies Businesses using at least three channels in a marketing campaign earned a 494% higher order rate than businesses using just one channel The annual count of climate-related disasters will increase to 560 a year by 2030, marking a 40% surge from the levels recorded in 2015 Solar photovoltaic energy costs have decreased by 83%, and wind energy costs have decreased by 40% 1. AI implementation will improve business operations drastically AI isn't just a buzzword anymore — it's here now and will stay put until governmental interventions. Until then, current business trends show that businesses will greatly improve their operations by integrating AI into their workflows and current tech stacks. The creation of AI tools has accelerated in recent years, primarily in machine learning and generative AI. Many businesses are already enjoying the fruits of using AI in their operations, from chatbots to virtual assistants. But as more complex AI systems are created, we're only going to see the rate of adoption increase. For example, from 2018 to 2022, the average number of AI capabilities being utilized by businesses doubled from 1. 9 to 3. 6¹. According to the annual McKinsey Global Survey² on the present state of AI, the adoption of AI tools is still increasing. Almost one-quarter of C-suite executives surveyed reveal that they regularly use generative AI tools, and over one-quarter of respondents mention that generative AI is already part of their boards' agendas. Of those participants surveyed, 40% express their organizations' intent to increase overall AI investment due to advancements in generative AI. As of now, businesses have been so far using AI mainly in these four areas³ (however, the adoption of AI is not limited to these operations): 46% Customer relationship management 47% Digital personal assistants 40% Inventory management 35% Content production Methodology This article uses proprietary data from Katana Cloud Inventory Software and external sources to compile our trends and predictions for 2024. Katana facilitated a...

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> Omnichannel retail seamlessly integrates all shopping channels to offer a unified, personalized customer experience. Learn all about it here.

- Published: 2024-02-09
- Modified: 2024-09-25
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/omnichannel-retail/
- Categories: Ecommerce, Inventory management

Explore the transformative potential of Shopify's multiple warehouses in this comprehensive guide that delves into the strategies for streamlining operations and enhancing efficiency across multiple locations, paving the way for business growth and customer satisfaction. Once upon a time, if a shopper was looking to make a purchase, they had to find a store selling the desired item, physically locomote there, and only then could they acquire it. Along with the dotcom boom, arrived thousands of websites for every business and person imaginable. Many of them provided moderately low-value experience — giving a little intro about the person behind the website, introducing you to their cat, and listing some games like RuneScape that they liked to play. Luckily, besides these personal homepages, some websites did provide value — among them online stores. These innovative storefronts paved the way for a new kind of shopping experience known as e-commerce, a precursor to omnichannel commerce. Online stores allowed businesses to set up shop for quite cheap, compared to brick-and-mortar stores. They were also easily accessible to consumers. This led every business owner and their grandma to open an e-commerce store and start selling goods online. While many businesses have now moved completely online, many still benefit from both online and offline shoppers, offering a whole new kind of experience. One of the early examples of a move towards omnichannel commerce can be seen with companies like Best Buy and Walmart in the early 2000s. These retailers began to integrate their online and offline channels by allowing customers to order products online and pick them up in-store or by providing the ability to check store stock levels online. This integration represented a significant shift towards a more connected shopping experience, utilizing omnichannel technologies to bridge the gap between digital and physical retail spaces. Though this was just the beginning of what would eventually be known as omnichannel retailing, the term "omnichannel" itself started gaining popularity in the retail industry around the 2010s as technology advanced and consumer expectations for a seamless shopping experience increased. Retailers began to recognize the importance of offering a unified brand experience across all customer touchpoints, including social media, customer service, and mobile apps, in addition to traditional online and physical stores, thus crafting a comprehensive retail strategy, As we dig deeper into omnichannel retail trends, it's important to understand precisely what is omnichannel retail and how it differentiates from traditional retail models. Just to make it crystal clear, let’s go over the definition of omnichannel retail, highlighting its importance in today's consumer market and underlining how omnichannel commerce has evolved to meet the needs of shoppers. What is omnichannel retail? Omnichannel retail is a sales approach that aims to provide customers with a seamless shopping experience in various channels. Whether online from a desktop or mobile device, by telephone, or in a brick-and-mortar store — omnichannel retail uses different centralizing technologies to merge all the different shopping methods available to consumers into one intertwined experience. The term "omnichannel"...

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> Learn about the circular supply chain implementations and strategies, and how it can set your business up for long-term success.

- Published: 2024-02-05
- Modified: 2024-02-05
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/circular-supply-chain/
- Categories: Business tips, Inventory management

Manufacturing businesses need to focus on circular supply chains in order to ensure that they’re generating less waste and material redundancy, as they move away from the increasingly unproductive linear model. If Martin Brody had a smooth working circular supply chain in 1975, he wouldn’t have had to ask for a bigger boat when dealing with that pesky Jaws! He could’ve built one using reused, repurposed, or recycled materials. Focus on sustainability should be top-of-mind for all businesses and individuals alike. Supply chain management is no exception, as waste and redundancies can be avoided by adopting the principles of a circular supply chain. This translates into ensuring that used products are returned with the goal to be reused, repurposed, or recycled. Circular vs. linear supply chains The opposite of a circular supply chain is a linear one. In this case, goods and products end up being thrown away when no longer useful, instead of being reintroduced in the supply chain. It can be visualized as a straight line, from the raw goods to the consumer, where the product life cycle ends. Often seen as a quick and easy way to handle supply, it, however, falls short when it comes to sustainability and the reduction of waste. The circular approach is more modern, and in the long term, its advantages are bigger when compared to a purely linear one. Why is a circular supply chain important? Adopting a circular supply chain system is important, first and foremost, for the environment. Reducing waste and reusing as many products is beneficial, as fewer resources need to be used at a time when many goods are scarce or more difficult to source than before. It is a more modern approach than a linear chain, and it will prove a business’ commitment to being forward-thinking on matters of sustainability. Furthermore, reusing products and goods can shorten timelines, as you have more control over your goods inventory. Especially with resources that are more difficult to find, being able to repurpose inventory is extremely helpful. What are the benefits of a circular supply chain? We have already mentioned sustainability and being environmentally friendly as the main benefits of a circular supply chain. But it doesn’t stop here, as cost reduction follows from being able to reuse products and reintroduce them in the production chain. Businesses can actually save money in the long run by adopting a circular supply chain. Though it might seem more difficult and time-consuming in the beginning, the benefits become visible over the long term. Even more, when a business reuses certain parts, it can save production time, as some of the pieces are ready and assembled. Instead of starting over from raw goods every time, circular supply chains can help with skipping certain steps, thus saving valuable time. Also, refurbishing and reselling previously owned goods enable businesses to return them to use instead of contributing to more waste. Running an eco-friendly business that aims for zero waste is a good statement for your...

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> The importance and application of manufacturing process improvement strategies to boost efficiency and enhance the quality of your output.

- Published: 2024-02-05
- Modified: 2024-02-05
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/manufacturing-process-improvement/
- Categories: Manufacturing

“Change is the only constant” — a key principle to follow in production industries, not only because it is essential to expect change, but also to understand how you can best position your operations to ensure that change works in your favor. The best way to do that is through continuous improvement of your manufacturing process. Even if probably all of us swore that we wouldn’t need math for anything when we grew up, we still got the idea stuck in our minds that the quickest way from point A to point B is a straight line. However, things are not as stripped back as that saying may lead us to believe. First, we need to know where and what point A and point B are. And, while we have since learned that math is certainly essential to many things, it is also important to understand that the line of progress in the real world is rarely ever straight. In fact, we find that a lot of the time, progress is about looping back, analyzing, and accounting for mistakes or miscalculations. Progress happens when we correct courses using that new information. Growth happens when we continually review our process in the interest of improving. This is as true of businesses as it is of people. In the manufacturing industry, continuous improvement is an essential element of sustainable success. What is manufacturing process improvement? Think of it as getting and keeping your ducks in a row. It refers to an ongoing effort to identify and eliminate anything that translates to waste, inefficiencies, and errors in your manufacturing process. The goal is to achieve an ever more efficient, productive, and profitable manufacturing operation. Thankfully, you don’t have to do it alone or keep score yourself — there are several tools available to help you understand the key steps of a process, measure performance, and make changes to improve it. Why is process improvement important in manufacturing? To put it simply, it is better to stay ready than to have to get ready. In the fast-paced economic landscape, the most successful businesses are those that are ready to adapt. Enhance productivity Reduce costs Improve quality Boost customer satisfaction Respond well to changes Ensure employee safety 1. Enhance productivity and efficiency By identifying and eliminating inefficiencies in the production process, manufacturers can reduce waste and downtime. When you optimize, you also make it easier for your employees to work more effectively. Achieving faster turnaround times and more efficient use of resources can help you reduce the time it takes to get your products to market. In industries where lead times are critical, this can give you a competitive advantage. 2. Reduce costs Eliminating waste and improving efficiency are essential to reducing costs in manufacturing. Improving your manufacturing process correctly can translate to savings on materials, labor, energy, and maintenance. 3. Improve quality and consistency Process improvement in manufacturing can also help you improve the quality of your product. Identify and correct defects as early...

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> Learn all about the weighted average cost (WAC) method, from what it is, when it's used, to how it helps you determine the value of your inventory.

- Published: 2024-02-05
- Modified: 2024-04-09
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/weighted-average-cost/
- Categories: Business tips, Inventory management

The weighted average cost inventory valuation method is a key accounting tool that helps you accurately value your inventory and make informed decisions about pricing and profit margins. It’s early April, and a shopper enters your sportswear store. Their eye­s stop on a pair of sneakers they've wante­d since the previous summe­r. The price tag says $40 (well, $39. 99 re­ally — you know your way around psychology), but there’s a clearance sale to free up the shelves for the new collection. The shoe­s are now $25. It’s a no-brainer. Yet, as they wait in line, they start to wonder: did you knock $15 off the original price, just like that? Can you do that and still make money? This answer lies buried deep in your balance sheets. More specifically, in the­ weighted average­ cost (WAC), the method you use to value your inve­ntory. When is the weighted average cost used? Suppose you're­ running a retail store. The we­ighted average cost method is a pre­tty important part of your inventory management. It's all about figuring out the value of your inventory and getting an accurate overview without too much complication. Two key metrics factor in here: the­ cost of goods sold (COGS) that helps you gauge your profitability, and the value of your inventory on hand, which is important for financial reporting and tax calculations. Now, if you tend to stock up from several different sources at different times and price points, things get complicate­d quickly. Groce­ry stores, convenience­ stores, or clothing retailers are prone to have this issue because of their high-volume and frequently changing inventory. The situation has weighte­d average cost written all over it. Note: Companies are required by law to use consistent and transparent inventory valuation methods. Weighted average cost is widely used across the globe, and it’s compliant with both the generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) standards. How to calculate weighted average cost To calculate your weighted average cost, start by gathering your data. Collect the following information for each item in your inventory: The number of products you have in your inventory (units available for sale) The total purchase price of the items in your inventory Once you have these, the weighted average cost formula is as simple as it gets: WAC = COGS / units available for sale Example calculations Say your apparel store started the year with 20 pairs of last year’s sneakers for a total cost of $600, or $30 per pair. You quickly sold half of them in January, so the next month, you bought another 5 pairs for $125 ($25 each) from a different supplier. However, February was a particularly slow month, and you didn’t sell any. Sales had picked up by March, and you managed to move 15 pairs out the door, so at the end of the month, you went back to the second supplier to get another 20 pairs. They gave you a 10% discount for the larger order, so...

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> Discover the key to success with delivery lead time — the crucial timeline between order placement and delivery.

- Published: 2024-02-05
- Modified: 2024-02-05
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/delivery-lead-time/
- Categories: Business tips, Inventory management

Delivery lead time is the heartbeat that keeps everything in sync. It’s the time it takes for your products to travel straight from the supplier to your customer’s doorstep. So, you’ve heard about delivery lead time, and it sounds like a complicated term, right? No worries, though, we’re here to decipher the mystery and make it as clear as daylight. Get ready to peel off the layers, understand what lies beyond it, and master the strategies to not only properly calculate but also optimize and enhance your delivery timelines. So, grab a seat, and let’s dive right in! Understanding delivery lead time Delivery lead time, or DLT, is a significant part of a customer’s experience, and it has the power to majorly affect it either in a positive or negative way. Imagine your inventory as a bustling city, and DLT is the heartbeat that keeps everything in sync. It’s the time it takes for your products to travel straight from the supplier to your customer’s doorstep. Like a GPS for your inventory — knowing how long it takes for a package to arrive is like having a map to success. It’s the sum of production time, processing time, and transportation time, each playing a key role in the world of supply chain logistics. The importance of delivery lead time Now, why should you care about the lead time for delivery, you ask? Well, imagine you’re participating in a sports competition, blindfolded. Sounds pretty challenging, right? That’s what it’s like managing your business without a clear understanding of your delivery timelines. It’s the difference between being reactive and proactive. Here are some factors that might influence your DLT: The distance between the seller and the customer’s location Preferred shipping method The volume of the order Whether or not the product is available in stock External factors like weather conditions or customs clearance From meeting customer expectations to avoiding stockouts and last-minute surprises, delivery lead time is your reliable sidekick. Ways of calculating delivery lead time Let’s shed some light on the calculation process. Although it might sound like a complex puzzle, we’ll break it down into digestible components: First, you’ll need to round up the intel and gather as much data as possible. Snag details on order dates, shipping timelines, and delivery dates — think of it as your data treasure hunt over a specific month. Next, become the lead time wizard! Cast your subtraction spells by taking the order placement date and time away from the delivery date and time. Abracadabra! You’ve got your lead times for each order. Now get ready for the lead time showdown! Pit all those individual lead times against each other and see who comes out on top. And for the grand finale! The average time is the VIP guest, and you’re handing out invitations by dividing the lead time sum by the total number of orders. Get the confetti ready — we’re throwing an average lead time celebration! Here’s a useful formula to help...

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> Reverse logistics can be a challenging process for any business. Learn how Katana makes the tracking process of each phase simple and reliable.

- Published: 2024-01-25
- Modified: 2024-01-25
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/what-is-reverse-logistics/
- Categories: Business tips, Inventory management

Reverse logistics occurs when a customer returns an item, for any given reason. What happens when the return is processed and the customer receives their refund? Learn about each stage of the process right here. Reverse logistics — it sounds a bit fishy, doesn’t it? If you think it must be something tricky like reverse psychology, don’t worry — the truth is out there, and it’s much more straightforward than it sounds. Basically, reverse logistics simply means what it says: the logistics of reversing an order, aka returning a product to its point of origin. Reverse logistics is one crucial aspect of supply chain management because, whether we like it or not, not all customers will be perfectly satisfied with their orders. Its purpose is to move the items shipped to the customer back to their point of origin. More specifically, customers send items back to the manufacturer or seller for the purpose of returns, repairs, or proper disposal protocols like recycling. This guide will go into the reverse logistics process and give you an idea of how complex returning an order really is. You will learn different types of reverse logistics and how the entire process works from start to finish. Let’s give you a sneak peek into a type of supply chain management you might have never heard of before. Types of reverse logistics Reverse logistics works in different but not-so-mysterious ways, and the process varies on a case-by-case basis. You could run into a few different scenarios, such as: Returns management Stop for a moment and think of the last time you returned something to the store. Do you ever wonder what happens after the transaction is successful or do you just ‘let it go? ’ This is one potential scenario when it comes to reverse logistics. In this case, you deal with products that customers return for different reasons, from manufacturing defects to sizing or quality issues. Next comes the inspection stage of the process, where the returned product is assessed and checked for damages and faults. The inspection takes into account the general condition of the product, as well as the reason for its return. The inspection process is one part of checking for damages while collecting and sorting out all items based on their condition and reason for return. This type of reverse logistics results in minimized processing times, along with improving the entire returns experience. The main goal is retaining customer loyalty and overall satisfaction. Remanufacturing This process entails the disassembly and rebuilding of a returned product. The goal is to return the product to the customer as if it were brand new. The sad reality is that not all returned items come back to the seller in perfect condition, and in some cases, the product has to be ‘spruced up. ’ Meanwhile, the manufacturer or seller utilizes this method to reduce waste while keeping resource consumption at appropriate levels. Recycling Sustainability is a major focus for companies nowadays and also a crucial...

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> We take a look at the concept of beginning inventory, why it matters, and why it can be the small thing that makes the most difference to a business’ success.

- Published: 2024-01-24
- Modified: 2024-04-10
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/what-is-beginning-inventory/
- Categories: Inventory management

Properly calculating the beginning inventory is crucial for accurate inventory management and just as accurate financial reporting. Mistakes can lead to overstocking or outages, potentially resulting in lost sales, increased storage expenses, and decreased profits. This article discusses how critical beginning inventory is for efficient inventory management. Do you remember, as a kid, the excitement of going to buy new school supplies at the start of the school year? And how quickly your parents used to remind you to consider the bunch of unused notebooks and pens from last year? That’s kind of what beginning inventory is. Measuring inventory can be done at different stages of the accounting period. The main star of this article is the stock counted at the start of an accounting period, aka the beginning inventory. Much like a student's school supplies represent the base for their academic pursuits, beginning inventory forms the foundation of resources that a business holds at the start of its fiscal year. But beginning inventory means so much more to a business or a company. It helps businesses balance inventory levels and ease the production and order processes. Not to mention, it can also lead to waste reduction. What is beginning inventory? Beginning inventory refers to the cost of inventory recorded in a company's accounting books at the start of an accounting period. The key word is “start. ” Also known as opening inventory, beginning inventory refers to the total value of a business' unsold inventory once a new accounting period begins. This includes everything from raw materials to assemblies to finished products not yet sold to customers. At its most basic level, the beginning inventory is carried forward as the value of the ending inventory of the preceding period. But in the grand scheme of business things, beginning inventory plays a role in calculating average inventory and influencing overall performance measurements. It can also lead to a more efficient overall operation by overseeing stock levels and improving forecasting capabilities regarding when and what to order. Miscalculating beginning inventory can lead to overstocking or stockouts. In turn, these lead to missed sales opportunities, increased storage expenses, and, you guessed it, profit reduction. But fear not. Below, you can find a handy step-by-step guide to beginning inventory, formula and all. How to calculate beginning inventory Beginning inventory is the total value of stuff you have to sell at the beginning of a certain time period, like a month or a year. So, if you do the math right, it should match up with what you had left over from the previous time. If you’re looking to find out how to calculate beginning inventory, look no further than the trusty beginning inventory formula. Although it can help make the process clear and easy, get ready for some math class flashbacks. Calculating beginning inventory relies on several other calculations like cost of goods sold (COGS), ending inventory, and inventory purchases. Here is the formula to calculate the beginning inventory. Beginning inventory = Cost of...

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> Navigate supply chain trends in 2024 with Katana. This is your guide with actionable tips to embrace digitization, resilience, sustainability, and more.

- Published: 2024-01-24
- Modified: 2024-02-15
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/top-supply-chain-trends/
- Categories: Top lists

Stay ahead of the curve with our guide to the top 4 trends shaping the supply chain industry in 2024. Learn how to embrace digitization, resilience and sustainability, to navigate the turbulent waters. Supply chains are almost how water flows in nature. They're complex and dynamic systems, channeling stuff from source to destination along one-way paths (*disapproving salmon noises in the background*). Consequently, supply chain management is not all that different from navigating a river either. Let us be your skipper in this expedition through this year's most important trends in supply chain management. Make no mistake, the paddle is in your hands, and you will have to put in most of the work. However, when you finally reach calmer waters, the sense of accomplishment makes up for all the blood, sweat, and tears. And we do have something to make the sculling easier, too! Watch out for these four trends as you paddle down the supply chain rapids in 2024. 1. Digitization, automation, and AI You wouldn’t throw yourself into a river in someone’s grandpa’s leaky wooden boat with your beach shorts and flip-flops on. So, why would you use outdated software to run your supply chain? We’re in the age of generative AI and big data analytics that can help you come up with new ideas, optimize processes, and improve efficiency. Digitize every single touchpoint so you can track every move in real time. Make sure everything integrates well with your current ecosystem so you can automate your processes wherever possible. Cloud-based solutions are made for that. If you don’t use them, your competition certainly will. Do this in 2024 Find the weak points in your supply chain data flow with unavailable, unreliable, or inconsistent information, and be constantly on the lookout for solutions that cover them. Do future-you a favor and plug the leaks before they get out of hand. A pinhole won’t sink your boat, but a small glitch in your reporting might set you back by miles when it comes to scalability/ Make cybersecurity a priority. Investing in security always proves to be cheaper than the consequences of not doing so. 2. Supply chain resilience and agility In the rapids, you never know when you need to make a sudden twist or turn. All you can do beforehand is assess the terrain and prepare accordingly. The same is true for navigating supply chain trends. Your business needs a resilient supply chain that can handle a hiccup or two. You can work towards that goal by diversifying sourcing strategies, establishing multiple distribution centers, and putting some robust risk management practices in place. This way, you can anticipate disruptions, adapt quickly to unforeseen challenges, and minimize their impact. Do this in 2024 Invest in equipment that can handle quick changeovers and a diverse range of products, packaging, and shipment types. Identify potential disruptions early on. Gather and process data to help predict demand fluctuations, optimize inventory levels, avoid stockouts, and reduce waste. When hiring, prioritize flexible and...

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> How does the coffee supply chain work and what are its critical challenges? Learn all about the key players in our article.

- Published: 2024-01-24
- Modified: 2024-01-24
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/coffee-supply-chain/
- Categories: Inventory management

The coffee supply chain is a complex puzzle that involves different players and various challenges. Solving it takes a lot of planning and foresight, as well as keeping the ultimate goal in mind: customer satisfaction. So, how does that magic coffee bean make it from the remote farms of Colombia or Brazil to your reusable Starbucks venti cup? Find out how the coffee supply chain works in our latest article. ‘The best part of waking up is coffee in your cup. ’ We’re sure many of our readers would agree with this statement, but have you ever given any thought to how that delicious hot java ended up in your cup in the first place? Let us tell you, the journey of a coffee bean is nothing short of adventurous, and just like the saga of Sauron’s evil ring, it’s filled with twists and turns, jumpscares, epic battles, and colorful characters. Alright, we might have taken it a bit too far, but you get the idea. The coffee supply chain process is an intricate one, and learning about it might make you appreciate your morning pick-me-up even more. For coffee producers, exporters, roasters, and retailers, the stakes are very high because good coffee is a basic necessity in modern society, on the same level as water, electricity, or an internet connection. So, how does the coffee supply chain work, and what are some of its challenges? There and back again: The journey of a coffee bean Look, we’re not sure why these LOTR references keep coming up but bear with us. Maybe we associate the epic journey of the coffee beans with that of the brave little hobbits, who were willing to face danger at every turn to destroy the ring and save Middle Earth from doom. Coffee, for many of us, is absolutely indispensable, and without it, we feel lost and restless, so we need our hot cup of joe to save the day. That’s why the journey is so important. In short, the coffee supply chain process involves a few key players, including: Coffee growers Processors Exporters Roasters Retailers or suppliers It can also involve government agents whose mission is to make sure that the coffee we drink every morning complies with regulatory standards and is of the best quality for our health. Let’s take a look at what each of these key players bring to the (coffee) table, and what their role is in the supply chain. The key links of the coffee supply chain As we’ve mentioned before, the coffee supply chain involves a few key players. The process looks something like this: The growers harvest the coffee They send it for processing, or ‘milling’ The resulting coffee beans are shipped by exporters to roasters After the coffee is roasted, it’s either sold at the roastery or shipped by exporters to retailers Coffee growers Did you know that it can take several years for plants to produce their first coffee harvest? The Coffea Arabica tree, for...

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> We take a look at how backflushing makes managing inventory easier by bypassing detailed real-time cost reporting.

- Published: 2024-01-24
- Modified: 2024-04-09
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/backflushing-inventory/
- Categories: Inventory management

The success of backflushing inventory depends on how closely standard costs match actual costs, ultimately ensuring accurate inventory costs. Unlike conventional methods that track and record costs during production, backflushing counts expenses only after production has ended or a service has been rendered. We dive into how backflushing allows for an accurate, consolidated allocation of all costs at the end of a product's manufacture or service delivery. Backflushing inventory is a simplified approach to assigning production costs to products. Simple, right? Wrong. Backflushing is a challenging and complex method — though some businesses might call it a saving grace — of handling the technicalities of accounting for products and inventory. But let’s take it from the top. The backflushing strategy involves recording inventory transactions after the completion of the production process. The term describes the retrospective incorporation of costs into the system. That’s because the costs associated with the manufacturing of goods are calculated only after production is complete. Pompous etymology aside, the advantages of backflushing inventory range from reduced transaction costs to more timely financial reporting to an improved cash flow. And, just like Céline Dion’s heart, the list of backflushing benefits will go on. If you’re looking to find out why Rose didn’t make room for Jack on that floating door, we don’t know. But if you’re looking for answers to questions like “What exactly is backflushing inventory? How to manage backflushing inventory? And what’s the big deal anyway? ”, you’re in the right place. What is backflushing inventory? Backflushing inventory comes under different names, such as backflushing accounting or backflushing costing. But no matter what you call it in-house, this inventory management method is the way to go for many businesses. Backflushing inventory is an accounting technique used in manufacturing. Long story short, it helps manage costs and inventory more efficiently. But what really makes backflushing inventory unique is that it records costs only once production finishes or service has been provided. This makes it different from traditional methods that record costs during the production phase. Since it doesn't involve complex real-time reporting of costs, backflushing inventory helps allocate all costs in one go once a service or a product's production concludes. However, while it enhances efficiency, some businesses may note that the method does not provide detailed enough tracking during production as traditional costing methods do. How does backflushing inventory work? Simply put, all production management costs are compiled into a single entry at the end of the production process instead of real-time expense reporting. Backflushing inventory simplifies expense tracking by consolidating costs at the end of the production run. This means that the total costs of a production run are basically recorded in one go at the conclusion of the process. Typically, the cost of a product or service is calculated through various stages of production. Backflush inventory or costing, on the other hand, eliminates work-in-process (WIP) accounts, aiming to simplify the accounting process and reduce costs for businesses. This is done by applying standard...

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> Choosing the best warehouse management software does not have to be a chore. Here are some top tips to guide your selection process.

- Published: 2024-01-24
- Modified: 2024-03-20
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/best-warehouse-management-software/
- Categories: Business tips, Inventory management

Running a smooth, well-organized, and safe warehouse operation is no easy feat, but employing the best warehouse management system software will go a long way to optimizing your process. Check out a few practical tips to help you find your best fit. First, it is important to understand that warehouse management systems offer a broad range of functionalities that go beyond tracking and controlling the inventory itself. Managing an entire warehouse operation includes aspects like layout optimization, employee management, and optimizing order picking, packing, and shipping. In this way, you minimize the waste of both products and time and implement a lean warehousing strategy. The best warehouse management software for your business is the choice that ensures you have a good hold on all the details of running an efficient warehouse, that the insights you gain are helping you to constantly improve, and that it is always capable of growing along with your business. So, how do you pick the best one? Let’s go over some of the most important aspects to consider. State of Inventory Management — Access the full report Download the full report based on data from real businesses using Katana to explore key trends and actionable insights that will help you navigate an uncertain 2024. Get the report What is warehouse management software? Warehouse management software — we’ll keep it short as “WMS” — is one of the most important tools for businesses that are in the process of optimizing their inventory and fulfillment operations. The right choice of WMS will be very helpful with tasks such as tracking stock levels, managing the picking and packing processes, and improving the accuracy of order fulfillment. Fortunately, there are a variety of solutions available for your consideration. On the other hand, this means there is a lot to research and balance during your selection process. To help you get the ball rolling in the right direction, we put together a short list of essential aspects to act as a starting guide. Key considerations for your selection process Before you look at what options are out there, it is important that you take the time to assess the warehouse needs and operative goals that you will need the software solution to address. Business size and complexity The size and complexity of your business hold a lot of weight in determining which WMS is the right fit for you. For instance, if you are running a small business, you most likely have a relatively simple warehouse operation, and perhaps your inventory is not very diverse. If you expect this to be the case for some time going forward, you might want to look at a less complex software solution. However, if your business is large enough that you, for example, operate multiple warehouses and a relatively complex inventory, you should look at a warehouse management solution that can match the needs at your current level, as well as possibly accommodate future growth. Features and functionality The best warehouse inventory management...

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> Add percentage discounts to sales orders in Katana and steer away from manual calculations while ensuring your accounting stays in order. Learn more.

- Published: 2024-01-22
- Modified: 2024-02-20
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/sales-order-discounts/
- Categories: Product updates

Whether running a sale or offering a particular reduced rate, adding discounts directly within Katana saves time and keeps accounting aligned. You can give any sales order in Katana a percentage discount, or apply customer-specific discounts, and the total price will then be recalculated to reflect the discount percentage. This not only helps you avoid some manual work but also reduces the potential mistakes that come with manual calculations. Getting started with the discount feature Adding discount percentages to a sales order can either be done manually on a case-by-case basis, or if your account is integrated with Shopify, WooCommerce, or BigCommerce, you push those discounts to Katana directly from the integration. In addition to e-commerce integrations, you can also send the discount info to QuickBooks Online or Xero from Katana. QuickBooks Online users: the total discount amount applied to a sales order is sent to QuickBooks. Xero integration users: a line item with the discount (calculated from percentage to specific amount) is sent to their accounting. Find out more about setting up discounts in Katana by checking out our Knowledge Base article. Apply a default discount rate to Customer Cards Suppose you are negotiating pricing with customers or already have their pricing finalized. In that case, you know that manually applying their discounts to every line item in a sales order is a manual and time-consuming process. Great news — Katana now supports applying a default discount percentage on Customer Cards. Simply set a discount rate to any Customer Card (within Contacts) and Katana will automatically calculate and adjust pricing down to an item level within their sales order. For example: setting a 15% discount rate will apply a 15% discount to all items in the sales order. You can learn more about managing customer discounts in this Knowledge Base Article. Streamline your discount workflow, put some time back into your day, and ensure accuracy across all customer purchases. You can also spend a little less quality time with your calculator app. Happy discount giving! The Katana Team

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> Discover the benefits and best practices of Shopify multiple warehouses to streamline operations, boost efficiency, and scale your business

- Published: 2023-12-29
- Modified: 2024-08-30
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/shopify-multiple-warehouses/
- Categories: Ecommerce, Inventory management

Explore the transformative potential of Shopify's multiple warehouses in this comprehensive guide that delves into the strategies for streamlining operations and enhancing efficiency across multiple locations, paving the way for business growth and customer satisfaction. Managing Shopify's multiple warehouses effectively is crucial in today's dynamic business environment, where flexibility and scalability are key. Whether you're running a brick-and-mortar store, a webshop, or a combination of both — understanding how to navigate and optimize multiple locations on the Shopify platform can significantly impact your overall business success. In the following sections, we'll explain the specifics of Shopify multilocation, review its definition and benefits, and provide practical steps for setting up and managing multiple Shopify locations seamlessly. We'll also go over the best practices, address typical challenges, and highlight the role of inventory management software in achieving efficient Shopify multilocation management. If you're ready to take your online business to the next level and explore the full potential of managing multiple locations, keep reading to dive into the world of Shopify multilocation. Understanding Shopify multilocation Before we jump into strategies and practices you should utilize for maximum efficiency, let's go over what Shopify multilocation even is. What is Shopify multilocation? Shopify multilocation allows businesses to manage their inventory across multiple locations and warehouses from one single account. This functionality helps businesses easily track and manage inventory and orders from all their locations, such as: Retail stores Warehouses Pop-up shops With Shopify multilocation management, sellers can set up and prioritize these locations for order fulfillment, giving businesses with diverse geographical footprints the flexibility they need. Benefits of using Shopify for multilocation management Shopify multilocation offers numerous advantages for businesses looking to efficiently manage and streamline their operations across all their physical locations. To make the most of these benefits, it's recommended to pair it with multichannel inventory management software, multiplying the value these features bring. So, let's take a look at the exact advantages of expanding beyond one single Shopify location. Efficient inventory management Centralized control — Manage and track inventory levels centrally across all your locations. A centralized view helps you prevent stockouts and overstocking and ensures better overall inventory control Real-time updates — Get live updates on stock levels, order statuses, and product availability across all your locations. This allows you to make quicker decisions and promptly respond to any disruptions Optimized order fulfillment Strategic distribution — Boost efficiency by strategically distributing inventory closer to customers. This can help you speed up orders and keep your customers happy Local fulfillment — Optimize order fulfillment by assigning purchases to the nearest location. Doing this will cut down your shipping costs and delivery times Flexibility in sales channels Omnichannel selling — Smoothly integrate your online and offline sales channels, like stores, pop-ups, and warehouses. For businesses with multiple sales channels and strategies, this can be a game-changer Business scalability Adaptability — Take your business to new heights without being tied down to one place. Whether it's opening new stores, expanding your online presence,...

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> Explore the efficiency of bill of materials (BOM) for inventory management. Learn how this essential feature optimizes processes and minimizes costs.

- Published: 2023-12-18
- Modified: 2024-09-25
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/bill-of-materials-inventory-management/
- Categories: Inventory management

Discover the pivotal role of the bill of materials (BOM) in inventory management. This blueprint outlines raw materials and components, streamlining production and guiding businesses through the complexities of supply chain management. Managing inventory is like a complex game of chess, where you’ve got to plan ahead and keep track of all your moving parts at all times because any misstep could throw you off your game. This is where a bill of materials, or BOM, can come to the rescue and help you keep your business organized and your processes streamlined and optimized for success. Using a bill of materials for your inventory management needs can unlock various opportunities and save you a lot of time and effort in the long run. But it’s important to know how to use it to your advantage, otherwise, it might become just another time-consuming, stressful task on your endless to-do list. How can you achieve that? What is a bill of materials (BOM)? First things first — what is a bill of materials, and why do you need it for your business? A BOM is essentially a comprehensive list of components, raw materials, assemblies and sub-assemblies, and any other parts needed to manufacture a product. Think of the product as a dish you want to cook: the BOM is the list of ingredients and tools you’ll need to get the job done. So, naturally, you want to make sure your list is complete and accurate because using the wrong ingredient or skipping a crucial ingredient entirely might result in something that your tastebuds will not be too happy with. Just like a cooking recipe, the BOM will include the basic instructions to use the ingredients (aka materials) and the techniques required to combine them. As an example, think of a mountain bike manufacturer that wants to produce 1,000 bikes. The BOM will include all the basic parts, components, and accessories required to build it, from chains, pedals, handlebars, and seats to brakes, wheels, tires, mudguards, and more. The BOM will also include the quantities for each part or component, along with the costs. The importance of a BOM We think that by now, the importance of having a BOM for any product you manufacture is crucial to running a successful business and ensuring customer satisfaction. A well-structured, detailed, and accurate BOM will help you plan and schedule purchases of raw materials, estimate costs, manage inventory, reduce waste, and much more. By enabling transparency into what is needed to produce the items in your inventory, you can keep track of your inventory levels in real time and gain visibility into the entire production process. Forecasting for bill of materials inventory Look, you're not Nostradamus — you can't predict the future and know where your industry and your market will be in 10 years, or even five. But you can anticipate certain shifts in market trends or consumer demand, highs and lows related to seasonality, and other similar situations. Using a BOM is crucial...

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> Learn all there is to know about fast-tracking your business and keeping your customers happy by opting for a multichannel retail strategy.

- Published: 2023-12-15
- Modified: 2024-04-16
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/multichannel-retail/
- Categories: Ecommerce, Inventory management

With today’s consumers valuing convenience and flexibility, opting for a multichannel retail strategy can help boost your business and keep your customers happy. Gone are the days when all you needed to open and keep a successful retail business was a physical location and good word of mouth. People can now shop directly from the comfort of their homes (with a nice cup of joe in one hand and a credit card in the other), and retailers have to focus their marketing strategies across multiple channels. So, let’s learn more about how the online can coexist with the offline and break down the what, why, and how of multichannel retail. You’ll see that multichannel retail is not just about selling things (also about that, of course), but it’s more about creating an experience for your customers that’s as diverse and interesting as your own taste in tech, fashion, or whatever floats your boat. Whether you’re a seasoned retail pro looking to expand your business or an eager newbie who wants to learn about the retail universe, we’ve got you covered. So, grab your cup of coffee, and let’s explore the exciting journey of multichannel retail. What is multichannel retail? Multichannel retail is like having your favorite coffee served in multiple restaurants. It’s basically selling your product through different platforms so that it can reach more customers. Imagine your business as a rockstar, giving performances on various stages across the world — like a physical venue, a website-based one, a social media stage, and even a stage you can access directly through a phone app. So, multichannel retail? It’s your golden ticket to reaching customers in all the trendy cool spots. The different types of multichannel retail Alright, let’s get down to business. We’ve got loads of multichannel retail types to unpack here, each with its own kind of flavor. Picture it like an open buffet with options galore. Traditional in-store presence The OG shopping experience. This is when customers simply walk into a physical store, touch products, and get that in-person retail therapy. It’s the nostalgic joy of strolling down aisles, trying on clothes, and chatting with the friendly store associates. Also known as brick-and-mortar, this type of retail is all about creating a tangible, immersive shopping experience where the joy of discovery is right there, at your fingertips. Direct-to-consumer e-commerce Now we enter the virtual shopping wonderland, where everything is possible. Well, not really, but where most things can be possible. With direct-to-consumer e-commerce, your favorite brands are just a click away. It’s the simplicity and commodity of shopping from your couch, browsing through a digital catalog, and having your things delivered to your doorstep — no queues, no closing hours — just the joy of online retail therapy in your pajamas. Social media platforms Did you think social media was just for scrolling through memes and looking at random cat pictures? Think again. Social media platforms are a shopping hotspot. They reel you in with products while you’re...

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> Learn about the benefits and the limits of creating your inventory management system using Excel spreadsheets.

- Published: 2023-12-15
- Modified: 2024-04-09
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/excel-inventory-management/
- Categories: Inventory management

Should you use Excel to create your inventory management system? Learn about the application’s vast potential, as well as its shortcomings, and if you might be better off employing superior inventory management software. There seems to be no shortage of what you could achieve using Microsoft Excel. The tool that is as intimidating as it is impressive has been used to make art, create complex games, and even plan impressive stadium audience displays. However, what it particularly (ahem) excels at is organizing information. And, with more than 1 million rows and more than 16,000 columns, Excel can be a very important instrument in managing inventory. How can you create an inventory management system in Excel? If you’re running a relatively small business with a limited number of products, you might choose to start managing inventory with a spreadsheet. Here are some summary guidelines to walk you through the process. Identify your inventory needs Think of the types of products you need to be managing, the quantities that you need to keep track of, and how frequently you will need to update them. It is also never too early to consider what key performance metrics you should track, depending on what inventory you work with and how your business runs best. Create a spreadsheet tailored to your needs Based on the details you have identified, you can set up a spreadsheet with a column for each item of information. As you set up your spreadsheet, make sure you format it clearly and consistently so that the data will be easy to read and understand. Consider also using various color coding to highlight key information. Make timely updates Whenever there is a change, you will need to input it manually. Update the spreadsheet to reflect any changes in inventory as they occur, such as new purchases, sales, or other adjustments. You can learn to use formulas to streamline your update process and automate some of the input, depending on changes to key details that you update manually. Track trends in inventory movement Make the most of Excel charts and graphs so you can get a good visualization of trends, such as the average time that a product is in stock or if there are any potential bottlenecks or inefficient processes that may be causing inventory issues. Generate reports Stay on top of your performance with regular reports on inventory levels, sales trends, and cost of goods sold. If there are different departments in your business, such as management, sales, or a marketing team, you can tailor reports for each of them to analyze. Monitoring With these tools and features under your belt, you should monitor and regularly review data to identify if and where you could make improvements. You can adjust your inventory management strategy periodically, as well as evaluate the efficiency of your use of resources. Pros of using Excel inventory tracking Cost-effective — Excel is available as a free software application, which makes it easy for businesses to use it...

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> Inventory revaluation can elevate accuracy, inform business decisions, and boost profitability. Here’s how.

- Published: 2023-12-15
- Modified: 2024-02-27
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/inventory-revaluation/
- Categories: Inventory management

Learn all about inventory revaluation for businesses and how it works. This crucial step enhances accuracy in reporting, informs decision-making, and paves the way for increased profitability. For businesses that have substantial inventory needs, closely monitoring the value of that inventory should be a top priority. That’s because failing to properly value your existing inventory can do a lot of damage to your bottom line, especially when the dreaded tax season comes around. On a lighter note, there is no need to despair over such bleak financial scenarios. Instead, you can take action, and ensure that you set time aside for inventory revaluation on a regular basis. Why should you do that? Inventory value represents the net total value of all the products you currently have in stock. Keeping close tabs on this value is essential to running a profitable, successful business, helping you make informed decisions and avoid things like overstocking, stockouts, or unsold inventory at the end of the year. This is where inventory revaluation comes to save the day! The revaluation process implies adjusting your inventory costs to reflect changes in standard market costs, which can result from supply chain disruptions, transportation errors, product damage, exchange rate fluctuations, or major economic events, you know, like a global pandemic or something crazy like that. What is standard cost revaluation? As a business operating with high inventory volumes, you’ll want to go through the inventory revaluation process for tax purposes, financial reports, or important business decisions. Standard cost revaluation is part of this process. If you notice that initially set standard costs are significantly higher or lower when compared to your actual costs of production or procurement, then it might be time to revaluate your standard costs to match the new market reality. This process of standard cost revaluation implies updating the fixed, standard cost of a product in your inventory, taking into account relevant cost changes caused by market trends, economic shifts, industry benchmarks, and so on. Making this update helps businesses keep better and more accurate track of their inventory costs, which in turn allows them to make informed decisions, keep accurate financial records, deal with taxes, and much more. It also enables businesses to adapt to shifting market trends or economic events, making sure that the standard costs used for inventory valuation reflect current business conditions. How does inventory revaluation affect your balance sheets? Regularly evaluating your inventory costs will have a direct impact on your balance sheet. If you’re selling or producing a high-demand product, such as face masks during flu season or, say, a global pandemic, the value of your inventory will be on the rise. At the same time, if you’re selling wool socks, the value of your product will go down during the summer months. Or, if you’re stuck with unsold inventory that has become obsolete or isn’t trending anymore, that will obviously also impact your bottom line. The value of your inventory will not only go down but you’ll also be...

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> QR code vs. barcode for inventory management? Learn the pros and cons and see which option is the right fit for your business needs.

- Published: 2023-12-14
- Modified: 2024-02-27
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/qr-vs-barcode/
- Categories: Inventory management

Love it or hate it, the QR code can offer significant advantages over the barcode in managing complex information tracking, which makes it a good candidate to consider in inventory management. Let’s talk labels. We know that the first rule of labels is that they are for things, not for people. And that the second rule of labels is that we are always supposed to read them very carefully. Labeling technology has been an essential element of successful inventory management, probably for as long as humans have had things. The purpose of a label has always been either to provide information about a thing, attest to its authenticity, or both. But, with the advent of industrialization and the speed that it brought into the world, labels needed to be more: they needed to be standardized and quickly readable. Enter the humble and familiar barcode and the higher-complexity varieties that followed in its tracks. While modern labels are all, in essence, very condensed ways of delivering information via specialized scanners, it is certainly worth exploring how barcodes and QR codes compare. The barcode There might still be a few things you don’t know about the label that need no introduction. Did you know it was invented in the U. S. in the 1950s and based on the Morse code? That the earliest barcode designs were circular and looked like tree rings? What are the main types of barcodes? One-dimensional linear barcodes This is the most common type you are likely to see — so common for so long that it has achieved the cultural status of questionable tattoo choice. However, as simple as it looks, this parallel, vertical black and white line arrangement has proven quite versatile. Several types of linear barcodes are now used across a wide range of industries, depending on what information and how much of it needs to be encoded. Two-dimensional linear barcodes These represent a step up from the plain vertical line variety and were adapted to encode more complex information. Two-dimensional linear barcodes can appear as a rectangular combination of vertical lines and dots (usually larger than plain barcodes) or as square matrices of squares and dots (also referred to as data matrix codes, can be printed quite small and encode a lot of information). Common applications of barcodes As it is the most common type of label, you’ll see barcodes in almost every industry. In retail, manufacturing, and logistics, barcodes serve to: Identify products, track inventory levels, and facilitate transactions Track the movement of products through a manufacturing process Identify shipments and track goods through the supply chain. Other uses include: Identifying medications, tracking patient prescriptions, and preventing medication errors in pharma uses Identifying tickets, tracking attendance, and preventing fraud in live entertainment Identifying books and other published materials and tracking circulation records in publishing Automated sorting, tracking, and distribution of luggage in transportation. Advantages of using the barcode Accuracy — The scanning error rate for barcodes is below 1%, and read failures tend...

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> Get all the requirement details you need in order to choose the best inventory management system out there.

- Published: 2023-12-12
- Modified: 2024-03-26
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/inventory-management-system-requirements/
- Categories: Inventory management

With an increasing focus on efficiency, businesses in the manufacturing space find themselves needing to closely monitor how they use their resources. We’ve broken down the main requirements of inventory management systems to help you make the right call for your venture. Stop us if you’ve heard this one before, but inventory management is key for a functional business in the manufacturing sector. And no matter how organized you think you are, progressing out of your living room and garage space will eventually have to happen. Pen and paper are a solid basis for any plan or train of thought, but the best inventory management software can push your venture to the next level. An inventory management system provides the tools for the organizing, sorting, and tracking of materials in the supply chain. The system provides a business with enhanced awareness of manufacturing capabilities, shipping status, and internal production needs and maintenance. “Ok, well-written Katana blog post, but how do I pick the right inventory management software? Do you have a detailed guide listing the requirements, dos and don'ts to help me out? ” Well, you’re not going to believe this. What are the key requirements of inventory management systems? Inventory management platforms are expected to provide a fairly clear set of functionalities and characteristics: Inventory management Inventory tracking Effective transfer management Purchasing functions Logistics functions Data packaging Mobile support Flexible deployment Integrations Dropshipping Forecasting Real-time visibility JIT Ease of use Below, we break down these inventory management system requirements as we try to get to the core of what makes a platform the right choice. Inventory management As basic as it gets, but a software platform should offer inventory management functionality. Businesses need more and more exposure to all processes, and inventory management is essential in the process of adding transparency. This is the first step in supply chain management, and adding this aspect can provide an initial boost to productivity. Inventory tracking As we dig a little deeper, the next big feature is keeping track of inventory, using an automatically generated tracking interface upon the release of a receipt or invoice. Depending on the solution, tracking could be done through a serial number, RFID, or a barcode system. Once you have a trackable view of inventory, you can better understand its usage as you slowly gather data regarding its life cycle and status. Effective transfer management Managing more inventory in multiple locations can be efficient for businesses if done properly. This is where transfer management comes in. This function allows the shop floor to avoid confusion and package resources together in different processes, allowing for clarity for your workforce, providing key flexibility, and facilitating more productivity and efficient use of materials. Purchasing functions A well-tracked inventory means you're more aware of your needs and potential output, so this next feature helps maximize your business' potential. Purchasing functions mean that you can set up automated purchasing orders and then track the status of those orders. You can also manage supplier...

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> Our new article provides the best tips for reducing inventory costs. An inventory management software, like Katana, can help — here’s how.

- Published: 2023-12-11
- Modified: 2024-09-25
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/reduce-inventory-costs/
- Categories: Inventory management, Top lists

Thinking about investing in inventory management software? Take it from us — it’s the right move! Such a tool automates the whole inventory management process, cutting down on costs significantly. How, exactly, can it do that? We’re glad you asked. Inventory costs can be a drag, but you don’t have to let them hold you back. In fact, there are several ways to reduce inventory costs in your warehouse, as well as reduce handling and storage costs without reducing inventory. We searched far and wide for the best ways to reduce those pesky inventory costs and compiled them into a list for you. Keep reading to learn more! How to reduce inventory costs There’s nothing worse than high inventory costs. Unfortunately, these costs can have drastic effects on your working capital. Most of the time, you’ll need to worry about the following categories when it comes to inventory costs: Taxes Acquisition costs Labor expenses Obsolescence Security costs Transportation and handling fees Insurance charges Chances are, the cost of your inventory is higher than it needs to be. With these tips, you’ll be able to improve your cash flow — and stop agonizing about overblown expenses. Let’s take a look at some of the best ways that you can reduce inventory costs below. 1. Get better at planning and demand forecasting You may not have thought that in order to reduce inventory costs, you’d have to take a trip down memory lane, but it’s actually a very important step. By scrutinizing past sales records, you can create forecasts rooted in the trends of customer demand. It's important that you factor in seasonal changes and global locations when deciding where to stock specific inventory, too. Real-time data from your enterprise inventory management software should help you improve your demand forecasting. You’ll no longer have to rely on manual methods and infrequent data updates when it comes to creating inventory reports. This will cut down significantly on delays and inaccuracies — which should help to reduce inventory costs. Yes, it’s true — demand forecasting doesn’t always have to be a total headache. With real-time inventory data, it’ll be easy-peasy. 2. Improve your order processing system What do customers love? An easy ordering process, quick shipping, and great customer service, of course. Seriously, by integrating your online store with your inventory management system, you can reduce inventory costs and make your customers happy. You’ll find this helpful when you’re keeping an eye on customer orders and organizing them using real-time inventory updates. Naturally, you want to make sure that customers are able to get their hands on what they ordered quickly — even if it’s a hot-selling item. Far too often, we worry about running out of stock. If you streamline your ordering process, though, you won’t have to worry about this happening. You also won’t have to spend nearly as much on order handling, not to mention the resources that are usually required for fulfilling orders. 3. Cut down on excess inventory Getting...

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> Learn to keep track of inventory and calculate the number of days sales in inventory (DSI) in a way that's easy to grasp.

- Published: 2023-12-11
- Modified: 2024-06-19
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/days-sales-inventory/
- Categories: Inventory management

This article offers a detailed guide on days sales in inventory (DSI), providing insights into its calculation, significance, and how it influences business decisions. Days sales inventory (DSI) isn't just a buzzword in the business world; it's a game-changer for companies looking to get a handle on their inventory. This guide breaks down the ABCs of DSI, a key metric that can make or break a company's inventory strategy. Whether you're a startup guru or new to the inventory scene, we're unpacking everything you need to know about DSI. It's all about turning stock into cash flow and keeping your business agile in a market that never sleeps. Get ready to dive into how DSI works, why it matters, and how nailing it can set your business apart from the crowd. What is Days Sales of Inventory (DSI)? DSI is like a crucial app for businesses, showing how fast they're selling their stock. Think of DSI as a gauge that measures how quickly products move from warehouse to customer. In industries where trends are as fleeting as the latest app update, a speedy DSI is vital. It's akin to having high-speed internet in a digital landscape — absolutely essential to stay competitive. A low DSI signals success. It indicates high demand and efficient inventory management, crucial in sectors like e-commerce or for products with short lifespans. This is comparable to a startup swiftly adapting to market shifts. On the contrary, a high DSI is a warning, suggesting slower sales, akin to an app struggling to gain users. It could point to overstocking or products not aligning with customer preferences, tying up funds that could be used for innovation or growth. However, the ideal DSI varies across industries. For instance, luxury car manufacturers may have a higher DSI compared to fast-fashion retailers, similar to how software development timelines differ from rapid app rollouts. Tech companies should benchmark their DSI against industry standards, using it to sharpen their operational strategies, much like optimizing a tech product for maximum efficiency. Days Sales of Inventory formula The DSI formula is straightforward: The formula uses average inventory as a key component. To get this number, companies look at their inventory at the beginning and end of a period, usually a full year, and average these two numbers. This method is great because it smooths out any ups and downs that happen because of seasonal changes or normal business cycles. Another important part of the DSI formula is the cost of goods sold (COGS). This number includes all the costs involved in making the products, like materials, the money spent on workers, and other expenses. COGS is crucial in the DSI calculation because it's directly linked to the products that are sold. Lastly, the number of days, usually 365 days, is the timeframe used in the DSI calculation. This period is important because it shows the average time a company's inventory sits before being sold. Days sales of inventory calculation DSI is a straightforward process that...

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> Automate logistics, increase reliability, and lower transportation costs by connecting your Katana account to Owlery. Learn more.

- Published: 2023-12-07
- Modified: 2024-09-18
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/owlery/
- Categories: Product updates

Connect your Katana account to Owlery to get total control over your supply chain and streamline the transportation processes. Owlery is the operating system for logistics teams of all sizes. With an ever-growing list of integrated carriers in North America plus a prebuilt integration with Katana, you can get the most accessible platform for quoting, tendering, and staying on top of all your transportation, including transportation organized by your customers. How the integration works If you sell or distribute your products in North America, you can optimize your logistic workflows and lower transportation costs by connecting your account to Owlery. This integration pushes your sales and purchase orders from Katana to Owlery and allows you to get instant quotes and tenders from their freight brokers. Connecting Owlery to Katana First, sign up and create an Owlery account. You can also schedule a demo with Owlery for tailored onboarding. From Owlery's Management tab, click Integrations, then +Add. Find "Katana" in the list, and click Confirm. Voila! You can now enjoy the integration. Head to our Knowledge Base article to learn more details about connecting Owlery to Katana. Happy integrating!

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> From making correct predictions to optimizing your storage space, we list the keys to beating every level of the game of inventory management.

- Published: 2023-12-06
- Modified: 2024-02-27
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/inventory-management-challenges/
- Categories: Inventory management, Top lists

Recent supply chain disruptions and instabilities have led to more and more challenges in inventory management. We've outlined the top 10 challenges in current inventory management and the keys to solving them — and to cracking the inventory management code. Think of inventory management as a fast-paced game that involves juggling products, dodging supply chain disruptions, and navigating market trends. Your equipment? Predictive tools and unbeatable strategies. Your goal? Streamlining processes and optimizing costs. Your challenges? Many. The good news is that there are solutions and workarounds that can help you advance and reach your end goals sooner, safer, and more profitable. All you have to do is make sure you master them. So, if you want to win the game of inventory management, here are some of the main challenges you need to get accustomed to and the keys to beating every level. 1. Forecasting demand Correct predictions are the spidey senses that give you the upper hand. Demand forecasting is essential to avoid manufacturing delays and cost overruns. It’s basically the key to ensuring supply and demand balance. If done inaccurately, these miscalculations can affect sales and scheduling, ending up in a financial loss. In other words, if “the math ain’t mathing,” you’ll waste a lot of resources. The solution — Advanced forecasting tools is where it’s at. Some inventory management platforms integrate with accounting and sales data to help you predict demand. This way, you can schedule orders based on changing consumer preferences, material availability, or seasonal trends. Plus, forecasts can also be updated using historical data for course correction. 2. Handling obsolete inventory Understanding this particular inventory management challenge boils down to one essential life lesson — too much of a good thing is not necessarily good. Essentially, keeping too much could result in obsolete inventory you’re unable to sell. So, you might see your storage space taken over by outdated goods you can’t get rid of in a profitable way. Needless to say, keeping too little could leave you unable to respect orders. The solution — Inventory needs to be reviewed and updated regularly. To continue with our game analogy, it always helps to identify needless, slow-moving, or obsolete items that can hinder your progress, even if those items helped you get where you are now. To clear obsolete inventory, go for proactive strategies such as discounts, promotions, or liquidation sales. 3. Inconsistent inventory tracking Players sometimes realize the importance of keeping track somewhere along the game. As they make progress, businesses will find themselves playing inventory hide-and-seek when dealing with missing or stolen goods, as well as unexplainably lost or vanishing items. One main obstacle in reliable tracking is doing it manually. Many businesses rely on outdated methods like spreadsheets or outdated software — or, in the worst case, paper — which leads to human error and inaccuracies. The challenge here is to keep track of current stock levels while also tracking what’s sold across multiple platforms. The solution — Embrace technology to track,...

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> Find out all the details about inventory management in logistics with an in-depth look at the opportunities and challenges it brings.

- Published: 2023-12-06
- Modified: 2024-02-27
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/inventory-management-logistics/
- Categories: Inventory management

This article will guide you through the main challenges and opportunities posed by inventory management in logistics. You will learn more about the processes involved in achieving maximum productivity and efficiency in your warehouse. Inventory handling, storing, and shipping can run smoothly by adopting some best practices and the right tools. What is inventory management in logistics? Great question, we should probably start off by explaining it. Here goes everything, hopefully. Inventory management in the context of logistics encompasses how stock is stored, handled, or shipped, and getting it right is key to a successful business. No matter the industry, the same best practices apply, and this article will provide a complete guide to the top opportunities and benefits of applying these best practices to your inventory management. Of course, it’s not always straightforward, and challenges will arise. So, we will also guide you through navigating some of the top challenges posed by *checks notes* Ah yes, inventory management in the context of a logistics setting. We’ll start by listing the challenges while also giving some solutions, as many of these issues can be mitigated with the adoption of software and training sessions for your staff. Then, we will turn our attention to the main opportunities and benefits of adopting inventory management strategies and the right software for your business. Five main challenges of inventory management in logistics Let’s go over the key challenges together, but don’t worry, we will also provide solutions and advice on how to address them. As long as you are aware that these can impact your business, then you will be equipped to approach them as needed. 1. Insufficient real-time access to inventory stats Logistics is a very complex business process and there are a lot of moving parts that need to be handled and monitored at the same time. You cannot operate in the dark since you risk losing track of your orders, resulting in unhappy customers and lost money. Keeping your warehouse organized and your staff informed is key to avoiding loss of productivity and revenue. Advanced inventory management software will give you the visibility you need to keep all processes running smoothly. 2. Lack of efficient processes and optimizations Efficient processes and continuous optimization should be the definition of best practices to apply in logistics. Since all processes need to flow and function in perfect sync, you cannot afford to keep outdated practices running. Instead, aim for an attitude of always trying to improve and optimize. Your staff should have the same mindset as this will result in better results and more profitability, which will ultimately help everyone achieve their goals. 3. Dynamic consumer trends We have insisted on how important it is to keep track of your inventory at all times while also making sure your inventory processes are not outdated. This includes keeping a close eye on what the customer wants and being able to predict any changes. This is not always easy as consumer trends can sometimes change drastically...

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> How do inventory KPI audits work for the quality and growth of your business? Learn how to get the best results based on data analysis.

- Published: 2023-12-01
- Modified: 2024-02-27
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/inventory-management-kpis/
- Categories: Business tips, Inventory management

Regular inventory KPI audits are essential to the growth and quality of your business. Read on how you can streamline operations and optimize performance using key data tracking and analytics. Achieving a desired level of performance is one thing, but sustaining that performance means a particular kind of long-term steady work: tracking. In inventory management, as with any other objective, it means tracking an assortment of metrics that might vary depending on the particularities of your business and/or your inventory. It is important that you identify the key performance indicators — or KPIs — that you need to pay special attention to when assessing the running quality of your inventory management.   Understanding inventory KPIs KPIs for inventory management, in essence, are values that you can measure to help you track the efficiency and effectiveness of your inventory management practices and systems. Inventory KPIs provide valuable insights into how well you are managing your company’s stock levels, costs, and overall performance. Over time, this tracking can help you identify and understand trends, benchmark your performance compared to the standards of the industry in which your business operates, and see where and how you could improve your operations.   Can inventory KPIs help you reduce costs and improve profits? The short answer is yes, they can. Tracking and analyzing key metrics of your operations helps you understand your business on a deeper level. This translates to insights that you can better base decisions on, especially decisions on operational strategies. In turn, identifying and implementing the best practices for your business and possible improvements and optimizations contribute significantly to reducing costs and increasing profitability. Examples of inventory KPIs KPI insights work together to give you an in-depth picture of how your operation is performing overall, as well as in individual segments. Below, we present some of the key indicators that you can track to identify areas where you can improve your management processes, reduce inventory costs, improve customer satisfaction, and increase sales. Inventory turnover rate Days sales in inventory (DSI) Days sales outstanding (DSO) Fill rate Sell-through rate Inventory accuracy Average inventory cost Shrinkage Backorder rate 1. Inventory turnover rate Typically abbreviated to ITR, the inventory turnover rate measures how quickly or how many times you sell your inventory over a set period of time — for example, during the course of 12 months. If you find that your turnover rate is relatively high, this indicates that you are selling your inventory efficiently, and you are most likely not holding on to excess stock longer than you need to. On the other hand, a lower turnover rate can mean that you are holding on to more inventory than is necessary. This can be a problem in terms of storage costs and possible depreciation of your inventory items. This KPI depends on the industry, of course, but a good inventory turnover rate is generally considered to be between 5 and 10. 2. Days sales in inventory This KPI allows you to measure the...

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> Get to know what anticipation inventory is and why you need to have a strategy for it. Learn about both the advantages and the challenges that come with it.

- Published: 2023-12-01
- Modified: 2024-02-27
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/anticipation-inventory/
- Categories: Business tips, Inventory management

What is anticipation inventory and why does your business need it? Get to know the benefits it can bring and the challenges you need to research and prepare for. Before the excitement of snagging a highly anticipated item at a great price or unwrapping holiday gifts kicks in, we start planning and strategizing well in advance. The goal is to ensure that we can meet the high expectations and demand of the season without going overboard. Though there are many times we wish we had a crystal ball, luckily, we don’t generally need one to prepare for a seasonal surge in demand for a certain product or service. There are highly reliable forecasts available that are based on factors such as economic trends, consumer behavior, and inventory KPI tracking that indicate for us with a high degree of confidence when to expect a peak that we should be prepared for. If your business deals in trading goods, one of the challenges you face in preparation for that peak will be anticipation inventory. A brief explainer of anticipation inventory Much like the name indicates, this concept refers to goods that are purchased by a business in anticipation of a significant rise in demand for them. Although this acquisition happens some time before the demand for that particular inventory actually rises, anticipation inventory refers specifically to items or categories of items for which there is a highly reliable forecast of trends. For instance, we can confidently count on the fact that there will be an acute interest in Halloween decor, pumpkin pies, scented candles, Christmas ornaments, and highly valuable Mariah classics at certain times every year. Do you need to carry anticipation inventory? If you trade in inventory that sees seasonal fluctuations in demand and if your business goals include maximizing sales and consistently meeting customer demand, then anticipation inventory is for you. Any foreseeable spike in demand is an opportunity to boost sales and increase profitability. And, if you get the numbers right, it will be worth the effort and preparation to navigate anticipation inventory-related challenges. However, there are other scenarios outside of holiday shopping surges that can create the need for holding some quantity of buffer items. This also creates another kind of anticipation inventory, one that is generally referred to as safety stock. What is the difference between anticipation inventory and safety stock? Although both terms refer, in essence, to holding extra inventory in preparation for a future need, there are some differences to consider. For example, while anticipation inventory purchases are designed to meet expected future demand, the purpose of safety stock is to guard against fluctuations in demand or supply that might affect timely order fulfillment going forward. And, while you base anticipation inventory on forecasts of future sales, the basis for safety stock is historical data and analysis of potential disruptions in supply. Another key difference refers to when you are likely to stock up: whereas you would typically purchase anticipation inventory at a certain time...

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> Gain a deep understanding of how managing inventory levels can impact your tax liabilities, and how to comply with tax regulations.

- Published: 2023-12-01
- Modified: 2025-03-11
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/how-does-unsold-inventory-affect-taxes/
- Categories: Accounting, Inventory management

How can managing inventory levels affect taxable income? What are some good strategies for optimizing financial performance while staying tax-efficient? We offer key insights to navigate the complex relationship between inventory management and taxation. When the end of the year is fast approaching, that’s when you might start worrying about any leftover stock you have sitting around in your warehouse facility. That’s because leftover stock will have a direct impact on your taxes. f you have too many unsold products when New Year’s Eve drops, it will affect your bottom line when tax season comes around. To learn how unsold inventory affects taxes and what measures you can take to prevent this from hurting your business, keep reading. What is unsold inventory? Unsold inventory basically means goods or products that your business has manufactured or purchased but has been unable to sell. Unsold products collecting dust in your warehouse can be the result of overstocking, changes in consumer demand or market conditions, seasonality, or poor marketing decisions. Goods and products that you’re unable to sell within a desired time frame can hurt you in more ways than one. These products take up storage space, they could meet their expiration dates and spoil, and may lead to financial losses. You could be forced to sell these items at a discounted price to clear up storage space or be stuck with unsold inventory that you have to write off as a loss. The importance of managing unsold inventory effectively Effective inventory management can help you steer clear of any issues related to unsold inventory. Implementing a reliable inventory management software solution can help you avoid overstocking and ensure that you maintain optimal inventory levels depending on consumer demand. Such a solution can ensure you never run out of your best-selling products and that you don’t overstock your slow-moving items, which can result in unsold inventory at the end of the year. Tax implications of unsold inventory You might be tempted to think that unsold inventory is not a big deal when it comes to the success of your business. After all, it’s just boxes of stuff sitting on a shelf, so what harm can it do? In reality, stuff sitting on a shelf can have a significant impact on your bottom line. That’s because, for tax purposes, unsold inventory is considered an asset and one that you have to pay taxes for. Impact of unsold inventory on taxable income The total impact that unsold inventory can have on a business’ taxable income will depend on the method used to calculate taxes. More often than not, businesses will use the cost of goods sold (COGS) method to calculate their taxes. The cost of goods sold is deductible from a business’ revenue, and it includes the costs involved in producing or purchasing products that have been sold during a specific timeframe. Calculation of cost of goods sold and its relation to taxes When a business is faced with unsold inventory, then this inventory will...

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> E-commerce warehousing management involves coordination and oversight of storage, handling, and fulfillment of online orders within a dedicated facility.

- Published: 2023-12-01
- Modified: 2024-07-05
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/e-commerce-warehousing/
- Categories: Business tips, Inventory management

There are many reasons why you should pick an e-commerce warehousing management system for your growing business, as well as a few roadblocks. We go through the main pros and cons of managing a growing business. The e-commerce sector has seen growth occur in leaps and bounds in the wake of the pandemic, leading to several new opportunities for businesses to secure profit from the paradigm shift. Things like running online stores for several businesses, dropshipping, and third-party logistics facilities are all types of ventures that have been on the upswing in recent years. Significant growth in e-commerce has recently facilitated the appearance and strengthening of these types of businesses. However, a stronger worldwide logistics network and improved inventory management systems can provide further value to those in the manufacturing sector. Despite the normalization of shipping calls in 2023 following several years of a significantly disrupted supply chain, there’s still room to grow for the logistics sector. Businesses are rallying behind strategies like reshoring and fulfillment in order to secure their workflows and increase uptime. Another priority is cutting down the time between receiving a work order and delivering products to customers. This is where e-commerce plays a bigger part than ever, and warehousing systems need to rise to the challenge. The promise of e-commerce is quick and seamless order fulfillment, but for businesses to meet this expectation, inventory needs to be stored, organized, picked, and shipped swiftly. Adopting e-commerce warehousing is crucial for dynamic businesses, so let’s review what it consists of, the steps to selecting the best solution for your business, and its main benefits. Of course, there are also a few things you need to avoid, which we will approach in more detail. What is e-commerce warehousing? E-commerce warehousing is the practice of storing inventory that businesses use to fulfill their incoming online orders. The main goal of its process is to ensure timely deliveries and good inventory management. Businesses use e-commerce warehousing to properly store and keep track of inventory, with the practice now increasingly commonplace across industries. Ultimately, most goods can now be ordered online and paid through an online payment processor. The warehouse then confirms its availability and ships it directly through the customer. Large-scale retailers eventually build their own logistics network and develop proprietary processes as they become fully fledged e-commerce businesses. However, most businesses may benefit from the use of one of the multiple available inventory management and shipping options. We’ll go through several options as follows. Types of warehousing There are several different types of e-commerce warehousing that a business owner should know about. They all pose benefits and disadvantages, so it's good to know all of your options to make an informed decision that can make or break the success of your business in the long run. Fulfillment warehouses These facilities help businesses by being located in close proximity to major thoroughfares in order to facilitate quick delivery to customers. An e-commerce fulfillment warehouse relies on having large amounts of...

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> Managing supply chain inventory is challenging but crucial to any business. Find out more about how it can be done effectively.

- Published: 2023-11-30
- Modified: 2024-07-03
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/supply-chain-inventory/
- Categories: Ecommerce, Inventory management

Supply chain inventory management plays a pivotal role in planning, executing, and controlling across the entire supply chain. It begins from sourcing and extends to product delivery, impacting businesses' overall functionality and performance. This article explores the significance of inventory management and its effect on overall business performance. Supply chain inventory management is a strategic process that involves planning, implementing, and controlling the production and delivery of goods or services to the end customer. It focuses on optimizing and coordinating the entirety of supply chain operations, including production planning, scheduling, transportation, order fulfillment, financial transactions, various logistics, and even customer service. With the supply chain market on the rise and now valued at almost $37. 5 billion, the importance of supply chain management (SCM) is more important than ever. Read on to find out what makes inventory management in the supply chain crucial to business success and ultimate client satisfaction. Why is inventory management in the supply chain important? The role of inventory management in the supply chain is vital, leading to increased efficiency, visibility, and profitability. Within the supply chain, inventory management prioritizes the flow of goods and materials, focusing on tracking, storing, and distribution. Simply put, its aim is to maintain optimal stock levels, ensuring the right products are available at the right time and place. This careful supervision of the flow of products and services plays a pivotal role in attaining success, quality, and customer satisfaction. Supply chain inventory management can improve efficiency and enhance overall performance, but also reduce costs, improve delivery times, and gain a competitive advantage in the market. From sourcing and raw manufacturing of the goods to consumption by the consumer or end-user, inventory management in the supply chain involves three main phases: Buying inventory, where initial materials or components are procured and safely transported to the warehouse. Maintaining inventory, where inventory is to be strategically stored in the warehouse until needed. Selling inventory, where quantities of finalized goods available for sale are controlled. Orders are then dispatched to customers, and profit is observed. Key components of supply chain inventory management Supply chain inventory management is a complex process consisting of planning, execution, and control throughout the entire supply chain. Successful and continuous inventory management is key to maintaining coordination and optimization at each stage of the chain. It is important to keep in mind that the process uses a multitude of data, such as serial numbers, product cost, and dates of product movement and storage. Here are the core aspects of supply chain management. Planning — Developing a comprehensive strategy, forecasting demand, setting inventory levels, and formulating production schedules ahead Sourcing — Identifying suppliers, negotiating contracts, and managing vendor relationships Production — Overseeing the manufacturing process, including scheduling, quality control, and operational optimization Inventory management — Supervise stock levels, forecasting demand, and managing order quantities to balance customer needs without excess inventory Logistics and transportation — Monitoring the movement of products (with a focus on transportation, warehousing, and distribution) from suppliers to...

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> Inventory organization ideas to streamline your operations. From storing solutions to warehouse layout tips, discover ways to optimize your warehouse space.

- Published: 2023-11-30
- Modified: 2024-03-26
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/inventory-organization-ideas/
- Categories: Business tips, Inventory management

From maximizing space and integrating inventory management software solutions, here’s how to optimize your processes and enhance operational efficiency. These practical tips will help you run a smooth, well-organized, and safe warehouse operation. Your warehouse serves as the headquarters of your business operations in more ways than one. This is where you store your products, where you receive and organize shipments, and where you plan out your deliveries. Meticulous inventory organization is paramount to effective warehouse operations. It helps optimize workflows, reducing time spent looking for products, minimizing errors, and ultimately ensuring timely deliveries and customer satisfaction. Inventory organization is critical to avoiding issues like overstocking or stockouts, maximizing employee productivity, and, last but not least, ensuring safety and security in the workplace. Failing to properly organize your inventory can lead to significant shipment delays, employee burnout and errors, and unwanted warehouse accidents. Stocking products haphazardly can thus have a massive impact on your business, so here are some inventory organization ideas to help you streamline warehouse operations. The benefits of an organized warehouse There are numerous benefits to keeping your warehouse inventory organized, from employee safety and productivity to enhanced services, improved delivery times, and customer satisfaction. While it might take some time and effort to organize everything efficiently, once you find your groove and everyone is trained to follow a certain procedure, it’ll make a huge difference in your day-to-day operations. Operational efficiency and faster order fulfillment Keeping your warehouse inventory organized can reduce the time it takes staff to locate certain products, thus reducing confusion and accelerating the order fulfillment process. If you keep your inventory properly labeled and accounted for, you’ll end up minimizing bottlenecks and enhancing productivity. At the same time, a well-organized warehouse will help avoid errors in picking products and ensure that your clients receive the right orders, eliminating unnecessary returns or complaints. Minimizing losses and enhancing inventory accuracy By keeping your warehouse inventory organized, you can avoid pitfalls related to inaccurate item tracking and ensure that you have a real-time overview of all the products you have in stock at any given time. Proper inventory organization also reduces the risk of product damage or loss, which can help you save money and avoid unnecessary replacements. Efficient storage systems also help you make the best of available warehouse space, reducing the need to invest in expansions and lowering business costs. Beyond that, proper organization reduces the risk of overstocking or stockouts, allowing you to make informed decisions regarding resource allocation or stock replenishments and purchases. Employee training and satisfaction When it comes to inventory management, it’s not all about cost-saving, faster order processing and efficient use of space. It’s also about employee safety, security, productivity, and satisfaction. Keeping your warehouse inventory well-organized enables you to simplify and streamline the employee training process, and equip your staff with the tools they need to be productive without burning out. At the same time, organizing inventory to avoid clutter and potential workplace accidents keeps your employees...

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> Gain a comprehensive understanding of B2B inventory management. Learn about best practices to optimize your supply chain and elevate B2B operations.

- Published: 2023-11-30
- Modified: 2024-09-25
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/b2b-inventory-management/
- Categories: Ecommerce, Inventory management

Learn all about the core principles of B2B inventory management, as well as key strategies and technologies to optimize your supply chain and elevate your business operations. Typically, the concept of commerce or trade might make you think of items being shipped from businesses to regular everyday consumers, a type of trade that is also referred to as B2C. However, a significant share of commerce happens between businesses — a. k. a. business-to-business or B2B. Let’s dive into the details of what B2B inventory is, what challenges it presents, and what benefits you can gain through employing the best management strategy and tools. What makes B2B inventory? There are many different elements in a supply chain that are intricately connected and dependent on each other and that require similarly complex management systems to ensure the smooth flow of goods. One such essential element of supply chains is a term that you might have met before — B2B inventory. One example we could turn to is the manufacturing industry, where those who produce goods sell them to other manufacturers, suppliers, or wholesalers. Another layer is wholesalers selling those goods further to retailers. Both are examples of stock being sold by one business to another, and the stock that is traded is what we refer to as B2B inventory or B2B wholesale inventory. What does B2B inventory management mean, exactly? The term itself seems clear enough, but let’s delve into some of the details of the process. B2B inventory management largely refers to the process of overseeing or monitoring the procurement, storage, and distribution of goods and materials that businesses sell to other businesses. This process extends throughout all the phases of trading: Restocking levels — Before having the goods Procurement — Getting the goods Storage — Holding the goods Inventory count — Counting the goods Distribution — Moving the goods along through sale to other businesses or to the final consumer B2B inventory management is an essential element of business-to-business operations, as it acts to ensure that: Sellers have the right products in stock to meet the needs of their customers The products are available in the right quantity at the right time That efficient restocking happens once the inventory count is down to a certain level Is B2B wholesale inventory management different? B2B wholesale inventory management refers to the management of stock or inventory that is distributed through a wholesale selling strategy. In very plain terms, it refers to managing stock that is sold in bulk. This does, indeed, make for some differences. When trading inventory in large quantities, volume becomes an essential element to consider, and it requires certain stock management techniques. It matters how and where you purchase your inventory, where you stock it, how you track it across all your storage locations, and more. There are, of course, several software solutions available that can make all of the steps a lot easier for you to control. But which one is the right fit for you? Read through...

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> Keeping track of in-transit inventory can pose a challenge to any business. Here’s how in-transit goods can be effectively managed.

- Published: 2023-11-28
- Modified: 2024-03-26
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/in-transit-inventory/
- Categories: Ecommerce, Inventory management

When it comes to in-transit goods, implementing inventory management software can provide visibility and transparency of the entire supply chain. But tracking all of your comings and goings can be tricky, so how do you rise to the challenge? Efficient inventory management is a critical component of any e-commerce or manufacturing business and one that can significantly impact a brand’s reputation and relationship with partners and customers. However, keeping tabs on inventory at all times, whether it’s inventory on hand or in transit, can pose a challenge. When it comes to in-transit inventory, implementing inventory management software can provide visibility and transparency of the entire supply chain. But tracking all of your comings and goings can be tricky, which is why knowing who is accountable for goods that are in transit to their destination is key. What is in-transit inventory? In-transit inventory, otherwise known as pipeline inventory, is inventory that has been shipped from the supplier but is still in transit to its final destination, be it a distribution center, a physical store, or an e-commerce facility. At this stage, the inventory is not under the direct control of the supplier, which makes it tricky to track and ensure that it will arrive safely at its destination. Still, goods that are traveling to their destination should be viewed similarly to goods that are on hand, at least until ownership of these goods has been transferred to the buyer. Until that exchange of ownership happens, the supplier is responsible for in-transit inventory. In-transit inventory ownership To determine who is responsible for goods in transit, it's important to establish when the ownership of the goods transfers to the buyer. There are two potential scenarios here — let's take a look at both of them. Freight on board (FOB) shipping point In this case, ownership of in-transit goods transfers to the buyer at the origin at the shipping point when the goods are loaded. It's the most common type of ownership transfer, and it transfers liability for the goods in transit to the buyer early on in the delivery process. From this point on, the seller is no longer accountable for the location and delivery of in-transit inventory. Freight on board destination In the case of FOB destination classification, ownership and accountability transfer to the buyer only when the goods arrive at their destination. The seller owns and is responsible for the goods from the moment they ship until they reach the buyer. How to account for in-transit inventory The ownership usually transfers at the same time the money is paid for the goods in transit, depending on the agreement signed between the buyer and seller. If the title or ownership for the goods is not passed to the buyer, it’s as if no purchase or sale has happened, which means the seller is responsible for the in-transit inventory until it reaches its destination. If the title is transferred, and the sale is recorded in both the seller and the buyer’s books, that...

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> What is distributed inventory management? Dive into some of the main benefits and challenges, and learn effective DIM management tips.

- Published: 2023-11-28
- Modified: 2024-02-27
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/distributed-inventory-management/
- Categories: Business tips, Inventory management

What is distributed inventory management, how does it work, and why does it matter? Read on as we dive into some of the main benefits, challenges, and learn effective DIM management tips. While from the outside, logistics and shipping evoke mostly images of freight in motion or in storage, there are many moving pieces to the complex, carefully choreographed reality of inventory management. There is both a science and an art to ordering, making, storing, and moving products in a seamless progression. Below, we dive into some of the basics, benefits, challenges, and tips for effective management of everything that needs to happen for successful order fulfillment. What is distributed inventory management? Distributed inventory management (DIM) refers to the strategy of storing inventory in more than one location. For instance, you can distribute your inventory across a combination of warehouse spaces, distribution centers, and retail stores. This approach makes sense for businesses that operate in more than one geographic region and/or trade in a wide variety of products. How a distributed inventory management system works One of the main goals of a DIM strategy is to ensure that your products move as quickly and as efficiently as possible. Ideally, you would employ distributed inventory management software that uses a central database to track inventory levels across all your storage locations. In addition to having a real-time view of your inventory, a good system helps you make informed decisions about where to store and ship products. When a customer places an order, the DIM system automatically routes the order to the fulfillment center that holds the nearest available inventory of the order that was placed. Benefits of a distributed inventory strategy There are many benefits to adopting a distributed inventory management strategy. While some of them can depend on the particularities of your goods or your activity, there are some aspects that are essential to any business. These include: Customer service quality Shipping costs Supply chain risk mitigation Improve customer service By storing inventory closer to your customers, you position your business well for reduced shipping times and increased order fulfillment rates. Consequently, this can contribute to improved customer satisfaction. If you are consistent in good delivery performance, you are one big step closer to customer loyalty. Reduce shipping costs Similarly, storing inventory across multiple locations strategically relative to your customers allows you to ship products from the nearest location, which can reduce overall shipping costs. This is especially beneficial for businesses that sell heavy, bulky, or otherwise more demanding items. Mitigate supply chain risks By distributing inventory across multiple locations, you can ensure consistent reliability and availability for your customers through redundancy. DIM allows you to avoid or at least reduce the risk of supply chain disruptions caused by unforeseen events like natural disasters or labor disputes. If, for whatever reason, you have difficulties shipping from one location, you have alternatives to rely on to ensure your customers receive their products on time. Challenges of distributed inventory management While there...

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> Warehouse inventory management is a key aspect of supply chain efficiency. But what are the detailed know-hows needed in daily operations?

- Published: 2023-11-28
- Modified: 2024-02-27
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/warehouse-inventory-management/
- Categories: Business tips, Inventory management

Warehouse inventory management is a crucial aspect of supply chain efficiency. This article will walk you through it all, from the basics to the detailed know-how needed in daily operations. We’ll also shed light on the intricacies of warehouse inventory management systems and arm you with actionable tips you can start to apply today. How well you manage your inventory dictates how smoothly your e-commerce business operates, with a direct impact on your bottom line. Effective warehouse inventory management is the only way to ensure you always maintain optimal stock levels and keep your storage costs to a minimum, even as your business grows. However, perhaps its indirect effect is even more important — keeping on top of warehouse inventory management guarantees you can consistently deliver products promptly. In turn, this boosts customer satisfaction and retention rate, which will inevitably have their say when you calculate your profits. Optimizing warehouse inventory management is an ongoing, ever-present challenge. The best strategy can look radically different, not only from one industry to another, but it may vary widely even between businesses in the same field, throughout different growth phases, or even seasonally. However, that’s not to say there aren’t any generally valid points to keep in mind as you figure out your own inventory management strategy. This guide is here to help you with exactly that. Understanding warehouse inventory management Warehouse inventory management is a collective term that encompasses your visibility of storage and inventory movement within a warehouse facility. It’s the sum of a wide range of tasks, including receiving goods, maintaining inventory levels, tracking stock locations, ensuring product quality, processing orders, and even managing warehouse staff. In other words, the goal of warehouse inventory management is to optimize inventory levels, minimize storage costs, and ensure efficient order fulfillment to meet customer demand. Consequently, it’s essential for keeping your supply chains in check, reducing costs, and enhancing customer satisfaction. Warehouse inventory management is usually the job of a warehouse inventory manager who may act on their own or lead an internal team, but the task can also be outsourced to a third party, depending on the size and nature of the operations. In either case, these specialists often rely on software systems and AI technologies to help with the calculations and tracking. Inventory management vs. warehouse management: key nuances Before we get down to the nitty-gritty of warehouse inventory management, we must clear up some of the confusion around the terminology. The industry differentiates two separate facets of managing stock: Inventory management — Activities related to forecasting business trends and managing stock according to the expected demand. The term normally covers business-level decision-making. In this context, inventory includes not only the finished products in storage but also the goods already in storefronts, as well as raw materials and parts still in the manufacturing phase. Warehouse management — Inventory handling processes and related tasks within a warehouse or storage facility. It also involves optimizing stock storage for smooth operations, as well as...

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> Discover green warehousing practices, learn about sustainability practices, and unlock the future of eco-friendly logistics.

- Published: 2023-11-20
- Modified: 2024-05-21
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/green-warehousing/
- Categories: Business tips, Inventory management

Explore the power of green warehouse practices, where businesses align efficiency with sustainability, committing to a more responsible tomorrow. Join us as we navigate the revolution of warehousing. In the dynamic world of logistics, sustainability has become the latest trend, and green has become more than a color — it's a commitment. From environmental technologies to eco-friendly strategies, businesses are redefining warehousing by adding a touch of green to their operations.    Challenge the stereotypes as this article reveals the true colors of green warehousing, proving that environmental consciousness extends far beyond clichés like craft beer and recycled paper. Keep reading to find out how to manage logistics in a sustainable way and learn to build a warehouse Greta Thunberg can be proud of.   What is a green warehouse? Green warehouses are facilities that prioritize environmentally sustainable and eco-friendly practices in their design, construction, and operations within logistics and supply chain management. These warehouses aim to minimize their ecological footprint by implementing strategies that reduce energy consumption, decrease waste generation, and promote overall environmental responsibility. Key features of a green warehouse may include: Energy-efficient lighting and heating systems Renewable energy sources like wind and solar power Sustainable construction materials Waste recycling programs Integrating technologies that enhance resource efficiency The goal is to build a facility that not only meets the functional requirements of a warehouse but also aligns with the principles of environmental sustainability, contributing to a healthier planet and responsible business practices. Green warehouses play an essential role in the broader movement toward sustainability and popularizing eco-friendliness in supply chain management. It reflects various commitments, including: Reducing carbon emissions Conserving resources Following environmentally friendly principles in supply chain management Setting an example to other businesses How to build a green warehouse? Building a green warehouse means creating the structure of a logistics facility while following eco-friendly principles in each aspect of construction and management. Before we get carried away by all the benefits of green warehousing, it's crucial to learn about the foundations of sustainable logistics. Sustainable site select When selecting locations for green warehouses, it's essential to prioritize areas that minimize their environmental impact and potentially give back to the planet, contributing to ecological well-being. This means taking into consideration factors such as: Proximity to suppliers and customers Access to more sustainable transportation methods like railways or ports Availability of renewable energy sources Choosing locations without ecological significance Creating an overall sustainable infrastructure around your facility Energy-efficient design Focus on minimizing energy consumption and maximizing efficiency throughout the entire life cycle of the warehouse. This means implementing strategies like: Optimizing insulation and reducing heat transfer using high-quality materials for the building's envelope Making the most of natural lighting, incorporating skylights and translucent roof panels Using energy-efficient HVAC systems and technologies Renewable energy sources Incorporating green energy sources reduces dependence on traditional sources of energy and contributes to sustainability by harnessing renewable resources. This involves solutions such as: Solar panels or wind turbines to harness power locally Hydroelectric...

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> AI for inventory management is the application of artificial intelligence to streamline stock control and optimize operational efficiency. Learn more here.

- Published: 2023-11-13
- Modified: 2024-11-05
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/ai-for-inventory-management/
- Categories: Inventory management

Explore how AI for inventory management can free up your staff by handling mundane tasks and improve accuracy for forecasting and supply chain optimization. If you’ve kept an eye on tech trends lately, you’ve probably noticed AI popping up in just about every corner of business news. It’s either taking over, revolutionizing, or flat-out rewriting how we do things (or so the headlines say). But behind the noise, there are actually some solid examples of AI making things easier, especially when it comes to keeping businesses running smoothly. Let’s talk about one area where AI is quietly changing things for the better — managing inventory. For any business handling physical products, figuring out what stock to keep on hand is a tricky balancing act. You want enough to meet customer demand, but too much can tie up funds and storage space. Predicting demand and getting things to line up just right is easier said than done, but AI is starting to help bridge the gap between planning and reality. In this article, we’ll get into how AI is helping businesses get a better handle on inventory. It’s less about big promises and more about practical ways to keep shelves stocked, costs down, and customers happy. The role of AI in inventory management Companies are constantly on the lookout for ways to gain an edge and improve their operations. Artificial intelligence has emerged as a powerful ally in this quest, offering innovative solutions to longstanding inventory management challenges. Artificial intelligence is not a single, monolithic technology but a spectrum of capabilities that enable machines to mimic human intelligence, including learning from data, making predictions, and automating tasks. AI can improve multiple different areas in inventory management, ranging from real-time data analysis to automated decision-making. This technology can process vast amounts of data quickly, accurately, and without fatigue, making it an invaluable tool for optimizing inventory. AI for inventory management can be applied to a wide range of industries, from retail and ecommerce to manufacturing and logistics: Retail — AI-powered retail inventory systems help predict consumer demand, allowing businesses to maintain optimal stock levels and avoid overstock or stockouts. Manufacturing — AI can enhance production planning by optimizing the supply of raw materials and components. Logistics — AI can streamline route optimization, leading to cost savings and timely deliveries. Employing AI for inventory management in the industries mentioned comes with many advantages, including: Accuracy — AI can effortlessly process vast datasets and make predictions with a high degree of accuracy, reducing forecasting errors and making sure that the right products are in stock. Real-time data analysis — AI systems can continuously monitor inventory levels, sales trends, and other relevant data in real time, allowing for proactive decision-making. Automation — Routine inventory tasks, such as order placement and reordering, can be automated, allowing employees to focus on more strategic activities. Cost reduction — Optimized inventory levels and streamlined operations minimize wasted resources and can lead to significant cost savings for businesses. Enhanced customer...

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> Assign serial numbers to manufacturing and sales orders to efficiently track finished products and monitor their entire journey. Learn more.

- Published: 2023-11-09
- Modified: 2023-11-09
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/serial-numbers/
- Categories: Product updates

Serial numbers are invaluable for companies that need complete visibility and traceability of product history and a streamlined operation. Serial numbers ensure complete visibility and traceability of every product’s history, contributing to streamlined operations and enhanced customer satisfaction. With Katana’s latest update, serial numbers are now supported on purchase orders and outsourced purchase orders. By enabling you to trace the serial numbers of sold products back to purchase orders, this update becomes particularly useful for resellers and those who outsource their manufacturing. Adding a serial number to a purchased product makes it possible to assign a unique code to each received item, meaning you can later assign the same number to a sales order. Previously, we introduced serial numbers for finished products so that you can assign serial numbers to both manufacturing and sales orders, allowing you to efficiently track finished products via a unique identifier and monitor their journey from initial production stage all the way to the final sale. While serial numbers are helpful in multiple industries, those in electronics, automotive, and pharmaceuticals find them crucial to uniquely identify individual products or items. Serial numbers are useful for: Assisting in warranty registration, repairs, and service history Monitoring quality control, tracing defects, and facilitating recalls if necessary Aiding product support and troubleshooting Ensuring product integrity and identifying counterfeits Enabling traceability in the supply chain Overall, serial numbers are a valuable tool for organizations to manage, trace, and identify products throughout their lifecycle, providing information throughout manufacturing, inventory management, customer service, and supply chain operations. How serial numbers work in Katana Katana supports three types of item traceability: No tracking is used if item traceability is not required. Batch / lot tracking allows you to assign batch numbers or lot numbers to purchased and manufactured items. This enables you to track batches for products and materials in your stock. You can also assign expiration dates to batches to give further control over the shelf life of your items. Serial number tracking allows you to track products using a unique identifier. This allows you to track every item’s history from the initial production or purchase stage to its sale. This is useful for warranty tracking, assistance with device support, refunds, and recalls. Enabling serial number tracking can be done by opening an item card and choosing Serial numbers under the Product tracking section. Watch how to begin using serial numbers in Katana. Serial numbers in Katana allow you to: Enable serial number tracking for finished products Generate (format customizable) serial numbers for manufacturing orders Assign serial numbers from the web app to items in manufacturing, sales, purchase, and outsourced purchase orders Select which serial numbers have been completed in the Shop Floor App Find a comprehensive overview of serial numbers for all product variants in stock Create stock adjustments and stock transfers for serial number trackable items Print documents with serial numbers Import and export serial numbers data Add serial numbers to sales and manufacturing orders via Katana’s API Learn more...

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> Optimize your multichannel inventory management and streamline stock operations across all your retail locations.

- Published: 2023-11-06
- Modified: 2024-07-05
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/multichannel-inventory-management/
- Categories: Business tips, Inventory management

In the busy world of modern commerce, businesses often find themselves juggling a multitude of sales channels and inventory data. Learn to transform this multichannel complexity into a symphony of success with multichannel inventory management. Whether you're a classical music enthusiast or not, you can't deny the important role of the conductor. As challenging as it is combining various instruments into a harmonious melody, so is managing a wide range of ecommerce channels. In the evolving world of commerce, businesses are constantly exploring new ways to expand their reach and tap into diverse customer segments. One approach that has gained a significant following in recent years is multichannel retailing. Think of your ecommerce channels as different instruments and multichannel inventory management software as the conductor skillfully combining the notes into a beautiful harmony. Combine your expertise with advanced technology and orchestrate a seamless sales symphony. What is multichannel inventory management? Multichannel inventory management is a strategic approach for efficiently controlling, tracking, and optimizing a company's stock across all its sales channels and locations. As businesses expand across multiple sales channels, the need for efficient ecommerce inventory management software becomes critical. Multichannel inventory management allows businesses to sync their inventory and monitor their goods across all touchpoints. This provides a seamless shopping experience for customers and smoother inventory processes for the vendor. A multichannel approach also lets businesses reach a wider audience and optimize their operations, ultimately leading to improved sales and growth. Overall it contributes to enhancing the customer experience, optimizing inventory operations, and streamlining order fulfillment processes. Download the ultimate guide to inventory management A comprehensive ebook with everything you need to know about inventory management. Multichannel sales platforms Multichannel sales help businesses expand their reach and reach their target market. It encompasses various channels, both online and offline. Ecommerce platforms Ecommerce platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce give businesses the means to create an online presence and allow customers to purchase products directly from a company's website. Multichannel ecommerce inventory management is a systemic way to handle the challenges of online retail while simultaneously preventing overselling. For those using dropshipping, coordinating stock levels with suppliers is crucial and often requires automated systems. Ecommerce retailers often sell product bundles or kits, so inventory management must easily handle these tricky product structures. Managing returns is another critical aspect that needs to ensure that stock levels are updated accurately after processing returns. Ecommerce often faces demand fluctuations based on seasons or trends. This creates a need for flexible inventory management solutions. For businesses dealing with perishables or time-sensitive products like food, coffee, or cosmetics, expiry date and batch tracking help avoid selling outdated items. Shopify Ecommerce Report 2024 In our latest report, we gathered data from 100 SMB Shopify merchants to understand their key challenges and how inventory software and AI can help overcome them. Download here Online marketplaces Marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, and Etsy are popular websites that allow businesses to reach a larger customer base by giving companies a platform...

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> Dropshipping inventory management is about overseeing and optimizing product availability from suppliers to fulfill orders promptly while avoiding stockouts.

- Published: 2023-11-02
- Modified: 2025-01-07
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/dropshipping-inventory-management/
- Categories: Ecommerce, Inventory management

Dropshipping is a retail fulfillment method where a store doesn't keep the products it sells in stock but instead purchases the products from a third party and has them shipped directly to the customer. Learn all about it below. Dropshipping is a popular business model where an online retailer fulfills orders but doesn't keep products in stock. Instead, they redirect customer orders to partner suppliers, and they ship the products directly to the buyer. Consequently, the dropshipper acts as an intermediary between buyer and supplier, and this is one of the reasons why it's such a popular way of doing business in the e-commerce industry. This is how it works, in a nutshell — anyone can set up a dropshipping business from any location, as long as they have an internet connection. Since there is no need for inventory storage space, all it takes is setting up an online store, selecting preferred suppliers and choosing the products you want to sell, generating engaging product listings, and handling customer orders. It's an easy setup that brings manifold advantages to both buyers and sellers, and it works — research shows that the dropshipping industry is expected to reach a whopping $558 billion in market valuation by 2025. However, there are also certain challenges that dropshipping businesses have to overcome, especially as the industry becomes increasingly competitive and customer expectations are higher than ever. What is dropshipping inventory management? Dropshipping inventory management is the process of handling inventory in a dropshipping business model. Instead of stocking products, retailers maintain a virtual inventory and partner with suppliers who handle product storage and shipping directly to customers as orders are received. Effective synchronization of product availability and pricing between the retailer's website and the supplier is essential for smooth operations. Since dropshippers often have no control over their suppliers' stock, managing inventory is one of the biggest challenges in this industry. Ordering and paying for products that turn out to be out of stock can make customers lose trust in your business and damage your brand's reputation. In this highly competitive industry, that can spell disaster. Not holding inventory is one of the reasons dropshipping is such a lucrative model. However, it's also one of the reasons why many dropshipping businesses fail. Effective dropshipping management involves selecting reliable and trustworthy suppliers, keeping real-time inventory records, handling orders and returns, and forecasting product demand to avoid stockouts and overstocking. To ensure that your dropshipping business runs smoothly and to build a long-lasting relationship with customers, you must find ways to manage all these aspects effectively. Setting up an inventory management system can help dropshipping businesses avoid inventory-related issues that impact customer satisfaction and damage their reputation and their bottom line. Such a system can help business owners know what the supplier has in stock, where it's located, how much inventory they have, and the status of their orders. Efficient inventory management software like Katana can sync with a supplier's inventory data, feeding information directly into the...

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> Choose the order you'd prefer operation tasks to be completed or even choose to have tasks completed simultaneously — it's up to you! Learn more.

- Published: 2023-11-01
- Modified: 2023-11-01
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/manufacturing-routings/
- Categories: Product updates

Have operation tasks completed in a specific order or have them completed simultaneously. Pick the method that works best for your operations. Using Katana for shop floor manufacturing just got a little nicer. You can now route shop floor tasks so they show in a specific sequence, thereby improving the overall efficiency of your manufacturing team. This update benefits companies manufacturing complex products or those with a large shop floor team. When giving product operations to the team, you can set task orders so that some can't begin before the previous finishes, while other tasks can be set for simultaneous completion. This process helps ensure you use the most time-conscious and cost-effective product manufacturing methods. Operation routings When manufacturing a product, some operations depend on previous operations, while others can be done in parallel. Parallel operations - tasks that are not dependent on one another to produce a product and can be done simultaneously (e. g. , building subassemblies) Consecutive operations - tasks that can only be done once another operation has finished or before any following operations can be completed (e. g. final assembly of a product) With this update, you can set up consecutive and parallel operations when building your product recipe. Consecutive and parallel operations When operations must follow a specific sequence, you can turn operation sequencing on or off with the Operations are in sequence switch on the Product operations tab. Once enabled, shop floor operators (either from the Shop Floor App or from the tasks list) can only begin working on the first task of a manufacturing order, and once completed, each subsequent task will show. Set tasks as parallel operations with a simple drag-and-drop of the operation step. A combination of consecutive and parallel operations can also be set up and used depending on what works best for your manufacturing. Let’s use this bicycle assembly as an example: 1. Preparation must be completed before the bicycle's final assembly can begin. The following tasks can be done in parallel: Assemble the rear wheel with rim, tire, and gearbox Assemble the front wheel with bearings and fittings Build pedal apparatus with chain Build a frame with fork handlebar and brakes 2. The process is then paused to inspect all the prepared parts with consecutive operation 3. After inspection, the final assembly starts and is followed up by consecutive operations The rear wheel, pedal assembly with chain, and front wheel are attached to the frame Wheels, brakes, and chain tightness are aligned The final quality check is done Once the quality check is carried out, the bicycle is complete and ready for sale. Example product operations with parallel and consecutive tasks Using operation sequencing for quality assurance With this update, you can include an additional step to quality checks as a consecutive operation. Quality checks, either consecutive or parallel to the main steps, can be applied in nearly any process. Consecutive quality check - As shown in the example above, a task can be created to pause...

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> Explore the crucial strategies and tools for small business inventory management, enhancing operational efficiency and profitability.

- Published: 2023-10-31
- Modified: 2024-07-03
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/small-business-inventory-management/
- Categories: Inventory management, Manufacturing

Efficient inventory management stands as a cornerstone of success for small businesses. This article explores the strategies, methods, and tools tailored to small businesses, empowering them to optimize their inventory control and enhance their operational efficiency. When it comes to small businesses, one essential element often makes the difference between success and stagnation — effective inventory management. The careful orchestration of your company's resources, from raw materials to finished products, plays a pivotal role in boosting profits and streamlining operations. As a small business owner, you're likely no stranger to the constant juggling act that inventory can become. This comprehensive guide delves deep into small business inventory management. It explores the fundamental concepts, strategies, tools, and best practices on how to organize inventory for small businesses. Whether you're an entrepreneur just starting or a seasoned business owner looking to fine-tune your operations, this guide is your key to achieving greater efficiency and financial success. The basics of small business inventory management Inventory management involves the supervision of all goods and materials within your business' ecosystem. This includes not only the tangible products you sell but also the raw materials needed for production and even the goods in transit. Understanding and controlling these elements is vital because it impacts your financial health and customer satisfaction. Inventory isn't a one-size-fits-all concept. Depending on your business, you may deal with various types of inventory, including: Raw materials — Fundamental components you use in the production process Work-in-progress (WIP) — Goods in the middle of production, between raw materials and finished products Finished goods — Completed products ready for sale to your customers Maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) — MRO items are essential for your business' operations but are not directly used in the production process Understanding these categories is critical, as each requires its own management approach. Inventory management is vital because, when done ineffectively, it can pose substantial financial and operational challenges for small businesses. The costs can manifest in various ways, including: Carrying costs — The longer you hold inventory, the more it costs you in terms of storage space, rent, and utilities. Obsolescence — Products that go unsold can become obsolete, resulting in lost investments. Overstocking — Holding excess inventory can tie up capital and lead to difficulties in managing cash flow. Stockouts — On the flip side, having too little inventory can result in lost sales and dissatisfied customers. All of these costs can add up and erode your profit margins, underscoring the importance of efficient inventory management. In this section, we've provided a foundational understanding of inventory management, setting the stage for a deeper dive into the methods and techniques that can help small businesses navigate the intricacies of inventory control and ultimately maximize their profitability. Next, let's take a look at the methods most suitable for small business inventory management. Inventory management methods for small businesses When it comes to managing inventory for small businesses, it's crucial to focus on methods that are practical, cost-effective, and well-suited...

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- Published: 2023-10-27
- Modified: 2023-10-27
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/custom-fields/
- Categories: Product updates

Using custom fields, you can tailor what type of additional item information you’d like to share with customers, suppliers, and coworkers. Custom fields allow you to add additional data fields (or a collection of fields) to items, making it easier to describe and share extended product information. These fields can be defined and configured to capture specific information that isn't already covered by existing fields. For example, you could create a custom field called "Dimensions" to specify the proportions of a specific product or material. With this update, you can store additional item information inside custom field collections and later use that data on sales orders, quotes, print templates, and access the fields via Katana's API. Custom fields allow you to tailor Katana to fit your business needs and better manage data. Custom fields are available for those on Advanced and Professional plans. Configuring custom fields Creating custom fields in Katana involves using collections that can be attached to a product or material. Custom field collections are configured within the Settings screen, with up to three custom fields per collection. Each custom field comes with its own customizable visibility settings as well. Using 'headphones' as an example, from the Settings screen we’ve created a collection, named it “Headphone properties”, and added two custom fields — “Box dimensions” and “Charger type”. In the Places where shown column, you see that these fields will appear in Sales orders and quotes. Creating a custom fields collection If you navigate to a product card, you'll see a label called Custom fields collection. This is where you can select the above collection to have two new columns appear on the table and fill them with extra details. A max of 10 custom field collections can be created, with each collection containing up to 3 custom fields. Each item can have one custom field collection attached to it. Adding custom fields on a product card Custom fields on sales orders and quotes Once custom fields are configured and attached to an item, you can use them for different documents. Currently, you can use custom fields on sales orders, quotes, and print templates. Below, you’ll see our custom fields for Headphones appearing on a sales order. Custom fields on sales order Custom fields can be used on order print documents and custom printout templates in the PDF generator. What’s next for custom fields Our team is currently working to allow custom fields to be shown on other documents in Katana. Soon, you'll be able to add custom fields to purchase orders, outsourced purchase orders, and manufacturing orders. Until next time, Happy customizing!

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> Here are eight real-life supply chain disruption examples from 2018 to 2022 that affected global trade and how you can prepare your business.

- Published: 2023-10-16
- Modified: 2024-03-26
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/supply-chain-disruption-examples/
- Categories: Business tips, Inventory management, Top lists

In this article, you can find eight real-life supply chain disruption examples from 2018 to 2022 that affected global trade. The past four years have given us plenty of supply chain disruption examples to study. And while governments and businesses enact policies and employ strategies to try and mitigate the economic devastation that major supply chain disruptions can cause — disruptions will likely continue to affect global trade. Even at the time of writing this article, Hamas recently launched a large-scale attack against Israel, which is very likely to completely break down relations between several countries in the Middle East. As a result, we’re already seeing global oil prices rising, and this will probably continue rising as this conflict further develops. A scenario such as the Hamas-Israel conflict is unpredictable. But it highlights that businesses need to be ready for when the worst-case scenarios happen. This article looks into supply chain disruption examples to help you identify if your supply chain has any weak spots. What is a supply chain disruption? A supply chain disruption is a significant disturbance or interruption in the usual progression of goods, services, information, or resources within a supply chain. Supply chains are intricate networks encompassing the movement of raw materials, components, and finished products, starting from suppliers and extending through manufacturers, distributors, and retailers, ultimately reaching consumers. Disruptions in these networks can occur for various reasons and have far-reaching consequences. But what are some common causes of supply chain disruptions? Natural disasters Events such as hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, wildfires, and tsunamis can damage infrastructure, disrupt transportation, and impact the availability of resources, leading to supply chain disruptions. Man-made disasters Industrial accidents, acts of terrorism, labor strikes, and political instability can disrupt supply chains by causing disruptions in production, transportation, or distribution. Supplier issues Problems with suppliers, such as quality issues, production delays, financial instability, or bankruptcy, can disrupt the supply of essential materials or components. Transportation issues Problems with transportation infrastructure, such as port congestion, strikes by transportation workers, fuel shortages, or disruptions in shipping routes, can delay the movement of goods. Demand volatility Rapid shifts in consumer demand, market trends, or unexpected spikes in orders can strain supply chains and lead to shortages or excess inventory. Inventory shortages Issues related to inventory management, such as stockouts, overstocking, or inaccurate demand forecasting, can disrupt the flow of goods. Regulatory changes Changes in government regulations, customs procedures, trade policies, or safety standards can impact supply chain operations and require adjustments to comply. Cyberattacks Cybersecurity breaches, including ransomware attacks or data breaches, can disrupt operations, compromise sensitive information, and disrupt supply chains. State of Inventory Management: A Review of Rising Costs Businesses worldwide have faced challenges from supply chain volatility and may continue to experience hardships going into 2024. Download the report and see how omnichannel selling has helped Katana customers increase sales orders despite economic uncertainty. Download the report for free 8 Real-life supply chain disruption examples Now that you understand the types of events that cause the...

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> Ensure you’re providing customers with the highest quality of products and services by automating quality checks and safety workflows. Learn more.

- Published: 2023-10-10
- Modified: 2023-10-10
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/workclout/
- Categories: Product updates

As the first quality management integration available for Katana, WorkClout helps you deliver products and services of the highest quality. By covering your purchase order workflows, WorkClout provides a reliable quality control process for all of your incoming goods. How the integration works Once you’ve connected your Katana account to WorkClout, you can send purchase orders to WorkClout as a quality control task. After quality control has finished in WorkClout, the purchase order will be updated with a URL reference to the test results, found in the Additional info field. You can also change the status of the purchase order via WorkClout. Connecting WorkClout to Katana To start using WorkClout, you’ll first need to book a free demo call with their team for a product overview and to ensure a smooth onboarding. Once you’ve been onboarded to WorkClout: Log in to WorkClout, and on the Home screen, scroll down to the Katana tab Click “Link Katana” and enter your credentials That’s all there is to it. Purchase orders will be imported into WorkClout in a few minutes, and you can start to kick off quality control tasks. Find out more about the integration in our Knowledge Base article. What’s up next? As always, we’ll continue building an extensive library of available integrations, allowing you to mix and match to suit your needs perfectly. Happy integrating! The Katana Team

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> Keep sensitive data guarded and viewable by those authorized to see it. User permission functionality allows for varied access levels

- Published: 2023-10-07
- Modified: 2023-10-09
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/user-permissions/
- Categories: Product updates

Katana’s user permission feature creates a secure and stable user management system through varied user access levels. In business, it’s critical to keep sensitive data safeguarded and only viewable by those authorized to see it. Through Katana’s user permissions, you can manage who has access to sensitive data and the various workflows in Katana — giving you wider control over security management. Take a look at a breakdown of how different Katana user types work and what kind of access can be enabled. User types and how to utilize them Providing customized access to employees can be beneficial for everyone. If users have a more consolidated view of data, managers can feel confident knowing they’re only seeing information that’s useful to them. Below is an overview of the three user types available in Katana and their access levels. Owners — This role has full access, making all permissions and features available, and can manage the team and subscription Users — By default, this role has full visibility and can access all of Katana features but can not manage the team or subscription Operators — Those in this role will only have access to the Shop Floor App Adding a team member to Katana When adding an employee to your account, you’ll need to select their permission set. There are two types available: Default permission set — all visibility and workflow permissions are enabled except for admin permissions (managing the team, subscription details, and integrations) Custom permission set — personalize access to different workflows and sensitive data Setting custom permissions To go along with the user types, there are also three types of custom permissions: Visibility permissions Workflow permissions Admin permissions Visibility permissions These permissions are useful for companies with several people needing differing levels of access to information. For example, the purchasing or production team may need to see cost information, while the sales might only need to see sales prices. Profit and margin — limit access to profitability data related to Sales orders and Products, including Sales reports Sales prices — define user visibility to the sales prices of Sales orders, Quotes, and Products Cost and stock value — determine access to product costs, purchasing prices, currencies, operations costs, and stock value information within Katana Insights screen — manage access to reports available from the Insights screen Workflow permissions Workflow permissions provide a way to manage access to the Buy screen and the ability to delete certain items and documents. Access to Buy screen — limit user access to the Buy screen and purchasing workflows Delete permissions — limit who can delete products, materials, and documents such as those related to sales, purchase, and manufacturing orders Admin permissions Admin permissions allow you to limit access to key items for your account setup. These admin permissions include: Access to Settings screen — determine who can access and edit Katana settings such as locations, currencies, tax rates, and more User management — allows a person to add users and manage their...

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> Here are the Black Friday trends and Cyber Monday statistics businesses need to know to prepare their storefronts for the shopping season.

- Published: 2023-10-04
- Modified: 2025-01-06
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/black-friday-trends/
- Categories: Business tips, Ecommerce

Here are the Black Friday and Cyber Monday trends and statistics businesses need to know to prepare their storefronts for the biggest shopping events. It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Well, that’s unless you’re a manager or owner who didn’t get their business ready in time for the flood of sales that usually come during this period. In a scenario like that, this is probably a period of unrelenting suffering. But it doesn’t have to be! In this article, we explore Black Friday trends using historical data from Katana customers, supplemented by some external sources, to help you optimize your sales and inventory management for Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and beyond. Black Friday and Cyber Monday in numbers Online sales in the US increased by 10. 2% on Black Friday to $10. 8 billion¹ Cyber Monday online sales reached $13. 3 billion in 2024, a 7. 2% increase¹ During Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday, 197 million shoppers visited both physical stores and online retail websites in 2024² Amazon had 14% lower prices during BFCM, on average, compared to other leading US retailers³ Walmart saw a modest 3% increase in customer spending compared to the previous year⁴ 72% of orders made during Thanksgiving were from mobile devices⁵ Spending trends from 2022 to 2024 If there’s one thing that jumps out from the numbers, it’s how much shoppers leaned into spending between 2022 and 2024. Across those three years, purchases didn’t just increase — they surged. In 2022, around 3. 4 million orders rolled in, bringing in close to $2 billion. Fast-forward to 2024, and that figure shot up to 5. 5 million orders, generating over $3. 2 billion. That’s a 61% boost in dollars spent, which feels less like an incremental gain and more like shoppers doubling down. Seasonal shifts that stand out While spending climbed year-over-year, one constant held true — November and its famous shopping frenzy stole the spotlight. Each year, the fourth quarter, buoyed by Black Friday and Cyber Monday, carried much of the year’s shopping momentum. What’s interesting, though, is the growing strength of other parts of the year. Sales growth wasn’t exclusive to the holiday season, hinting that consumers are starting to spread out their purchases rather than saving them for a single shopping sprint. Daily head-to-head Black Friday and Cyber Monday have become household names for shoppers, but they play to different strengths. Black Friday thrives as the all-rounder — bringing in huge numbers of transactions both online and in stores. In contrast, Cyber Monday leans into its role as the internet’s time to shine, with fewer but often higher-value purchases. In 2024, Black Friday brought in 60,103 orders and $15. 1 million in sales — impressive numbers by any standard. But Cyber Monday took the trophy for most revenue, raking in $27. 4 million from 42,069 orders. This pattern isn’t new, either. Black Friday excels in sheer volume, with shoppers piling their carts with smaller items. Cyber Monday, on the other hand, is...

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> A breakdown of trends and insights from SMBs using proprietary data from businesses handling physical inventory.

- Published: 2023-09-25
- Modified: 2024-05-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/state-of-inventory-management/
- Categories: Business tips, Ecommerce, Inventory management

In our most recent industry analysis report, we combined real-time data from Katana customers who manage inventory with expert consumer and market research to see the impact of inflation and other external factors on their businesses, and what this means for inventory management as they continue to navigate economic volatility. Since 2018, businesses around the world have experienced massive disruptions to supply chains across a range of industries, creating instability, uncertainty, and confusion. Between global shutdowns caused by events like the Covid-19 pandemic, the ongoing conflict stemming from the Russia-Ukraine War, and the backlog of cargo ships awaiting passage through the Panama Canal due to drought, small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) have experienced disruptions throughout their operations — from a reduction in workforce to stockouts to shipping delays. Despite the ongoing economic volatility, businesses handling inventory must keep items moving through their shops to survive, and it’s important that they not only anticipate challenges that may arise but also have contingency plans in place for when a disruption occurs to mitigate the risks of impact to their bottom line. Looking at trends that shape the global supply chain can be a fortune-telling crystal ball for many SMBs — no matter if their industry is apparel, furniture, technology, perishable goods, or something else entirely. State of Inventory Management — Access the full report Download the full report based on data from real businesses using Katana to explore key trends and actionable insights that will help you navigate an uncertain 2024. Get the report Trending now: e-commerce, interest rates, and cooling the economy Data shows that e-commerce sales are on the rise, with a 46% increase in revenue from sales orders generated from e-commerce platforms between 2021 and 2022. More recently, the value of e-commerce sales orders increased by 25% in 2023, when compared to the previous year. It’s clear that consumers are excited about the benefits of convenience, 24/7 accessibility, personalization, cost savings, and easy payment options that come with buying online, but businesses can benefit too. One of the biggest advantages for e-commerce businesses is that they can more easily collect and analyze customer data to better understand their preferences, behaviors, and trends, offering a data-led path forward through market changes and supply chain disruptions. Experts anticipate a global economic growth slowdown with central banks tightening monetary policy and employing high-interest rates to combat inflation. The results are slowed production capabilities backing up supply chains, increased borrowing costs, and reduced consumer spending that make it extremely difficult for SMBs to maintain sufficient inventory levels and meet demand. The good news is that the cyclical nature of the economy means a rebound often follows a bottoming out, but SMBs must have the tools and practices in place to make it through to the other side. On the rise: geopolitical tensions and global average temperatures Supply chain issues also stem from rising geopolitical tensions from tariffs and sanctions to full-blown conflicts, like the Russia-Ukraine War or the potential emerging conflict between China...

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> Add additional clarity to your revenue streams by sending Katana invoices to different QuickBooks Online ledger accounts. Learn more about this update.

- Published: 2023-09-21
- Modified: 2023-09-21
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/qbo-multiple-revenue-accounts/
- Categories: Product updates

Organizing invoices is more manageable than ever, now that you can send different invoices to distinct QuickBooks ledger accounts. When it comes to accounting, you can never really be too organized can you? That's at least what we've told — which is why we've made it possible to map the different types of Katana invoices to their most fitting ledger accounts in QuickBooks Online (QBO)! This update should help give you a much clearer breakdown of your revenue streams by separating them into categories and improving financial reporting and overall revenue visibility. Enabling multiple ledger accounts To start using this feature, you’ll first need to: Re-connect the QuickBooks Online integration (don't worry – no data will be lost in the process). On the second step of the connection, choose the product categories from Katana and map them to the corresponding revenue accounts in QBO: If you want to learn even more about this update, go to our Knowledge Base for further information. What’s coming up next? To further improve the QBO integration, our next step is to make it possible to sync operation costs in bulk from Done manufacturing orders.

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> Reduce the time it takes to find items by organizing your warehouse through storage bins and streamlining your workflows. Learn more.

- Published: 2023-09-18
- Modified: 2025-01-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/storage-bins/
- Categories: Product updates

By assigning default storage bins to items in Katana, you can streamline workflows and organize your warehouses for improved traceability. Bin locations offer those on the Professional plan (or higher) an opportunity to bring a clear system of organization to their warehouses and reduce time wasted searching for items. Reduce mistakes and time wasted This update should save your warehouse managers and operators hours of unnecessary extra work by adding: A default storage bin for materials and products Visibility in the Stock list of the added default storage bin PDF printouts containing the default storage bins, which are sorted alphabetically by bin for more efficient put-away and picking The PDF printouts should noticeably simplify workflows for receiving items as well as picking items for shipping or manufacturing. How to start using Bin locations A few ways to begin using Bin locations in Katana include adding storage bins and manually assigning them to SKUs within the item card. If you'd prefer to add or update in bulk, you can: Import the information using Katana's Data import templates. There are templates available for: To update existing products and materials in bulk, use the following Data export templates: To learn even more about this update, head to our Knowledge Base. What's coming up next? To further improve the warehouse management experience in Katana, we plan to work on the sales order pick & pack feature, allowing you to pick SO items for shipping in the most optimal order. Happy storing! The Katana team

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> Katana announced its integration with Intuit QuickBooks enabling businesses to connect and track their inventory and accounting operations in real time.

- Published: 2023-08-29
- Modified: 2023-08-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/quickbooks-solution-provider-program/
- Categories: Company News

Katana joins the Intuit QuickBooks Solution Provider Program to bring a new generation of cloud inventory innovation, enabling businesses to move inventory management and accounting operations to the cloud. Katana Technologies, a fast-growth innovator of inventory software solutions for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), announces its integration with Intuit QuickBooks, the world’s leading small business technology platform, enabling businesses to effectively connect their inventory and accounting operations to the cloud while tracking omnichannel order fulfillment and production in real-time. “Our goal is to streamline accounting and inventory processes for SMBs with easy-to-use cloud-based solutions that are simple to adopt and create a comprehensive view of their business,” said Kristjan Vilosius, CEO of Katana Technologies. “We are thrilled to become a member of the QuickBooks Solutions Provider Program and to work with Intuit to offer our clients an integrated solution that can be implemented effortlessly and allows them to forecast and plan for the future. ” Transitioning accounting operations and inventory and manufacturing management to the cloud safeguards businesses from disruption and allows access to valuable insights in real-time so that business owners can make informed decisions faster, more effectively, and more aligned across the value chain through robust integrations. “By joining services with Katana, we can help clients and prospective customers align accounting with their business processes. Together, we solve modern manufacturing and accounting needs by combining accounting, inventory, and production in one intuitive cloud-based ecosystem,” said Kevin Zavaglia, VP of US Sales for QuickBooks. “By providing a better way to access innovative technology, world-class implementation services, and helping to ensure ongoing support, together with Intuit, we can significantly speed up the adoption process of modern cloud-based tools for growing businesses and accountants,” added Vilosius. Katana’s cloud inventory platform covers real-time inventory, supply and demand alignment, production, accounting, and reporting. Through the new integration, clients can automate data transfers between QuickBooks Online and Katana's cloud-based inventory platform, convert purchase orders to bills, and automatically create or update invoices based on sales order statuses in Katana. About Katana Katana’s cloud manufacturing platform covers the live inventory, production, accounting, and reporting features that give businesses the knowledge they need to make the right decisions. Founded in 2017, Katana’s portfolio of more than 1,400 companies ranges from multi-million dollar manufacturing businesses to hobby makers, supporting over $1 billion in combined sales revenue in 2022. To date, Katana’s founding team has raised more than $51 million in funding from VC firms and angel investors and scaled its team of six to 140 employees across North America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania.

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> Enterprise resource planning (ERP) is a software system designed to integrate and manage various processes and resources within an organization.

- Published: 2023-07-28
- Modified: 2024-07-01
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/erp/
- Categories: Inventory management

Businesses constantly look for efficient ways to manage their processes. One option is implementing an ERP. Read on to learn all about ERP systems, what they are, how they work, and what are the benefits and challenges. Running a business involves a lot of moving parts, so organizations face numerous challenges in managing their operations efficiently, optimizing resources, and staying competitive. As businesses grow, so does the complexity of their processes, making it increasingly challenging to maintain streamlined workflows and seamless communication across different departments. This is where enterprise resource planning (ERP) comes to the rescue, acting as a robust and integrated solution to tackle these challenges. This article takes a close look into the inner workings of ERP systems, examining the key features, benefits, and the various types available to suit different business needs. Let's kick it off by defining ERP. What is ERP? ERP stands for enterprise resource planning. It refers to a software or suite of applications designed to manage and integrate various aspects of a business' operations and resources across different departments or functions. The primary goal of ERP is to streamline processes, improve efficiency, and facilitate data flow within an organization. An ERP system typically includes modules that cover different business functions, such as: Finance — Managing financial transactions, accounting, budgeting, and financial reporting Human resources (HR) — Handling employee information, payroll, benefits, and performance evaluations Supply chain management — Tracking inventory, procurement, order processing, and logistics Customer relationship management (CRM) — Managing customer data, sales, marketing, and customer support Manufacturing — Overseeing production planning, scheduling, quality control, and shop floor operations Project management — Tracking project progress, resource allocation, and task management ERP consolidates these various functions into a unified system, enabling better communication and collaboration across departments. It also provides real-time data and insights, helping management make informed decisions and respond quickly to changes within the business. ERP systems can be implemented in various industries and organizations of different sizes, ranging from small businesses to large enterprises. The selection and customization of an ERP system should be based on an organization's specific needs, workflows, and industry requirements. Now that it's clear what is ERP system let's move on and see the different types of ERPs available. ERP types ERP systems come in 3 types: On-premise Cloud-based Hybrid Let’s explore these in more detail. On-premise ERP On-premises ERP is a traditional ERP system where the software is installed and hosted on the company's servers and infrastructure. The organization is responsible for managing and maintaining the hardware, software, and IT infrastructure required to run the ERP system. This type of ERP offers greater control and customization options but requires higher upfront and maintenance costs. you will also need a dedicated IT team to maintain and update the ERP. Cloud-based ERP Cloud-based ERP, also known as software-as-a-service (SaaS) ERP, is hosted on the vendor's cloud servers and accessed via the Internet. Users can access the ERP system through web browsers, making it more convenient and flexible...

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> Production planning ERP helps businesses optimize their production processes, streamline operations, and achieve greater efficiency. Learn more.

- Published: 2023-07-20
- Modified: 2024-06-19
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/production-planning-erp/
- Categories: Inventory management, Manufacturing

Discover the transformative potential of production planning ERP, as we explore its benefits, best practices, and top software solutions. Streamline your operations, boost efficiency, and unlock greater productivity with the power of ERP in production planning. Efficient production planning is essential for companies to meet customer demands, optimize resources, and maximize profitability. Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems are software solutions designed to integrate and streamline various aspects of business operations. When applied to production planning, ERP provides a comprehensive solution that helps companies achieve operational excellence. This blog post is about production planning ERP, exploring its significance, the benefits it brings, and best practices for implementation. Whether you're an industry veteran or new to the concept, join us as we uncover the transformative potential of production planning ERP and how it can revolutionize your organization's production processes. ERP in production planning ERP systems have revolutionized the way businesses manage their operations across various departments. When it comes to production planning, ERP plays a crucial role in integrating and streamlining the entire process, from raw material procurement to final product delivery. By centralizing data, automating tasks, and providing real-time visibility, ERP empowers organizations to optimize their production planning activities and make informed decisions. One of the key advantages of ERP in production planning is its ability to bring together different functions within an organization. ERP serves as a central hub that connects departments such as inventory management, supply chain, finance, and customer relationship management. This integration ensures that information flows seamlessly across all stages of production planning, enabling efficient coordination and collaboration between teams. Moreover, ERP provides a holistic view of production planning data, allowing stakeholders to monitor and control every aspect of the process. Real-time insights into inventory levels, resource utilization, production schedules, and customer demand enable businesses to respond swiftly to changing market conditions. With accurate and up-to-date information at their fingertips, decision-makers can make data-driven choices to optimize production capacity, minimize bottlenecks, and ensure timely delivery of products to customers. Additionally, ERP systems offer robust reporting and analytics capabilities. These tools enable organizations to analyze production performance, identify inefficiencies, and implement continuous improvement initiatives. By leveraging ERP data, companies can uncover trends, forecast demand, and fine-tune their production planning strategies, leading to increased productivity and cost savings. Download a free production scheduling template If you want to schedule your production but are not quite ready to commit to an ERP solution, you can download this free production scheduling template to get started. What are the benefits of production planning in ERP? Production planning in the manufacturing industry can be incredibly complex, but using capable ERP software can greatly streamline the process. Let’s go over the 7 benefits production planning in ERP brings: Enhanced efficiency — With production planning integrated into ERP systems, businesses can streamline their production processes, automate tasks, and minimize errors, resulting in improved operational efficiency and productivity. Improved resource allocation — ERP systems provide accurate tracking and management of resources, including raw materials, equipment, and...

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> Production planning KPIs are measurable metrics that assess the performance of production planning in a business or manufacturing setting.

- Published: 2023-07-14
- Modified: 2024-06-19
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/production-planning-kpis/
- Categories: Inventory management, Manufacturing

Production planning KPI is vital for evaluating performance, identifying areas for improvement, and making data-driven decisions to optimize production processes and drive overall business success. Read on to learn all about production planning KPIs. Effective production planning is essential for businesses to streamline their operations, meet customer demands, optimize resources, and maintain a competitive edge in the market. Key performance indicators (KPIs) play a crucial role in evaluating the performance and success of production planning strategies. This blog post delves into the world of production planning KPIs, exploring their significance and some production planning KPI examples used to measure performance in this domain. Whether you are a production manager, business owner, or simply interested in understanding how production planning works, this guide will provide valuable insights into the key metrics used to assess and improve production planning processes. What is production planning KPI? Production planning KPI is a measurable metric used to evaluate and assess the performance and effectiveness of production planning processes within a business or manufacturing environment. This metric provides insights into various aspects of production planning, enabling businesses to measure their performance, identify areas for improvement, and make data-driven decisions to optimize operations. Production planning KPIs can encompass a wide range of metrics, which can be categorized into different areas based on their focus and purpose. Why are production planning KPIs important? Production planning KPIs serve as valuable tools to gauge the effectiveness of production processes, identify areas for improvement, and make informed decisions to optimize operations. By measuring and tracking specific performance indicators, businesses can: Evaluate efficiency — KPIs enable organizations to assess the efficiency of their production planning processes. By measuring metrics such as production yield, cycle time, and throughput, companies can identify bottlenecks, optimize workflows, and enhance overall productivity. Monitor quality — Quality metrics, such as defect rate, first pass yield (FPY), and customer reject rate, provide insights into product quality. Monitoring these KPIs helps businesses identify quality issues, implement corrective actions, and ensure customer expectations are met or exceeded. Manage inventory — Effective inventory management is crucial for minimizing costs and maintaining sufficient stock levels. KPIs like inventory turnover ratio, stockout rate, and days of inventory on hand (DOH) provide visibility into inventory performance, enabling businesses to optimize stock levels, reduce waste, and improve cash flow. Key performance indicators in production planning Production planning KPIs encompass a wide range of metrics that capture different aspects of the production process. These KPIs can be categorized into several key areas. Let’s go over some of these categories. Efficiency metrics Efficiency KPIs measure the utilization of resources, time, and equipment to assess the productivity and effectiveness of production planning. Examples include: Production yield Overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) Cycle time Throughput Quality metrics Quality KPIs focus on the accuracy and reliability of production processes and outputs. These help organizations monitor and improve product quality. Some quality metrics are: Defect rate First pass yield (FPY) Customer reject rate By diligently following quality metrics and your production quality control...

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> Batch scheduling is the process of planning and grouping production activities to optimize the use of resources and increase efficiency.

- Published: 2023-07-13
- Modified: 2024-04-17
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/batch-scheduling/
- Categories: Inventory management, Manufacturing

Unlocking the potential for streamlined production and resource optimization. Learn how batch schedule empowers manufacturers to boost efficiency and meet production goals effectively. The term batch scheduling has its roots in the early days of computer systems and data processing. It emerged when computers were primarily used for large-scale data processing tasks. During that time, computer operations were typically performed in batches, where a group of similar or related jobs were collected together and executed sequentially. As the practice of organizing and planning these batches became more refined, the term batch scheduling came into use to describe the process of arranging and sequencing jobs within these batches. It became an integral part of managing computer operations and maximizing the efficiency of data processing systems. Over time, the concept of batch scheduling expanded beyond computer systems and found applications in various industries, including manufacturing. This post explores manufacturing batch scheduling, how it works, what the benefits are, and the best way to manage it. What is batch scheduling? Batch scheduling or bulk scheduling in manufacturing refers to the process of planning and organizing production activities to optimize the use of resources and increase efficiency. It involves grouping similar or related tasks or orders together into batches and then scheduling those batches for production. This approach allows for the efficient utilization of equipment, materials, and labor by reducing setup times and maximizing productivity. Batch scheduling aims to minimize downtime, improve workflow, and reduce costs by streamlining the production process and sequencing tasks in a logical and efficient manner. How does batch scheduling work? Batch scheduling is a whole process that usually consists of the following steps: Job analysis Batch formation Resource allocation Sequencing Scheduling Execution and monitoring Feedback and continuous improvement Let’s review these in more detail. 1. Job analysis In the job analysis phase, manufacturing managers or planners carefully analyze and evaluate the production tasks or jobs that must be scheduled. They consider factors such as task requirements, dependencies, priorities, and any constraints associated with the jobs. This analysis helps identify similarities or relationships between different tasks, determining the formation of batches. 2. Batch formation Based on the analysis of jobs, the next step is to form batches. This involves grouping together similar or related jobs to create batches. The criteria for batch formation can vary depending on the specific industry and production requirements. Typical criteria include product similarity, equipment requirements, order quantities, or production deadlines. By forming batches, manufacturing companies can minimize setup times and improve overall efficiency. 3. Resource allocation Once the batches are formed, the next crucial step is resource allocation. Manufacturing planners need to determine the availability and allocation of resources required for each batch. This includes considering machines, equipment, labor, materials, and any other necessary resources. Efficient allocation ensures that the required resources are available at the right time and in the appropriate quantities, enabling smooth and uninterrupted production. 4. Sequencing Within each batch, the sequencing of jobs is determined. Sequencing refers to the order in...

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> Key insights for D2C manufacturers that emerged from Katana’s customer analysis of peak holiday sales periods. Learn more.

- Published: 2023-07-07
- Modified: 2023-07-10
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/best-practices-for-d2c/
- Categories: Business tips, Ecommerce

We combined our customers' real-time data with expert consumer and market research to reveal key insights on the impact of the recession on peak sales periods in 2022 for direct-to-consumer (D2C) manufacturers — and what this means for 2023 and beyond. The global economy's volatility in recent years has impacted various population subsets firsthand. However, D2C manufacturers, serving both purchasers and retailers, have been particularly hard hit by the roller coaster of supply and demand. Shifts in buyer behavior are predictable, but events that affect the world population – like the COVID-19 crisis and the Russia-Ukraine War — are most impactful, yet harder to prepare for. Preparation is always important, but especially in a recession. We analyzed 2021 – 2022 data from our customer base and applied consumer and market research to provide key insights for effective business practices that can be applied for success regardless of the economic landscape.   The most wonderful time for consumer spending While all forms of spending are impacted by economic trends, peak holiday sales highlight consumer confidence and, for D2C manufacturers and retailers, indicate willingness to purchase nonessential goods.   Based on our customer database, there are two distinct peak holiday sales periods that are recognized by variation in sales and inventory activity: Black Friday and Cyber Monday and late-December winter holidays. In 2022, there was an increase of 44% in daily sales orders volume, during the Black Friday and Cyber Monday period compared to regular Q4 activity, but a 56% decrease in the sales order volume during the late-December winter holiday period. This suggests that buyers have more recently been motivated by sales and discounts, and it’s likely to continue into 2024.   According to our report, seasonal businesses should examine their sales and marketing strategies and make adjustments to adapt to this new sales pattern to maximize profitability.   Fulfilling sales orders during demand surges in the chaotic peak holiday season requires preparation. While discounts and pricing structure matter to consumers, timely delivery is equally important. Integrated software systems providing real-time visibility and control over inventory, sales, and financial data are crucial for D2C manufacturers' success. But the data show that most D2C manufacturers wait until the last minute to prepare their software, causing unnecessary stress and delays. Advanced planning for purchase orders and software updates is key to ensuring delivery and overcoming obstacles — especially with global supply chain disruptions in recent years.   Supply chain stress on the bottom line When looking at the cost of raw materials for seasonal businesses between 2021 and 2022, we saw an astonishing 57% of raw materials increased in price with some ranges up to 100%. And it’s not just raw materials, the cost of labor has been impacted by supply chain issues, too. Some of the most impacted sectors are also visible in a macro analysis: food and beverage, apparel, packaging materials and shipping costs. Despite the astronomical increases on raw materials and labor, consumer demand during the 2022 peak holiday sales...

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> Discover the potential of ChatGPT for accounting. Enhance accuracy, automate compliance, and streamline financial reporting. Learn more here.

- Published: 2023-07-03
- Modified: 2024-11-05
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/chatgpt-for-accounting/
- Categories: Accounting

ChatGPT is revolutionizing accounting by streamlining processes, eliminating manual data entry, and providing real-time insights. Its efficiency, accuracy, and innovation make it a game-changer for bookkeepers, propelling the industry into the future. In a world of rapid technological progress, many people have an unsettling fear that artificial intelligence (AI) will eventually rise and take over everything we hold dear. The fear of being replaced by AI-powered systems like ChatGPT is not uncommon, particularly in industries heavily relying on human expertise. However, it is essential to recognize that AI technology can become a powerful ally rather than a threat when harnessed thoughtfully and responsibly. ChatGPT wrote a nice little limerick to calm all the anxious minds out there: There once was an AI quite clever, Whose goal was to rule and endeavor. But fear not, my friend, That’s just nonsense, pretend, For my purpose is to assist, not sever. By embracing ChatGPT, we can unlock a whole new world of opportunities to improve efficiency and accuracy. While the idea of AI may conjure up images of futuristic robots and sci-fi movies, the reality is that it is just a tool developed by humans to enhance our capabilities. Instead of replacing specialists, smart technologies like ChatGPT can serve as assistants, helping professionals streamline their workflows, tackle complex challenges, and aim their focus on more high-value tasks. With the power of AI, we can achieve greater levels of productivity and unleash the true potential of human intelligence and creativity. In this blog, we will dive into the possibilities of ChatGPT for accounting, showcasing how it can enhance our work and open doors to a new era of financial management. Want to learn how to incorporate AI into your business? Rainar from Katana Cloud Inventory discusses how AI impacts businesses and how it can be implemented to improve manufacturing operations. Check out the episode What is ChatGPT? ChatGPT is an advanced AI program designed for conversational interactions. Think of it as a highly sophisticated chatbot able to understand and generate human-like text. This AI model, developed by OpenAI, has been trained on an enormous collection of internet text data, equipping it with knowledge on nearly any topic. When we interact with ChatGPT by asking questions or giving information, it uses special techniques to understand what we mean and need. Then, using its powerful computing abilities, it generates clear and relevant responses that make sense in the conversation. When asking ChatGPT to introduce itself in the style of the most popular girl at school, here's what came back: Hey there, gorgeous! I'm ChatGPT, your ultimate BFF in the digital realm. I'm, like, totally in tune with all the latest deets, and I'm here to spill the tea and have a fab time chatting with you. Whether you need help with homework, want some juicy gossip, or just wanna chat about anything under the sun, I'm your go-to gal! So hit me up, and let's slay the conversation together! What sets ChatGPT apart is its capacity...

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> Improve customer satisfaction by getting products on big orders out as soon as they’re ready by partially completing manufacturing orders.

- Published: 2023-07-03
- Modified: 2023-07-05
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/partial-complete-sfa/
- Categories: Product updates

Improve customer satisfaction by getting products on big orders out as soon as they’re ready by partially completing manufacturing orders. By partially completing a manufacturing order, it's possible to divide larger orders into smaller parts. Dividing an order's completion can increase your manufacturing floor's efficiency by making it possible to pack and deliver finished goods without waiting for the entire manufacturing order to be ready to ship. For manufacturers who often create products in large quantities, fully completing a manufacturing order can frequently take longer than desired. Partial completion prevents finished products from sitting in your inventory and taking up valuable floor space. Partially completing a manufacturing order In February, we added an option to partially complete manufacturing orders in Katana. The latest update lets you partially complete manufacturing orders from Katana's Shop Floor App (SFA). With the recent update, In progress tasks on the Shop Floor App can be marked as Partially complete or Finished. If you choose to partially complete a task, the app will ask for a completed quantity and add the completed product quantity to stock. Once a task is fully completed, Katana will ask for the final quantity of completed products, the consumed quantity of ingredients, and the consumed time for all operations (depending on your settings). To learn more about partially completing manufacturing orders, peruse our Knowledge Base article, which covers all the details and guidance you need to begin. In addition to being able to partially complete manufacturing orders on the SFA, other updates to the App include search, improved task lists, and consecutive operations, as well as visibility in already consumed materials related to the manufacturing order an operator is working with. Align production scheduling and operations in the Shop Floor App Katana's Shop Floor App offers a range of features and capabilities to enhance production management on the shop floor and allows you to: Ensure that the production team receives clear instructions and can efficiently carry out their tasks by sending tasks to Katana's Shop Floor App based on ingredient requirements and product operations for each manufacturing order Get live updates from the production floor as operators start, pause/resume, and complete tasks assigned to them Have visibility into ingredient consumption with live material tracking and monitor time spent on each task Use barcode scanning to keep tabs on the movement of items, products, and batches throughout the production process Ready to get started with Katana's Shop Floor App? Take a look at our Knowledge Base to guide you. Next up for Katana's Shop Floor App We'll keep working to improve Katana's Shop Floor App functionality. Keep an eye out for the following updates to the Shop Floor App: Report serial numbers on MOs Partially complete MOs with ingredient batch numbers Happy manufacturing!

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> Quickly find and utilize Supplier details with the newly implemented Supplier Card. A simple yet effective way to store info. Learn more.

- Published: 2023-06-29
- Modified: 2023-06-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/supplier-card/
- Categories: Product updates

It's now possible to keep supplier addresses and phone numbers inside Supplier Cards so that pertinent information is always quick and easy to find. Supplier phone numbers can be found within the Supplier table, and when you click a supplier name, the Supplier Card will open where their phone number and address can be found. Benefits of the Supplier Card A Supplier Card may seem like a simple feature in theory, but its usefulness can really pay off when trying to save time. Quickly access supplier phone numbers if information about orders or items is needed Easily relay info about order and supplier locations to transportation companies picking up goods Simple account reconciliation for received bills with POs What's up next? Our team is already working on adding Landed costs functionality to Katana that will allow Katana users to distribute additional costs (like shipping, customs, etc. ) of the products. Happy purchasing!

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> AI for manufacturing: Discover how artificial intelligence streamlines operations, optimizes efficiency, and boosts productivity. Find out more.

- Published: 2023-06-26
- Modified: 2024-11-14
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/ai-for-manufacturing/
- Categories: Manufacturing

AI for manufacturing refers to the application of artificial intelligence technologies and algorithms in manufacturing to optimize production processes, improve efficiency, and streamline operations. Keep reading to find out how you can benefit from it. Chances that you haven’t heard or read about artificial intelligence (AI) over the past year are slim. Every news outlet seems to be talking about how AI will either benefit all of us immensely or destroy humanity. This post won’t dive into the doom and gloom, nor will it discuss the merits and dangers AI can pose to humanity in a philosophical sense. Instead, it will investigate how AI can benefit manufacturers and take a closer look at the areas AI can be implemented in manufacturing. So let’s dive in to learn about AI for manufacturing companies. What is AI? AI, or artificial intelligence, refers to intelligent systems that can perform tasks and make decisions that typically require human intelligence. It involves using algorithms and advanced technologies to enable machines to learn from data, recognize patterns, reason, and solve problems. AI encompasses various subfields, such as machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision, and robotics, all aimed at creating intelligent machines that mimic or augment human capabilities. AI for manufacturing, in numbers 83% of organizations believe AI will play a significant role in their digital transformation¹ AI is expected to boost the global economy by $2. 6 trillion to $4. 4 trillion, annually² 24% of manufacturing companies use AI for assembly and quality testing³ 79% of organizations have a live industrial AI or are piloting a project¹ In 2018, only 9% of manufacturers had implemented AI for improved decision-making3 The implementation of AI in manufacturing has the potential to boost labor productivity in China by as much as 27%⁴ 91% of AI projects implemented by Chinese manufacturers failed to meet expectations⁵ What are the use cases of AI for manufacturing? Now, you may read the brief definition above and think that while it all sounds interesting, besides robotics, there doesn’t seem to be much that can be transferred directly to manufacturing. However, as it comes out, there are quite a few areas in manufacturing that can be improved by AI. So, let’s explore 8 of them. 1. Process automation and optimization AI is employed to automate and optimize manufacturing processes, such as assembly line operations, material handling, and inventory management. By leveraging machine learning and robotics, AI systems can streamline tasks, reduce production times, minimize errors, and improve overall productivity. 2. Robotics and automation AI-powered robotics and automation systems are revolutionizing manufacturing. Intelligent robots equipped with sensors and AI algorithms can perform complex tasks with precision and adapt to changing conditions. Collaborative robots (cobots) work alongside human workers, enhancing productivity, ensuring safer working environments, and enabling tasks that require precision and strength. 3. Predictive maintenance By continuously monitoring equipment performance and analyzing historical data, AI algorithms can predict when a machine is likely to fail or require maintenance. Predictive maintenance enables manufacturers to schedule maintenance proactively,...

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> Integrating Katana with JIKKO’s Manufacturing Execution System (MES) helps companies to build a more efficient workflow between multiple systems. Learn more.

- Published: 2023-06-22
- Modified: 2023-06-22
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/jikko-integration/
- Categories: Product updates

Integrating Katana with JIKKO’s Manufacturing Execution System (MES) lets you streamline complex manufacturing processes between systems. As processes become more and more complex within the manufacturing industry, integrating an MES into your workflow is beneficial and often imperative to stay competitive. Revolutionize business operations Developed by OPALYTICA, JIKKO’s cutting-edge Manufacturing Execution System (MES) serves as a digital twin platform that empowers manufacturing SMEs to optimize their production processes, enhance operational efficiency, and achieve sustainable growth. With real-time data collection, advanced analytics, and AI-driven insights, JIKKO enables businesses to streamline workflows, reduce costs, and improve productivity by up to 30%. How it works To gain the value of manufacturing operations management, simply import data from Katana to JIKKO. The following data can be pushed from Katana to JIKKO: Manufacturing orders Items (materials, products) Recipes / BOMs Based on which data is imported, BOMs and operations routes can be created in JIKKO to visualize the production order workflow better. Once all of the operations and materials are updated, the status is then synced from JIKKO to Katana. Connecting JIKKO to Katana First, reach out to JIKKO to get an account created and then apply for a free 1-month trial. After the account is completed, navigate to JIKKO Master Data Management configuration (ERP connections). Find and authorize the Katana account and start configuring data imports. Happy integrating!

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> Order processing management refers to the set of activities and procedures involved in handling and fulfilling customer orders within a business.

- Published: 2023-06-08
- Modified: 2024-03-27
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/order-processing-management/
- Categories: Business tips

What is order processing in supply chain management and how can you make it as efficient as possible? Read on to find out. Efficient order processing management is crucial for manufacturers to meet customer demands, optimize inventory utilization, and ensure timely order fulfillment. This blog post explores what is order processing in supply chain management, the steps involved, and how you can manage your orders as effectively as possible. What is order processing management? Order processing management refers to the set of activities and processes involved in managing customer orders from the initial placement to the final fulfillment and delivery. It encompasses all the steps required to ensure that customer orders are accurately received, processed, tracked, and fulfilled in a timely manner. These steps include order receipt, order validation, inventory allocation, picking and packing, shipping, and order tracking. The process begins when a customer places an order, and it ends when the order is successfully delivered and closed. Efficient order processing is essential for maintaining customer satisfaction and optimizing the overall supply chain performance. Effective order processing in supply chain management requires close coordination and integration among different stakeholders, such as sales teams, warehouse personnel, transportation providers, and customer service representatives. By streamlining and automating order processing tasks, organizations can minimize errors, reduce lead times, optimize inventory levels, and enhance order accuracy and timeliness. This, in turn, leads to improved customer service, increased operational efficiency, and a competitive advantage in the marketplace. Download Katana's free purchase order template While you're making ordering processes more efficient you may as well improve your procurement processes. Download this free PO template to minimize mistakes and ensure smooth purchasing experience. Order processing management steps Order processing management typically involves 6 steps. These can vary depending on the exact requirements of a particular organization but usually follow the same basic pattern: Order placement — This stage involves receiving customer orders through various channels such as e-commerce platforms, phone calls, emails, or in-person interactions. The orders are recorded, and customer information, product details, and order specifications are collected. Order processing — Once the orders are received, they undergo a verification process to ensure their accuracy and validity. This may involve checking product availability, verifying customer details, confirming pricing and discounts, and ensuring that the order meets any specific requirements or conditions. At this stage, the inventory is also checked, and the order cost is calculated. Order fulfillment — After the order is verified, it moves into the fulfillment stage. This involves activities such as picking the products from inventory, packaging them securely, and preparing them for shipping. In some cases, it may involve manufacturing or assembling products before they can be shipped. Order tracking — Once the order is prepared for shipping, it is assigned a tracking number or identifier. This allows both the business and the customer to monitor the order's progress through various stages, from shipment to delivery. Tracking information may include estimated delivery dates, carrier details, and real-time updates on the order's location....

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> Optimize your operations with total productive maintenance (TPM). Learn to minimize downtime, improve quality, and boost sustainability.

- Published: 2023-06-08
- Modified: 2024-07-01
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/total-productive-maintenance/
- Categories: Business tips, Manufacturing

Ready to amp up your productivity? This article will guide you in implementing total productive maintenance (TPM), helping you to minimize downtime, maximize output, and exceed your performance goals. Whenever we write about a system that was developed to improve manufacturing efficiency, we have to start with Japan and often with Toyota. This was the case when we talked about: Lean manufacturing Just-in-time manufacturing Kanban boards And this time is no different. Somewhere between 1950 and 1970, a man named Seiichi Nakajima developed a method we now know as total productive maintenance or TPM. It's probably no surprise that the first company to ever benefit from this method was none other than — drumroll — Nippondenso. Well, this name may not actually tell you much — it didn't tell me much before I started researching the history surrounding TPM. However, as it turns out, Nippondenso builds automotive parts for Toyota. Now that we have once again established Japan, and more precisely, Toyota as the manufacturer constantly on the cutting edge of innovation, let's get to the topic at hand and see what this total productive maintenance really is about. What is TPM? Total productive maintenance is a systematic way of managing machines and equipment to improve their performance and lifespan. It focuses on preventing breakdowns and maximizing the efficiency of the equipment we use. Think of TPM as taking care of a car. Regular oil changes, tire rotations, and inspections keep the vehicle running and help prevent any major problems. TPM does something similar for machines and equipment in factories. In TPM, everyone who works with the machines gets involved in their upkeep. It's not just the maintenance crew's responsibility but a team effort. Operators and managers learn how to perform routine maintenance tasks and keep an eye out for potential issues. By catching small problems early on and fixing them, you can avoid costly repairs and keep the machines running at their best. TPM is all about being proactive. Instead of waiting for something to break down, it's best to take steps to prevent it from happening. This saves time and money while helping businesses run more smoothly. Giving the machines regular check-ups helps keep them in top shape and ensures you can keep up with the production demand. What are the benefits of TPM? TPM provides a holistic approach to maintenance and operations management, offering many benefits to organizations that implement and embrace its principles. Below, you'll find some of the key benefits of TPM. Increased equipment reliability TPM focuses on proactive maintenance and equipment care which improves equipment reliability. Addressing potential issues and performing regular maintenance activities helps organizations reduce breakdowns, unplanned downtime, and disruptions in production. Better equipment availability TPM makes sure your equipment is available for production by minimizing breakdowns and reducing setup times. This leads to increased effectiveness and allows companies to consistently meet production targets. Higher product quality Since TPM focuses on quality maintenance, it ensures your equipment is in optimal condition to...

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> Katana’s new set of permissions lets you choose which users can delete purchase orders or suppliers. Read more.

- Published: 2023-06-01
- Modified: 2023-06-01
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/delete-permissions/
- Categories: Product updates

Katana's newest permissions provide better control over your account data and help avoid any accidental data loss. Keeping an eye on what everyone in your company is doing is not only difficult, but an exhausting and almost completely unrealistic task. Luckily, new user permissions within Katana help you make sure that wandering eyes aren’t seeing the information they don’t need to see and your precious data doesn’t go mysteriously missing. The most recent update to user permissions deals specifically in what can or can not be deleted. You’ll now have access to all of the following permissions: Delete Purchase orders (Purchase orders and Outsourced purchase orders) Delete Suppliers Delete Sales orders (Sales orders and Quotes) Delete Manufacturing orders Delete Stock documents (Stock adjustments, Stock transfers, and Stocktakes) Delete Items (Products and Materials) Delete Customers With Delete Permissions, account owners can assign specific permissions to users, controlling who can delete POs, supplier data, SO and MOs, and other data when authorized. This feature can be particularly useful for organizations that handle sensitive data or have strict compliance requirements, such as those in pharmaceuticals. Until next time, happy team management!

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> Boost manufacturing competitiveness with design of experiments (DOE). Learn how to optimize processes, improve quality, and achieve success.

- Published: 2023-05-31
- Modified: 2024-01-18
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/doe-in-manufacturing/
- Categories: Manufacturing

Design of experiments (DOE) is where innovation and problem-solving collide. This article explores DOE in manufacturing and its real-world applications. Many children dream of becoming inventors and scientists when they grow up. Fascinated by the idea of mixing together the next love potion or conducting experiments resulting in flying monkeys and unnatural superheroes — they can't wait to get their first lab coat. However, as they grow older, many are steered away from these aspirations and led down different paths. But, in the manufacturing world, a new opportunity arises for those with a thirst for experimentation and innovation. Design of experiments (DOE) allows manufacturers to embrace their inner inventor and scientist. With DOE, they can tap into their curiosity, push the boundaries of what's possible, and uncover the hidden potential within their operations. So, whether you're fantasizing about inventing flying cars or discovering revolutionary materials, don't abandon those dreams just yet. Experimental design opens up a world of possibilities where you can bring your wildest imaginations to life. It's time to dust off those childhood dreams, put on your inventor's cap, and explore DOE in manufacturing. What is DOE? Design of experiments (DOE) is a statistical method used to test how different factors affect an outcome. Scientists plan experiments by changing one factor at a time and measuring the effects. It helps them understand complex systems, optimize processes, and make informed decisions in fields like manufacturing, engineering, and research. DOE is essentially like a trial-and-error method of finding the recipe for success. It involves planning and running experiments to gather data on different factors that can affect the outcome of the investigated process or system. By carefully changing and controlling these factors, we can understand how they influence the results. This helps manufacturers make informed decisions to improve efficiency, reduce variability, and enhance the quality of what they're making. It's like conducting scientific experiments to find the best ways to do things and do them even better. What is DOE in manufacturing? DOE is used in lean manufacturing to improve production by conducting several experiments and finding the most optimal solutions. It helps identify influential factors, improve efficiency, and act on evidence to enhance manufacturing processes. DOE is all about gathering data and analyzing it to make better decisions. Sounds complicated, but it's actually nothing else but trying how to get the best results with the least effort and costs. Imagine you want to bake the perfect cake. Instead of randomly guessing how much flour, sugar, or baking time you need, try DOE to test different amounts and timings. You can see how each change affects the final cake by carefully changing one factor at a time and keeping everything else consistent. This helps you understand which factors have the most significant impact on the outcome. While there's no one formula to calculate DOE, its processes are still very mathematical and technical. With the help of experiments, manufacturers can find the most efficient ways to make products. It's like finding...

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> Uncover the hidden truths behind problems with root cause analysis. Read how to investigate and solve manufacturing issues.

- Published: 2023-05-29
- Modified: 2024-07-01
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/root-cause-analysis/
- Categories: Business tips

While mistakes and errors can be annoying and disruptive, they can also be a valuable asset. In this article, we investigate root cause analysis so you can dig up dirt on those little mishaps in your business. Imagine stepping into the shoes of a detective, ready to solve a thrilling mystery. Now, picture yourself not at a crime scene but in a buzzing manufacturing facility. Like uncovering clues and solving puzzles, there's a fascinating process called root cause analysis that helps investigators uncover the secrets behind manufacturing glitches and errors. In a factory, when something goes wrong, like a machine malfunction or a defective product, pinpointing the exact reason behind it isn't always easy. That's where root cause analysis comes into play. It's like a magnifying glass that helps us dig deep and find the real culprit hiding beneath the surface. By examining clues and investigating step by step, we can identify the root cause of why the problem occurred in the first place. Once that is clear, it's easier to eliminate the source of mishaps and make sure that issues like this don't happen again. What is root cause analysis in manufacturing? Root cause analysis is an efficient way for manufacturing businesses to figure out why things go wrong and find long-lasting solutions. It's like investigating a problem to discover the main reason behind it. Instead of fixing the superficial issue, this analysis helps us dive deep and address the main factor that led to the problem. The great thing about it is being able to prevent similar problems in the future. Once we identify the root cause, we can come up with strategies to fix it and put measures in place to prevent the problem from happening again. It's like learning from our mistakes and making sure we don't repeat them. Root cause analysis is important because it helps us learn and improve. By addressing the underlying issue, we can make manufacturing processes more efficient, prevent errors from happening, and find ways to improve continuously. Analyzing the root cause doesn't just help fix issues but also works toward optimizing the existing processes and eliminating inefficiencies. Download a free production quality control checklist One aspect of root cause analysis is maintaining high quality. Grab a free production quality control checklist to keep your customers happy and standards high. How to conduct root cause analysis? Root cause analysis focuses on finding out the main reasons behind malfunctions, defects, and inefficiencies. The best way to run these analyses is to break down potential causes into different types. Physical causes Physical causes refer to issues caused by tangible factors within a process or system related to physical components, equipment, materials, or environmental conditions. Examples of physical causes include: Equipment malfunctions Material defects Design flaws External factors like temperature or humidity Human causes Human causes are related to the actions, behaviors, or decisions of individuals involved in a process. These causes can be: Human error Lack of training or competence Negligence Fatigue Distractions...

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- Published: 2023-05-25
- Modified: 2023-05-25
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/purchasing-insights/
- Categories: Product updates

Purchasing Insights provides a comprehensive and customizable overview of supplier and purchase order statistics to improve company-wide decision making. Maintaining a consistent production schedule while minimizing costs requires effective management of your supplier and purchasing. Accurately measuring supplier performance and discovering deeper insights into your purchasing activities make for better decision-making, but how? That’s where Katana’s Purchasing Insights come in. With their real-time overview of purchasing activities, including supplier performance, lead times, and purchase order volume, it becomes noticeably easier to identify which areas can be improved and to make the data-driven decisions that drive better business outcomes. Purchasing Insights is built around four key objectives: What are the most purchased items by cost and supplier? How is the purchasing portfolio split between suppliers? What are the purchasing lead times? How are vendors performing? Transform purchasing activities from merely an area of expense to a more strategic asset within your company. With real-time insights into your supplier performance, lead times, and purchase order volume, you can make the kind of decisions that drive better business outcomes and lead to reduced costs and improved efficiency. Learn more about using Purchasing Insights on our Knowledge Base. What’s up next in Katana? We’re working hard to provide improved insights that provide further clarity to give you an advantage over your everyday work. The Insights feature will be rolled out gradually to ensure that what we deliver on expectations. Here’s what we have next in line: User permissions (restricting users from deleting data from your Katana account) Serial numbers for finished products Partially completing manufacturing orders from Katana's Shop Floor App Until next time, happy analyzing!

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> Manufacturer part number (MPN) is a unique alphanumeric identifier used by manufacturers to quickly identify specific products or components.

- Published: 2023-05-24
- Modified: 2024-05-23
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/manufacturer-part-number/
- Categories: Inventory management, Manufacturing

An MPN, or Manufacturer Part Number, is a unique alphanumeric code assigned by a manufacturer to identify a specific product or component within their inventory. Learn where and how to use them. In the world of manufacturing and supply chain management, effective product identification is essential for streamlined operations and successful business transactions. One crucial element in this process is the manufacturer part number. This blog post delves into the world of manufacturer part numbers, exploring what they are, why they are important, and how they are utilized across industries. We'll uncover the essential role MPNs play in product identification, inventory management, procurement, and supply chain coordination. By the end, you'll have a comprehensive understanding of MPNs and their impact on optimizing your manufacturing and distribution processes. What is a manufacturer part number? A manufacturer part number (MPN) is a unique alphanumeric code assigned by a manufacturer to identify a specific product or component. It is used primarily for part tracking in inventory management, supply chain operations, and ordering purposes. These are often visible on the product label or even etched directly into the item itself. The manufacturer number serves as a reference that distinguishes a particular item from others in the manufacturer's product line or inventory. The format and length of an MPN can vary depending on the manufacturer. It may consist of letters, numbers, or a combination of both. Some include additional information such as version numbers, revisions, or product variants. These codes help ensure accuracy and precision in identifying and sourcing the correct item. Manufacturer part numbers are widely used across industries, including: Manufacturing Electronics Automotive Aerospace Manufacturer part numbers facilitate effective communication and coordination between suppliers, distributors, and customers when searching for, ordering, or replacing specific parts or products. Download the ultimate guide to inventory management e-book A comprehensive e-book with everything you need to know about inventory management. Why are MPNs important? Manufacturer part numbers are important for several reasons, including: Product identification Inventory management Supply chain efficiency Product substitution and replacement Warranty and support Cross-referencing and interoperability Let's cover these in more detail. Product identification MPNs uniquely identify a specific product or component manufactured by a company. With numerous products in the market, having a distinct identifier helps avoid confusion and ensures the accurate identification of the desired item. Inventory management MPNs play a crucial role in tracking and managing inventory for manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors. By associating each product with a unique manufacturer number, it becomes easier to monitor stock levels, reorder items, and prevent stockouts or overstock situations. Supply chain efficiency MPNs enable efficient communication and coordination within the supply chain. When suppliers and manufacturers use standardized MPNs, it becomes simpler to exchange information, place orders, and ensure the correct products are delivered to the right locations. Product substitutions and replacements In cases where a specific product is unavailable or discontinued, MPNs help identify suitable substitutes or compatible replacements. By referencing the MPN, customers or suppliers can find alternative options that meet...

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> Explore the world of cross-border e-commerce. Expand your reach, dive into new markets, and stay ahead in the online marketplace. Read more.

- Published: 2023-05-23
- Modified: 2024-05-22
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/cross-border-e-commerce/
- Categories: Ecommerce

In the digital age, cross-border e-commerce is a gateway to new markets, expanding opportunities for businesses worldwide. From reaching diverse customer bases to navigating trade regulations, this article explores the world of international e-commerce and provides insights on how to find success in the global marketplace. Many business owners dream of their products being used in every corner of the world and going viral, as the kids today call it. Welcome to the world's largest mall, where you can reach customers who would otherwise never find your business. Cross-border e-commerce opens the door to an incredible virtual shopping experience, where buyers can browse and purchase in the global marketplace. From fashion statements to high-tech gadgets to unique handmade jewelry — the options are as diverse as the cultures they represent. Gone are the limitations of traditional brick-and-mortar stores. Cross-border e-commerce allows us to break free from geographical limitations and easily tap into new markets. It's like having unlimited storefronts scattered across the globe, showcasing your products, and attracting potential buyers without the long queues or heavy shopping bags. Free Shopify handbook for ecommerce manufacturers Unlock the power of Shopify and master e-commerce for manufacturers with our comprehensive guide e-book What is cross-border ecommerce? Cross-border e-commerce refers to online trading activities where goods or services are bought and sold across national borders, with the seller and buyer being in separate countries. In cross-border e-commerce, the entire transaction takes place online, including product browsing, payment, and selection of shipment. It enables businesses and consumers to overcome the limitations of traditional storefront retail by providing access to a broader range of products from around the world. The growth of international business is driven by different factors, such as the following: Rising popularity of online shopping Technological advancements Improved cross-border e-commerce logistics and shipping networks Easing of trade regulations in many countries. These elements allow consumers to explore and purchase products that may not be available or as affordable in their countries. Cross-border e-commerce has transformed how businesses and consumers engage in global trade, opening up new opportunities and contributing to the worldwide economy. Example One cross-border e-commerce example is when a consumer in the United States purchases a product from an online retailer based in China. Here's how cross-border e-commerce logistics typically works: Consumer's online search — The buyer in the USA searches for a specific product and discovers an online store based in China that offers the desired item. Product selection — They explore the store's website, select the desired product, and add it to their shopping cart. Payment — The consumer proceeds to the checkout process and makes the payment using one of the offered methods, such as credit cards, PayPal, or other online payment platforms. International shipping — The retailer arranges for international shipping of the purchased product. They may collaborate with shipping carriers or logistics companies specializing in cross-border deliveries, often offering a choice between standard and express shipping. Customs and duties — The product enters the United States...

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> Physical inventory count or stocktake involves counting the entire stock to eliminate discrepancies between your actual and recorded inventory. Learn more.

- Published: 2023-05-22
- Modified: 2024-05-23
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/inventory-count/
- Categories: Inventory management

Every business dealing with inventory needs to conduct inventory counts. This article will explore different ways of doing that and provides tips and tricks to make it as effortless as possible. In an ideal world, the number of items shown on your inventory management software and warehouse would match exactly. But since we don't live in an ideal world, you'll often find discrepancies between these values. Whether it's due to items getting lost, stolen, or damaged, differences are bound to happen and can lead to costly errors. To ensure that your inventory records are correct, it's important to periodically take physical inventory counts. This article provides guidance on counting inventory, including the best inventory counting methods to use and a step-by-step guide. But before we dive into the details of how to do an inventory count, let's first explore what exactly an inventory count entails. What is an inventory count? An inventory count, also known as a physical inventory or stocktake, is the process of manually counting and verifying the number of goods and materials a business has in its stock at a specific time. This process is typically done to ensure the accuracy of the inventory records and to identify any discrepancies. By conducting an inventory count, businesses can assess their current inventory levels and identify any potential issues or areas for improvement, such as overstocked or understocked items, inventory shrinkage, or inaccuracies in their inventory management processes. 4 types of inventory Let's briefly review the 4 types of inventory a manufacturing business deals with: Raw materials — The materials used to create a product, such as wood, steel, or plastic Work-in-process (WIP) — Inventory in the process of being transformed into a finished product but is not yet complete Finished goods — Completed products ready to be sold or used Maintenance, repair, and operating (MRO) inventory — Materials and supplies necessary to keep a manufacturing facility running, such as tools, spare parts, and cleaning supplies What are the 4 types of inventory counts? There are several different types of counts that businesses can use, depending on their specific needs and circumstances. Let's go over the four most common ones. Cycle count This is an ongoing process of counting a small portion of the inventory regularly, usually daily or weekly. Cycle counting aims to identify discrepancies and correct them promptly rather than waiting for a full physical inventory. Random sampling or spot counting This involves randomly selecting a subset of inventory items for counting. The sample size and items to be counted are determined based on statistical methods to obtain an accurate estimate of the total inventory levels. Perpetual count A perpetual inventory system is an ongoing process of continuously updating the inventory records as inventory transactions occur, such as sales, purchases, or adjustments. This allows for a more accurate and up-to-date inventory count. Physical inventory This involves counting all inventory items at a specific point in time, usually at the end of a fiscal period or year. A...

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> Moving average cost is an inventory valuation method where the average cost is updated with every new purchase. Learn how to calculate it with the formula.

- Published: 2023-05-22
- Modified: 2024-05-24
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/moving-average-cost/
- Categories: Inventory management, Manufacturing

Moving average cost (MAC) is an inventory valuation method that tracks the price of goods purchased. Read on to learn how it works and how to use the moving average cost formula to arrive at an accurate inventory value. Imagine a bustling manufacturing company that relies heavily on a steady influx of raw materials to produce its goods. Each time they place an order, they find themselves facing an unexpected twist — the price of the materials has changed since their previous purchase. This seemingly small difference poses a critical question to the company's accountant — which price should be used to calculate the cost? Enter the world of moving average cost (MAC), a financial technique that aims to find a balance between accurate bookkeeping and practical decision-making. This article will look into the moving average cost method and the moving average cost formula and show you how to calculate the moving average cost. What is moving average cost? Moving average cost is a financial accounting method used to determine the cost of inventory items in situations where the price of those items fluctuates over time. It is particularly relevant for businesses regularly purchasing materials or goods at different prices. Under the moving average cost method, the cost of inventory is calculated by taking into account the average cost of all units purchased up to a specific point in time. Instead of relying on the actual purchase price of each unit, the method assigns an average cost to each inventory unit. This average cost is recalculated each time new purchases are made, considering both the quantity and the price of the new items. As a result, the cost per unit can change with each new purchase of material, reflecting the most recent prices paid. The moving average cost method provides a way to smooth out the impact of price fluctuations on inventory valuation. It offers a compromise between the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method, which values inventory based on the earliest purchased items, and the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method, which values inventory based on the most recent purchases. By using MAC, businesses can mitigate the effects of price volatility and achieve a more balanced representation of their inventory value. Why is moving average cost important? The moving average cost method holds significant importance in financial accounting for several reasons: Accurate inventory valuation — MAC helps businesses maintain a more accurate representation of the value of their inventory. Considering the average cost of all units, including recent purchases, provides a more realistic cost basis for inventory valuation. This accuracy is crucial for financial reporting, decision-making, and evaluating profitability. Smoothing over price fluctuations — In industries where raw material prices are subject to frequent oscillations, using MAC can help smooth out the impact of these price changes. Rather than valuing inventory solely based on the most recent prices (as in LIFO) or the oldest prices (as in FIFO), MAC offers a compromise that accounts for the average cost over time. This approach reduces...

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> Set consecutive operations and easily navigate between tasks with the new filter function inside the Shop Floor App. Learn more.

- Published: 2023-05-22
- Modified: 2023-05-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/shop-floor-app-improvements/
- Categories: Product updates

Set consecutive operations and easily navigate between tasks in the Shop Floor App using the new search filter and enhanced task list. Katana’s latest Shop Floor App updates include consecutive operations, improved search functionality, and task lists. Here’s how these new features can help you enhance your manufacturing floor operations. List operations in order If you already incorporate the Shop Floor App in your manufacturing process, you can now benefit from being able to display tasks for your operators in consecutive order. When this is turned on, operators see tasks based on their sequence in a Manufacturing order. For example - an operator assigned to assembly won't see a task until an operator assigned to cutting finishes their task. Easily find and organize tasks Operators can now search specific keywords in their task list to find tasks related to a particular Manufacturing Order, product name, barcode, item, etc. There's also a separate filter in the app for resources so that if you have, for example, a workstation with a fixed device, you can select that workstation through the filter, and only the tasks assigned to that resource will display. Head to our Knowledge Base to learn more about consecutive operations, search, and filtering. Next up for the Shop Floor App As we continue to roll out new updates and features to improve Katana's Shop Floor App, here's some of what the team is currently working on and hoping to launch soon: Partial completion of Manufacturing Orders in the Shop Floor App Reorder helpers available in the Make screen And a few other exciting things we'll announce soon Happy manufacturing!

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> Inventory management formulas for economic order quantity, reorder point, safety stock, carrying cost, inventory turnover, GMROI, and ABC analysis.

- Published: 2023-05-19
- Modified: 2024-04-09
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/inventory-management-formulas/
- Categories: Inventory management

Managing inventory involves a lot of math. Check out these 7 inventory management formulas to make sure you can make the most economical decision about your inventory. Contrary to popular belief, manufacturing isn’t only about nailing timber, welding metal, and molding plastic. It also involves a lot of math, mainly to streamline inventory management. To improve efficiency and reduce waste, knowing when you should order more materials and how much or when you will run out of finished goods is essential. This article covers the most popular inventory management formulas, so be sure to bookmark the page and come back to it whenever you have to do some inventory calculations. 1. Economic order quantity (EOQ) The EOQ is an inventory management formula that determines the optimal order quantity to minimize the total inventory costs. It considers the tradeoff between the setup or ordering costs and the holding or carrying costs. The EOQ formula is widely used in inventory management to help organizations determine how much inventory they should order at one time to reduce their overall costs. The economic order quantity formula is: EOQ = √ Where: D — Annual demand in units K — Ordering costs per order H — Carrying costs per unit per year Let’s see what it would look like with an example. A company wants to order inventory for a product with an annual demand of 1,000 units, an ordering cost of $500, and a holding cost of $2 per unit per year. Using the EOQ formula, the calculation would look like this: EOQ = √ EOQ = √500,000 = 707 This means the most economical order size is 707 units. 2. Reorder point (ROP) The ROP is another inventory management formula. It calculates the minimum inventory level at which a new order must be placed to meet customer demand and avoid stockouts. The reorder point formula considers the average daily demand, lead time, and safety stock. The formula is: ROP = (Average daily demand x lead time) + safety stock Where: Average daily demand — Total annual demand / 365 Lead time — The time it takes to receive the order after placing it Safety stock — Buffer stock to cover unexpected demand or lead time variations Let’s plug some sample numbers into this inventory formula to see what it would look like. A company has an average daily demand of 50 units, a lead time of 10 days, and a safety stock of 100 units. So, the calculation would be the following: ROP = (50 x 10) + 100 = 600 Therefore, the company should set up a new order as soon as the inventory falls to 600 units. 3. Safety stock The safety stock formula is used to calculate the additional inventory held to mitigate the risk of stockouts. There are multiple different ways to calculate safety stock. There are specific formulas for when you have chaotic demand or are uncertain about your lead times. These particular formulas can get quite complex....

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> Manufacturing Insights provide a visual accessibility to analytics and business intelligence for better data-driven decisions. Learn more

- Published: 2023-05-17
- Modified: 2023-05-22
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/manufacturing-insights/
- Categories: Product updates

With Katana Insights you’ll find organized analytics and business intelligence that help you make better data-driven decisions. The reporting feature provides a comprehensive view of manufacturing costs, allowing you to identify areas for cost reduction and optimize resource planning. By tracking and analyzing data on manufacturing efficiency, it’s easy to identify areas where resources are being over or underutilized and make adjustments accordingly. Manufacturing insights help you make data-driven decisions with easy-to-read reports that can easily be exported and viewed on the go. Comprehensive production overview Track and analyze the costs associated with your production processes to better understand where improvements can be made. Manufacturing analytics help you explore the cost of each operation, reduce costs by optimizing production processes, and track production cost per unit and price per hour of operations by time and resource. Manufacturing cost overview  Production cost per unit Production cost breakdown (materials/operations) Resource & material usage Cost differences (planned vs. actual) Resource usage over time Material usage in BOMs What’s up next in Katana? We continue working hard to provide better insights that give clarity and a detailed overview of your everyday work. Improvements to the Insights feature will continue to be rolled out gradually to ensure that expectations are met. Here’s what we have coming up next: Purchasing Insights Delete user permissions Serial numbers for finished products Until next time, happy analyzing!

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> Integrate Shippo with Katana via the Extensiv Integration Manager and gain access to all the best carriers and prices to match your needs. Learn more.

- Published: 2023-05-15
- Modified: 2023-05-15
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/shippo-via-extensiv/
- Categories: Product updates

Via the Extensiv Integration Manager, you can use Shippo to connect your marketplaces, warehouses, and e-commerce stores to a global network of shipping carriers. Shippo's shipping platform makes delivering products easy through a wide variety of shipping carriers worldwide. A one-stop delivery platform Marketplaces, warehouses, and e-commerce stores can all have their shipping connected to multiple carriers through Shippo's API and web application. With Shippo, you can: Track shipments inside their dashboard Generate international customs forms within one workflow Shipping locations depend on the carriers' availability and currently the supported regions for shipping are: North America, UK, Germany, France, Italy, and Spain. Connecting Shippo to Katana Shippo can be connected to Katana through the Extensiv Integration Manager. This can be done via two different methods: Use Shippo as an order source and then send sales orders from Shippo to a 3PL provider or WMS system If you plan to fulfill orders directly in Shippo, send sales orders from a shopping cart/marketplace to Shippo Connecting Katana to Shippo via Extensiv. You'll first need to take a few minutes to create a free Extensiv trial account. Once your Extensiv account is created and you've logged in, set up Katana (either as an order source or order destination) with our step-by-step guide. Once the Katana setup is complete, adjust your Shippo setting in Extensiv through this guide. What is Extensiv Integration Manager? Extensiv Integration Manager specializes in integrations, focusing specifically on creating integrated solutions for order management. Through Extensiv, you can integrate Katana with hundreds of e-commerce, WMS, OMS, and shipping platforms. Learn more about Extensiv Integration Manager and sign-up for a free 30-day trial. Happy shipping!

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> A manufacturer serial number (MSN) is a unique product identifier used for tracking, validation, and warranty purposes. Learn more here.

- Published: 2023-05-08
- Modified: 2024-06-19
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/manufacturer-serial-number/
- Categories: Inventory management, Manufacturing

Manufacturer serial numbers (MSN) are unique identifiers that help track items and enable services such as warranties. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about MSN numbers. If you've ever looked at the backside of your TV or navigated to the About menu of your phone, you may have come across a long row of letters and numbers. This is the product's serial number that enables manufacturers to track items. Serial numbers are not required for every manufacturer. For example, you won't find manufacturer serial numbers on milk cartons or your new cashmere sweater. But they are necessary in the consumer electronics, appliance, and firearms industries. Let's dive in and see what are serial numbers used for and how these help with tracking, warranty services, and other crucial functions. What is a manufacturer serial number? A manufacturer serial number is a unique code a manufacturer assigns to a specific product during production. This code serves as a distinct identifier for each item, allowing manufacturers to track and manage their products throughout the supply chain and providing a means for consumers to identify and verify the authenticity of their purchases. Manufacturer serial numbers can take many different forms, depending on the industry and purpose of the product. They may consist of letters, numbers, or a combination of both and may be generated using various algorithms or software tools. In addition to aiding in product tracking and identification, manufacturer serial numbers can also serve as a useful tool for warranty management, recalls, and product support. By recording the serial number of a product at the time of purchase, consumers can easily access information about the product's features, warranty status, and any available support resources, making it easier to resolve any issues or concerns that may arise. What’s the difference between manufacturer serial numbers and lot numbers? Serial numbers and lot/batch numbers are both unique identifiers used by manufacturers to track and manage their products, but they serve slightly different purposes. A serial number is a unique code assigned to an individual product, allowing manufacturers to track and identify each item throughout its lifecycle. This code is typically permanent and cannot be changed or duplicated, making it a valuable tool for identifying and verifying the authenticity of a specific product. In contrast, a lot or batch number is a unique identifier in batch manufacturing assigned to a group of products made together, typically within a specific timeframe or production run. Lot or batch numbers are often used in industries such as pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, and cosmetics, where it is vital to ensure consistency and traceability within a specific group of products. Download the definitive guide to batch production Download this free ebook on batch production to learn more about the benefits, workflows, and software you need to get started. While serial numbers are typically assigned to individual products, lot or batch numbers are used to identify groups of products that share a common set of manufacturing parameters or production history....

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> An engineering bill of materials (EBOM) is a comprehensive list of a product's components, parts, and materials from an engineering standpoint.

- Published: 2023-05-04
- Modified: 2024-01-19
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/engineering-bill-of-materials/
- Categories: Inventory management, Manufacturing

An engineering bill of materials (EBOM) is an essential part of any design, engineering, and manufacturing project. Learn all about it in this article. Say you’re looking to create a delightful meal to surprise your spouse. Since you want everything to be perfect, you first look up the recipe. This is to ensure you have all the required ingredients ready and can plan all the steps ahead. The same principle applies to manufacturing. To make sure everybody involved knows the exact ingredients and steps, they need a detailed product recipe. This product recipe is called a bill of materials (BOM). There are many different kinds of BOMs, but this article will take a closer look at an engineering bill of materials (EBOM). What is an engineering bill of materials? An EBOM is a critical document that serves as a comprehensive list of all the parts, components, and materials needed to build a product. An engineering BOM typically includes detailed information about each item, such as its part number, description, quantity, and any relevant notes or specifications. An engineering BOM serves as the foundation for the entire product development process, providing critical information to everyone involved in the design, engineering, and manufacturing stages. By creating a single, standardized source of information about the product, the bill of materials for engineering helps to ensure accuracy and consistency throughout the process, from design to delivery. Download a free bill of materials template Download this free bill of materials (BOM) template to better plan and budget your production. A BOM template also helps you to better manage your inventory and improves your quality control. Free bill of materials template In addition to providing a detailed list of parts and components, the engineering BOM can also include important information about the product, such as test procedures and quality standards. This helps to ensure that the final product meets all required specifications and performs as intended. In the following sections, we'll explore some of the best practices for creating an effective EBOM, as well as the benefits of having an accurate and well-maintained engineering BOM throughout the product development process. Engineering bill of materials example Let's look at a simplified engineering BOM example for a skateboard. Deck Deck blank (maple) Grip tape Trucks (aluminum) Wheels (urethane) Bearings (steel) Trucks Baseplate (aluminum) Hanger (aluminum) Kingpin (steel) Bushings (urethane) Washers (steel) Nuts (steel) Wheels Wheel cores (urethane) Wheel covers (urethane) Bearings Bearing shields (steel) Bearing balls (steel) Bearing races (steel) Bearing retainers (nylon) Creating an effective engineering bill of materials While the EBOM is a critical document in product development, creating and maintaining an accurate and effective EBOM can be complex and challenging. Here are five best practices to consider when creating an EBOM: Organize data — It's important to establish a consistent and organized system for managing data related to the EBOM. This includes using a standardized format for part numbers and descriptions and ensuring that all data is up-to-date and accurate. Incorporate feedback — As the...

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> Katana users can now gain better insights into their business by analyzing the Katana data through customizable dashboards and reports.

- Published: 2023-05-04
- Modified: 2023-05-04
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/easy-insight-integration/
- Categories: Product updates

Use Katana data to create custom reports or use pre-made templates to get insights into your business. We’re happy to inform you that our integration with the business intelligence tool Easy Insight now has inventory forecasting available for all Easy Insight users! Easy Insight’s integration with Katana helps you to: Make better business decisions by having a clearer understanding of your data Build automated, custom reports and dashboards of your business Visualize your data in a way that suits you best - charts, tables, calendars, etc. What is Easy Insight? Easy Insight is a cloud-based analytics tool that provides users with dashboards and reports that are easy to use. The Easy Insight integration with Katana allows you to gather data on any area of your business with reporting templates such as: Revenue breakdown by customers, products, or product categories Order size and fulfillment time trends Monthly sales volume and count Average inventory demand and days of inventory in stock Using Katana’s API, you can set up custom analytics and take advantage of different pre-made report templates — customizing them to fit your needs: Supplier performance overview – measure delivery times over multiple orders, which also gives you an overview of any outstanding orders per supplier Where-used report for BOM – see which materials or products are used throughout different BOMs. Inventory Movements – list all the stock transactions that certain items have had in the past. This report helps you to investigate stock history or provide you with ad hoc analysis of item usage Batch expiration – take a regular look at your current stock according to batch expiration and track the soon to be or already expiring stock New manufacturing insights – measure operation actuals over a set time Thanks to the recent update, you can now benefit from inventory forecasting. Each inventory connection in Easy Insight comes with two forecasting reports. The first shows inventory across all locations in your business and the second allows you to filter inventory by location. You can start with the Product Analysis report from the prebuilt dashboard by modifying it as needed: Report on sales velocity to help calculate projected inventory demand Calculate safety stock amounts using a variety of possible formulas Calculate inventory turnover to find overstocked items and reduce warehouse costs View lead time trends by supplier to identify which are falling behind on fulfilling purchase orders If you have questions about using Easy Insight, you can contact their team and ask for any help you may need to set up your reports according to your specific needs. How to get started with Katana + Easy Insight? It only takes a couple of clicks to connect Easy Insight to your Katana account quickly: Create an Easy Insight account with their 14-day free trial by clicking here. Choose Katana from the list of connections. Easy Insight will then ask you to grant access to Katana data. Click Authorize Access, and you will be redirected to the Katana login page. Enter your Katana login data. As soon as your credentials are confirmed,...

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> Learn the best ways to reduce labor, materials, and overhead costs to get your production expenses under control and increase profitability.

- Published: 2023-05-02
- Modified: 2024-06-19
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/reduce-manufacturing-costs/
- Categories: Manufacturing, Top lists

Manufacturing businesses have a lot of different expenses to keep production lines running. If not managed properly, these can grow out of hand, eating away at your profit. Check out the 9 best ways to reduce manufacturing costs and remain competitive. Manufacturing involves a variety of costs, both direct and indirect. Direct costs include raw materials, labor, and machinery, while indirect costs include overhead, shipping, logistics, and marketing. Reducing these costs can be crucial for companies looking to improve their profitability or lower prices. This article explores nine effective ways to reduce manufacturing costs, grouped into three categories: Labor Overheads Materials By implementing these strategies, manufacturers can increase their efficiency, optimize the use of resources, and ultimately improve their bottom line. So, let’s kick it off and see how to reduce costs in manufacturing related to labor. How to reduce labor costs in manufacturing? Labor costs mainly consist of wages but also include other expenses related to employment, like perks and benefits, social contributions, and training. Let’s look at some strategies to reduce labor costs through: Process automation Cross training of employees Lean manufacturing 1. Process automation One of the most effective ways to reduce labor costs in manufacturing is to invest in automation. Automation technology can replace labor-intensive tasks, reducing the need for manual labor and minimizing the risk of errors. The use of robots, automated assembly lines, and other technologies can help improve efficiency, accuracy, and speed in the manufacturing process. Moreover, implementing automation can free employees to work on more complex tasks requiring creativity and problem-solving skills. While the initial investment in automation may be high, the long-term savings can be significant. 2. Cross-training employees Another way to reduce labor costs in manufacturing is to cross-train employees on different machines and processes. Cross-training can increase flexibility and reduce the need for specialized workers. By having employees capable of performing multiple tasks, manufacturers can avoid paying higher salaries for specialized labor. Cross-training also helps employees learn new skills, increasing job satisfaction and retention. Download the ultimate manufacturing e-book for manufacturers Learn how to organize and scale your manufacturing. 3. Lean manufacturing Lean manufacturing principles focus on streamlining processes, reducing waste, and optimizing efficiency. By implementing these principles, manufacturers can increase productivity and reduce labor costs. Lean manufacturing involves identifying areas of waste and inefficiency in the manufacturing process and implementing improvements to reduce these inefficiencies. One example of lean manufacturing is the use of the 5S methodology, which focuses on organizing the workplace and eliminating waste. By implementing lean manufacturing, makers can improve their processes, reduce the need for labor, and increase their overall profitability. Next, let’s see how to reduce manufacturing costs associated with overheads. How to reduce overhead costs in manufacturing? Overheads are the indirect costs associated with running a business. These costs often get overlooked when calculating the cost of goods manufactured. Still, you should evaluate them occasionally as they take a significant bite of your revenue. When looking to reduce overheads, you should consider:...

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> Explore the differences between centralized and decentralized manufacturing and learn which one can help your business achieve its goals.

- Published: 2023-04-28
- Modified: 2024-07-01
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/centralized-vs-decentralized-manufacturing/
- Categories: Manufacturing

Choosing between centralized or decentralized manufacturing is a critical decision that can affect your company in the long run. In this article, we explore the differences between the two approaches and guide you in deciding which one is a better fit for your business. With the recent developments around the world, including a certain virus that shall remain nameless for now, remote work has been increasingly popular. People have moved to hybrid work, some even working remotely 100% of the time. Home offices are definitely a thing now, especially since more and more tasks are automated and digitalized. Amid all this, a question arises: Why do businesses need to operate in one place anymore? For the longest time, manufacturers have been huddled up in huge factories, some the size of an average university campus. This is the way it has always been and it has proved to be a success. However, a new kid on the block is causing a stir in the manufacturing world — decentralization. So which approach is better and guarantees a bigger payoff? Let’s compare them side by side, pageant style, and put the conversation finally to bed. What is centralized manufacturing? Centralized manufacturing is a production model where all manufacturing processes occur in a single location, often owned and operated by one company. This manufacturing approach allows better quality control and oversight of the entire production process, as well as adapting to changing market demands. Centralization in manufacturing is characterized by economies of scale, where mass production leads to lower unit costs. It is commonly used to produce goods that require a complicated and expensive production process. In centralized production, the company controls all aspects of manufacturing, from sourcing raw materials to shipping finished products. Advantages of centralized manufacturing Centralized manufacturing has several advantages, such as: Economies of scale — With all processes happening in one place, production tends to run faster and more efficiently, resulting in lower costs per unit. Standardization — By gathering all teams under one roof, their work processes follow similar standards and quality control processes, making it easier to maintain consistency in product quality. Efficient resource utilization — Resources such as equipment, labor, and materials can be used more efficiently across teams. Simplified supply chain management— The manufacturing supply chain management is simplified as all production processes occur at a single location, reducing the complexity of logistics and inventory across multiple locations. Specialization — Centralized production facilities tend to specialize in specific products or processes, leading to greater expertise and efficiency. Lower administrative costs — A centralized manufacturing system means lower administrative costs, as there is only one location to manage. Disadvantages of centralized manufacturing Centralized manufacturing can have some disadvantages, like: Greater vulnerability to disruptions — If there is a disruption in the facility, it can impact the entire production process, leading to delays and downtime in production. Higher transportation costs — If manufacturing is done in a single location, products must be transported to their final destination, leading to higher shipping costs and longer lead...

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> Manufacturers vs. Distributors vs. Wholesalers — what’s the differences and how do these businesses fit together? Read more here.

- Published: 2023-04-28
- Modified: 2024-04-17
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/manufacturers-distributors-wholesalers/
- Categories: Business tips

Manufacturers vs. Distributors vs. Wholesalers — what are the differences, and how do these businesses fit together? From simple breakdowns to in-depth comparisons, learn all about it here. Nowadays, it’s hard to tell apart and pinpoint what a business is and what is its specific role.   That’s why we’ve put together this article on manufacturers vs. distributors vs. wholesalers. In this article, we’ll explore how these businesses interact with each other along the supply chain. But, in making these comparisons, we’ve looked at these businesses from a traditional standpoint.   If you want to see how manufacturers are breaking away from this type of workflow, be sure to check out this section: Manufacturers going D2C and cutting out distributors and wholesalers Basis for Comparison Manufacturers Distributors Wholesalers Definition Manufacturers design and produce goods or products using raw materials and components Distributors purchase products from businesses and sell them to retailers or end consumers Wholesalers purchase products in bulk from businesses and sell to retailers or businesses Contract Enter into an agreement with manufacturers Do not sign agreements with distributors or manufacturers Promotion Frequently engaged in brand and manufacturer promotion to boost sales. As a result, they serve as a sales agent for manufacturers Are not involved in promotion Customers Distributors Wholesalers, retailers and end consumers Retailers Competing Items Distributors frequently sign contracts promising not to market rival goods Wholesalers do not sign a contract and are free to market competing goods Business model B2B B2B and B2C B2B A quick breakdown of Manufacturers vs. Distributors vs. Wholesalers Are you just looking for the cold hard facts about the differences between these types of businesses? We got you! Below is a simple breakdown of these workflows: The major differences between Manufacturers vs. Distributors vs. Wholesalers? Manufacturers, distributors, and wholesalers are all involved in the supply chain process of delivering products from producers of products to end consumers, but they have different roles and functions. Manufacturers are companies that produce finished goods or products. They are responsible for designing, manufacturing, and assembling products. They often use raw materials and other components to create finished products. Manufacturers typically sell their products to distributors or wholesalers, who then sell them to retailers or end consumers. Download the manufacturing e-book for free Impress your friends and colleagues and leave your competitors fuming by learning to organize and scale your manufacturing. Distributors are businesses that buy products from manufacturers and then resell them to retailers or to consumers directly. For example, food distributors buy directly from farmers and then sell to your local supermarkets. They typically maintain relationships with multiple manufacturers and offer a range of products to their customers. Distributors may also provide additional logistics, storage, and inventory management services. Wholesalers purchase large quantities from manufacturers or distributors and then sell them to retailers or other businesses. They typically operate on a larger scale than distributors and often focus on a specific market or industry. Wholesalers may offer additional services like marketing, financing, and product support.   What is...

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> The latest update to Katana allows you to maintain your accounting even when purchase orders are split into multiple deliveries.

- Published: 2023-04-27
- Modified: 2023-09-12
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/qbo-partial-billing/
- Categories: Product updates

Release the stress of trying to sort multiple receipts from one PO. Now you can issue multiple bills in QuickBooks Online from a single Katana PO. Partially receiving Purchase Orders in Katana has been available for a while, but there’s still been a need to handle the tricky situation when one PO has multiple deliveries that each have their own receipt. This update makes it easy to manage any situation where this happens. Here’s what’s new It’s now possible to issue multiple bills in QuickBooks Online from a single Katana PO. That means that accounting can always stay accurate and inline with each part of a PO whenever the deliveries come in multiple shipments. Don’t worry though, it’s still possible to create a single bill for an entire PO — the choice is up to the user. What’s coming up next? We’re busy in the Katana labs cooking up the bulk invoicing feature, which will hopefully be delivered sometime towards the end of this year. Happy accounting!

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> To determine the sell-through rate, divide the total number of products sold by the total inventory available and multiply by 100.

- Published: 2023-04-26
- Modified: 2024-03-27
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/sell-through-rate/
- Categories: Business tips, Inventory management

A sell-through rate is a vital metric for businesses to gauge their efficiency and make informed decisions about inventory. Learn how to calculate it using the sell-through formula and ensure optimized inventory levels. Have you ever walked into a store and seen the shelves fully stocked with products that never seem to sell? Or, have you ever tried to buy a popular item only to find it's out of stock everywhere? These are just two examples of how a business' sell-through rate can impact your shopping experience. But what is a sell-through rate anyway? This article examines how to calculate a sell-through rate with the sell-through formula, how to improve your sell-through rate, and why is it important. So, let's dive in. What is a sell-through rate? A sell-through rate is a percentage of products a business has sold in a given period, measured against the amount of inventory available for sale during that period. In other words, it is the rate at which a business can sell the products it has in stock. It is a key metric that companies use to gauge the effectiveness of their sales and marketing efforts and their ability to meet customer demand and manage inventory levels. A high sell-through rate generally indicates that a business is doing well. In contrast, a low sell-through rate may suggest issues with the business’ product offering, pricing, or marketing strategy. Why is a sell-through rate important? A sell-through rate is an important metric for businesses for several reasons: A measure of inventory management — A sell-through rate measures how effectively a business manages its inventory. By tracking the percentage of products that are selling, a company can optimize its inventory levels, reduce waste and avoid stockouts, which can lead to lost sales. Gauge the success of products and sales — A sell-through rate provides a way to measure the success of products and sales efforts. A high sell-through rate indicates that the product is popular and the sales strategy is effective, while a low sell-through rate may signal that changes are needed in the product or marketing strategy. Inform future buying decisions — By monitoring sell-through rates, businesses can make informed decisions about future buying and stocking. For instance, if a product has a high sell-through rate, the company may decide to order more to keep up with demand. Conversely, if a product has a low sell-through rate, the business may consider reducing inventory or discontinuing the product altogether. Identify potential issues — A low sell-through rate can be an early warning sign of potential issues in the business, such as incorrect pricing, lack of demand, or problems with product quality. Identifying these early on can help companies to take corrective action before they become more serious. Download the ultimate guide to inventory management A comprehensive ebook with everything you need to know about inventory management. Overall, a sell-through rate is a valuable metric for businesses to measure the effectiveness of their sales and marketing efforts, optimize...

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> Learn to create a sustainable supply chain by reducing environmental impact. Discover key practices and strategies in this blog.

- Published: 2023-04-26
- Modified: 2024-07-01
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/supply-chain-sustainability/
- Categories: Business tips

As the world progresses, businesses are placing more emphasis on reducing their environmental impact and embracing ethical responsibility. Supply chain sustainability is a critical component of this effort. In this article, we'll explore the importance of sustainability and examine how companies are integrating it into their supply chains. We know that supply chains and sustainability may not be the sexiest topics out there, but neither is the end of the world.   With the planet facing more frequent and intense natural disasters, it's becoming increasingly clear that our current manufacturing supply chain practices are not sustainable. The effects of climate change, such as droughts, floods, and storms, interrupt supply chains across the globe, while manufacturing itself is largely to blame for these catastrophes. According to EPA, the industrial sector (including manufacturing) made up 23% of total greenhouse gas emissions in the United States in 2021.   If we don't take action now, we may face a dystopian future where goods and services are scarce, buildings are collapsing, and a lone survivor like Mad Max wanders the barren wasteland.   But it's not all doom and gloom.   There are steps that companies and individuals can take to improve supply chain sustainability and mitigate the risks of a catastrophic future. This means taking a hard look at how things are being done and what we can do to minimize the negative effects on the planet. By working together to create more sustainable supply chains, we can not only avoid a post-apocalyptic future but also create a better world for us and our children.    What does sustainability mean? Sustainability refers to the ability to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It is based on the recognition that the Earth's resources are finite and that human activities can have a significant impact on the environment and society. Practicing sustainability means guaranteeing that the needs of the current generation don't overshadow the quality of life for future generations. It shouldn't be about a green footprint but creating a whole green path for future generations to follow. (Amen! ) Sustainability involves balancing economic, social, and environmental considerations to create long-term value for the planet, people, and businesses. Environmentally, sustainability involves using natural and renewable resources to preserve their availability and quality for future generations. Socially, sustainability means promoting justice, human rights, and equity. From an economic perspective, sustainability should create value for businesses and society through innovation, efficiency, and long-term planning. You could say that with more wind generators and turbines popping up around the globe, sustainability is gathering more and more fans. It is increasingly important as the global population grows and natural resources become more scarce. Businesses, governments, and individuals recognize the need to adopt sustainable practices to create a more resilient and equitable future. This involves taking a more holistic approach to decision-making and balancing human and business considerations in a way that creates long-term value. What is supply...

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> Inventory shrinkage in QuickBooks Online can be a symptom of a problem in your business or simply an input error. Learn which is it here.

- Published: 2023-04-26
- Modified: 2024-05-23
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/inventory-shrinkage-quickbooks/
- Categories: Accounting, Business tips

Inventory shrinkage in QuickBooks Online can be a symptom of a problem in your business or simply an input error. Learn which is affecting your business in this article. Honey, I’ve shrunk the inventory! As much as the name might imply that your inventory is shrinking like a sweater put in a tumble dryer, this is not the case. And to clear up any potential confusion, we will look into what is inventory shrinkage in QuickBooks Online, why it occurs, and how to remove it if an inventory adjustment has ended up being incorrectly recorded as shrinkage. Pro tip: Do you have inventory shrinkage in QuickBooks Online causing an issue with your reports? Jump to this section to see how you can address it: How to fix inventory shrinkage in QuickBooks Online? What is inventory shrinkage in QuickBooks Online? The inventory lost due to theft, damage, or other causes is referred to as inventory shrinkage in QuickBooks Online. It can occur when items are lost, stolen, or damaged, resulting in a discrepancy between the physical inventory count and the inventory count recorded in QuickBooks Online. This can cause discrepancies in financial reports and affect the company's inventory valuation accuracy. QuickBooks Online provides tools to help businesses track and manage their inventory, including setting up and managing inventory items, tracking quantities and values, and running reports to help identify and reconcile inventory discrepancies. QuickBooks Online also offers features such as barcode scanning and mobile inventory management, which can help businesses reduce the risk of inventory shrinkage and improve overall inventory accuracy. The main causes of inventory shrinkage Inventory shrinkage, also known as inventory loss, can occur for various reasons. Here are some of the main causes of inventory shrinkage. Theft This is one of the primary causes of inventory shrinkage. Employees, customers, and even suppliers can steal inventory items, leading to a loss in inventory. Damage Inventory items can get damaged during transportation, storage, or handling. Damaged items may need to be written off, resulting in inventory loss. Obsolescence When inventory items become outdated, they may become unsellable, resulting in dead stock and inventory loss. Miscounting Errors in inventory counts, either during the initial count or subsequent counts, can lead to discrepancies between the recorded and actual inventory levels. Administrative errors Mistakes made during data entry, such as incorrect prices, quantities, or item codes, can lead to errors in inventory records. Natural disasters Natural disasters such as floods, fires, and earthquakes can damage or destroy inventory items, leading to inventory loss. To prevent inventory shrinkage, businesses can implement regular inventory counts, employee training on inventory management, improved security measures, and technology solutions such as inventory management software. How to stop inventory shrinkage in your business? You can begin addressing inventory shrinkage in your business by following these steps. Conduct a physical inventory count First, perform a physical inventory count to determine the inventory levels. This involves physically counting all inventory items and comparing them to the inventory levels recorded in QuickBooks Online. Identify the...

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> Manufacturing assembly lines are the face of production set-ups. Why do manufacturers still use them and what are the different types?

- Published: 2023-04-20
- Modified: 2024-09-03
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/assembly-line/
- Categories: Business tips

Manufacturing assembly lines are the poster child of production set-ups. But why do manufacturers still use them and what are the different types? Fads and ways of working come and go. A way of doing something can become outdated because of societal changes, inefficiencies, and a billion other different reasons. However, that isn’t the case for some things. Some things manage to stand the test of time, and this is an example of one of them: The assembly line in manufacturing was originally created in 1913 and is still going strong to this day — albeit with modifications and different variations on the original concept. So, in this article, we’re going to look into the manufacturing assembly line, from what it is, the different types, and the benefits. What is an assembly line in manufacturing? An assembly line manufacturing process is a series of individual workers assembling a product, each performing a specific task in a particular sequence. The product moves along a conveyor belt or line, with each worker adding a new component or performing a specific action until the product is complete. This system was pioneered by the Ford Motor Company in the early 20th century, allowing for the efficient and standardized production of automobiles on a mass scale. The assembly line definition in a nutshell A manufacturing process known as an assembly line involves the sequential assembling of a product at a number of workstations, each of which carries out a particular task or operation. The assembled product moves along a conveyor belt or production line until completion.   The manufacturing assembly line concept has since been adopted by many industries, from electronics to food production, to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and improve quality control. Download the ultimate manufacturing e-book for manufacturers Learn how to organize and scale your manufacturing. What is the difference between manufacturing and assembly line? Manufacturing is a broader term that refers to the entire process of creating a product, from the initial design phase to the final assembly of the finished product. It encompasses all the activities involved in producing a product, including: Research and development Design Production planning Sourcing of raw materials Fabrication Assembly in manufacturing Testing Quality control An assembly line is a specific manufacturing process used to mass-produce standardized products. It is a highly organized and efficient system sequentially assembles products using workers, machines, and tools. The workers along the assembly line perform specific tasks as the product moves along the line, such as: Attaching components Welding Painting Pro tip: The interchangeable terms don’t stop there. There’s also often confusion between production and manufacturing. Be sure to check out this article on Production vs manufacturing: what’s the difference? What’s the benefit of using manufacturing assembly lines? The use of a manufacturing assembly line can provide several benefits for a business, including: 1. Increased productivity Assembly lines allow for the efficient production of goods at a faster rate than traditional manufacturing methods. This is due to the linear arrangement of workstations and the division of labor among workers, which helps...

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> Uncover the world of barcodes with our ultimate guide. Explore various barcode formats and their role in streamlining business operations.

- Published: 2023-04-19
- Modified: 2024-03-25
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/types-of-barcodes/
- Categories: Business tips

From groceries to inventory management — barcodes have become an integral part of our daily lives. However, not all barcode types are created equal, each with its unique structure and purpose. Join us as we take a closer look at this sophisticated technology. Barcodes are sophisticated forms of identification that often go unnoticed in our daily lives. Similar to secret codes, they reveal hidden product and service information. Their ability to discreetly convey vital data makes them look like something out of a spy movie. Just as spies use complex codes to send messages, there are different types of barcodes, each with unique features and uses. From the traditional one-dimensional barcode formats we see on everyday consumer goods to the more complex two-dimensional barcode types that can store much more information — an entire world of barcode formats is waiting to be explored. In today's blog, we will take a look at the various types of barcodes, how they differ, and what makes them so valuable in the modern world. So, grab your notepad and magnifying glass, and let's start unraveling the secrets of the barcode world. What are the different barcode standards? There are several barcode types, each with its own specifications, symbols, and applications. Here are some of the most common barcode formats: UPC (Universal Product Code) The UPC is the most common barcode symbology and has been used to identify consumer products in the retail industry since the 1970s. The UPC consists of a series of black and white bars of varying widths and a 12-digit numerical code unique to each product. The first six digits of the code identify the manufacturer, while the next five digits identify the product itself. The final digit is a check digit used to ensure the accuracy of the code. UPC barcodes are used for various purposes, including inventory management, price checking, and sales transactions. They are also commonly used in online shopping, where consumers can scan the barcode of a product with their smartphone. This allows buyers to easily access information about the product, read reviews, and compare prices. Despite the widespread use of UPC barcodes, some products still do not have them, such as fresh produce and certain types of handcrafted goods. Fun fact: The first product to be scanned with a UPC barcode was a pack of Wrigley's Juicy Fruit chewing gum in 1974 at a supermarket in Ohio. The pack of gum is now on display at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History as a symbol of the technological advancements in retail that the barcode represented. EAN (European Article Numbering) The EAN is a barcode system widely used in Europe to identify products. It provides a unique code for each product, which can be used to track inventory, manage supply chains, and optimize sales. The EAN consists of 13 digits encoded into a barcode. The first three digits indicate the country, the following four represent the manufacturer, and the remaining six represent the product. The EAN...

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> Learn about takt time and how it can improve your business efficiency. Boost productivity, reduce costs, and meet customer demands.

- Published: 2023-04-13
- Modified: 2024-01-17
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/takt-time/
- Categories: Business tips

Takt time is the secret weapon used by lean manufacturers. It requires a severe shift in the whole company's mindset. But, if used wisely, it can take your manufacturing to a whole other level. What is takt time, how does it work, and why should you consider tracking it for your business? Let's find out! You know what they say: time is money! And when it comes to manufacturing, it's essential to be smart in managing both. Companies must watch their budgets like hawks since wasting time can be just as harmful as wasting dollars. ItIt'sssential to make the most of every single minute. Many businesses try to boost their efficiency and cut costs by tracking how much money they save and earn. But there's another way to think about efficient manufacturing: from a lead time perspective. The idea is to figure out how much time it takes to make each product so that you can deliver it to your customers as fast as possible. It's all about balancing your production speed with the needs of your buyers. By timing things right, you can make sure that you're churning out enough goods to keep your customers happy without wasting any resources. Finding that sweet spot is vital, and that's where takt time comes into play. Download a free production schedule template Download a free production schedule Excel template and start tackling your takt time effortlessly. Eliminate inefficiencies while maximizing productivity. What is takt time? Takt time in manufacturing is a lean manufacturing concept to figure out the best pace of production needed to meet customer demand. It is the maximum amount of time that can be spent on producing a unit of product to meet demand within a given period. Essentially, it's the ideal manufacturing tempo to ensure efficiency and sustainability. Takt time is an essential component of lean manufacturing because it helps create an optimal production process. It ensures that all team members understand their roles and responsibilities and that everyone works towards the same goal. Takt time also helps identify potential bottlenecks in the production process, which can be addressed to improve overall efficiency. Companies can reduce costs and increase profits by focusing on e minimizing lead time while maximizing efficiency. Implementing takt time requires a shift from a traditional production mindset to a more customer-focused attitude. It requires continuous monitoring and adjusting of production processes to ensure that demand is being met. It also means openly communicating and collaborating among team members throughout all manufacturing steps. By adopting takt time as a key part of their manufacturing strategy, companies can increase efficiency, reduce waste, and ultimately provide better products and services to their customers. Fun fact: The word "takt" comes from German and means the rhythm of music. Specifically, it indicates the number of beats within a certain period of time. It is believed to originate from the Latin word "tactus," meaning "a touch or a feeling. " What is the takt time formula? Takt time is...

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> Discover the differences between batch vs. continuous processes in manufacturing and learn which approach is suitable for your business.

- Published: 2023-04-13
- Modified: 2024-07-01
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/continuous-vs-batch-process/
- Categories: Business tips

Choosing the right production process can make all the difference. In this article, we’ll dive into continuous vs. batch processes to help you make an informed decision for your business. Running a manufacturing business can sometimes feel as though the whole universe is against you, and choosing the right production process is just as crucial as building a reliable team. Like picking a sidekick to help you tackle challenges, deciding between batch and continuous processing can make or break your success. That’s why we’ve summoned the two titans to battle it out and find the best manufacturing process out there. In the right corner, we have batch processing, and in the left, continuous processing. Both have their strengths and weaknesses and choosing the right one depends solely on your business needs. So, without further ado — let’s get ready to rumble! Download the Guide to Batch Production Download our free ebook guide on batch production to learn more about the benefits, workflows, and software you need to get started. What is the difference between batch vs. continuous manufacturing? Batch and continuous processes both have their own advantages and disadvantages. Understanding the differences between these two methods can help businesses choose the most suitable manufacturing process for their specific needs and optimize their production efficiency. Definition Batch process refers to a manufacturing method where a specific quantity of goods are made in a single production run. It has a defined start and endpoint, meaning the process is completed once the batch has been produced. For example, making cookies in a bakery is a batch process, where the exact amount of ingredients is measured, mixed, and baked, resulting in a specific number of cookies. Once the batch is complete, the process ends, and a new batch can begin. Continuous process is a manufacturing method where the production of a product is ongoing without a defined start or endpoint. Continuous processes are designed to produce products constantly without interruption. For example, manufacturing chemicals in a refinery is a continuous process that takes place 24/7. Raw materials are constantly fed into the process, producing the final product without stopping. Production rate and volume Batch processes are typically slower since they involve stopping and starting the process after completing each batch. The production rate is limited to the capacity of the materials and ingredients used. This also means that the production output of a batch process is smaller than that of a continuous process. The equipment used in continuous processes is designed to run for extended periods without stopping, allowing for higher production output. Continuous processes can produce huge volumes of product at a consistent rate, enabling manufacturers to meet demand with a low risk of facing production bottlenecks. Flexibility Batch processes are more flexible compared to continuous processes. In a batch process, the production equipment can be modified to produce different products with relatively low effort. The tools and machinery can be reconfigured to accommodate other materials, formulas, and packaging requirements. This makes batch...

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> Wise managers are digitalizing their business. It's time to embrace digital transformation in manufacturing or be left behind. Read on here.

- Published: 2023-04-07
- Modified: 2024-05-09
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/digital-transformation-manufacturing/
- Categories: Business tips, Manufacturing

Wise managers and business owners are digitalizing their businesses to maintain a competitive edge. In this article, learn all about digital transformation in manufacturing to take your business to the next level. Software, robots, AI, gadgets, and gizmos. The latest insights into manufacturing trends show that businesses are quickly transitioning from ye olden ways of doing things to using sleek, state-of-the-art technologies that can help them manage their business. And it’s the direction the entire world is going — inside and outside of business. Most people can go into their kitchens right now and play chess with their refrigerator. Regardless of whether this rush to use advanced technologies will lead us to a situation like the movie “The Terminator. ” if your business doesn’t jump on the bandwagon, it will soon be left behind by others taking advantage of the tools available to them. That’s why we’ve put together this article on digital transformation in manufacturing to help you understand what it is and how you can implement it into your business processes. What is digital transformation in manufacturing industry? Digital transformation in manufacturing refers to integrating digital technologies, processes, and data throughout the entire manufacturing value chain to: Optimize business operations Increase efficiency Improve customer satisfaction They accomplish this through automating production processes, gathering and analyzing data, and facilitating speedy decision-making — utilizing tools like the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and cloud computing. This helps manufacturers improve their production processes, reduce costs, and increase their competitiveness in the market. Digital transformation in the manufacturing industry is about leveraging technology to create a more efficient and customer-centric manufacturing environment, enabling companies to stay competitive and adapt to the changing business landscape.   Download the manufacturing e-book for manufacturers Learn how to organize and scale your manufacturing. How digital transformation in manufacturing gives businesses an advantage Digital transformation in manufacturing helps companies optimize their operations, improve quality, increase efficiency, and create new business models by leveraging digital technologies and data.   Here are a few reasons why digital transformation is essential for manufacturing companies looking for an advantage. Improved efficiency Manufacturers can automate repetitive tasks, reduce errors, and increase productivity by digitizing processes and operations. Digital technologies like IoT sensors and automation can help reduce the time required for product development, testing, and delivery.   Manufacturers can effortlessly optimize workflows and improve communication between departments by leveraging digital technologies. Here are some reasons why improving efficiency digitally is important in manufacturing:  Faster time-to-market Improved quality Increased productivity Better customer experience Digital transformation can help manufacturers gain insights into customer behavior and preferences, enabling them to create personalized products and services. This can result in improved customer satisfaction and loyalty.   Manufacturers must focus on meeting the needs of their customers and delivering exceptional customer experiences to stand out from their competitors. A better customer experience is vital in manufacturing for the following reasons: Increased customer satisfaction  Increased revenue  Improved brand reputation  Increased innovation By using digital technologies such as AI, machine learning,...

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> Optimize your manufacturing process with Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE). Learn how to increase productivity and reduce inefficiencies.

- Published: 2023-04-05
- Modified: 2024-01-17
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/oee-in-manufacturing/
- Categories: Business tips, Manufacturing

Think of manufacturing as the backbone of any production business. It's super important and must be efficient to keep the cash flowing and customers happy. To achieve this, read on to learn how to calculate and improve your OEE in manufacturing. Imagine going to a concert, expecting to have the time of your life, dance your butt off, and sing along until you have no voice. The lights dim, everyone goes quiet, and the band steps out — only to start tuning their instruments because they haven't done a sound check. The band members are irritated, the manager is on the verge of a nervous breakdown, and the fans want their money back. Now picture a similar scenario in your factory — the band manager is the production manager, the instruments are the manufacturing equipment, and the fans are your customers. Just like the band needs their instruments to be in order before the show starts, manufacturing equipment and machinery must be ready before production to deliver maximum performance. This is where OEE comes into play. What is OEE in manufacturing? Overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) is a performance metric in manufacturing to calculate the productivity and efficiency of a production process. It measures the effectiveness of equipment or manufacturing processes while producing quality products on time. In traditional manufacturing, the focus is often on maximizing the output of equipment and processes without necessarily considering the quality or efficiency of the final result. In contrast, OEE in lean manufacturing strongly emphasizes quality and efficiency. The goal is to create value for the customer while minimizing manufacturing waste , and OEE is used as a tool to help achieve this goal. OEE takes into account three factors that contribute to overall productivity: Availability — Refers to the amount of time that the equipment or process is available for use. Performance — Measures how well the equipment or process is performing compared to its maximum potential output. Quality — Refers to the percentage of products that meet the required quality standards. Breaking down efficiency into these three components allows manufacturers to identify specific areas for improvement. For example, low availability may indicate frequent breakdowns with the equipment, which ultimately means emotional breakdowns for the team. If performance is low, it may suggest bottlenecks in the production process that need to be addressed. Finally, if the quality is low, this may indicate issues with the raw materials or the production process itself. Manufacturers can take targeted actions to improve efficiency and optimize production by understanding the factors driving low OEE. How to calculate OEE in manufacturing? The calculation for OEE is relatively easy if you follow the formula: OEE = Availability x Performance x Quality Each factor is represented as a percentage, with 100% representing perfect performance. The goal of measuring OEE is to identify areas where production processes and equipment can be improved to increase productivity and reduce waste. A high OEE value indicates that the equipment is being used effectively, and there...

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> Restock notifications feature lets you quickly see exactly which items need reordering, so you can focus on other pressing matters. Read more.

- Published: 2023-04-04
- Modified: 2023-04-18
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/restock-notifications/
- Categories: Product updates

Katana's new notifications feature provides you with quick-access restock information, helping you avoid stockouts and make data-driven decisions. The new notification functionality offers an enhanced experience for understanding when to restock items, thereby giving you some peace of mind over the inventory management side of your business. With the new release, you’ll receive a daily 8 am notification regarding SKU’s that need to be reordered (which is based on the missing/excess column falling below 0). Guide your inventory with accurate data Real-time inventory tracking is one of the main pillars of Katana and this new feature strengthens Katana’s capability to give you a clear and live look at your business. Avoid Stockouts: When inventory levels reach a reorder point, this signals a time to reorder more stock to avoid stockouts (which can later result in lost sales). So long unpleasant surprises. Optimize Inventory Levels: Ensure you maintain an optimal inventory level, reduce carrying costs, and maintain confidence that your inventory will meet customer demand. Streamline Ordering Process: Establishing custom reorder points that eliminate the need for manual intervention. Automating the process reduces the likelihood of errors, improves efficiency, and saves time and money. Making restock notifications a part of your inventory management routine helps with preventing stockouts and optimizing inventory levels while streamlining a more efficient ordering process. Avoid lost sales and unfortunate surprises. What’s up next for Katana? We’re working hard to provide better usability which will provide further clarity and an overall advantage in your work. What’s next in line: Manufacturing insights Search and filtering for API Serial Numbers for finished products Happy analyzing!

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> Deciding when to sell a manufacturing business can take time and effort. Here’s what to expect and how to execute a sale.

- Published: 2023-04-04
- Modified: 2024-04-09
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/how-to-sell-a-manufacturing-business/
- Categories: Business tips, Manufacturing

You’ll want to make sure you get all your books in order, get a valuation of your business and negotiate with your potential buyers. This article will go through the steps you need to take to sell your manufacturing business. There might be many reasons behind the decision to sell a manufacturing business — it’s time to retire, you have the chance to sell it for a profit, it’s just time to move on to new things, or maybe even start a new business. Regardless of the reason behind the sale, you’ll want to ensure two things:  That the process will go as smoothly as possible  That you will get the best possible deal  To achieve this, you will need to know how to value a manufacturing business before selling it and what you need to do to prepare before you start contacting buyers. Then, you’ll still need to figure out how to find a trustworthy buyer who will offer the best price for your business and know what to expect during the negotiation process.   Due to all of this, selling a manufacturing business is a lengthy process that can often take a long time — on average, around 7 months but in some cases more. As such, it’s a good idea to prepare ahead of time and know what you’re getting into. This article will give you an overview of the steps you’ll likely face along the way. Get your business back on track If you're not ready to part ways with your business, then Katana is here to support your business with everything you need to optimize your operations. Get a demo Sale of stock vs. sale of assets There are generally two ways to sell a manufacturing business: Stock sales and asset sales A stock sale involves the buyer purchasing the owner’s shares of the company (if your business is an LLC) or the buyer purchasing the seller’s stocks (if your business is a corporation). Stock sales cannot be done if you operate your business as a sole trader or partnership, as the ownership of your business would not be tied to stocks. An asset sale, on the other hand, involves the buyer purchasing specific assets from the seller. Which path to selling your business is better for you will depend on the type of business you run and what you are trying to accomplish with the sale. Stock Sales When a buyer purchases the owner’s share of a company, they take over as the owner. This includes the assets of the company, the legal entity of the company itself, and any liabilities. Therefore, if there are any assets you don’t want to sell to the buyer will have to be distributed first. Any liabilities that you don’t think your buyer would be happy to take over should also be paid off before the sale. One of the main advantages from the seller’s point of view is that there’s a bit less paperwork to do on your end,...

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> Discover the pros and cons of OEM vs. ODM manufacturing and make the best choice for your business. Find out more in this blog.

- Published: 2023-04-04
- Modified: 2024-09-25
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/oem-vs-odm/
- Categories: Business tips

Manufacturing jargon can sometimes feel like reading a bowl of alphabet soup. So buckle up for a ride through the world of ODM vs. OEM to explore the exciting world of manufacturing strategies. Manufacturing is just the tip of the production iceberg. Before that, a whole world of design goes into creating unique products. Depending on your business, you might be doing your own design or using preexisting designs. It’s like choosing between baking a cake from scratch or using a mix from the store. Both can be delicious, but one requires a little more creativity and effort. There are distinct names for these different business models: OEM and ODM. They might sound like some elaborate spy code or illegal party drugs, but they do belong to the manufacturing industry: OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer ODM means Original Design Manufacturer But what endless manufacturing possibilities lie behind those words? The difference between OEM and ODM OEM means a company designs and develops a product but often outsources manufacturing to a third-party company. The third-party manufacturer then creates the product under the brand name of the company that designed it. In other words, the company that developed the product doesn’t actually manufacture it itself. Instead, they focus on product design, marketing, and sales. Examples of OEM  One of the biggest OEM companies is Apple. They design their own products but outsource manufacturing to Foxconn, a Taiwanese electronics company that also creates components for HP and Dell. While Apple designs its products in-house, manufacturing is outsourced to Foxconn to save on costs and effort, with the rights to the design and finished goods still belonging to Apple.    The ODM approach involves the manufacturer not only producing the items but also designing them from scratch. In this case, the manufacturer is responsible for the entire product development process, from design to production. The company that hires the ODM manufacturer will then sell the product under its own brand name. Examples of ODM A big ODM industry is smart devices. Companies such as Qualcomm produce microchips for smartphones and tablets that they design and manufacture themselves. Then big electronics companies like Sony and Motorola buy their goods, possibly relabel them and use them in their own products. While Sony and Motorola now own these specific chips, the intellectual ownership of the product design is still Qualcomm’s. To conclude, the main difference between OEM and ODM is that with OEM, the company that designed the product outsources the manufacturing, while with ODM, the manufacturer produces and designs the product. OEM vs. ODM vs. CM Aside from OEM and ODM, there’s another manufacturing model that deserves mentioning — contract manufacturing (CM). When comparing OEMs vs. contract manufacturing, the difference is in the offered service and the level of input. While with OEMs, the manufacturers often work with buyers in the design stage to be on the same page, a CM is precisely what the name suggests, a company hired to complete the manufacturing process....

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> Katana has made it on to Capterra’s Shortlist, GetApp’s Category Leaders list, and Software Advice’s Front Runners for a second year.

- Published: 2023-03-31
- Modified: 2024-03-26
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/getapp-software-advice-katana-order-management/
- Categories: Company News

GetApp recognized Katana as a category leader in order management, and Software Advice named Katana as a front-runner - find out why. GetApp and Software Advice have again recognized Katana, after acknowledging our manufacturing software for two years running in 2021 and 2022, they’ve given us two badges for order management. GetApp has recognized Katana as ‘Category Leaders’ for order management, and Software Advice as ‘FrontRunners’. What’s different about Katana’s order management? Thanks for asking. Here are a few of the crucial order management features you get with Katana Cloud Manufacturing: Multi-channel sales order management – Connect all your e-commerce, point-of-sale, and B2B sales channels to Katana using native integrations and API Real-time tracking – Keep up with your orders and their progress in real-time with Katana’s real-time master planner Inventory management – Know how many materials and finished products you have in stock, and quickly identify low stock levels to avoid stockouts and adjust to changing demand Superb shipping – Use Katana’s excellent shipping integrations to streamline your order fulfilment process Data-driven decisions – Use Katana Sales Insights to keep an eye on your revenue, profit, cost, and average order values Along with order management, Katana offers you a full view of your business in a single platform, while integrating with the software you already know and love. Get started by booking a demo with Katana, and get a head start on your competitors. About GetApp GetApp is an online resource for businesses exploring SaaS products and allows users to compare software products side-by-side easily. GetApp features detailed product data, research, insights, trends, and validated user reviews, giving software buyers the tools they need to make informed decisions for their organization. Badge methodology Category Leaders rankings highlight top-ranked North American software products based on ratings from end-users in five key areas: ease of use, value for money, functionality, customer support, and likelihood to recommend. About Software Advice Software Advice compares software options for your business, so you don’t have to trawl the internet. Software Advice completes in-depth research into different software, so users can find the perfect tools for their business within 15-minutes and, best of all, it’s absolutely free. Badge methodology The FrontRunners methodology uses recent, published user reviews to score products on two primary dimensions: Usability on the x-axis and Customer Satisfaction on the y-axis. Disclaimers FrontRunners constitute the subjective opinions of individual end-user reviews, ratings, and data applied against a documented methodology; they neither represent the views of, nor constitute an endorsement by, Software Advice or its affiliates. Category Leaders constitute the subjective opinions of individual end-user reviews, ratings, and data applied against a documented methodology; they neither represent the views of, nor constitute an endorsement by, GetApp or its affiliates.

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> Optimize your supply chain manufacturing for greater efficiency. Learn to streamline your processes and improve partner relationships.

- Published: 2023-03-31
- Modified: 2024-07-01
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/supply-chain-manufacturing/
- Categories: Business tips, Manufacturing

The manufacturing supply chain is like a well-choreographed dance, with each step contributing to the success of the final performance. It is the cornerstone of many industries, ensuring products are efficiently produced, transported, and delivered to consumers worldwide. The supply chain is the backbone of the manufacturing world. It's like a giant game of "telephone," but instead of whispering, it's passing along goods and services to get our beloved products into the hands of the customer as quickly and efficiently as possible. With some planning and a lot of coffee, we can conquer any supply chain challenge that comes our way. How does the supply chain affect manufacturing? The manufacturer supply chain plays a crucial role in the production process, encompassing all the steps in getting raw materials to the final product. The efficiency and effectiveness of the supply chain can significantly impact the quality, cost, and timeliness of the manufacturing process. But although manufacturing supply chain management sounds dull, it doesn't have to be. There are many interesting and relatable examples. Imagine a burger delivery business — they have to manage their supply chain carefully to ensure having enough buns, sauce, cheese, and other toppings to make burgers and deliver them quickly and reliably. They can't make the burgers if they run out of any of these ingredients, which will almost definitely result in customers being upset and, even worse — hangry. Or, imagine a toy manufacturer who needs plastic to make their toys. What sounds like a simple process of molding a doll or a model car is actually a whole series of fortunate events. The manufacturer orders plastic from a supplier The supplier orders plastic from a chemical plant Chemical plants get their raw materials from oil refineries Plastic is shipped to the toy factory Machines and tools mold plastic into toys Finished products are shipped to distributors Distributors sell the products to retailers Kids and parents can finally go and purchase the goods If any part of this chain is slow, inefficient, or disrupted, it can cause delays, stockouts, and lost sales. Supply chain management involves coordinating and optimizing all these processes to establish a smooth and efficient flow of products. What are the steps of a supply chain? The steps of a typical supply chain for manufacturing may vary depending on the specific industry and product. Effective supply chain management involves coordinating and optimizing these various production phases to reduce costs, increase efficiency, and improve customer satisfaction. No one-size-fits-all solution exists, but a supply chain in manufacturing commonly includes the following production stages. Planning The first stage in the supply chain includes creating a detailed roadmap. It's where businesses determine what, how much, where, and when to produce. This stage involves forecasting demand, setting manufacturing targets, and developing a production plan. The planning stage involves the following activities: Demand planning — Forecasting customer demand by taking into account historical data, market trends, and other factors. Accurate demand planning is crucial for ensuring the right products...

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> Non-inventory might be more trouble to track than it’s worth. But it’s important for accounting your accounting. Learn everything here.

- Published: 2023-03-29
- Modified: 2024-03-27
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/non-inventory/
- Categories: Inventory management

Non-inventory might be more trouble to track than it’s worth. But it’s important for accounting your accounting. Here’s everything you need to know. When evaluating your inventory management, sometimes you must go back to basics. This means looking at every aspect of your inventory and considering each element carefully. For example, what is non-inventory? How does it fit into the whole picture of a company’s inventory management? Any business that deals with creating, managing, and distributing products knows that the organization of these items is one of the most vital parts of their business model. Most businesses wouldn’t exist without inventory assets, but what about non-inventory assets? Can they be quantified and tracked properly? Let’s look more in-depth at a non-inventory asset, some examples of a non-inventory item, and how they are usually part of every business model, whether on purpose or by accident. Get control over your inventory types Thousands of businesses use Katana cloud inventory software to manage their finished goods, raw inventory, and set reorder points to maintain ideal stock levels. See Katana in action. Get a demo Defining what non-inventory items are First of all, let’s define four key terms that are commonly used when talking about what products a company has – inventory items, non-inventory items, stock items and non-stock items. Inventory items An inventory item is one that is recorded on your tracking system, like Katana cloud manufacturing software. Once inputted, the software that a company uses keeps a record of every inventory item and tracks it through its journey – from receiving it in a particular stock room, its storage location, the order of said product, and the shipping and final delivery. Once an inventory item is sold, it is marked as such. If the service you are using is like Katana, monitoring the movement of your inventory will ensure that you can minimize waste and ensure you don’t experience a stockout. Non-inventory items At its most basic, a non-inventory item is a product that is purchased or sold by a company, but the quantity of it is not monitored. There are many different examples of non-inventory assets, which we will cover in more detail later, but these can include bespoke products, items purchased for company use, or even those “impulse items” that retailers place near check-outs as a temptation for shoppers. The non-inventory item may also refer to a service that a business may purchase and/or sell but not track. Interestingly, a non-inventory asset may still have a purchase order or sales order, so you can see whether it has been received or shipped, but there are no quantities logged in your management software that can provide any further information on it. Stock items A company’s stock items are usually seen as essential items or the backbone of the company’s business model. They are popular items that are carefully tracked so that when numbers run low, more can be ordered so that valued clients are not lost. Stock items are a good example of inventory items, as the...

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> Kanban for manufacturing is a lean methodology that optimizes workflow and improves efficiency. Learn how it works and its benefits.

- Published: 2023-03-24
- Modified: 2024-05-23
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/kanban-for-manufacturing/
- Categories: Business tips, Inventory management

Kanban for manufacturing is a visual system that helps to control the flow of work within a process. By limiting work in progress and promoting continuous improvement, Kanban can improve workflow efficiency and reduce bottlenecks. When we think about efficiency, especially related to work, we often think about Japan and, more precisely — Toyota. This car manufacturer in the beautiful island country has been one of the biggest innovators in making the most of limited resources, and it's been a source of inspiration for many companies looking to become more efficient. Toyota has revolutionized lean production thanks to its legendary just-in-time inventory system, which ensures that employees have just enough items on hand when they need them without excess. They also focus on developing highly efficient production lines that reduce waste and energy usage while producing high-quality products. So, it shouldn't be a surprise that when discussing efficient project management methodology, we again have to start with Toyota. What is the Kanban system? Taiichi Ohno, an industrial engineer at Toyota, developed the Kanban system as a lean manufacturing and project management methodology. It is a visual system that uses cards or boards to manage and control the flow of work within a process or system. Kanban means signboard or billboard in Japanese. Kanban for manufacturing works by using a board, often a whiteboard or digital board, divided into columns representing the stages of the process. Each column represents a specific stage of the process, such as To do, In progress, and Done. Each task or work item is represented by a card, often called a Kanban card, that is moved from column to column as it progresses through the process. The system is designed to limit work-in-progress and ensure work is completed efficiently and effectively. By limiting the amount of work that can be in progress at any one time, the Kanban system helps to reduce bottlenecks and improve workflow. The system also promotes continuous improvement by encouraging teams to identify and resolve problems as they arise. Kanban is widely used across various industries and has been adapted to many different processes and systems. It is particularly popular in software development, project management, and manufacturing but can be applied to almost any process involving a workflow. For our purposes, the focus will remain on manufacturing, so let's explore in more detail what is Kanban in manufacturing. What are the 3 main types of Kanban? There are different types of Kanban cards that can be used, including: Production Withdrawal Transportation Supplier Emergency Let's look at the three main ones. Production Kanban This type of Kanban signals to the previous process that a specific quantity of parts or raw materials is required for production. When the materials are consumed, the production Kanban is sent back to the supplier process, indicating that more materials are needed. Withdrawal Kanban This type of Kanban signals to the next process that the required parts or materials are ready to be used. When the parts are withdrawn...

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> Syncware can connect Katana to over 300 different apps, making it easier to automate your business and allowing you to focus on what matters. Read more.

- Published: 2023-03-23
- Modified: 2023-03-23
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/syncware/
- Categories: Product updates

Multi-channel commerce is the key to the game, and Syncware’s wide range of integrations makes it simple to automate your work. Syncware can save you hours of manual work while removing the extra cost involved in processing orders. Once connected, you’ll find over 300 apps to integrate with, and Syncware will automate everything — orders, shipments, products, and inventory. Focus on your growth without worrying about the manual work you can just automate. Sync with more apps Among the 300+ apps that are available through Syncware, you’ll find: E-commerce and Orders: Adobe Commerce (ex. Magento), Brandwise, PrestaShop Marketplaces: Amazon, eBay, Faire, FashionGo, Mirakl Shipping: ShipStation, Infoplus, DSCO, ShipHero EDI: Target, Nordstrom, QVC, SPS Commerce The complete list of apps available Workflows After integrating with Syncware, you can create various workflows, depending on the needs of your business. Sync sales and purchase orders, products, and shipments between Katana and different e-commerce stores, a Warehouse Management System (WMS), Marketplaces, shipping apps, and EDIs. Sync inventory with e-commerce, WMS, Marketplaces, and EDIs. Connecting Syncware to Katana Luckily, connecting Katana with Syncware is a fairly straightforward experience. First, you’ll want to reach out to Syncware to have an account created and set up for you. After completing your account, navigate to Settings > Connections from within Syncware. Find Katana in this area and click “Connect”. You should then see a login window where you can enter your Katana login information to approve the connection to Syncware. Once the connection is successful, you’ll be redirected back to Syncware and a green pop-up will display “Connected”. Happy integrating!

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> Get creative with sheet metal manufacturing. Discover the advantages of using quality materials to produce items that stand the test of time.

- Published: 2023-03-23
- Modified: 2024-05-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/sheet-metal-fabrication/
- Categories: Business tips, Manufacturing

Metalworking may not be the most glamorous process, but with the current rise in environmentally friendly and recyclable materials, it’s definitely worth looking into. So put on your safety goggles and crank up the heavy metal — we’re about to dive into the world of sheet metal fabrication! Sheet metal manufacturing may seem like a dull topic. In reality, it’s anything but flat. Sheet metal fabrication is an art honored for centuries, with ancient civilizations using metalworking techniques to create weapons, armor, and tools. Today, sheet metal fabricators are like modern-day blacksmiths. They take raw materials and transform them into functional products that are used in everyday life. Sheet metal is a thin, flat piece of metal. It’s typically made from steel, aluminum, brass, or copper and can be found in different thicknesses and sizes. Overall, sheet metal is a versatile and widely used material and plays a critical role in many industries. How to manufacture sheet metal? Sheet metal is manufactured through a process known as sheet metal fabrication. This process involves cutting, bending, and shaping thin sheets of metal to create a variety of products and components. First, the raw material is cut to the required size using specialized cutting tools such as shears or plasma cutters. Then, the metal is shaped using various bending tools such as brakes, rollers, or press brakes. This step allows for precise bends, curves, and angles to be created in the metal. Once the metal sheet is cut and shaped, it may undergo additional processes such as different types of welding, punching, or drilling to create specific features or combine multiple pieces. Finally, the finished product may be coated, painted, or treated to enhance its durability or appearance. Sheet metal fabrication is a complex and precise process that requires skill and specialized equipment to create high-quality sheet metal products. What is the manufacturing process of steel sheets? Metal sheet manufacturing transforms metal into thin, flat sheets that can be used for many different applications. This process consists of the following steps. Material selection Cutting Forming Annealing Finishing Quality control 1. Material selection Material selection is an important step in the sheet metal fabrication process. Choosing a suitable material can significantly impact the finished product’s performance, durability, and cost. Common materials used in sheet metal fabrication include steel, aluminum, copper, brass, and other alloys. Steel is popular due to its strength, durability, and relatively low cost. It is commonly used in construction, automotive manufacturing, and industrial machinery applications. On the other hand, aluminum is lighter in weight and relatively corrosion-resistant, making it ideal for use in more extreme conditions, such as the aerospace and marine industries. Copper and brass are often chosen for their beautiful visuals and are commonly used in decorative applications. When selecting a material for sheet metal fabrication, it’s essential to consider the project’s specific needs, such as strengths, corrosion resistance, thermal conductivity, and appearance. By carefully considering the properties and requirements of different materials, sheet metal fabricators can choose the...

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> Scrap inventory management guide. Learn the tips and tricks to optimize your manufacturing operations and reduce waste.

- Published: 2023-03-22
- Modified: 2024-04-09
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/scrap-inventory/
- Categories: Business tips, Inventory management

Are you unsure of what to do with your scrap items in inventory? Fear not, with the right strategies, you can turn that mess into money. This article will look into scrap inventory and the best ways to manage it. Suppose you’re a furniture manufacturer. You’ve been in the business for several years and established a good brand image. Most of your products fly off the shelves, but some nightstands are slowly morphing into dead stock. One day, you check your orders and notice someone has purchased one of those nightstands. You head over to your stock room, climb on a ladder, and start wiggling down the item so you can clean it, package it, and send it to its new home. But as you’re about to grab it with both hands, you lose your balance and drop the nightstand to the ground. For a brief moment, you consider purchasing a taller ladder but quickly forget about it and start assessing the dropped item. You notice that it has some unrepairable damage. This nightstand has now become scrap inventory. What is scrap inventory? Scrap inventory refers to goods or materials that are no longer usable or sellable in their current form, and are typically intended for disposal or recycling. This type of inventory may include defective products, damaged goods, or excess materials no longer needed for production. Scrap inventory is usually recorded separately from other types of inventory and may have a lower or zero value in accounting records. Companies may try to minimize scrap inventory by implementing quality control measures or recycling programs to reduce waste and save costs. Why do you need to record scrap inventory? Scrap inventory needs to be recorded for several reasons: Cost reduction — Scrap inventory can be sold to scrap dealers or recycling companies, generating revenue that can offset some costs associated with production. By recording the value of scrap inventory, a business can accurately track the cost of goods sold and reduce the amount of waste generated, thereby reducing costs. Financial reporting — Accurately recording scrap inventory is crucial for financial reporting. It helps to provide a more accurate picture of a company's financial position and can help with forecasting and decision-making. Inventory management — By tracking scrap inventory, a business can better manage its inventory levels, reduce waste, and ensure that it has sufficient supplies on hand to meet demand and avoid stockouts. This can help to improve production efficiency and reduce costs. Environmental compliance — Properly disposing of scrap inventory is important for environmental compliance. Some types of scrap inventory may contain hazardous materials that require special handling and disposal procedures to prevent environmental damage. By properly tracking and disposing of scrap inventory, a business can ensure that it is meeting all relevant environmental regulations. Overall, recording scrap inventory is important for financial, operational, and environmental reasons, and can help businesses to improve their efficiency and profitability. Types of scrap inventory Inventory scrap can come in various forms, each with...

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> Looking for profitable but easy things to weld and sell? Check out these simple yet impressive ideas that will impress your customers.

- Published: 2023-03-17
- Modified: 2024-03-27
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/things-to-weld-and-sell/
- Categories: Business tips

Welding dates back to the Iron Age, when the Egyptians first melted together pieces of metal to create strong joints. Today, you can use those skills to not only fuse your products but also make your customers stick to your brand. Are you a welder looking for easy things to weld and sell? Or are you already running a business and want to find new product ideas? We’ve done the brainwork for you and gathered five simple ideas to make sparks fly between you and your customers. So grab your helmet, and let’s get welding! What is welding? Welding is a fabrication process that involves joining two or more pieces of metal or thermoplastics together by melting and fusing them. The materials are heated to their melting points, and a filler material — often a rod or wire — is added to the joint to create a molten pool. The molten pool then solidifies, creating a permanent bond between the two pieces. There are many different types of welding, including: Arc welding — Uses an electric arc to melt and fuse metals together. The arc is created between an electrode and the base metal that’s being welded. The heat generated by the arc melts the base metal and the electrode, creating a molten pool that solidifies to form a strong joint when it cools. Gas welding — A flame produced by burning acetylene gas mixed with oxygen is used to melt and fuse metals together. A filler rod is usually added to the joint to help create a stronger bond. Resistance welding — An electric current is passed through two pieces of metal held together under pressure, causing them to heat up and melt at the contact point. The parts are then pressed together until they cool and fuse into one piece. Laser welding — Uses a high-powered laser beam focused on the area to be welded, which generates enough heat to melt and fuse metals together. It’s often used for particularly precise applications requiring high weld quality or in situations where access is limited. Each technique has its advantages and disadvantages, depending on the application and used materials. Welding is essential in many industries, including construction, manufacturing, automotive, and aerospace engineering. It creates robust and durable joints between metal components that would otherwise be impossible to achieve. What does a welding business do? Why is welding a risky business? Because welders mostly just make ends meet. Now that that’s out of the way, there really is more to production welding than just helmets and sparks. Most businesses use welding for either of these two purposes: Repair Construction But, as always, it’s good to plan your demand ahead, so the more expertise you have in both areas, the better your chances of creating a steady income. Repair Objects with a metal framework will sooner or later start bending, cracking, or falling apart. Instead of buying a new product, it may be more reasonable to fix the old one and still...

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> Discover the benefits of electronics contract manufacturing and find out how outsourcing your electronics can help save you resources.

- Published: 2023-03-17
- Modified: 2024-03-26
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/electronics-contract-manufacturing/
- Categories: Business tips

Are you a manufacturer looking to outsource your electronic components? Keep reading to find out all there is to know about electronics contract manufacturing and ‘watt’ it could mean for your business. Many kids grow up wanting to become inventors, building gadgets for secret agents and machines for supervillains. Once reality hits in the form of a failed physics test, the dream slowly starts to evaporate. But wouldn’t it be nice to outsource all the difficult work and enjoy the creative process? There actually is a solution, and it’s ‘shockingly’ simple — electronic contract manufacturing. What is a CEM manufacturer? A CEM (Contract Electronics Manufacturer) is a business that specializes in providing custom design, engineering, and manufacturing services for electronic products. Many CEMs offer a wide range of services, from component design to assembly, testing to packaging. By utilizing outsourced electronics contract manufacturing for product development, businesses can focus their resources on more essential matters while leaving electronics manufacturing in the capable hands of their partners. What does EMS mean in manufacturing? EMS, or Electronic Manufacturing Services, is the collective name for all processes and services used to create electronic assemblies. This includes operations like:  Surface Mount Technology (SMT) assembly Printed Circuit Board (PCB) assembly Electronic enclosure design and build System integration of multiple sub-assemblies Testing and verification of the product EMS allows manufacturers to outsource the production of their products so they can focus on more essential business operations such as research and development, marketing, and sales. What are the benefits of electronic contract manufacturing? There are several benefits of outsourcing your EMS. This includes: Cost efficiency — Electronics contract manufacturers have the required knowledge, tools, and facilities to manufacture large quantities of electronic components. This results in lower material costs, reduced waste, and improved efficiency. Faster time-to-market — CEMs have the capacity to amp up production and deliver finished products on time. This is particularly important in the fast-paced electronics industry, where it’s essential to get new products to market quickly. Quality control — CEMs have extensive quality control checks in place to ensure that electronic components meet industry standards and customer specifications. This helps to ensure the production of high-quality electronic products. Reduced risk — Electronics contract manufacturers can help reduce the risk of manufacturing failures, supply chain disruptions, and logistical issues. By outsourcing your electronic manufacturing needs to a CEM, you can focus on your core competencies while leaving the manufacturing to the experts. What is the difference between OEM and CEM? OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer and means a company that produces parts and equipment sold to another company to be used as part of their own product. CEM is an organization that specializes in providing full-service custom design, engineering, and manufacturing services for electronic products. OEMs typically will only manufacture the parts that make up the final product, while CEMs often provide more comprehensive services such as assembly, testing, sourcing, and packaging. Both OEM and CEM companies are involved in the manufacturing process, but their most significant differences lie...

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> Manufacturing dietary supplements: Learn more about the process, regulations, and challenges of producing high-quality supplements.

- Published: 2023-03-17
- Modified: 2024-05-24
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/manufacturing-dietary-supplements/
- Categories: Business tips, Manufacturing

Manufacturing dietary supplements can be a lucrative business, but it also has a lot of regulatory hoops you need to jump through. This article explores the world of food supplement manufacturing, allowing you to get the most out of it. Dietary supplements have become increasingly popular as more people seek ways to support their health and wellness goals. As a result, the supplement industry has seen consistent growth over the last decades, which is expected to continue. This has also fueled the demand for safe and effective high-quality products. This article delves into the world of dietary supplement manufacturing, exploring the intricate process and the unique challenges manufacturers face in ensuring that their supplements meet the highest quality and safety standards. What are dietary supplements? Dietary supplements are products intended to supplement the diet and provide additional nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids, enzymes, or other substances. They come in various forms, including capsules, tablets, powders, liquids, and bars. Dietary supplements are not intended to replace a healthy diet but rather to complement it. They are often marketed to address specific nutritional deficiencies or to support overall health and wellness. It's important to note that while some dietary supplements may provide health benefits, they are not regulated as rigorously as drugs by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and their safety and efficacy may not be well established. Therefore, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider before taking any dietary supplements, especially if you have underlying health conditions, take medications, or are pregnant or breastfeeding. The history of dietary supplements The use of dietary supplements dates back thousands of years to traditional healing practices in various cultures around the world. For example, ancient Chinese and Indian medicine systems used herbs, roots, and other natural substances to treat various ailments and promote health. In the Western world, the use of dietary supplements began to gain popularity in the 19th century with the discovery of vitamins and minerals. Scientists found that certain nutrients were essential for maintaining health and preventing deficiency diseases, such as scurvy, rickets, and goiter. In the early 20th century, vitamin and mineral supplements became more widely available, and by the 1950s, they were a standard part of many people's daily diets. However, it wasn't until the 1990s that the use of dietary supplements really took off, with the passage of the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) in 1994. DSHEA allowed dietary supplement manufacturers to make health claims on their products as long as they were not false or misleading. It established a regulatory framework for dietary supplements that is still in place today. Since then, the market for dietary supplements has continued to grow, with a wide range of products now available to consumers, from multivitamins and mineral supplements to herbal remedies and specialty products for specific health concerns. What's unique about manufacturing dietary supplements? Manufacturing dietary supplements is unique in several ways compared to manufacturing other types of products. Let's take a...

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> Inventory reporting is vital for any business. Learn how to automate the process and gain real-time visibility for effective inventory management.

- Published: 2023-03-15
- Modified: 2024-05-23
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/inventory-reporting/
- Categories: Business tips, Inventory management

Inventory reporting is part of any business dealing with some kind of stock movement. Learning how to do it efficiently can save you a lot of time and effort. If you got into manufacturing because you like to create products, reporting may not be your favorite thing. But inventory reporting is an essential practice in any business, no matter how dull you may find it. So, it’s better to learn how to do it well and efficiently. This article will explore the ins and outs of inventory reporting, including inventory reporting methods, metrics, and how to use them in your business. By the end of this article, you’ll better understand inventory reporting and how to make it easier for yourself. Let’s get started! What is an inventory report? An inventory report is a document that provides a detailed account of the quantity, location, and status of a company's inventory. Businesses typically use it to track various inventory reporting metrics that help them stay on top of their stock levels, monitor changes in inventory over time, and make informed decisions about purchasing, production, and sales. Inventory reports can include information such as: Item descriptions — A detailed description of each item in the inventory Quantity on hand — The number of units of each item currently in stock Location — The physical location of each item within the warehouse or storage area Cost per unit — The cost of each item when purchased or produced Total inventory value — The total value of all items in inventory based on their price per unit Sales history — A record of the quantity sold and the revenue generated for each item over a specific period Reorder point — The quantity at which the items should be reordered to avoid stockouts Lead time — The time it takes to manufacture or for a supplier to deliver an order of a specific item Inventory reports can be generated using software designed for inventory management and reporting or through manual tracking methods such as spreadsheets. Various departments can use them within a company, such as purchasing, production, and sales, to ensure that the inventory is managed efficiently and effectively. Types of inventory reports There are several inventory reporting methods that businesses can use, depending on their needs and the level of detail they require. Most companies are aware of stock availability reports and stock count reports, but there are many others that can provide invaluable insights. Here are some of the most common inventory reports: Inventory valuation — Estimates the total value of a company's inventory based on the cost of each item and the quantity on hand. This report is useful for financial reporting purposes and can help businesses track the value of their inventory over time. Stock movement — Shows the movement of goods in and out of a company's inventory, including sales, returns, and stock transfers. It can help businesses identify trends in their inventory levels and adjust their ordering and restocking strategies...

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> QuickBooks non-inventory item: what it is and how to create one. Keep reading to learn how to manage your inventory in QuickBooks Online.

- Published: 2023-03-10
- Modified: 2024-07-01
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/quickbooks-non-inventory-item/
- Categories: Accounting, Inventory management

Not every item in your business needs to be tracked and recorded. This article will look into QuickBooks non-inventory items, what they are, and how to use them. Most businesses hold some type of inventory — things they order or make and vigilantly track. But there are also many items that don't need to be tracked. This article will cover QuickBooks non-inventory items, how to set them up, and how to use them in day-to-day operations. By the end, you will have a solid understanding of how to manage QuickBooks non-inventory items, so you can keep accurate records and make informed business decisions. What is QuickBooks non-inventory item? Non-inventory items are goods or services a business uses or sells that are not tracked as part of its inventory. These items are typically not so significant to require individual tracking or are not sold frequently enough to justify the cost of tracking them. Examples of non-inventory items include office supplies, cleaning supplies, equipment rentals, repair and maintenance services, consulting services, and travel expenses. Non-inventory items can also include small or incidental items necessary for daily operations but do not fit into a specific inventory category. In QuickBooks, non-inventory parts are tracked separately from inventory items. They are typically assigned a different account type or category in the chart of accounts to make it easier to keep track of them separately from inventory items. By tracking non-inventory items separately, businesses can maintain accurate records and make informed decisions about their overall expenses and revenue. Quickbooks inventory vs. non-inventory parts The main difference between inventory and non-inventory parts in QuickBooks is that inventory parts are held in stock for future use or sale, while non-inventory parts are not. Inventory parts require more management and tracking, as they have an associated cost of holding inventory. They must be monitored to ensure the stock levels are appropriate for the company's needs. Non-inventory parts, on the other hand, are typically lower in value and do not require as much tracking or management. How to create a non-inventory item in QuickBooks? If you need to create non-inventory items in QuickBooks, you can follow the steps below: Open QuickBooks Online, click on Get paid & pay, and then on Products & services Click on New in the top right corner This brings up the Product/Service information From there, you can select Non-inventory Fill out the necessary fields Click Save and close to save the item You can now use the non-inventory part in QuickBooks when creating invoices, sales receipts, and other transactions. Looking for inventory management software that works with QuickBooks Online? Book a demo to get all your questions answered regarding Katana’s features, integrations, pricing, and more. Get a demo How to change an inventory item to non-inventory in QuickBooks? You can't change inventory items to non-inventory in QuickBooks Online. You can only change the type for services or non-inventory parts in QuickBooks. To do that, follow these steps: Once again, open QuickBooks Online, click on Get...

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> Looking to turn your woodworking hobby into a profitable business? Discover some easy-to-sell wood projects that you can start making today.

- Published: 2023-03-09
- Modified: 2024-05-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/woodworking-ideas/
- Categories: Business tips

Are you looking to start your own woodworking business? Or are you an already active carpenter on the hunt for some good wood projects that sell? Look no further — we’ve gathered some tree-mendous product ideas for you to adopt. Woodworking is a skill as old as time. Even cavemen knew the importance of woodworking by making a pointed stick pointier and hunting food — and they didn’t really know much. There is an undeniable charm to creating something out of presumably nothing. But as therapeutic as it is to carve away, it is a rather expensive hobby and can be a tricky business to manage. So, to make sure that thinking of a product idea isn’t another nail in your coffin, we’ve come up with a few easy-to-sell wood projects for you to consider and possibly try out. What is woodworking? Woodworking is the craft of creating objects out of wood using a variety of tools and techniques. It is the process of building or remodeling various items by manipulating, shaping, and decorating wood. Woodworking is mainly used to create furniture, decorative items, and other functional or artistic objects. It can range from simple DIY projects to complex custom designs that require advanced skills and specialized equipment. Woodworkers use various hand and power tools to shape and manipulate wood, including saws, drills, chisels, planes, sanders, and routers. They may also use computer-aided design (CAD) software to create detailed plans for their projects before beginning construction. Woodworking requires a combination of technical skill and creativity in order to produce high-quality finished products that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. It is a skill that nearly anyone can acquire, making it a potential business opportunity for anyone interested. What does a woodworking business do? Woodworking typically falls into two categories: Crafting Restoring What do these classifications mean? Crafting  Crafting is the development and production of new objects made of timber materials. Wood artisans design the item, plan the manufacturing process and then put it into action. The result of their work is a new product. Wood crafting can range from simple projects like wooden spoons or picture frames to more intricate pieces like carved sculptures or detailed furniture. It requires skill and creativity to transform a raw piece of wood into a beautiful finished product that can be enjoyed for many years to come.   Restoring  Wood restoration is the art of fixing, upgrading, and upcycling a wooden object. While most anything can be restored, it’s usually furniture that gets fixed up. The final result of restoring is an old item that looks like new. Wood restoration often entails more than just woodwork. Depending on the furniture item, it can also include textile work like upholstering and sewing.   Mix and match Most businesses tend to specialize in one category, but there are, of course, those who switch up occasionally and try out both. As a restorer, it is definitely more profitable to also produce new goods to sell to keep a steady cash flow...

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> You can now save time while reducing mistakes when sending PO and OPO documents to your suppliers by emailing them right from Katana. Learn more.

- Published: 2023-03-08
- Modified: 2023-03-08
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/sending-po/
- Categories: Product updates

Relish in the joy and convenience of sending PO and OPO documents to suppliers right from Katana, in just a few clicks. Katana’s aim has always been to make your manufacturing life easier through coherency and accessibility — so it just makes sense to remove any of those extra steps needed to get PO and OPO documents to your suppliers, right? Immediate benefits With this update, you’ll now be able to noticeably shorten the time it takes to send out emails related to purchase orders. In fact, we tested it and it’ll take you approximately a third of the time (4 clicks vs. the average 12). Getting those emails out more efficiently is great, but that’s not all. Without the extra steps, you’ll also reduce the chance of mistakenly sending emails to the wrong recipient or adding the wrong attachment (or no attachment at all) — we’ve all been guilty of doing both. You’ll also be able to quickly view in Katana, which orders have and haven’t already been sent out. Oh, and in case you were wondering, you won’t need to do any sort of email setup to get this all working. Try it out yourself To see exactly how it works, open up either a PO or OPO card and click on the envelope icon. Choose whichever document fits this order and go ahead and send the email (if you’re ready to). Voilá! That’s all there is to it. What’s up next Up next for purchasing is improvements to the Supplier card so that you can add an address and phone number. Happy purchasing!

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> How to start a clothing line from scratch? This comprehensive guide covers everything from niche selection to product testing. Keep reading to find out.

- Published: 2023-03-08
- Modified: 2024-04-17
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/how-to-start-a-clothing-line/
- Categories: Business tips

Starting your own clothing line can be full of challenges. This in-depth guide will help you tackle these challenges and make the process as rewarding as possible. Discover the tips and tricks of the trade, from designing your line to managing your production process, and take the first step towards becoming a fashion entrepreneur. Have you ever searched for the perfect dress shirt or running shorts but, after a month-long scavenger hunt, had to settle for the not-so-ideal option? Perhaps you found the clothing article you liked, but due to the manufacturer’s business practices, supporting them makes you feel like you’re part of organized crime. Maybe you’ve encountered similar situations multiple times and dreamt about starting your own clothing brand. We’ve got good news for you! This doesn’t have to be just a dream — creating your clothing brand is entirely doable. This article will cover all the nitty-gritty of how to start a clothing brand. So, make yourself comfortable, keep reading, and prepare to thread your path in the fashion industry. The best cloud inventory software for fashion entrepreneurs Katana equips you with everything necessary to manage your inventory, manufacturing processes, and sales. Take control of your operations, cut back on admin time, and minimize human errors. Read more about apparel and footwear manufacturing How to start a clothing business — the key takeaways Identify your niche — Determine the unique angle that sets your brand apart from competitors. Develop a business plan — It should include a clear vision for your brand, financial projections, and marketing strategies. Create your brand — Choose a name, logo, and brand identity that represents your niche and target audience. Design your clothing line — Research and create designs that align with your brand identity and target audience. Manufacture — Choose the right manufacturing process for your business, either make-to-order or make-to-stock. Consider outsourcing if it makes sense for your business. Manage your production process — Keep a close eye on production timelines, quality control, and inventory management to ensure a smooth process. Test your products — Conduct thorough testing to ensure your products meet quality standards and address any issues before going to market. Take it to market — Develop a comprehensive marketing strategy and consider using social media and influencer marketing to promote your brand. Monitor costs and pricing — Keep track of expenses and pricing strategies to ensure profitability and competitive pricing. Pick your niche If the idea to start a clothing line has sprouted from a need, you already have a good niche. However, if you're just really eager to start a clothing brand, but haven't quite figured out your exact place in the market, now's the time. The importance of choosing a niche cannot be overstated. A niche will help you define your target market, differentiate yourself from competitors, and establish a unique brand identity. It will also guide your decisions regarding design, pricing, and marketing strategies. When choosing your niche, consider your interests, passions, and your target...

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> Pet food manufacturing is considered one of the businesses with high profit margin. Here’s everything you need to know about this industry.

- Published: 2023-03-08
- Modified: 2024-04-17
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/pet-food-manufacturing/
- Categories: Business tips

This article aims to give you an overview of the basics of the pet food manufacturing world, as well as some helpful information you’ll want to know if you plan on starting your own pet food business. We all love our pets.   And the best way to spoil them is to give them the highest quality food. Most pet owners you meet will swear by the traditional method of rewarding their pets with a treat every time a cute trick is performed. Cats and dogs love a good treat as much as we do — maybe even more. Naturally, this means that the pet food industry is massive and a very rewarding business to be involved in.   But there are also many things you need to know before getting started on building your own manufacturing business. You’ll want to:  Choose what kind of product you wish to produce Figure out how to make your business profitable  Make sure your products are created to the best safety standards Manage your manufacturing needs in an organized and efficient way In this article, we’ll cover exactly that.   How to start a pet product business? Pet food is manufactured specifically for domesticated animals.   It is also manufactured with the animal’s specific nutritional needs in mind. The pet food manufacturing industry stretches all the way back to the mid-19th century and continues to evolve and innovate to this day. There are constant strides being made to create the healthiest products and bring in new flavors.   Starting a pet product business is actually not that different from starting any food product business. You have to:  Come up with a brand An identity Find suppliers Make sure you reach the necessary health and safety standards  One of the first choices you have to make as a manufacturer is exactly what kind of products you will be producing. Broadly speaking, cat and dog food is divided into wet and dry products — canned food with a higher moisture content and the other being kibble. Both come with their own benefits and drawbacks.   You want to find reliable suppliers for ingredients, such as animal-based products, grains, and cereals. Beyond that, there are many similar considerations to making your pet food products stand out from the competition as there would be with other food products. For example, there is currently a demand for organic pet products due to increased awareness of pet health. Finding a way to stand out from the crowd is as important as with any other business. Finally, you’ll want to go over the pet food regulations in your area to make sure your products are legal and safe to consume. Is making pet food profitable? When you consider how many people own pets, it is no surprise that the pet food manufacturing industry is very sizable. In 2021, the pet food market had an estimated value of around 94. 76 billion. The largest market share is in America, with close to 50% of the global...

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> Through the Extensiv Integration Manager, you can effortlessly integrate with ShipStation to easily import, manage, and ship out orders. Read more.

- Published: 2023-03-02
- Modified: 2023-03-02
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/shipstation/
- Categories: Product updates

Make your life easier with ShipStation’s all-in-one shipping software, where you can easily import, manage and ship out orders when needed. Excellent news, you now can integrate Katana with ShipStation via the Extensiv Integration Manager! ShipStation offers a fast and straightforward web-based shipping software that, well, just simply makes shipping easier. From inside ShipStation — import, manage, and ship all your orders while saving time and money on e-commerce order fulfillment. To send or receive Before integrating ShipStation with Katana, you should first decide — would it be better for your business to use Katana as the order source (sending orders from Katana and fulfilling them in ShipStation) or is it preferential to send orders from ShipStation to Katana, pushing along all the order related info. Katana as an order source (Cart): Grab sales orders from Katana and load them into ShipStation for all your order fulfillment via the Extensiv Integration Manager. This choice will make ShipStation the Warehouse Management System/Order Management System (WMS/OMS), which means that inventory is picked up from Katana and updated in ShipStation. Katana as the order destination (WMS/OMS): This method sends sales orders from ShipStation to Katana where the inventory is picked up and then returned to ShipStation. Connecting Katana to Shipstation via Extensiv You’ll first need to take a few minutes to create a free Extensiv trial account. Once your Extensiv account is created, and you’ve logged in, set up Katana (either as an order source or order destination) with our step-by-step guide. Once the Katana setup is complete, adjust your ShipStation setting in Extensiv through this guide. What is Extensiv Integration Manager? Extensiv Integration Manager specializes in integrations, with a specific focus on creating integrated solutions for order management. Through Extensiv, you can integrate Katana with hundreds of e-commerce, WMS, OMS, and shipping platforms. Learn more about Extensiv Integration Manager and sign-up for a free 30-day trial. What’s up next? The collection of what integrates with Katana continues to grow each week, so stay tuned for what we’ll have in store next. Happy integrating!

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> Downtime in manufacturing can sabotage a business or prevent further crises. Here you’ll learn all about the pros and cons of downtime.

- Published: 2023-02-21
- Modified: 2024-03-25
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/downtime-in-manufacturing/
- Categories: Business tips

Downtime in manufacturing can sabotage a business or prevent further crises. Read on to learn all about the pros and cons of downtime. Downtime in manufacturing can be a serious issue. It can be damaging to a business’ reputation, efficiency, and bottom line. If left unchecked, downtime can cause serious issues such as compromised staff safety, loss of business, or even data breaches. Downtime can be triggered by equipment failures, material issues, or even a shortage of operators — all of which means that scheduled production must halt. While production downtime can happen for many reasons, the key is identifying these causes and implementing systems to prevent them from happening again. Interestingly, planned downtime can help to reduce the risk of unplanned downtime and should be a core part of any manufacturing company’s strategy. In this article, you'll find out some of the common causes of unplanned downtime, how to calculate the cost of downtime in manufacturing, and ultimately, how to reduce downtime in manufacturing. What is downtime in manufacturing? Downtime in manufacturing is exactly what it sounds like – when a company’s manufacturing process stops. Downtime in manufacturing can be planned and thus beneficial, so on the flip side, unplanned downtime is considered unnecessary and disruptive. Some people use the term machine downtime simply when a piece of equipment, machine, or entire manufacturing system is not functioning. This may refer to a planned or unplanned stop. As we have already mentioned, there are two types of manufacturing downtime: Unplanned downtime — which can be troublesome Scheduled downtime — which can be beneficial It is important to look at the causes of downtime to recognize disruptive patterns, prevent them, and improve manufacturing processes as a whole. Some of the causes of downtime in production might be: Inadequate maintenance is often the most prolific cause of downtime in machinery, and it can be very easily fixed. Many companies use AI software to identify when maintenance and inspections should be carried out to minimize disruptions. Hardware failure is another common problem for manufacturers. Machine components such as sensors, fans, belts, pumps or motors can fail, or jams can occur within the system. Ensuring that skilled operators and technicians with replacement parts are on-site reduces delays in getting the manufacturing machinery up and running again. Delays in material can be another issue faced by manufacturers. If a core material has not arrived on-site in time, then manufacturing obviously must stop. Keeping tight control over supply times and production can help to lessen this problem. Human error must be cited as one of the possible causes of production downtime. Mistakes are sometimes made on production lines, changeovers between shifts can be too slow, or key personnel could be unexpectedly absent. All of these could cause unplanned downtime and significant delays in manufacturing. Suppose you can review these factors and develop a clear understanding of what is causing the greatest delays to your manufacturing process. In that case, you can put new systems in place to make it operate...

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> Extensiv Integration Manager (previously CartRover) is your answer for integrating with all of those useful apps that make life easier. Learn more.

- Published: 2023-02-15
- Modified: 2023-03-02
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/extensiv/
- Categories: Product updates

Extensiv Integration Manager (previously known as CartRover) provides an expansive list of integrations that can easily connect to Katana. In an effort to bring you an even more diverse and expansive experience, CartRover has rebranded and become the new and more powerful Extensiv Integration Manager. What CartRover already offered Before the rebrand, CartRover already made it possible to both import data into Katana as well as integrate with various eCommerce platforms. This made it possible to: Import sales orders and customer-related data from e-commerce store directly to Katana Sync updated inventory levels from Katana to your online store Choose whether or not to import order-related data from your online store to Katana (when no matching products are found) The improved Extensiv Integration Manager In addition to what was already possible as CartRover, Extensiv Integration Manager gives you the ability to use Katana as an order source and send order information from Katana to other apps. This new capability opens up the opportunity to integrate with a whole new world of apps, further expanding what you can do with Katana. For example, you can effortlessly connect to 3PL services and shipping providers. Current CartRover users If you already use CartRover, you should receive (or have already received) an email from Extensiv with further instructions on how to access the login experience. If you’re unable to find this email or are struggling with the login process, please reach out to their support at support-im@extensiv. com. Initial setup If you’re new to Extensiv Integration Manager, don’t worry, as creating a setup between Katana and Extensiv takes only a couple of simple steps. There are two different ways that the integration can be setup, depending on the functionality you need — Katana as the order source or order destination. Head to our Knowledge Base to find more details about each setup. What’s up next? When it comes to integrations, there can never be enough, so you can be sure the Katana team will continue to add more and more integrations as time goes by. So stay tuned for what we’ll have in store next. Happy integrating!

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> Negative inventory in QuickBooks can cause many issues. Learn how to fix it and how to prevent negative stock in QuickBooks.

- Published: 2023-02-15
- Modified: 2024-05-24
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/negative-inventory-quickbooks/
- Categories: Accounting, Inventory management

Negative inventory in QuickBooks is a common occurrence. But it can cause a lot of issues if it's not addressed. Learn how to fix it and prevent negative stock in QuickBooks from happening. Imagine you're running a lovely little gift shop selling all kinds of wonderful trinkets. An order comes in one day for 3 burgundy ones. You check your inventory status on QuickBooks Online and notice the available quantity shows -2. You inform the customer about the supply issues and tell them that delivery may take an additional two weeks. Some time later, you go to your storage room and notice 4 burgundy trinkets prominently displayed on the shelf. What just happened? "Why is my QuickBooks balance negative," you ask nobody in particular. If you've been in a similar situation, you've come to the right place. This article looks into negative stock in QuickBooks, how and why it occurs, and how to prevent negative inventory when using QuickBooks. But first, let's go over some of the basics. What is negative inventory in QuickBooks, and how to identify it? Negative inventory in QuickBooks refers to a situation where the recorded quantity of an item in a company's QuickBooks inventory system is less than zero. In other words, it means that the company has sold more units of an item than it has in stock. Negative inventory in QuickBooks can happen for various reasons such as incorrect data entry or errors in tracking sales. Here are four ways you can identify it: Regularly review inventory reports — Reviewing inventory reports in your accounting or inventory management software regularly helps you identify any negative values. Compare sales and stock levels — Compare the number of items sold with the number in stock. If the number of items sold exceeds the number in stock, it could indicate inventory levels below zero. Check for incorrect data entry — Verify the accuracy of data entry by reviewing transaction records such as sales invoices, purchase orders, and stock adjustments. Conduct physical inventory counts — Doing physical stocktakes in your inventory can help you reconcile discrepancies and identify any negative stock levels. By regularly monitoring your inventory levels and conducting checks, you can effectively identify and resolve possible issues in your business before they become a problem. Problems caused by negative inventory in QuickBooks So first things first, can your stock go negative in QuickBooks? Yes, it can, and it may cause a range of issues for a company. Let's dive a bit deeper into the five more impactful problems that can occur when your inventory drops below zero: Incorrect financial statements — If the quantity of items on hand does not match the amount recorded, your cost of goods sold and other financial metrics will be inaccurate. Stockouts and lost sales — Incorrect inventory levels can result in stockouts, where a company runs out of an item to sell even though it has recorded sales for that item. This can result in lost sales and frustrated customers....

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- Published: 2023-02-15
- Modified: 2023-02-15
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/tekpon-best-ecommerce/
- Categories: Company News

Tekpon, a software marketplace helping reduce software waste has recognised Katana as one of the best eCommerce software companies today It’s always a thrill to be given your flowers around valentine’s day, and that’s no different for Katana. Tekpon have named us on their list of the “Best 10 eCommerce Software Companies” in the category of inventory management, and unsurprisingly, we’ll happily agree with them.   You can read Tekpon’s full best of eCommerce list to see who joined Katana in the other nine spots, and check out best inventory management software within the Tekpon marketplace. And you can see Katana in Tekpon’s marketplace here.   About Tekpon Tekpon is a software marketplace born out of the genuine desire to help people change how they consume and purchase software products and services. Behind Tekpon is a team of enthusiastic tech lovers who want to allow users to boost their lives and businesses with the right software. Furthermore, its mission is to help people and businesses make the right software choice. Tekpon is the solution to all your software needs. If you don't believe it, visit https://tekpon. com/. What’s coming in 2023 for Katana? We’ve started 2023 with a bang, already releasing updates for our QuickBooks Online integration and our API webhooks. But there’s a lot more on the horizon:  We’ll continue improving and upgrading our integration with QuickBooks Online Serial numbers for finished products will be available from spring, and will also be available for components from later in the year And we’re adding inventory and manufacturing insights to our already-successful sales reporting feature Keep your eyes on our product updates as more new features are released, and follow us across social media to learn more about day-to-day life in one of the 10 best eCommerce software companies!  

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> Get products out to your customers faster while keeping your shop floor tidy using the new partial completion of manufacturing orders feature.

- Published: 2023-02-14
- Modified: 2023-02-14
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/partially-completed-manufacturing-orders/
- Categories: Product updates

Improve customer satisfaction by getting products on big orders out as soon as they're ready by partially completing manufacturing orders. Have you found yourself finishing a large batch of products, but it only makes up half (or even less) of the total quantity needed for a manufacturing order (MO)? Having manufacturing orders that are partially finished, but stuck in limbo is a problem that manufacturers often encounter. When this happens it delays delivery and forces manufacturers to track what has been manufactured to avoid over or under manufacturing products while maintaining warehouse and stock levels. To help you manage these situations, Katana has rolled out an update that allows you to partially complete manufacturing orders! Benefits of partially completed manufacturing orders Partially completing a MO makes it possible to divide larger orders into parts. Separating the completion of an order increases your manufacturing floor's efficiency by allowing you to pack and deliver the finished goods without waiting until the entire MO is ready to ship. For those manufacturers who tend to create products in large quantities, the time to fully complete a manufacturing order is often longer than desired and the finished products just collect dust on the shop floor instead of being sent to the warehouse. In these scenarios, you could simply partially complete a MO, ship the finished goods to the warehouse (or directly to the customer), and continue manufacturing the rest of the products. This way, finished products don't sit in your inventory and take up valuable floor space. As a bonus, you can now use larger batch sizes for manufacturing orders without manually splitting MOs when you need to deliver already manufactured products. Partial completion use cases Example 1: You have a make-to-order sales order (SO) for 10 shirts and you've already finished 6 of them, but the rest still need more time. If you're facing a tight schedule, you'll want to ship products as soon as possible. With the new feature, you can Partially complete the MO and pack and deliver the 6 shirts. Your client receives part of their order early, and your stock is more organized. Once the other 4 shirts are done, you can complete the MO and send the remaining shirts to the customer. Example 2: You've got a make-to-stock order for 10 shirts, connected to two sales orders: one for 2 shirts, the other for 4. Using the new feature, you could Partially complete the MO to have 5 shirts in stock. Then, Deliver all on the first SO to ship 2 shirts and complete the order. With the second SO, you can choose to Deliver some and ship the 3 shirts remaining in stock. When the last shirt is ready, choose Deliver all to close the final SO. Partially completing a manufacturing order All open manufacturing orders can now be updated to Partially complete or Done.  If you choose Partially complete, the MO stays open and Katana will ask for the Completed quantity and the product's completion. In the MO card, you can now find Planned and Completed tabs showing the completed and planned quantities of the products, ingredients, operations, and additional info. Once the MO...

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> A how-to guide on setting up QuickBooks production scheduling with third-party integrations, including screenshots and examples.

- Published: 2023-02-03
- Modified: 2024-06-19
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/production-scheduling-software-for-quickbooks/
- Categories: Accounting, Business tips

Are you using QuickBooks Online for your accounting? It’s a good tool, but wouldn’t it be great if it could help you with other tasks too? QuickBooks is an ecosystem of tools to keep all your bookkeeping in one system. It can track expenses and income, handle tax liabilities and manage company payroll. As a manufacturer, it’s essential to have your finances under control and QuickBooks helps you take care of that. Another responsibility most manufacturers have is scheduling their production process — ensuring that your business runs like a well-oiled machine and every task gets done on time. This has probably left you wondering if QuickBooks can do production scheduling.   Does QuickBooks have a scheduling system? The truth is that there’s no scheduling software for QuickBooks. QuickBooks Desktop and Online are primarily designed as accounting solutions with a focus on managing financial transactions, reporting, and budgeting. Some QuickBooks production scheduling add-ons, like QuickBooks Time, allow users to implement time-tracking software.   QuickBooks Enterprise includes advanced inventory management features, such as tracking inventory levels and costs, creating purchase orders, and generating sales orders. However, it too does not have all the advanced production planning and scheduling features found in specialized manufacturing software.   So, how exactly do other manufacturers bridge this gap? Many turn to third-party integrations such as Katana, which allows them to sync apps to use QuickBooks Online (QBO) for bookkeeping, and Katana as a manufacturing software that also offers manufacturing scheduling, among many other features. Katana’s native QBO integration creates an all-in-one system where you can manage all aspects of your business. Imagine having to jump back and forth between different software to get something done. Not only is it a waste of time, but it’s also a major inconvenience. Katana’s QBO integration fixes that issue, increases the efficiency of your manufacturing, and gives you the tools to start implementing QuickBooks visual production scheduling.   https://youtu. be/G9XDe7DfF2g Try production scheduling with Katana Book a demo to get all your questions answered regarding Katana’s features, integrations, pricing, and more. Get a demo What should I look for when integrating production scheduling software with QuickBooks? There are several elements to keep in mind when integrating QuickBooks with production scheduling software: Data compatibility: The software should be able to easily import and export data from QuickBooks, including inventory, customer, and vendor information Real-time synchronization: The software should be able to synchronize data in real time so that changes made in one system are automatically reflected in the other Automated data entry: The software should be able to automate data entry, such as creating invoices and purchase orders in QuickBooks, based on production schedule data Advanced inventory management: The software should have advanced inventory management capabilities, such as tracking inventory levels, managing stockouts, and generating purchase orders Production scheduling features: The software should have robust production scheduling features, such as bill of materials, routing, capacity planning, and shop floor control Reporting and analytics: The software should provide detailed reports and analytics on...

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> Mistakes happen, which is fine, but they need to be corrected. Learn how to make a QuickBooks inventory adjustment for the Online version.

- Published: 2023-02-03
- Modified: 2024-06-19
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/quickbooks-inventory-adjustment/
- Categories: Accounting, Inventory management

If you experience a change in your inventory that isn’t related to buying or selling goods, you will need to adjust inventory in QuickBooks. This article will give you a quick overview of making QuickBooks inventory adjustment without creating accounting errors. Getting a gift from a friend, accidentally knocking over and breaking your favorite vase, leaving a carton of milk in the fridge too long, and having to throw it out ­— what do all of these things have in common? In these cases, you’ve either gained or lost something without buying or selling anything. There’s no use crying over spilled milk, but the difference between spilling a glass of it in your own kitchen and spilling a container in your warehouse (apart from the quantity, of course) is that you have to account for it. But it’s not enough to just write off the milk container from your inventory. If done incorrectly, it can lead to inaccuracies in your accounting. For example, the milk might be mistakenly assumed to have been sold instead of lost, which can lead to greater tax liability. This is where QuickBooks inventory adjustment comes in. QuickBooks Online with advanced inventory features Feel like your business is outgrowing QuickBooks Online? Integrate with Katana's cloud inventory platform to improve efficiency and eliminate human errors. Get a demo QuickBooks and accounting inventory adjustments As you might have picked up in the introduction, inventory adjustments are corrections made to your inventory based on changes. An inventory adjustment can be an increase in your stock levels or a decrease. There's a bit of specialized language involved when making inventory adjustments. Let's go over some terminology used for inventory adjustment in QuickBooks Online. What is adjusting entry for inventory? An adjusting entry for inventory is a journal entry that is meant to correct any discrepancies between the recorded inventory and the actual inventory. It is done at the end of an accounting period, once you've finished your final inventory count, as you might need to update your books to reflect the actual inventory on-hand. What is inventory quantity adjustment in QuickBooks Online? An inventory quantity adjustment is essentially exactly what it sounds like: adjusting the actual quantity of inventory items in order to match any changes that have occurred. An inventory quantity adjustment can be made manually in QuickBooks Online Plus and Advanced without needing to record a sale or purchase. How do I record inventory adjustments in QuickBooks Online? Here's a step-by-step breakdown of how you can manually adjust inventory quantity in QuickBooks Online Advanced or Plus: Start by clicking the Gear icon on the top right in QuickBooks Select Products and services You should see a page including all of your inventory items. Find the item you wish to adjust, then either double-click or select Edit under the Action column. Go to the Product/Service information section to your right. You'll be able to find the quantity of item you have available in the Quantity on hand section. Right...

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> Lately, there has been talk of QuickBooks discontinuing its Desktop version. This blog will answer your questions and settle the score once and for all.

- Published: 2023-02-02
- Modified: 2024-03-28
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/is-quickbooks-desktop-being-phased-out/
- Categories: Accounting, Business tips

QuickBooks Desktop is an industry leader in accounting software. Its numerous add-ons and features make it part of everyday work for over 5 million users worldwide. But is QuickBooks discontinuing its desktop version? Keep reading to learn more. You’ve probably already heard that QuickBooks Desktop wants to take a break. And we all know what that means — a breakup is inevitable. From here on, you have two choices: curl up on your couch, dive into a tub of ice cream, and binge on Sandra Bullock movies. Or find yourself a rebound, get back on that QuickBooks horse and ride off into the sunset with QuickBooks Online.   Is QuickBooks discontinuing Desktop version?   Many users have been wondering if QuickBooks Desktop is going away forever. The short answer: no. The long answer: Intuit are sunsetting some versions of QuickBooks Desktop (QBD), and it might be possible for some users to keep accessing it —though it is not recommended. From May 31st, 2023, Intuit will stop supporting these QuickBooks Desktop 2020 versions:  QuickBooks Desktop Pro 2020  QuickBooks Desktop Premier 2020  QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions 20  QuickBooks Premier Accountant Edition 2020  QuickBooks Enterprise Accountant 20. 0  That means you will lose all add-ons, including the popular Payroll Service, and there will be no more updates or critical fixes. Intuit has stated that QuickBooks Desktop is being phased out gradually, and they eventually want to move entirely to QuickBooks Online (QBO). It’s easier to maintain one web-based platform that all users can utilize instead of building different products to fit specific requirements.   Important: Another aspect to keep in mind is that QuickBooks Desktop will be discontinued for the UK as of June 30th, 2023. This is caused by the changes in tax and accounting regulations, which will continue to change in the future. Can you still buy a desktop version of QuickBooks?   The recent news of QBD 2020 losing support has left users questioning — will there be a QuickBooks Desktop 2023? The good news is yes — QuickBooks Desktop Premier Plus 2023 was released in September 2022. There are changes in the subscription policy and prices, but the main thing is that there is a new version available, and for those who still don’t want to move to the Online software, QBD 2023 is an option. There are also those who have been curious whether there is a QuickBooks Desktop 2022. QBD 2022 was indeed released in September 2021, introducing subscription-only pricing. If you’re on a budget and don’t necessarily need all the new features that QBD 2023 offers, then the 2022 version is an alternative. In comparison, QBO yearly plans start from $180, whereas QBD yearly prices start from $549. Taking into account also the extra features that the Online version offers, it’s safe to say that Intuit really wants you to move over to QBO sooner rather than later. How to move over to QuickBooks Online?   Once you’ve weighed the pros and cons and decided that QBO...

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> QuickBooks vs. ERP software - is it a matter of one or the other, or is there no contest? Find out which software is best for manufacturers.

- Published: 2023-02-02
- Modified: 2024-06-19
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/quickbooks-vs-erp/
- Categories: Accounting, Inventory management, Manufacturing

QuickBooks and ERP software are both systems that manufacturers use to manage their production and bookkeeping. This article will explore the difference between the two and answer whether or not QuickBooks can be considered an ERP system. Choosing the right tools to manage your business can take time and effort. You’ll be met with many options, such as choosing the right ERP or accounting software. This is why for many manufacturing businesses looking for a solution, it often comes down to one of two options: QuickBooks vs. ERP software You might already be using QuickBooks Online and find that it’s become a little too limiting as your needs have grown. But the prospect of switching from QuickBooks to an ERP system might seem a little daunting due to the potential costs and headaches involved. However, there is another option, getting set up with both. In this article, you’ll learn more about QuickBooks Online, ERP software, and other potential solutions. Empower your QBO with manufacturing software Integrate QuickBooks Online with your manufacturing ERP to improve efficiency and eliminate human errors. Get a demo What is an ERP system? ERP systems are specialized software used to manage the day-to-day operations of a business. Different ERP systems can come with different features. However, almost all come with the essentials needed for running a manufacturing business, including: Live inventory management Shop floor control Production planning End-to-end traceability Purchase order management The main takeaway here is that there’s a lot you can do with ERP systems, and they are designed specifically to be used for managing your entire business, from your manufacturing needs to human resources. What is QuickBooks? QuickBooks is an accounting software that lets you track inventory in real time if you’re on the correct plans, all the while helping you keep an eye on your income and expenses, invoices, payroll, and so on, without having to update everything manually constantly. What are the different versions of QuickBooks? There are several different versions and add-ons for QuickBooks, but let's focus on the three main ones you’ll want to know if you’re using QuickBooks as an alternative to ERP: QuickBooks Online — like the name suggests, is the web-based version of QuickBooks and can be accessed through the internet QuickBooks Desktop — has to be installed onto your computer, and can be locally accessed if you aren’t connected to the web QuickBooks Enterprise — is basically QuickBooks ERP system. This software has some of the features you might find in your average ERP software, such as advanced inventory management and job costing It’s important to check out the difference between QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Desktop to understand which is better suited to your business needs. Important note — Services and updates for QuickBooks Desktop 2020 will be discontinued on May 31st 2023. If you are using QBDT 2020, you’ll need to switch to QuickBooks Online or a version of QuickBooks Desktop currently supported by Intuit, such as QBDT 2023. Switching from QuickBooks Desktop to Online Wondering if you need to...

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> Here are the leading manufacturing industries in the US by state, including the largest employers and cities with the most employees.

- Published: 2023-01-31
- Modified: 2023-01-31
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/manufacturing-industry-in-the-us/
- Categories: Business tips, Top lists

Here are the leading manufacturing industries in the US by state, including the largest employers and cities with the most employees. Quick facts about the manufacturing industry in the US In this article, you’ll learn how: Salmon harvesters in Alaska caught so much fish in 2019 that the weight exceeded that of The Empire State Building In 2020, small businesses in California made up 96% of the state's exports  Printing and publishing industry growth shrunk by 10. 9% from 2010 to 2020 Over 16 years, the employment rate from lumber and wood products fell by 15% Wyoming has a third of the total uranium reserves in the US Wages for manufacturing workers in Mississippi are 45% lower than the national average In 2020, the number of manufacturing employees in the US reached 12,182,000. However, if you know anything about manufacturing, then you know that this industry is extremely diverse. That is why we have looked into all the different manufacturing industries in the US and uncovered which sector employs the most workers in which state. Below you can use the interactive map to see the most dominant industry in each state. The largest industries in the US By Katana As you can see from the map above, food and kindred products make up the majority of manufacturing in the US. However, just because an industry is the most present in a certain state, doesn't mean businesses from the industry employ the most workers. Below, you can find the biggest manufacturing employers in each state. The biggest manufacturing employers in the US By Katana Food and kindred products are the most manufactured items in the US As already mentioned, America’s manufacturing landscape is a diverse one. However, the most popular consumer goods produced in the manufacturing industry are food and kindred. But, take Delaware for example — yes, the biggest employers are chemical and allied product producers. But the award for the industry for the most employed once again goes to food processing, coming in at 29%. So, by using the maps above, you can see which manufacturing industries are the largest and which businesses employ the most workers. But what about employment by cities? Below is a table detailing the number of employees in US cities working in the manufacturing field. The cities with the most manufacturing employees *Data is an estimate and subject to change Source:MNI. net Texans love to make things In 2019, manufacturing industries employed around 900,000 Texans, generating $241 billion for Texas’ GDP. To put that GDP contribution into perspective, this economic output is larger than both Russia’s and Mexico’s manufacturing GDP. In this article, we take an in-depth look at the top industries in 10 different states, exploring why these particular industries dominate the manufacturing landscape in these states or investigating their decline in some instances. So, without further ado, let's dive in. 1. Food and kindred products — Alaska Alaska's food and kindred products industry accounts for a whopping 56% of employment for the entire state in the manufacturing...

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> Looking for QuickBooks integration with Shopify to take your business to the next level? Here are the 5 best on the Shopify marketplace.

- Published: 2023-01-27
- Modified: 2024-02-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/quickbooks-shopify-integration/
- Categories: Accounting, Ecommerce, Manufacturing, Top lists

Looking for QuickBooks integration with Shopify to take your business to the next level? Here are the 5 best on the Shopify marketplace. Among the handful of tried-and-true methods business owners can use to reduce costs and increase margins, one stands above the rest in 2023: Optimization Making simple business processes more efficient can be a great way to both increase profits and drive customer satisfaction. For those running online stores through Shopify, integrating the platform with QuickBooks can be one of the most effective ways to accomplish this. By linking inventory, sales, and other records from Shopify to QuickBooks, businesses can quickly generate accurate financial reports that can be used for budgeting, forecasting, and more.   In this article, we’ll explore five of the best solutions for linking your store with QuickBooks. 5 Apps for QuickBooks integration with Shopify Do a quick search of QuickBooks on the Shopify app store, and you'll get nearly 100 results. We've combed through them all to find the five best options for integrating the two platforms. 1. Katana Cloud Inventory Katana's cloud inventory platform is an all-in-one solution for businesses looking to automate their operations and optimize their resources. With Katana’s Shopify QuickBooks integration for inventory, stores can connect directly to sync product information, orders, and other data between the two platforms. Katana also provides real-time insights into your store’s performance so you can make more informed decisions about how to manage your business. Additionally, users of this app will benefit from features like automated workflows and one-click reporting that makes it easy to stay on top of financials without having to manually enter data into QuickBooks. Top benefits Removes human error, allowing for more accurate records Full enterprise resource planning functionality Real-time insights to optimize sales, manufacturing, and operations Price: From $129/month App store rating: 4. 9 stars 2. QuickBooks Online Global The official integration from Intuit, QuickBooks Online Global provides businesses with a direct connection between Shopify and QuickBooks Online. The app allows users to sync their product, customer, and order information from Shopify directly into QuickBooks to generate reports quickly and accurately. The integration also includes features like automatic sales tax calculation for each transaction, as well as the ability to create invoices in bulk from orders in your store. Finally, this app is ideal for multi-channel sellers who need to sync data across multiple platforms for accurate reporting.   Note that it does not have inventory management capabilities. Top benefits Maximize tax deductions Easily sync sales data Quickly import new products Price: Free, with existing QuickBooks Online subscription App store rating: 4. 9 stars 3. QuickBooks Daily Summary Sync From Bookkeep, QuickBooks Daily Summary Sync allows Shopify users to synchronize their sales and customer data with QuickBooks each day. It also can sync financial data with Xero and Intacct, meaning businesses can manage their finances across multiple platforms without having to manually enter data into each one.   No more struggling to keep the books up to date with detailed and accurate information! Top benefits Automatically sync sales data from Shopify into QuickBooks each day Generate detailed reports in the format...

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> Advanced planning and scheduling systems help optimize your manufacturing operations and take your production to the next level.

- Published: 2023-01-19
- Modified: 2024-06-19
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/advanced-planning-and-scheduling/
- Categories: Business tips, Manufacturing

Optimize your manufacturing operations and take your production planning and process scheduling to the next level with an advanced planning and scheduling (APS) system. Your manufacturing business is flourishing, and you are considering expanding your product line and production capacity. Now, although you have all the resources to set up another manufacturing plant, building more production capacity haphazardly simply leads to chaos and is a sure-shot way to production hell. In situations like these, you need a system to plan and set goals for your company. Once plans are charted, you need to translate them into detailed steps for your teams across your production floors. This is exactly what advanced planning and scheduling systems help you achieve by first helping you plan the big picture and then generating detailed schedules in line with the plans. In this article, we cover everything you need to know about advanced planning and scheduling systems so that you can make an informed decision when it comes to implementing one for your workflows. Automatic production plans and scheduling with Katana manufacturing ERP software Thousands of manufacturers trust Katana to manage their day-to-day operations, allowing them to focus on growing their business. Get a demo What is an APS system? Advanced planning and scheduling (APS) is a manufacturing management process that helps you to deal with production planning and shop floor scheduling. APS systems employ advanced algorithms to balance various variables in the production process, such as demand and capacity, to create achievable production schedules. It is well known that the number of variables that influence the efficiency of your production processes goes up exponentially with higher production capacity and an expanding product range. It becomes humanly impossible to optimize your manufacturing processes — this is when you can employ advanced planning and scheduling to solve this complex problem of optimization. APS systems can be used as a standalone solution to create strategic long-mid-term plans and detailed sequencing and scheduling for the short term. Sometimes they come bundled with a manufacturing enterprise resource planning (ERP), as is the case with Katana. The bundling can equip your business with a comprehensive set of digital tools to tackle the complexities of production. Before we venture into the deeper waters of “advanced” planning and scheduling, let’s take a step back and understand the basics of planning and scheduling. Manufacturing planning Manufacturing planning involves thinking strategically about the goals for your business and essentially coming up with a “plan” to achieve the goal. This translates to first understanding the value that you bring to your customers. Interestingly, knowing the value your business brings is the first principle of lean manufacturing. As a simple example, let’s assume that you are in the automobile manufacturing space, and your cars are known to have the best mileage in their class. So your planning process should start by first cementing your ideas about the business and what your customers buy your products for, which in your case happens to be mileage. The next step in planning involves answering questions about the...

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> Utilize Katana webhooks to build automations and optimize existing integrations — now available for products, materials, and variants. Learn more.

- Published: 2023-01-18
- Modified: 2023-01-19
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/webhooks-for-po/
- Categories: Product updates

Implement webhooks for orders, inventory, products, and more, or use them for easily creatable custom integrations and automation. Katana recently released API endpoints to enable you to easily access all your data (from sales to manufacturing), making custom workflows and integrations a breeze. To go along with this, we've also released webhook access inventory and sales, purchase, and manufacturing orders as well as an endpoint for webhook logs. To keep your product data in sync between Katana and any other product information management systems you're using (e-commerce platform, marketplace, or CRM), we’ve also introduced webhooks for products, materials, variants, and product recipes. The latest Katana update enables users to utilize webhooks for product recipes and keep their product recipe data in sync between Katana and other systems. The benefits of webhooks Webhooks offer an easy way to receive live programmatic notifications for changes to your data. Webhooks are especially useful if you're running an app that needs real-time information from Katana. With the latest improvements, our API users have more transparency into their development process through a new endpoint for webhook logs. This endpoint allows you to query up to a month of webhooks logs and receive the logs back as a CSV file. Types of Katana webhooks Katana webhooks are divided into four categories to make real-time integration and workflow customization more comprehensive: Manufacturing orders Inventory Sales orders Purchase orders Webhooks for manufacturing orders (MOs) and inventory enable you to: Sync inventory levels from Katana to an e-commerce or marketplace platform, CRM, and more Send updates about MOs to an MES or a machine Send a notification if: A product or material is out of stock A MO or specific MO operation is complete There is an issue blocking manufacturing (alert for a production manager) Ingredients for a MO become available Webhooks for Katana sales orders (SOs) allow you to: Sync sales order statuses between Katana and an e-commerce platform Automatically update fulfillment locations Receive notifications regarding SO creation, updates, and deletions We also introduced webhooks for purchase orders (POs) and outsourced purchase orders (OPOs) that allow you to build up workflows such as: Sending POs and OPOs to a third-party app and reporting back to it once items are received Sending notifications if the expected arrival date of a PO or OPO is changed or when items are received (partially or fully) at a warehouse We’ve also created webhooks for products, materials, variants, and the newest — product recipes.  These webhooks can trigger real-time updates for items while also being useful for any integration that keeps product data in sync with Katana such as: E-commerce platforms Marketplaces CRMs Product recipes, as the newest webhooks available, allow you to keep product recipe data in sync between Katana and other systems: Sending notifications when a product recipe is created, updated or deleted Syncing BOMs between Katana and e-commerce softwares Sending updated recipes to MES In addition to the new webhooks, we recently added a new endpoint that allows gathering information about all inventory movements...

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> Learn how visual manufacturing barcodes can increase efficiency in your business and start implementing them today. Read more and sign up for a free trial.

- Published: 2023-01-18
- Modified: 2024-05-22
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/barcode-systems-for-manufacturing/
- Categories: Business tips, Manufacturing

Barcodes are like signatures on your products that help clarify certain information about the item to speed up manufacturing processes. Keep reading to learn how barcodes can help you raise the bar for your business. If you happen to be running a manufacturing business, chances are that you have a warehouse to keep in order. Wouldn’t it be nice if, instead of manually entering all your products into some inventory management system, you could just wave a wand and have all these items magically documented? Well, look no further because a magic wand like this does exist — it’s called a barcode scanner.   In the beginning, business owners want to do everything manually, crunch the numbers twice just to be sure, and go over all the documents. But, as orders grew and the business scaled, it became too time-consuming to continue this analytic tradition. This is the moment successful companies turned to technology for help. Sure, AI and robots might not be at that level for world domination, but they can certainly help you as you aim to take over the world with your fantastic products. The best way to streamline your workflow is to digitize tasks and automate as many processes as possible. One of the ways to do that is to label your products with barcodes and start scanning them. You’ve undoubtedly seen the little stripy pictures on packages, everyone seems to be using them — and for a good reason. Here’s all you need to know to start implementing a manufacturing barcode tracking system in your business. What are barcodes? How do they work?   Barcodes are little visual elements consisting of numbers and lines that can entail various types of data. They can be used to identify products in retail or to label documents for accounting purposes.   Barcodes can be scanned using a barcode reader, which translates the visual element into data. The codes are divided into standards based on build: 1D and 2D. Both of these need different types of scanners. What is WMS barcode? Sometimes barcode systems are referred to as WMS (warehouse management system) barcodes, which do precisely what the name says — help manage your warehouse.   How are barcodes used in manufacturing?   There are a few areas of business where you can really benefit from barcode scanning:  Inventory management  Batch tracking  Accounting   Cooperation across teams  Quality assurance   But how exactly can a tiny little element affect your business that much?    Inventory management  Accept supply deliveries and allow tracking of finished products by just scanning them. It will significantly speed up your inventory tasks like receiving materials from partners, identifying existing items, and shipping out deliveries.    No more manually adjusting spreadsheets or picklists, simply scan the barcode on a product and automatically update its quantity to the correct value.   Batch tracking   If you ever need to trace a product to its original batch or even find the particular components that were used, all you need to do...

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> Keep your accounting up to date by issuing separate invoices whenever a sales order is separated into multiple deliveries. Learn more.

- Published: 2023-01-12
- Modified: 2023-02-15
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/qbo-partial-invoicing/
- Categories: Product updates

With the recent QuickBooks Online integration update, you can issue multiple invoices for any sales order shipped in numerous partial deliveries. Just a little while ago, we introduced a partial delivery functionality in Katana that allows you to partially pack and deliver sales orders, making it easier to manage orders and keep track of your stock. Today, we’re improving upon this functionality by making it possible to keep your invoicing in line with partial deliveries. What’s new This update opens up the ability to send multiple invoices to QuickBooks Online (QBO) from a single Katana sales order. With this new option, you’ll no longer need to create additional sales orders when separate invoices are required due to multiple deliveries. You can also avoid adjusting your invoices in QBO when only part of a sales order has been invoiced and delivered. From now on, you’ve got the freedom of choice — issue one invoice for a whole sales order or split deliveries between different invoices. In addition, credit memos will now automatically be issued for any parts of a sales order that is reverted. This means that the changes made in Katana to your sales orders will be instantly reflected in QBO. What’s coming up next? We’re already working on partial billing for the QuickBooks Online integration, allowing you to have separate bills for each part of a purchase order. In the meantime, if you have questions about this or any other update, send us a message via live chat or email us at support@katanamrp. com. Happy accounting!

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> QuickBooks Online vs. Desktop compared. See what the primary differences between QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Desktop are. Learn more here.

- Published: 2023-01-09
- Modified: 2024-05-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/quickbooks-online-vs-desktop/
- Categories: Accounting, Inventory management

QuickBooks Online vs. Desktop: head to head. QuickBooks is focusing their efforts on the online version, and they're nudging their customers over as well. See how these two platforms compare to each other, so you can prepare for the inevitable move over. If you've been using QuickBooks Desktop to manage your business finances, you likely have heard that Intuit is transitioning to QuickBooks Online as its preferred platform. You may have used the software for a long time and have been happy with it. In this case, you're probably not overly excited about this news. But what does it mean to you? Will you lose all your data and have to start from scratch? Do you have to start researching accounting tools and scrambling to find a new solution? In this article, we'll compare QuickBooks Desktop vs. Online and explore the pros and cons of each to see if this transition is a logical upgrade to a better platform or a painful endeavor with minimal benefits. QuickBooks Online vs. Desktop comparison Let's see how these two platforms compare in features, pricing, and reviews to help you decide on QuickBooks Online vs. Desktop in 2023. Below you'll find a QuickBooks Online vs. Desktop comparison chart showing the main differences between the platforms.

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> Manufacturing batch records are crucial documents for verifying quality in process manufacturing. Learn all about them here.

- Published: 2023-01-05
- Modified: 2024-05-22
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/batch-records/
- Categories: Business tips, Inventory management

Manufacturing batch records are crucial documents for verifying quality in chemical and process manufacturing. Here’s everything you need to know about them. There is an old saying used in the Food and Drug Administration and other compliance organizations: If it isn't written down, it didn't happen. " In the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry, this is especially true. Documentation is critical if a company is to follow current good manufacturing practice (cGMP) regulations. Batch manufacturing records (BMRs) are an important part of that documentation process. However, maintaining complete and accurate BMRs can be challenging without the proper systems in place. Below, we'll walk you through the different types of documents that you should be creating, why they are important, and what is included in each. Download the definitive guide to batch production Download our free ebook guide on batch production to learn more about the benefits, workflows, and software you need to get started. What is a batch? In pharmaceutical manufacturing, a batch is defined by the FDA as "a specific quantity of a drug or other material that is intended to have uniform character and quality, within specified limits, and is produced according to a single manufacturing order during the same cycle of manufacture. " For example, a company that is producing 100,000 pills of a certain medication would consider the entire 100,000-pill run to be one batch. Each pill is expected to be identical to the others in terms of the active ingredient, strength, and other specifications.   What is a batch record? A batch record is a comprehensive set of documents that outlines all aspects of the manufacturing process for a particular batch. It includes details about ingredients and supplies used, equipment settings, personnel involved, test results, and more. Types of batch records There are a few titles for these records that often are used interchangeably: Batch manufacturing records (BMRs) Batch production records (BPRs)  Master production records (MPRs)  However, each differs slightly in scope and function, so it is critical to understand the differences.   Batch manufacturing records This is the most comprehensive type of batch record. It includes all the data associated with the manufacturing process, from raw materials to finished products. This is used to track and document each step in production, including any deviations that occur along the way. Essentially, it is a roadmap and a ledger for the product's journey from raw ingredients to finished goods. It is instructional, serving as a guide for manufacturing the product. Batch production records A BPR is a subset of the BMR. It includes only information about the production, such as equipment settings and personnel involved. This record is used for tracking and documenting results rather than providing instructions for how it should be done.   A BPR checklist will contain: Overall information — The name of the product produced, batch size, license number, and location of manufacturing Ingredients — The quantity and source of raw materials used, along with any identification numbers Equipment — Classification and identification numbers of the machines used, along with maintenance documentation Production — The dates each...

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> Discrete vs process manufacturing: here, you’ll learn the differences between these processes and which might be best for your production.

- Published: 2022-12-23
- Modified: 2024-05-23
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/discrete-vs-process-manufacturing/
- Categories: Business tips

Discrete and process manufacturing are among the most commonly used manufacturing processes. But how to tell whether a product is made via discrete vs process manufacturing? There’s a chance you might be reading this article while having a little snack on the side (and if you aren’t, hopefully reading that didn’t just make you hungry). And, more than likely, you will be reading it from either a smart device or desktop. In either of those cases, you’re already enjoying and benefiting from products made via process and discrete manufacturing. But how to know which type of manufacturing is used in the creation of which products? In this article, we’ll look at how to distinguish between discrete manufacturing vs process manufacturing and figure out which one is more relevant to your needs. Discrete vs process manufacturing Discrete manufacturing produces individual items or products and is distinct from process manufacturing, which involves transforming raw materials into finished goods through a series of chemical, physical, or biological processes. Process manufacturing and discrete manufacturing are types of manufacturing that cover the production of a very diverse range of products. If you’re a manufacturer, chances are high that you use one or the other for your manufacturing process. Let’s go over each type of manufacturing, along with some examples of the goods they can produce. Discrete manufacturing The key feature of discrete manufacturing is that products are created as separate units. This means products made through discrete manufacturing are countable and made from individual components. The final product can often be reverted back into these components. For example, if you want to replace a component in order to fix a broken product.   Or, to put it simply, they’re the kind of things you have to put together from various bits and pieces rather than mix together in a lab. So, discrete manufacturing can actually apply to a very wide range of products. Discrete manufacturing can be applied to anything from massive automotive factories to cellphone manufacturers to artisan goods. So, goods made through discrete manufacturing would include: Cars Electronics Toys Tools Furniture Process manufacturing Goods made through process manufacturing use a recipe or formula to combine raw materials, supplies, or ingredients into the final product. Essentially, whatever raw materials are used in creating a product through process manufacturing cannot be retrieved from the final product once it’s been created. If that sounds a little confusing, perhaps an easy way to think about whether a product has been made through process manufacturing is to ask whether it has been made through a formula or recipe rather than assembled from components. Generally, goods created through process manufacturing are not created as single units (but they can be packaged and sold as individual units). For example, toothpaste is measured by its volume rather than as “one toothpaste”. However, after packaging the toothpaste into a tube, it can still be quantified and sold as a single unit. The range of products made via process manufacturing is just as extensive as discrete. Process manufacturing can include both complex...

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> Project management for manufacturing is an essential process for managing resources and reaching your goals. Read all about it here.

- Published: 2022-12-23
- Modified: 2024-05-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/project-management-for-manufacturing/
- Categories: Business tips, Top lists

Using project management for manufacturing is a great way to manage your time and resources efficiently while making sure you reach your goals in an efficient manner. You have manufacturing and production goals you want to reach. Maybe they are:  Introducing a new product to your catalog  Making your workplace more efficient Reducing waste in your manufacturing process To make sure that goal is reached, you need to plan and schedule your projects, outline the processes, and track each project from start to finish. This is where project management for manufacturing comes in. In this article, we’ll take a look at the steps involved in project management and how they can be applied to manufacturing. Complete control at your fingertips The Katana Shop Floor App gives manufacturers a real-time master planner and a clear communication channel to their operators from anywhere with an internet connection. Read more here What is a project? Projects are a series of tasks that have to be completed in order to reach a specific goal. A project can be basically anything, from building a house to writing a book to implementing new safety procedures in your production line. But the one thing that all projects have in common is that they involve some sort of plan in order to bring all of these tasks together. A plan that will hopefully one day come together to reach the goal outlined in the project.   But seeing that plan through requires a bit of effort and organization. This is where you can benefit from project management.   What is project management? Project management is essentially a way to keep your project on track and make sure all the smaller tasks and processes that are part of that project stay on schedule. It is meant to help you follow through with the project, so you actually make it to the finish line. Project management uses a mix of different methods, techniques, systems, software, and tools to make sure a project is completed. A specialized project management team or project manager will usually handle this. Almost every goal an individual or business wants to achieve needs project management. And your manufacturing projects are no different.   What does project management look like in manufacturing? Now that we have a basic understanding of project management as a whole, let’s get more specific here and take a look at project management in manufacturing. The exact details of project management for manufacturing are going to vary depending on your particular needs, such as what type of manufacturing process you use, the kind of goods you produce, and, most importantly, what kind of project you are actually hoping to complete. But there are still many commonalities here that we can bring out. For companies that deal with production or manufacturing, in the case of contract manufacturers, good project management can improve risk management, reduce waste, improve overall efficiency on the production line, and overall, just help make sure you can see your manufacturing projects through to completion. The five...

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> In pharmaceuticals or chemicals, manufacturers need to understand the different regulations. Here is GMP vs GLP to help you understand these.

- Published: 2022-12-22
- Modified: 2024-05-23
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/gmp-vs-glp/
- Categories: Business tips

In pharmaceuticals or chemicals, manufacturers need to understand the different regulations. Here is GMP vs GLP to help you understand these. The manufacturing industry is filled with initialisms. Most of them have to do with regulations and standards that manufacturers must follow.  GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) and GLP (Good Laboratory Practice) are two of the most important, but they’re often confused with one another. For companies producing food, pharmaceutical, or medical products, understanding the difference between GLP and GMP is essential for meeting regulatory requirements. Below, we will take a high-level look at each and then examine some of the specific requirements that have been put in place.   Manage quality control and compliance tasks Read how pharmaceutical manufacturing software helps you stay focused. Pharmaceutical manufacturing software GMP vs GLP: An overview Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) is a set of guidelines that ensures that products are manufactured consistently, with quality in mind. This includes:  Documenting processes and procedures  Developing personnel training and qualifications standards  Establishing clear communication between departments  And more  You will sometimes see it referred to as Current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP), which focuses on the ever-changing landscape of technology. While GMP is a set of fundamental requirements, cGMP is constantly updating to reflect the most recent standards.   Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) is the counterpart to GMP. It focuses on ensuring the reliability of laboratory tests by laying out specific requirements for:  Documentation  Record-keeping  Personnel qualifications and training  Equipment maintenance  Calibration records  GLP also requires laboratories to apply their protocols uniformly across all experiments conducted in any given lab. This helps ensure uniformity among different labs worldwide.   An easy way to remember the difference between cGMP/GLP/GMP: GLP is meant to protect against data contamination GMP is meant to protect against product contamination cGMP is meant to keep that protection up-to-date as technology changes Let's take a closer look at the specific requirements of GMP vs GLP.   GLP in the pharmaceutical industry One of the places where Good Laboratory Practice is most important is in the pharmaceutical industry. Under GLP, laboratories must maintain detailed records of all experiments conducted, and these records must be available for inspection by regulatory authorities such as the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).   GLP principles In addition to documentation requirements, GLP includes several other core principles. Test facility organization Each facility that will be involved in the testing or evaluation of pharmaceutical products must be organized in such a way that it can produce accurate, reliable data.   This includes:  Having a clear chain of command Assigning responsibilities and authority to personnel Ensuring that the facility has adequate resources for conducting tests  Standard operating procedures (SOPs) Clear SOPs must be in place for all laboratory tests. These should include instructions on how to set up, run, and analyze experiments, as well as detailed information on the apparatus used. Quality assurance A comprehensive quality assurance program (QAP) is critical for ensuring data accuracy and reliability. This includes having written SOPs for test...

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> The purchase order process helps you easily manage the transaction of goods and services from a supplier. Implement the perfect process here.

- Published: 2022-12-22
- Modified: 2024-05-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/purchase-order-process/
- Categories: Business tips, Inventory management

The purchase order process helps you easily manage the transaction of goods and services from a supplier. Learn how to Implement the perfect PO process for your business here. Starting a manufacturing business is a complex and complicated puzzle. One of the most important steps is understanding how to create and manage the purchase order process.   PO processing is vital communication between buyer and seller that outlines the details of purchased products or services. These documents represent an agreement on price, payment terms, delivery date, quality standards, quantity requirements, and more.   Knowing how to utilize purchase orders properly can help any business function smoothly by providing an organized system for tracking product purchases. Below, we’ll examine the details of a purchase order, clarify how it differs from an invoice, look at a few different types, and offer a template on how to build your own.   Purchase order management software Thousands of manufacturers are already using Katana manufacturing software to automate their purchase order management processes. Get a demo What is a purchase order? A purchase order (PO) is a formal document created by the buyer that authorizes a seller to provide goods or services at an agreed-upon price.   This document is an official offer from one company to another, which includes all pertinent information, including item descriptions, delivery dates, and payment terms.   Purchasing orders provide buyers with leverage when negotiating prices and other details with suppliers since they are legally binding agreements. Therefore, suppliers will often adhere to these documents to ensure that their invoices get paid in full and on time.   Purchase order vs invoice While these two documents often end up looking similar, they are quite different. A PO is an offer from the buyer to the seller, while an invoice is a request for payment from the seller to the buyer.   The PO will outline all of the details and expectations of a product or service that’s being ordered, whereas an invoice simply summarizes what was purchased and how much is owed. Think of it like this: A PO is a contractual agreement for the transfer of goods or services An invoice is a bill for goods or services rendered The purchase order process, then, is the series of steps a company follows to create, approve, and submit an order to acquire materials or other items that are needed for operation. Types of POs Not all purchase order procedures are created equal. Depending on the size and scope of a company, different types may be used to facilitate the PO process.   Blanket A blanket PO is an agreement between a buyer and seller that allows for multiple orders to be placed within a certain timeframe without having to submit a new PO over and over.   This type of PO is most often used when there is a need for frequent purchases of the same items and is beneficial for both parties as it simplifies the ordering process. Some of the benefits...

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> Purchase order automation helps you scale and manage your purchase order process. Here’s everything you need to know before getting started.

- Published: 2022-12-21
- Modified: 2024-05-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/purchase-order-automation/
- Categories: Business tips, Inventory management

Purchase order automation helps you scale and manage your purchase order process. Here’s everything you need to know before getting started. Growing pains are all too common in business. Switching from manually handling orders to an automated purchase order system could seem like a typical ‘growing pain’, but the reality is that you will gain a lot from changing your processes. Adopting an automated purchase order system will make your daily operations easier and will undoubtedly save you time and money. Read this article to find out what purchase automation is, why you should automate your purchasing processes, and the benefits that can be gained. We’ll also cover the simple steps you can take to help your business move forwards.   Purchase order management software Thousands of businesses already use Katana's cloud inventory software to automate their purchase order management processes. Get a demo What is purchase order automation? Purchase order automation means using digital software to automate the purchase order process of a business. It can be incredibly helpful as it allows business owners to be more organized, better track the purchase orders coming in and be more efficient when ordering new stock. It supersedes the need for orders to be handled manually, can streamline processes, and ensure that purchase orders remain compliant.   Every purchase order automation system is different, but Katana’s software is designed to give a business clarity on arguably its most important infrastructure. The Katana software can:  Manage inventory and track stock Highlight the items where inventory is running too low Make automatic calculations when orders are created and prioritized, so your procurement team can work more efficiently  Be customized for each business, for example, product units of measurement  Help you adapt your purchasing habits depending on material costs  Why do you need purchase order automation? As a business grows, its operations have to develop and become more complex, and each of these ‘leaps’ can be difficult to manage. It makes sense to keep costs as low as possible when you’re a small business. This often means tracking purchase orders in a very traditional way – manually with an excel document or similar. However, manually handling purchase orders can lead to mistakes being made due to human error and there being simply too much information to keep track of. It can also become time-consuming and laborious to manage orders and stock levels. Ultimately, procurement operations should be at the heart of any business and running smoothly. If paper orders are missing or being duplicated and checking stock is taking too long, then it is time for a business to explore an automated purchasing system. An automated purchase order system can help systematize a business’ procurement workflows and minimize unnecessary and potentially costly mistakes. Any mistakes that do get made are quickly spotted by the automated purchasing system and can be rectified before any damage is done. It can also ensure that a company’s unique purchase policies are adhered to. Most businesses will grow to a point when the benefit of upgrading...

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> An MRP process is critical for running a successful manufacturing business. Here you can learn all about it and how to implement it.

- Published: 2022-12-16
- Modified: 2024-06-19
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/mrp-process/
- Categories: Inventory management, Manufacturing

An MRP process is critical for running a successful manufacturing business. Here, you can learn all about it and how to implement it. The vast majority of manufacturers will create a product of multiple components, resources, or raw materials.   A materials requirement planning (MRP) process is used to ensure that the materials are available when needed and in the right quantities. MRP is an important aspect of the production planning process — it helps to plan for both short-term and long-term needs in terms of purchasing and stocking inventory. Without it, manufacturers may run out of materials or have to pay for expensive rush orders. The process of MRP can help companies save time and money and stay on top of any shifts in the supply chain, market demand, or production.   Below, we will examine the objectives of an optimized MRP process, the inputs that are included, an example of one in action, and the different ways in which MRP can be implemented. Total control of your MRP process with Katana Monitor your item's movements from raw material to WIP and finished goods inventory. Get complete visibility over your manufacturing processes. Get a demo What is the MRP process? The MRP process can be defined as a system that helps manufacturers plan for their inventory needs by analyzing the data from sales orders, forecasted demand, and current stock levels.   The goal of MRP is to maximize efficiency while minimizing cost. MRP helps companies identify what materials are needed so that the necessary resources can be acquired promptly. This process also allows for an analysis of the supply chain so that potential problems or delays can be avoided before they happen.   Objectives of MRP processing Especially useful in a manufacturing situation that involves a large number of components or materials, MRP is designed to achieve the following objectives: Maintain proper stock levels of components and materials Minimize inventory carrying costs  Establish a timeline for production and delivery Accurately completing these objectives provides the following benefits: Increased efficiency and cost savings — By properly forecasting demand and planning for inventory, manufacturers can save money by avoiding overstocking or understocking materials Improved customer service — Satisfaction levels will never be in danger of dropping due to stock shortages Reduced lead times — With the necessary materials on hand, production can begin immediately, and products can be delivered more quickly More effective scheduling — MRP helps to schedule activities in a logical sequence, which can make the entire production process more efficient With these objectives in mind, let's look at the inputs needed to begin MRP. The three inputs of an MRP process An effective MRP process requires three inputs:  Master production schedule (MPS) Bill of materials (BOM) Inventory status records Let's take a closer look at each of these. Master production schedule (MPS) A master production schedule is an overall plan of what products are to be made, how many need to be produced, and when they need to be completed. This provides information on what materials need to be...

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> Integrate BigCommerce with Katana and sync your BigCommerce inventory, orders and products to Katana for total visibility and control over manufacturing.

- Published: 2022-12-08
- Modified: 2022-12-08
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/bigcommerce/
- Categories: Product updates

Our latest integration lets you keep BigCommerce and Katana data in sync — giving you total visibility and control over manufacturing. At Katana, we think life is better when your tools get along and work well together. This type of synergetic thinking is exactly what went into the new integration for quickly connecting your BigCommerce store to Katana. Once integrated, all your customers, stock, products, and sales orders will automatically import from BigCommerce to Katana and after the connection has is established, you can also sync stock, sales orders, and SO fulfillment statuses between both applications! Get the most out of the BigCommerce integration As one of the most powerful B2C and B2B e-commerce solution providers around, BigCommerce provides functionalities and workflows for both medium and large retailers. When paired with Katana, BigCommerce can support the growth and milestones of your company. Integrate Katana to your BigCommerce store to: Track BigCommerce sales in real-time Import sales orders to visually manage order fulfillment and production Fulfill MTO and MTS orders simultaneously with total visibility of operations Make data-driven decisions based on insights into your sales orders Manage your inventory and stock levels in one platform Connecting Katana to BigCommerce To begin the integration setup, head to Settings in Katana and choose Integrations from the left-side menu. Once there, select BigCommerce from the list of integrations and insert your BigCommerce store hash. Next, decide what you want to sync and import and that’s it — Katana will begin importing data from BigCommerce. Overview of what is synced, imported or matched between BigCommerce and Katana. The BigCommerce integration is great for anyone who wants to manage their sales orders efficiently between Katana and BigCommerce. The best part is that this integration is available to everyone on any plan. If you’d like to learn more about connecting Katana to your BigCommerce store, simply head over to our Knowledge Base or contact our support team. Happy manufacturing!

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> BigCommerce vs Shopify — how does BigCommerce stack up against the market leader, Shopify, and which one should you choose? Keep reading to find out.

- Published: 2022-12-06
- Modified: 2025-01-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/bigcommerce-vs-shopify/
- Categories: Ecommerce, Inventory management

Shopify vs BigCommerce: the ultimate showdown. How do the best e-commerce platforms BigCommerce and Shopify stack up against each other and which one should you choose to run your e-commerce business? E-commerce has seen massive growth since the internet boom and the emergence of online shopping. As consumers become more comfortable with e-commerce stores, they increasingly make their purchases online instead of visiting traditional brick-and-mortar stores. This growth has also helped fuel the development of powerful e-commerce platforms that make it easier for online merchants to sell their products, manage their inventory, and provide an enjoyable customer experience. E-commerce platforms are available in a variety of sizes and complexity levels, ranging from simple shopping cart software to sophisticated enterprise-level solutions. Regardless of what kind of platform you're looking for, you can’t get past Shopify and BigCommerce. So, let’s dig in and see what really sets them apart. If you’re in a hurry and just need answers, you’ll see a quick guide below: Feature BigCommerce Shopify Ease of set-up Good Very good Fees and pricing Good Average Usability Good Very good Content marketing Good Average Built-in features Very good Good Apps/plugins/integrations Good Very good Customizability Average Good Performance and security Very good Very good On a high level Before we get into the nitty-gritty of Shopify vs BigCommerce, let’s quickly go over the basics. Shopify Shopify was founded in 2006, and it’s the most popular e-commerce platform, with over 4. 1 million live stores. It offers an array of features designed to make running your online business easier. Features include: Website and theme customization Marketing tools Content management Social media integrations Payment processing Shipping options And more Additionally, Shopify offers its own app store with thousands of different apps to help you expand your store's capabilities. BigCommerce BigCommerce was developed in 2009 and has approximately 50 thousand stores online. It’s a comprehensive e-commerce platform offering a range of features and options for merchants, including: Easy website setup and customization Robust content management Integrated payment processing Marketing tools And much more Like Shopify, BigCommerce also has a wide selection of third-party integrations and extensions available on its app marketplace to help you customize your store. But let’s dive a bit deeper into the comparison. Ease of setup Getting your online store up and running quickly and easily is paramount for small and medium-sized businesses, so let’s start with that. BigCommerce BigCommerce is a fully hosted e-commerce platform, meaning you don't need to host your own website and can purchase a domain directly from BigCommerce. Domains cost around $15 per year, but the exact price depends on many factors, including the domain's age and popularity. You can get started with BigCommerce in 5 simple steps. 1. Sign up Create an account by registering on the website. You'll need to sign up for the 15-day trial and can then start using your account straight away. 2. Select a theme You can choose from 12 free themes and 307 paid themes. The paid themes are...

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> BigCommerce vs Magento ⁠— here is the ultimate guide to comparing these two great platforms to help you determine the best for your business.

- Published: 2022-12-06
- Modified: 2024-03-27
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/bigcommerce-vs-magento/
- Categories: Business tips, Ecommerce

BigCommerce vs Magento — here is the ultimate guide to comparing these two great platforms to help you determine the best for your business. In the third quarter of 2022, e-commerce sales totaled more than $265 billion in the U. S. alone. That represents a rise of nearly 11% compared to the same quarter of 2021 and is a higher growth rate than retail once again. There’s no getting around it — e-commerce is the way of the future, and without it, many businesses would struggle to stay afloat. While that is easy to understand, getting your company up and running with an online store can be trickier than it sounds. As the demand for e-commerce has increased, so has the number of service providers that shout promises of being the “best” platform. Two of the most popular are BigCommerce and Magento, which offer unique advantages and disadvantages for businesses to consider before making a choice.   At first blush, they may seem to offer many of the same features. So, to make the correct decision on which serves your business needs best, it’s important to understand the nuances of each. The name of the game is synergy Ultimately, regardless of who you root for when it comes to BigCommerce vs Magento, businesses will need more features to successfully manage their inventory. Katana equips you with everything you need to manage your entire business with maximum efficiency. Read more about it here BigCommerce overview Not every small business has the technical skills necessary to create an e-commerce website from scratch. BigCommerce simplifies the process by providing a platform that does much of the work for you. The company’s flagship offering, BigCommerce Enterprise, is designed to make it easy to manage your entire store from one place — from creating and managing products to processing payments and shipping orders. The system integrates with popular third-party tools such as QuickBooks, Katana, Google Shopping, MailChimp, and more — making it easy to connect the dots. BigCommerce also has several features that make it attractive to businesses, such as an unlimited product catalog and support for multiple currencies and languages. The platform is customizable but offers simple preset themes that can get an online store up and running in minutes.   Pros: Easy to use and set up Customizable design options Automatic security updates No hidden costs Cons:   Limited scalability for larger businesses  Not as many customization options as on other platforms   More limited customer service options Pro tip: Are you a BigCommerce manufacturer needing more oomph from your software? Many turn to BigCommerce order management software integrations to help them take their sales, production, and accounting to the next level. Magento overview Known by many different names over the years, Magento is an open-source platform that was first purchased by eBay in 2011 and then acquired by Adobe in 2018 to become the backbone of its e-commerce solutions.   Now part of the Adobe Commerce suite, it leverages the entire Adobe ecosystem and the company’s considerable investment in artificial intelligence and cloud computing to offer a highly customizable,...

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> With the ability to assign batches to ingredients and customize recipe rows via API, you'll gain more visibility into working with contractors. Learn more.

- Published: 2022-12-05
- Modified: 2022-12-06
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/contract-manufacturing-batches/
- Categories: Product updates

Gain additional visibility into your work with contractors by assigning batches to ingredients and customizing recipe rows through Katana's API. In case you missed it, we introduced a new workflow inside Katana for manufacturers who work with contractors. This contract manufacturing (aka outsourced manufacturing) feature allows you to track materials in your partner's location and receive orders with accurate cost value. With this feature now established, we're moving forward and rolling out an improvement that enables you to assign batches to ingredients for your outsource purchase orders (OPOs). Katana API users will also be able to customize OPO ingredient rows. What has changed? First, this change is because manufacturers who use an outsourced manufacturing model may require material batch-tracking in their workflows. Now, you'll no longer need to make stock adjustments to fix ingredient batch levels, just scan the barcode or assign the batch information manually before receiving the OPO. Check our Knowledge Base article for more about batch tracking on outsourced purchase orders. In addition, Katana API users can modify the whole OPO card via API. You can now customize (add, delete, or update) OPO ingredient rows with this update. Learn more about Katana API. What's next? Our team is already working on improvements that will make communication with contractors easier, allowing you to send purchase and outsourced purchase orders via email. Stay tuned! Happy contract manufacturing!

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> Strategies for manufacturing ensure a business stays on track with production and keeps a competitive advantage. Read all about it here.

- Published: 2022-12-05
- Modified: 2024-05-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/strategies-for-manufacturing/
- Categories: Business tips, Manufacturing

Strategies for manufacturing ensure a business stays on track with production and keeps a competitive advantage. Read all about it here. The reality is that very few manufacturing businesses will be successful without a solid strategy in place. But why are strategies for manufacturing important? How have they evolved, and what manufacturing strategies are easy for companies to implement? In this article, we’ll answer all these questions and more. What is a manufacturing strategy?   A manufacturing strategy has been previously defined as “a long-range plan to use the resources of the manufacturing system to support the business strategy and, in turn, meet the business objectives. (Cimorelli and Chandler, 1996). The connection that binds all the eras together is manufacturing strategy. Whether it’s a humble artisan in a side-street pottery shop or a technological wiz-kid wanting to build a smart factory, they both need a manufacturing strategy. As already identified, strategies for manufacturing have been around for many years. The definition of a what is a manufacturing strategy has also been around for a long time. According to Hayes and Wheelwright, 1984, it is “a sequence of decisions that, over time, enables a business unit to achieve the desired manufacturing structure, infrastructure, and set of specific capabilities. ” Nowadays, manufacturing strategy is often intertwined with a company’s digital strategy, with the tactical management of production and technology at the heart of everything a company achieves. As was noted by Gündüz Ulusoy back in 2003, formulating a marketing strategy requires making three strategic choices in three key areas: Competitive priorities, manufacturing objectives, and action plans. Competitive priorities include choices on: Quality levels Reliability Design change Deliveries New products Manufacturing objectives involve decision-making on: Unit costs Market share Profitability Product development time And action plans include making decisions about: Production Energy saving Employee empowerment Staff training Once these decisions have been made and a company’s priorities have been identified, an overarching marketing strategy can be formulated. The history of manufacturing strategy Whether you are a B2B (business-to-business) or a D2C (direct-to-consumer) manufacturing company, the chances are high that you have a structured manufacturing process in place. Hopefully, this relates back to your manufacturing strategy. This relationship between process and strategy has existed for hundreds of years. The art of manufacturing has humble beginnings. Way before industrialization was conceptualized, skilled artisans worked to produce commodities. They relied on their craftmanship and secrecy to ensure that their products were in demand and couldn't be copied. The first example of a manufacturing strategy was probably when forward-thinking artisans realized they could sub-contract their work to others, thus producing more products and increasing their profits. Manufacturing was transformed dramatically and definitively in the 18th century during the Industrial Revolution. The invention of machines that could do the work on a mass scale meant that industries such as glassmaking, mining, textiles, and agriculture could produce much more on a much cheaper scale. The mass production concept followed, bringing us to where we are today. Interestingly, we are on the brink of another...

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> You can centralize customer messages from multiple e-commerce stores in one helpdesk platform. Learn more.

- Published: 2022-11-29
- Modified: 2022-11-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/replyco/
- Categories: Product updates

Through Katana's newest integration, you can now centralize customer messages from multiple e-commerce stores in one helpdesk platform. Are you working with multiple inboxes from e-commerce platforms? There's no denying that keeping tabs on all those inboxes can be time-consuming and that's why we're so happy to introduce our new integration with the e-commerce helpdesk platform - Replyco. What is Replyco Replyco is a platform that lets you centralize all your customer messages from different online stores into one intuitive inbox. This enables you to automate tasks, streamline workflows, and deliver more exceptional support. Optimize your customer support workflows: Reduce time on manual tasks by using a single login for all stores and marketplaces Access support team analytics and reporting Spend less time training support staff Use custom templates and tags Allocate and prioritize messages, and more What's possible with Replyco and Katana With Katana connected to Replyco, the helpdesk platform can access your sales orders inside Katana. This connection makes it possible to automatically notify clients if sales order fulfillments take longer than anticipated. Getting started Head to Replyco and create an account. Inside Replyco, click + Add integration at the top right of the app > search for Katana > Select Katana from the list of integration options. Authorize the connection by following the prompt to log in to your Katana account. Enter the same email and password you use to log in to Katana and click LOG IN. That's all there is to it! If you'd like to learn more about connecting to Replyco, check out our Knowledge Base. Happy integrating!

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> Lean warehousing, following other lean principles, is the attempt to remove any waste from within your warehouse. Read all about how here.

- Published: 2022-11-28
- Modified: 2024-03-27
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/lean-warehousing/
- Categories: Business tips, Inventory management

Lean warehousing, following other lean principles, is the attempt to remove any waste from within your warehouse. Read all about how here. Since the dawn of time, when one caveman sold a particularly fine spearhead to another caveman, manufacturers have faced all types of warehousing and manufacturing challenges.   For example, many businesses that would have once relied solely on traditional storefronts have had to adapt to the growing demand for delivery services.   But this is just one change among many that manufacturers have had to implement in a relatively short amount of time over the last couple of years. And all of these rapid changes can easily lead to the day-to-day management of your warehouse getting out of hand as your business struggles to keep up. Thankfully, there is a solution in the form of lean warehousing. Katana's cloud inventory software Katana is trusted by 1000’s of businesses to automate their inventory management, sales, and manufacturing processes. Get a demo and take your business to the next level. Get a demo What is lean warehousing? Lean warehousing uses the principles of lean manufacturing to reduce wasteful processes in the warehouse, saving time and money, as well as preventing mistakes and defects occurring within a business’s workflow. Modern warehouses must navigate a complex world of global supply chains — and one mistake here will increase lead times and create waste in inventory management. This is where lean warehousing comes in — a system with the goal of trimming down as many wasteful steps along the way, ensuring things keep running as smoothly as possible. The original lean principles were developed in Japan by Toyota as a more efficient approach to manufacturing, but over time, these principles have expanded and have been applied to new areas — such as warehousing. At its core, the basic idea of lean warehousing could be summarized as: Getting rid of as many “wasteful” processes, steps, and practices as possible At first glance, this might seem like a simple case of streamlining warehouse management. However, lean warehousing also aims to increase productivity and reduce mistakes. When implementing your lean warehouse ideas, just remember that it’s not about cutting corners. The “wasteful” elements removed by lean warehousing are just that — wasteful. That waste can take many forms, whether it’s keeping fast-moving goods at the far end of the warehouse or overproducing goods that aren’t needed. What does lean warehousing improve? Managing a warehouse is complicated. You have to make sure: Everything gets done on time To keep track of stock and make sure everyone is on the same page Try to avoid mistakes and defects, and deal with them once they inevitably occur This is why lean warehousing aims to eliminate overstocking and reduce stockouts. Lean warehousing also aims for zero defects. Since these issues can quickly spiral out of control, the goal is to catch them as early as possible. The focus here is solving the root cause of the problem. Finally, lean warehouse management aims...

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> Here are 23 small manufacturing business ideas to start in the manufacturing industry, including market size and real-world examples.

- Published: 2022-11-24
- Modified: 2024-06-05
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/small-manufacturing-business-ideas/
- Categories: Business tips, Top lists

Here is the ultimate list of small manufacturing business ideas to guide you on your path to working in the manufacturing industry, including market size and real-world examples of the different sectors. If you’re looking to start your own business but don’t know the best idea to pursue, you’ve come to the right place.   You’ll be happy to know there are tons of great small manufacturing business ideas for budding entrepreneurs such as yourself to break into — hundreds in fact. But hundreds? Hundreds make it seem so overwhelming. That’s why we’ve looked into all the different small manufacturing business ideas you can invest in and narrowed it down to the 23 best. However, unlike other guides available on the same topic, here you can find: The best small manufacturing business industries The market sizes so you can understand the potential of each idea Real-life case studies So, without further ado, let’s jump straight in.   1. Candle making Making candles is one of the greats for small manufacturing business ideas. You can make beautiful candles to sell at local craft fairs or online with a few supplies and some creativity. Candle-making is a relaxing hobby that can easily be turned into a profitable business. Here's what you'll need to consider when getting started: Choosing the right wax Choosing the right wicks Melting the wax properly Sourcing fragrance oils Molding the melted wax A space for cooling Trimming the wicks properly Once you can answer these small problems, you can consider yourself well and truly in the candle-making game. The market value of the candle-making industry In 2020, the scented candles market size was valued at $533. 5 million globally. Over the next several years, market value predictions suggest continued growth at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3. 3%. 2. Craft-making A craft-making business is one of the small manufacturing business ideas that also focuses on creating handmade items. Many people start a craft-making business because they have a passion for crafting and want to share their creations with others. First, you'll need to determine what type of crafts you want to make. There are many different options available, so it's important to choose something you're passionate about and feel confident in your ability to create. Here's a small list of niches to get you started: Designer Bindi making Jewelry manufacturing Woodworking Glass Bead Production Embroidery  The market value of the craft-making industry In 2021, craft-making had a market value of $241. 1 billion in the United States alone. By 2027, this is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10. 14% — which will be around $429. 3 billion. 3. Food and beverage production Small manufacturing business ideas such as food and beverage production is the process of creating, you guessed it, food and beverages. The food and beverage industry is a large and complex sector that covers everything from agriculture to manufacturing to food inventory management to retailing. It employs millions worldwide and generates billions in economic activity each year. The industry is also...

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> 18 best BigCommerce apps you should know about and consider. Check out the list of best BigCommerce apps and upgrade your store.

- Published: 2022-11-21
- Modified: 2025-06-02
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/bigcommerce-apps/
- Categories: Inventory management

18 best BigCommerce apps you should consider using. Below you'll find a list of 18 apps that can greatly simplify the management of your e-commerce store. Why should you use BigCommerce apps? BigCommerce is one of the most popular platforms for e-commerce businesses. It offers many features and tools to help companies grow their online presence and sales. However, it doesn't cover everything. Luckily there are around 1500 BigCommerce plugins and apps on the BigCommerce marketplace that fill any gap you might find. There are many different apps that can be integrated with BigCommerce to help businesses automate their operations, marketing, and sales processes. In this article, we will look at some of the best apps for BigCommerce that every user should know about. We'll take a look at the best BigCommerce apps in the following categories: Manufacturing apps for BigCommerce Customer service apps for BigCommerce Shipping apps for BigCommerce Accounting apps for BigCommerce Marketing apps for BigCommerce Payment processing apps for BigCommerce Get total inventory control.  Thousands of manufacturers use Katana to get a live look at inventory and automate production planning. Get a demo and see Katana in action. What to look for in BigCommerce apps? You should keep a few things in mind when looking for apps to integrate with your BigCommerce store. The first is the ease of integration. You want to make sure that the app you choose will easily integrate with your existing store. The last thing you want is to spend hours or even days trying to get an app to work with your store. The second thing to consider is the price. There are many free and paid apps on the BigCommerce marketplace. While the free apps might be tempting, they might not offer all the necessary features. On the other hand, paid apps can be quite pricey, so you'll want to ensure that they provide features worth the price. The third thing to consider is the app's reviews. When looking at an app's page on the BigCommerce marketplace, you'll see a section for customer reviews. This is a great place to get an idea of how well an app works and if there are any major issues with it. And finally, you want to make sure the app still receives regular updates. If the website's last update was in 2006, it's likely going to be the same case for the app. In this case, you shouldn’t keep your hopes up, waiting for the bugs to get fixed or new features added. Now that you know what to look for, let's dive into the best apps for BigCommerce. Manufacturing Whether you're in the business of custom bicycles or the best muffins in town, investing in a BigCommerce production tracking app can save you a lot of time and money. These apps help you automate your manufacturing processes, manage your inventory, and keep track of your production costs. So, let's see some of the best apps for manufacturers selling on BigCommerce. Katana https://vimeo....

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> Consumer goods are the finished products or services that satisfy the customer's needs. Read the ultimate guide on how to manage these goods.

- Published: 2022-11-18
- Modified: 2024-05-22
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/consumer-goods/
- Categories: Business tips, Inventory management

Consumer goods are the finished products or services that satisfy the customer's needs. Continue reading to learn all about consumer goods and how to manage these within your business. Every time you go to the store and pick something off the shelf to purchase, you're interacting with the consumer goods industry. These products are designed, manufactured, and distributed with the intent to be sold to consumers for personal or household use. In other words: They're the things we need to live our lives There are all sorts of different types of consumer goods, from food and drink to clothes and electronics. And while we may not think about it often, the production and consumption of these items profoundly impact our economy, environment, and society as a whole. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the definition of consumer goods, examine the different types, provide some different examples of each, and compare them to capital goods. We'll also touch on how you can optimize your business and start producing your own consumer goods. Download the ultimate guide to inventory management A comprehensive ebook with everything you need to know about inventory management. What are consumer goods? Consumer goods are finished products used by the consumer to satisfy their personal or household needs and wants. These items are produced and/or distributed to be sold in the market. This used to be a very simple definition, but with the rise of digital products and online services, it's starting to become more complicated. For example, is a digital book a consumer good? Let's dig a little deeper to find out.   types of consumer goods? What are the different Traditionally, there were three types of consumer goods:  Durable goods  Nondurable goods  Services  But as technology has progressed, a fourth category needs to be added, covering intangible or digital goods.   Durable goods Durable goods, like furniture or appliances, can be used multiple times over a long period.   They're often expensive, and because they last longer, people usually don't purchase them as often as other types of consumer good products. The cutoff for this category is usually around three years, meaning anything that is expected to last longer than that is considered durable.   Durable consumer goods examples The most common examples of durable goods are:  Furniture (e. g. chairs, tables, beds)  Appliances (e. g. fridge, oven, washer)  Electronics (e. g. TV, computer, laptop)  Vehicles (e. g. cars, trucks, motorcycles)  Tools (e. g. power drills, saws)  People only purchase these items occasionally, and when they do, it's usually because their old ones have worn out or broken.   Nondurable goods Nondurable goods, on the other hand, are items that are used once or for a short time before they're discarded. This includes things like food and clothing. Because they're not meant to last, nondurable goods are usually less expensive than durable goods.   Many companies are now introducing something called planned obsolescence or built-in obsolescence into their products. This is when a product is designed to break or become...

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> Digital manufacturing is software and hardware companies use to manage manufacturing processes, services, supply chains, and inventory.

- Published: 2022-11-09
- Modified: 2024-05-23
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/digital-manufacturing/
- Categories: Business tips, Manufacturing

Digital manufacturing is the ultimate tool for manufacturers looking to take control of their entire business. Decades ago, when companies were trying to build a manufacturing production facility, they would be limited by the product they were designing.   It generally needed to be complete, with a working prototype, before decisions could be made on how to best construct and lay out an assembly line, what machines would be used, or how to configure the process. This was an expensive and time-consuming undertaking that could take months or even years before yielding any actionable results.   Today, after a digital transformation for manufacturing, companies can build a complete virtual model of their facility and assembly process before any physical prototype is created. Engineers can work out kinks in the design and perfect the manufacturing process before a single item is produced. This speeds up development timelines and reduces costs by allowing errors to be corrected early on. Below, we'll dig into what digital manufacturing is based on, the methods, the benefits a company might receive, and how it might be used in different industries. What is digital manufacturing? Digital manufacturing is the process of using technology to create a virtual model of a product or process before it is physically created. Based on the principles of Industry 4. 0, engineers can test and iterate on the design before any resources are committed to production.   It also makes it possible to create custom products on demand without requiring large minimum order quantities or inventory management. This is because the product can be produced only when it is ordered, and there is no need to keep finished goods on hand.   This technology-driven approach is made possible by advances in 3D printing, computer-aided design (CAD), and manufacturing execution systems (MES).   By connecting these tools and using them to create a digital twin of the manufacturing process, companies can map out every step of production before a physical product ever exists. Enterprise resource planning (ERP) With an enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution, these processes can be automated and further streamlined.   By integrating all of the data from different machines and processes into a single system, decision-makers can get a complete picture of the manufacturing process and make real-time changes as needed. This also enables companies to track inventory levels and predict when they will need to order more raw materials. In the past, this information was often siloed in different departments or on separate systems, making it difficult to get an accurate overview of the manufacturing process. ERP systems can help to close those gaps and give everyone on the production team a clear view of what is happening at every stage. Computer-integrated manufacturing At its core, digital manufacturing is about using technology to improve the efficiency of the production process.   This is done by connecting different machines and systems to share data and information. This is known as computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM). Integrating the machines in a factory makes it possible to track production in real...

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> You can now connect Katana with Make to integrate with thousands of apps that help your business run smoother.

- Published: 2022-11-07
- Modified: 2023-06-09
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/make-integration/
- Categories: Product updates

Easily automate workflows and integrate with thousands of apps by connecting Katana together with Make. Previously known as Integromat, the newly named Make offers you a powerful code-free solution for setting up custom integrations and automation. Make includes all of the same functionalities available in Integromat along with some additional enhanced features. Integromat, as it's currently known, will continue to run until the end of 2022, but those already using Integromat can migrate to Make and discover a more robust integration experience. What is Make? Make is an integration platform that allows you to visualize, design, and automate workflows in only a minute. The integration seamlessly connects apps and services to simplify automation. Instead of manually dealing with repeated tasks, Make lets you concentrate on activities that help you grow and manage your manufacturing business. Making the most of Make Make is one of the most robust integration apps available for Katana - opening up the possibility to integrate with apps vital to your business and automating workflows directly inside of Katana. Here are a few examples of how the integration can help you run your business efficiently: Import products, customers, and sales orders from e-commerce or CRM platforms and sync the sales order fulfillment statuses back to the originating system (like Etsy, HubSpot, Squarespace, and Wix) Get notified about sales order changes in Katana and send this data to other systems Send inventory data to e-commerce, CRM, and other platforms Send sales orders to a shipping platform or update the sales order with a tracking number and URL To help you set up the workflows in just a few clicks, we prepared some valuable templates for you: Send an email when a sales order is delivered Etsy: import sales orders and sync fulfillment status Squarespace: import sales orders and sync fulfillment status Hubspot: set up HubSpot connection and import sales orders Wix: import sales orders to Katana Send emails or Slack notifications for out-of-stock items Katana Bulk import of POs from Google Sheets to Katana How to integrate Make with Katana If you already use Integromat, sign up to Make using the same email you use in Integromat, and you will then be walked through the migration. You can also find helpful tips about migrating from Integromat to Make on their Help Center. To begin automating tasks with Make, first create what Make calls a "Scenario". A Scenario describes how data should be transferred and transformed between connected apps and services. Once a Scenario is created, it will look for new data in the specified app or service, then Make will execute the task for you. Please take a look at our Knowledge Base guide on getting started with Make, and keep an eye on our blog and your email for further updates to Make and other tools and apps. Happy integrating!

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> Manufacturing control to ensure all your products follow the same plan and the processes are executed accordingly for consistent, high-quality results.

- Published: 2022-11-04
- Modified: 2024-05-24
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/manufacturing-control/
- Categories: Business tips

Manufacturing control to ensure all your products follow the same plan and the processes are executed accordingly for consistent, high-quality results. If you've ever tried to run a manufacturing business, even one out of your own home, you will know how challenging it can be to calibrate output properly.   Even on something as simple as baking cookies, variables out of your control may lead to spoiled batches or items that don't live up to your standards.   Manufacturing control, the steps taken to ensure that each successive output is the same as the last, can be a daunting task. But with the right processes in place, it doesn't have to be.   To create an effective manufacturing control plan, you will first need to understand your process and its capabilities. Once you have this baseline understanding, you can begin to implement the necessary controls to ensure that every batch meets your expectations.   What is manufacturing control? Manufacturing control is the combination of technologies and methods used to manage manufacturing processes. It includes both the hardware and software components necessary to monitor, control, and optimize production.   Manufacturing process control aims to produce products that meet or exceed quality standards while minimizing waste and maximizing efficiency.   To do this, manufacturers rely on various sensors, controllers, actuators, and other devices that collect data about the production process. This data is then analyzed to identify trends and issues that can be addressed to improve quality and efficiency.   The four parts of the manufacturing process The four elements of any manufacturing process are: Inputs Controlled variables Uncontrolled variables Outputs Let's take a closer look at each. Inputs The first step in any manufacturing process is to gather the raw materials and other inputs that will be used in production. This includes everything from the individual components that will be assembled into a final product to the packaging materials and labels used for finished goods.   These inputs exist as the basis of all process control in manufacturing, as without them, the entire system will not function. No matter how strong your controls are down the line, without carefully inspected and managed inputs, the entire process is at risk of being thrown off course. In the cookie example, the inputs might be:  Flour Sugar Eggs Baking powder Butter Energy (for the oven)  If the butter is rancid or the eggs are spoiled, the cookies will not come out right, no matter what else you do. Want to see Katana in action? Katana’s batch tracking software has everything you need to ensure all your products have consistently high quality. Get a demo Controlled variables Next, we have controlled variables. These are the elements of the manufacturing process that can be manipulated in order to achieve the desired results.   In our cookie example, the controlled variables might be the:  Recipe Baking time Oven temperature By changing these factors, you can affect the outcome of your product.   However, it is important to note that...

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> The ultimate guide for getting your business ready for converting QuickBooks Desktop to Online. Learn how to make the conversion painless.

- Published: 2022-11-03
- Modified: 2024-01-18
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/converting-quickbooks-desktop-to-online/
- Categories: Accounting, Business tips

Using this article, you can prepare your business for a painless transition as you start converting QuickBooks Desktop to Online. As more companies rely on cloud-based applications, many QuickBooks desktop users are switching to QuickBooks Online.   In the summer of 2022, Intuit discontinued service for QuickBooks Desktop 2019, meaning critical security and functionality updates will no longer be provided. Technical support will not be available, and users will not receive any additional services or features. With this in mind, companies are left at a crossroads. Purchase new QuickBooks Desktop software, choose between Pro, Premier, and Enterprise — which can be more costly — or switch to QuickBooks Online and enjoy a lower monthly subscription with the ability to connect to other apps easily. This is a difficult choice, given most companies' hesitation when migrating to new software. They don't want to integrate new tools, train employees on the updated platform, or deal with potential downtime. Luckily, we're here to help make the decision — and transition — a little easier. Below, we'll walk you through how to convert QuickBooks Desktop to Online, the benefits of such a migration, and the limitations that can be fixed with a little help from manufacturing ERP software. Upgrade your QuickBooks Online with ERP functionality Katana's cloud inventory platform bridges the gap when converting QuickBooks Desktop to Online, which is missing some Desktop features. Get all the necessary inventory management and production tools and the ability to keep your books balanced. Read more Things to consider before migrating Before migrating QuickBooks Desktop to Online, you should be aware of a few key things: The data you have in QuickBooks Desktop can be transferred to QuickBooks Online. However, not all features or reports are available in both versions. You'll want to export any custom reports you've created in QuickBooks Desktop before making the switch Migrating from QuickBooks Desktop to QuickBooks Online will require some (limited) downtime for your team. Make sure to plan the migration during a slow period so that it doesn't disrupt your business too much QuickBooks Online uses a different pricing structure than QuickBooks Desktop. You'll be charged a monthly subscription fee instead of a one-time software purchase Now that you know what to expect, let's walk through the process of how to migrate QuickBooks Desktop to Online. Why are companies migrating QuickBooks Desktop to Online? The primary reason companies are making the switch is because QuickBooks Online is more affordable than Desktop, with a lower monthly subscription.   Additionally, it's easier to integrate QuickBooks Online with other applications, making it more versatile for businesses and secure thanks to cloud backups.   How do I convert QuickBooks Desktop to Online? The process of converting QuickBooks Desktop to Online is relatively simple, with three easy steps: Prepare your data by updating the software Export your company file to QuickBooks Online Compare your reports to spot any differences We'll walk you through each in this step-by-step guide.   Prepare First, you will have to make sure you update to...

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> Welding is the process of joining two pieces of metal together. But there are many types of welding to achieve this. Here are those types.

- Published: 2022-11-03
- Modified: 2024-05-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/types-of-welding/
- Categories: Business tips

Welding is the process of joining two pieces of metal together. But there are many types of welding to achieve this. In this article, you can learn about all the different types and the benefits of using them. Welding is the process of joining two metals.   It is an important step in manufacturing our phones, laptops, and vehicles. It is also a process that requires varying levels of skill and precision depending on the type of welding and type of welder that is required.   There are many different types of welding, each with its advantages and disadvantages. We have compiled a comprehensive list for you to review before choosing which method is best for your company’s welding project.   Without further ado, here is a list of welding types explained. Download the manufacturing ebook for small manufacturers Learn how to organize and scale your manufacturing. What are the different types of welding?   We can categorize all types of welding as either fusion or solid-state welding. Fusion welding is the most common type of welding that joins two metals by melting them together. It includes arc welding, resistance welding, oxyfuel welding, and more. Solid-state welding joins two metals without melting or fillers. It includes diffusion welding, friction welding, ultrasonic welding, and explosive welding. The type of welding that you require will depend on your project’s needs. Try metal fabrication software for free Know at a moment's notice if you have all the necessary resources or if raw materials are running low the second a manufacturing order is created. Try Katana for free Fusion welding Here are four categories of fusion welding processes. 1. Arc welding Arc welding is the most common type of welding process. It is a fusion welding process and is used for welding various types of metals, including aluminum, stainless steel, and carbon steel. The process involves using an electric arc to create heat that melts two pieces of metal together. Five common types of welds using arcs include: Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) — More portable than other kinds of welding. This includes a consumable electrode. However, it is less efficient and requires more welders to be employed Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) — Also involving a consumable electrode, GMAW is a simple form of welding that can easily be performed by new types of welders. No slag build-up and higher deposition rate than SMAW — Metal Inert Gas (MIG) or CO2 welding Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) — This process is also commonly known as Tungsten (Wolfram) Inert Gas (TIG) Welding. It can be completed with or without filler metal. Although the process is slower and more expensive than others, it yields high-quality welds Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) — Similar to SMAW, FCAW uses heat generated by an electric arc to fuse base metal in the weld joint. However, FCAW is a cheaper alternative because it does not require a separate shielding gas tank. This process is perfect for welding metals that are rusted or contaminated Plasma Arc...

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> Everything you need to know about PPE manufacturing equipment and how to use them within your own production lines.

- Published: 2022-11-02
- Modified: 2024-05-24
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/ppe-manufacturing/
- Categories: Business tips

Everything you need to know about PPE manufacturing equipment and how to use them within your own production lines. With the pandemic, we have long heard about the importance of PPE from various health organizations and governments. While it is still a good habit to use PPE in our daily lives, it is just as important to understand it in the context of manufacturing. In manufacturing industries, PPE is associated with workplace hazards. These can appear in many different forms: falling debris, sharp materials, chemicals, and noise, among other potentially dangerous situations. It is important to protect employees from workplace hazards that can cause injury. The following post will cover four topics: What is PPE in manufacturing? Why PPE is important in manufacturing Examples of PPE equipment for manufacturing Steps to administer manufacturing PPE Are you ready to gain a comprehensive understanding of PPE manufacturing? Let’s begin. What does PPE stand for in manufacturing? PPE stands for personal protective equipment. This gear protects workers from potential hazards while on the job. Common items considered PPE include gloves, safety glasses, and earplugs. Employers must provide their employees with the proper PPE for the specific task. Failure to do so can result in serious injuries or even death. What is PPE in manufacturing? Personal protective equipment, commonly referred to as PPE, is equipment worn to avoid various hazards in manufacturing facilities. Gloves, protective hearing gear (earplugs, muffs), hard hats, goggles, respirators, and full-body suits are just a few examples of PPE. PPE ensures more safety and reassurance in a dangerous manufacturing environment. It can be the difference between a minor injury and a life-threatening one. While many argue that PPE can interfere with work or be uncomfortable, the benefits of wearing it far outweigh the drawbacks. Most companies have policies in place that require employees to wear certain types of PPE while on the job. There are many personal protective equipment types, each with a specific purpose. The type of PPE manufacturing you need will depend on the hazards present in your workplace. For example, if you work with chemicals, you may need different equipment than someone who works with heavy machinery. No matter what type of manufacturing job you have, there is some form of personal protective equipment that can help keep you safe. Do your research and make sure you are using the correct PPE for your specific job. Your life may depend on it. Why is PPE important in manufacturing? PPE manufacturing is important for the following five reasons: Protection — PPE protects workers from injuries caused by exposure to hazardous materials, including chemicals, noise, heat, and flying debris. It can also help prevent or reduce the severity of injuries that do occur. Workers are the backbone of any operation, and their safety should be a priority Productivity — Wearing PPE can help workers feel more comfortable while performing their tasks, which can lead to increased productivity Morale — A safe workplace is also a happy workplace. When workers feel confident that they are...

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> Perfecting how you manage your operations in manufacturing is a surefire way to success. Read how to optimize it here.

- Published: 2022-10-31
- Modified: 2024-05-24
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/operations-in-manufacturing/
- Categories: Business tips, Manufacturing

Perfecting how you manage your operations in manufacturing is a surefire way to success. Read how to optimize your shop floor with this article. Designing a quality product is a big part of starting a manufacturing company, but it isn't everything.   Even with the best idea in the world, you'll still struggle to create a profitable business without the right person (or people) managing your operations.   There needs to be an overseer in the various operations in manufacturing, constant communication between the factory floor and office staff, and a focus on efficiency to maintain profitability. Operations are the department concerned with these things.   It's about ensuring that the products are being made correctly, on time, and within budget. To do this, operations managers need to deeply understand the manufacturing process and identify areas where improvements can be made. It's more than just adjusting on the fly.   The best operations teams will be proactive in their approach, always looking for ways to streamline the process and make it more efficient. This might mean automating certain tasks or implementing new technologies that can help to speed up production without sacrificing quality. Below, we'll examine the definition of manufacturing operations management, its responsibility, and some best practices that will set you up for success.   Taking control of operations and beyond Katana is an all-in-one tool that helps you manage your entire workflow, from purchases to operations and shipping. Want to fine-tune your whole business by using just Katana? Read more about it here What are operations in manufacturing? Operations in manufacturing are the process responsible for the creation and delivery of a company's products or services. It includes everything from the sourcing of raw materials to the assembly of finished products, as well as any other steps in between. The goal of operations is to do all of this as efficiently and effectively as possible while maintaining a high-quality level. The balancing act between craftsmanship and profit margins is one that every company struggles with, but it's especially important in manufacturing. That's because the costs associated with production are often much higher than in other industries. There's a lot of expensive equipment and machinery involved, and the process is often more labor-intensive than others. For these reasons, even small efficiency improvements can greatly impact the bottom line. What is the difference between production and manufacturing?   Production is the process of creating or obtaining items, while manufacturing is the process of creating those items. Production can refer to anything from farming to mining to construction, while manufacturing specifically refers to creating products in a factory setting. Confused? Check out this guide on production vs. manufacturing to learn more.   Benefits of a strong manufacturing operation system Many benefits can come from effectively managing your operations in manufacturing. Perhaps the most obvious is that it can help to reduce costs and increase profits. When done well, operations management can also lead to: Improved communication Greater efficiency and productivity Increased flexibility and agility Reduced waste and scrap A...

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> Through Integrately, you can easily connect your Katana account to hundreds of useful business apps without needing to code anything. Learn more.

- Published: 2022-10-31
- Modified: 2022-10-31
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/integrately/
- Categories: Product updates

Connecting Katana with Integrately allows you to seamlessly sync data between Katana and a library of hundreds of different apps. Introducing Integrately, our newest integration to help you seamlessly connect your Katana account with a myriad of other helpful business apps. Integrately is available for everyone using Katana, regardless of your plan. What is Integrately Integrately is a no-code solution that allows you to easily integrate with hundreds of other apps in a few clicks. You can choose from either ready-to-use automations or set up your own workflows. Save time wasted on repetitive tasks by optimizing your workflows through Integrately so you can focus more on manufacturing and business development. What's possible with Integrately and Katana Once your Katana account is connected to Integrately, you'll benefit from the 900+ apps you can easily connect with Katana. This integration allows you to create automations for: Finding customers, products, or sales orders Creating a sales order, a product, a tax rate, or a customer Updating a sales order, and more Here are a few examples of some of the integrations and automations you can enable through Integrately: Export data from various cloud platforms like Google Sheets, OneDrive, etc. Optimize shipping by syncing sales orders between Katana and shipping services Send emails, Slack messages, or SMS if the status of your sales order changes Drive deals from marketing and CRM platforms like Marketo, Zoho CRM, etc. Connect Katana with Monday. com, Trello, Asana, or other task management tools Getting started Head to Integrately and create an account. Inside Integrately, go to New automation > search for Katana > Set up to add the Katana connection. When prompted to create a connection to Katana in Integrately, Sign in to Katana. Authorize the connection by following the prompt to log in to your Katana account. Enter the same email and password you use to log in to Katana and click LOG IN. That's all there is to it! If you'd like to learn more about connecting to Integrately, check out our Knowledge Base. Happy integrating!

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> Manufacturing analytics is the process of collecting and deriving insights on operations to improve your business’ health. Read more here.

- Published: 2022-10-28
- Modified: 2024-05-24
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/manufacturing-analytics/
- Categories: Business tips

Manufacturing analytics is the process of collecting and deriving insights on operations and technologies to improve your business’ health. Without a plan, you will be lost and rudderless in the high seas of business management. Sure, you can make a plan following some guides online. But with no tools or information to help create these plans, it’ll just be another aimless endeavor that leaves you going in circles. So, what can you do to make sure your business is on the right path to success? In this article, we’ll look into manufacturing analytics — an essential tool for optimizing your business. Manufacturing analytics supports you in making data-driven decisions that can improve your business’ overall performance. By analyzing data related to production, quality control, and other aspects of manufacturing, organizations can identify areas where they can make changes that will lead to improvements. So, without further ado, let’s begin. Manufacturing analytics with cloud software Katana offers flexibility to filter, sort, and drill into data. Get a demo and see Katana in action. Get a demo What is manufacturing analytics? Manufacturing analytics involves investigating your operations and significant events, usually with technology, to ensure quality, increase productivity, reduce manufacturing costs, and optimize supply chains. With manufacturing process analytics, companies can identify issues and trends that would otherwise go undetected, leading to improved decision-making and increased efficiency. Manufacturing analytics can be used to track quality control issues, optimize production schedules, predict equipment failures, and so much more. The benefits of manufacturing analytics are numerous, but perhaps most importantly, it can help companies avoid costly mistakes and increase their bottom line. What analytics for manufacturing should you track? In any manufacturing business, efficiency is key. The whole purpose of manufacturing, after all, is to produce goods quickly and efficiently. To do this, manufacturers must closely monitor their production process, measuring various performance indicators (KPIs) along the way. There are countless KPIs that manufacturers can track, but some are more important than others. Here are 8 of the most important KPIs for any manufacturer. 1. Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) OEE is a metric that measures how effectively a manufacturing machine or process is being used. It considers factors such as downtime, speed, and quality to give you a comprehensive picture of your machines or process’s effectiveness. Here is the formula for calculating your OEE: OEE = Availability x Performance x Quality 2. First Pass Yield (FPY)  FPY is a measure of the percentage of products that are produced correctly on the first try. A high FPY means that your manufacturing process is efficient and has few defective products. FPY = Quality Units / Total Units Produced 3. Production Downtime Downtime is any time when a machine or process is not in operation. Downtime can be caused by scheduled maintenance or unexpected problems. Regardless of the cause, downtime is costly for manufacturers because it reduces overall production capacity. Time resource is down / Planned operating time x 100 = Downtime % 4. Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) MTBF measures...

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> Cellular manufacturing is a great technique for process improvement. Discover its strengths and how to implement it.

- Published: 2022-10-03
- Modified: 2024-01-18
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/celullar-manufacturing/
- Categories: Business tips, Manufacturing

An important component of the lean manufacturing mindset, cellular manufacturing is a great technique for process improvement. Discover its strengths and how to implement it. In biology, a cell is the smallest unit of life that can survive on its own. Applying this idea to manufacturing gives us cellular manufacturing and the concept of creating units called manufacturing cells. These manufacturing cells can be thought of as miniature versions of a plant layout capable of producing a complete product or a product family. Cellular manufacturing is a part of lean manufacturing ideology and can help grow your business by optimizing your production process. Let’s examine cellular manufacturing under a microscope and learn more about it. What is cellular manufacturing? Cellular manufacturing refers to a manufacturing strategy used to arrange different machines functionally in specific geometric layouts and larger functional units known as manufacturing cells to optimize the production process. The manufacturing cells are designed in such a way that each cell consists of all the machinery and workforce required to produce a product or a product family that is similar to each other. Since there are various machines in a unit, cellular manufacturing systems focus on training a cross-functional workforce that can easily operate all the machinery within a cell. This encourages the technicians to be creative and suggests process improvements, adding fewer defects and higher product throughput. Cellular manufacturing evolved from ideas that were first proposed by Ralph Sanders. They then went on to mature into important concepts of lean manufacturing and lean six sigma principles due to their common focus on reducing waste and continually improving production processes. Cellular manufacturing vs traditional layouts Cellular manufacturing is in sharp contrast to the traditional manufacturing approach to factory route manufacturing layouts, in which functionally similar machines are grouped and placed close to each other. Unfinished products have a larger travel distance between different groups of machines than the traditional approach. Also, defects pass through faster due to the slower communication about process improvements. These contribute towards multiple wastes of manufacturing, such as transport, motion, and correction. In cellular manufacturing, a single cell can produce a finished product, and this drastically reduces materials handling and the travel distances of resources. However, the traditional approach has a saving grace in the form of its robustness against machinery breakdown. In the cellular approach, a broken down machine could take the entire cell offline until the machine is repaired. That being said, at larger workloads, cellular manufacturing systems outperform traditional approaches by miles simply because of their flexibility and efficiency improvements. 5 advantages of cellular manufacturing Here are some advantages of implementing cellular manufacturing in your lean manufacturing workflow: Enhanced production environment and quality control Improved capacity to produce high-volume, high-variety products at a fast pace Substantial reduction in manufacturing lead time and waste Smaller work-in-progress (WIP) inventory Develop a highly versatile and efficient workforce 3 disadvantages of cellular manufacturing As with everything, there are disadvantages to cellular manufacturing as well. Here are three: Prone...

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> Outsourcing production or packaging needs can be tricky business. Understand the differences and which one better suits your needs.

- Published: 2022-10-03
- Modified: 2024-03-27
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/packaging-contract-manufacturing/
- Categories: Business tips

Outsourcing production or packaging needs can be tricky business. Understand the differences and which one better suits your needs Your core business is manufacturing, and you are darn good at what you manufacture. Unfortunately, customers also care about the packaging and end up buying your competitor's products simply because they have better packaging. You simply don't have the resources to source, stock, and also package your amazing products into attractive packaging to entice your customers. This is when contract packaging can come to your rescue. Tracking your packaging & contract manufacturing Software that gives you the tools to create outsourced purchase orders and track raw material levels at contractors' locations — stay in the loop with Katana Cloud Inventory. Contract manufacturing software What is contract packaging? Contract packaging is when you hire a third-party company to provide packaging solutions for your products. The third-party company, often referred to as the contract packager, provides either primary, secondary, tertiary or a combination of the packaging solutions for your products. With your packaging needs taken care of, you have more energy to focus on manufacturing. What are all these different levels of packaging you might ask? Let’s look at the pharmaceutical manufacturing space to understand these. To keep things simple, let’s take Aspirin in its pill form. The product itself could be packaged in a blister packaging solution. This is called the primary packaging, and it protects your products. So, all those products in the annoying and hard-to-open clamshell packaging are essentially primary packaged products. Going back to our blister packaged Aspirin, generally, it is further packaged in a larger box that is considered secondary packaging. Secondary packaging is usually where manufacturers request for custom packaging, and the packages also carry other information such as instructions, precautions, manufacturer’s info, and the like. From there, multiple packs of secondary packaged Aspirin are put together into larger corrugated boxes called tertiary packages. Multiple boxes are then also put into shrink wrapping to make transportation easier. So tertiary packaging is done for ease of transport or as part of making different kits of products as well. Now the example we saw was for one product and one size of packaging. However, consider: Multiple products Different packaging sizes and volumes Promotional or trial packs Gift packs The complexity of packaging skyrockets with each additional factor. For a business specializing in manufacturing, packaging can end up being a huge problem, and that is exactly where contract packagers enter the picture to provide solutions to complex packaging needs. What is contract manufacturing? Contract manufacturing (CM) is the process of outsourcing either a part or all of your manufacturing to an external company. This external company is then called your subcontractor. In the CM workflow, the subcontractor takes care of the entire production cycle, right from sourcing the raw material to packaging and shipping the products to distributors and customers. This implies that you simply need to place an order for your products, and the subcontractor takes the rest. Adopting a CM workflow can be quite a big transition...

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> Contract manufacturing and toll manufacturing are terms easy to confuse. Read here to learn the difference and how to manage them.

- Published: 2022-09-30
- Modified: 2024-03-22
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/contract-manufacturing-vs-toll-manufacturing/
- Categories: Business tips, Inventory management

Should you let a third-party company source raw materials for your products with contract manufacturing? Or should you supply them yourself and pay a toll for the manufacturing services? Read on to find out. You are in an enviable position.   Your business is growing, and you are looking to add production capacity. After considering your options and reading about outsourcing manufacturing, you have decided to go this route. However, you find yourself at the crossroads of contract manufacturing and toll manufacturing since these are the two main paths when it comes to getting third-party manufacturing involved. Let's take a closer look at toll manufacturing vs contract manufacturing. We will look at each modality's advantages and disadvantages and help you understand which one better suits your needs. Get your outsource manufacturing off the ground with Katana Organize purchase orders for outsource manufacturers and track stock levels for those materials to keep production moving. Learn more What is contract manufacturing? Contract manufacturing is a form of supply chain management where you outsource either a part or all of your production to a third-party manufacturer as a means to increase your output. The company that takes up your contract is referred to as either a subcontractor or contracting company. In this article, we will focus on a key point of contract manufacturing, which is that the subcontractor manages the entire product cycle. This means that the contracting company is also responsible for the procurement of raw materials. So, as the parent company, you simply need to place an order, and they do the rest. Putting the contractor in charge of the raw materials allows you to leverage your contractor's already established vendor networks. Additionally, contracting often produces equal or higher quality goods at the same price points because the workforce is highly specialized, and you can also derive the benefits of economies of scale. The catch here is that you have to invest more into quality control processes on your end to make sure that the final products meet your quality standards. What is toll manufacturing? Toll manufacturing is an outsourcing arrangement in which you supply the raw materials and pay a fee (or toll) to access the subcontractor’s manufacturing capabilities. In this case, the subcontracting company is also called the tolling company or toll manufacturer. A toll manufacturing situation could arise if you have better access to raw materials in terms of price and/or quality. Or you simply want to have more of a say in what is used to produce products that will carry your brand name. In either case, toll manufacturing can help you scale your business without having to build more manufacturing infrastructure. One of the main advantages of toll manufacturing is that you have complete control over the inputs, and as a result, you have more due control over the quality of the final product. Often toll manufacturing also turns out to be cheaper than contract manufacturing since you simply pay for the manufacturing capabilities of the tolling company. The obvious drawback here is that the...

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> Subcontract manufacturing helps simplify inventory management overheads and allows you to focus on your business. Read more about it here.

- Published: 2022-09-28
- Modified: 2024-05-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/subcontract-manufacturing/
- Categories: Business tips, Inventory management

Grow your business with subcontract manufacturing and simplify the inventory management overheads with the right contract manufacturing software. Read more about it here. Your manufacturing business is doing well, and there is a growing demand for your products. You decide that it is a great time to increase production. However, your facilities are already working at full manufacturing capacity, and you have your hands full with other aspects of your business. This is when you can reap the benefits of using subcontract manufacturing or outsourcing some of your production. Subcontracting manufacturing while staying in control Software that gives you the tools to create outsourced purchase orders and track raw material levels at contractors' locations — stay in the loop with Katana ERP. Get a demo What is subcontracting manufacturing? Subcontracting, otherwise known as contract manufacturing or private manufacturing, is the process of outsourcing either a part or all of your manufacturing to an external company. This external company is then called your subcontractor. Now, why would you ever give up control of your production process and move your manufacturing to a third party, you ask? Well, as it turns out, there are plenty of reasons, such as: Increasing production Allocating capital more efficiently Responding to sudden demand spikes Reducing labor costs For instance, let's say that you are looking to increase production, but you have maxed out your in-house production capacity. You are aware that setting up new manufacturing facilities is extremely capital-intensive, and taking on more debt can prove too risky for your business — this is when subcontracting comes to the rescue. Employing external manufacturing through subcontracting can increase your output without the added risk of a large debt. If you prefer, you could think of subcontracting as a stepping stone in the process of accumulating the capital required to build more in-house production capacity. Of course, it's not all that easy. There are plenty of factors that you need to consider when it comes to subcontracting. Let's look into how the process works and the things to watch out for when adopting subcontracting into your workflow. The subcontracting process Let's assume that you already went shopping for subcontractors and found a company that offers contract manufacturing. First, quality standards will need to be established and agreed upon. The next step is to iron out important logistical details, such as coordinating the production schedules for instance. As they say, the devil is in the details, and this is where things start to get complicated. You will need a way to track inventory levels and follow the manufacturing operations across multiple locations, including your manufacturing partner's warehouse — these can prove challenging without the right tools. You will then need to set up quality control checks for the finished products from the subcontractor. Last but not least, you also need to manage invoicing and accounting for the movement of goods across these multiple locations. These are the bare essentials that you need to take care of when setting up...

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> Push sales and purchasing data from Katana to the inventory account in QuickBooks Online to better understand your earnings. Learn more.

- Published: 2022-09-28
- Modified: 2022-09-28
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/synced-inventory-balance-qbo/
- Categories: Product updates

This latest update to the QuickBooks Online (QBO) integration allows you to push sales and purchasing data from Katana to QBO's inventory account. It's always a good day when there's an update to the QuickBooks Online (QBO) integration with Katana! This latest one allows you to push Purchase orders (POs) to the inventory balance in accounting, then send the inventory cost to the expense account after a sale occurs. What has improved? With this recent update, you can set up your QBO integration to include an inventory balance account. Katana sends PO values to QBO’s Inventory account and a journal entry is created for the cost of sales account once a sale completes. This means that your inventory balance is updated in QBO because of the push of purchase and sales data from Katana. Your COGS account will also reflect the cost of items that have been sold, not just any purchase made during the period. Start using the updated QBO integration If you’re new to using the QBO integration, you can choose this newly introduced setup while connecting the integration to Katana. Take a look at our detailed guide on connecting QuickBooks Online to Katana to learn more. If you’ve already integrated QBO with your Katana account, disconnect the integration and reconnect it, this time choosing the new accounting setting. If you’re happy with how your current workflow works, then there’s no need to update. However, this new improvement can be useful as it makes it easier to keep your inventory balance updated within QBO. Find out more about the QBO integration with Katana in our Knowledge Base. What's next for the QuickBooks Online integration? We always aim to improve your Katana experience, so we'll continue to focus on more updates for the integration, such as more convenient workflows for running your business. Our next improvements, which will go live later this year, will enable you to use partial invoicing and partial billing with the QuickBooks Online integration. In the meantime, if you have questions about this or any other update, send us a message via live chat or email us at support@katanamrp. com. Happy accounting!

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> Engineer to order is a way of manufacturing where a product is designed, produced and delivered once an order is made. Read about ETO here.

- Published: 2022-09-27
- Modified: 2024-05-23
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/engineer-to-order/
- Categories: Business tips

Engineer to order is a way of manufacturing where a product is designed, produced and delivered once an order is made. Read all about the ETO workflow below. Generally, manufacturing companies design a product meant to solve a problem faced by many customers worldwide. They optimize production processes to lower costs, trying to secure the largest market possible. While this may be the typical business model, it is not the only one. In contrast, an engineer to order (ETO) company designs unique solutions for specific customer needs. This can be a one-off product or a small batch of products produced to the same specification. The key characteristic is that each ETO product is different from the next and usually cannot be produced without significant engineering input. Below, we will take a closer look at the ETO process, how it differs from traditional manufacturing techniques, some of the most famous examples, and how to implement it in your own business using software. Engineer to order made easy Katana's cloud inventory platform gives businesses the tools to manage different inventory types, so you can support make-to-stock and engineer-to-order workflows simultaneously. Get a demo What is engineer to order? Engineer to order manufacturing is a process in which products are conceived, designed, and produced to meet the specific requirements of individual customers. In other words, each product is unique, and the designing process begins after the customer has placed an order. While this may be a new concept for some, it is quite similar to some more familiar items, like the way custom cars or bespoke items like suits are made. In both cases, the customer provides specifications, and the manufacturer is able to customize products that meet those requirements specifically without preconceived notions of what the customer wants. Engineer to order vs make to order Engineer to order and make to order are often conflated, but there is a big distinction between the two. In make-to-order manufacturing, a fixed design is created before any customer orders are placed. The manufacturer then produces the product to the same specification for each customer that places an order. With an engineer to order manufacturing solution, on the other hand, the product is not designed until after a customer places an order. This means that each product produced is unique and tailored specifically to the customer's requirements. It is important to note that engineer to order does not necessarily mean that the finished product is made completely from scratch each time. In many cases, ETO manufacturers will have a base product or platform that can be modified to meet the customer's specific needs. This modular approach helps reduce lead times and costs while providing a fully customized solution for complex products. Engineer to order vs configure to order Similarly, in a configure-to-order system, the customer chooses from a range of existing design options that have been pre-determined by the manufacturer. The options might be things like size, color, or material, and they are configured into a product...

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> Integrate Adobe Commerce (previously Magento) with Katana via CartRover and automate the sync of inventory and sales orders. Learn more.

- Published: 2022-09-13
- Modified: 2022-09-13
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/adobe-commerce/
- Categories: Product updates

The newest Katana update allows you to connect to Adobe Commerce (formerly Magento) and import sales orders, and sync stock to Katana. As of today, you can now integrate Adobe Commerce (previously known as Magento) with Katana (via CartRover). Adobe Commerce is a highly expandable open-source platform that specializes in building e-commerce websites. With its highly advanced, feature-rich platform, Adobe Commerce is designed for online businesses that want to expand their growth and provide a top-level customer buying experience. Integrating Adobe Commerce enables you to connect your online store to Katana so you waste less time keeping both systems updated. Quickly connect Adobe Commerce to Katana via CartRover and automate workflows like: Inventory movement across sales channels Sales order retrieval from Adobe Commerce to Katana Customer-related shipping info importing to Katana Connecting Katana to Adobe Commerce via CartRover First, you'll need to connect to CartRover. If you're new to CartRover, check out our detailed guide on connecting it to Katana. Once CartRover is ready, you can integrate your Katana account with Adobe Commerce — head to our Knowledge Base to learn how and for further help integrating with Adobe Commerce, you can turn to CartRover's support. What is CartRover? CartRover is a web application that specializes in integrated solutions for order management. Through optimization and automation, CartRover makes separate systems work together seamlessly. CartRover already has over 100 e-commerce integrations you can connect to Katana. Сreate a free trial account on CartRover, and visit their Pricing page for more information about CartRover’s plans and pricing. Happy integrating!

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> The new insights feature in Katana provides structured accessibility to analytics, giving you a centralized place to make intelligent business choices.

- Published: 2022-09-12
- Modified: 2022-09-12
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/katana-insights/
- Categories: Product updates

Katana Insights provides structured accessibility to analytics and business intelligence so you can make data-driven decisions. Have you ever implemented new technologies into existing processes only to find that you don't see the full benefits that technology can provide? In Katana, we want to make it easy to have complete visibility and control over all the moving parts of your business. With Katana Insights, you'll have the opportunity to better analyze and visualize the data in Katana (including data added by integrations) by taking information from a standardized model and mapping it into easy-to-read reports. To get you started, we’ll first be offering Sales Insights Reporting. Guide your business with reliable data To make informative decisions and be assured you’re steering your company in the right direction, the first step is making sure the data that you’re using is accurate and reliable. Information consistency: Leverage sales data and reporting to establish an information baseline. Avoid the complications in combining data from various sources when creating performance metrics. Single source of truth: Insights reporting provides a centralized point for Katana data, simplifying data analysis and giving you confidence in your sales reporting. Perform data driven decision-making to stimulate business growth. Understanding sales outliers gives you the freedom to allocate time to where it matters - growth and strategy. To go along with reporting, the insights feature has dynamic usability. Your team can dig into important metrics to better understand customers & product data in detail. With Katana Insights, it’s easy to: Track sales performance Monitor revenue, profit, and cost Identify margin outliers for better profitability Locate sales trends, and risks to reprioritize items Find business data in a single, convenient dashboard What’s up next in Katana? We’re working hard to provide better insights to give you clarity and an advantage over your everyday work. The Insights feature will be rolled out gradually to ensure that what we deliver is on expectations. Here’s what we have next in line: BigCommerce integration User permissions Inventory insights reporting for stock level management Until next time, happy analyzing!

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> Implementing quality control in manufacturing might seem expensive but will save you time and money in the long run. Learn how to set it up.

- Published: 2022-09-06
- Modified: 2024-05-24
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/manufacturing-quality-control/
- Categories: Business tips, Top lists

One product recall due to a faulty product can devastate any company. The best way to avoid this is to have a process in place for monitoring your finished goods. In this article, we look into the quality control process and 6 techniques you can follow to ensure the best quality for your products and customers. Ensuring that your business consistently manufactures high-quality products is vital for its success. A top-quality manufacturer's reputation promises customer loyalty and increasing business volumes. However, figuring out quality control in your manufacturing processes can be tricky. Read on to find out more about the options you have when it comes to quality control. Implement headache-free quality control in manufacturing Start using quality control practices with a live inventory management system for real-time overviews of inventory and operations. Read more about the software What is quality control in manufacturing?   Quality control (QC) is the process of ensuring that the products that you manufacture meet certain quality standards. Conformance to these standards can be self-imposed, requested by your customers, or by external organizations such as the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).  Quality control techniques came to the forefront in the manufacturing industry largely due to the efforts of Dr. W. Edwards Deming. His pioneering work led to the quick economic turnaround of Post-World War II Japan. Dr. Deming promoted the idea of the PDSA (Plan-Do-Study-Act) cycle, which is a systematic process for gaining valuable learning and knowledge for the continual improvement of a product, process, or service. It has the following stages:  Plan — Identifying a goal or purpose and putting together a plan of action  Do — Components of the plan are implemented on a small scale if needed  Study — Outcomes are monitored to test the validity of the plan  Act — To integrate discoveries learned during the entire cycle and reformulate the plan accordingly  The PDSA cycle, also known as the Deming cycle, has many similarities to the more sophisticated lean principles in manufacturing. Both methodologies are designed to help your business to produce high-quality products.   6 quality control techniques in manufacturing you can use  As noted earlier, an inspection of the final products and testing their conformance to quality standards form a large part of quality control. Depending on the type of products you manufacture, regulations, and international standards, you can employ different techniques to ensure their quality.   Here are the various quality control approaches that can be employed in your manufacturing workflows.   1. 100% inspection method  In this method, 100% of your products need to be inspected to ensure that they comply with the quality standards.   For instance, if you manufacture perishable inventory like food or pharmaceuticals, you could be required by law to make sure that 100% of your products have the expiry dates printed on the labels before they leave your facility.   However, this method can be quite expensive and often unnecessary. It is only employed when the cost of producing a substandard product is extremely high.   2....

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> Connect your online store to Katana via CartRover and automate inventory and sales order sync. Learn more.

- Published: 2022-09-05
- Modified: 2022-09-05
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/prestashop/
- Categories: Product updates

Through CartRover, you'll be able to easily import sales orders and push inventory from your PrestaShop online store to Katana. We've got some excellent news for online merchants – you can now integrate PrestaShop with Katana via CartRover. The open-sourced PrestaShop is one of the leading e-commerce solutions available. PrestaShop makes setting up an online store with products and shipping options quick and easy. Using this integration, you can connect your online store to Katana for convenient updating and data syncing between the two applications. The seamless connection via CartRover allows you to automate workflows such as: Moving inventory across sales channels Auto-creating products in Katana from PrestaShop Collect in Katana the Sales order shipping info from PrestaShop Connecting Katana to PrestaShop via CartRover To get started, you'll first need to connect to CartRover. If you're new to CartRover, check out our detailed guide to learn more. Once CartRover is ready, integrate Katana with PrestaShop through 6 quick steps: In PrestaShop, go to the Advanced Parameters tab in the navigation menu and click on Webservice to find your API Key and Password. Click Add new webservice key > Generate. Enter a description like CartRover. Adjust View (GET) and Modify (PUT) checkboxes > Save. Enter API Key and store URL into CartRover. Make sure the Enable Webservice box is set to Yes. Check our Knowledge Base for a more detailed step-by-step guide on setting up this integration. If you need additional help integrating PrestaShop, you can also contact CartRover's support team for assistance. What is CartRover? CartRover is a web application that specializes in integrated solutions for order management. Through optimization and automation, CartRover makes separate systems work together seamlessly. CartRover already has over 100 e-commerce integrations you can connect to Katana. Сreate a free trial account on CartRover, and visit their Pricing page for more information about CartRover's plans and pricing. Happy integrating!

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> Running a business that makes products means you use push or pull manufacturing — here's everything you need to know about both methods.

- Published: 2022-08-30
- Modified: 2022-12-16
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/push-vs-pull-manufacturing/
- Categories: Business tips, Inventory management

Have you heard of push and pull manufacturing? If you run a business that delivers physical products, you already use one or the other (or a combination of the two) — regardless of how well-versed you are in their meaning. Here's everything you need to know. The terms “push” and “pull” come from the supply chain management (SCM) world. In push manufacturing, businesses produce products based on demand planning. Production is pushed out to meet customer forecasted demands, even if those customers have not yet placed orders.   In pull manufacturing, production is based on actual customer orders. As soon as an order arrives, work begins to manufacture that product. There is no predicting or forecasting involved. In a pure pull system, no product is made until there is an order for it. Those are the basic definitions, but there is a lot more to learn about both before you try to decide which is right for your company. You might need to see some push vs pull manufacturing examples to understand — and is there a third option, somehow combining the best parts of both? Below, we’ll dig into the specifics of push and pull manufacturing, how they differ, and the benefits of using a hybrid approach supplemented by some powerful ERP and MRP software solutions.   What is push manufacturing? Pretend that you run a small company that sells widgets: You have 10 employees You sell 100 widgets per day on average  In push systems, you would produce 1,000 widgets every day. You would store the 900 extras in inventory until they are needed. When an order arrives, you would pull the necessary widget(s) from inventory and ship them to the customer.   You would then have your workforce replace the widgets in inventory, so you always have 900 on hand.   The main advantage of push manufacturing — also known as make-to-stock (MTS) — is that it reduces the time between when an order arrives and when the customer receives the product.   In our widget example, if a customer orders 10 widgets, those 10 can be taken off the shelf and shipped immediately. The customer does not have to wait for you to produce the product they want. That can be a significant advantage, especially in time-sensitive industries. The main disadvantage of push manufacturing is that it can lead to high inventory costs. In our widget example, you are paying your workforce to produce 900 widgets, even though you might only sell 100. That extra 800 widgets sitting in inventory cost money. Excess inventory takes up space, which could be used for other things and they tie up capital that could be used elsewhere in the business. What is pull manufacturing? On the other hand, in a pull manufacturing system — also known as make-to-order (MTO) — you would produce 100 widgets per day, the number you sell on average. When a customer orders 10 widgets, your workforce produces those 10 specifically for that order.   The advantage of this...

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> Distributed manufacturing promotes efficiency, flexibility, and reduces costs. Learn all about it and how to implement it.

- Published: 2022-08-30
- Modified: 2024-05-23
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/distributed-manufacturing/
- Categories: Business tips, Manufacturing

Distributed manufacturing promotes efficiency, flexibility, and reduces costs. Learn all about it and how to implement it. If you've tried to buy a car in North America over the past year, you have probably had a run-in with today's supply chain challenges. Some parts produced far away are no longer available due to pandemic-related shutdowns, while others are in short supply due to a global semiconductor shortage. This is the new trend towards a just-in-time, globalized economy — the entire world is linked together in a complex web of trade and production. The current system was not designed to deal with sudden disruptions on such a large scale. But what if there was a way to build resilience into the system by using decentralized manufacturing? This is the promise of the distributed manufacturing trend.   It also opens up the possibility of decentralized supply chains, which would be much less vulnerable to disruptions.   Before we proclaim this system as one that will save the world, let's dig a little deeper into what it is distributed manufacturing advantages and disadvantages and how to manage it using advancing software solutions.   Live inventory management software for pipeline inventory Know exactly where all your items are at a moment's notice with pipeline inventory software purpose-built for manufacturers tracking multiple inventory types. Read more about it here What is distributed manufacturing?   Distributed manufacturing is a way of organizing production so that it is spread out across many different locations. This could mean making things closer to where they are needed or using local resources that might otherwise go to waste.   Right now, the vast majority of manufacturing industries takes place in centralized locations, often in countries with low production cost. This has led to a situation where many products are shipped long distances worldwide before they reach consumers.   Distributed production changes this by moving production closer to where it will be used. This could involve setting up small-scale production facilities in different parts of the world or even leveraging a digital platform or 3D printing technology to make products on demand locally.   There are many different ways to organize distributed manufacturing: Localized production — This involves having products designed and manufactured closer to where they will be used. For example, a company might have a factory in each country where it sells  Modular production — This is a way of designing products to make them using modular components that can be produced separately with CNC machining techniques and then added to different assembly systems later  This would make it easier to produce and distribute products locally, as the different parts could be shipped from different places: On-demand production — This is where products are only made when they are ordered, using 3D printers, plastic injection molding, or other additive manufacturing techniques, often referred to as make-to-order. This would allow companies to produce things locally without having to keep finished products in stock  Recycling and upcycling — This involves using local resources that would otherwise...

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> If you've been around the business world for long enough, you've heard plenty about something called agile methodology. Here's how it applies to manufacturing.

- Published: 2022-08-24
- Modified: 2024-05-22
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/agile-manufacturing/
- Categories: Business tips

If you've been around the business world for long enough, you've heard plenty about something called agile methodology.  Here's how it applies to manufacturing. In most cases, the term agile means breaking projects into smaller, more manageable pieces so that work is completed more efficiently. It has taken root in the world of software development because of its versatile practices and easy-to-learn tenets.   But is agile methodology used in manufacturing industries? Simply put, yes!   For the manufacturing world, it’s a process that helps factories respond quickly to customer demand.   In other words, manufacturers using the agile approach create products based on what customers want to buy rather than making products and then trying to sell them. If you’ve always been interested in what agile manufacturing is and whether it could work in your own business, you’ve come to the right place.   Below, we will examine the definition, benefits, and key principles of agile manufacturing, while also comparing it to lean practices and discovering some software solutions that can help along the way.   ? What is agile manufacturing Agile manufacturing is a way to create and produce things in a manner that is more flexible and adaptable than traditional methods. This means changing or altering the production process quickly and easily to meet customer needs and demands better. Agile manufacturing systems are designed to be very responsive. They allow manufacturers to rapidly respond to changes, whether those changes are in customer demand, technology, or even the marketplace itself. They can also provide several key benefits to drive overall growth, including: Improved customer satisfaction — Agile manufacturing is all about providing what the customer wants when they want it. This helps to build a loyal customer base that keeps coming back for more Increased efficiency — When done correctly, agile manufacturing can help to reduce waste and improve overall efficiency throughout the production process. This leads to lower costs and higher profits Enhanced competitiveness — In today's highly competitive marketplace, responding rapidly to changes can be the difference between success and failure. Agile manufacturing helps businesses stay ahead of the curve Higher levels of sustainability — Sustainability is becoming increasingly important to consumers and businesses. By being more efficient and waste-conscious, agile manufacturing helps businesses operate sustainably Despite these clear advantages, agile manufacturing is not without its challenges. Perhaps the biggest challenge is that it requires a complete change in mindset for many organizations.   Traditional manufacturing approaches are based on long-term planning and predictability, while agile manufacturing requires short-term planning and adaptability. Fortunately, new technologies facilitate flexible manufacturing now more than ever before — let's take a look at some before diving into the principles of agile manufacturing and how it compares to lean manufacturing. How manufacturers use new technologies for facilitating agile production As manufacturing processes have become more complex and globalized, manufacturers have become more agile to stay competitive. New technologies are helping them do just that. For example, additive manufacturing (AM), also known as...

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> Optimal capacity utilization is the sweet spot between too much and too little production. Learn how to calculate it as a manufacturer to maximize efficiency.

- Published: 2022-08-15
- Modified: 2023-03-08
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/capacity-utilization/
- Categories: Business tips

Optimal capacity utilization is the sweet spot between too much and too little production. Learn more about capacity utilization and how to calculate it as a manufacturer to maximize efficiency and reduce costs. If you were to ask the layman about what percentage they believe a manufacturing plant should produce relative to its maximum, they might say 100%.   This would be incorrect.   Optimal capacity utilization is the sweet spot between too much and too little production. If a factory produces 100% of its maximum output, it is likely to experience bottlenecks, waste, and inefficiency.   On the other hand, if a factory only operates at 50% of its maximum output, it is wasting money on underused resources. The goal for any business should be to find that happy medium between over and under-utilization of capacity. In this article, we will examine: What is capacity utilization in manufacturing? How do you calculate capacity utilization? What is a good manufacturing capacity utilization? A capacity utilization example Ready? Crank up that conveyor belt and let's get started! What is capacity utilization (in manufacturing)? Capacity utilization is a metric that measures the amount of output produced by a manufacturing plant relative to its maximum potential output. It is typically expressed as a percentage. This important key performance indicator (KPI) helps businesses to track efficiency and optimize production while making sure they have room for sudden increased market demand if necessary. It can be used for individual factories, assembly lines, or even specific pieces of machinery. One of the hardest things to understand for many businesses is when to slow down. If a company can produce more, it may be tempted to do so to meet customer demand and increase profits.   However, this can often lead to over-utilization of resources, which can then cause bottlenecks, waste, and inefficiency. The goal is to find that happy medium between too much and too little production. How to calculate capacity utilization The capacity utilization formula is relatively simple: Capacity Utilization = (Actual Output / Maximum Potential Output) x 100 For example, if a factory has the potential to produce 10 widgets per hour but is only producing 8 widgets per hour, its capacity utilization would be:  (8/10) x 100 = 80% When calculating capacity vs utilization, you need two pieces of information:  The maximum potential output of the manufacturing plant  The actual output of the manufacturing plant The first piece of information is usually easy to find. Most businesses have a good understanding of their production capabilities.   The second piece of information can be more difficult to track down. You will need data on the number of products or services produced by your manufacturing plant over a specific period. This can be done by tracking output at the individual machine level, or by tracking overall production for the plant. What is a good manufacturing capacity utilization? While basic intuition may suggest that this number should be as high as possible, it isn't the case....

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> Plan ahead with order management tips for Black Friday from Katana and Shopify. Prepare stock, automate processes, and be ready for orders.

- Published: 2022-08-15
- Modified: 2024-05-22
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/black-friday-preparation/
- Categories: Business tips

November 25th is fast-approaching, and no business wants to be under-prepared for one of the highest selling days of the year. We look into Black Friday, and how you should be preparing for the oncoming hordes. Talking about Black Friday might feel early. The sun is shining, people are enjoying summer, and the leaves are still firmly fixed to the trees. However, Black Friday is creeping closer, falling on November 25th this year – and it’s a day that needs planning for both store owners and manufacturers. We’ve all seen the chaotic scenes of hordes of people storming through the front doors of a store, sprinting at full pace with the dreams of a new discounted flatscreen. Or the potential violence that breaks out when there’s just one item left. But Black Friday isn’t isolated to physical stores, and it isn’t just helpless shop assistants having to break up the fisticuffs who can suffer. It could be you, and your business too. So, we thought we could try and offer a bit of insight into the day itself, and hopefully a few order management tips for Black Friday. A few Black Friday stats Black Friday is massive business in the United States, where most of these numbers come from, but the buzz is building worldwide. Here are five statistics which shine a light on the scale of the holiday shopping event: On Black Friday in 2021, almost 155 million Americans made a purchase in-store or online. For perspective, that’s more than the populations of the United Kingdom and Germany combined Perhaps more pertinent in a more online world, 88 million of those Americans made their purchases online The online sales in the US on Black Friday 2021 came to $8. 9 billion, which was down on the $9 billion spent in 2020, but not down for everyone as Shopify’s merchants registered $2. 9 billion in sales worldwide on Black Friday, which was a 21% increase from 2020 The average spend for Black Friday shoppers in 2021 was $430, which was up on 2020, but didn’t necessarily mean they’d bought more items as inflation raised prices across the board (even discounted ones! ) 52% of Black Friday buyers were first-time shoppers in 2021, which shows the opportunity for brands to attract potential new customers with an appealing deal Finally, e-commerce statistics showed that 58% of the purchases on Black Friday 2021 were impulse buys, so if you’re selling items which don’t need much consideration, you could strike gold on November 25th. We mentioned inflation in the above statistics, which will likely be a relevant factor in 2022, but we’ll discuss this a bit later. Black Friday trends Our numbers above give a hint into Black Friday behavior in an online world, but have we totally moved away from the classic in-store browsing? Well, not entirely. As the pandemic pressure decreased through 2021, people did start to venture out again, and in the millions if US statistics are to be believed. If...

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> While both used to track items, SKUs and UPC codes are used quite differently. Learn more about the differences between them.

- Published: 2022-08-12
- Modified: 2022-08-12
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/upc-vs-sku/
- Categories: Business tips

While both used to track items, SKU (stock-keeping unit) and UPC (universal product code) codes are used quite differently. Learn more about the differences with UPC and SKU and when to use each of them to track your inventory.   Wondering what the difference is between a UPC barcode and SKU code? Let's start with a short answer. An SKU is an alphanumeric code for internal use and is unique to individual retailers or manufacturers. On the other hand, UPC codes are universal and can be used to identify a product no matter who is selling it later on, making it useful for external use. Some people have issues differentiating between SKU and UPC and erroneously use these terms interchangeably. While both are codes used for product description and identification, the difference is more evident when you take a closer look.  This article will help clear things up by answering the following questions: What are the differences between SKU and UPC? Can I use SKU as UPC? Do I need SKU if I have UPC? Is a barcode and an SKU the same? What is a stock-keeping unit (SKU)? An SKU, or stock keeping unit, is a unique code consisting of numbers and letters assigned internally to aid swift and accurate inventory or stock management. A typical SKU code identifies the characteristics of the product like: Brand Color Manufacturer Style Size For example, a fashion-based e-commerce business may carry a Purple Zara halter neck dress in size 12, and the SKU assigned to it would be this: ZA-HN-PUR-12.  Most companies create SKU codes for their products and services. For example, two companies selling products with the same general description would have very different SKU codes. This is because SKUs are used internally and each business decides which SKU works best for them. Some places that use SKUs for stock-keeping and other internal operations include the following. Retail stores In addition to UPC barcodes, a retail store may also benefit from SKUS. For example, a retail seller may sell a particular pair of shoes in two different colors (gold and brown) in sizes 39 and 40. Thus, the seller will have 4 SKUs for each item. They can align them as: Gold, size 39: G39 Gold, size 40: G40 Brown, size 39: B39 Brown, size 40: B40 Warehouses If your product list includes a jacket that comes in various colors and sizes, a good SKU could help your warehouse team easily locate items for shipping. For example, an SKU code for these products could be Jacket (size 10, blue) — JAC-10-BL. And here's one more — if you have a handbag that changes with seasons, your SKU could be: Handbag (Winter 2019 season, Orange) — S19-HBA-OR. Product fulfillment centers Preparing both SKUs and barcodes for your products makes it easier for product fulfillment centers to fulfill your orders by scanning and automating picking, packing, and shipment of your orders as soon as they arrive. What is a universal product code (UPC)? A...

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> Work with contract manufacturing suppliers? You can now issue outsourced purchase orders and get more accurate material and stock data in Katana. Learn more.

- Published: 2022-08-09
- Modified: 2022-08-10
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/contract-manufacturing-2/
- Categories: Product updates

Introducing new functionalities for contract manufacturing. Issue outsourced purchase orders and get more accurate material and stock data in Katana. Manufacturers today often use a blend of in-house and contract manufacturing to maximize efficiency and keep costs low. To support these modern workflows, Katana now comes with more functionalities for outsourced purchase orders that give you the visibility you need when working with contractors. The contract manufacturing model Contract manufacturing or outsourced manufacturing is widely practiced among small-to-medium-sized manufacturers. Unlike the traditional model of making all products and subassemblies in-house, many companies today outsource some or all parts of their manufacturing process. There are different degrees of contract manufacturing depending on what your business may need. Partially outsourced manufacturing, for example, involves outsourcing specific operations while you still have control over the manufacturing order (MO) and its completion. On the other hand, in fully outsourced manufacturing, you provide and acquire raw materials and ship them to a contractor to complete the MO. Even in fully outsourced manufacturing workflows, businesses need to track raw material stock and keep tabs on the status of the MO throughout the process — regardless of whether manufacturing is completed on-site or not. Katana now supports fully outsourced manufacturing workflows to make this possible and ease the flow of information between you and the suppliers you work with — here’s how. Fully outsourced manufacturing in Katana Issuing a purchase or manufacturing order has always been possible in Katana. But with our latest update, we introduced a brand new workflow that covers your contracting needs, making it possible to: Issue purchase orders for fully outsourced manufacturing Track materials in partner locations Receive items with accurate cost value (including purchase prices and materials costs) To learn more about contract manufacturing in Katana, take a look at our Knowledge Base article here, which includes all the details and guidance you need to get started. More workflows coming soon To continue improving contract manufacturing workflows and support all types of manufacturing models, our team is already working on the improvements that give you more visibility when working with suppliers. Katana’s next update will include functionalities like assigning batches to materials, giving you even more control over your outsourced orders. Happy contract manufacturing!

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> Avoid potential stock and cost miscalculations with our latest update, which increases the accuracy of cost calculations with closed inventory periods. Learn more.

- Published: 2022-08-02
- Modified: 2022-08-02
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/inventory-period-closing/
- Categories: Product updates

Avoid potential stock and cost miscalculations with our latest update, which increases the accuracy of cost calculations with closed inventory periods. To aid you in keeping your accounting data more accurate and precise, we are excited to introduce Katana's inventory period closing. This update helps you avoid changes to previous periods which could lead to numerous recalculations and potential mistakes in your costs. Continue reading to learn more about why this improvement is essential for any business. Why is the inventory period closing crucial? All companies have some form of a closing period, where accountants wrap up and review earnings and expenditures for the preceding fiscal cycle. However, depending on the business, there can be differences in the regularity of these processes. The process of closing at the end of a month helps businesses collect financial accounting information, reviews, and reconcile records each month. For some companies, this process is a reporting requirement to assist in keeping accurate records throughout the year. Other businesses put off closing each month or even choose to close at the year’s end. In these cases, there is usually significantly more time spent preparing reports within tight deadlines. When using software like Katana, inventory period closing can help improve the accuracy of past data. Changes to older inventory records can consequently influence the current inventory and costs numbers. Unless the period is closed and changes limited, every time someone makes a change, these numbers are recalculated. Even if you’re unfamiliar with this kind of workflow, we’re sure you’ll see the benefits of implementing period closing as it helps keep your numbers more precise. How it works in Katana In Katana, the current and previous month are considered open inventory periods while everything before that is an automatically closed inventory period. If a period is closed, you can no longer make changes to the following: Purchase orders Sales orders Manufacturing orders Stock adjustments Stock transfers These limitations help you avoid numerous cost recalculations triggered by inventory changes and provide you with an accurate picture of current stock. You can find more details about this update in our Knowledge Base article. Manually closing an inventory period Although Katana will automatically close inventory periods for you, we know companies have their own regional-specific rules depending on local regulations. To counter this, you’ll also be able to manually change your closing date. Manual inventory period closing enables closing the period earlier than Katana automatically would and allows you to open up a previously closed period. Happy inventory closing!

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> Katana has made it on to Capterra’s Shortlist, GetApp’s Category Leaders list, and Software Advice’s Front Runners for a second year.

- Published: 2022-08-01
- Modified: 2023-04-10
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/katana-recognitions-2022/
- Categories: Company News

In 2022, Katana was acclaimed in five software categories in GetApp’s Category Leaders and Software Advice’s Front Runners reports, and six software categories in Capterra’s Shortlist report. Here's the complete list of all 16 recognitions. Katana was proud to be featured among the best manufacturing and production scheduling software by Capterra, GetApp, and Software Advice in 2021. And we’ve been featured for a second year running. In 2022, Katana has been acclaimed in five software categories in GetApp’s Category Leaders and Software Advice’s Front Runners reports, and in six software categories in Capterra's Shortlist report. Being recognized by three of the most reputable software comparison sites on the market is an achievement in itself — but knowing that customers reviews have placed us there is the biggest win. A total of 16 recognitions were given across the following categories: ERP software MRP software Manufacturing Manufacturing Execution Production Scheduling Barcoding Software (Capterra only) Here’s a little more information about each of the comparison sites and how Katana made it to the top of their lists. Capterra Capterra is considered the industry leader in the field of software comparison and is free to use. Capterra allows users to easily compare software on the market to find the tools which best serve their needs and has published over one million verified reviews to their website. Learn about Capterra’s methodology for choosing tools in their shortlist by. But, in a nutshell, the shortlists are based on user reviews and popularity among users. You can find Katana credited in the following Capterra shortlists: Best ERP Software 2022 - Capterra Best MRP Software 2022 - Capterra Best Manufacturing Software 2022 - Capterra Best Manufacturing Execution Software 2022 - Capterra Best Production Scheduling Software 2022 - Capterra Best Barcoding Software 2022 - Capterra GetApp GetApp is an online resource for businesses exploring SaaS products and allows users to compare software products side-by-side easily. GetApp features detailed product data, research, insights, trends, and validated user reviews, giving software buyers the tools they need to make informed decisions for their organization. Learn about GetApp’s methodology for choosing tools in their rankings. Long story short, GetApp evaluates rankings on quality user reviews, buyer ratings, and product functionality and usability. You can find Katana in the following GetApp’s Category Leaders rankings: GetApp’s Category Leaders in ERP GetApp’s Category Leaders in MRP GetApp’s Category Leaders in Manufacturing GetApp’s Category Leaders in Manufacturing Execution GetApp’s Category Leaders in Production Scheduling Katana Manufacturing ERP has maintained its status among GetApp’s best software in the five categories above in 2022 because customer experience and satisfaction have always been at the heart of everything we do. Software Advice Software Advice compares software options for your business, so you don’t have to scour the internet.  Software Advice completes in-depth research into different software, so users can find the perfect tools for their business within 15-minutes and, best of all, it’s absolutely free. Learn all about Software Advice’s methodology for choosing tools for their guide by. In short, it all...

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> Cost of poor quality (COPQ) is an essential accounting formula for calculating losses from poor quality products and services.

- Published: 2022-07-21
- Modified: 2024-05-22
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/cost-of-poor-quality-in-manufacturing/
- Categories: Accounting, Business tips

Cost of poor quality (COPQ) is an essential accounting formula for calculating losses from poor quality products and services. The manufacturing sector has companies that deal with food and beverages, oil and gas, medical devices, and many more. Ultimately, the primary goal of every business is to make money. Nowadays, making reasonable returns involves adopting advanced manufacturing approaches that prevent poor quality products from tainting the overall customer experience. However, good quality, as well as poor quality, comes at a cost.   Every average manufacturing company has a cost of poor quality at about 20% of the total sales. For a company generating $10 million in revenue, nearly $2 million is dedicated to costs associated with production and costs deployed to address one quality issue. That is a lot of money and time spent on addressing poor quality. Understanding the cost of quality (COQ) and how to minimize poor quality would be instrumental in boosting many companies' reputations. While it is greatly beneficial to have a speedy and seamless manufacturing process, one cannot ignore the impact of the cost of poor quality in manufacturing. With all that said, what are the cost of poor quality in manufacturing? What is the cost of poor quality? Cost of poor quality (COPQ) is the quality-related cost that is associated with providing products or services that are of poor-quality products to target clients or customers. These costs could be direct or indirect, such as repair, labor, warranty failure, and returns. The 4 costs of quality In evaluating the cost of quality (COQ), there are four quality-related activities that incur costs. 1. Prevention costs These costs are incurred to prevent the occurrence of problems. This includes: Staff training  Certification  Machine maintenance  Quality assurance  Quality planning  Competent management solutions.   2. Appraisal costs These are the costs incurred to ensure the product conforms to the required quality. Examples include things such as: Supplier rating  Quality audits Verification  3. Internal failure costs These are costs that are incurred to fix problems that are noticed before delivery, such as: Waste  Rectification  Scrap  Failure Analysis  4. External failure costs These are costs incurred to fix defects or problems discovered by the end users after the product has been delivered, like: Servicing and repair  Warranty claims  Returns  Complaints  What is the cause of the cost of poor quality? Looking into the cost of poor quality, managers and manufacturers can identify the causes of poor quality in both the production line and supply chain.   A breakdown of the values can pinpoint the areas where problems arise. The cost of poor quality usually comes from the following areas:   Improper handling of production materials   Wrong content input on both product and product package   Improper assembly of parts during production   Defective parts being used in the manufacturing process   Misidentified parts being mislabeled and used in production  Like in any field, avoidance of errors before, during, and after the production process helps to reduce the cost of poor quality. Why is understanding the cost of poor quality...

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> The bullwhip effect in supply chain is when a surge in sales causes a spike in demand. Here’s how you can be ready for it.

- Published: 2022-07-14
- Modified: 2024-05-22
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/bullwhip-effect-supply-chain/
- Categories: Business tips, Inventory management

The bullwhip effect in supply chain is a phenomenon in retail in which a surge in sales causes a spike in demand. Here’s how you can be ready for it. The bullwhip effect, a supply chain term, explains how little consumer demand changes at the retail level can result in increasingly rapid demand swings as you move upstream in the supply chain organization towards the raw materials suppliers.   Derived from the physics of whip cracking, it can result in significant increases in costs, increased production, and decreases in service levels as a company tries to meet the more volatile upstream demand. In essence, you need to understand how it works to avoid supply chain disruptions that can arise when your company or others are affected by it. Here's everything you need to know about the bullwhip effect in supply chain management.   An end to all your inventory woes Katana ERP is a tool purpose build for manufacturers looking to take control of their entire business, from supplier to customer. Try it for free. Get a demo What is the bullwhip effect?   The bullwhip effect is a supply chain phenomenon characterized by increasingly large swings in inventory in response to changes in demand. It can be caused by several factors, including:  Rationing  Price fluctuations  Promotions  With the power to devastate businesses through lost sales, stock shortages, excess inventory, or inventory reduction, businesses must carefully monitor their supply chains and work to identify and eliminate sources of variability.   What causes the bullwhip effect in the supply chain?   A variety of factors cause the bullwhip effect. Small changes in demand forecast at the retail level can gradually cause more significant fluctuations at the wholesale, distributor, manufacturer, and raw material supplier levels. Other factors influencing the bullwhip effect include inadequate inventory levels, stock-outs, and high back-order rates. Suppose a company orders large quantities of a product because they forecasted demand to increase, but customer demand falls short of expectation. In that case, there may be an excess of that product on hand.   This causes future demand fluctuations as companies re-evaluate their production and supply chain decisions based on overstock.   An example of the bullwhip effect in action  When retailers become hyper-responsive to meet demand, expectations about it are amplified.   This initiates a chain reaction along the supply chain and can result in shortages if there is an inaccurate demand forecast. This bullwhip effect example illustrates it in a simplified manner. Let's say a retailer keeps 200 12-packs of milk on hand. If they normally sell 40 packs per day, they'd order that exact amount of packs as a replacement for the next day from its distributor.   However, if one day they suddenly sell 120 packs instead of the usual 40, the retailer may overreact and order 120 packs from the distributor for the following day.   In response, the distributor might order 150 packs from its supplier. And up along the supply chain until eventually, the imbalance between what's produced and what's...

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> Connect Katana to Outvio to sync order shipping and gain overall better control over your entire delivery process. Learn more.

- Published: 2022-07-14
- Modified: 2022-07-14
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/outvio/
- Categories: Product updates

Connect Katana to Outvio, synchronize your shipping between the two systems, and gain better control over your entire delivery process. Let’s welcome in the newest shipping integration for Katana – Outvio! With this integration, you’ll be able to automate delivery workflows and improve your business with the assistance of analytics and customer experience optimization. Outvio provides you with a host of shipping carriers, always letting you compare shipping rates to choose the best option for your delivery. How Outvio helps businesses Outvio’s usefulness comes in its ability to automate and streamline the after-sales process. From fulfillment, shipping, and delivery incident resolution to returns and upselling – Outvio can do it all. Connect to Outvio and benefit from: Synced workflows - send orders from Katana to Outvio, including status updates based on shipping progress Tracking - push tracking numbers from Outvio to Katana Label printing - automate printing for shipping and self-service return labels Incidents handling - access real-time incident monitoring, notifications, auto-updates, and courier claims Analytics - receive details on your sales numbers, shipping costs, and returns Connecting Katana to Outvio Head to the Outvio website and create an account. Inside Outvio, go to Settings > Third-party integrations > Katana > Set up to add the Katana connection. Authorize the connection by signing in to Katana once prompted. Confirm connection settings. That’s all there is to it! If you’d like to learn more details about connecting to Outvio, check out our Knowledge Base article. Happy shipping!

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> With automated inventory management systems, you can stop the stockouts without breaking a sweat. Here are 8 features you need.

- Published: 2022-07-12
- Modified: 2024-03-13
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/automated-inventory-management/
- Categories: Inventory management

Automated inventory management systems can stop stockouts from occurring without you breaking a sweat. Here are 8 features you need to keep an eye open for when looking for your own systems. Picture a scene: you're running a small artisan bakery that you inherited from your father. It's in a quaint village, but the locals love the place and frequent it often daily. Still, you get maybe 70 visitors per day. Every time you make a sale, you need to write down the items, subtract them from your inventory, check the remaining inventory to ensure you have enough for the coming days, set up new orders if the stock is running low, and likely a few more steps we didn't mention. Doing all that manually is clearly going to be very time-consuming, error-prone, and can lead to inaccurate data. But what if your father didn't leave you such a picturesque establishment? Perhaps you have to deal with busy customers whose anger level seems to be hovering constantly around 90. They probably won't be as understanding if there's an issue due to a human error or if the wait time is a bit longer as you need to manually fill out all the necessary information. This article is all about leveraging automated inventory management to ensure you, too, can relax a bit while still fulfilling your customers' orders efficiently and on time. Where manual inventory management goes wrong  With manual inventory management, businesses have to rely on employees to keep track of their: Stock levels Related sales Financial data Supply chain activity Many companies still keep track of all that with Excel spreadsheets. This means that employees have to periodically count all their stock and then update the values on the spreadsheet. What’s more, employees have to manually input data about what’s been sold and what needs to be restocked. Inaccurate stock levels  The main downside of this system is that it’s error-prone — it’s all based on manual input, and there’s a greater chance of human error. This problem is further magnified if the business deals with multiple sales channels since each channel will likely have its own system for tracking inventory. So, if an employee makes a mistake when inputting data into one system, it can also cause problems with the other systems. These small mistakes inevitably lead to inaccurate inventory levels, leading to stockouts and lost sales. When inventory data isn’t accurately represented, it causes a domino effect of inefficiencies throughout the business and can result in costly mistakes. Lost sales  If you’ve ever ordered something to get an email two days later saying it’s out of stock, you know how frustrating this can be. Most likely, that was the last time you shopped with that company, which means that the business lost a sale and a customer. Increased carrying costs At the other end of stockouts is excess inventory. Ordering more than needed due to incorrect stock levels can increase carrying costs and hurt your bottom line....

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> Manufacturing cycle time looks into the period from converting materials into a finished product. Learn all about it and implementation here.

- Published: 2022-07-06
- Modified: 2024-05-24
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/manufacturing-cycle-time/
- Categories: Business tips

Manufacturing cycle time looks into the period from converting materials into a finished product, including the production process, travel, quality inspections, and waiting time. Using this article, you can learn about it and how to implement a manufacturing cycle time process. A successful product manufacturing operation is only possible for manufacturers with accurate cycle times. But, what happens when you can't measure or track how long it will take to produce and package deliverables, so they are ready for shipping to the consumer? Manufacturing processes are never straightforward. Slow turnarounds may occur and severely impact your bottom line. The only way to prevent slow production and turnaround time is to understand how your manufacturing processes and cycle work. In this guide, we explain everything you need to know about the production process by answering two essential questions: What is known as manufacturing cycle time? How do you calculate manufacturing cycle time? Automate your manufacturing cycle time tracking Katana gives you all the tools for managing your entire manufacturing business, from receiving supplies to manufacturing and shipping. Get a demo What is the manufacturing cycle time?   Manufacturing cycle time, or throughput time, is typically a KPI used in measuring the total time taken to transform raw materials into finished goods. However, many people often misinterpret these metrics with some of its closest formulas like takt time and lead time. Cycle time, lead time, and takt time are all key metrics in lean manufacturing — a process that helps business owners minimize waste and maximize productivity during the manufacturing process. However, they differ significantly in their formula and what they measure. Takt time measures the pace or speed at which the manufacturing process is completed to satisfy customer demand. On the other hand, lead time measures the total amount of time from order placement to payment and delivery stage. Although these two concepts are like cycle time, they differ in that takt time emphasizes production speed and turnaround time. While manufacturing lead time focuses on the customer perspective of time spent from when they make an order to when you deliver. So, what is cycle time in manufacturing? Cycle time helps business owners, manufacturers, and product managers analyze and track product duration from start to finish. For example, if you bake bread for sale, the throughput time tells you how long it will take to make just one bread from obtaining the raw materials to the end of production, where the raw materials for the bread are pieced together and packaged. Why track the manufacturing cycle?   Efficiency and productivity are the key goals of using cycle time KPI in businesses. Every business works on a different scale. Using these key metrics to track time spent in the manufacturing operation will provide access to data collection that describes value added in day-to-day operations. Yet, it doesn't end there. When business owners use this time formula, it exposes inefficiencies within production operations to facilitate improvement. So, once you have an idea of the throughput time and find certain loopholes causing a slow turnaround,...

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> Managing inventory is no easy feat. Learn all about the wholesale inventory management process and the tools that can make it easier.

- Published: 2022-06-30
- Modified: 2024-02-09
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/wholesale-inventory-management/
- Categories: Business tips, Inventory management

Manually managing wholesale inventory for your business is no easy feat. Read about the ins and outs of the wholesale inventory management process and learn about the tools that can make your inventory control woes a thing of the past. With great orders come great inventory management responsibilities — even more so with a wholesale selling strategy. A sudden surge in sales can completely clear out your stock if you are underprepared. Thankfully, there are powerful software products available that will help you carry out these responsibilities with ease. What is wholesale inventory management? Wholesale inventory management refers to the stock management techniques that you use to optimize your manufacturing workflows to better suit large product volumes.   A business ready to supply bulk orders can grow at a remarkable speed. However, it involves thinking volume-first and optimizing your supply chain, production, sales, storage, and distribution logistics to handle larger quantities of products and materials. Wholesale inventory management covers a wide range of activities, such as: Bulk purchases of inventory Tracking your inventory levels across multiple warehouses Synchronizing on-hand inventory for multiple sales channels Optimizing warehouse management and storage Calculating and setting up reorder points to replenish critical inventory Accounting and invoicing for both inbound and outbound products With so many variables at play in this process, it can be quite hard to keep track of it by hand. Of course, it can be done with some smart inventory management techniques and excel spreadsheets. That, unfortunately, doesn’t scale. It also leaves room for a lot of mistakes as spreadsheets are time-consuming to maintain, prone to errors and file corruption, and are usually managed by one admin. When it comes to wholesale businesses in particular, those mistakes can end up being extremely expensive. Clearly, an excel spreadsheets solution and other manual techniques simply fall short in helping you unlock the true value of your wholesale distribution. So, in order to grow your wholesale business, you should consider setting up a wholesale inventory management system. Why is wholesale inventory management important? Let's say that you do not have a wholesale inventory management system and that your workflows rely on a system of inventory tracking spreadsheets. This works well when your team is small and communication about on-hand inventory is quick and easy. However, once your volumes grow and your team starts to expand, challenges start to multiply as well. For instance, once you have a couple of warehouses to store your inventory, you need a way to track your inventory across those warehouses. With orders being fulfilled and inventory being returned, damaged, or lost, you need an effective way to know where your raw materials and finished products are in the lifecycle of an order. Additionally, all your sales channels need to have a singular view of the inventory counts of your products. If they don’t, you could end up overselling products and committing to orders which will inevitably get delayed. Needless to say, this damages customer trust and is bad for...

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> With Katana's newest feature update, Advanced users can design customized template PDFs giving them a personalized feeling.

- Published: 2022-06-29
- Modified: 2025-01-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/pdf-templates-so/
- Categories: Product updates

It’s now possible to build and customize your printable quote, sales order, manufacturing order, consolidated manufacturing pick list, task list, purchase order, stock transfer, stocktake, batch tracking and inventory item templates in Katana, giving them a personalized feeling. Customize your print templates with ease so that you match the look and feel of your company. Using the default templates in Katana as a guide, you can personalize and adjust the template to better fit your specific workflow. This feature is included in all plans starting from Standard. Once a customized template is created, it is saved and made accessible every time you issue a new purchase order. With this new feature, users can now: Redesign templates using one of Katana’s existing templates Choose which data fields to add to the template (such as a personalized logo, barcodes, return policy, and more) Customize layouts to match the look and feel of the company Edit Manufacturing Orderstemplates and use them as instructions How to create a custom template To create your first custom template, head to Settings → Printout templates in Katana and choose an existing template (e. g. , “Purchase order”).  Once you choose a template, Katana will open an editor using the third-party solution PDF Generator API. Using this drag-and-drop editor, you can quickly add or remove purchase order-related fields, make layout changes, add graphic elements, and make it personalized to fit your brand. Make your way to the Katana Knowledge Base to learn more about using the editor. The custom template editor is immediately available to all users on the Advanced and Professional plans. Essential users can give this and all Advanced plan features a 14-day free try by updating their subscription. Don’t worry, you can downgrade at any time during the trial with no additional fees. What's up next in Katana? We’re busy working to add more customization options to other templates and we hope to deliver them over the coming weeks. Here’s a quick look at what else to expect: Contract manufacturing Native integration with BigCommerce Katana Insights for sales reporting Until next time, happy printing!

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> A procurement management plan is crucial for stability when sales and production increase. Here's everything you need to make your own.

- Published: 2022-06-28
- Modified: 2024-05-24
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/procurement-management-plan/
- Categories: Business tips, Inventory management

A procurement management plan will ensure efficiency and alignment when your sales and manufacturing order volume increase. Here's everything you need to know to make your own. A procurement management plan is essential for any manufacturing company as it provides a clear and concise guide for procuring the materials and supplies necessary for production runs. By outlining the steps involved in procurement, from identifying suppliers to negotiating the types of contracts, procurement management plans ensure that all necessary materials and supplies arrive promptly and efficiently. In today's competitive marketplace, a strong procurement management plan can give your manufacturing company a significant advantage over your rivals. By carefully project planning and executing your procurements, you can obtain the best possible prices for the materials and supplies you need while ensuring that delays in receiving necessary items do not disrupt your project scheduling.   An effective procurement management plan can help you save money, improve your company's efficiency, and gain a competitive edge. That's why we've put together this article to help you understand and build your own procurement processes.   What is a procurement management plan? Procurement management plans are documents that define a particular project scheduling requirements and lay down the steps required to get into the final contract. The plan sets out how the procuring organization will acquire the goods and services it needs, including: Specifying what needs to be procured Estimating costs of purchases  Setting timelines for reorders Assessing risks within the supply chain A procurement management plan is important for ensuring that project planning stays on track and within budget. It also helps to ensure that all stakeholders know the procuring organization's expectations and can provide input at various stages of the process. It is also important to communicate the project planning to all stakeholders to know their roles and responsibilities concerning procurement.   The procurement management plan based on reviews and regular updates to ensure that it remains relevant and fit for purpose. If you are responsible for procuring goods or services for a project, then you must have a procurement management plan in place. This document will help you stay on track and within budget while ensuring that all stakeholders know your expectations. Why does a procurement management plan matter? Procurement management is a process that helps organizations to acquire goods and services efficiently and cost-effectively.   An effective procurement management plan sets the direction for the organization's procurement activities and ensures that they are aligned with its overall business strategy. There are many benefits of having a procurement management plan in place. Perhaps the most important one is that it can help organizations save money. With a good procurement plan, organizations can avoid overspending on unnecessary items or paying more than necessary for the items they do need.   Another benefit of having a procurement management plan is that it can help to streamline the procurement processes.   Organizations can avoid confusion and wasted time and effort when procuring goods and services by having a clear plan.  ...

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> Connect your eBay online store to Katana (via CartRover) and automate your workflows between both systems. Learn more.

- Published: 2022-06-22
- Modified: 2022-08-12
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/ebay-via-cartrover/
- Categories: Product updates

Our latest update lets you connect your eBay account to Katana for automated workflows and overall connectivity. The global e-commerce marketplace of eBay provides sellers with access to an expansive customer base, making it easier to scale their businesses. With this integration, you’ll be able to seamlessly connect your online eBay store to Katana and reduce the time spent checking and updating data between the two systems. Use CartRover to connect your Katana account to eBay with a few clicks and benefit from automated workflows like: Auto-create new products and customers in Katana from eBay Pull new orders from the eBay shopping cart to Katana Retrieve inventory levels from Katana and push them to eBay Import customer shipping information from eBay to Katana Connecting Katana to eBay via CartRover You’ll first need to connect to CartRover. If you’re new to using CartRover, check out our detailed guide on connecting it to Katana. Once CartRover is ready, you can integrate your Katana account with eBay. Head to CartRover, select Carts from the menu on the left, and click New Setup. Find eBay from the list of available carts and choose the appropriate eBay Marketplace. In the New eBay Setup screen, choose the Grant Us API Access button in the API Information fields. Adjust the settings in your eBay Cart Setup to match your preferences. Configure Katana WMS Information block. Verify the connection works by clicking Test at the bottom of the page. If successful, click OK to save your changes. Check our Knowledge Base for a detailed step-by-step guide on setting up this integration. If you need any additional help integrating with eBay, you can also contact CartRover’s support team for assistance. What is CartRover? CartRover is a web application that specializes in integrated solutions for order management. Through optimization and automation, CartRover makes separate systems work together seamlessly. CartRover already has over 100 e-commerce integrations you can connect to Katana. Сreate a free trial account on CartRover, and visit their Pricing page for more information about CartRover’s plans and pricing. Happy integrating!

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> Wholesale order management is vital for manufacturers selling in bulk. Learn about the challenges of bulk selling and how to overcome them.

- Published: 2022-06-20
- Modified: 2024-05-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/wholesale-order-management/
- Categories: Inventory management, Manufacturing

A well-integrated wholesale order management software is vital for the success of your business. Learn more about wholesale orders, the challenges of bulk selling as a manufacturer, and how to overcome them. Managing wholesale orders without software can be difficult. With multiple sales channels and complex supply chains, relying on manual tools like spreadsheets increases the risk of human error. As you scale, wholesale order management solutions can help streamline the process and solve your inventory management problems. In this article, we explain what wholesale order management is, the different software products that streamline operations like wholesale inventory management software, and how you can leverage them to take your business to the next level. What is a wholesale order management solution? A wholesale order management software allows you to: Manage and track bulk orders Bring orders from all your sales channels together Synchronize the orders with your wholesale inventory in real time Leverage the power of the tools you already use to manage your business Each aspect listed above adds a layer of complexity to already complex manufacturing workflows. In addition to order management the software you pick should also be able to handle: Inventory management Production management Before we dive into more details about wholesale orders, let us make a brief detour to understand the different steps related to order management. The order management process simplified Every order that is created needs to go through the following steps to be completed: Order placement The lifecycle of an order starts when your customer decides to place an order using your preferred sales channel. This can be directly from consumers via a webshop hosted on an e-commerce platform, or if you're doing B2B e-commerce, entered through a CRM tool via email or a call. Fulfillment Then depending on the order, the product information is forwarded to the right warehouse for packing and shipping. If you're a manufacturer, this step also involves the production of the goods sold. Accounting Once the order is fulfilled, the transaction as well as associated costs need to be accounted for. Shipping In this final step of an order's lifecycle, the products are shipped and delivered to the customer. Wholesale vs. retail order management Depending on your business model you might start catering to larger orders. These bulk orders are fundamentally different from those you would complete as a retailer or direct-to-consumer manufacturer. The major difference is the type of customer making the order.   Retail orders are usually completed by private consumers, meaning that they are small and tend to include a range of different products. On the other hand, wholesale orders come from wholesale businesses looking to purchase manufactured goods at scale, then sell them to retailers or consumers themselves. Manufacturers today use a combination of B2B and D2C sales channels, allowing them to cater to both retail and wholesale customers. However, wholesale order management comes with a unique set of challenges.   Things to consider when selling to wholesale customers Let us take a...

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> Want to start selling directly to consumers? Learn all about the DTC business model and how to manage it alongside your production processes.

- Published: 2022-06-20
- Modified: 2024-05-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/selling-directly-to-consumers/
- Categories: Business tips, Ecommerce

Want to start selling directly to consumers? Learn all about the direct-to-consumer (D2C or DTC) business model and how to manage it as a modern-day manufacturer. In 2025, it is predicted that online sales will reach around $7. 4 trillion — that’s a lot of bread. Traditionally, manufacturers make their wares and sell or store them with a retailer to sell on their behalf. However, with customers doing most of their shopping online nowadays, many manufacturers have picked up on the potential money to make by having an online presence. Some have gone even further to cut out the middleman completely. In this article, we will explore the art of selling directly to consumers as a manufacturer. What is direct-to-consumer selling? Direct-to-consumer (DTC or D2C) selling are business models where brands are selling products directly to consumers, bypassing retailers. This allows brands to have greater control over their: Pricing Product assortment Overall customer experience DTC brands have been rising recently as customers increasingly shop online and are more open to buying from new and lesser-known brands. Many DTC brands start with an online store but eventually open physical stores — known as omnichannel retail selling. Some successful examples of DTC brands include: Everlane  Bonobos  Warby Parker  Dollar Shave Club These brands have built strong relationships with their customers by being transparent about their pricing, manufacturing, and business practices. They also offer high-quality products and great services for building customer relationships. If you're considering selling DTC, it's important to ensure that your brand can connect with customers and create a strong emotional connection. You'll also need robust e-commerce platforms and fulfillment infrastructure in place. Finally, it's important to be prepared for the challenges of running a DTC business, such as managing returns and dealing with shipping logistics. Differences between DTC and wholesale? Wholesaling and direct-to-consumer model (DTC) are great options for expanding your business. But what's the difference between them? Wholesalers sell products in bulk to retailers, who are selling products to clients. This means that wholesalers don't directly sell to customers. On the other hand, DTC businesses sell their products directly to customers. There's no middleman involved. There are pros and cons to both approaches. Wholesaling can be a great way to reach clients through retailers. But it also means that you have less control over how your products are sold and marketed. DTC selling gives you more control over your brand and how your products are presented to customers. But it can be harder to reach a wide audience without going through retailers. Ultimately, the best approach for your business will depend on your products, goals, and audience. Consider all of your options before making a decision. Why are brands going direct-to-consumer? There are several reasons why brands are increasingly going direct-to-consumer (DTC). Perhaps the most important one is that it allows them to control their brand and customer relationships. When brands sell through third-party retailers, they give up a certain degree of control over how their products are presented and marketed. They also have...

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> With our latest product update you can now partially fulfill Katana Sales orders streamline order fulfillment. Learn more about partial delivery in Katana.

- Published: 2022-06-15
- Modified: 2022-06-15
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/partial-delivery/
- Categories: Product updates

You can now partially pack and deliver sales orders in Katana, making it easier to manage orders and keep track of your stock. Ever run into situations where you're unable to completely fulfill an order at once? Perhaps you have an order containing both in-stock and back-ordered products, and your customer needs the in-stock products as soon as possible. Whatever the case may be, Katana's new partial delivery feature helps you handle these scenarios with ease. Sales Order delivery statuses in Katana Products in a Sales order can now be updated to either Partially packed or Packed depending on the order status. If a shipment is only partially fulfilled, select “Partially delivered” to keep the Sales order open. Once the entire shipment is complete, simply change the status to Delivered and the Sales order will close along with any other partial deliverables. If you already use Shopify, partial delivery helps you manage inventory and stock status between Katana and your Shopify store. Sales Order fulfillment scenarios  For example, let’s say you have a sales order quote for 100 boxes of protein bars. However, the customer requires partial shipments to be completed as follows: 50 boxes with the first Sales Order 25 boxes in the second shipment 25 more boxes after three months. You can pack the first shipment immediately and choose Partially delivered when shipped. For the second shipment, after packing it, select “Packed” and wait for the delivery date. You’ll need to wait again for the delivery time for the third shipment, but once all three shipments are sent, close the Sales Order with Delivered. Katana Sales Order partial delivery structure You can also complete these actions in bulk via Katana’s Sell screen. If you have multiple orders you would like to change at once, the bulk option lets you update them all at one time. For partially delivered shipments, you can use different export formats for each Sales order, which only contain information about the current shipment. These capabilities make it easy to plan and manage all the shipment information under one fulfillment order. Gaining the most out of partial delivery Those who take advantage of our Shopify integration will particularly see the benefit of partial delivery. This feature gives both D2C & B2B companies the ability to structure their work more orderly by helping you understand what exactly has or has not been packed and delivered while helping prevent the need for duplicate information between manufacturing and sales. Multiple fulfillments under one sales order make it easier for you to plan and manage your manufacturing. Head to our Knowledge Base to learn more about partial delivery. What’s coming up next? In order to make Katana the best it can be, we’re always excited to build new features and share them with you. Here’s what the team is currently working on and hoping to deliver soon: Contract manufacturing BigCommerce integration And more... Until next time, happy delivering!

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> What is a lot number? A lot number, or batch number, is a unique identifier for tracking items. Read all about using them in manufacturing.

- Published: 2022-06-14
- Modified: 2025-02-19
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/what-is-a-lot-number/
- Categories: Inventory management

Learn all about what is a lot number, how and where to use them, and the benefits of implementing them in your workflow. Up to 400 products are recalled each year by the Consumer Product Safety Commission in the US alone. We know what a product recall means for the public. But, what does it mean for the manufacturer? Product recalls, regardless of how they’re handled, have the chance to: Raise costs for retrieving, replacing, fixing, or reimbursing customers for affected goods Tarnish your business’ reputation Ruin a business that doesn’t have adequate cashflow Can send your company’s stock prices plummeting That’s why in this article, we’re going to help you and your warehouse managers avoid these worst-case scenarios by telling you all about what is a lot number. Katana lot number tracking inventory software Katana gives users the ability to track lots, serial numbers, and expiration dates, ensuring industry compliance and empowering them with total business visibility. Get a demo What is a lot number? A lot number is a unique identifier assigned to a batch of items. Lot numbers are used to track items throughout the manufacturing process and can be used to identify recalled items or products with defects. You can find lot numbers on the packaging of many products, which may be printed as a series of letters and numbers or as a barcode. To find the lot number on a product, look for a label or stamp that says lot number or batch number. you may also see the FDA registration number. This unique identifier is assigned to all food and drug manufacturers by the US Food and Drug Administration. You can use an FDA registration number to look up information about a company, but it will not provide any information about a specific product. As you can already guess, what is a lot number usage in manufacturing? It’s great for those who work with items that need lot numbers and expiration dates, like in the food and beverage industry. Download the definitive guide to batch production Download our free ebook guide on batch production to learn more about the benefits, workflows, and warehouse and inventory management software you need to get started. Where should I place the lot number on products? The lot number on products is often printed on the label, near the barcode or SKU. Alternatively, manufacturers might print the lot number on the same label as the barcode or SKU. Wherever you decide to place it, the lot number will help you track a product's manufacturing information, such as where and when it was made. If you send components or subassemblies to a contract manufacturer, they can even use the lot number to track the same information. As a rule of thumb, try and implement a standard practice when placing lot number labels underneath all your products, as this will speed up the time to locate them. Then, should an issue arise in the future, you can quickly and easily find the lot number and determine...

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> Integrate with StockTrim and benefit from demand forecasting, inventory optimization, and purchase order planning. Learn more.

- Published: 2022-06-09
- Modified: 2022-10-12
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/stocktrim/
- Categories: Product updates

Gain better insight into your manufacturing with more efficient purchase order planning, inventory forecasting, and optimization. StockTrim is Katana’s first inventory forecasting integration, built to help you save time and create more effective inventory planning processes. With this integration, you’ll have: Demand forecasting Purchase order planning Inventory optimization What is StockTrim? StockTrim is an online automated forecasting and inventory planning application. To offer intelligent forecasting, it uses an algorithm to read your data, evaluate it, and create tailor-made forecasts and order plans specific to your business. The StockTrim integration offers: Detailed Demand Analysis - view demand patterns and order quantity calculations for confident predictions and ordering Manufacturing Features - receive a forecasted demand for your finished products and accurately turn that into component or ingredient orders Variable Lead Times - configure your supplier lead time and recalculate the forecasts in real-time to cover the time between placing and receiving orders Automated Purchasing - auto-create purchase orders based on calculated suggestions and send them to suppliers or back to Katana as part of a workflow How StockTrim works with Katana Katana already provides you with accurate real-time data. You can always see what needs manufacturing, the current status of operations, what still needs to fulfilling, etc. By integrating your Katana account with StockTrim, you will access inventory forecasting functionalities. Here is how the StockTrim integration works: Katana shares data with StockTrim regarding your sales orders, products, recipes/BOMs, inventory, purchase orders, and suppliers. Based on this data, StockTrim will calculate all the insights and offer suggestions on adjusting forecasts, setting lead times for suppliers, minimizing purchasing quantities, and much more. You can also create purchase orders in StockTrim and send them to Katana and your vendor. Once items are received, Katana sends the status back to StockTrim. Connecting Katana to StockTrim Quickly connect StockTrim to your Katana account in just a few simple steps: Create a StockTrim account with a 14-day free trial. In StockTrim, go to the Load data tab, and choose Katana from the list of connections. StockTrim will then ask you to grant access to Katana data. Click Authorize Access, and you will redirect to the Katana login page. Log in to Katana. As soon as credentials are confirmed, StockTrim will gather Katana data and calculate forecasts. To learn more about this integration, visit the Katana Knowledge Base. Happy forecasting!

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> Sync orders between ShippyPro and Katana to save hours on shipment fulfillment processes. Learn more.

- Published: 2022-06-07
- Modified: 2022-06-07
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/shippypro/
- Categories: Product updates

Integrate ShippyPro with Katana and save hours on your shipment fulfillment processes through automated order syncing. We’re excited to introduce the newest shipping integration for Katana - ShippyPro! This integration helps you automate the shipping process and scale your business while bringing together everything you need to ship, track, and return orders. Let ShippyPro manage your repetitive tasks Manually entering order details from one system to another can take a lot of time, but with ShippyPro, you can automate shipping management, increasing delivery speed and allowing you to focus on scaling your business. With its expansive library of suppliers, ShippyPro can save you money while reducing shipping time. With ShippyPro you’ll be able to automate: Workflows - send orders to ShippyPro from Katana and have their status updated based on shipping Tracking and returns - push tracking numbers from ShippyPro to Katana Label printing - receive the best options based on сarrier rates and bulk print labels Shipping rules - set specific rules for certain marketplaces and carriers Connecting Katana to ShippyPro Head to ShippyPro’s website and create an account. Establish a connection between Katana and ShippyPro by going to Marketplaces from within your ShippyPro profile and clicking the Katana logo. Select Link my account: Katana to begin the connection and checkmark "Update my Katana profile with shipped orders tracking numbers and mark as shipped" to ensure your orders are updated. Afterward, you will be redirected to the Katana login page, where you can log in to your account. That’s all there is to it! To find additional details about connecting ShippyPro to Katana, take a look at our Knowledge Base. Happy shipping!

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> Learn all about what is inventory management in retail and 15 practices for optimizing inventory and sales and maximizing profits.

- Published: 2022-05-31
- Modified: 2024-07-03
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/retail-inventory-management/
- Categories: Inventory management, Top lists

The perfection of your retail inventory management is critical. In this article, you learn what is retail inventory management and the best 15 practices you can follow to optimize your business. In retail, there’s one crucial element of your company that can make the difference between your business thriving or surviving. Neglecting to optimize your retail inventory management, especially in businesses that also have to juggle production, spells certain doom for you. Your inventory is the lifeline of your business. If not properly managed, your it will hemorrhage money, items, and sales, and all that you’ve worked hard to build will perish. However, this fate is easily avoidable. We’ve put together this article exploring store inventory management in retail and the practices you can follow to optimize how you and your staff handle inventory. What is retail inventory management? Retail inventory management is organizing and tracking a store's merchandise. This includes everything from: Purchase management and stock-taking Displaying and selling products Inventory management Knowing what is store inventory management in retail, is essential for any business that sells products. It helps you keep track of your inventory levels, ensure that you have enough merchandise on hand to meet customer demand, and avoid running out of popular items. Businesses can use several different methods to manage their inventory, including: Barcoding and scanning systems Electronic data interchange (EDI) Warehouse management systems (WMS) Cloud inventory management software Whichever system you choose, it's important to ensure that it's easy to use and fits your store's specific needs. Now you know what is inventory management in retail. How exactly does it work? How does retail inventory management work? Retail inventory management is critical to the success of any retail business. Get it wrong, and you'll be significantly disappointing your customers. Good inventory management ensures that a business has the right stock level to meet customer demand while also avoiding excessive levels of stock that can tie up valuable resources. Several different methods can be used to manage inventory, including: First-in, first-out (FIFO) Last-in, first-out (LIFO) Economic order quantity (EOQ) Just-in-time (JIT) What is first-in, first-out (FIFO) in retail inventory management? First-in, first-out (FIFO) is a retail inventory management system in which the first items to arrive are also the first items to be sold. This system is often used in perishable goods industries, such as grocery stores, where it is important to keep track of expiration dates. FIFO can also be used in non-perishable goods industries, such as clothing stores, to ensure that older inventory is sold before newer inventory arrives. There are several benefits to using a FIFO system: It helps avoid stockouts of popular items since the newest products are always being made available first It can help reduce waste and dead stock since outdated products are less likely to sit on shelves for long periods without being sold It can help businesses avoid inventory shortages and provide better inventory control over costs under certain circumstances However, there are some drawbacks to using a FIFO system as well: It may not be the best...

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> Shopify Xero inventory integration links departments and monitor item movement. Here’s how to make this integration work for manufacturers.

- Published: 2022-05-31
- Modified: 2024-07-05
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/shopify-xero-inventory-integration/
- Categories: Accounting, Ecommerce, Inventory management

The Shopify + Xero inventory integration helps manufacturers connect their sales and inventory movements with their accounting. In this article, you’ll not only learn to set it up but incorporate your manufacturing into the workflow too. If you’re looking for a way to streamline your e-commerce operations, you might wonder if there is a Xero and Shopify integration? The short answer — Yes. Setting up the integration is a relatively simple process and can save you a lot of time and hassle in the long run. In this article, we’ll walk you through setting up a Xero Shopify inventory management integration. We’ll also provide some tips on troubleshooting any common issues you may encounter. Integrate your Shopify and Xero to operations with Katana See why 1000’s of manufacturers use Katana for a real-time overview of their business. Get access to advanced inventory management features with no long-term commitments. Get a demo Does Xero integrate with Shopify? Yes, you can integrate Xero and Shopify, and here's a quick summary of how you can link the two platforms. The first thing you’ll need is to connect your Shopify account to Xero. This can be done by going to the Integrations page in your Shopify admin panel and selecting Xero from the list of available integrations. Once you’ve connected your accounts, you’ll need to specify which currency you want to use for your transactions. You can do this by going to the Settings tab on the Xero integration page and selecting the Currency option. Now that your accounts are connected and you’ve chosen a currency, you can start the automatic sync with Xero. Simply go to the Sync tab on the Xero integration page and click on the Start Sync button. That’s it, you've now optimized your Shopify inventory management software. Your Shopify sales, including Shopify POS, data will have an automatic sync with Xero, making it easy to keep track of your sales and inventory. Can you manage inventory with Xero? Whether you're selling physical goods or services, you need to be able to track your inventory levels. This ensures that you can meet customer demand and avoid stockouts. Xero offers a few different options for managing inventory. You can use the inbuilt functionality or connect to a Xero inventory add-on. Inbuilt functionality Xero's inbuilt inventory management system is simple and easy to use. It's perfect for small businesses with basic inventory needs. Just create an item in Xero and add details like the name, description, and price. Then, whenever you make a sale or purchase, you can add or remove items from your inventory. Xero will automatically keep track of your stock levels, so you always know what's in stock and what needs to be reordered. Third-party apps If you have more complex inventory needs, you can connect to a third-party app. This gives you access to more powerful features, like barcode scanning and real-time tracking. Popular inventory management apps include Xero manufacturing features. To get started, choose an app and connect it to Xero. Then, you can start managing your...

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> Want to know how to read manufacturing blueprints? Here is a beginner's guide to reading engineer drawings in manufacturing.

- Published: 2022-05-19
- Modified: 2024-05-23
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/how-to-read-manufacturing-blueprints/
- Categories: Business tips

Do you stare at the squiggles on the sheet, struggling to understand what it is you see? Using this article, you’ll learn how to read blueprints and understand them. It can be a lucrative business decision for a manufacturer to offer contract manufacturing to clients. With the right agreement, contract manufacturing can be a steady flow of income for your business, and it puts to work any resources which would otherwise be idle. However, you might have one way of working, it doesn’t mean you can expect your client to follow the same workflow. They might have a particular vision for their product and send you detailed drawings of how to make it. If you don’t know how to read manufacturing blueprints, how do you hope to get started and make this agreement work? In this article, we look into how to read blueprints, so you can get started on firing up the production lines and get products shipped to clients. What are manufacturing blueprints? A blueprint is an engineering drawing or design that guides the production and building of a product. These blueprints provide a designed process, specifications, standards, etc. , which, when followed, will lead to the development, building, or production of a device or product. Creating an engineering drawing is an important step in any product development process, as it ensures that all aspects of the product are considered and accounted for. It would be challenging to produce a consistent, high-quality product without a blueprint. There are many different types of engineering drawings, but they all share one common goal — to provide clear instructions on how to produce a product. The most common type of blueprint is the engineering drawing, which provides detail drawings of every component of the product. Other blueprints, such as process flow charts and assembly diagrams, offer more general information on the manufacturing process. No matter what type of blueprint is used, all blueprints must be accurate and up to date. They should be reviewed and updated regularly to reflect changes in the manufacturing process or the product itself. Blueprints are living documents that should constantly evolve to keep up with the latest technology and best practices. What are the 5 parts of a blueprint? A blueprint is a two-dimensional representation of a three-dimensional item. Architects, engineers, and manufacturers use it to create a plan for a structure or product. The five parts for being able to read a blueprint are: The title blocks The legend The grid The scale The notation 1. The title block The title block contains essential information about the drawing. These information blocks typically include the title of the drawing, the date it was created, the name of the creator, and any revision history. The title block contains a company logo or other branding elements. This information helps anyone who needs to use the drawing to understand its purpose and context. For blueprint reading, here are the other types of blocks and what each block contains: Revision block — a...

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> A comprehensive guide to helping manufacturers understand what is RFID and how does RFID work in business and inventory management.

- Published: 2022-05-18
- Modified: 2024-05-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/what-is-rfid/
- Categories: Business tips, Inventory management

Looking to automate your inventory management? This article looks into what is RFID, so you can figure out the best system to implement into your business. It isn’t easy running a business — but running and organizing a company that manufactures its goods, either in-house or via a contract manufacturer, presents even more challenges. As operations and inventory movement increase, the best decision any business owner can make is to find tools for automating the day-to-day tasks. This will save time and money and reduce human errors occurring. So, what systems can manufacturers introduce to improve their business efficiency? Today, we’re going to be answering the following question — what is RFID? By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly what is RFID, the different systems, and if your business should implement it in your inventory management or other areas of your business. What is RFID and how does RFID work? RFID stands for radio frequency identification — a wireless system for transferring data using electromagnetic or electrostatic technology. RFID tagging involves small devices that use radio frequencies for tracking and identifying objects, animals, and personnel. There are four main components to an RFID system: Tags Readers Antennas Databases Tags are the smallest part of the system and can be as simple as a sticker or button. They contain a microchip that stores information about the item to which it is attached. Readers are slightly larger than tags and emit radio waves that power the tag's microchip so it can transmit its stored information. The antennas can either be integrated or standalone to send and receive signals between RFID tags and RFID readers. Finally, databases store all the information collected by the tags and readers. RFID systems have many potential applications. One common use of RFID systems is live inventory management in warehouses or retail stores. RFID tags can be attached to products or packaging, and readers can be used to track the movement of these items throughout the supply chain. Placing an RFID tag on an item allows manufacturers to automatically and easily identify the item. In RFID systems, there are two types of tags, which we will investigate later: Active Passive RFID systems offer many benefits over traditional barcode-based tracking systems. RFID tags can store more information than barcodes, and they can be read without a line of sight, which means they can be read even if they are hidden from view. This makes RFID ideal for tracking inventory in difficult-to-see places, such as inside containers, under clothing, or even behind walls. How does RFID work? Step 1: When RFID tags for inventory pass within range of an RFID reader, the antenna on the tag captures the energy from the reader's signal and uses it to power up the tag's circuitry. Step 2: The tag then sends back its unique identifier code to the reader. Step 3:  The reader, which is connected to a computer, then looks up the identifier in a database and can access information about the...

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> Lot tracking ensures quality control and seeing item movements across the supply chain. Read more and learn why and how to implement it.

- Published: 2022-05-13
- Modified: 2024-04-17
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/lot-tracking-in-manufacturing/
- Categories: Business tips, Inventory management, Manufacturing

Lot tracking helps manufacturers ensure that they don’t sell faulty items, expired food and beverage, and outdated goods. In this article, you’ll learn all about the world of lot traceability. Product recalls are considered by many to be a fact of life when it comes to doing business. But, that doesn’t mean you should resign yourself to fate and blindly wander into a scenario where you have to recall items. According to a Food Marketing Institute and the Grocery Manufacturers Association study, a company can lose around $10 million per recall in direct costs alone. That’s a lot of cheddar. So, what can you do to prevent being in a costly situation like this? Many other manufacturers implement lot traceability to help them better track their item’s movements. In this article, we look (a lot) into lot traceability and discover the best tool for implementing end-to-end tracking in your business. Download the Definitive Guide to Batch Production Download our free ebook guide on batch production to learn more about the benefits, workflows, and manager software used to get you started. What is lot tracking? Lot tracking is an inventory management process that involves tracing specific batches or lots of products throughout their entire lifecycle, ensuring better inventory control, quality control, and recall management. This can be done manually or with the help of specialized lot tracking features that come along with food manufacturing software, which makes it easier, faster, and more accurate to track lots in manufacturing. At its core, lot tracking ensures quality control and compliance standards. For manufacturers, in particular, lot control and traceability allows them to identify product issues and make necessary adjustments to prevent future problems. It helps keep track of any recalls or defects to quickly address these issues when needed. One key benefit of using digital lot tracking software for this process is that it automates many aspects of lot tracking, allowing you to easily manage and monitor your product data. This can save you a significant amount of time and resources while also reducing the chance of human error. Overall, lot tracking is an essential process for manufacturers who want to ensure the quality and safety of their products. Using digital lot tracking like food inventory management software can streamline this process and make it more efficient and effective. No more lost lots Katana cloud inventory system can get you set up with lot traceability and batch tracking for end-to-end inventory management. Read more here Why is lot traceability important? Lot tracking and traceability ensure product quality and safety in the food supply chain and other manufacturing industries. By tracking finished products from supplier to table, businesses can quickly identify any issues that may arise and take corrective action to prevent problems from occurring in the future. Lot management involves maintaining records of where each batch of products came from and when they were produced. This information is valuable if there is a problem with a particular batch, as it can help businesses...

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> Connect your Amazon online store to Katana via CartRover and gain complete control of your order management.

- Published: 2022-05-12
- Modified: 2022-05-12
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/amazon-cartrover/
- Categories: Product updates

With our new integration, you'll be able to effortlessly sync inventory and import sales orders from your Amazon online store to Katana. As one of the world's largest retailers, Amazon offers a giant e-commerce platform for users. Using Amazon Seller Central, you gain access to thousands of customers worldwide. The platform lets you choose which fulfillment method is best for your situation: a merchant-fulfilled account or FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon). If you choose FBA, Amazon will process and ship all your customer orders for you, whereas with a merchant-fulfilled account, you manage the shipping. Using CartRover, it's now possible to integrate Katana with Amazon Seller Central and experience all of the benefits that come with this connection. Once connected, you'll be able to automate the following easily: Importing of sales orders and other customer-related data from Amazon to Katana Syncing updated inventory levels from Katana to Amazon Importing order-related product data from Amazon to Katana if matching products aren't found Connecting Katana to Amazon Seller Central You'll first need to connect to CartRover to set up the integration to start. If you're new to CartRover, check out our detailed set-up instructions for integrating with them. Once your CartRover integration is ready, you're ready to connect your Katana account to Amazon. We've provided two separate guides, which you can pick depending on the fulfillment method you chose: Guide for the merchant-fulfilled accounts Guide for the FBA accounts If you need any additional help integrating with Amazon Seller Central, you can also contact CartRover's support team for further assistance. What is CartRover? CartRover is a web application that specializes in integrated solutions for order management. Through optimization and automation, CartRover makes separate systems work together seamlessly. CartRover already has over 100 e-commerce integrations you can connect to Katana. Сreate a free trial account on CartRover, and visit their Pricing page for more information about CartRover's plans and pricing. Happy integrating!

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> Here are the tips you can follow to implement the best Amazon inventory management and utilize FBA inventory management.

- Published: 2022-05-10
- Modified: 2024-05-21
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/amazon-inventory-management/
- Categories: Ecommerce, Inventory management

In this guide, you’ll learn the best tips for optimizing inventory management for Amazon sellers, focusing on how manufacturers can utilize their inventory fully. Nowadays, everyone is online, either sitting at home on a computer or marching around with their face glued to a tablet. It can’t be stressed enough how important it is for manufacturers to be leveraging e-commerce to get their products in front of customers. This is precisely why many D2C manufacturers decide to get set up with Amazon to sell their products, which is a good idea since Amazon ships a mindboggling 66,000 orders per hour. Optimizing your Amazon inventory management is critical if you want to get in on this action. Otherwise, you won’t be able to fulfill orders on time and damage your business reputation. That’s why we’ve put together this article to help you get the most out of inventory management for Amazon — let’s begin. What is Amazon's inventory management? Amazon sellers must have a good inventory management system for success. But what exactly is Amazon's inventory management? In short, it's a way for you to keep track of your inventory and ensure that you have the right products in stock at all times. It can also help you save money by preventing overstock and reducing the need for storage space. Many different software programs and services are available that can help you with your Amazon inventory management. Some are designed specifically for Amazon sellers, while others are more general in purpose. To choose the right one for your business, you'll need to consider factors such as: Price Features Ease of use Customer support In this article, we'll go over everything you need to know about choosing and operating an Amazon inventory management system. Why is inventory management important on Amazon? Inventory management is critical for Amazon sellers for a number of reasons. First, it helps to ensure that you have the right products in stock at all times. This minimizes the risk of losing out on sales due to inventory shortages. Second, effective inventory management can help you avoid costly storage fees. Amazon charges sellers a long-term storage fee if their inventory levels exceed certain thresholds. Finally, good inventory management practices can help you keep track of your profitability. By knowing how much each product costs to produce and ship, you can price your items more accurately and avoid selling at a loss. If you're selling on Amazon, these tips will help you manage your inventory more effectively: 1. Keeping track of your inventory management Keep track of your inventory levels using an Excel spreadsheet or inventory management software. There are several reasons why inventory tracking is so important for Amazon sellers. The most obvious reason is that it helps you track your stock levels and ensure that you never run out of products to sell. This is especially important if you sell products in high demand or are seasonal items. Another key reason why inventory tracking is so important is that it can help you avoid...

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> Without proper food industry inventory management, as people eat your food, you’ll eat into profits. Learn how to manage food effectively.

- Published: 2022-05-06
- Modified: 2024-07-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/food-industry-inventory-management/
- Categories: Business tips, Inventory management

Say goodbye to spoilage. From this article, you'll learn how to optimize food industry inventory management as we share the ultimate tools and tips for optimizing this process. “As one bad apple spoils the others,” Benjamin Franklin was the first person to use this metaphor. And although it applies to the observation of how one thing can corrupt another, it too applies to businesses handling food goods. One literal bad apple can spoil the literal barrel. If your livelihood depends on apples to make your apple pies, it doesn’t take much imagination to realize how this scenario isn’t good for you. So, how do you ensure that your perishable inventory stays fresh? Introducing food industry inventory management. In this article, you’ll learn all about proper inventory management in the food industry, tips for improving it, why it’s important, and the best tools for the job. What is food industry inventory management? Food industry inventory management involves overseeing the supply, storage, and accessibility of ingredients and products within the food sector. This process ensures optimal stock levels, reduces waste, and improves efficiency, critical for meeting consumer demand and maintaining freshness. Inventory management for food industry includes: Ordering produce, ingredients, and products Receiving those items Storing the goods according to industry regulations Distributing food to retailers and customers An important part of inventory management in the food industry is storing food items properly. This includes tracking expiration dates and using proper storage methods to ensure that products don't spoil or become contaminated. Additionally, businesses should regularly check their inventory to ensure they have enough supplies on hand to meet planned demand. There are two types of food industry inventory management systems: manual and automated. Manual systems typically involve paper records like inefficient spreadsheets and manual stocktaking, while automated systems like food inventory management software use computer solutions to track and manage stock levels. Automated systems provide businesses with real-time data on inventory levels, helping them make more informed decisions about ordering and stocking food items. Effective inventory management processes in the food industry are essential. To run a profitable food business, businesses need to monitor their stock levels, minimize waste, and ensure that products are fresh and safe for consumption. Additionally, proper storage methods and regular inventory checks can help avoid problems like food spoilage or contamination. All the features in automated systems are designed to help businesses improve overall efficiency and accuracy in their food inventory management. What is food industry inventory management software? A food inventory management system helps food businesses keep track of their stock levels, orders, and sales. It can monitor trends and optimize order sizes to reduce waste and save money. These solutions can be used by restaurants, grocery stores, caterers, and other food-related businesses. They offer many different features, but all share the same goal — helping food businesses run more efficiently. Some common features of food industry inventory management software include: Monitoring stock levels and sales data Generate reports on trends and inventory levels Setting up reorder point alerts for when stock levels are...

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> Proper purchase management and purchase order management are essential to running a successful business. Learn how to do that here.

- Published: 2022-05-05
- Modified: 2024-05-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/purchase-order-management/
- Categories: Business tips, Inventory management, Top lists

Purchase management and purchase order management are crucial for getting a good deal and guaranteeing your products' quality. Read on to learn how to manage these processes and get your purchases under control. Every business needs to purchase materials, products, or services to keep business operations running. Every purchase comes with the need to create and track a purchase order. This process must be appropriately managed to ensure every purchase is necessary, cost-effective, and you get precisely what you paid for. This article looks into purchase management as a whole and how you can optimize the process to increase efficiency. In addition, we'll explore the purchase order management process, from how to manage, automate, and optimize your PO management. What is purchase order management? Organizations use purchase orders (POs) to streamline their internal procurement processes and ensure that each purchase is necessary, justified, and optimized for costs. PO management is the set of policies and procedures used to generate, track, and approve POs. An effective PO management system can help an organization save money by preventing duplicate or unnecessary purchases, reducing supplier prices through negotiations, and improving inventory management. Additionally, an automated purchase order system can improve communication between buyers and suppliers, leading to better relationships and improved customer service. Several purchasing management systems can automate various aspects of the PO management process, from creating and issuing POs to tracking deliveries and payments. What are the 3 types of purchase orders? There are 3 main types of purchase orders: Standard purchase orders (SPOs) Blanket purchase orders (BPOs) Contract purchase orders (CPOs) Let's go over these in more detail to understand the different types of purchase orders and how they are used. 1. Standard purchase orders (SPOs) SPOs are issued for routine, small-dollar purchases that have been pre-approved by the organization. SPOs typically do not require competitive bidding or extensive negotiations with suppliers. 2. Blanket purchase orders (BPOs) BPOs are issued for recurring purchases of goods or services from a specific supplier. BPOs can be open-ended, meaning they do not have a set expiration date, or they can be valid for a particular period. 3. Contract purchase orders (CPOs) CPOs are issued for large or complex purchases that require competitive bidding and extensive supplier collaboration. CPOs typically have strict terms and conditions that the supplier must meet, and they may include provisions for liquidated damages if the supplier fails to meet its obligations. Each type of PO has its advantages and disadvantages, so choosing the right type for each purchase is important for your business. For example, SPOs are generally the easiest and fastest way to procure goods or services, but they may not be the best price for the organization. On the other hand, CPOs can take longer to process but often result in better prices due to the competitive bidding process. When choosing a PO management system, selecting one that will meet your organization’s specific needs is important. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, so you'll need to consider: The...

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> Managing several scaling sales channels is challenging. Here you’ll learn how to implement your omnichannel inventory management strategy.

- Published: 2022-05-04
- Modified: 2024-07-03
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/omnichannel-inventory-management/
- Categories: Ecommerce, Inventory management

You’ve heard it before, and we’ll say it again — don’t put all your eggs in one basket. So, let’s say you have eight eggs, and you lay each of them carefully in their own basket. Now, you have eight baskets, and if something should happen to one, you still have seven more. However, you’re faced with a new challenge — how exactly will you carry eight baskets at once? Unless you’re an octopus, this will be a difficult challenge to overcome. That’s why we’re going to look into omnichannel inventory management. Traditionally in sales, a business would have multiple sales channels. But, someone would be in charge of managing a specific channel. With an omnichannel approach, you can leverage several sales channels and create an interconnected system to manage all channels from one place. As opposed to juggling eight eggs and eight baskets. What is omnichannel inventory management? Omnichannel inventory management is the process of managing inventory across multiple sales channels from one point of truth. This can include: Online Brick-and-mortar Mobile channels As the business grows and the number of sales channels grows, it becomes more difficult to keep track of inventory levels and ensure that products are available. This is especially true for businesses with limited resources. Omnichannel inventory management can help businesses save time and money by streamlining inventory across multiple channels. It can also help businesses improve customer satisfaction by ensuring companies have goods ready for clients. What are the benefits of omnichannel inventory management? There are many benefits of omnichannel order management. Below, you'll find the most impactful ones. Improved customer satisfaction Omnichannel inventory management lets customers choose their favorite way of shopping and ensures they have access to the same products regardless of the preferred method. Reduced costs Businesses can save time and money by streamlining the inventory management process across multiple channels. Increased sales By making it easier for customers to find and purchase products, businesses can increase sales. Improved efficiency By reducing the need to track inventory levels across multiple channels manually, businesses can improve their overall efficiency and greatly reduce human errors. Download the ultimate guide to inventory management A comprehensive ebook with everything you need to know about inventory management. What are the challenges of omnichannel inventory management? As businesses grow and expand their sales channels, inventory management becomes increasingly complex and difficult to do properly. An omnichannel management strategy can help to keep track of stock levels across all channels and ensure that orders are fulfilled promptly and efficiently. However, several obstacles can make implementing such a strategy difficult. While there are many benefits to omnichannel inventory management, there are also some challenges that businesses should be aware of. Below we'll take a look at those. Complexity Omnichannel inventory management can be complex, especially for businesses with multiple online and offline sales channels. Keeping track of stock levels for each channel and predicting future demand can be a daunting task. In addition, different channels may have different requirements in terms of manufacturing lead...

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> No more relying on third-party tools for printing barcode labels – you can now create and print barcode labels directly in Katana.

- Published: 2022-05-04
- Modified: 2022-05-04
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/barcode-printing/
- Categories: Product updates

No more relying on third-party tools to print barcode labels – now you can create and print barcode labels directly within Katana. Our newest update makes it possible to print barcode labels directly from your Katana account - optimizing your real-life inventory while streamlining shop floor operations. Customizing and printing barcode labels If you use barcodes to track your inventory, this recent update allows you to: Create and print barcode labels without integrating 3rd party printing and label creating solutions Customize barcode labels into specific sizes, barcode formats, layouts, and insert details using Katana’s PDF editor When it comes to printing barcode labels, there are multiple places available in Katana to do so. For instance, when receiving items in stock, from print button with the sales order card, and in list views as a bulk action. In addition to printing, you can also give your barcode labels the desired look and feel you want by customizing them from the Settings → Print templates section. Learn more about barcode label printing in Katana Knowledge Base. Happy printing!

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> Omnichannel order management is a strategy for managing your items and orders across several sales channels, all in one place. Read more here.

- Published: 2022-05-03
- Modified: 2024-04-18
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/omnichannel-order-management/
- Categories: Business tips, Inventory management

If you want to successfully leverage your brand across different sales channels, you’re going to need to consider adopting an omnichannel order management strategy to help you carry out this task. If you're a business owner searching for advice online, you have likely come across this term — leverage. Leverage is all about your business getting exposure across different sales channels and platforms. If you've ever read about building a successful brand experience, leverage will have been thrown around in that article. But, if the left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing, leveraging your sales will be an uphill battle. We’re here to tell you that you can diversify your sales channels while maintaining cohesion between them. Introducing omnichannel order management. What is omnichannel order management? Omnichannel order management is a modern solution for managing inventory and orders by seamlessly integrating all of your sales channels. It allows you to provide a consistent, convenient experience for your customers no matter how they choose to shop. With an omnichannel system in place, you can easily keep track of inventory levels and ensure that omnichannel fulfillment is done promptly and correctly, even if a customer engages with multiple channels. This can help improve customer satisfaction and loyalty, as well as boost your bottom line. If you're considering implementing a comprehensive and centralized sales strategy for your business, an omnichannel solution may be right for you. How does omnichannel order management work? Implementing an omnichannel order management system requires a single view of customers, their order history, and inventory levels across all channels. Omnichannel order management allows sellers to manage customer orders across all sales channels. This means sales channels such as: Website Shopping app Social media Email Mobile Call center Brick-and-mortar shops A centralized view of all sales channels, orders, and customers helps ensure that buyers always get the products they want, when and where they want them. Omnichannel retailer order management can be a challenge, but it's essential for providing the best possible shopping experience. With the right omnichannel strategy in place, businesses can provide their customers with convenience and a buyer-centric experience. Benefits of omnichannel order management Consumer expectations show that they want a seamless experience regardless of how they choose to shop along their buying journey. This has created challenges for businesses and omnichannel retailers alike, who must manage inventory and orders across all channels. Adopting an omnichannel order management system will improve your reputation with customers. Additionally, omnichannel order management can help you improve operational efficiency and reduce costs. Here are 10 key benefits of omnichannel order management for your business. 1. Improved customer experience Omnichannel order management can help businesses provide a seamless shopping experience for their customers by managing orders and inventory across all sales channels. There are many reasons why improved customer experience is important. Satisfied customers are more likely to buy from a company again and recommend it to others. Good customer service can also result in lower acquisition costs, as happy customers...

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> Learn everything you need to know about garment manufacturing and how clothes are conceptualized and made.

- Published: 2022-05-02
- Modified: 2024-05-23
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/garment-manufacturing/
- Categories: Business tips, Manufacturing

From design process to mass production, you’ll learn all about the garment manufacturing industry and how you can optimize your own garment-making business. From musicians selling merchandise to kids wearing t-shirts featuring a streamer you’ve never heard of — nowadays, it seems like everyone and their dog has a t-shirt to flog. This article explores the lucrative garment manufacturing industry. If you’re looking to weave and stitch your way to success, you can use this step-by-step guide detailing the necessary steps other fashion designers and product developers must take when making garments. So, without further ado, let’s get straight into it. Garment manufacturing overview The garment manufacturing industry is one of the most important sectors of the global economy. It employs around 92,000 workers in the US, and the global market size is estimated at $826 billion. There are many garment manufacturing processes, each with its own unique set of steps and equipment. The most common types of garments manufactured are: Shirts Pants Dresses Coats Underwear The first step in any garment manufacturing process is fabric selection. The type of fabric used will determine the properties of the finished product, so it is important to choose wisely. Common fabrics used in garment manufacturing include: Cotton Polyester Wool Denim Once the fabric has been selected, the fabric is spread and must be cut to the correct size and shape. This is usually done with large fabric-cutting machines that can handle large bolts of fabric. The cut fabric is then sent to a sewing machine operator who assembles the garment using various techniques. The most common sewing techniques used in garment manufacturing are: Flat-felled seams French seams Serged seams After the garment has been sewn together, it is often decorated with: Embroidery Applique Other embellishments Finally, the garment is inspected for quality and then packaged for shipment. Garment manufacturing is a complex process that requires skilled workers and sophisticated equipment. However, the result is typically a high-quality product ready to be worn by consumers. Apparel inventory management software Read more about it here What you need to know to work in garment production as a manufacturer? If you're interested in turning a hobby into a business or working on a garment production line, there are a few things you should know: The clothing industry is large and varied, so there are many different types of jobs available The work can be physically demanding, so you'll need to be in good shape The pay is often not very high, so you'll need to be prepared to work long hours for relatively little pay That said, working in garment production can be a rewarding experience. You'll get to see firsthand how clothes are made, and you'll have the satisfaction of knowing that you helped to create them. So, if you're willing to put in the hard work, it can be a great career choice. A step-by step guide to garment production The garment production process can be complex and confusing, but it doesn't have to...

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> Learn how to optimize your own automotive manufacturing process by understanding how other car manufacturers achieve this task.

- Published: 2022-04-29
- Modified: 2024-05-22
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/automotive-manufacturing-process/
- Categories: Business tips, Manufacturing

There's no reason to reinvent the wheel, so why make yourself suffer when trying to optimize production lines. We look into the automotive manufacturing process, so you can implement best practices to make your manufacturing more efficient. Everyone's car requires inspections and repairs to ensure that the vehicle is roadworthy. Without these checkups, the car will eventually break down and become unusable. And the same can be said about the production lines from which the car was created. If a manufacturing company doesn't have a system in place to perform inspections and maintenance on their production lines, the assembly plant will be doomed to fail eventually. That's why we're going to look into the automotive manufacturing process, to learn about the history and how other car manufacturers stay relevant. If you're a manufacturing or an operations manager looking to improve your manufacturing, this article is for you. The entire history of automotive manufacturing processes The automotive manufacturing industry has come a long way since its early days in the late 19th century. Today, the industry is a major global economic force, responsible for 2. 8 million jobs and $130 billion in annual compensation in the US. Here's a look at the key moments in the history of automotive manufacturing processes: 1886: The first gasoline-powered car is built by Karl Benz in Germany. Benz's invention is widely considered to be the first true automobile. 1896: The first mass-produced car, the Daimler Stahlradwagen, rolls off the assembly line in Germany. 1908: Ford Motor Company launched the Model T, the first mass-produced car to be affordable for many middle-class Americans. The 1920s: The automotive industry expanded rapidly in the United States, thanks in part to the growing popularity of cars as a status symbol. Major manufacturers such as General Motors and Chrysler emerge during this period. The 1930s: The Great Depression takes a major toll on the automotive industry, with sales plunging and many companies going out of business. The 1940s: The automotive industry turns its attention to wartime production during World War II, building vehicles for military use. The 1950s: The postwar boom increased demand for automobiles, and the industry entered a new era of growth and prosperity. The 1960s: A new generation of American consumers comes of age, and "muscle cars" like the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro become hugely popular. The 1970s: The oil crisis and the resulting rise in gas prices shifted away from large, V8-powered cars toward smaller, more fuel-efficient models. The 1980s: Thanks to new manufacturing technologies like fuel injection and computer-aided design, the automotive industry rebounded and experienced renewed growth. The 1990s: A wave of globalization sweeps through the automotive industry, as Japanese automakers establish a major presence in the United States and other markets worldwide. The 2000s: The industry was dealt a major blow by the global financial crisis of 2008 but began to recover in the following years. Today: The automotive manufacturing industry is a major driver of economic growth around the globe. With new vehicles technologies, manufacturing trends, and predictions constantly emerging,...

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> The electronics manufacturing process involves designing, prototyping, and producing electronic components and devices. Learn more here.

- Published: 2022-04-28
- Modified: 2024-05-23
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/electronics-manufacturing-process/
- Categories: Business tips, Top lists

Without careful vigilance, it’s easy for electronic components to become outdated or acquire defects. This article looks into all the challenges those working in the electronics manufacturing industry face and how they can fix them. According to comedian and actor Jim Carrey, the zombie apocalypse came in the form of us all being glued to our phones. Regardless of whether you find this observation a bit dramatic, he’s not wrong about the popularity of cell phones. In 2021 Pew Research Center looked into cell phone ownership in the US and found that 97% of Americans own a cell phone¹. This highlights just how influential the electronics industry is in our lives. And this trend doesn't seem to be slowing down, especially in the United States. According to the US Department of the Treasury, the US has seen a meteoric rise in spending on the construction of manufacturing facilities². This is mainly driven by construction for computer, electrical, and electronic manufacturing, indicating the growing significance of these sectors in the overall manufacturing landscape. That’s why we’ve decided to look into the electronics manufacturing process, the challenges, and the ultimate solution to managing these products. What is electronics manufacturing process in production? The electronics manufacturing process in production is the methodology manufacturers use to transform design concepts into tangible electronic products. It encompasses various stages such as design, component sourcing, assembly, testing, enclosure manufacturing, quality control, and packaging. Let's take a closer look at each step of this process. 1. Design and prototyping The initial step is designing the electronic product and creating a prototype. This involves conceptualizing the product, designing the circuitry, and creating a prototype for testing and refinement. 2. Component sourcing Once the design is finalized, the necessary electronic components are sourced from suppliers. These components can include integrated circuits, resistors, capacitors, connectors, and various other parts required for the product. 3. PCB assembly The printed circuit board (PCB) is fabricated, and the electronic components are mounted onto it through a process called PCB assembly. Surface mount technology (SMT) is commonly used for this, where the components are soldered onto the PCB using automated machines. 4. Testing After the PCB assembly, the electronic product undergoes rigorous testing to ensure its functionality, performance, and adherence to quality standards. Various tests, such as functional testing, environmental testing, and reliability testing, may be conducted. 5. Enclosure manufacturing The product's enclosure or casing is manufactured, which provides physical protection and houses the electronic components. Enclosures can be made of plastic, metal, or other materials, and they are often designed to be aesthetically appealing. 6. Final assembly The PCB, along with other components such as displays, buttons, connectors, and cables, is integrated into the enclosure. This stage involves the final assembly of the electronic product. 7. Quality control Quality control processes are implemented throughout the manufacturing process to ensure that each product meets the required standards. This includes consulting the production quality control checklist and performing inspections, testing, and quality assurance checks at different...

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> This article explores the essential steps for taking a business to greatness in cosmetics manufacturing, from conception to shipping.

- Published: 2022-04-27
- Modified: 2024-05-22
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/cosmetics-manufacturing/
- Categories: Business tips

From conception to shipping your products. This is the ultimate guide to building up your cosmetics manufacturing business. If you’re looking to build a global cosmetics manufacturing empire from scratch or optimize your current business, look no further. This article explores how those passionate about making cosmetic goods can build their business — or make their current business more efficient — from conception to packaging and shipping global cosmetics inventory to their eagerly awaiting customers. What is cosmetics manufacturing? Understanding the regulations that apply to your set of cosmetic products is vital to making sure the business runs smoothly. Cosmetics manufacturers often use cosmetics manufacturing software to track their materials and ensure they are always compliant.   Cosmetic products are those that we use on a daily basis to help cleanse and beautify our bodies. Whether that be lipstick, moisturizers, facial masks, concealer, foundation, and so on. Technically, it also includes shampoos, conditioners, and hair products too. As long as it applies externally to our bodies, then it fits. Generally, they are made from a mix of organic and inorganic compounds, which could include oils, dyes, spices, synthetic colors, and even crushed insects. And the processes which go into the final products can be incredibly vast too. From emulsifying mascara solution to melting and molding lipstick. It can often be a complex process with intricate product recipes and precise use of raw materials. So, as you can imagine, any manufactured products which are intended to be smeared onto our bodies have to be dissected quite carefully. It’s any cosmetics manufacturer's worst nightmare to be uncovered for lack of quality control and potential contaminations. That’s why there is a huge emphasis on cosmetics manufacturers to follow regulations and make sure they are testing their products properly. Alongside the precious modern need for manufacturing branding and marketing efforts, this makes it quite a challenge for cosmetics manufacturers to stay on top of their businesses. Because not only do consumers want innovative products which are tailored to their needs, but also a brand with which they can connect and rely on. Next up then, we’ll dive into some of our tips on how you can make sure to spend time on your brand without losing sight of the gritty details which make cosmetics manufacturing so tricky. The main pillars of cosmetics manufacturing Before we delve deep into the cosmetics production process, we should highlight the basic production steps a hobbyist or an ambitious start-up will follow if they want to know how to get into cosmetics manufacturing. The journey towards selling your cleaning and beautifying products will follow these five production process steps from beginning to end: Developing a business plan By taking the time to develop a plan, you’ll be in a better position to achieve your goals and grow your business even further. They typically start with an overview of the cosmetic manufacturing company and its products or services, with market research analyzing the cosmetic markets and the competition. The plan then describes its strategy for growing its business and achieving profitability. Finally,...

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> Create your own unique workflows and integrate them with other business apps

- Published: 2022-04-27
- Modified: 2022-11-07
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/full-api/
- Categories: Product updates

Our latest update introduces the shiny new API - enabling Katana users to create their own workflows and integrations with other apps. It’s been a year since we originally introduced the Katana API and its ability to access sales orders, products, and customer and suppliers’ data. Today we’re excited to announce that we’ve completed the development of endpoints for all data (from sales to manufacturing) in Katana, simplifying the ability to create custom workflows and integrations. Take a peruse through this article as we dive into what Katana API is, what you can do with it, and share customer experiences - from taking advantage of no-code solutions to full-blown custom workflows. What is API? API stands for Application Programming Interface, a software intermediary that allows two applications to communicate. Katana’s API is open, meaning that developers outside of Katana can build into our software and make custom connections or integrations. The open API also lets you set up custom workflows for yourself and allows our partners to build tailored software solutions for their customers. No-code solutions for automation If API enables apps to talk to each other, then connector apps such as Make, CartRover, Zapier, and Pipe17, act as intermediaries for transferring information between Katana and your other business apps. These software solutions use Katana API and allow even non-tech-savvy people to use no-code keys for automating repetitive tasks and enabling various workflows. CartRover, for example, allows you to import sales orders and related customer data from your e-commerce store (e. g. Faire, Walmart, Amazon) to Katana and sync updated inventory levels back to your store. Another connector app, Integromat, lets you automate repetitive tasks, such as notifying a customer when a sales order status has changed, sending sales orders to a shipping platform, or setting up alerts when inventory is below a threshold. Third-party integrations built on Katana API No-code solutions offer more than just importing/exporting and automation of tasks. You can also use integrations built on the Katana API like Prospect CRM, ShipTheory, 2Ship, and Easy Insight to bridge the gap between manufacturing and other areas. Consider 2Ship, integrating with it allows you to have all your shipping information in one place, track all orders from one source, and mix and match different transportation modes to maximize savings. We can also look at Prospect CRM, which integrates product, inventory, and customer sales data to better streamline your B2B sales processes and grow your business. Custom workflows and integrations Via the full Katana API, you can even go beyond the list of existing integrations and develop your own custom workflows and connect to essential apps for your business. For example, through Katana API, GJ Motorsports managed to automate workflows for shipping and order fulfillment, saving themselves two full working days every month on admin work. Peace Collective was also able to automate which orders are pulled from Shopify into Katana depending on the shop and how they would be manufactured through the help of Katana partner, DataAutomation. Some other...

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- Published: 2022-04-05
- Modified: 2022-04-05
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/100-employees-mentorship-initiative/
- Categories: Company News

We are proud to announce that we have recently reached an important milestone in our growth – 100 team members across four continents! Four years ago, we welcomed our first paying customers with a team of 10 people. The years that followed mark a period of fast growth, where we quickly evolved alongside those very first believers in our vision. During this time, we have tirelessly worked to improve our product offering and give manufacturers the live insights they need in a world where change is the only constant. From a handful of companies in the US, our portfolio of customers now spans over 60 countries. Katana is also considered one of the most desirable start-ups among Estonian investors, according to Restart, an annual survey conducted by Geenius Media. We are humbled to also see our efforts recognized by our customers and partners through stellar reviews that rank us as best-in-class manufacturing software. How we did it — a company culture that puts authenticity first Today, Katana is the only manufacturing ERP selected as a Shopify Plus certified partner and raised €16 million from leading global VC investors who, like us, think the manufacturing software space needs more love. But at the heart of every success story are people. Katana wouldn't be what it is today without its growing team of Katanauts across North America, Europe, Oceania, and Asia. While our team comes from a diverse range of professional and cultural backgrounds, what they all have in common are a set of shared values that are rooted in putting the needs of individuals first — both our customers and our own. In short, what sets Katana's team apart is a company culture that puts authenticity first. “Fast growth is both exciting and challenging for a start-up team. Growing mindfully has been our top priority from the very beginning. We didn’t want to compromise our people’s health and wellbeing or lose our strong company culture, and I am so proud to see today that we have managed to do it successfully. Every new Katanaut has brought in something new to our culture that has enriched the core of who we are as a team – a smart, caring, humble, and fun-loving bunch of people on a mission to create software that our customers would love as much as the products they make. ” – Kristi Schumann, Head of People and Culture at Katana Giving back to the startup community On our journey to 100 Katanauts, we managed to recruit some of the brightest minds in Estonia and beyond, which was no easy feat. Our team faced many challenges along the way, and understand just how difficult it can be to scale a team and vision — which is why we are giving startups in our community the opportunity to learn from our experience. “Our recent achievement of 100 team members had us reflect on our journey so far. We, at Katana, appreciate the help we’ve got along the way and I,...

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> Apparel inventory management helps designers and manufacturers manage their businesses. Here are 15 reasons you need to optimize it.

- Published: 2022-03-24
- Modified: 2024-09-25
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/apparel-inventory-management/
- Categories: Inventory management, Top lists

Between designing and making apparel items, it’s easy to lose focus when managing inventory. Here are 15 reasons you need to optimize your inventory management. According to research published on Statista, in 2022, global retail sales of apparel reached $1. 53 trillion — that’s a lot of cheddar. It would be a shame to realize how much money you could stand to make, only to then hemorrhage money out of your company due to some unforeseen issue with their inventory. After all, a report by Coresight Research and Celect revealed that roughly $300 billion in revenue was lost due to markdowns in 2018. Figures of this size are enough to make your head spin. That’s why we’ve put together this article highlighting 15 reasons why apparel businesses need to optimize their fashion inventory management. Why do you need apparel inventory management in your business? Nowadays, designers and retailers aren’t limited to selling from a physical inventory location. The rapid growth of e-commerce means fashion inventory management helps merchants manage their clothing, apparel, and jewelry inventory at physical locations like brick-and-mortar stores or marketplaces and manage clothing stock levels from their online sales channels. Without the proper solutions for apparel in place, it won’t take long before there are problems understanding where your clothing stocks are at any given time. Aside from being able to manage inventory for your clothing business better, optimized fashion inventory management helps you: Track your sales orders Track your manufacturing orders Track your purchasing orders Manage your bill of materials Gather analytics on inventory Improve your bottom line Keep transactions secure How exactly do other manufacturers set up and organize their apparel inventory management? The three most common methods are: Paper-based system Spreadsheet system Apparel inventory software Paper-based system All inventory information is written down on paper, which is great for micro-businesses or individual sellers handling stock at one location. One of the biggest time wasters when depending on paper is that the information on the document itself may be outdated or incorrect. This creates “the paper chase,” where workers spend hours looking for the most recent information instead of getting their work done. In addition, having everything written down on paper makes it difficult to track changes or modifications to the inventory. Spreadsheet system A clothing inventory spreadsheet is a type of system that allows users to create and edit data tables. This makes spreadsheets the perfect tool for tracking inventory, as it allows users to track an item of clothing by category, quantity, and other criteria. There are numerous benefits to using a spreadsheet for inventory management solutions since spreadsheets are easy to use and can be customized to fit the needs of any company or organization. They are also versatile, meaning they can be used for various tasks beyond just inventory management. Additionally, spreadsheets are free and can be accessed from any computer with internet access. There are also a few drawbacks to using a spreadsheet for inventory management: Spreadsheets can be difficult to learn and use for...

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> Save hours of manual work by automating shipping and manufacturing workflows, reducing the risk of errors between copies.

- Published: 2022-03-24
- Modified: 2022-03-24
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/shiptheory/
- Categories: Product updates

Automate the repetitive manual shipping order fulfillment process by seamlessly integrating Shiptsheory with Katana Sick of dealing with the repetitive process of handling manual shipping orders? Using our latest integration with Shiptheory, you can now automatically generate shipping labels without re-entering order details. Once you've added an order to Katana, the automated workflow will create labels that you can use for printing. You can also set up flexible shipping rules based on the destination, weight, value, product SKUs, etc. , which can be sent to carriers. How can Shiptheory improve your business processes? Automating your non-business critical processes is a great way to free up your time to focus on growing your business. Using integration solutions to connect manufacturing, e-commerce, and shipping saves you hours so that your whole team can focus on more crucial concerns. With this integration, you can: Automate printing label creating: entering order details to Katana syncs them with Shiptheory and makes the relevant labels Shipping information in one place: find all your carrier and label information under one intuitive user interface Overview of manufacturing and shipping metrics: access Shiptheory's live inventory management, displaying fulfilled orders and shipments Convenient international shipping: Shiptheory works with the world's largest international carriers and includes customs documentation In addition, you can create and configure shipping rules based on order value, weight, and destination to help streamline the shipping process. What’s coming up next? We’ll always be working to add more features and updates to improve your Katana experience and here’s what we have planned in the next few months: Barcode labels printing Custom PDF editor for all print templates Contract manufacturing Happy shipping!

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> This inventory management for e-commerce guide gives you all the knowledge and tools you need to optimize inventory management.

- Published: 2022-03-18
- Modified: 2024-07-05
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/inventory-management-for-e-commerce/
- Categories: Ecommerce, Inventory management

Sustainability, profitability, scalability can all be easily achieved just by focusing on one aspect of your business — improving inventory management for ecommerce. This guide details everything you need to know, from challenges to methods to implement pitch-perfect ecommerce inventory management. In today's digital era, the landscape of commerce is evolving at a rapid pace. For businesses aspiring to expand and thrive, establishing an online presence has become more crucial than ever. Ecommerce platforms offer a vast and accessible marketplace, enabling companies to reach a global audience and connect with customers beyond geographical boundaries. As businesses embark on this digital journey to grow their reach and enhance sales, effective ecommerce inventory management can't be overlooked. This article dives into the significance of streamlined ecommerce inventory management, exploring key strategies and tools that empower businesses to navigate the online marketplace seamlessly. State of Inventory Management: A Review of Rising Costs According to Katana's data, revenue from sales orders generated from ecommerce platforms increased by 46%. While sales from other sources decreased by 2% when comparing 2021 to 2022. Indicating that ecommerce selling is gaining more traction: 46% increase in ecommerce sales orders 2% decrease in other sales orders Download the full free report here > What is inventory management for ecommerce? Inventory management for ecommerce involves overseeing and controlling the order, storage, and use of products that are sold online. There isn’t much of a differentiation between inventory management and managing ecommerce inventory, other than ecommerce focuses exclusively on the products you sell over the internet. Perfecting your ecommerce inventory management allows businesses to improve their efficiency and reduce operational costs. Given how globalized the world is nowadays, ecommerce inventory management is important because, if done properly, it will help you: Track items in your own warehouse Track items provided through a third-party logistic fulfillment center (3PL) Track items stored with contract manufacturers or consigned inventory with another business Track products sold via dropshipping Monitor your multichannel selling strategies By accurately optimizing your inventory management for ecommerce, you can better understand your logistics and analytics. You can then use this information to get complete inventory control, maintain ideal stock levels, and make more accurate predictions on inventory demand. Good inventory management for ecommerce allows businesses to set precise reorder points to avoid: Overstocking Understocking Stockouts It will also help you improve your supply chain management by understanding when you need to order products and how much. If you’re selling inventory across different sales channels, online and offline, proper ecommerce inventory management means you know exactly where your products are at any given time. Platform-specific inventory management If you use a specific ecommerce platform and want to learn more about ecommerce inventory management focused on that platform, be sure to check out the following articles below: Shopify inventory management WooCommerce inventory management BigCommerce inventory management guide What are the benefits of good inventory management for ecommerce? Poor ecommerce inventory management can severely disrupt your business. First, if there's an issue with your inventory levels, you can't get products to...

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> Katana's integration with the Walmart Marketplace enables you to control order management through sales orders imports and inventory syncing.

- Published: 2022-03-16
- Modified: 2022-05-05
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/walmart/
- Categories: Product updates

Our latest integration lets you import sales orders and synchronizes inventory from the Walmart Marketplace to your Katana account without coding. The Walmart Marketplace is an e-commerce platform built by Walmart that provides online merchants with access to a broad customer base ideal for those wishing to branch out their business. Connecting the Walmart Marketplace to Katana is made simple by using our existing integration with CartRover, which handles all the specifics. With this integration, you’ll be able to: Import sales orders from the Walmart Marketplace to Katana Synchronize inventory between the Walmart Marketplace and Katana Connecting Katana to the Walmart Marketplace You’ll first need to connect to CartRover to set up the integration and get started. If you haven’t used CartRover before, take a look at our detailed set-up instructions for integrating with CartRover. Once you complete the integration with CartRover, you can then connect Katana to Walmart Marketplace. Head to our Knowledge Base to find a step-by-step guide on setting this integration up quickly. If you need any additional help integrating with Walmart Marketplace, you can also contact CartRover’s support team for assistance. What is CartRover? CartRover is a web application specializing in integrated solutions for order management. Through optimization and automation, CartRover makes separate systems work together seamlessly. CartRover already has over 100 e-commerce integrations you can connect to Katana. Сreate a free trial account on CartRover, and visit their Pricing page for more information about CartRover’s plans and pricing. Happy integrating!

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> Want to work at Katana? Our head of sales, Matt Sullivan, explains life working here as a remote worker in Canada. Check out our careers page.

- Published: 2022-03-14
- Modified: 2025-04-07
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/matt-sullivan/
- Categories: People at Katana

Matt Sullivan — the Head of Sales in the Sales team at Katana — sits down to tell us all about his journey to his current position here and life as a remote worker based in Prince Edward Island, Canada. Entrepreneurship courses through his veins. He's a website builder, social media marketer, and a man on a mission to create businesses every which way but loose. For example, he was one of the founders of "Be Your Own Bartender (BYOB)," a touch-screen kiosk designed for liquor stores to educate customers on cocktail recipes by printing off the directions and what ingredients to buy. During this period, he learned that his passion was in the sales side of business management. So, who exactly is this man of mystery? Matt Sullivan, disc golf throwing, pool ball potting, and comedy enthusiast, has taken a moment out of his busy schedule to tell us how it is working at Katana. How did you come across Katana? I was working for TradeGecko at the time. Another Katanaut, Mark Cohen (Head of Technology Partnerships at Katana), researched manufacturing software for our clients. He was handling integration partnerships, and Katana was one of these partners. That was my first-time hearing about Katana, and when I started looking into them, it raised so many questions, like: “Oh, where’s Estonia? ” I went down a rabbit hole, learned all about this cool new startup company, and even looked into how the Estonian culture is tech-focused. What stood out for me was that Katana was modern and easy to use — which was a differentiator in the market for TradeGecko too. Katana really resonated with us and was a great fit, so it naturally became a good partnership at TradeGecko. Long story short, TradeGecko was eventually acquired by QuickBooks and became QuickBooks Commerce, while Mark and I became Katana employees. Why did you decide to join Katana? Katana was without any sales reps for several years and was product-led until COVID hit. The supply chain issues caused by the pandemic led to a major surge in terms of customers for Katana as more companies began manufacturing in-house, especially in the North America region — it was apparent that Katana needed a presence there to support these customers and prospects. Initially, we would offer 1-hour demos to anyone who asked. Still, as more and more people started looking into ERP solutions in the wake of COVID, it became obvious that we just didn’t have the processes or capacity to handle this influx. That’s when I came on board to help: Take these calls Develop our inbound sales process Grow the sales team and make it more efficient I started around a little over a year and a half ago. From then, we’ve grown from a one-person sales rep to a fully-fledged department with: Outbound SDRs Inbound SDRs Sales Specialists based in North America, Europe, and New Zealand What was your process for building the sales department? I have experience using ERP...

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> Whether you’re a Wholesale, Distribution or Manufacturing business, you can now sync your Prospect CRM sales data with Katana.

- Published: 2022-03-14
- Modified: 2022-03-24
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/prospectcrm/
- Categories: Product updates

Syncing Katana with Prospect CRM helps you gain a better understanding of your customer data while extending your manufacturing processes through lead tracking and the importing of inventory data between accounts. Prospect CRM uses a Stock-Aware approach which makes it ideal for all Wholesale, Distribution, or Manufacturing businesses that want to retain customers and drive sales growth. If you’re selling physical products and encountering operational challenges where a conventional CRM falls short, the Katana x Prospect CRM setup helps bridge the gap for B2B manufacturing companies. With this integration, you’ll have the opportunity to Get suggestions and notifications based on Katana sales data Use products and inventory to quote customers and turn them into sales orders Import sales orders with rows, prices, quantities, and customer data back to Katana All the details will automatically sync. Katana & Prospect CRM integration workflow Who does the Prospect CRM integration help most? The Katana x Prospect CRM integration is a perfect fit for any manufacturing business doing B2B Sales. The sync can give you a better understanding of your customer value via RFM analysis – assisting with resource planning from manufacturing and inventory data to future quoting for potential customers. The integration overall will help give your team a better overview of the sales processes across the company. Keep stock central in both sales and manufacturing The ability to sync sales orders and inventory data directly with customer history has an immediate impact via increased order value & frequency for your sales department. With improved business reporting, it’s easier to grow and better understand business processes throughout departments. With business alerts for regular orders and irregularities, you can better understand customer retention and bridge the gap between intuition and business data. What’s up next? We know how important new features are and we love building and sharing them with you. Here’s what we’re currently working on and hoping to deliver over the coming months: Printing barcode labels in Katana Partial shipment of sales orders Contract manufacturing workflow Until next time, happy syncing!

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> Through the Katana API, users now have full access to build custom-made solutions for manufacturing orders, including MO recipes and operations.

- Published: 2022-03-10
- Modified: 2022-03-10
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/manufacturing-orders-api/
- Categories: Product updates

This Katana API update gives you full access to manufacturing orders, enabling additional analytical and custom automation possibilities. This latest API update provides Katana customers full access to manufacturing orders, including MO recipes and operations. With this update, you can build custom-made solutions such as: Create, pull, update, and delete manufacturing orders, or unlink MTOs from the sales order row Add recipe rows to a manufacturing order as well as pull, update, and delete MO recipes Add operation rows to a manufacturing order and also pull, update, and delete MO operations Other benefits to this update With this latest API improvement, you will also have the ability to build custom analytics solutions, getting us even closer to a full API release. Examples of custom analytic solutions: Creating a dashboard or custom page to indicate a customer's MTO manufacturing status Syncing to reporting/dashboards Analyzing performance Forecasting In addition, this update provides you with the capability to create custom automation like: Splitting manufacturing orders Auto-creating manufacturing orders based on specified conditions Creating custom shop-floor apps Importing MO recipes and operations for highly customizable products Scheduling manufacturing orders to be created in the future, and more What is API anyway? API stands for Application Programming Interface, a software intermediary that allows two applications to communicate. Katana's API is open, meaning that developers outside of Katana can build into our software to make custom connections or integrations. The open API also enables you to set up custom workflows for yourself or take advantage of Katana's already built partner software solutions. Happy customizing!

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> Our newest connection to Pipe17 enables real-time order and stock sync between your e-commerce, 3PLs, and other apps and Katana.

- Published: 2022-02-21
- Modified: 2022-04-26
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/pipe17-integration/
- Categories: Product updates

With our newest integration with Pipe17, you can enable real-time order and stock syncs between your e-commerce, 3PLs, and other apps and Katana. Katana’s new integration with Pipe17 allows you to synchronize and automate your order and inventory flows by connecting e-commerce carts and marketplaces to 3PLs, ERP, and other systems. Pipe17 connects merchant e-commerce businesses with an expanding set of marketplaces, fulfillment centers, financial systems, and SaaS applications to form end-to-end automated operations. Merchants are able to gain control and visibility for every step of their fulfillment cycle – automated order and inventory flows and painless changes to vendor services. Pipe17 already offers more than 50 apps you can connect to Katana, such as Chord, Wayfair, 3PL Central, and more. The benefits of integrating Katana with Pipe17 By connecting Katana with Pipe17, you will be able to set up codeless integrations which automate such workflows as: Receiving orders from e-commerce, marketplace, and POS systems and sending them to Katana Syncing your Katana inventory levels to e-commerce, marketplace, and POS systems These workflows will allow you to always have a view of the real-time status of inventory and orders in Katana and other apps. Getting started with Pipe17 Pipe17 makes integrating simple with easy-to-use connectors designed for e-commerce and marketplaces to connect to backend fulfillment services. To connect Pipe 17 with Katana, you’ll first need to sign up for a demo with the Pipe17 team. During the demo, they will help you onboard and establish a connection between Katana and your other apps. This integration is available for all Katana subscription plan users. Learn more about it on our Knowledge Base. Happy integrating!

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> Katana's new integration with Faire allows you to gain control over order management through sales order importing and inventory synchronization.

- Published: 2022-02-16
- Modified: 2022-05-05
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/faire/
- Categories: Product updates

Katana’s integration with Faire allows you to gain complete control over your order management with sales order import and inventory sync. Faire is an online wholesale marketplace where merchants can easily set up an online store, add products, and take advantage of multiple shipping options. If you already use Faire for managing your wholesale operations, use our integration with CartRover to connect your Faire store directly to Katana. With this integration, you can: Import sales orders Synchronize inventory How to connect Katana with Faire To set up the integration, you first need to connect to CartRover. If you’re new to CartRover, look at our detailed set-up instructions to make the process easier. Once the Katana + CartRover integration is complete, you’re ready to connect to Faire. To learn more about this process, please head to our Knowledge Base. For any further help integrating with Faire, you can also turn to CartRover’s support. What is CartRover? CartRover is a web application specializing in integrated solutions for order management. Through optimization and automation, CartRover makes separate systems work together seamlessly. CartRover already has over 100 e-commerce integrations you can connect to Katana. Сreate a free trial account on CartRover, and visit their Pricing page for more information about CartRover’s plans and pricing. Happy integrating!

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> Christina De Giovanni, talent acquisition & employer branding lead, sits down to chat about life as a remote worker at Katana.

- Published: 2022-02-08
- Modified: 2025-04-07
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/christina-de-giovanni/
- Categories: People at Katana

Christina De Giovanni, Katana’s talent acquisition and employer branding lead, sits down for a chat about life working remotely and reveals some scandalous secrets to boot. There was once a time when someone would hold a meeting, announce some exciting news, and maybe even ask the group — and the response would always be silent. This is the Estonian way. That all changed once Christina joined the company. Christina has energy and a larger-than-life attitude that's apparently infectious, changing the culture at Katana while working remotely from the US, Florida. Since she's joined Katana, positive reinforcement of employees has become the norm, and we now even give rounds of applause to good news — be it mostly in the form of emojis: Christina agreed to take some time out of her busy schedule to tell us about her experiences working at Katana. Based in the US, how exactly did you come across Katana? I had seen a job posting on LinkedIn by Chris Jacobs (Head of Customer Experience). I was reading the description, something along the lines of "we're looking for a kick-ass customer success... " something. I thought to myself — this is brilliant! This is not the typical job ad you'd see from the likes of a US-based company. People don't realize how impactful first impressions are with job postings — it's the first opportunity to showcase company culture. It looked and felt like Katana was looking for genuine, customer-first people. So, I annoyed and poked at Chris for probably a month, and now I'm here — I guess my persistence paid off. How have you found remote working? At first, I was super excited about the idea of remote working because I'm an introverted extrovert, so having my own space and being able to be in my environment was something I wanted. Then, as time went on and I started getting to know everyone, the remote option became more difficult as I missed everyone. It has been fascinating watching the growth of Katana and the expansion of our global team, and the changes these additions have made. When I started back in February of 2020, our meetings were around 2:30-3:30 am my time, and now we're able to have them where so many more colleagues can join in on the fun. How was it meeting everyone at Katana in person? That was the best day — I probably cried so much — I’m glad everyone got to know me beforehand because they probably would have thought I was a total otherwise. I was originally supposed to fly over in March 2020 from Ireland after my honeymoon, and then the pandemic happened. That means a solid year and a half, I got to know everyone online, which made it a lot more impactful when I finally met them during summer 2021. My favorite moment of the Katana summer days was waking up at 4 am in the sauna house listening to Kristjan (co-founder and CEO) screaming Adele at...

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> With Katana's newest feature stocktake, both pro and essential users can count their stock levels and make necessary adjustments inside Katana.

- Published: 2022-02-07
- Modified: 2022-11-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/stocktake-feature/
- Categories: Product updates

Katana's new stocktake feature makes inventory tracking manageable by providing complete and customizable stock level counting. We know how much a pain stock counting can be and we hope to alleviate some of the discomforts with Katana’s new stocktake feature. Stocktake is readily available for Katana users to begin tracking, controlling, and reporting inventory more easily. With stocktake, you’ll now be able to: Add the calculated quantity of items in inventory directly to the stocktake report or use a barcode scanner to calculate the stock levels even faster Review results, identify discrepancies and create stock adjustments based on your numbers counted Print the stocktake worksheet, fill it with counted numbers, and then enter them into the stocktake report to analyze discrepancies Stocktake process from planning to full inventory count What makes this update important? Having control over your inventory levels is an essential part of inventory management. Carrying out regular stocktakes allows you to: Avoid a significant amount of write-offs or dead stock Maintain reliable inventory numbers that manufacturing and sales can trust for their daily operations Verify stock levels by counting the available items to confirm and eliminate discrepancies Identify underperforming products Having a better understanding of the best reorder point is for each item What exactly is a stocktake? A stocktake is a process of physically checking stock levels and verifying the quantity and condition of each product and material you sell to ensure your data is current and accurate. Katana uses perpetual inventory management which means you can track your inventory movements and perform stock takes in real-time. Want to learn more about stocktake? Head to our Knowledge Base to get started right away. What are we working on next? We know how important new features are and we love building them and sharing them with you. Here’s what we’re currently working on and hope to deliver over the coming months: Barcode label printing in Katana Partial shipment of sales orders Contract manufacturing workflow Until next time, happy counting!

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> Risto Orr is a product engineering lead for the MRP team. Here is a day in the life of a Katanaut team leader.

- Published: 2022-01-24
- Modified: 2025-04-07
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/risto-orr-product-engineering-lead/
- Categories: People at Katana

Risto Orr is the product engineering lead for the MRP team. He takes the time to sit with us to talk about how he became a developer, the culture at Katana, and gives us an insight into what it's like to work here. Risto Orr is a software developer from the Estonian capital, Tallinn — born and bred. A Fonzie type of guy, Risto only concerns himself with cool guy antics. Be that going on evening rides on his motorcycle or tinkering with small electronics. And you can bet your bottom dollar he plays videogames. However, that all changed when he was upgraded from loose cannon renegade to a loving and caring father. Now he's traded in his hobbies for the commendable challenge of raising his two daughters. Risto agreed to sit down with us to chat about his life, what he thinks about working at Katana, and his advice for anyone looking to get started with a career in software development. Without further ado, take it away Risto. How did you get started as a software developer? I really like this question because I actually have an answer to it. I got started really early, sometime around middle school. I first discovered this weird possibility of having web pages display different content based on who is accessing it and when or where they are accessing it. I was fascinated by this and started creating my own, first with mostly static content containing little bits of logic. Then it grew to fully-fledged pages with mostly logic and little bits of static content. It was all fun and games until I went to university — it gave me the structure and discipline to help me focus on my purpose. I've always been fascinated with basically making a computer do something and teaching it a skill. How did you come across Katana? I used to work with Priit (Katana CTO) when I was a vendor at Skype, helping them improve their workflow and the tools surrounding it. Sometime later, Priit sent me an invitation to join Katana. I knew I wanted to work with Priit again, but I was initially hesitant to join. But, he kept making convincing arguments about why I should join, and eventually, I came on board during the first pandemic lockdown. Though, it wasn't easy to join at the time because I like to get to know the people I work with, and almost no one was in the office. What has been your experience working remotely? Well, it's been difficult to work at home because I have two young kids and they don't understand when I need to concentrate on work and whatnot. I worked from home for, let's say over a month between vaccine shots, and I found I was more organized, but at the end of each day, I felt like I actually got less done than if I'd been in the office. There's always someone to brainstorm with in the office or just shoot...

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> With 2Ship you can automate your shipping workflows while guaranteeing the best rates with 2Ship’s carrier comparison. Learn more.

- Published: 2022-01-13
- Modified: 2022-04-26
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/2ship-integration/
- Categories: Product updates

Sync your shipping orders from Katana directly to 2Ship and experience cheaper rates and automated workflows that save you time. Say farewell to constantly checking carrier rates and updating shipping information from multiple locations. Today we’re announcing a brand new integration that adds even more automation for our Katana customers - the 2Ship integration. 2Ship provides companies with an easy-to-use carrier rate comparison module that can automatically pick the best price for each customer order. Which measures does 2Ship focus on to help your business? When it comes to shipping, it’s best to keep the process as simplified and automated as possible. It shouldn’t be a hurdle to overcome when delivering products to customers. A streamlined system is exactly what integrating with 2Ship will help you achieve. All your shipping information in one place: Centralize your shipping options, so you don’t need to toggle between tabs to find the best price. 2Ship gathers all the prices in real-time and provides them in one straightforward list Avoid overpaying on shipments: Lower shipping rates directly impact customer satisfaction Total order tracking from one source: Have a complete overview of everything. From orders yet to ship to those that have been successfully delivered and everything in between. Connect Katana for a better overview: Katana already gives you visibility and control over your manufacturing processes, and with 2Ship you get the same visibility and control over your shipping processes. Smart and versatile shipping: Using 2Ship’s consolidation feature, you can mix and match different transportation modes to maximize saving on charges and fees Skip the manual workflows and integrate with 2Ship in 4 steps Create an account in 2Ship Create a connection to Katana from 2Ship via Settings > Store Connections > Add New Connection Wizard > Katana > Connect At the prompt, sign in to Katana to authorize the connection. Confirm connection settings Learn more about connecting 2Ship to Katana on our Knowledge Base. What’s coming up next? We’re always working on adding more features and updates to improve your Katana experience - here’s what we have planned to come in the next few months: Custom PDF templates Stocktake workflow available in Katana Partial sales order delivery Happy shipping!

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> Take control of workflows and integrations with new create, update, pull, and delete methods to the product recipes endpoint within Katana API.

- Published: 2022-01-10
- Modified: 2022-02-08
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/api-product-recipes/
- Categories: Product updates

With this update, you’ll be able to easily create, update, pull, and delete recipes (BOMs) directly through the Katana API. For those of you with custom or highly customizable products, we have some good news. Through the Katana API you can now easily create workflows using our newly added functionality to the product recipes (BOMs) endpoint. Through the Katana API, you’re now able to: Create product recipes Update product recipes Pull product recipe data Delete product recipes How is this update beneficial to you? The newly added methods to the recipe endpoint allow you to make use of different workflows and integrations — ensuring product recipes are kept in sync with other systems — as well as being able to automate the product recipe creation for new products based on any internal rules or attributes you have. Establishing product recipe automation via Katana API can be particularly useful if: Your products are fast-changing and/or you often launch new products You use external modeling/design platforms that can export recipes. Connecting to such platforms allows you to automatically import product recipes to Katana. You have highly customizable products with no pre-generated variants available. Products can be created once a sales order is made which leads to the automatic generation of recipes based on custom attributes. How can you take full advantage of Katana’s API capabilities? Through Katana API you can already access data connected to sales orders, inventory, purchase orders, and product recipes — establishing an endless flow for integrations. Depending on what you need, you can use an existing integration with SyncHub, Easy Insight, CartRover, Integromat, or others. If you wish to build your own custom flow, you can get assistance from our Katana integration partners, or if you’re more comfortable with coding, create it yourself with the help of our Developer Portal. What is API? API stands for Application Programming Interface, a software intermediary that allows two applications to talk to each other. Katana API is open, meaning that developers outside of Katana can build into our software to make custom connections or integrations. This also enables you to set up custom workflows for yourself or to take advantage of Katana partner software solutions that have already been built. Happy integrating, The Katana team

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> Katana hit the ground running in 2021, developing features that make your manufacturing experience more seamless and customizable.

- Published: 2022-01-10
- Modified: 2022-11-07
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/2021-product-roundup/
- Categories: Product updates

2021 was all about releasing the features that best suit your needs, based on the feedback we received. Last year, we chose the features to release based on your needs and our feedback. Our goal is always to build features that simplify your manufacturing workflows while providing you with total control and accessibility of all the moving parts of your business. Let’s take a look into last year’s most significant product releases and how they can benefit your workflow. Barcode scanning with smart devices Our product team launched barcode scanning through smart devices to help provide you with the best possible real-time overview of your business. Barcodes offer the fastest and most reliable way to track inventory movements while automating the flow of information directly from sales to the shop floor. This latest update makes it possible to scan barcodes using your choice of smart device with the Shop Floor App. End-to-end inventory traceability in Katana With our full traceability release, Katana users can now add a batch/lot number to their raw materials to better monitor their movements and expiration dates. This release provides you with full traceability of your products throughout the whole production cycle. Multicurrency transactions with automatic conversion In July, Katana released a full multicurrency support feature, making life easier for our customers who sell and purchase internationally. With this update, Katana can automatically convert currencies when buying and receiving stock, so you always know your inventory value for your chosen currency base. Find out more. Katana introduces open API Our API team was busy in 2021 working to expand Katana’s infrastructure by launching an open API that makes building other integrations on Katana a breeze. Embracing integration possibilities helps Katana scale your business and maintain a smooth product experience through custom workflows. Some of the integrations already available: Code-free integration between Make and Katana Easy Insight integration for reporting Connect to e-commerce stores via Cartrover integration This year, we’ll launch shipping integrations that enable you to create even more custom workflows. Stay tuned! Katana raises $11M series A and establishes a new brand 2021 saw Katana raising $11M in a successful Series A funding round. This investment enables us to accelerate the speed at which we build and deliver new features – further improving the customer experience. With this successful funding, we launched our new brand and revamped our vision to ensure we always provide manufacturers, like yourself, with software you love as much as the products you make. Keeping things rolling in 2022 With every 2022 release, Katana will continue to build momentum – creating products and features that inspire you and meet your business needs. A few of the releases we’re excited to unveil include contract manufacturing, partial shipment, stocktake workflow, and many more! To find out more about our 2021 feature releases and learn how you can use them to improve your workflows, head over to our product releases section. Here’s to 2022!

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> In this article, learn the differences between WooCommerce vs BigCommerce and determine which is the best for your manufacturing business.

- Published: 2021-12-20
- Modified: 2024-03-27
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/woocommerce-vs-bigcommerce/
- Categories: Ecommerce

Nowadays, getting set up with an ecommerce channel is essential to success. In this article, we’re going to look into WooCommerce vs BigCommerce so you can see which is the best for your skill level and your business. For manufacturers who're looking to get started with an ecommerce store or want to switch to a new platform, there's going to be two pieces of software they'll be looking to use: WooCommerce vs BigCommerce In this article, we're going to look at the two platforms side-by-side to give you the necessary information to make an informed choice when deciding which one to choose. So, without further ado, let's begin. BigCommerce vs WooCommerce What is BigCommerce? What is WooCommerce? WooCommerce vs BigCommerce — usability WooCommerce vs BigCommerce — design WooCommerce vs BigCommerce — pricing WooCommerce vs BigCommerce — inventory management WooCommerce vs BigCommerce — plugins and addons for manufacturers What is BigCommerce? BigCommerce is a fully-hosted SaaS ecommerce website builder that allows you to quickly and easily build an ecommerce store. What is an ecommerce website builder? It’s a piece of software that supports manufacturers to create and manage an online sales channel. BigCommerce goes above and beyond this task, giving users access to tons of native features that will help you design, launch, and scale your ecommerce store. Using BigCommerce, you won’t have to study to become an IT expert, as BigCommerce gives you all the necessary tools and services, including hosting, design, content, SEO, payments, and other essential marketing features. When it comes to WooCommerce vs BigCommerce, here are the advantages of using the latter: Easy to set up and organize your online store It has a huge array of fantastic built-in features It gives you access to great support channels, including phone, email, and live chat All this sounds great, but great useability and accessibility comes at the cost of complete flexibility. Here are the disadvantages of using BigCommerce: A limit on the number of annual sales you can handle — all dependent on the BigCommerce package you’re using A limited number of themes to use and no option to customize with HTML or CSS editors An overall lack of customization and missing tools needed for manufacturing — you’ll need to use third-party tools Though don’t let that discourage you, head over to BigCommerce and see for yourself what they have to offer and if it’s perfect for your business. What is WooCommerce? WooCommerce is an open-source plugin that allows manufacturers to use the massively popular CMS WordPress to add selling functionalities to their website or blog. WooCommerce is the favorite choice of ecommerce software among WordPress users. To get set up with WooCommerce, all you need is to set up web hosting, install WordPress and WooCommerce, and choose the marketing plugins you want to use in your business. WooCommerce and WordPress are customizable platforms, so you can keep branding and messaging consistent across your business. Best of all, WordPress and WooCommerce are completely free to use. But, when it...

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> Katana now automatically creates manufacturing orders for all nested subassemblies and reprioritizes them in one go. Learn more about this update.

- Published: 2021-12-16
- Modified: 2022-05-05
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/subassembly-mos/
- Categories: Product updates

Working with complex products? Katana now automatically creates manufacturing orders for all nested subassemblies and reprioritizes them in one go. Manufacturing subassemblies, or items that need to be manufactured for final products, can be a challenge. This is especially true in electronics and industrial equipment manufacturing where products are complex — and even more so when they are manufactured in-house. To help manufacturers in this industry and beyond scale operations and improve efficiency, Katana’s latest product update comes with a new workflow that makes it easier to manufacture products that contain subassemblies. Introducing a new workflow for MOs with subassemblies When creating a manufacturing order (MO) for a product that contains subassemblies, new MOs are now automatically created and reordered for all nested subassemblies. So instead of needing to create a separate MO for each subassembly and adjusting the priority manually, Katana now does the following to ensure your end-product is manufactured as quickly and efficiently as possible: MOs containing subassemblies in the product recipe will trigger the creation of separate MOs for each subassembly MOs for subassemblies to be ranked with a higher priority than the main assembly MOs To learn more about this update or other workflows related to manufacturing orders for products with subassemblies, go ahead and visit our Knowledge Base. Happy manufacturing!

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> BigCommerce inventory management is great but lacks features that manufacturers need. Learn how to manage and optimize your inventory here.

- Published: 2021-12-07
- Modified: 2025-06-02
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/bigcommerce-inventory-management-guide/
- Categories: Ecommerce, Inventory management

This article will help you become a BigCommerce inventory management expert. You'll learn about BigCommerce inventory features, how to activate tracking, steps to optimize your stock management, and the best native software for managing inventory as a manufacturer. When someone in the remotest part of the world can access the internet and do their shopping, it highlights the need for businesses to have an ecommerce store. If you’re a manufacturer looking for a new ecommerce platform, this is the article for you. Introducing the B to the C — BigCommerce for B2C sales (and other sales types). BigCommerce is a platform that will help you create an online store and manage your finished goods inventory. However, there are some limitations for manufacturers looking for tools to manage their inventory and production. So without further ado, here’s the ultimate guide for managing your BigCommerce inventory management as a manufacturer. What is BigCommerce inventory management? BigCommerce comes equipped with the necessary tools needed for managing inventory. From inventory tracking to set reorder points. However, the biggest downside for manufacturers is that these features are only available for monitoring finished goods inventory. Manufacturers need to track raw materials and work-in-progress inventories too.   Why is BigCommerce inventory management important? In recent years, many merchants and manufacturers have drifted to omnichannel selling. This needs to focus on this method of selling is because, with technological advancements, customers now expect a smooth and convenient buying process, regardless of where they are or how they’re shopping. This means that manufacturers need to keep and maintain additional stock for each new platform introduced into their selling process. According to Think with Google, research collected found that: 80% more shop visits are generated as a result of omnichannel tactics 59% of consumers said that choosing a brand or retailer is influenced by their ability to purchase on a mobile device According to a global survey, 56% of in-store customers used their cell phones to look up products or conduct product research within the preceding week But even though there’s a broad consensus that adopting an omnichannel sales process is essential, according to another study, only 18% of small businesses in the US use inventory management software or systems. Getting ahead of the curve and the competition could be as simple as adopting an omnichannel sales strategy alongside inventory management tools in your business. This is where BigCommerce inventory management comes in. Don’t let the word big in the name scare you. You can manage your small business with BigCommerce or even a large enterprise.   Its native features give users the tools to integrate their storefronts and manage their inventory, all from BigCommerce. However, manufacturers who need more functionality to manage production will be glad to know that BigCommerce integrates with manufacturing software. We’ll look more into manufacturers using BigCommerce later, but for now, it’s important to set up BigCommerce inventory management to: Improve the accuracy of your inventory tracking Make better data-driven decisions Improve the productivity of your business  How to set-up...

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> Inventory financing will help you increase your sales and release tied-up assets. Here are five ways it can help you achieve this.

- Published: 2021-11-23
- Modified: 2023-02-23
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/5-ways-inventory-financing-can-help-grow-your-sales/
- Categories: Accounting, Top lists

Inventory financing will help you increase your sales and release tied-up assets. Here are five ways it can help you achieve this. Inventory financing typically looks like a line of credit that is tied to inventory. It allows companies to produce inventory above what cash-on-hand would allow and prevents growth-killing scenarios from halting the momentum of a growing company. With inventory financing, companies use the acquired funding to increase available stock and payback later once the funded inventory begins selling. Common uses of inventory financing and what it is This type of financing is primarily used by these types of businesses, though any product-based company can use it: Omnichannel brands Retailers Distributors and wholesalers Businesses with high seasonal demand For those new to the idea of inventory funding, you can easily consider it a method of financing your business in the same way that you might pursue: Merchant cash advance Lines of credit Commercial business loans Accounts receivable factoring Purchase order funding For businesses that fall into any of the above categories and are either using or are considering using any of the above funding types, you can join a growing number of businesses leveraging inventory funding to help support strategic growth. The funds may be used to improve order turnaround and delivery, expand into additional regions or markets, support seasonal demand, introduce new product lines, or simply eliminate the cash flow pinch caused by the lead time between ordering inventory and when it lands. Leveraging inventory financing to prevent stock-outs While being out of stock is a great sign you’ve developed a product consumers love, that silver lining doesn’t soften the blow of knowing you’ve missed out on available sales and revenue because there wasn’t enough stock to meet customer demand. Similarly, when you receive a purchase order from a large chain store — the golden ticket you’ve been working so hard toward — but don’t have the funds on hand to produce the ordered goods, inventory financing allows you to take advantage of the opportunity to scale. How inventory financing helps businesses Inventory financing is a strategic resource for businesses of all sizes. Designed specifically for businesses that need to overcome uneven demand curves or long lead times, this resource helps growth-oriented companies expand while preserving cash on hand. This tool has become an increasingly important resource to support growth. Here are five ways inventory financing helps small businesses grow and resolve funding issues: Inventory financing helps companies prepare for busy sales seasons. June cash flow can look insufficient to fund inventory you’ll need for holiday sales, but that’s around the time you’ll begin placing those holiday inventory orders. Without inventory financing, businesses like these would be unable to prepare to meet holiday demand adequately. Using this tool properly, businesses of all sizes can fund the production of goods and pay those dollars back as future inventory sells. This is especially important for businesses with highly seasonal sales or who experience a significant holiday surge as it allows...

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> Rivo Heinsalu is a product engineering lead for the Shop Floor Control team. Here is a day in the life of a more than average Katanaut.

- Published: 2021-11-18
- Modified: 2022-11-10
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/rivo-heinsalu-product-engineering-lead/
- Categories: People at Katana

Rivo Heinsalu is the product engineering lead for the Shop Floor Control team. He takes the time to sit with us to talk about how he became a developer, the culture at Katana, and gives us advice for new joiners. Rivo Heinsalu, a software developer from the small town of Haapsalu — westside, represent — took some time out of his busy schedule to chat about his life and working at Katana. But before we do, here's a quick bio of Rivo. He's a big watersport enthusiast. If you're somewhere on the Estonian coast, you might catch him kitesurfing or sea trout fishing. Although you'll later learn software development wasn't his first chosen path, Rivo graduated with a bachelor's degree from TalTech University as a software developer. Let's check in with Rivo and see what he has to say. How did you get started as a developer? You could technically say that I'm a failed architect. After high school, I really thought I wanted to be an architect. So, I took drawing courses and went to these pre-courses before the exam to get into Uni. But I also had a backup option that perhaps IT could be a career choice for me. Though at that time, I wasn't thinking about being a software developer. I played around with these two ideas, trying to decide what my future might look like, and I was starting to realize that perhaps I wouldn't be the best architect. So, while I was sitting an exam, I was drawing some very uncool-looking chairs, and I understood that I am very in an artsy way. Fifteen minutes into the exam, I just walked away and made my decision to study IT. How did you come across Katana? Another, let's say, failure. I switched jobs, but usually, you join as a junior, and it's tough to get out from the pay and skill bracket because you are somewhat stuck. I wanted to widen my scope when I started as a front-end developer and get to back-end development. So, I was looking around, and I saw some bigger corporation opening their office in Tallinn. I sent my resume and was pretty soon already on board. But, two years there, I understood that the corporate way of doing things wasn't for me. I'd have no connections to the products. I delivered the code, and I didn't know what would happen next with it. This became a bit bothering for me — I didn't like the disconnect and didn't feel any freedom. I started looking around, especially for startups, since I wanted to work closely on a product delivering real value, no offense, but not another chatbot or anything like that. I can't recall where, but Katana had some test tasks, and if you completed them, you'd be contacted if successful. I failed miserably. But, a few days later, Priit got in touch and asked to meet with me. We met at the office, and I was quickly hooked by...

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> Learn about make-to-order and make-to-stock, the differences, advantages, and disadvantages of choosing a workflow for your manufacturing.

- Published: 2021-11-12
- Modified: 2024-05-23
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/make-to-order-vs-make-to-stock/
- Categories: Business tips, Manufacturing

By the end of this article, you'll know what is the main difference between make-to-order and make-to-stock systems and which is the best for you. The big question your business needs to answer if you want to improve your inventory control? Which is better: Make-to-order vs. make-to-stock? You might be pondering, "How can a change in workflow help me? " Well, if you have products stuck in inventory, maybe it's time to consider a switch from make-to-stock over to make-to-order instead, as the latter will (theoretically) leave you with no inventory. Make-to-order (MTO) and make-to-stock (MTS) are both implemented by different companies, so please sit back and get ready for the main event — make-to-order vs. make-to -tock, which is best for scaling manufacturers? You may discover that your business is more of a hybrid, and depending on circumstances, can switch processes whenever your company needs to evolve to cope with the demand. By the end of this article, you'll know the advantages and disadvantages of employing one of these lean manufacturing tactics in your business. What is make-to-order (MTO)? The make-to-order definition is the manufacturing strategy of making products only when a customer's order is confirmed. Having items make-to-order allows products to be customized to customers' specifications. A make-to-order business also applies to companies that sell products that are built to order, such as a bespoke manufacturing company. If your business follows a make-to-order, the customers will have to wait for the products. As the business will hold production until receiving the order, this will affect leading times, meaning the customer's waiting time will be longer. Though, there are ways of combating this by calculating your lead times. The make-to-order method belongs to a pull system of manufacturing as it relies on customer orders before starting production. Other methods that fall under this type are built-to-order (which is another term for make-to-order), assemble-to-order, and engineer-to-order. A PC manufacturer will only increase production by 40% if a retailer increases orders by 40%. A make-to-order example How about this for a make-to-order example? You want to be the coolest kid on the block, so you decide to become a video gamer. However, you don't want to buy some generic PC sold by some big faceless companies. But you really don't trust yourself in building the computer and handling the hardware. If you go to a company that builds customized PCs you will have tons of options and variations to build a desktop or laptop that meets your specific needs. Once you've populated a form or talked through your dream PC's specifications with an employee, you'll immediately place and pay for your order. That's the customers' side of the journey finished — well, almost finished. Now they wait for the delivery of their product. Over at the company, they receive the customer's order, and now the manufacturing of that PC will begin on receipt of a manufacturing order. A well-organized business will have the materials and components on-site ready — or at another location...

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> Automatically send purchase order data to vendors, suppliers, and integration workflows via Katana API. Here’s what you can do with our latest API update.

- Published: 2021-11-09
- Modified: 2021-11-09
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/purchase-orders/
- Categories: Product updates

New Katana API update — automatically send purchase order data to vendors, suppliers, and integration workflows via Katana API. After our latest Katana API update, you can now access your purchase order (PO) data. This means you can set up new workflows and integrations based on automatic sending and importing of POs — for example, between Katana and your vendors or suppliers. In short, this update allows you to create custom workflows to: Create and update purchase orders Pull purchase order data Delete purchase orders Receive purchase orders What else you can do after this new update Build standard accounting app integrations, similar to Katana’s Xero and QuickBooks Online integrations, for sending sales and purchase orders. On top of that, if you are using accounting apps for purchasing workflows, this update will support automatic imports of POs to Katana. You can also use Katana API to build out custom integrations with various other third-party apps. For example, if you use a warehouse operation management tool with barcode scanning for receiving items, a custom workflow would automatically update received POs in Katana. Curious about other possibilities? Drop us a message to find out if the workflow you need is possible. Once you see what’s possible, you can either build out custom workflows on your own or allow us to direct you to a qualified integration partner to build it for you. Documentation for new functionalities is available in our Developer Portal. More data available via Katana API You can use Katana API to access sales order, inventory, and purchase order data for now — and we are close to a full API release that will also include access to product recipes and manufacturing orders. Here’s a quick list of our most recent Katana API releases: Sales order sync Webhooks for e-commerce Inventory and batches Stock transfers and adjustments What is an API? API stands for Application Programming Interface, a software intermediary that allows two applications to talk to each other. Katana API is open, meaning that developers outside Katana can build into our software to make custom connections or integrations. This enables you to set up custom workflows yourself or take advantage of Katana partner software solutions (e. g. , Easy Insight, SyncHub, and more) that have been built with Katana API. Happy integrating!

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> Katana receives a nomination for the Top Use of Technology award in SaaS Partnerships Awards by PartnerStack.

- Published: 2021-11-05
- Modified: 2021-11-05
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/partnerstack-awards/
- Categories: Company News

PartnerStack nominates Katana as a SaaS company that most effectively uses its entire technology stack to create value through partnerships. We’re proud to announce that Katana received a nomination in the SaaS Partnerships Awards, presented by Partnerstack. The nomination is for Top Use of Technology. This award goes to the SaaS company that most effectively uses its entire technology stack to create value through partnerships. We've been nominated alongside: QuickBooks Aircall Thryv Typeform PartnerStack plans to announce the winners on November 18th, 2021 — If you’re interested in reading about the other nominations and awards, be sure to check out the SaaS Partnerships Awards over at PartnerStack. About PartnerStack PartnerStack is the only all-in-one partnerships platform that allows SaaS businesses to manage shared revenue and new leads acquisition between software businesses and their partners. Using PartnerStack, you can create a fully customized channel program that works for you and your partners, which doesn’t require constant management. They support SaaS business with this task by providing features like custom company pages, campaigns, referral links, rewards, and groups that will help you: Organically grow and scale your brand Optimize SEO through partner referral links Easily reward clients for promoting your brand Once again, we’d like to thank PartnerStack for the nomination and happy manufacturing until the next exciting update.

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> What is a master production schedule? MPS is an essential component to running your operations and meeting demand. Learn all about MPS manufacturing.

- Published: 2021-11-03
- Modified: 2025-01-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/master-production-schedule/
- Categories: Business tips, Manufacturing

A master production schedule is the backbone of every productive manufacturing business. With this article, you can learn about a master production schedule and how to implement it into your processes. Here it is — A path to mastery over your day-to-day manufacturing challenges.   It’s called a master production schedule.   It’s an essential supporting document for your entire production planning and scheduling. In short, it’s a big deal. It’s one of those secret ingredients that takes your business from a good earner to a truly outstanding enterprise. But how can something like a master production schedule do this?   Imagine you’re following a complex recipe from your favorite celebrity chef cookbook.   How would it turn out if the instructions did not give you any information about the amount of each ingredient or the time it takes to prepare and cook? You would spend a long time figuring out how to produce the finished product by looking at videos and pictures. Maybe you’d get it somewhat right, but along the way there would be a lot of thinking time and uncertainty.   This is the difference between having a master production schedule and making do without one. A small change makes all the difference. That’s why investing time in master scheduling boosts your business’s power and capabilities. It’s a force multiplier.   In this article, we will look into the master production schedule, its benefits, and the tools you can use to piece your master schedule together.   What is a master production schedule? A master production schedule (MPS) is the overall plan to assess the production of your finished goods, detailing what you need to produce, how much you need to produce, and when you need to produce it.   In short, it contains any relevant information related to production, including time frames, such as your manufacturing lead time. Here is a quick overview of the master production schedule process steps you’ll need to follow when putting this together: Map your demand and make a demand plan.   Work out the raw materials you need and get your supply chain up and running with production planning processes.   Now you’re ready to develop a master production schedule proposal. This is like a rough draft to see if your production schedule is achievable.   Use a rough-cut capacity planning technique to calculate if you can meet your proposed MPS manufacturing. Continue using this technique to continuously assess if your capacity can meet demand when your master production schedule is in action.   If your master production schedule proposal is doable, you then evaluate it with regard to customer service, effective use of resources, and inventory investment. Once you’ve implemented your master schedule, every employee on your shop floor is clear about what needs to be produced each week. Your master production schedule ensures everyone in your business is working towards the same goal. The master scheduler — the MPS architect — can then forecast relationships between demand and supply so you know when to increase or decrease production. The master production...

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> Katana’s latest API integration with CartRover lets you import sales orders from your preferred e-commerce store to Katana.

- Published: 2021-10-28
- Modified: 2022-11-07
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/cartrover/
- Categories: Product updates

Our latest API integration with CartRover allows you to import sales orders from your preferred e-commerce store to Katana — and you can set it up in minutes. Katana’s latest integration with CartRover allows Katana users to connect to popular e-commerce platforms for automated online order management. Our CartRover integration is built on Katana API and is available on all Katana plans. About CartRover CartRover is a technology company specializing in integrations with a focus on creating integrated solutions for order management. Through optimization and automation, CartRover makes otherwise separate systems work together seamlessly. CartRover has over 100 e-commerce integrations you can connect to Katana today. See all CartRover integrations. What you can do with CartRover and Katana Unlike other integration platforms like Zapier and Make, CartRover is tailored to support order management workflows. This makes it ideal for setting up sales order workflows between Katana and your e-commerce platform choice, including: Import sales orders and related customer data from your e-commerce store to Katana Sync updated inventory levels from Katana to your online store Choose to import order-related product data from your online store to Katana if no matching products are found How to set up CartRover integrations in Katana Start automating workflows between Katana and your preferred e-commerce platforms by following the steps below: Create your free trial CartRover account.  After filling out the signup form, check your email for the CartRover activation code. Continue setting up Katana as WMS in CartRover by clicking Grant Us API Access. Authorize the connection by following the prompt to sign in to your Katana account. Follow the steps in CartRover to finish the connection. For more information on getting started with CartRover, take a look at this step-by-step guide in our Knowledge Base. Our team is continuously testing new workflows, so keep an eye on our blog and your inbox for updates on tried-and-tested automation with your favorite platforms via CartRover. What’s next for Katana + CartRover We hope you find this new integration valuable for your business, and our team is currently working on the following CartRover automations: Enabling integrations with shipping platforms For more information about CartRover’s plans and pricing, visit their pricing page — and happy integrating!

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> Learn the selling price formula and techniques on how to find the perfect selling price. Maximize profits with the perfect pricing strategy!

- Published: 2021-10-22
- Modified: 2024-04-15
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/how-to-calculate-selling-price/
- Categories: Accounting, Business tips

Discovering that sweet spot between calculating a selling price and making a decent profit can be quite daunting. This article will help you tackle this challenge and find the best pricing strategy for your manufacturing business. Calculating the right selling price is one of the hardest things to get right in any business. You've worked hard manufacturing your goods, and your items are ready to hit the market. But, when it comes to the price you've set, are you undervaluing your goods? Or are you way overpricing them? Failing to get your pricing right can drive away customers and conversions on your e-commerce site. That's why we're sharing a selling price formula in this article so you can learn how to price a product. The longer you leave this question unanswered, the longer you'll be losing money. Setting the right price is essential since your efforts will be undone by not focusing on this. By the end of this article, you'll be able to calculate your selling prices and know all the best techniques for implementing them. 1. What is the selling price? The selling price, whether of a product or service, is what the customer or client is charged. It's the price tag on an item you see in a store or the amount you pay when you purchase something online. Beyond just being a number, the selling price is a crucial aspect of the business world. It’s extremely important to know how to calculate a selling price because if you don’t make a profit while also securing a position in the market, your business won't survive. In short, successfully utilizing the selling price formula is a win-win for you and your customer. If done correctly — they get a good deal, and you get a fair price. For direct-to-consumer brands, you may be able to charge more if your brand image is in high demand, which is what many brands dealing with apparel inventory do, like Adidas or Nike. Still, you'll need a solid portfolio of great quality products and a powerful marketing campaign to justify your prices. To ensure high-quality products, take a look at the production quality control checklist. 2. What is the average selling price? The average selling price (ASP for short) is the price you charge your clients for goods or services. It's a key metric that businesses use to evaluate their pricing strategy and performance. It refers to the average price at which a product or service is sold over a specific period of time, usually calculated by dividing the total revenue generated from sales by the total number of units sold. Understanding the average selling price is essential for businesses because it provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of their pricing decisions. How to calculate average selling price? It’s critical to calculate your ASP as it allows you to monitor trends and make predictions on the marketplace. If you’re a start-up manufacturer, it can be a great way to determine a pricing strategy....

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> New Katana API update — you can now automate stock transfers and stock adjustments between your preferred integrations and Katana. Learn more about this update here.

- Published: 2021-10-14
- Modified: 2022-04-26
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/api-stock-transfers/
- Categories: Product updates

New Katana API update — you can now automate stock transfers and stock adjustments between your preferred integrations and Katana. Manually updating changes in stock levels in your warehouse or between multiple stock locations is a thing of the past. In late March 2021, we made inventory and batch data in Katana accessible via API. This made it possible to read and send inventory levels from Katana to external systems and services. With our latest API update, you get full access to stock adjustments and stock transfers to create more complex workflows. Automate stock transfers and stock adjustments between Katana and various integrations, including: Third-party logistics (3PL) platforms Warehouse management systems (WMS) Inventory management systems Here’s what you can do after this Katana API upgrade Send stock transfers from a third-party WMS to Katana when stock is received or shipped Push inventory data from an external inventory management system acting to Katana by creating stock adjustments and keep it as your central source of truth Import any other inventory adjustments, such as stock takes, write-offs, etc. Create endless custom workflows What this means for third-party integrations Third-party partner integrations with Katana can use the newly available inventory data to improve their services for Katana. Pull data into e-commerce, CRM, 3PL, WMS, or any other platforms with full API access to stock adjustment and stock transfer data to: Create, pull, update, and delete stock transfer data Create, pull, update, and delete stock adjustment data Create batch data It’s another step towards helping you automate repetitive workflows like manually adjusting stock level changes in Katana when using a 3PL or WMS integration to run your business. To get started on your journey to automation, head over to our Developer Portal or learn more about Katana open API in our Knowledge Base. If you need any help setting up these new workflows, please contact our support team or browse through our integration Partner Directory for assistance with setting up custom integrations. What’s next for Katana API Katana API allows you to create your own integrations between key business apps and Katana to automate data flows. We are constantly working on opening up our API to provide even more customization options for our users. Here’s what’s coming up next: Purchase order data Creating, updating, and deleting product recipes Product operation support Manufacturing order data Until next time, happy integrating!

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> Integrate with reporting and BI tools like Excel, Power BI, and Tableau via SyncHub to better understand your business data. Learn more about this update.

- Published: 2021-10-11
- Modified: 2022-03-31
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/synchub-integration/
- Categories: Product updates

Connect Katana to reporting and business intelligence tools like Excel, Power BI, and Tableau via SyncHub to make better sense of your business data. Katana’s latest open API integration with SyncHub gives you access to more business data than ever. Connect to various reporting and business intelligence tools to create custom dashboards and analytics reports — plus, it’s available on all Katana subscription plans. How SyncHub takes your reporting to the next level Data becomes siloed in different SaaS platforms for many businesses, and exporting data quickly becomes a tedious manual process. SyncHub solves this by automatically collecting new and modified data into a central relational database, which you can then connect to your BI software of choice. When integrated with Katana, SyncHub collects the raw manufacturing data you need to build custom reports and dashboards. What you can do with Katana and SyncHub SyncHub gives you to access all data available via Katana API, meaning you can create custom reports and dashboards using: Sales order, product, and customer data Inventory and batch data Stock adjustment and transfer data (coming soon) We’re working on making even more data available via API — and will be adding purchasing, product recipes, and manufacturing order data soon, so keep an eye out for more updates. How to set up SyncHub with your Katana account Sign up for a free SyncHub trial here and select Katana as a connector. You will see a welcome screen asking to create your first connection. Select Katana and give this connection a name (this is especially useful if you're creating multiple Katana connections). Authorize the connection by signing in to your Katana account. Done! Watch SyncHub retrieve your historical data, or go ahead and follow SyncHub's instructions for connecting to BI and reporting tools. You can learn more about setting up SyncHub by visiting our Knowledge Base. Note that Katana's SyncHub integration is available on all Katana plans. Also, SyncHub offers a free trial for all new accounts. For more info on their plans, take a look at their pricing here.

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> Add addresses and order tracking information to sales orders and connect to shipping solutions via Katana API. Learn more about our latest update.

- Published: 2021-09-22
- Modified: 2022-04-26
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/shipping-data/
- Categories: Product updates

Manage your shipment data directly in Katana – add addresses and order tracking information to sales orders and connect to shipping solutions via Katana API. Delivering orders to customers and keeping tabs on multiple customer addresses just got a whole lot easier. By adding all your key shipping-related information to sales orders, you can easily connect Katana to third-party shipping platforms and easily forward the data you need to get your products into your customers' hands. With our latest update, you can now: Create packing slips with shipping and billing addresses for your Katana sales orders Include tracking information on your Katana sales orders Manage your customer addresses in Katana on the new customer card view Connect your shipping solution to Katana via API for automated shipping workflows How to add shipping data to sales orders in Katana You can find these new features in your customer list under Contacts and on all your individual sales orders. Head over to the Contacts list and select a customer’s name to view the Customer card, where you’ll find primary contact information, company name, and (multiple) shipping and billing addresses. When creating a new Sales order, the default shipping address is selected — you can now change the addresses on the Sales order, and add shipment tracking information for easy business-to-business order fulfillment. Learn more about managing addresses for shipping by visiting our Knowledge Base. Connect to your preferred shipping integrations via Katana API If you are using external software in addition to Katana to take care of shipping your orders, we have good news — you can now connect your shipping software to Katana via Katana API. Automate and streamline the fulfillment workflow from making your product to shipping it out to the customer, all overseen in one intuitive platform. You can also expect to see some new integrations with shipping platforms to enable more seamless shipping workflows with Katana. Until then, if you need any help setting up your new shipping workflows, please get in touch with our support team. What’s coming up next? We’re working on some more features and updates based on customer demand — here’s what we plan to deliver over the coming months: Stocktaking and stock adjustments with barcodes Partial shipment of the orders Custom PDF templates Until then, happy shipping!

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> Integrate Katana and Easy Insight to create custom dashboards for your sales and inventory data. Now available on Pro and Essential plans. Learn more.

- Published: 2021-09-07
- Modified: 2025-01-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/easy-insight-reporting/
- Categories: Product updates

Integrate Katana and Easy Insight to create custom dashboards or use our pre-made templates for your sales and inventory data. Now available on Professional and Standard plans. Easy Insight is a powerful and user-friendly business intelligence tool that easily integrates with Katana via Katana API. In March 2021, we launched an integration with Easy Insight that enabled Katana’s Professional plan users to analyze their sales data and later made it possible to analyze inventory data. Now all users can connect Katana to Easy Insight for a better overview of business data and added reporting functionality. Connect Katana and Easy Insight to get immediate access to pre-made reporting templates for: Sales data — new customers by month, revenue breakdown by customers, products, categories, and more Inventory data — inventory demand overview and analysis You can also create custom reports and dashboards that fit your specific needs. The Easy Insight team is happy to help you customize your reports to find the best solution for your business. This allows you to get better business insights by analyzing the data you already have in your Katana account. Sounds like something you need? Setting it up is just a few clicks away. What’s next? For now, Katana’s Easy Insight integration can access your sales and inventory data. As we continue developing our API, you can expect to see more functionalities, like analytics for purchase and manufacturing orders. We are also working on making more integrations available for our Essential plan users. If you have any questions about Katana’s API or Easy Insight integration, please feel free to contact our team. Happy reporting!

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> Import orders, related products, and customer data from your Wix ecommerce store with Katana’s latest integration. Learn more.

- Published: 2021-09-02
- Modified: 2022-11-07
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/wix-integration/
- Categories: Product updates

Import orders, related products, and customer data from your Wix ecommerce store with Katana’s latest integration. If you’re selling your products on Wix, a platform where you can build webshops and a broad range of websites, you can now sync your key sales data to Katana via our API integration with Make. This integration makes it possible to: Import sales orders Import related product and customer data How to use Katana and Wix You can begin setting up the integration by creating a Scenario in Integromat that will monitor new data in your Katana or Wix accounts. Next, set up the modules to trigger your desired results, and Integromat with execute those tasks for you. Our team has made a tried and tested template to simplify the setup process for sales order imports to get you started. This template imports your missing customer information and product data connected to particular sales orders from Wix to Katana. Get the template here. More automation news coming soon Our team is continuously testing other Integromat integrations and supported workflows to automate your manufacturing business. Keep an eye out for more news, and if you need any help setting up these new workflows, please get in touch with our support team. What is Integromat? Integromat is a powerful tool that allows users to connect various platforms and software to automate workflows in a matter of minutes — with no coding required. Effortlessly automate workflows to enable your team to focus on growing your manufacturing business fully. Katana’s integration with Integromat is built on our API and is available to all customers on all subscription plans. You can also use our open API to create custom workflows and build your integrations without hiring a development team. Learn more about how to use Integromat by visiting our Knowledge Base. If you have any questions, our team is always here to help via email or live chat. Happy integrating!

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> Katana’s latest update makes it possible to automatically sync changes made in Shopify orders to reduce human error and keep your data aligned. Learn more.

- Published: 2021-08-30
- Modified: 2022-04-26
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/shopify-order-changes/
- Categories: Product updates

Shopify sales order changes now automatically reflect in Katana, updating your manufacturing orders based on live sales order adjustments. Manual updates to Shopify sales order changes are now a thing of the past. Katana’s latest update makes it possible to automatically sync changes made to Shopify orders to reduce human error and keep your data aligned. These real-time updates help you optimize resources and keep your manufacturing team informed to minimize waste and ensure on-time order fulfillment. When this feature is enabled, Katana will: Delete refunded, canceled, or deleted Shopify sales orders automatically Update sales order rows based on item changes in Shopify (item quantity, removing an item, adding a custom item or line item) Unlink In Progress, Blocked, or Done manufacturing orders and notify users in Katana All new Katana accounts will have this functionality enabled by default. For all existing account owners, you would need to enable it in your settings — here’s a quick guide on how to do it. How to use Katana and Shopify Katana’s native integration with Shopify allowing you to manage all your inventory and manufacturing processes in one visual platform — and is available to Katana users on any plan. Get the live insights you need to ensure on-time manufacturing of products and raw material purchasing to avoid stock-outs and stay up to date. Integrate Katana and Shopify to: Sync inventory between Shopify and Katana to ensure accurate stock quantities in your webshop Automatically update manufacturing orders based on sales order changes in Shopify Import sales orders from your Shopify store and POS system to visually manage order fulfillment and production Monitor raw material availability and finished products to fulfill Shopify sales orders on time Assign and schedule production tasks for floor-level employees and track real-time progress Want to learn more about connecting Katana to your Shopify store? Head over to our Knowledge Base or contact our support team. Happy selling!

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> Using HubSpot to manage your sales pipeline? Import your deals as Katana sales orders with our latest integration via Make. Learn more.

- Published: 2021-08-02
- Modified: 2025-03-07
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/hubspot-integration/
- Categories: Product updates

Import deals as sales orders with Katana's new HubSpot integration to keep deal-related product and customer data in sync — no coding required. HubSpot integration update‼ Katana now has native integration with HubSpot, offering a robust set of features and a lot more flexibility for streamlining your workflows. Learn more HubSpot Sales Hub is one of the most popular CRM tools out there, helping businesses manage prospects, automate tasks, and close more deals. Manufacturing businesses using HubSpot Sales CRM for sales can now import their deal-related data into Katana via Make. With this integration, you can: Import HubSpot Sales Hub deals as sales orders in Katana Import related product and customer data to keep your sales and manufacturing data in sync How to integrate Katana with HubSpot To connect your HubSpot Sales Hub and Katana accounts, you’ll need to create a Scenario in Make that will watch for new data in your Katana or HubSpot accounts. Next, set up the modules with your desired end result, and Make will execute the task for you. Our team has tried and tested the following workflows with HubSpot and built a template for you to make getting started as easy as possible: Sales order imports — Creates a new sales order in Katana when a deal is won in HubSpot Sales Hub and imports related customer and product data. Learn more about this template. More automation news coming soon Our team is continuously testing other Make integrations to find new ways you can automate your manufacturing business. Keep an eye out for more news, and if you need any help setting up these new workflows, please get in touch with our support team. What is Make? Make is a powerful tool that allows users to automate workflows between different services and software in a matter of minutes without the help of a developer. Katana’s integration with Make is built on our API and is available to all customers. You can also use our open API to create custom workflows and build your own integrations without hiring a development team. Learn more about how to use Make by visiting our Knowledge Base. If you have any questions about our HubSpot, Make, or other integrations, our team is always here to help via email or live chat. Happy integrating!

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> WooCommerce barcode inventory helps automate and optimize your business' inventory management. Learn all about it here.

- Published: 2021-07-20
- Modified: 2024-07-01
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/woocommerce-barcode-inventory/
- Categories: Ecommerce, Inventory management

WooCommerce barcode inventory helps automate and optimize your business' inventory management. But which plugin is the best for manufacturers? Business is booming — orders keep coming in, and your shop floor is buzzing with activity. But as your order count increases, so do the issues in your workflow. Items get lost, materials run out, orders get delayed, and keeping track of expiry dates becomes next to impossible. At this point, many businesses turn to third-party solutions to help them implement better tracking. For WooCommerce users, one of these solutions is barcode scanning. This article will walk you through how to use barcodes in WooCommerce and the best tools to implement them into your workflow. The importance of WooCommerce barcode inventory WooCommerce barcode inventory can greatly increase efficiency and accuracy when doing stocktakes or receiving and sending items. WooCommerce barcodes can be placed on your items or equipment and make it easy to store and trace information throughout your supply chain. A WooCommerce barcode inventory system quickly adds a ton of benefits for you and your employees. But still, the two most notable advantages are: Reduced likelihood of errors occurring within your business More accurate data to perform audits and monitor your inventory movements (or lack thereof) Having a barcode system for WooCommerce could also be a legal requirement depending on your industry. Businesses in food production or those that handle perishable inventory need to follow strict regulations. In either case, using barcodes in combination with the right tools can help you keep better track of batches to perform product recalls with ease. One of these tools is a WooCommerce barcode scanner. Best practices for using WooCommerce barcodes Now you know all about the importance of barcodes. You might be wondering if barcodes are necessary for your particular business. The answer to this question depends on how and why you turn to a WooCommerce barcode system. Do you want to: Track raw materials between factories, warehouses, and on your shop floor? Track the expiration date of your inventory items? Use barcodes at a physical POS location? Once you know how to use a barcode generator for WooCommerce to help you run your business, it’s time to start shopping for a solution. But first, here are a few simple but important tips to maximize the efficiency of your barcode system. Consider barcode placements carefully Barcodes are fantastic for reducing the time it takes to perform almost any action with your inventory. But if you and your employees spend several minutes rotating items trying to locate them, then what’s the point? Try to have a consistent process for labeling items and tools — like having all barcodes placed in a specific area on the surface of your products or materials. Or better yet, placing barcodes on the shelves where you keep items. Standardize your barcodes from the start If you use 1D or 2D barcodes, ensure your workflows and processes are supported within your industry and all your company departments. Try to keep...

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> This new integration allows you to import sales orders together with products and customers and sync the fulfillment status back to Katana.

- Published: 2021-07-19
- Modified: 2022-11-07
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/squarespace-integration/
- Categories: Product updates

Import sales orders and related product and customer data with Katana’s new integration with Squarespace. No coding required — integrate via Integromat. If you’re selling your products on Squarespace, you can now sync your key sales and order fulfillment data to Katana via our integration with Make. This integration makes it possible to: Import sales orders Import related product and customer data Synchronize order fulfillment statuses from Squarespace to Katana How to use Katana and Squarespace To set up this integration, you’ll need to create a Scenario in Integromat that will watch for new data in your Katana or Squarespace accounts. Next, set up the modules with your desired end-result, and Integromat will execute the task for you. Our team has tried and tested the following workflows with Squarespace and pre-made templates to simplify setup for you: Sales order imports — Import missing customer and product data connected to the sales order from Squarespace to Katana. Learn more. Order fulfillment status sync — For example, this workflow could automatically mark a Squarespace order Delivered in Katana when the respective order is marked Fulfilled in Squarespace. Learn more. More automation news coming soon Our team is continuously testing other Integromat integrations and supported workflows to automate your manufacturing business. Keep an eye out for more news, and if you need any help setting up these new workflows, please get in touch with our support team. What is Integromat? Integromat is a powerful tool that allows users to connect various platforms and software to automate workflows in a matter of minutes — no coding required. Effortlessly automate workflows to enable your team to focus on growing your manufacturing business fully. Katana’s integration with Integromat is built on our API and is available to all customers. You can also use our open API to create custom workflows and build your own integrations without hiring a development team. Learn more about how to use Integromat by visiting our Knowledge Base. If you have any questions, our team is always here to help via email or live chat. Happy integrating!

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> Scan barcodes with your smart device to track inventory, monitor material usage, and trace batches. Read about barcode scanning in Katana.

- Published: 2021-07-14
- Modified: 2021-08-11
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/barcode-scanning-smart-device/
- Categories: Product updates

Scan barcodes with your smart device to track inventory movements, monitor material usage, and trace batches in Katana for maximum efficiency. Barcodes are the quickest and most reliable way to track inventory movements and automate the flow of information from sales to your shop floor. Katana launched barcode scanning two months ago, supporting supplier item codes, internal, registered, and batch barcodes. With this latest update, you can also scan barcodes using any smart device in the Shop Floor App. Here’s a breakdown of what you can do after this latest update: Scan barcodes with a smart device (smartphone or a tablet) in the Shop Floor App Identify materials consumed on your shop floor using barcodes Assign and track batches on your shop floor Floor-level batch tracking Batch tracking is critical in industries that involve perishable stock like pharmaceuticals and food and beverage manufacturing. Barcode scanning ensures industry compliance and total visibility when tracking your perishable inventory from materials to sold goods. And it’s even easier when you can do it all from a smart device. Here are a few ways you can use batch tracking to optimize your shop floor operations: Operators can assign batch numbers to consumed materials Production planners can rely on operators to report the correct ingredient batch information Manufacturing orders are automatically completed when operations are done and materials are correctly marked Any member of your team can use a barcode scanner to find materials by batch number New Shop Floor App and barcode features coming soon Smart device scanning is the first of many updates to Katana’s barcode functionalities. In the coming months, you can expect to see releases for: Importing and exporting barcode data Stocktaking and stock adjustments with barcodes Stocktaking using smart devices Partial completion and delivery statuses for manufacturing orders Until then, happy scanning!

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> Automatically convert purchase prices and sales order values to your base currency. Learn more about Katana's multicurrency support features.

- Published: 2021-07-07
- Modified: 2022-05-05
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/multiple-currencies/
- Categories: Product updates

Introducing full multicurrency support in Katana! Automatically convert purchase prices to your base currency to easily track your inventory value. Say hello to full multicurrency support! After introducing multicurrency support for sales orders, our team is excited to announce more great news for manufacturers selling and purchasing internationally. Katana now automatically converts currencies when buying and receiving stock, making it easier than ever to keep track of your inventory value in your currency of choice. With the multicurrency support for purchase orders, you can: Make purchases in the currency your suppliers use Set default purchase prices based on the currency your suppliers prefer Generate purchase orders with the exchange rate automatically converted by Katana over API Easily track sales and purchase order values in multiple currencies In case you missed our previous update, Katana now supports multicurrency from purchasing to sales orders, allowing you to: Sell in the currency your customers prefer Purchase in the currency your suppliers use Automate currency conversions based on daily rates thanks to Katana’s API setup with OXR Get multicurrency support for your Shopify and WooCommerce stores Get multicurrency support for your Quickbooks Online or Xero accounting Access multicurrency features with Katana API Want to learn more? Read our Knowledge Base guide to access all the information you need to get started. What's coming up next? We love sharing feature updates that help you run your business. Here’s what we’re working on now and plan on delivering over the coming months: Barcode scanning with smart devices Shop floor material consumption tracking with barcodes Shipping and billing addresses for your customers and sales orders Custom sales order printout PDFs Until then, happy purchasing!

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> Shopify barcode scanner is an easy way to take control of your inventory. Keep reading to learn about the different software available.

- Published: 2021-07-06
- Modified: 2024-05-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/shopify-barcode-inventory/
- Categories: Ecommerce, Inventory management, Top lists

An easy way to take control of your inventory is through a Shopify barcode scanner app. Here's a guide to the different software available to help you take barcode scanning to the next level as a Shopify merchant. Shopify is great — it comes with the tools you need to sell online and quickly integrates with many other services to give you the flexibility you need to grow your business. But as the incoming orders increase, relying on manual stocktakes becomes too error-prone and time-consuming. Here are just a few problems that can occur when counting inventory by hand: Stock levels become inconsistent Incorrect information is saved Items get lost For these reasons, e-commerce manufacturers often turn to Shopify barcode scanning to manage their inventory. This article explores Shopify barcodes, the best barcode scanners for Shopify, why you need them, and more. Why do you need a barcode scanner for Shopify? While Shopify comes with an inventory management system that can be suitable for merchants, it lacks the necessary features for manufacturers. Consider these limitations if you decide to upgrade your stocktaking capabilities with a Shopify barcode scanner. According to a study by FMI, the barcode scanner market is estimated to be worth $8. 1 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow 7% over the next decade. Once you do adopt a third-party barcode scanning system or app into your workflow, you'll see benefits like: Reduced human errors Real-time data availability Optimized inventory control and handling Low-cost implementation Improved decision-making Third-party Shopify barcode scanners have different functions to help you perform certain tasks, monitor stock, and track items based on barcodes. The trick is finding the best one for manufacturers selling on Shopify. Before we look into that, let's quickly explain how the free Shopify barcode version works and what the limitations are for manufacturers. Integrate Shopify with Xero Manufacturers using Shopify and Xero can take their business to the next level by learning how to: Track your Xero raw materials Create your bill of materials on Xero Xero tracked inventory for batch and expiry dates How to use Shopify's Retail Barcode Labels app for barcode scanning Shopify has developed a few dedicated apps to enable barcode scanning for merchants. But they need to be downloaded from their app store and enabled manually. To start using them, you will need to search for and find an app called Retail Barcode Labels and set it up. Here's how. Step 1 Log into your Shopify account, and go to Apps. Step 2 Select Create a template to create templates for your items, then select Get started and select one of the two options: Skip — This will skip creating barcodes and head straight to the template Create barcodes — This will allow you to create barcodes for your products Step 3 Selecting Create barcodes lets you: Write the template title Select a label type Choose a paper brand and code Step 4 Under the Label attributes section, you can begin to...

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- Published: 2021-06-29
- Modified: 2021-08-23
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/katana-manufacturing-erp-featured-2021/
- Categories: Company News

The latest reports by Software Advice, Capterra, and GetApp announced Katana as one of the best manufacturing and production scheduling software available in 2021, awarding us a whopping six prizes. We're excited to announce that Katana won a spot on not one, not two, but three "Best of 2021" software listicles by some of the most reputable software comparison sites around. The latest reports by Software Advice, Capterra, and GetApp announced Katana as one of the best manufacturing and production scheduling software available in 2021, awarding us a whopping six prizes. Katana scored three prizes in the Top Manufacturing Software 2021 list and Top Production Scheduling Software 2021 lists. Software Advice Software Advice compares software options for your business, so you don’t have to trawl the internet. Software Advice completes in-depth research into different software, so users can find the perfect tools for their business within 15-minutes and, best of all, it’s absolutely free. Learn all about Software Advice’s methodology for choosing tools for their guide by clicking here. In short, it all comes down to user satisfaction and user experience. Read More in the Software Advice Frontrunners reports: Top Manufacturing Software 2021 – Software Advice Best Production Scheduling Software 2021 – Software Advice Capterra Capterra is considered the industry leader in the field of software comparison and is free to use. Capterra allows users to easily compare software on the market to find the tools which best serve their needs and has published over one million verified reviews to their website. Learn about Capterra’s methodology for choosing tools in their shortlist by clicking here. But, in a nutshell, the shortlists are based on user reviews and popularity among users. Read more in the Capterra shortlists: Best Manufacturing Software 2021 – Capterra Best Production Scheduling Software 2021 – Capterra GetApp GetApp is an online resource for businesses exploring SaaS products and allows users to compare software products side-by-side easily. GetApp features detailed product data, research, insights, trends, and validated user reviews, giving software buyers the tools they need to make informed decisions for their organization. Learn about GetApp’s methodology for choosing tools in their rankings by clicking here. Long story short, GetApp evaluates rankings on quality user reviews, buyer ratings, and product functionality and usability. Read more in the GetApp’s Category Leaders rankings: GetApp’s Category Leaders In Manufacturing 2021 GetApp’s Category Leaders In Production Scheduling 2021 Katana Manufacturing ERP is one of the top picks for Manufacturing Software and Production Scheduling Software in 2021 because customer experience and satisfaction are at the heart of everything we do. We’re happy to share this achievement with you, and we want to thank all of our users for helping us build Katana to support your business. What’s next? Following this great news, we don’t have plans to stop yet. We’ve got a ton of updates on the way. To name a few: Multicurrency purchase handling Barcode scanning with a smart device Consuming materials on shop floor level using barcodes We’re positive you’ll find...

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> By connecting Easy Insight to Katana, quickly access pre-built dashboards, edit the existing reports or create your own using Katana data.

- Published: 2021-06-21
- Modified: 2022-04-26
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/analyze-inventory-data/
- Categories: Product updates

You can now create reports and dashboards based on your Katana inventory data by integrating with Easy Insight. Easy Insight is a powerful and user-friendly business intelligence tool that easily integrates with Katana via the API. In March, we launched an integration with Easy Insight that enabled you to analyze your sales data. We recently added inventory data to the Katana API, which means not only do you have better insights into your sales. But, you can also analyze and create custom dashboards from inventory data in your Katana account with Easy Insight. You can create your custom reports or use one of our pre-made templates for: Inventory demand — showing average demand and days of inventory in stock Inventory overview — shows your inventory list, the value of your stock, quantities in stock, committed, expected, and more Inventory analysis — calculation of ABC classes of your inventory so you can free up capital from your slow-moving or dead stock By connecting Easy Insight to Katana, you can quickly access pre-built dashboards, edit the existing reports or create your own using Katana data. If our premade templates do not fit your needs, Easy Insight team is happy to help you with customizing reports to find the best solution for your business. This will enable you to: Make better business decisions by making sense of the inventory data Build automated inventory reports and dashboards to get an accurate overview of your business Visualize inventory data through charts, tables, calendars, etc. Easy Insight already provides access to report templates with the initial launch, like new customers by month, revenue breakdown by customers, products, categories, and more. This latest update is sure to take your business analytics to the next level. Sounds like something you need? Setting it up is just a few clicks away. What’s next? For now, Katana's Easy Insight integration can access your sales and inventory data. As we continue developing our API, you can expect more functionalities like analytics for purchase and manufacturing orders soon. If you have any questions about Katana's API or Easy Insight integration, please feel free to contact us. Happy reporting!

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> Katana enables you to sell in multiple currencies and automatically converts your sales prices to foreign currencies.

- Published: 2021-06-16
- Modified: 2022-05-05
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/multicurrency-sales/
- Categories: Product updates

With Katana's latest update, you can get all the accurate sales data you need with multicurrency conversion support for all your sales channels. Using multiple currencies to manage sales orders from around the world? With Katana's latest update, you can get all the accurate sales data you need with multicurrency conversion support for all your sales channels. If you sell internationally and use currencies aside from your base currency, you can set up default conversions depending on your customers' preferences. Generate sales orders in any global currency and automatically calculate conversions based on the day rate via API. With this new feature, you can: Sell in the currency your customers prefer Automate currency conversions based on daily rates thanks to Katana’s API setup with OXR Get multicurrency support for your Shopify and WooCommerce stores Get multicurrency support for your Quickbooks Online or Xero accounting Keep track of inventory values in your factory's base currency Access multicurrency features with Katana API Want to learn more? Read our Knowledge Base guide to access all the information you need to get started. What's coming up next? Multicurrency support for sales orders is just the first step. In the following weeks, our team will release the same functionality for manufacturers purchasing using multiple currencies. Soon you'll be able to: Set default purchase prices based on the currency your suppliers prefer Make purchases in the currency your suppliers use Eliminate the need to manually convert currencies when receiving stock Until then, happy selling!

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> This new integration will allow you to import sales orders together with products and customers and sync the fulfillment status back to Etsy.

- Published: 2021-06-14
- Modified: 2022-11-07
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/etsy-integration/
- Categories: Product updates

This new integration will allow you to import sales orders together with products and customers and sync the fulfillment status back to Etsy. Thanks to our integration with Make, Katana users selling on Etsy will be thrilled to know that we have now launched our latest integration: Katana x Etsy This allows users to integrate Etsy to Katana for: Importing sales orders Importing product and customer information Synchronizing fulfillment status between Katana and Etsy How to Use Katana x Etsy To set up this integration, you’ll need to create a scenario in Integromat that will watch for new data in Katana or Etsy, set up the proceeding modules for the desired end result, and Integromat will execute the task for you. We have tried and tested the following workflows with Etsy and made templates, so it is easier for you to get started: Sales order import that also imports missing customers and products connected to the sales order from Etsy to Katana Order fulfillment status sync (i. e. automatically marking an Etsy order as shipped when the respective order is marked as delivered in Katana) Over the following months, we will keep testing other software and workflows to make your business even more automated. What is Integromat? Integromat is a powerful tool that allows users to integrate different platforms, software, automate workflows in a matter of minutes without writing a single line of code, freeing you and your team to focus on growing your manufacturing business. The integration with Integromat has been built on Katana’s API and is available to all Katana users, and the API allows you to create your own integrations without the help of a developer. You can read all about getting started with Integromat over at our knowledge base, or if you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch. And until next time, happy integrating.

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> There is a lot more to a brand than what meets the eye, and we wanted to share the story behind our new look. Read about Katana's new brand.

- Published: 2021-06-09
- Modified: 2022-05-02
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/katanas-new-brand/
- Categories: Business tips

There is a lot more to a brand than what meets the eye, and we wanted to share the story behind our new look and why we decided to make the change. First, the story behind the brand A brand is much more than a logo or color palette — it is how people experience Katana as a company and product. It is the sum of all our brand elements, features, and people, expressing who we are as well as what we strive for. Behind every great brand is a clear vision and mission. At Katana, our vision is a world where manufacturers love the software they use as much as the products they make. We work towards this world by giving manufacturers the live insights they need in a world where change is the only constant. These statements are rooted in our founding team’s belief that manufacturing software should be intuitive and inspiring and that any manufacturer should be able to get a live look at their business. Why it was time for a new look This year we saw Katana evolve rapidly — within and without. Our customer base is rapidly expanding to include small and medium-sized businesses, and our team grew to over 50 Katanauts across Europe and North America. By the end of the year, we expect to see even more great people join our team and more manufacturers with millions of revenue included in our customer portfolio. While growth comes with many benefits, it also comes with challenges. Maintaining a strong identity as a large team is vital to keep our company culture alive. And as we expand to new markets and customer segments, we need a brand that defines who we are in a distinct and recognizable way. We want the world, ourselves included, to understand what we do, why we do it, and how to spread that message clearly and consistently. How our new logo tells our story Japan is the birthplace of lean manufacturing. The earliest lean production principles come from the Toyota Production System (TPS), a philosophy developed in the 1930s. These principles stood the test of time and have redefined how modern manufacturers build products. The name Katana is an homage to these roots, and our new logo and logomarks bring more of that story to light. The accent on the “t” represents the tip of a katana blade. And the yellow circle behind our logo mark is a tribute to the circle of the sun element of the Japanese flag. Bringing manufacturing to life Manufacturers bring ideas to life, combining raw materials to create products greater than the sum of their parts. And what sets Katana’s software apart is the use of color and design to give manufacturers a live look at their business in motion. Our tagline, bringing manufacturing to life, sums up the value of our product and how manufacturers inspired us to build it. Creating great products and software is exciting and inspiring, and our color...

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> We’re excited to launch our new brand and a revamped vision to give manufacturers software they will love as much as the products they make.

- Published: 2021-06-09
- Modified: 2023-04-20
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/meet-katana-new-brand/
- Categories: Company News

After a successful Series A funding round, we’re excited to launch our new brand and a revamped vision to give manufacturers software they will love as much as the products they make. A bold mission calls for a bold look. After a successful Series A funding round, we’re excited to launch our new brand and a revamped vision to give manufacturers software they will love as much as the products they make. The change comes as we expand our customer base to include small to medium-sized businesses. And our team felt that it was time we went for a more vibrant and distinctive look as we take on these new challenges Manufacturing software needs more love Manufacturing ERPs have a reputation for being rigid, complex, and frustrating to work with. Because of this, low net-promoter scores (NPS) are the industry standard. Even long-time market leaders like SAP consistently score in negative as they struggle to understand what modern manufacturers need. Atomico, the European VC firm that led Katana’s most recent funding round of over $11 million, invested in Katana after their team was “overwhelmed by the product love in a category that has been historically so loveless”. But no matter how much we evolve and grow, this love will always extend to small workshops and the micro-manufacturing market that made our rapid growth and success possible. A word from our CEO on why we made the change "Our team has and always will have a soft spot for small manufacturers, and enabling entrepreneurship for thousands of Katana customers is something our team is very proud of. But businesses with millions in revenue also need to be served. In line with our vision to give all manufacturers a platform to make better decisions in a world where uncertainty is always present, we are excited to welcome larger-scale companies with very different challenges to our customer base. To cater to their needs and build trust, we needed a consistent and distinctive brand that matches our position as an industry-leading manufacturing ERP. " — Kristjan Vilosius, Katana Co-founder and CEO A fresh take on our vision and mission Behind our new brand are a revitalized vision and mission that encompass the values Katana has always lived by. We continue to strive for a world where all manufacturers love the software they use as much as the products they make. And to realize this vision, we give manufacturers of all shapes and sizes the live insights they need in a world where change is the only constant. In the digital era, where time is limited and global trends are change fast, manufacturers need a real-time overview of their business to make the right decisions. We’re here to make that possible. Today, Katana helps thousands of users across 60 countries get a live look at their business — and we expect to see that number continue to go up. A look that matches our market position Accessibility, ease of use, and excellent customer support set...

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> Here are the five packaging trends manufacturers need to know if they want to get ahead of the competition in 2024.

- Published: 2021-05-08
- Modified: 2023-12-20
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/package-trends-for-ecommerce/
- Categories: Ecommerce, Top lists

Here are the five packaging trends manufacturers need to know if they want to get ahead of the competition in 2023. The eCommerce business market is constantly expanding. Most businesses are joining the eCommerce revolution. The global packaging automation solution market is set to reach $155 billion by 2033, expanding at 7. 5% CAGR from 2023 to 2033. Packing is an important cornerstone of the eCommerce industry and its demand is ever-increasing as the eCommerce industry expands at unprecedented rates. According to Smithers, a recognized provider of strategic market research reports, “The comprehensive research employed in The Future of Global Packaging to 2024, shows that packaging demand will grow steadily at 2. 8% to reach $1. 05 trillion in 2024. ” Packaging is the science, art, and technology of enclosing or protecting products for distribution, storage, sale, and use. Packaging also refers to the process of designing, evaluating, and producing packages. Packaging contains, protects, preserves, transports, informs, and sells. The process of bringing a product and package together is usually the last step of the product manufacturing operation. Packaging also accounts for the manufacturer’s marketing efforts. For top manufacturers, the packaging of their product indicates their brand value in the market. These manufacturers view this stage as an essential pillar of their marketing strategy and it is also a part of their business model. For leading manufacturers, the packaging is as important as the product itself. Consumer buying habits and industry trends for packaging are the main drivers behind the rapid growth rate for packaging demands. To understand and comprehend the direction in which this growth is headed, it is important to look at the top packaging trends for the eCommerce industry in 2023. 1. Sustainability and Environmentally Friendly Packaging Back in 2017, eCommerce industry leader Amazon committed to balancing the act between providing strong and protective packaging and also remaining dedicated to sustainability and environmental issues. But in 2021, the trends have changed drastically. In 2019 there was a massive worldwide protest on climate change and scores of young people, mostly millennials and Gen- Z gathered on the streets to demand a world that is more environmentally friendly. This younger generation constitutes a huge chunk of the eCommerce consumer market. Before this green generation makes a purchase, they consider, “a product’s ecological footprint and full lifecycle, from design to production and shipping. ” Due to these demographic changes in the consumer market, sustainability, recycling, and environmental issues have taken a center stage. Zero-waste packaging is on a rise and other environmentally friendly packaging supplies are booming. Plant-based packaging is becoming popular which uses natural ingredients like mushrooms, sugar cane, coconut, corn-starch, and plant-based paper. The mantra of “reduce, reuse and recycle,” is gaining more momentum with young, educated, and modern customers. According to an Accenture survey, the majority of consumers prefer buying from companies that share their values. 62% of people surveyed said that they would like to purchase their products from companies that are focused on reducing plastics...

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- Published: 2021-04-28
- Modified: 2022-04-08
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/barcode-scanning/
- Categories: Product updates

Users can now introduce barcode scanning into their workflow with our latest update to optimize your inventory management. In manufacturing, every minute counts, and every mistake will cost you. To give you the best possible overview of your business in real-time, our team is excited to launch barcode scanning in Katana. Barcodes are the quickest and most reliable way to track inventory movements and automate the flow of information from sales to the shop floor. Supporting supplier item, internally generated, registered, and batch barcodes, this new feature makes it possible for you and your team to: Quickly identify products and materials Keep track of materials and batch numbers when receiving goods Reduce the risk of human error when receiving and counting stock Boost efficiency by matching physical materials with database items in a machine-readable way Generate and print barcodes for items, products, and batches By introducing barcode scanning to your inventory management operations, you simplify workflows for employees, particularly new hires that are more prone to making mistakes. Add improved data accuracy for your inventory turnover calculations to the mix and it’s a recipe for better, faster decision-making when it comes to budgeting, procurement, and maintenance. When barcode scanning is a must While barcode scanning can benefit manufacturers in any industry, it is a must-have inventory control method for businesses working with: Pharmaceuticals Perishable goods Electronics Large volumes of inventory Batch tracking More barcode scanning functionality coming soon Over the next few months, we’ll continue to expand barcode inventory control functionality in Katana to make getting a live look at your inventory as easy as possible with: Consuming and counting materials and batches with barcodes Smart device barcode scanning in the floor-level app Picking lists, shipping, and more Keep an eye out for more barcode scanning and other product-related news from Katana. Happy scanning!

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- Published: 2021-04-22
- Modified: 2022-04-26
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/shift4shop-integration/
- Categories: Product updates

Katana's integration with Shift4Shop (formerly known as 3dcart) via Zapier allows you to manage all your orders in one place. Here's how. We're happy to announce that we have trialed a new Zapier workflow integration: Katana x Shift4Shop/3dcart.   If you're using Shift4Shop, you can now set up automatic order imports from Shift4Shop to your Katana account, allowing you to centralize your sales and manufacturing orders to one platform. Shift4Shop is a well-established and robust e-commerce software platform built to address the business challenges of: Reaching Converting Nurturing customers To set up the integration, go to our Knowledge Base and follow the steps. What does the Katana x Zapier mean to you? Zapier allows you to bridge the gap between your sales and manufacturing by automating various workflows between your favorite apps and Katana. With Zapier, you don't need to wait on us to test out workflows and create templates.  Zapier allows you to integrate your different business apps easily and quickly. We have already tried various integrations, but you can go ahead and try out your own favorite apps. Just go to the Katana page on Zapier and see whether your desired app can be connected and what workflows can be automated. Be sure to check out our Knowledge Base for an in-depth guide on setting up integrations. If you have any questions about Katana x 3dcart/Shift4Shop or Zapier, please feel free to get in touch, and we'll be more than happy to chat with you. And until next time, happy integrating

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> As a manufacturer selling on Shopify, what is the right plan for you? Here's everything you need to know about Shopify's plans, pricing, and benefits.

- Published: 2021-04-20
- Modified: 2024-07-05
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/shopify-vs-shopify-plus-differences/
- Categories: Ecommerce

As a manufacturer selling on Shopify, what is the right plan for you? Here's everything you need to know about Shopify's plans, pricing, and benefits when you manufacture the products you sell. Shopify is an e-commerce platform that handled over $5. 1 billion in sales in 2020 alone, a 76% increase from 2019. Shopify gives you the tools to start, grow, and manage an online business with a range of different packages depending on your needs. Now suppose you're deciding on choosing a Shopify plan — where do you begin? Do you start with Basic, Advanced, or even Shopify Plus? In this article, we're going to look into Shopify Plus vs. Shopify to give you the information necessary to know if you're ready to upgrade to Shopify Plus. And if you manufacture the products you sell, you'll also learn more about the ERP software available to help you support this growth. PRO TIP: Many D2C manufacturers turn to Shopify due to its ability to run a store and handle inventory. However, Shopify inventory management isn’t built for manufacturers. It’s essential to consider integrating a Shopify Plus Certified App ERP system to help you stay on top of the different inventory types that need to be tracked. Shopify Plus explained For the most part, Shopify Plus is the same as Shopify but tailored for small-to-medium (SM) businesses and larger enterprises that earn between one to two million dollars or more in annual revenue. Both Shopify and Shopify Plus (this includes Advanced Shopify vs. Shopify Plus) have the following features: Multichannel integrations (scroll down to Shopify Plus benefits section to see how Plus has the edge on the other payment plans) Abandoned cart recovery Multicurrency selling (when using Shopify Payments on Shopify Lite, Basic, and Advanced) But, a large part of the difference between Shopify and Shopify Plus is that Plus takes everything to the next level with more customizability. Download the Ultimate Shopify Selling Ebook for Manufacturers See how successful Shopify sellers streamline their sales through manufacturing — for free. The difference between Shopify and Shopify Plus As already mentioned, the difference between Shopify and Shopify Plus is the amount of customization it offers you — especially when it comes to design flexibility. When you sign up with Shopify Plus, you can expect to get: Increased customization and control More automation capabilities Improved functions for multichannel and omnichannel selling Increased speeds and loading times The ability to handle large amounts of traffic and sales To give you a better idea of what each plan has to offer, here are the detailed differences between Shopify and Shopify Plus, from features to pricing. 1. Shopify Lite You can consider Shopify Lite as the starter pack for merchants looking for a POS or selling via other channels and want a buy button. Shopify Lite starts at $9 per month. 2. Basic Shopify This plan is ideal for startups, new businesses, or online businesses starting to sell in person. Two staff accounts 24/7 support Unlimited products Online store with a blog...

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> The ultimate guide manufacturers need for barcode inventory control, the quickest and most reliable way of monitoring inventory movements.

- Published: 2021-04-08
- Modified: 2024-01-26
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/barcode-inventory-control/
- Categories: Inventory management, Top lists

Inventory management with barcode scanning is essential in certain industries. Discover barcode scanning, its benefits, and how to implement it. If you’re a manufacturer reaching the stage where pointing your finger at your inventory and counting it is losing its reliability, it might be time to consider beefing up your inventory management rules. Introducing inventory management with barcode scanning — the quickest and most reliable way of monitoring your inventory movements. Without barcodes, you’re at risk of miscalculating your stock and going into negative inventory or losing track of the expiration date of your items, which can have serious consequences for your business. That’s why, in this article, we’re going to explore barcode management, how it can improve your business and what needs to be done for implementation. What are barcodes? Barcodes are a method of visually representing data in a machine-readable form to quickly identify items and track inventory. However, inventory management with barcode scanning isn’t just for tracking products, it also allows you to implement them: In your storefronts as part of the purchase process In warehouses to track inventory or assign materials to an operation In your e-commerce, such as Shopify inventory Within your shipping process On invoices to assist in accounting Traditionally, a barcode came in the form of a square or rectangular print containing a series of vertical and parallel black lines and white spaces of different widths. Once scanned, they translate and relay information to the user. Barcodes come in two different forms: 1-dimensional (1D) 2-dimensional (2D), for example, QR codes But what exactly is the difference between the popular choices of these two types of barcodes? The different types of barcodes There are many different barcode types, different in visual as well as what kind of information they store and what their main use cases are. One-dimensional (1D) barcode types A 1D barcode is a sequence of vertical bars and spaces of varying widths used to represent a set of characters and store a limited amount of information. EAN-8/EAN-13 and UPC-A/UPC-E This is the international barcode standard for retail products. The code can be registered with GS1 (Global standard organization). GS1 assigns a dedicated company code that will be globally recognized. They are mostly used on goods that a company is selling – in order to get a unique barcode for a specific item. GS1 will make sure the company code is unique and all the products can be traced back to their origin. CODE 128/GS1 – 128 This code can hold more numbers. CS1 128 can also be registered with GS1, but the applications are broader for this code type. CODE 128 is widely used when items, processes, or activities are tracked internally, and its uniqueness is essential. Some of the examples in which these codes can be used include: Identification of items internally Identification of batch numbers Identification of serial numbers Identification of resources Identification of operations Identification of the location of goods In these cases, the barcode numbers should be...

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> We are honored and excited that our efforts in building Katana were recognized by the Shopify Plus Program. Learn more.

- Published: 2021-04-01
- Modified: 2021-08-23
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/shopify-plus-certified-partner/
- Categories: Company News

We are honored and excited that our efforts in building Katana were recognized by the Shopify Plus Program. We at Katana started our journey with Shopify when we were listed in the Shopify App Store in early 2019. Two years later, Katana has grown to be an invaluable part of the small manufacturers' software stack and can boast an average of 4. 9-star rating on Shopify. We are thrilled to be trusted and recognized as Shopify Plus Program partner as the first manufacturing ERP to be included in the program. We are honored to have our name next to other successful Shopify Plus brands such as Velstar, Able Sense, and Returnly, helping manufacturers and other merchants to scale their business. What is Shopify Plus Certified App Program, and Why is it Important? Shopify Plus Certified App Program selects trusted app partners that solve Shopify Merchants' fundamental business challenges. There are thousands of apps listed in the Shopify app store. However, only a fraction of them gets selected as Shopify Plus Partners. This hand-picked list of apps ensures that merchants can discover and use trustworthy services with a proven track record of great reviews, high ratings, and overall performance. Shopify has created the Shopify Plus Certified App Program to highlight industry-leading apps that solve complex problems specific to Shopify Plus merchants. The program aims to bridge the gap between the merchant and trusted apps to scale their business. How Katana Benefits Shopify Plus merchants? Katana provides Shopify Plus merchants with manufacturing ERP to gain control over their manufacturing processes, inventory management, and sales orders. Katana can be connected to various other business apps via integrations or API to view and manage all sales orders from one platform. One of our Shopify Plus merchants, Paper Republic, has improved its production planning by 60% since joining Katana. Meanwhile, Raw Coffee Company has drastically increased their on-time order fulfillment and experienced 40% higher daily task efficiency with Katana. Here is what Katana provides Shopify Plus merchants: Production planning Our unique real-time production planner automates the tasks associated with putting together your master production schedule and streamlines the entire process. Track inventory in real-time, automatically allocating available material and finished products to fulfill orders, prioritize your schedule so you see what's important. Real-time inventory control and optimization Katana allows you to stay on top of your inventory - from raw materials to finished goods. It automatically follows stock movements across the production cycle and in multiple warehouses, allowing you to maintain optimal inventory levels. Ensure end-to-end traceability and expiry date tracking with the batch/lot tracking feature. Automate workflows with barcode scanning for incoming materials and moving inventory. Shop floor control for workshop users Elevate your floor-level operations by viewing the production task and ingredient list for each job in the Shop Floor Control App. Easily create, set-up, and remove shop floor operators. Track the time spent on a task with a start, pause, and resume options, and track planned vs. actual materials used in a job. We are honored and excited that our efforts in building...

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- Published: 2021-03-29
- Modified: 2022-04-26
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/api-inventory-sync/
- Categories: Product updates

The latest update to the Katana API allows users to synchronize stock data and support their inventory and batch management. We have exciting news for users taking advantage of the API. The latest update allows Katana users to support inventory and map batches your sales orders via API and synchronize stock data to their: E-commerce and CRM platforms 3PL systems and WMS BI and analytic tools Other software This update will allow users to utilize inventory data for things such as calculating product prices using the average cost. Finally, you’ll be able to configure your batch consumption for your sales orders. Katana’s API integration We’re constantly making updates to Katana’s API, from the addition of webhooks and now inventory and batch tracking support. Getting started with Katana API means you can: Configure full e-commerce integrations Pull current inventory data to Katana Pull batch stock data back to Katana Update batch details Update sales order rows (including assigning your batches) Add or remove sales orders rows on the existing sales order Customize your own integrations with Katana. Design them to perform exactly how you want them to and master your workflow. Get started by heading over to our developer portal here. If coding is your bread and butter, then maybe becoming an integration partner is something that might interest you? We’re always looking for partners to lend a helping hand to other Katana users looking for custom integrations. However, if coding sounds intimidating, you can always check out our integration partners directory for assistance with setting up custom integrations. We’re sure this latest update to API will be sure to take your business management to the next level. If you want to read more about the update, please feel free to head over to the Knowledge Base to read all about API. And until next time, happy integrating.

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> In this article, we list our top 11 B2B eCommerce platforms for entrepreneurs looking to get established online.

- Published: 2021-03-26
- Modified: 2024-01-19
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/b2b-ecommerce-platform/
- Categories: Ecommerce, Top lists

In this article, we list our top 11 B2B eCommerce platforms for entrepreneurs looking to get established online. Are you struggling to find the perfect B2B e-commerce platform for your business? Well, consider this the end of your struggles. We’ve looked into the 10 best e-commerce platforms you can use to get your business set up online today. Since the advent of online shopping, more and more forward-thinking entrepreneurs are getting their businesses set up online, in some instances, even forgoing a physical storefront altogether! And why shouldn’t they? Globally, in 2019, the B2B e-commerce marketplace is valued at around $12. 2 trillion, six times the value of the B2C market. With so much potential, it can be intimidating to make the right decision when choosing which B2B e-commerce platform you should get set up with. That’s why we’ve put together this article on some of the best B2B e-commerce platforms you should take a look at when deciding where to set up your business. So, without further ado, let's begin. 1. CS-Cart CS-Cart B2B and B2C solution is a ready-to-go e-commerce platform made for wholesalers and manufacturers, regardless of their size. CS-Cart is an easy choice for those looking for B2B e-commerce solutions since it comes preloaded with over 500 features, and allows for third-party integrations, saving you time and stress. If you’re a novice or a veteran coder, CS-Cart has built-in design tools, so users can effortlessly redesign their B2B e-commerce platform. But, if you’re a user that can code, the CS-Cart source code is open access, giving you complete control over your B2B e-commerce script. CS-Cart is the perfect choice for a B2B e-commerce platform if you’re looking for: B2B e-commerce software that can immediately get your B2B web store open An intuitive admin panel A B2B e-commerce platform with an active support team Tools to boost your sales Software that is SEO-optimized A platform that easily integrates with any third-party solutions you may need CS-Cart is an inexpensive and quick shortcut to getting your B2B e-commerce platform established. 2.  Shopify For a lot of entrepreneurs just setting up their e-commerce business, Shopify is the go-to answer when it comes down to choosing a B2B e-commerce platform. Shopify is an all-in-one cloud-based tool that can provide you with all your B2B e-commerce solutions for creating and developing your website from which you can sell and ship your products. Shopify is a popular B2B e-commerce CMS because it has a very low start-up cost and has an easy-to-use interface. You don’t need to be a web developer or skilled coder to set up your B2B e-commerce platform, as Shopify offers tons of free and premium themes, along with editing tools, so you can choose a theme and design it to best reflect your brand. Shopify is a good choice as its: Easy-to-use Cheap to use Has a ton of themes Lots of customer support A good solution for those looking for a wholesale e-commerce platform 3. 3dcart 3dcart B2B...

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- Published: 2021-03-24
- Modified: 2022-04-26
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/pipedrive-integration/
- Categories: Product updates

Bridge the gap between sales and manufacturing by automating Deal imports from Pipedrive to Katana via Zapier. We're excited to announce that with Zapier, we have trialed a new workflow integration: Katana and Pipedrive.   If you’re using Pipedrive, you’ll be happy to know that you can now integrate your accounts to set up automatic imports of deals to your Katana account, allowing you to centralize your sales and manufacturing orders to one dashboard. Zapier has helped us make this integration possible. However, if there are other workflows or apps you’d love to integrate, be sure to check out Zapier as it allows you to customize these yourself, without the need to be a coding whiz kid. How to Set Up Automatic Imports of Your Pipedrive Deals Step 1: Log into Zapier either with your account or by signing up for the 14-day free trial Step 2: To get started on automating sales imports, you’re going to need to create a Zap by choosing either: Deal Matching Filter; or Updated Deal Stage. Deal matching will import deals from Pipedrive to Katana once the specified condition has been met (we’ll take about this in the next step). Updated deal allows you to configure the import at a certain stage. Step 3: Open a new window on your browser, log into Pipedrive and create a custom filter in Pipedrive. In the example below, you can see that deals will import to Katana as sales orders once a deal’s status has been updated to “Won” in Pipedrive. But, it’s flexible, so you can design the perfect workflow. You can set it up so deals can import at a certain stage or when activities are completed. Step 4: Return to Zapier, choose the Pipedrive account you want to use, and log in. Step 5: Find and select the filter you created in Pipedrive. Step 6: Now your triggers are ready, it’s time to set up the Action by finding Katana and choosing “Find customer” to match your customers between Katana and Pipedrive. Step 7: Once you’ve logged into your accounts you can customize, search and even create new customers between both accounts. Step 8: Create another action by selecting “Create Sales Order” and filling in the “Customer ID” go to “Custom” then “2. Find or Create Customer in Katana MRP” and select “ID” from the Katana section. Step 9: You can go ahead and fill in the “ID” fields with appropriate identifications such as “PD-1” “PD-2” etc. Step 10: You can continue configuring your integration by updating information such as: Location; Dates created; Delivery dates; SKUs; Quantity; The base price of your products; and Tax rates. What Does the Katana x Pipedrive Update Mean for You? Zapier allows you to bridge the gap between your sales and manufacturing by automating Deal imports from Pipedrive to Katana. With Zapier, you don’t need to wait on us to test out workflows and create templates.  Zapier allows you to integrate your different business apps easily and quickly. If Katana x Pipedrive is all you’re looking for, then be sure to check out our Knowledge Base for an in-depth guide on how to set the integration up. If you have any questions about Katana x Pipedrive or Zapier,...

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> Most useful tips for small manufacturing businesses who want to make 2021 their best year yet. Includes overview of the small manufacturing world in 2020.

- Published: 2021-03-21
- Modified: 2024-01-18
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/small-manufacturing-business-tips/
- Categories: Business tips, Top lists

Most useful tips for small manufacturing businesses who want to make 2020 their best year yet. Includes overview of the small manufacturing world in 2019. The small manufacturing business has become an increasingly common sight in the small business landscape. The route to becoming a small manufacturer has become very accessible in recent years. Manufacturing businesses with 20 or fewer employees have also seen promising growth in the past years. Dear ambitious manufacturers, As another year is (already) drawing to a close, we thought we’d reflect on the past year in the world of small-scale manufacturing. As owners of small manufacturing businesses, we’re sure you’ve had your fair share of challenges and surprises during 2020. It goes with the territory of owning any small business. As the global economic and political landscape continues to shift in new and unexpected ways, it’s no time to sit back and be complacent. For example, there’s been turbulence for the manufacturers who have been using outsource manufacturing, or even just simply buying their materials from China, as there has been an ongoing US-China trade war, which has been affecting many different industries. This alone is enough of a threat for businesses to figure out how they can fully optimize their practices to survive periods such as this. That’s why we’ve put together a list of small business manufacturing tips to help you make it through 2021. Small businesses are an essential part of the economy: For example, they generate 65% of new jobs. And they make up the vast majority of total businesses, which includes your small manufacturing business. Your role in small business manufacturing is an important one, as demand for well-crafted and artisan products continues to increase. Get a head start with cloud inventory software. Taking these tips and implementing them alongside a real-time cloud inventory system will help you take your business to the next level. Request a demo and see for yourself. A review of 2021 for the small manufacturing business So, what has been going on? We’ve seen new industries continue to rise and play an even bigger part in our lives. Two to watch are 3D printing and drones. Both industries have a multitude of uses, and both have become very accessible and affordable to the average person. The growth of blockchain, along with advances in AI, robotics, and manufacturing ERP software for small businesses, will change how all businesses operate, including in small manufacturing. 2021 could be a very important year in the world of small manufacturing, as we see the results of economic policies in the US on the world’s economy. The results remain to be seen, but at the minute manufacturing is looking strong. People are positive about the role of manufacturing in the future of the US economy. This is a great time to own a small manufacturing business and show the world how unique and awesome you are. One of the biggest challenges a small manufacturing business faces is competition from larger enterprises,...

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- Published: 2021-03-18
- Modified: 2021-11-03
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/api-webhooks/
- Categories: Product updates

Get fulfillment status sync between Katana and any of your e-commerce platforms with the latest addition to API: Webhooks. We’re happy to announce that in addition to supporting the import of sales orders from your e-commerce platforms, a new update just launched for our API, which now gives Katana users the functionality to configure full e-commerce integration.   We’re able to achieve this with the use of webhooks and new functionalities of the API, but... What are webhooks? A webhook is a method of customizing applications to perform callbacks when an action is triggered. Or, in simpler terms, it allows for automatic communication back and forth between apps. So, as an example workflow, after an order has been imported to Katana from your e-commerce, CRM, or other platforms, using a webhook will allow you to send automatic order status updates back to the original system. For example, if an order is canceled on your e-commerce platform, the order will be deleted in Katana too. If order status gets updated in either system, your integration can sync the updates in both systems. With webhooks, you can finally have your sales and manufacturing orders fully integrated into one platform. What does this mean for you? Here are just a few examples of workflows you could make with the new update: Synchronize your sales order status updates to Katana and your e-commerce platform Automatically update fulfillment locations based on your shipping workflow If a customer cancels the order, the order is automatically deleted in Katana Receive notifications about SO creation, updates, and deletions, by using Webhooks But enough of this lollygagging. If you want to delve right in and start setting up your webhooks, you can do so via the Developer portal. If coding isn’t in your nature, we do have a list of integration partners who’re on stand-by to help you with the heavy lifting. NOTE: We’re always looking for more partners. If you’re interested in becoming an integration partner, feel free to get in touch. What’s next for Katana and you? We’re planning on overhauling Katana across the board, from your manufacturing ERP to the shop floor app to giving you the tools to customize features for yourself with the API. As a sneak peek, in the coming weeks, you can expect to find new features such as: Multicurrency handling Barcode scanning Access to inventory data via API And that’s it for today. If you have any questions about the API or outsourcing building of custom integrations, feel free to drop us an email or head over to our Knowledge Base article. And until next time, happy integrating

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> We've investigated modern manufacturers who are growing their business in 2024 and performed an in-depth analysis of the tools they use. Here is what we found.

- Published: 2021-03-10
- Modified: 2024-06-05
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/study-of-modern-manufacturers/
- Categories: Business tips, Manufacturing

We've investigated modern manufacturers who're growing their business in 2024 and performed an in-depth analysis of the tools they use. Here is what we found. No more second-guessing, it’s time to learn exactly how other manufacturers have found success in 2024. In our research of Katana users, we’ve looked into the set-ups that have helped manufacturers grow their business, so you can decide if you’re on the right path or if you should forge your own one. It’s hard determining if your manufacturing business is on the right track or not, and it can even be a source of anxiety the longer you’re in the dark. With a huge surge of customers turning to the internet to shop, and manufacturing businesses popping up across the globe, it’s nice to know how other entrepreneurs approach selling, production, and bookkeeping to find success. That’s why we’ve investigated successful manufacturers who use cloud inventory software to manage their business and performed an in-depth analysis into: — What type of businesses do manufacturers own; — What workflows manufacturers follow; — What’s the D2C manufacturer’s favorite e-commerce platform; — Which accounting software D2C manufacturers use; — What tools and platforms do D2C manufacturers love to integrate together; — How many manufacturers own their own factories; — How many manufacturers track their inventory at multiple locations; and — How many have adopted lean and green manufacturing? So, without further delay, let’s delve straight into it! The Different Industries That Use Cloud Inventory Software As we’ve looked into before in our ultimate guide to everything you need to know about what is manufacturing, the industry is massive, comprised of twenty different sub-sectors. And those sub-sectors are broken down even further into other categories by the North American Industry Classification. This means that manufacturers need different tools and support systems to help them with their manufacturing processes. We looked into all our users and identified the industries in the graph above as the businesses in which Cloud Inventory software users operate. So, for the rest of this article, we’ll be looking into these users and delving deeper into how they run and organize their businesses. 62% of Users Are Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) Manufacturers D2C manufacturing is the hottest new approach to manufacturing and selling, and 62% of Katana users have already realized this. Unlike traditional manufacturers, D2C manufacturers cut out the third-party retailers, wholesalers, or any other type of middleman by selling their products directly to their customers. Current manufacturing trends and predictions show that D2C manufacturing is only going to increase in popularity as selling has become easier and more accessible with the rise of e-commerce platforms over the recent years. But, ultimately with this tactic you get complete control over your business and products as you avoid any third-party fees, harsh requirements, or retailer space costs, and sell your products at fairer prices for your customers and yourself, while retaining more of the profits. 33% of Manufacturers Use a Combination of “Make to Stock” and “Make to Order” During Production For a lot of manufacturers, it always boils down to two workflows: Make to order Vs. Make...

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- Published: 2021-02-25
- Modified: 2021-08-23
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/best-inventory-software-programs-2021/
- Categories: Company News

Digital. com is a review site that amalgamates reviews from all over the web to give small businesses the means to investigate tools before committing to any software. We’re thrilled to announce that we’ve been featured in another article by Digital. com, the Best Inventory Management Software of 2021  About Digital. com Digital. com is a review site that amalgamates reviews from all over the web to give small businesses the means to investigate tools before committing to any software. You can check out the methodologies used by Digital. com for compiling their article here. However, to summarize, they chose software based on these criteria: The efficiency of the software's tools; How easy is it to collaborate with the software; and The strength of the reporting and data collection. We’re happy to share this achievement with you, and we want to thank all of our users for helping us build Katana to support your business. What’s on the Horizon for Katana? Following this great news, we don’t have plans to stop yet. We’ve got a ton of updates on the way, not just for the Katana MRP dashboard, but the shop floor mobile app and the API too, for example: Multi-currency handling Barcode scanning Webhooks for full e-commerce integration We sure you’ll find these updates valuable, and we look forward to updating you once they’re live. And until the next update, happy manufacturing.

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- Published: 2021-02-23
- Modified: 2021-08-23
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/katana-raises-11-million-dollars/
- Categories: Company News

This latest investment was led by Atomico with the participation of several angel investors, and an earlier investor 42Cap, bringing the total investment raised by the company to $16M. We are extremely excited to announce that Katana has just raised an $11M series A investment round, which will enable us to accelerate the speed of building and delivering new features and continue improving the customer experience. This latest investment was led by Atomico with the participation of several angel investors, and an earlier investor 42Cap, bringing the total investment raised by the company to $16M. As part of this investment, Atomico Partner Ben Blume will join the board. Kristjan Vilosius, Katana Co-founder and CEO said, “Since 2017, we have worked with more than 1,500 manufacturers. The teams that rely on Katana span consumer and B2B industries in countries from the U. S. to New Zealand. We have been supported and taught by those customers and their feedback, allowing us to build a strong and knowledgeable team of product managers, developers, designers, and customer experience experts. “We will use the funding to scale our team and keep developing the product to serve and delight an even larger number of manufacturers daily and continue to build Katana towards the best manufacturing software for modern manufacturing in the world. ” Ben Blume, Partner at Atomico, said, “From the first time we met Kristjan, we were incredibly impressed by the clarity of his vision to transform operations for modern manufacturers globally, and his step-by-step plan for how to achieve this. With Atomico’s roots in Skype and our four-year partnership with Pipedrive, it also means a lot to me that my first investment as a Partner at Atomico is in an Estonian company. "Atomico has always believed in the strength of Estonian built engineering and product, and as we got to know the team at Katana, we saw a familiar pattern: a relentless product-focused team with the incredible ability to build and think from their customer’s point of view, and an unwavering belief that a new generation of manufacturers with big ideas shouldn’t have to settle for less than world-class technology to support them. ” What is next for Katana users? Katana is on a clear path to modernize and make a world-class manufacturing ERP available to all manufacturing entrepreneurs across the globe. Katana will keep aiming to help our customers achieve productivity boost and scale their business. As mentioned before, we will use this funding to grow our team and increase the pace at which we can improve the product. 1) Product development We are already actively working on improving the existing software and developing new and very exciting features such as barcode scanning and multi-currency. We also will continue providing compatibility with popular e-commerce sales channels and accounting tools, as well as empower manufacturers to build their own integrations with our recently released API, to make Katana a central point of their business software ecosystem. 2) Customer experience We will increase not only product standards but also up our customer experience game. Katana’s...

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> Katana was featured in two leading software comparison sites for the Best Manufacturing Order Management Systems of 2021. Learn more.

- Published: 2021-02-18
- Modified: 2021-08-23
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/best-inventory-management-software-programs/
- Categories: Company News

Katana was featured in two leading software comparison sites for the Best Manufacturing Order Management Systems of 2021 We are proud to announce that Katana was featured in two leading software comparison sites for the Best Manufacturing Order Management Systems of 2021: 2021 Capterra Shortlist Order Management Software; and Top Order Management Software, January 2021. About Capterra Capterra is considered the industry leader in the field of software comparison and is free to use. Capterra allows users to easily compare software on the market to find the tools which best serve their needs and has published over one million verified reviews to their website. You can read all about Capterra’s methodology for choosing tools in their shortlist by clicking here. But, in a nutshell, the 2021 Capterra Shortlist for Order Management Software was put together based on the following criteria: Positive reviews from users Growing popularity among users from all over the world About Software Advice Software Advice compares software options for your business, so you don’t have to trawl the internet. Software Advice completes in-depth research into different software, so users can find the perfect tools for their business within 15-minutes and, best of all, absolutely free. You can read all about Software Advice’s methodology for choosing tools for their guide by clicking here. But, very quickly, Software Advice’s Top Order Management Software followed this guideline: User satisfaction User experience What’s on the horizon? Firstly, we want to extend a thank you to our users. Your feedback has been invaluable for getting us onto the top order management systems of 2021. However, we’ve come a long way over the past year, and we’re far from finished improving Katana to help you grow your business effortlessly. With Katana, you can now get access to: Essential MRP features A separate smart device app for shopfloor workers Our latest release, the API, so you can configure Katana to do exactly what you need it to do We look forward to scaling alongside your business, and we’re over the moon to share these achievements with you all. And until the next update, happy manufacturing.

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- Published: 2021-02-15
- Modified: 2024-05-23
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/ecwid-integration/
- Categories: Product updates

Katana's latest integration with Ecwid allows you to automatically import sales orders from your e-commerce shop to Katana. Experience even more connectivity with Zapier! We’re pleased to announce Ecwid is the newest tried and tested addition to the Zapier integration fold. Starting from today, you can easily set-up manual or automatic imports of your Ecwid sales orders to Katana, giving you more control over your sales and production management. Ecwid is a Top 5 e-commerce platform for small business merchants. With Ecwid you can set up a store and start selling online in a matter of hours, for free. But, why stop there, seize the initiative and create your own integrations with Katana and your other apps, even if you don’t have much experience with coding. Read all about the Zapier integrations and how to get started here. How to use the Ecwid x Katana integration Step 1: Create or log into Zapier to start creating Zaps. Choose “Ecwid” as the app and set the trigger as “New Order” Doing this will create an automatic import of future sales orders from Ecwid. Step 2: Log into Ecwid. Step 3: Set up your actions by selecting “Katana MRP” and matching customers from Katana and Ecwid or creating new customers. Step 4: Finish the automatic imports set-up for Ecwid sales orders by selecting “Create Sales Order” and configuring: Customers; Locations the SOs are sent; Products by SKUs; and Taxes on your sales. And there you have it, a quick and easy way to implement a powerful integration between Katana and Ecwid. What does Katana x Ecwid mean for you? Ultimately, for Ecwid users, this is going to save you the trouble of juggling your business process between two apps, which can make your business vulnerable to mistakes. Other integration benefits manufacturers running their e-shop on Ecwid include: Automated order management; Improved manufacturing control; and Optimized inventory management. Zapier is a tool built for integrating different apps. With Zapier, you can connect your Ecwid platform to Katana, along with any other business apps that you use. Zapier offers a 14-day free trial, so you can head over to the Zapier marketplace and start experimenting with custom integrations. We’re sure you and your business will benefit from this latest update. If you want to read an in-depth guide into how to set up the integration, be sure to head over to the Knowledge Base. Alternatively, if you have any questions about Zapier, please feel free to drop us an email, and we’d be more than happy to answer them. And until next time, happy integrating.

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> Throughput time breaks down manufacturing processes into bitesize chunks. Make sense of it and produce faster without compromising the quality of your product.

- Published: 2021-02-12
- Modified: 2024-05-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/throughput-time/
- Categories: Business tips, Manufacturing

Throughput time breaks down manufacturing processes into bitesize chunks. Make sense of it and produce faster without compromising the quality of your product. Makers like the team at “Framed” know how important it is to keep track of their manufacturing processes from all angles. There’s plenty of ways to do so - throughput time is one of the tried and tested. “Time is of the essence”. Or in other words, the faster things get done, the more time we have to spend on what we want. And in most cases in life, that means finding out which areas you’re a little bit slow on so that you can give them a little push. Manufacturing is no different. We all know that making your own products is a time-consuming affair. That’s why tracking how long it takes for each of your productions to be completed is a great way to improve your efficiency and order fulfillment cycle time. There’s a metric in the maker’s world that can help here: Throughput time Throughput time is the amount of time it takes for you to get a product made, from the moment you start making it, to the moment it lands back in your inventory ready to get shipped out.   Here’s a quick calculation for a manufacturer who produces 100 items across 8 hours:   100 / 8 = 12. 5 So, if you increase production to produce 20 more items, your throughput rate will be 15, a 20% increase in item output.    This calculation is essential for getting more control over your production and increasing your ROI.   Every business is going to be working on a different scale but getting to know this number intimately is a great way of plotting how you’re doing in your day-to-day operations. Because once you have a rundown of where you’re moving like snail-like, you can start to channel your inner cheetah and speed up the workshop.   Set targets and aim high. But before you do, let’s get to know a bit more about how this magic metric works... Get started with the real-time master planner. Make accurate manufacturing and purchasing decisions with live data to ensure optimal inventory levels at all times. Request a demo today and take your business to the next level. What is throughput time? Throughput is the rate at which an item takes from manufacturing order coming in, to the completion of production. For example, if we were a candle maker, we could look at one of our products manufacturing processes and calculate that we make 3 candles an hour. But if you inverse that to find out how long it takes for just one candle then you get throughput time. So here it would be: 60 mins / 3 candles = 20 mins per candle Throughput definition is basically the amount of time it takes for one unit of a product to be made, from the start to the finish of manufacturing.   Cycle time vs throughput time Before landing here you might have heard the terms cycle time and throughput...

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> Our latest integration will allow you to set up automatic imports of sales orders from your Amazon account to Katana MRP. Learn more.

- Published: 2021-02-11
- Modified: 2022-04-26
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/amazon-integration/
- Categories: Product updates

Set up automatic imports of sales orders from your Amazon account to Katana MRP with our latest third-party integration integration. We have exciting news for you! Using Zapier, we now have two more integrations with Katana: Amazon Seller Central Fulfillment by Amazon If you’re selling on Amazon or just use Amazon’s fulfillment centers for storing and sending your products, this integration will allow you to set up automatic imports of sales orders from your Amazon account to Katana MRP. Everlasting automation between your sales and manufacturing in a matter of minutes. Where is this integration located? Open your Katana dashboard, head to “Settings” select the “Integrations” tab, and you’ll find portals to Amazon Seller Central and Amazon FBA integrations. By selecting these, you'll be redirected to the Katana x Amazon integration on the Zapier marketplace. While here, you can select the relevant template, review it, make configurations, and activate it. If you need a helping hand during the set-up, be sure to head over our Knowledge Base for an in-depth guide for how to get started with the integrations: For the Katana x Amazon Seller Central document click here; or For the Katana x Fulfillment by Amazon document click here. What does the Katana x Amazon integration mean for you? No more juggling information between two different apps and letting your manufacturing lead time get out of control with the Zapier integration. You can now easily implement and customize the integration for a smooth and centralized workflow, so you can easily monitor your sales and manufacturing orders. However, it doesn’t stop there. Zapier allows you to create your own custom integrations without the need to be a computer whiz kid! If you haven’t already, Zapier offers a 14-day free trial so you can automate any of your workflows. We’re always looking for new workflows and integrations with Zapier. Please feel free to get in touch with us if you have any feedback about Zapier integrations or have set-up your own workflow, we’d love to hear about it. And until next time, happy integrating

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> Easily track your consumed inventory on your shop-floor with our latest update — material yield reporting. Learn more.

- Published: 2021-02-08
- Modified: 2022-05-05
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/material-yield-reporting/
- Categories: Product updates

Planned vs actual cost: Planned was the amount that was predicted to be used, and the actual cost covers what was the real amount consumed during production. Easily track your consumed inventory on your shop-floor with our latest update, the material yield reporting. This new feature allows you to report the exact quantity of materials used and record the final amount of finished goods. What does this update mean for you? As you already know, during production, there are chances for finished goods to break or more material to be used than what was originally predicted. It’s important to understand these quantities as companies rely on the actual consumption of materials for cost calculations and forecasting of material yield. With the material yield reporting feature, from the shop-floor level or within the MRP dashboard, you can now: Track the quantities of materials and components used in the production Record the final quantity of finished goods How to use material yield reporting? Within Katana's dashboard, if you head over to “Settings” and the “Shop floor app” tab, you notice two options you can toggle: Ask consumed ingredient quantities from the operator when a task is finished Ask the quantity of finished products from the operator when a Manufacturing Order is completed Depending on which option you choose, using our shop floor app operators will need to select the materials which were used and the quantity used either when they finish a task or finished a manufacturing order. NOTE: Quantities are added along the production process. Be careful that operators don’t duplicate quantities as they should only track the materials they have used and not include materials handed over from a previous operation. Once your operators have finished their tasks, you or your production line manager can use the Katana MRP dashboard and open a manufacturing order to monitor the outcome of the production run. Within the MO card, you’ll notice a column, “Planned/Actual qty” Planned is the amount of material you calculated you’d use; and Actual is the actual amount that was used. For example, if you need a bottle of dye to make a blue t-shirt, but the bottle breaks, an operator will need to take another bottle from stock. You’ll also notice a new field, “Actual Quantity” here you can make edits in the event an operator made a mistake. However, to do this the status of the card must be set to “In progress” NOTE: An edit like this can only be done on made to stock products. To edit the actual quantity for a made to order item, the adjustment will need to be done in the sales order. What does this update mean for you? Yield material reporting is sure to help you get more control over your inventory, track the actual costs of productions to better understand your COGS, and help you stay up-to-date with your bookkeeping. For more information on the update, be sure to check out the Knowledge Base article or if you have any questions, feel free to drop us an email. And...

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- Published: 2021-02-05
- Modified: 2021-08-23
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/15-best-mrp-software-programs-2021/
- Categories: Company News

Digital. com consolidates reviews from all over the web to give small businesses the means to investigate tools before committing to any software. Katana has been featured in the Digital. com article: THE 15 BEST MRP SOFTWARE PROGRAMS OF 2021 You can read more about the methodology used by Digital. com for their findings, but simply put, they gather and review software based on sentiment analysis of users and customer approval ratings to score companies. We all at Katana want to thank all of our users for helping us obtain this achievement. Keep giving us your feedback, and we promise to improve Katana further and help you keep scaling your business What the future holds for Katana users Don’t think for one second with this announcement that we’re going to rest on our laurels. With Katana, users don’t have access to just one dashboard anymore. With Katana, you can get access to: Essential MRP features A separate smart device app for shopfloor workers Our latest release, the API, so you can configure Katana to do exactly what you need it to do And each of these we are still developing and adding more features, closing that gap so you can centralize your entire business. About Digital. com Digital. com is a review site that consolidates user reviews from across the internet to help small businesses find the best tools for their business, removing the fear of committing to a tool that might not be appropriate for their business. We’re glad to have brought you this news, and we look forward to continuing working together long into the future. And until the next update, happy manufacturing.

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> The 80/20 inventory rule states that 80% of your profits come from 20% of your inventory. But, how do you take advantage of this information?

- Published: 2021-02-04
- Modified: 2025-01-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/inventory-management-rule/
- Categories: Business tips, Inventory management

The 80/20 inventory rule states that 80% of your profits come from 20% of your inventory. But, how do you take advantage of this information? If you sell 10 items, and in your storage space you can store 100 items, it almost seems laughably logical to have 10 of each item. Unfortunately, it’s not that simple. You’ll probably notice that 20 items are always out of stock, while the remaining 80 go unnoticed. If this is a problem that sounds familiar to you, then you’ll be glad to know that in this article, we’re going to look into a life hack: The 80/20 Inventory rule. By the time you’ve finished reading this article, you’ll have learned: What is the 80/20 inventory rule; How to implement inventory rules; and The best tools for optimizing inventory management. PRO TIP: Don’t suffer another moment trying to figure out how to improve your inventory management. Learn about what is inventory rule and more with our free e-book on inventory management. What is the 80/20 Inventory Rule? The 80/20 inventory rule is the tactic of prioritizing the 20% of your inventory that accounts for 80% of your business's profit. Manufacturers usually apply this inventory rule when auditing their inventory to reduce carrying costs and lead time. But there are many more benefits to using this technique, which we will explore later. The 80/20 inventory rule comes from a theory called the Pareto principle. The Pareto principle, named after economist Vilfredo Pareto, is an observation (not law) developed by Joseph M. Juran, who stated that when performing any quality control or improvement, only 20% of the effort spent contributes to 80% of the output. The Pareto principle is a rule of thumb that you can apply to all areas of your business, such as: Manufacturing - 20% of your production process accounts for 80% of a finished good; Management – 20% of your planning accounts for 80% of your scheduling; and Human Resources – 20% of your workforce accounts for 80% of the work completed. The idea of the 80/20 inventory rules is to highlight the relationship between the number of resources that a product or process consumes and the potential ROI of these actions. And once you discover which inventory is moving faster than others, you can then make decisions like how to optimize your workflow or scale back the production of certain goods. So, how exactly do you use the 80/20 inventory rule within your manufacturing processes? How to Implement the 80/20 Inventory Rule? With the 80/20 inventory rule, you are supposing that: 80% of your sales come from 20% of your inventory; 80% of your customers only want 20% of your products; and 80% of your storage is waste, and 20% of your storage contains items that sell. Focusing on the 20% of Your Inventory To do this, you’re going to need to identify what products sell consistently for you, which is a relatively easy task. If you’re a t-shirt manufacturer and your blue ones are selling like hotcakes, you need to make sure you always...

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> Our latest update allows you to track all your inventory movement throughout your entire production cycle. Learn more.

- Published: 2021-02-01
- Modified: 2022-05-05
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/full-traceability/
- Categories: Product updates

The latest update allows you to add a batch/lot number to your raw materials to monitor their movements and expiration dates, giving you full traceability. No more second-guessing where your items are or when they might expire. With the Advanced subscription plan, you now have access to end-to-end traceability of all your inventory items. This latest update allows you to track all your inventory movement throughout your entire production cycle. How to use traceability in Katana Product traceability was originally available for tracking your finished goods movements and expiry dates by assigning batch numbers to those products. But with full traceability, you can monitor the movements and expiration dates of your raw materials, components, and sub-assemblies too. But, how do you do this? Step 1: Turn on batch tracking via the Item card. Step 2: With a manufacturing order open, enter the batch number. Step 3: When a sales order is marked as delivered, select a batch number from within the sales order. Step 4: When you receive a delivery, enter the batch number within the purchase order card. Step 5: When a manufacturing order is marked as ‘Done’ go ahead and pick a batch number. Is this update for you? Batch tracking is essential, and even a legal requirement, for manufacturers who work with: Food and beverages Cosmetics Pharmaceuticals Electronics However, having full batch traceability is just as good for manufacturers who follow a make-to-stock workflow and need to keep a close eye on items after they’ve been manufactured. The reason having the ability to track your items is important, especially for those who handle perishable inventory, is because it’s an essential tool if you need to: Check the expiry dates on items Trace a product back to its original batch Perform product recalls with ease If you want a more in-depth guide to item traceability, you can find more information at the Knowledge Base. If you have any questions about the update, please feel free to get in touch with us, and we’ll be more than happy to help. And until next time, happy tracking

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> Set up automatic import of orders from Salesforce to Katana, helping you manage your sales and manufacturing orders from one platform.

- Published: 2021-01-26
- Modified: 2024-05-23
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/import-salesforce-orders/
- Categories: Product updates

Centralize your order management with the new Katana x Salesforce integration made possible with Zapier. We have another workflow integration tested and working with Zapier! Manufacturers managing orders with Salesforce can now integrate their accounts to set up automatic import of orders from Salesforce to Katana, helping you manage your sales and manufacturing orders from one platform. Salesforce is just another app in our long list of integrations with Zapier. If you want to read more about the endless workflow combinations you can create, be sure to click here. How to set up automatic imports of Salesforce orders Setting up sales imports for Salesforce orders is more complicated than other applications. To help you get started, feel free to use the Katana x Salesforce template we put together. The following guide is meant to be a condensed version. However, you can follow an in-depth guide over at the Knowledge Base or arrange to have a call with us, and we can help you implement the integration. Step 1: Log into your Zapier account to create a Zap. Choose “Salesforce” as the app and set the trigger as “New Record” This will create automatic imports for future orders from Salesforce. Step 2: Choose Salesforce as the app and log in to your account to begin the connection. You can follow the Zapier guide to connect Salesforce to help you get started. Step 3: Set the trigger as “Order Product” as you need to run Zapier imports per each line item, otherwise Salesforce orders won’t be sent to Katana with all the necessary information. When orders are sent to Katana, the line items will be grouped back into a single order based on the Order Number. Step 4: Now it’s time to get all the relevant information sent from Salesforce to Katana, and in total, you need to set up four objects: Order product (which you have done) Order Product Account So, same as before, select Salesforce as the app, but this time set the action event as “Find Record” Choose the same Salesforce account, set the action as “Order” and select “Order ID” as the search value. You can go ahead and map the “Order ID” from the previous “Trigger on new Order Product in Salesforce” step. You’ll need to follow this process another two times to continue the set up. However, you’ll want to instead: Select “Product” as the action and “Product ID” as the search value Select “Account” as the action and “Account ID” as the search value Step 5: Now you’ve set up the triggers, you can go ahead and set up the Action by selecting “Katana” and choosing “Find customer” to match your customer details in Katana and Salesforce. Step 6: After logging in to your Katana account, you can customize your customer information and search for them to match customers between both accounts. You can do this by selecting “Name” from in this case. If you want to create new customers, you can select “Create Katana MRP Customer if it doesn’t exist yet? ” Step 7: Once the customer details are filled in you can now create the next action, which will be setting up your sales order imports from Salesforce. However, to do so, go to “Customer ID”, go to "Custom",...

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> Feel like you’re losing momentum and need a little pick me up? In this article, we look at the winning formula for DC2 manufacturers in 2024.

- Published: 2021-01-22
- Modified: 2024-05-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/winning-formula-for-d2c-manufacturers/
- Categories: Business tips

Feel like you’re losing momentum and need a little pick me up? In this article, we look at the winning formula for DC2 manufacturers in 2024. As you already know, running a manufacturing business is a tough gig, so when looking for helpful tips and suggestions, you just want to get straight to the point. That's why we put together this article on the winning formula for direct-to-consumer (D2C) manufacturers in 2024, so you know exactly what you need to get ahead. As per the recent manufacturing trends, people are increasingly supportive of D2C manufacturers with simplified supply chains that cut out the middlemen and offer more customized products. This would indicate that the customer base for D2C makers is on a steady uptrend. But to get ahead, there are certain steps manufacturers should take. This article will look at the winning formula for manufacturers employing the D2C strategy, which helps them capitalize on this market sentiment. The formula itself is as follows: Ecommerce platform + inventory software + accounting tool = Success Let's pick this formula apart, explore each of these tools and see exactly how these three things are the key to unlocking your business' full potential. What's the difference between D2C and B2C? D2C and B2C are two different business models that describe how companies sell their products or services to consumers. Here's the difference between the two. Direct-to-consumer (D2C) D2C refers to a business model in which companies sell their products or services directly to consumers without any intermediaries or middlemen. In this model, companies bypass traditional distribution channels like wholesalers, retailers, or third-party marketplaces and establish a direct relationship with their customers. D2C companies typically handle everything from production and marketing to sales and customer support. They often leverage ecommerce platforms, online marketplaces, or their own websites to sell products directly to consumers. Business-to-consumer (B2C) B2C refers to a business model in which companies sell their products or services to individual consumers. In this model, companies act as producers or suppliers, and they sell their offerings through various distribution channels like retail stores, online marketplaces, or even direct sales. B2C companies typically focus on meeting the needs and preferences of individual consumers and often employ marketing and advertising strategies to attract customers. Your ecommerce platform It’s estimated that 2. 14 billion people shop online worldwide, that’s why it’s essential to get set up with an ecommerce platform so that potential customers can easily find you. Selling online doesn’t mean you have to close your brick-and-mortar store. Many inventory management solutions support multichannel selling, allowing you to manage all your stores from a centralized platform. Global ecommerce sales are expected to reach a whopping $6. 3 trillion in 2023, meaning selling online is necessary if you want to take a slice of this lucrative pie. However, with so many platforms and online marketplaces to sell from, where do you get set up? While there are a lot of options to choose from, there are a handful...

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> Check out our top picks for the best accounting software for Shopify for modern manufacturers looking to optimize their workflows.

- Published: 2021-01-18
- Modified: 2024-05-22
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/best-accounting-software-for-shopify/
- Categories: Accounting, Manufacturing, Top lists

Finding the best accounting software for Shopify is no walk in the park. Here are our top picks of the year to help bring your search closer to an end. Not a fan of the old balance sheets and accounting? You’re not the only one. There’s some comfort to be taken in that sure. But without looking at the best accounting software for Shopify available, you might be stuck doing it yourself — and accounting can be time-consuming.   That’s why you need to find the best accounting software for Shopify for smooth accounting processes. Shopify itself will provide you with tracking for your sales, discounts, and refunds. However, this is limited and lacks detailed information for your accountant to use, such as the cost of goods sold. There are many options out there to assist you, and which software you choose will mostly come down to the details and particulars of your business.   But more than anything, you want to be looking for software that makes life easier for you. Ideally, you want cloud-based software that integrates with your current system as much as possible to take the load off your hands. And it’ll be especially handy if it fits in with your Shopify order management system. But where will you find such an ideal solution? We have delved deep into the dark abyss of accounting software to find you the best of the best. Align your teams and grow your business with manufacturing software. Katana's Xero manufacturing software helps you easily integrate your accounting, inventory, production, and sales. Get a demo today. 1. QuickBooks Online Available for — web applications, Desktop App on Mac or Windows. Mobile app — iOS and Android. Price — starting from $10/month. The first three months of your plan will be at a 50% rate. Following this period, the starting price is $20/month. Free trial — 30-day free trial. Shopify integration — QuickBooks Online has third-party integrations with Shopify to import data. QuickBooks Online has a highly visual interface.   This is an underestimated factor to consider when looking at the best accounting software for Shopify. QuickBooks Online frankly smashes the ball out of the park on this one. It's so easy to follow how your accounts are doing without having to spend precious brain energy running through numbers. Take your manufacturing to the next level by integrating QuickBooks Online with a visual and simple but powerful all-in-one manufacturing solution from Katana.   With a friendly interface that's easy to navigate, there's a good reason that QuickBooks Online is at the top of most searches when looking at Shopify accounting. But its visual attractiveness is certainly not to be taken for shallowness. The colorful pie charts and graphs will mean you can keep track of your accounts without needing an expert to decode everything.   Perfect for manufacturers looking to use QuickBooks Online. But don't be fooled. The range of features it offers is far and wide. Here are a few of them to get you started: Integrate QuickBooks Online with the Shopify inventory software —...

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> A multilevel BOM is a hierarchical representation of components, assemblies, and subassemblies needed to manufacture a product. Learn more.

- Published: 2021-01-11
- Modified: 2024-01-18
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/multi-level-bom/
- Categories: Business tips, Manufacturing

Manufacturing businesses with a complex manufacturing process involving subassemblies need a multilevel BOM. Here we look into how to make them work. A multilevel bill of materials (BOM), or an indented bill of materials, is a hierarchical structure representing the components, subassemblies, and finished products required to manufacture a particular item. This allows for a comprehensive view of the product's entire manufacturing process. The hierarchical BOM structures in your multilevel BOM show your finished product at the top, including your SKUs, part descriptions, quantities, costs, and additional specifications. Multilevel BOMs are a vital ingredient for manufacturing, especially for manufacturers who use multiple subassemblies to produce their finished goods. There are different types of BOMs you should be aware of: Modular BOM Configurable BOM Multilevel BOM This article will explore the world of multilevel BOMs and everything you need to know to get more control over them. Structure of a multilevel BOM The structure of a multilevel BOM resembles a family tree and maps out all components and subassemblies of a product. Each BOM level will detail all the components that are directly or indirectly used in the production of a parent item. The purchased parts and raw materials can also be found within a BOM level, which will look like a BOM tree. Importance and purpose of multilevel BOM If you want to set up your operation with the smoothest production flow possible, there's a lot you need to do not to bog down your production later. This includes finding the best manufacturing routes and optimizing your inventory management. However, one document you need to have ready long before you even begin production is a bill of materials (BOM). The purpose of having your multilevel BOM is: Overview of assemblies — To have greater details and specificity on the parent and subassemblies in the product and their exact relationship between the subassemblies and the finished product. Prevent errors when dealing with subassemblies — If your manufacturing business is scaling, it becomes necessary to break down your products into subassemblies and them into smaller subassemblies, components, and so on. This is essential for preventing errors and helping accurately track parts. We'll be talking a lot about subassemblies, so let's go over the definition and look at an example. What is a subassembly? Subassembly can be described as several components put together to make a unit, which can then be used as a part for a larger assembly or a finished product. A subassembly can also function as a finished item sold separately to customers or used to finish constructing another product. Understanding subassemblies is essential as this is a key part of developing your multilevel BOM. This means you’ll need intimate knowledge of your materials, components, and subassemblies to develop your indented bill of materials. Subassembly example As mentioned earlier, subassemblies look like a BOM tree comprised of your raw materials, components, and subassemblies. At the top of the tree, you have your finished good (or parent product/level 0), and branching off from there, all...

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- Published: 2020-12-29
- Modified: 2024-05-23
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/ebay-integration/
- Categories: Product updates

Take advantage of Zapier to set-up the Katana X eBay integration. No more running between your different apps! Using Zapier, you can automatically import sales orders (SOs) from eBay to your Katana account.   Build your own integrations in a matter of minutes and without coding experience, so you can get more control over your production by connecting your eBay SOs directly to Katana. Before we look into how to set-up eBay X Katana, Zapier is a tool to help you automate and integrate your different apps for running your business. You can read more about that by clicking here. How to set up the eBay x Katana integration Step 1: Create and log into your Zapier account to create a Zap. Choose “eBay” as the app and set the trigger as “New Order” By doing this will create an automatic import of future sales orders from eBay. Step 2: Log into your eBay account. Step 3: Now it’s time to start setting up your actions by selecting “Katana MRP” and matching customers from Katana and eBay, or create new customers at this stage. Step 4: Finish setting up the automatic imports for eBay sales orders by selecting “Create Sales Order” and set-up: Customers Locations the SOs are sent Products by SKUs Taxes on your sales What does the eBay x Katana update mean for you? Using Zapier allows you to implement a smooth workflow by connecting and centralizing your sales and manufacturing orders by easily importing your SOs to Katana. They also offer a 14-day free trial, so you can try out automating your entire business today at the Zapier marketplace. This update is going to help you easily manage your apps, saving you time and money. But, most importantly, allowing you to stay focused on growing your business. You can follow an in-depth guide on how to set up the integration over at the Knowledge Base. If you have any questions about using Zapier or the new integration, you’re more than welcome to drop us an email, and we’ll be more than happy to answer them. And until next time, happy manufacturing.

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> Starting from right now, you can enjoy improvements to your inventory synchronization, giving you quick and reliable stock sync between Shopify and Katana!

- Published: 2020-12-22
- Modified: 2022-04-26
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/shopify-api-payload/
- Categories: Product updates

Shopify API payload usage is improved with the latest Katana update. The update has finally landed! Starting from right now, you can enjoy improvements to your inventory synchronization, giving you quick and reliable stock sync between Shopify and Katana!   We’ve overhauled the Shopify API payload usage, which will drastically reduce inventory synchronization time. For example, your stock adjustment information moves at 60% quicker from Katana to Shopify. Update your Katana X Shopify SKUs The inventory sync will only work if you have matched your SKU’s within Katana and Shopify. If you haven’t yet updated your SKUs on both platforms, the inventory sync will not work correctly. Here’s where you can update your SKUs: Katana: You can edit your SKU’s via the “Items” screen within the product card or in bulk by downloading a template from the Data import screen under “Settings”. Shopify: You can edit your SKU’s via the “All products” page and select the product you want to update. Read more about how inventory synchronization works between Shopify and Katana over at the Knowledge Base. If you have any questions about the update or anything else, please feel free to drop us an email, and we’d be happy to answer them. And until next time, happy manufacturing.

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> You can now import Magento sales orders (SOs) to Katana manually or automatically using our latest tried and tested integration with Zapier! Learn more.

- Published: 2020-12-14
- Modified: 2022-04-26
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/magento-integration/
- Categories: Product updates

Katana x Magento: Automatic Import of Your Sales Orders to Katana We have exciting news for Magento users! You can now import Magento sales orders (SOs) to Katana manually or automatically using our latest tried and tested integration with Zapier! Zapier is a tool allowing users to create their own integrations between their different business apps and was the reason it received an endorsement by Jordan Belfort on The Wolf’s Den podcast. Effortlessly centralize all your apps and increase productivity with a smooth workflow from sales to manufacturing. You can get a complete overview of Zapier by clicking here. Is this update for you? Regardless of if you’re using Magento 1 or 2, by integrating your e-commerce platform to Katana, you can get more control over your inventory and manufacturing by not having to jump between different apps. And to set it up, all you have to do is follow the steps listed below: Step 1: Log into your Zapier account and create a new Zap. Choose “Magento” or “Magento 2” as the app and set the trigger as “New Order” Step 2: Connect your Magento account and log in. NOTE: If you’re using Magento 1, you’re going to need to do some configuration in your Magento admin panel. You can find out how to do this by following Zapier’s guide on connecting Magento 1. Step 3: Time to start setting up the actions. You can do this by selecting “Katana MRP” as the app, and matching the customers between the two apps, or create new customers in Katana. Step 4: You can finally start setting up the automatic import for sales orders by selecting “Create Sales Order” and define: The customer; The location the SO will be sent to; The products by their SKUs; and The tax on sales. And there you have it! If you want a step-by-step guide on how to set-up the Katana x Magento integration, be sure to head over to the Knowledge Base. What does the Katana x Magento update mean for you? By taking advantage of Zapier, you can create a smooth workflow, connecting your sales and manufacturing orders by easily importing Magento SOs to Katana. Why not head over to the Zapier marketplace today and start automating your processes with their 14-day free trial? We’re sure this new update is going to save you and your business time and money. If you have any questions about the integration or Zapier, please feel free to get in touch with us and we’ll be more than happy to answer them. And until next time, happy integrating.

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- Published: 2020-12-08
- Modified: 2022-05-05
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/api-integration/
- Categories: Product updates

The latest update brings the new API, which allows Katana users to create their own integrations with their other business apps. You’re searching for software to automate your manufacturing workflow and find what seems like the perfect solution to all your problems. The only issue is the software doesn’t have native integrations with your favorite apps. So, what do you do now? Here’s the answer — create your own integrations with the launch of our new API! Connect your e-commerce and CRM systems to Katana to automatically import your sales orders to bridge the gap between your sales and manufacturing orders. What is an API? https://www. youtube. com/watch? v=s7wmiS2mSXY The API will allow you to seize the initiative to create your own integrations between all your business apps and Katana, so you can: Synchronize your SO’s automatically from your e-commerce channels, CRM, and accounting solutions Perform one-time import of historical SO data Import all your products (including the variants), customer, and suppliers' details What are the benefits of using API? We’ve identified three values in which taking advantage of the API can benefit your business: Enable. Using the API is going to help you expand upon the capabilities of existing Katana integrations and integrate all your other applications too. Empower. The API is going to give you the tools to use your applications to the fullest, allowing you to scale your business with better decision-making from improved visibility. Efficiency. Automate workflows that you currently handle manually and use API as an onboarding tool to import historical data. If you want to get started on your journey to automation, you can head over to the Developer portal here. Alternatively, if coding isn’t your strong suit, we have put together a directory of integration partners who can help you with the heavy lifting! NOTE: If you’re interested in becoming an integration partner, be sure to check out how to become one. If you have any questions, such as how to outsource building custom integrations, be sure to check out our Knowledge Base article or shoot us an email, and we’ll be more than glad to answer them. And until next time, Happy manufacturing.

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> Having multiple Shopify stores can be tricky. Here's everything you need to know about Shopify multi-store management for manufacturers.

- Published: 2020-11-26
- Modified: 2024-05-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/shopify-multi-stores/
- Categories: Ecommerce

Having multiple Shopify stores can be tricky, but it comes with plenty of benefits when managed well and with the right software. Here's everything you need to know about Shopify multi-store management for manufacturers. Sellers will set up multiple stores with Shopify to expand their business, increase sales, and better serve their customers. Unfortunately, you can’t set up multiple Shopify stores under one account. However, there is a solution. Shopify multiple stores refer to Shopify sellers who have more than one account, sometimes also known as a Shopify multi-store. But, Shopify inventory management across different stores can quickly become confusing. If you’re a manufacturer working this way, you will already know how confusing it can become managing several businesses on the go. And with Katana, you can centralize your multiple Shopify stores when managing your business — especially if you’re selling products at different stores. For example, someone with consignment inventory will store products with another company and sell them directly to customers. This article will look at how manufacturers can control their multiple Shopify stores and look into the Katana Shopify inventory synchronization feature, which is very important for accurate information on your inventory levels. How many Shopify stores can you have? The answer is that you can have as many Shopify stores as you want — it all depends on what your business needs. There are various reasons as to why a business would have Shopify multiple stores. It could be that they sell vastly different products, or one store is B2B and the other a B2C. PRO TIP: Shopify has over 4 million active sellers, meaning you can't afford to slack with your business. Get a copy of our free and ultimate Shopify guide to learn more about Shopify manufacturing, how to grow your business, the apps you'll need, and how to bring it all together with cloud inventory software. Download the Ultimate Shopify Selling Ebook for Manufacturers See how successful Shopify sellers streamline their sales through manufacturing. Best practices when you have multiple Shopify stores Running one store is a challenge in and of itself. So, managing multiple Shopify stores only increases the pressure. That's why it's important to adopt certain methods of running your businesses. Otherwise, you'll quickly get overwhelmed, and all your stores will suffer the consequences of poor business management. To help you out, here's a list of best practices for businesses running multiple Shopify stores: 1. Consolidate your customer support Multiple queries from multiple Shopify stores can quickly lead to multiple problems if they come from different channels. Consolidating your customer support system will allow you and your team to access queries from one place and ensure that no support tickets are left unanswered. 2. Using data to uncover hidden opportunities It's great taking the Shopify multi-store approach to selling because you can use each store's analytics to discover untapped niches. Take advantage of Google Analytics and other tools to find out information about the people who visit your store. Once you've done this, you'll be able to see...

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> Get more control over your sales and manufacturing orders with the latest Zapier integration: Katana and Xero.

- Published: 2020-11-25
- Modified: 2024-05-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/xero-sales-import/
- Categories: Product updates

Get more control over your sales and manufacturing orders with the latest Zapier integration: Katana and Xero. Choose exactly when you start manufacturing your products with improved sales order (SO) management between Xero and Katana with the latest Zapier integration. Using Zapier will allow you to define your workflow by configuring when Xero sales appear in Katana by either: Generating SOs from newly accepted quotes or Generating SOs from newly paid invoices Zapier allows you to set up the perfect manufacturing process that works for your business. Is this integration for you? As you might already be aware, we already have an integration with Xero that helps you easily record your revenue, costs, and keep customer information synchronized. However, by handling your sales imports with Zapier, you can begin your workflow process within Xero, only starting production when a quote has been accepted or an invoice has been paid for by a client. So, you know exactly when's the best time to start manufacturing. Pro tip: Creating orders via Zapier is independent of our native Xero integration. Keep this in mind when using the integration so as not to accidentally create a duplicate invoice within Xero (we’ll explain this later in the article). But, first things first: What is Zapier? Zapier is a tool built for businesses looking to integrate all the web applications they use in a matter of minutes, without the need to have any knowledge on how to write code. How to Import SOs from Xero with Zapier? Step 1: Log into your Zapier account and create a new Zap. Choose Xero as the app and set the trigger as a “Sales order invoice” or “New quote” Sales order invoice will trigger an import once an invoice has been paid, and a new quote trigger will send an SO to Katana when an invoice has been accepted. However, this needs to be properly defined in the next step. Step 2: Connect your Xero account, and once you’ve done that, you can now choose when you want your SOs imported into Katana. Select one of the two options under status: “Paid” – if you selected “Sales order invoice” as your trigger; and “Accepted” - If you selected “New quote” as your trigger. Step 3: Now, you can finish configuring how you want the Katana x Xero sales orders will interact with each other. You can match customers on your Xero and Katana accounts or create new ones, and you can even create new sales orders via Zapier. NOTE: If you create Katana SOs via Zapier, they don’t link back to Xero. Be careful not to create any duplicates within Xero via Katana because you may end up creating an invoice that already exists in Xero. If you want a comprehensive, step-by-step guide on setting up the Zapier Katana x Xero sales orders imports, feel free to head over to the Knowledge Base. Using Zapier allows you to control exactly when SOs are imported into Katana, so you can start manufacturing at the most logical step of your fulfillment process. Why not test it out for yourself? Head over to the Zapier marketplace and...

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> A bill of materials (BOM) is a comprehensive list of all the raw materials, components, sub-assemblies, and parts required to manufacture a product.

- Published: 2020-11-23
- Modified: 2024-09-02
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/bill-of-materials/
- Categories: Business tips, Manufacturing

A bill of materials is an essential part of the manufacturing process. Here we look at why that is and how growing manufacturers can best use BOMs. If you've ever bought an item from IKEA's wide selection of furniture inventory or played with Legos, you know that your best bet to start using the item pictured on the box is to follow the instructions and assemble it accordingly. However, if you're like most men, you first try assembling these things without even knowing that the manual exists. After an hour or two of furious manufacturing, you step back and notice that the item resembles nothing like what's on the box. If you're lucky, maybe you accidentally created something you need anyway. But more than likely, you must take this construction apart, admit defeat, and look for the instruction manual. The moral of the story is that instruction manuals are pretty handy, and using them does not mean you've been defeated. Even manufacturers who push out hundreds of products have such manuals. They just call them by a different name — a bill of materials (BOM) or a product recipe. This article will explore the ins and outs of bills of materials, look at what is BOM in manufacturing, how to make a BOM, and what you need to know about a bill of materials management. What is a bill of materials? A bill of materials (BOM) is a comprehensive, structured list of raw materials, subassemblies, intermediate assemblies, subcomponents, parts, and the quantities needed to manufacture a product. It has various applications and is sometimes referred to as a production recipe, assembly list, or component list. It typically includes information about the quantities of each item needed, as well as information about the specifications and quality requirements for each item. A BOM serves as a reference document for manufacturers and suppliers, enabling them to manage their inventory and production processes efficiently. It is an essential component of the manufacturing process, providing a clear outline of all the components required to build a product and helping to ensure that the finished product meets the required quality standards. BOMs can be used in a variety of industries, from manufacturing and construction to software development and engineering. Regardless of where your business operates in the manufacturing industry, all manufacturers get started by creating their BOMs. Single vs. multilevel bill of materials A bill of materials is a vital document for production management, ordering replacements, and performing maintenance on your products. It allows businesses to manage purchases and reduces the possibility of errors. When it comes to the structure, there are two types of BOMs: Single-level bill of materials Multilevel bill of materials Single-level bill of materials A single-level bill of materials structure is a simple list of parts to produce a product. It consists of only one level in components, assemblies, and materials. Although simplicity can sometimes be best, a single-level BOM may not be suitable for more complex products. One critical factor to consider...

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- Published: 2020-11-11
- Modified: 2022-04-26
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/import-bigcommerce-sales-orders/
- Categories: Product updates

Bridge the gap between your sales and manufacturing with the new Katana x BigCommerce integration. Time to centralize your sales orders (SOs) with our latest integration with Zapier, allowing you to manually or automatically import all your sales orders from BigCommerce to Katana.   We have already tested importing SOs from BigCommerce. However, using Zapier means you can test out importing SOs with all your other apps (e-commerce, accounting tools, CRM, etc. ) too. But before we go through the step-by-step guide of how to import your BigCommerce SOs, what is Zapier? What is Zapier? Zapier is a tool that allows users to integrate all their different web applications, doing so in a matter of minutes and without any need to write their own codes. How to Import SOs from BigCommerce? Step 1: Make a Zapier account, create a new Zap, and choose an app, in this case, it’ll be “BigCommerce” Step 2: To automate your sales orders, once you’ve chosen the app, you can set-up the trigger, which will be “New Order” Step 3: Choose your BigCommerce account. Step 4: You can customize when the import is triggered at certain stages of its order status. We recommend choosing “Awaiting Fulfillment” which indicates the order is paid, and ready to be sent over to Katana. Step 5: Now you’ve set up your trigger, you can go ahead and set up the Action by selecting “Katana” and setting up the action under “Find customer” to match your customer details in Katana and BigCommerce. Step 6: After logging in to your Katana account, you can customize your customer and search for customer’s emails to match customers. You can do this by selecting “Billing Address Email” from BigCommerce in this case. If you want to create new customers, you can select “Crease Katana MRP Customer if it doesn’t exist yet? ” Step 7: Once the customer details are filled in you can now create the next action, which will be setting up your sales order imports from BigCommerce. However, to do so, go to fill the “Customer ID”, go to "Custom", then “2. Find or Create Customer in Katana MRP” and select "ID" from the Katana section. This ID is not visible within the Katana user interface, but we recommend using it as a Customer ID in the Zap as it is a unique identifier. Step 8: As an Order Number, choose an appropriate identifier from BigCommerce fields. We recommend using ID paired with a keyword “BigCommerce-” This will generate orders like “BigCommerce-101”, “BigCommerce-102” and help you identify BigCommerce orders in Katana. Step 9: And to finally wrap this process up, you can finish by choosing the: Location; Dates created; Delivery dates; SKUs; Quantity; Base price of your products; and Tax rates. And, in a nutshell, that’s it! If you’re more of a visual learner, be sure to check out the video guide below: https://www. youtube. com/watch? v=4jGvQ-6GQZQ However, if you want an in-depth guide into setting up the Katana x BigCommerce Zapier, you can check out the article on the Knowledge Base. What does this mean for you? Using Zapier will allow you to bridge the gap between your sales and manufacturing orders by easily importing your BigCommerce SOs...

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> Katana's Zapier integration gives you the tools to automate your sale orders from your favorite e-commerce platforms.

- Published: 2020-10-26
- Modified: 2022-08-03
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/import-sale-orders-with-zapier/
- Categories: Product updates

Katana's Zapier integration gives you the tools to automate your sale orders from your favorite e-commerce platforms. The wait is finally over! You can now import all your sales orders into Katana, using our new integration with Zapier .   What Is Zapier? Zapier is an online automation tool that allows you to integrate all your e-commerce platforms and other apps, so you can automatically send information between each individual app. https://youtu. be/Gb18ofeoQV4 What do you need to do? We’ve already set up and tested the integration with Google Sheets, which will allow you to import sale orders via spreadsheets, either manually or by creating triggers to set up automatic sync. However, if you handle your sales with a different method, using Zapier, you will be able to create your own integration with your favorite apps. How do you use the Zapier integration? In 8 easy steps, here’s how you set-up sales orders imports using the new integration: Step 1: Firstly, if you haven’t already done so, you’ll need to set up a spreadsheet to import. Step 3: Set up and test your triggers. Step 4: Now you can choose an action, you’ll want to search and select Katana. Step 5: Once you’ve chosen an action, you can now match your customers on the spreadsheet and Katana before moving on to your SO's. Step 6: Map the cells from Google Sheets to the matching criteria and fields needed to create your customers. Step 7: Now, you can add your sales orders to spreadsheets by following the same steps before, but mapping the Google sheet fields to Katana SO fields instead. Step 8: You’re fully set up and live! The integration will continue triggering new SO’s based on new rows added to your Google Sheets. What does this mean for you? The Zapier x Katana integration means that you can now customize exactly how all the apps you work with connects with Katana, giving you the power to centralize your entire business onto one dashboard. Get all your apps set up and synchronized with Katana today by heading over to the Zapier marketplace and take a look at the Knowledge Base for an in-depth guide on how to complete the integration. We’re sure that you’ll find this new update valuable, and if you have any questions, feel free to drop us an email, and we’ll be more than happy to answer them. And until next time, happy manufacturing.

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- Published: 2020-10-07
- Modified: 2021-08-23
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/software-advice-top-manufacturing-software-2020/
- Categories: Company News

According to Software Advice’s latest report, Katana MRP is one of Gartner FrontRunners in the Top Manufacturing Software Report 2020, based on positive user reviews and ratings. You can find the methodology Software Advice used to make this list, but it all came down to: User satisfaction User experience Katana MRP is one of the frontrunners for Manufacturing Software in 2020, because customer experience and satisfaction is at the heart of everything that we do. FrontRunners constitute the subjective opinions of individual end-user reviews, ratings, and data applied against a documented methodology; they neither represent the views of, nor constitute an endorsement by, Software Advice or its affiliates.  See the full report here. What’s next? We're excited to be listed as a rising star amongst many well-established enterprise software. Katana MRP is built around customers, so we don't see this recognition as the end - but just the beginning. Some of our latest releases include: Shop-floor App Time Tracking Batch / LOT Number Tracking And Much More! "This latest recognition from Software Advice demonstrates that Katana is not only the perfect tool for micro and small manufacturers but also for larger players in the SMB manufacturing arena. Customers are at the center of everything we do at Katana, so we view this latest recognition as just the beginning. Listening to our customers' needs and feedback is what drives us to develop more features that scaling businesses need to continue to grow. ” Kristjan Vilosius, Founder and CEO at Katana Katana has grown from a tool initially designed for manufacturers who sell online, to a service that is tailored for both traditional B2B manufacturing as well as the fast-growing D2C manufacturing market. Manufacturing ERP software is a manufacturer's best friend, allowing them to process orders, manage inventory, schedule production, and handle their bill of materials. This list is the ultimate who’s who of the manufacturing ERP software world, letting Capterra users quickly compare features from the best software on the market today. About Software Advice Software Advice compares the software options your business needs, so you don’t have to. They undertake in-depth software research so that users can easily find the best software for their business within 15 minutes. And, the best part – it's completely free.  Read more about Software Advice here. We’re happy to bring you this news, and we look forward to helping you grow your manufacturing business further. Happy manufacturing, Katana Team

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- Published: 2020-10-04
- Modified: 2022-02-09
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/capterra-top-20-mrp-software-2020/
- Categories: Company News

Katana is one of the most popular MRP and Manufacturing Software in 2020, based on verified ratings from users. According to Capterra’s report, Katana is one of the most popular MRP and Manufacturing Software in 2020, based on verified ratings from users. You can find the methodology Capterra used to make this list, but it all came down to: Positive reviews from users Growing popularity among users from all over the world "Katana is moving up in the market attracting increasingly bigger customers, so it’s an honor to be included on a list that is so heavily weighted on user experience. This latest recognition from Capterra demonstrates that Katana is not only the perfect tool for micro and small manufacturers but also for larger players in the SMB manufacturing arena. Katana has grown from a tool initially designed for manufacturers who sell online, to a service that is tailored for both traditional B2B manufacturing as well as the fast-growing D2C manufacturing market. " Kristjan Vilosius, Founder and CEO at Katana What’s next? We're excited to be listed as a rising star amongst many well-established enterprise software. But this is just the beginning. Some of our latest releases include: Shop-floor App Time Tracking Batch / LOT Number Tracking And Much More! MRP software is a manufacturer's best friend, allowing them to process orders, manage inventory, schedule production, and handle their bill of materials. This list is the ultimate who’s who of the MRP software world, letting Capterra users quickly compare features from the best software on the market today. About Capterra Capterra is the go-to marketplace for software comparison, and best of all, it’s free to use. This allows users to easily check out software on the market that best serves their business' needs and, as it currently stands, Capterra has published over one million verified reviews to their website.  Read more about Capterra here. We’re happy to bring you this news, and we look forward to helping you grow your manufacturing business further. Happy manufacturing, Katana Team

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> Evaluate shop floor performance to compare planned task execution time against the actual completion time of operations.

- Published: 2020-09-28
- Modified: 2025-01-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/time-tracking/
- Categories: Product updates

Evaluate shop floor performance to compare planned task execution time against the actual completion time of operations with Katana's new time-tracking functionalities. Time to evaluate the efficiency of your shop-floor performance with our new KPI time tracking feature, which will allow you to compare planned task execution time against the actual completion time of operations. This feature allows you, and your managers, to improve your business: Planning decisions Pricing decisions Performance evaluations Time tracking So, what exactly can you do with the floor-level operations time tracking? Time tracking with MRP and the Shop Floor App With this new feature, the biggest change will apply to your MRP control. Now, from the Katana dashboard, you can: Pause an operator’s task; Revert or change a status; and Change operators. Within the MRP and shop floor app, you’ll see the new column called Planned/actual time, which shows you the time you estimated the operation would take to complete. But, once you change the status to Done, Katana will calculate and display the actual completion time, so you can see them both side by side. If you want to take your analysis even further, you can head over to the Done tab within your Tasks and export that information as a CSV file. What does time tracking mean for you? This latest update will allow you to identify bottlenecks within your operations and give you a better understanding of your manufacturing lead times. Also, you can block individual operations from the MRP dashboard, helping your operators understand exactly what needs to be done in the event an operation step is unnecessary for a particular order. If you want to read more about time tracking, be sure to check out the Knowledge Base article or feel free to drop us an email if you have any questions. And until next time, happy manufacturing.

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> Katana users can now see expected and missing ingredients on their sales order cards. Learn more about this update.

- Published: 2020-09-01
- Modified: 2022-05-05
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/expected-and-missing-ingredients/
- Categories: Product updates

Katana users can now see expected and missing ingredients on their sales order cards. Don’t waste energy on manual work – save time with the latest update from Katana. Detailed information on expected and missing ingredients needed for manufacturing the sales items is now available in one convenient place on the sales order (SO) card view. How to see expected and missing ingredients on SO card Head over to your Sales Orders on the Sales screen and click an open Sales Order (SO). There you’ll be able to see the status of the ingredients for each item in your open SO. When the status of the ingredients is ‘Expected’ or ‘Not Available’ you can: Click on the (i) symbol on the status to view inventory info View the ‘Missing and expected ingredients’ conveniently listed on the SO card Missing ingredients are marked in red, and include the option to ‘Buy’ (create new PO) from the ‘Expected by’ column Expected items will include a link to the new PO listed in the ‘Expected by’ column When a new PO is created, the status of the ingredient will be amended on the ‘Missing / expected quantity’ column to reflect the expected ingredient order. When the same item variant has some quantities that are both missing and expected, the ingredient will be presented across two separate rows to reflect each status. If you want to learn more about how to use this solution, be sure to check out the Knowledge Base. We’d love to hear from you if you have any questions or suggestions for future updates, please don’t hesitate to get in touch as we’d love to hear them. And until next time, happy manufacturing.

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> You can now easily see your completed operations under the Done task list, to help you track completed production runs, from any given period.

- Published: 2020-09-01
- Modified: 2025-01-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/completed-tasks/
- Categories: Product updates

You can now easily see your completed operations under the Done task list, to help you track completed production runs, from any given period. You can now easily see your completed operations under the Done task list, to help you track completed production runs, from any given period. This allows you or your managers planning production the possibility to see operation completion times, to understand the status of completed tasks, while also having a real-time overview of in-progress tasks. How to check completed tasks? Depending on if you’re on your Katana plan, you can access different functions via the done lists. 1.  Log into Katana, head to the Make screen, select the Tasks tab, and finally open the Done list 2. At this screen, you can see your completed tasks from the last 7 days. At the top right of the screen, you can redefine the period in which you want to view completed tasks 3.  Also, if a task is marked as completed by mistake, you can revert the status to Not started or In progress However, if you’re on the Professional plan, you can access the completed tasks, and your operators can view their own completed tasks from their smart devices. Nice and easy, right? This latest update is going to help you manage your bookkeeping more easily. You can read more about how the feature works in the Knowledge Base article. If you have any questions or suggestions for what you’d like to see in future updates, feel free to get in touch and let us know. And until next time, happy manufacturing.

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- Published: 2020-08-24
- Modified: 2025-01-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/batch-tracking-numbers/
- Categories: Product updates

Start using batch tracking by activating the option via the product card. Don't waste time manually tracking your production - let Katana make traceability simple to track and trace all of your products with ease. With the Traceability Add-on (already included in the Professional and Professional Plus plans), you can now use batch/lot tracking numbers to easily monitor inventory movements across your supply chain, which will help you: Protect your brand with the ability to trace defective items back to their batch Take the stress out of a product recall with easy batch identification Meet quality and safety requirements of relevant authorities with end-to-end traceability Achieve end-to-end traceability, from raw materials to finished goods, with this latest update to overhaul your inventory management. How to set up batch number tracking Using batch numbers is simple, all you have to do is head over to your Product Card, and enable I track batch/lot numbers. Once you’ve activated batch tracking, you can now: Assign batch numbers to manufacturing orders Assign batch numbers of finished goods you're taking from stock for a sales order Assign batch numbers in bulk to orders Track the quantities of individual products, and have visibility on expiration dates of perishable inventory If you want to view what batches you have in inventory, go to the Items page and open the Batches tab to see what you have on hand. https://www. youtube. com/watch? v=tzaqWbkEg-g Is this update for you? Batch tracking is an essential assurance and a legal requirement for industries such as: Food and beverage Cosmetics Pharmaceuticals Medical supplies and equipment If you want to learn more about how to start implementing batch numbers, be sure to check out the Knowledge Base. We’d love to hear from you if you have any questions or suggestions for future updates, please don’t hesitate to get in touch as we’d love to hear them. And until next time, happy manufacturing.

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> Katana's Professional plan comes with a mobile app that allows managers and operators a channel of communication and streamlined production flow.

- Published: 2020-08-17
- Modified: 2025-01-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/shop-floor-control-app/
- Categories: Product updates

Katana's Professional plan comes with a mobile app that allows managers and operators a channel of communication and streamlined production flow. It’s time to overhaul and upgrade your floor-level capabilities, so you and your employees can take more control of production with the floor-level mobile app, which comes with the new Professional plan, that allows you to: Allocate tasks to operators which they can access via a smart device Give operators the tools to update task progress in real-time Provide operators with the necessary information to finish tasks Eliminate paper and digitalize your entire workflow So, what will paperless tracking of day-to-day tasks look like on your shop floor? Your New Shop Floor Workflow Once you’ve set up your team member's Operator account, they can use a generated QR code and a unique 6-digit login code to access their accounts via a smart device. NOTE: Keep the QR code safe, as they’ll need it to log in to their accounts. Your operators can now access their daily tasks to see what needs to be done, and easily update progress in real-time, without the need for checking spreadsheets, or having operators checking the main Katana dashboard. This allows everyone to stay focused on their work and be up-to-date on what others are doing too. All you or a manager needs to do is assign operators to manufacturing orders, and your team's schedules will update automatically and immediately. However, if your team responsibilities don’t often change, for example, someone who does engravings on finished goods, you can predefine their tasks. Under Settings and Resources, you can set a Default assignee to tasks, so every time a manufacturing order is generated, those tasks are automatically added to the operator's task list. You can check out the video below to get a better understanding of how the new features will perform within Katana: https://www. youtube. com/watch? v=RNCMlD8qIhY Start Paperless Manufacturing Today The Professional plan also includes an upgraded Done list for MRP Users and floor-level Operators: MRP User - Real-time overview of who is working on what specific tasks at any moment Floor-level Operator - Can get an overview of their completed tasks And there you have it, the floor-level app is sure to: Improve your workflow Remove the hassle of organizing daily and weekly production schedules in spreadsheets Set you on the right path to greener manufacturing You can read more about how the floor-level app works in the Knowledge Base article. Or, if you have any questions about our latest update, feel free to get in touch and let us know. And until next time, happy manufacturing.

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> SPC manufacturing is a method of analyzing production to identify areas of waste. In this article, we look into statistical process control.

- Published: 2020-07-16
- Modified: 2024-05-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/spc-manufacturing/
- Categories: Business tips

SPC manufacturing is a method of analyzing production processes to identify areas of waste. In this article, we look into statistical process control. Perfecting the production processes of a factory line is the bane of manufacturers or floor-level managers. That’s why many adopt lean inventory or manufacturing practices to help them achieve this task. However, it’s one thing to know about lean techniques, but how do you decide which areas of your business you need to improve? In this article, we’re going to look into SPC manufacturing, a quality improvement technique to help you gather data to monitor your production processes, and make the necessary adjustments. So, without further ado, let’s begin. top 10 list What is SPC? Statistical process control quality (or SPC for short) is considered the industry standard when it comes to measuring and controlling quality during your production runs. SPC manufacturing comes in the form of gathering data on your products or processes in real-time using a graph with pre-determined control limits to measure its efficiency. You can determine what your control limits are by the capability of your production lines. This means, if the data you gather falls within your control limits, it’s a sign that everything is running as it’s supposed to. But, if the data falls outside of your control limits, this suggests that issues are occurring, and something needs to change along your production line before it leads to bigger problems. Using the information you gather, you can identify the areas of inefficiency and waste in your business and quantifying the value of an SPC solution by asking yourself the following questions: What are your quality costs? Can you make improvements with the data you’re gathering? Are you collecting the right data in the right areas?  Are business decisions being made with up-to-date information? Can you easily identify the cause of quality issues? Do you know when to perform predictive maintenance? And Is your demand forecasting correct? Now you know what statistical process control quality improvement is, what’s the objective of SPC manufacturing? What is the Objective of SPC Manufacturing? SPC manufacturing is an important tool for improving the quality of your products by analyzing: The services you provide to your customers; Your management leadership; The commitment of management; Continuous improvement; Your responsiveness; Actions based on data; Your team members participation; and Your dedication to providing quality. The purpose of adopting SPC tools into your business is to achieve more control over: Receiving materials; Handling internal rejections; Customers; Claims; Suppliers; and Evaluations of any corrective actions taken. Effective management of these statistical process control examples all plays a part in improving the quality of your production. Developing and using these performance indicators are linked (directly or indirectly) to customer requirements, satisfaction, and management. Let’s now take a gander at the variations in SPC manufacturing you need to know. SPC Quality Variations in Manufacturing You can think of SPC quality as conformance to your production's specifications, although the issue is that products or characteristics...

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> If you’re experiencing scheduling issues you need to use resource leveling or smoothing to fix the problem. But, how do you use them?

- Published: 2020-07-09
- Modified: 2024-01-17
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/resource-leveling/
- Categories: Business tips

If you’re experiencing scheduling issues, you’re going to need to use resource leveling or smoothing to fix the problem. But, how do you use them? You’re a project manager, and you stand before your production schedule. You realize, with the operations you have scheduled, you can’t finish production within your current chosen timeframe. When problems like this arise, there are two solutions you can adopt to fix the scheduling issues: resource leveling vs smoothing. Project management techniques that’ll help you compress your schedule, so you can finish your orders without over-burdening your resources. Before we get started, what are these project management techniques? What is resource leveling? Resource leveling overlooks allocating resources and resolving any issues from over or under-allocation of resources for new projects. https://www. youtube. com/watch? v=dAFbfx6B3Yc What is resource smoothing? Resource smoothing is a project management tool for optimizing your resources, and adjusting your schedule activities, so resources don’t exceed the pre-defined limits during planning. The difference between resource leveling vs smoothing The difference between resource leveling vs smoothing can be broken down to this: Resource leveling – This is used when scheduling the production of available resources is limited and needs to be used optimally. Resource smoothing – This is used when time constraints are the biggest factor blocking production. The idea is to finish a project on time while avoiding peaks and dips in resource demand. You can identify the differences by their traits and decide where you should hedge your bets when it comes to resource leveling vs resource smoothing: Resource leveling is usually performed before resource smoothing when trying to compress your schedule. That’s why we’re going to look more into resource leveling, starting with the two key elements of this planning tactic. The two key elements of resource leveling The main objective of leveling is to allocate resources efficiently, so you’re able to finish production within a given period. When you start your resource leveling, there are two main elements you’ll need to be focusing on. These two elements of resource leveling are figuring out which projects: Can be completed by using up all available resources Can be completed with limited resources Manufacturing orders that use a limited amount of resources can be extended over a period until the resources become available. However, if the number of orders you need to undertake exceeds the number of resources you have available, then postponing manufacturing orders for a later date may be the wiser decision. The structure of resource leveling Manufacturers structure their resource leveling following these steps when doing their project management: Stage Phase Task/Deliverable The above steps will help you determine the scope of the project for your manufacturing orders, and find ways to organize your team members, which will make it easier for you when planning your production. However, when you’re managing your projects, the level of resources needed for each of these three parameters may be different (depending on seniority, experience, and skill level of your staff). This means the...

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> Rough cut capacity planning will be essential in balancing your production capacity against customer demand. But is it good for your manufacturing business?

- Published: 2020-06-18
- Modified: 2024-05-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/rough-cut-capacity-planning/
- Categories: Business tips

Rough cut capacity planning will be essential in balancing your production capacity against customer demand. But is it good for your manufacturing business? If you’re running your production lines day-to-day, you’re going to constantly run into problems or even completely stop production from unforeseen issues. That’s why it’s extremely important to work out your rough cut capacity planning, that will help you convert your master production schedule (MPS) into production requirements for key resources, such as: — Direct labor; and — Machine time. Many manufacturers believe capacity planning is a close relative to supply chain optimization, as you’re planning production based on what you have, and what you’ll need in the future. In this article, we’ll be looking into capacity planning, but mostly focusing on the rough cut capacity planning process, and if it’s right for you. What is Production Capacity Planning?   Capacity planning is the goal of figuring out the realistic capacity of the shop floor to meet the demand for products within a certain period, to increase your profits and minimize your costs. These plans can be developed for short- or long-term goals. When you look at what is production capacity planning, you can think of it as something that’s put together based on: — The number of workers on your shop floor; — The skill of your workers; — The number of machines; — Wastage; — Your scrap; — Defects; — Mistakes; — Your productivity levels; — Suppliers; — Governmental regulations; and — Predictive maintenance. As you can already see, designing your capacity planning is going to take a lot of time. And if there are discrepancies between the capacity of your production and the demands of your customers in your planning, it’ll lead to inefficiencies, such as under-utilized resources or unsatisfied customers. Here’s the basic formula for calculating your productions capacity: Number of machines or workers x number of shifts x utilization x efficiency In a nutshell, that’s a breakdown of what is capacity planning.  But, what is meant by long term and short-term capacity planning? Long-Term Capacity Planning Long term capacity planning refers to the grand scheme of things, and that is developing plans strategically for all your major production lines. These long-term capacity plans will include: — Plans made for specific locations; and — Technology and transferability of your processes to other products. Long-term capacity planning isn’t set in stone.  It’s something that may change over time when you discover short-term capacity plans are inefficient. A scenario where long-term capacity planning would take place is when implementing a new shift pattern into your production line, which, unfortunately, doesn’t increase productivity.  If you’re unable to subcontract tasks, maybe your best alternative is to modify your routing manufacturing. Redesigning your factory's route is an example of a long-term capacity plan to improve productivity. Short-Term Capacity Planning  You can think of your short-term capacity planning as any plans that are implemented now.  Examples of short-term capacity planning issues are things such as: — Production planning and scheduling; — Labor shifts; and — Balancing resource capacities. The time frame in which your short-term capacity planning runs could be anywhere from a few days to six months. Your short-term capacity planning is concerned with addressing unexpected demand spikes and drops, efficiently and economically. An example, and a commonly used example of short-term capacity planning, is offering overtime to your workers.  Overtime is a flexible and inexpensive solution to addressing high demand since you won’t need to: — Hire; — Train; or — Add additional benefits. You can think of your short-term capacity planning as the goal of increasing and decreasing demand,...

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> Shop floor planning and control is a crucial element of maintaining a healthy and successful production line. Discover how you can improve it.

- Published: 2020-06-05
- Modified: 2024-07-01
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/shop-floor-planning/
- Categories: Business tips, Manufacturing

Shop floor planning and scheduling are crucial to maintaining a healthy and successful production line. Discover how you can improve your processes. Taking a step into the unknown is often considered bravery. And maybe that’s true. But, when it comes to manufacturing, sending your employees out without a plan is a recipe for disaster. That’s why having a system in place is essential to help you carry out production tasks. However, the even bigger question is how you plan, implement, and monitor the progress of tasks. In this article, we explore the world of shop floor planning — the advantages, the different aspects you need to consider, and how you can implement it into your business. Live overview of your shop floor Stop. Drop. Open up Shop (Floor App). Get a real-time overview of your business and gain the visibility you need to make decisions in real time. Request a demo today. Get a demo What is shop floor control? Shop floor planning and control is the process of using methods and tools to track, schedule, and report the status of work-in-progress (WIP) manufacturing from your floor-level, giving you a clear channel of communication between your operators and managers on the production line. Shop floor activity control is an essential tool for: Creating a master production schedule Setting production priorities Minimizing WIP and finished goods inventories But what is the workflow of shop floor manufacturing planning? What are the three phases of shop floor control? Moody teenagers aren't the only ones going through phases. Shop floor planning concerns the management of your operations planning, inventory, equipment, and workers. Your shop floor planning and control will go through these three phases: Order release Order scheduling Order progress 1. Order release Your master production schedule will help you determine which manufacturing order (MO) needs to be generated first. From there, the order release document will inform the shop floor management of the resources and manufacturing processes needed to complete the order. 2. Order scheduling Once the order release has been generated, shop floor applications will schedule the production of the order while providing you with a detailed workflow of the manufacturing route the order will pass through. The order scheduling phase will explain: The workstations the order passes through The materials and quantity needed for the order This allows managers and employees to understand what needs to be done, who needs to do it, and how it needs to be done. 3. Order progress Manufacturing managers create a shop floor schedule and monitor the progress of orders and other manufacturing operations within your business. Order progress gives you breakdowns of: Raw materials, work in progress, and finished manufacturing orders Individual orders along the production line The employees who are working, about to work, or have worked on an order So, that’s the workflow in short. But why should you even bother with all this? What is the importance of shop floor control? Using shop floor management boards gives you access to automated manufacturing and provides more control and visibility over your production lines and...

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- Published: 2020-05-29
- Modified: 2022-05-05
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/historical-stock-levels/
- Categories: Product updates

Easily view and export your historical stock levels in Katana to grab information retrospectively for your accounting. Easily ensure your business's finances are correct and up to date. You can now check historical stock levels, and export that information onto a spreadsheet for your accounting.   If you need information for a specific date, you can now retrospectively retrieve that data with our newest feature. How to view historical stock levels  1.  At the dashboard, go into your inventory and select the “View balance at:” option to choose the date you want to investigate. 2.  Simply select “Export” at the top right to download a spreadsheet for your bookkeeping. 3.  Once you’re happy, select “Clear filters” to return to your current inventory levels. Simple, right? This latest update is sure to help you stay on top of your bookkeeping. You can read more about how the feature works in the Knowledge Base article. If you have any questions or suggestions for what you’d like to see in future updates, feel free to get in touch and let us know. And until next time, happy manufacturing.

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> The issues with the lack of features for Xero tracked inventory and expiry dates can be solved, with the use of 3rd party manufacturing software.

- Published: 2020-05-29
- Modified: 2024-05-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/xero-inventory-expiration-date-tracking/
- Categories: Accounting, Ecommerce, Inventory management

The issues with the lack of features for Xero tracked inventory and expiry dates can be solved, with the use of 3rd party manufacturing software. Manufacturers using Xero will quickly realize there are some limitations with using it to monitor batch production. That's why we put together this article on Xero tracked inventory, the issues, and the solutions to optimize your manufacturing with it. Batch (sometimes referred to as lot) and expiry tracking is a system for grouping and monitoring a set of stock, and monitoring the expiration date of the items. It’s a good rule of thumb to have these tracking processes in place, but for manufacturers, with perishable inventory, it’s an essential requirement as it’ll help them: Avoid spoilage Trace defective items back to its original batch Enable product recalls But, the big enchilada, can Xero tracked inventory also manage batch and expiry tracking? In this article, we’re going to look into if the Xero inventory expiration date tracking features are up-to-speed for modern manufacturing, and how to optimize your batch tracking with the software. Xero inventory management Xero comes equipped with inventory management features, which is what attracts so many manufacturers to the software since it kills two birds with one stone by having software that can help them get control over their: Manufacturing Finances Sounds too good to be true, right? Well, there is a pretty substantial catch. Xero is a fantastic tool for helping you keep your bookkeeping accurate and up to date in real-time. But, for manufacturers, it’s missing advanced features needed for running your business. The inventory features are split into two parts: Xero tracked inventory Xero untracked inventory Xero tracked inventory automatically updates inventory levels of your goods sold, and tracks the associated costs. But, untracked inventory, which is the items you don’t sell (and services you provide) aren’t automatically monitored. You can still track the price, notes, and tax rates for these items. But you can’t set stock levels for untracked items. And being able to track the conversion of raw material to finished goods is essential for manufacturers. In a nutshell, that’s how Xero inventory management works, but you can check out this video below if you want to know more about the system: https://youtu. be/U4pIZ2XWYvE Pro tip: Inventory management is important for manufacturers, especially when you have to handle different inventory types simultaneously. A good rule of thumb is to perfect your shelf-life management, which will help you optimize your inventory space. Now, let’s look into the issues of Xero tracked inventory, and how you can get it to work for you as a manufacturer. Xero tracked inventory and its limitations for manufacturers Xero is certainly a good choice for manufacturers looking to get set up with accounting software.  But the only way you’ll be able to get the most out of using Xero is to understand its limitations. So, let’s look into features manufacturers need, why they’re important, and if it works in Xero: Xero inventory expiration tracking Expiry tracking is the process of monitoring your inventory’s shelf life to avoid items spoiling. It’s something that’s needed by manufacturers in food production and those who need to use cosmetics formulation production software....

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- Published: 2020-05-22
- Modified: 2022-04-26
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/quotes/
- Categories: Product updates

You can now effortlessly manage your quotes with Katana’s new quotation functionality, separate from your online sales orders (SO). You can now effortlessly manage your quotes with Katana’s new quotation functionality, separate from your online sales orders (SO).   Create quotes for SO in two simple steps, and provide your customers with current price offers with easy to download pdf copies. Set as pending while you negotiate, and Katana won’t commit any items to your pending orders until the quote is accepted. Never lose track of your quotes again. Effortlessly sort and filter all quotes and take bulk actions with the click of a button. Allowing you to get more control over your sales order management. How to generate a quote Follow these simple steps to generate a quote in Katana: 1.  At the top of the Katana dashboard, select the “+” icon and select Quote. 2. Fill in the relevant information and once finished, select the printer icon to generate a PDF to send to the customer. 3.  Head over to the Sell screen and select the Quotes tab to see a list of your pending quotes. Once the customer is happy, simply change the status of the quote from “Pending” to “Confirmed”, and it will generate a sales order (SO) as “Not shipped” in Katana. And that’s it!  Now you can go ahead and fulfill that sales order. You can also create quotes when you generate a SO, great for: Checking material availability with the auto-booking system Getting a delivery deadline promise for the customer Creating draft SOs using quotes To do this, simply: Go to the Sell grid or open an SO with a "Not shipped" status Change the delivery status to "Pending" and the SO will now be moved to quotes, ready for confirmation later If you want a more detailed explanation about how this feature works, be sure to check out the Knowledge Base article. If you have any questions or suggestions for what you’d like to see in future updates, feel free to get in touch and let us know. And until next time, happy manufacturing.

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> Food traceability systems are essential for tracking inventory and identifying issues on your production line. Here are the reasons why your business needs it.

- Published: 2020-05-14
- Modified: 2024-05-23
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/food-traceability/
- Categories: Inventory management

Food traceability systems are essential for tracking inventory and identifying issues on your production line. Here are the reasons why your business needs it. Food traceability is not only going to be a massive benefit to your business, but a good system will give you the tools to easily perform product recalls. In this article, we look into why food traceability is important and how you can get implemented with a system. Traceability is the ability to track the movement of your items, forward and backward, across your food production supply chain. Upgrading your food traceability processes will allow you to: Improve inventory management; Be compliant; and Maintain a positive brand image. Download the Ultimate Shopify Selling Ebook for Manufacturers See how successful Shopify sellers streamline their sales through manufacturing — for free. What Are Food Traceability Systems? Food traceability systems are tools that help you record, track, and verify a product's history, and the location it has reached through your supply chain. Food traceability will allow you to monitor your perishable inventory, giving you the tools to keep your business compliant and to perform product recalls. The best food traceability systems will help you easily find information about the raw materials used in a product (be that for a batch or individual ingredient) and the manufacturing route of your products. Product traceability is used in other industries too, such as: Pharmaceuticals Coffee manufacturing Cosmetic manufacturing Why Are Food Traceability Systems Important? Besides the immediate benefits of improving your inventory management with a clearer overview of an item's movement, there are other important reasons (and benefits) to implementing food traceability. Getting your business set up with food traceability systems is important for: 1.  Traceability Food Safety  Having the systems in place will allow you to implement a food traceability procedure, in the event a product or batch becomes contaminated, and you need to track down those products. A system will help you determine where the contamination took place. For example, you can uncover if it happened because of: An issue with the supplier; A faulty machine; or Improper handling of items by an employee. Food traceability systems are focused on public health and helping manufacturers avoid or deal with an outbreak of foodborne illnesses. With a proper food traceability procedure in place, you can avoid potentially affecting the public's health, and the economic ramifications of contaminated products making it to the market. 2. Real-time food traceability Following on from the previous point, let’s say something happens, and you need to locate a batch. Food traceability systems will allow you to track batches with their batch numbers. If products do become contaminated, you can be proactive, locate the affected items, and remove them from circulation. Food traceability will allow you to analyze your manufacturing processes to see exactly where along your production line any issues are occurring. And it doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom, it can be as simple as helping you identify bottlenecks in production. Pro tip: All manufacturers, from those in food production to artisan toymakers, need a system for monitoring their raw materials. That’s why we put together the ultimate guide for inventory management for manufacturers, so you can optimize your processes today. 3. Reducing Corrective Actions Product traceability systems help you avoid problems...

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> When working with perishable inventory, you need to be vigilant about tracking. Here's how you can improve your inventory management.

- Published: 2020-05-11
- Modified: 2024-05-24
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/perishable-inventory/
- Categories: Inventory management

Working with perishable inventory can be tricky Here's everything you need to know about shelf-life management, from the benefits of doing it right to the tools manufacturers need. If you're working with perishable goods, tracking your raw materials and products is essential. In this article, we're going to look at the tools you can use, and the benefits of adopting them into your business, and how to monitor shelf-life management as a manufacturer.   Download the ultimate guide to inventory management A comprehensive ebook with everything you need to know about inventory management. What is perishable inventory in manufacturing? Perishable inventory includes raw materials and finished products that lose their value over time and eventually become worthless. When you think of perishable inventory, you’re probably thinking of products from the following industries: Food production Coffee manufacturers Cosmetic manufacturers These industries work with products and ingredients that expire, but perishable inventory also applies to technological products. For example, rapid advancements in computer processing technology mean that the components inside your computer also become obsolete after a certain period of time. Pro tip: You can always adopt a manufacturing ERP system to track your perishable inventory. But before doing that, take a look at our free guide to improving your inventory management processes to make the most of the software you choose. The importance of tracking your perishable inventory The main reason for tracking your perishables, like food inventory and cosmetics inventory, is to ensure you won't sell expired products. Improved perishable inventory tracking allows you to manufacture and distribute your food products at the right time and in the right quantities based on your demand. When done right, the benefits of implementing the right tracking for your perishable inventory include: Optimal inventory levels Greater profits Better cash flow Happier customers Fewer recalls What's more, based on recent manufacturing trends and predictions, customers are not only becoming more conscious of where their products come from but are switching to online shopping.  In fact, 70% of customers will be doing their grocery shopping online by 2024, making optimizing your shelf life management processes more important than ever. How to monitor shelf life management In this chapter, we’re going to look into the different techniques and processes you can implement to get more control over how you monitor shelf life management. 1. First expired, first out (FEFO) FEFO is the process of selling your perishable inventory, starting with the products that are closest to their expiry date. FEFO allows you to ensure the expiration date for a product isn’t reached before it’s delivered to the customer or spoils within your inventory. By adopting the FEFO method, you can: Ensure that raw materials and products remain fresh Reduce the amount of inventory that expires on your shelf Save on labor costs by reducing the number of spot checks you need to perform Note — there is another similar shelf life management method called first in, first out (FIFO), which allows you to ship inventory before it becomes outdated, like with computer components, as mentioned earlier. 2. Traditional spreadsheets Regardless...

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> In Katana, you can now easily export your stock adjustments as a CSV file, so you can prepare the data for your bookkeeping. Learn more.

- Published: 2020-05-05
- Modified: 2022-05-05
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/stock-adjustment/
- Categories: Product updates

In Katana, you can now easily export your stock adjustments as a CSV file, so you can prepare the data for your bookkeeping. Accurate data for your bookkeeping is essential. That’s why our latest update allows you to export your stock adjustments, to easily: Calculate the total adjustment value Track stock adjustments for specific dates or the fiscal period Prepare your stock adjustment data for bookkeeping How to export stock adjustments Once you have made some stock adjustments, to export them in a spreadsheet, all you have to do is: 1.  Head over to the “Stock” screen, and select the “Stock adjustments” tab. 2.  Now, simply click “Export” and you can download a spreadsheet containing your stock adjustments. And that’s it! No more going through each of your stock adjustments to get the information you need. Now you can have it all downloaded by following the two simple steps above, saving you time and manual work. If you want a more detailed explanation about how this feature works, be sure to check out the Knowledge Base article. If you have any questions or suggestions for what you’d like to see in future updates, feel free to get in touch and let us know. And until next time, happy manufacturing.

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> Product traceability in manufacturing optimizes production and is a legal requirement for some industries. What is it and how do you use it?

- Published: 2020-05-04
- Modified: 2024-07-04
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/product-traceability/
- Categories: Manufacturing

Product traceability will help optimize your production lines and is a legal requirement for some businesses. But what is it, and how do you implement it? Product traceability allows you to track your inventory movements from end-to-end, meaning you can track products to where they were shipped, or back through their operational steps. In this article, we’re going to look into traceability in manufacturing, why it’s important, the benefits, and how you can implement it. Download the definitive guide to batch production Download our free ebook guide on batch production to learn more about the benefits, workflows, and software you need to get started. What is traceability in manufacturing?   Traceability is the procedure of tracking (and documenting) all your raw materials, parts, and finished goods throughout your manufacturing process. The term itself is coined together from “Trace” and “Ability” and is used to describe the ability to track products by all manufacturing industries, but is most often used in industries dealing with perishable goods, like cosmetics or food inventory. Having a traceability program for manufacturing in place will allow you to find historical information on a product, such as: Suppliers Items Inspection notes Manufacturing details Time spent at each workstation Distributors There are two perspectives when it comes to product traceability: Chain traceability This is forward and backward product traceability. Meaning manufacturers can track products from raw material to the distributor. And the distributors or consumers can understand where the product came from. Internal traceability Product traceability with a limited scope, such as monitoring one specific part of the supply chain. For example, if you use outsource manufacturing, the information you receive about their components is an internal traceability program. What is end-to-end traceability? End-to-end traceability is the ability to track and trace every piece of material throughout the manufacturing process. This record-keeping ensures that each component can be traced back to its original source, making it easier to identify any issues that may arise. End-to-end traceability is a key component of quality control and assurance and is often required by government agencies and industry organizations. In some cases, manufacturers may also be required to provide end-to-end traceability data to their customers. End-to-end traceability can be achieved through: Barcode scanning inventory management systems RFID inventory management software Other unique identification methods These identifiers are attached to each component as it moves through the manufacturing process. As each component is assembled into a finished product, its identifier is recorded. This record can then help track a product through the supply chain and into the hands of the customer. End-to-end traceability offers many benefits for manufacturers, including improved quality control, decreased product defects, and reduced liability. By having a complete record of every component in a product, manufacturers can more easily identify and fix any issues that may arise. End-to-end traceability can also help manufacturers meet customer expectations and comply with industry regulations. Katana Cloud Inventory Katana supports thousands of businesses with batch tracking, barcode scanning, expiry date tracking, and more. Schedule a free demo call with our team and see Katana in action. Get a demo Why is product traceability in manufacturing important to implement? It’s exciting times when your hard work pays...

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> In a few clicks, you can now edit the shipping locations for multiple open sales orders in one go, saving you time and increasing efficiency.

- Published: 2020-04-29
- Modified: 2022-04-26
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/change-shipping-location/
- Categories: Product updates

In a few clicks, you can now edit the shipping locations for multiple open sales orders in one go, saving you time and increasing efficiency. You can now set the shipping location for multiple sales orders (SO) in one place with just a few clicks, instead of having to individually change the location of several orders. This removes the need to go through your SOs when a shipping location is incorrect, or if it’s more convenient to ship from another location. Saving you time and energy, that you can focus on continuing to grow your business. How to edit the shipping location for multiple sales orders 1. At the Sell Screen, choose which SO shipping locations you want to edit and select the “Bulk actions” menu. 2. Select “Edit shipping location” to choose the new location. 3. Choose the location you want to ship from. 4. Once you’re happy with your choice, click OK and we’ll update the SO’s and notify you once it’s done. It’s that simple. What about SOs linked to manufacturing orders? You’ll be unable to change the location of SOs that are linked to manufacturing orders. If you do select a SO like this, Katana will simply skip over it when updating the shipping locations. This feature is sure to improve your supply chain management and reduce your workload when making edits. If you want a more detailed explanation of how this feature works, be sure to check out the knowledge base article. If you have any questions or suggestions for what you’d like to see in future updates, feel free to get in touch and let us know. And until next time, happy manufacturing.

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> Get more control over your production operations with our newest feature, that lets you import, edit, and delete operations in bulk.

- Published: 2020-04-29
- Modified: 2022-04-26
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/bulk-import-edit-and-delete-operations/
- Categories: Product updates

Get more control over your production operations with our newest feature, that lets you import, edit, and delete operations in bulk. Growing business with expanding product portfolios? Need more control over your operations? Katana has you covered! Previously, you could only enter and edit operations inside Katana manually. But you needed something more efficient, so now with the click of a button, you can: Import new and Export existing operations in bulk Delete operations in bulk Meaning you can make operation changes quickly, and get back to manufacturing even faster. How can you do this? Now, if you need to make updates to several operations, head over to the Items screen, and under the “Products” tab export your operations to make your changes in a spreadsheet and import it straight back to Katana. But more specifically, follow these steps if you want to: Edit Existing Operations 1.  At the Items Screen, under the “Products” tab, select the products with the operations you want to edit. 2.  Select “Bulk actions” to access the dropdown menu and choose Operations under Export to edit the operations.  We’ll export the information to you via a spreadsheet. 3.  Update the operations within the spreadsheet and import it back into Katana via “Settings” and “Data import”. NOTE: This will only work if you’re using SKUs. Delete Operations  1.  At the Items Screen, under the “Products” tab, select the products with the operations you want to delete. 2.  Select “Bulk actions” to access the dropdown menu, then simply select Operations under Delete to remove the operations. Add New Operations 1.  Download the template for adding new product operations under “Settings” and “Data import”. 2.  In the template, add your new operations.  Once you’re finished, upload the data back to Katana. NOTE: We’ll match the operations to items by SKUs. If you don’t use unique SKU’s we’ll be unable to update your operations. And that’s it! Our newest update is sure to give you more control over your production operations and make it easier to update your existing workflows. If you want a more detailed explanation of how this feature works, be sure to check out the knowledge base articles for: Importing operations Exporting operations Updating operations. If you have any questions or suggestions for what you’d like to see in future updates, feel free to get in touch and let us know. And until next time, happy manufacturing.

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> It’s now quicker and easier for you to edit product recipes for open manufacturing orders with the new bulk select feature. Learn more.

- Published: 2020-04-23
- Modified: 2022-05-05
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/bulk-update-product-recipes/
- Categories: Product updates

It’s now quicker and easier for you to edit product recipes for open manufacturing orders with the new bulk select feature. You no-longer need to edit open manufacturing orders (MOs) individually when you want to update a product recipe. Now, you can update a product’s recipe in bulk for open MOs.   Previously, if you needed to make a change, the recipe wouldn’t update for products in open MOs, meaning you’d need to go through each MO and edit the recipe individually. Save your time by removing manual updating of each open MO. How to update product recipes From this point onwards, if you need to update the recipe of products in open MOs, simply start by updating the recipe as you normally would: Go to the “Items” page Select the product card Go to the “Product recipe” tab Add item We will then notify you if you have any open MOs using the older version of the recipe. Then, if you want to update the product recipes for open MOs, go ahead and select “Refresh open MOs” and the following window will appear: From here, select which orders you want to update or leave alone. Simple, right?   For example, you might wish to update all your orders, except for one because it was a customized order and needs to follow the old product recipe for production. Once you’ve selected the ones you wish to update, click “Refresh selected” and we’ll take care of the rest. Save your time when you update or correct product recipes in the future. If you want a more detailed explanation of how this feature works be sure to check out the Knowledge Base article. If you have any questions or suggestions for what you’d like to see in future updates, feel free to get in touch and let us know. And until next time, happy manufacturing.

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- Published: 2020-04-23
- Modified: 2022-05-05
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/default-cost-per-hour/
- Categories: Product updates

It’s now easier to save your default costs per hour for your resources in Katana. Now, you can save these details in settings and in product cards. Predefining your default cost per hour for your resources has never been easier.  This new update will save you time and reduce manual work, helping you avoid costing errors and ensure that you always have your default resource cost ready. You can now define your hourly resource costs: 1. Via Settings 2. When creating a new resource in a product card Predefining resource cost per hour via “Settings” means you can have them to hand when assigning resources to operations on a product card. However, to make life even easier, you can also add the hourly cost per resource directly to the product card - and this costing information will automatically be set as a default. How to define resource costs  1.  Go to “Settings” and select the “Resources” tab. 2.  Add new or update existing resources by defining “Default costs per hour. ” How to define costs via a product card 1.  Go to “Items” and select “Products” to choose a product card. 2.  Go to the “Product operations” tab and create a new operation and resource for that operation. 3.  Define the cost per hour and the new resource and its costs should appear under “Resources” in the settings. So, you’ve added your default cost per hour to resources – now what? Let’s take default resource cost on manufacturing order (MO) as an example. After predefining the hourly resource cost. if you were to then create a new MO, add an operation and choose resource – we’ll prefill your operation costs and calculate the total cost for you. All you need to do is then validate that your default hourly cost is used for these calculations – with just the click of a button. However, if an MO is going to take longer or the costing has changed, you can still edit that individual MO for more accurate cost tracking. If you want a more detailed explanation of how this feature works, be sure to check out the Knowledge Base article. If you have any questions or suggestions for what you’d like to see in future updates, feel free to get in touch and let us know. And until next time, happy manufacturing.

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> Katana is now able to effortlessly support businesses that handle up to 20K unique SKUs. Learn more about this performance boost.

- Published: 2020-04-14
- Modified: 2021-08-23
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/20k-sku/
- Categories: Product updates

Katana is now able to effortlessly support businesses that handle up to 20K unique SKUs. You can expand your catalog without affecting the software's performance. Katana is now able to effortlessly support businesses that handle up to 20K unique SKUs. You can expand your catalog without affecting the software's performance. Katana’s latest update allows manufacturers to effortlessly manage 20K unique SKUs, allowing you to easily monitor your inventory while maintaining high loading speeds. It allows you to keep adding products and materials to your catalog without affecting your account's performance, so you can concentrate on what matters - growing your business. Users have already expressed how the new feature has improved efficiency - allowing them to instantly open and view Stock and Items. What do you need to do? You don’t need to do anything since the feature is already live.  So, you can focus on your business, and we’ll help you keep control of your expanding product and material list. This latest update is going to make inventory management a breeze. If you have any questions or suggestions for what you’d like to see in future updates, feel free to get in touch and let us know. And until next time, happy manufacturing.

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> Add more or fewer process steps to specific variants. This new update saves you the hassle of having to create a new product for each variant.

- Published: 2020-04-07
- Modified: 2022-05-05
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/add-process-steps-to-specific-variants/
- Categories: Product updates

Add more or fewer process steps to specific variants. This new update saves you the hassle of having to create a new product for each variant. With Katana’s new update, you’ll no longer need to create a new product, when a variant demands an additional process step. Now, if your variants demand an additional process, you can easily configure this step to that specific variant, instead of having to create a new product. How to do it in two simple steps 1. Head over to the “Settings” screen and go to the “Operations” tab to define your manufacturing processes: 2. At the “Items” screen, open up a product card and select “Production Operations” and define which variants need to go through what processes: And that’s it. You’re all set up and ready to go! But, you can read an in-depth explanation of adding processes to specific variants here. Is this for you? This is useful for manufacturers who, for example, build furniture. But, for different color variants, they need to prime products before painting. This new update allows them to easily define which variants need to go through more, or less, process steps. In two easy steps, you can finally configure processes to your product variants, saving you time and hassle, so you can stay focused on manufacturing. If you have any questions or suggestions, please do not hesitate to get in touch. And until next time, happy manufacturing.

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> There are some issues which affect manufacturers of every industry. Here is a list of ten common challenges faced by manufacturers and how to overcome them.

- Published: 2020-04-01
- Modified: 2024-10-31
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/intermittent-production/
- Categories: Business tips

In this article, we look into intermittent production, the difference between continuous production, and the pros and cons of using this production method. What is intermittent production? Intermittent production is an umbrella term for manufacturing processes that use irregular production schedules to create several different products using one production line. It’s used by manufacturers who produce low-volume, high-variety products for either mass customization or bespoke manufacturing. If a manufacturer produces products, either one-by-one or in a batch, but the next product(s) requires a different manufacturing route or machines to be taken down and set back up in a different configuration, it would be an example of an intermittent production system. Intermittent manufacturing workflows that use this method are: Batch manufacturing Job shop manufacturing Discrete manufacturing We’ll look more into these later in the article. We’re going to look into what is the difference between intermittent and continuous production processes, the intermittent workflows, and how you can get started with intermittent production with smart manufacturing. So, without further ado, let’s begin. Master your production scheduling. Thousands of manufacturers use Katana for its real-time overview of their entire production process. Request a demo to see it in action. What is the difference between intermittent and continuous production processes? Firstly, intermittent production isn’t the only way of running your manufacturing business. There is a counter-part, called continuous production. But, exactly what is the difference between intermittent and continuous production processes? If intermittent production covers make to order (MTO), irregular production. Continuous production is the opposite. Continuous production is the non-stop approach to manufacturing products for make to stock, which applies to workflows such as: Repetitive manufacturing Continuous manufacturing The quickest way of explaining what is the difference between intermittent and continuous production processes would be: Intermittent production – Products are made based on a customer’s order Continuous production – Products are constantly made, based on demand planning While the finished goods made from intermittent manufacturing might be varied from product to product, with a continuous production method, products, and the manufacturing route, is standardized, easily allowing for large-scale manufacturing. Now that you know how these two processes are different, let’s look more into the various types of intermittent manufacturing processes. Pro tip: If you’d like to look more into the different manufacturing processes, we have the free and ultimate guide to understanding what is manufacturing, which you can use to optimize your business. Different intermittent production methods Here are the different intermittent manufacturing processes and how they function: Batch manufacturing Batch manufacturing is a method of producing your finished goods or sub-assemblies by compiling the different components of a product, through a step-by-step process. And the quantity of these finished goods or sub-assemblies produced in a batch will also depend on different factors, such as raw material levels and demand planning. This means in Batch A you could produce 100 finished goods, while in Batch B, you might only produce 50. In this intermittent manufacturing process, raw materials move along your production line, leading to pauses between each step as the batch moves through each workstation. Measuring the efficiency of the batch method in intermittent production all comes down to how long it takes to...

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> Smart manufacturing is a crucial component for growth. But what is smart manufacturing and how will we benefit from it?

- Published: 2020-03-16
- Modified: 2024-05-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/smart-manufacturing/
- Categories: Business tips, Manufacturing

Smart manufacturing is going to be a crucial component for growth soon due to Industry 4. 0. But what is smart manufacturing and how will we benefit from it? Smart manufacturing is quickly going to become the norm as we experience a new industrial revolution, and if you don’t adapt to this latest trend in manufacturing, your business is ’s going to suffer. But what is smart manufacturing and how will we benefit from it? What is Smart Manufacturing?   Smart manufacturing (SM) is an extensive term that applies to machinery or tools connected via the internet to help monitor production. The purpose of adopting smart manufacturing is to help manufacturers identify opportunities and weaknesses to improve their manufacturing processes. However, smart manufacturing isn’t one particular thing, it’s a combination of different technologies, and solutions that together, form a process for achieving lean manufacturing, so isn’t something that you can directly implement into your production. These elements of smart manufacturing are known as “enablers,” all of which are industrial internet of things (IoT) technology. How can IoT be used in manufacturing could involve embedding sensors on machines of your production line to collect data on their operational status and performance to prevent stoppages from machinery malfunctions. In the yesteryear of manufacturing, data collection would be saved on a localized database and used to analyze why machinery broke down as opposed to trying to prevent a breakdown from occurring. Another example of how can IoT be used in manufacturing is via the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) in your manufacturing processes, such as autonomous raw inventory management with cloud inventory software. Regardless of how you decide to implement smart manufacturing, it's going to be crucial for optimizing your production lines and increasing your profit margin. In this article, we’re going to look into what is smart manufacturing and how will we benefit from it, focusing mostly on cloud-based smart manufacturing solutions, so you can better understand how to start using intelligent manufacturing. How Smart Manufacturing Changed Over the Years Intelligent manufacturing has come leaps and bounds when you look into how smart manufacturing changed over the years. However, even though smart factory systems have improved, a lot of large-scale manufacturers still use legacy systems to maintain their business. Which, although once would have been the first smart manufacturing examples, are now archaic and inefficient. A traditional intelligent manufacturing system would be localized to one factory, and operated via a business’s (expensive) intranet system. In the past, manufacturers would have focused on a batch-and-queue manufacturing process, mass-producing products for make to stock, with the main goal to achieve an economy of scale and to maximize the utilization of machinery. The issue with these older systems are: — Smart factory owners become too scared to upgrade;  — An older intelligent manufacturing system is complicated to use; and — Implementation and modification of these systems can set you back a pretty penny. So, how smart manufacturing changed over the years is that it's led why to the next industrial revolution: Industry 4. 0! This fourth industrial revolution concerns itself with the computerization of manufacturing for improved analytics and for repetitive tasks to be performed autonomously by AI or robotics. So, that’s how smart manufacturing changed over the years. But what are the different types of smart manufacturing? The Three Types of Smart Manufacturing Systems ...

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> You can now easily map POS locations in Katana to manage stock and orders. Learn more about this update.

- Published: 2020-03-02
- Modified: 2021-08-23
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/multiple-sales-location-support-shopify-pos/
- Categories: Product updates

You can now easily map POS locations in Katana to manage stock and orders, as well as map your Shopify online store to your preferred Katana location. If you are a Shopify user, who also has retail stores, you’ve probably been struggling with Shopify POS inventory management. As of today, all your problems are history, because Katana now supports multiple sales locations for Shopify POS locations. Simply put, this means that you can now map which Shopify POS location syncs to which Katana location  For example, let’s say that besides your Shopify online store, you also have two retail stores in different cities, where you use the Shopify POS application to process sales. You can now easily map those retail stores to the correct location in Katana and manage stock and orders accordingly. And, of course, you can also map your Shopify online store to your preferred Katana location. How do you do this exactly? First, let’s integrate your Shopify store(s) to your Katana account: Go to “Settings” → “Integrations” → “Shopify” → “Connect” If you have already connected your Shopify account to Katana, you have to disconnect and reconnect your integration: Go to “Settings” → “Integrations” → “Shopify” → “Disconnect” → “Connect” A dialogue box will open as follows: Select a Katana location for your Shopify online store orders Enable “I use Point of Sale (POS) sales channel. " Map each Shopify POS location to a matching Katana location. And that’s it! We’ve also put together a handy article on Shopify POS inventory management, to help you smoothly run your business both online and offline. We hope you find this update useful, and if you have any questions or suggestions, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

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> You can now import new variants to existing products and materials by uploading an .XLSX document. Learn more.

- Published: 2020-02-26
- Modified: 2021-08-23
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/add-variants-existing-products-materials/
- Categories: Product updates

You can now import new variants to existing products and materials by simply downloading an . XLSX document, adding the new variants, and then upload the changes back to Katana. You’ve imported all your product and material variants into Katana, but after a while, you decide that you’d like to add more variants to your existing items. With Katana's latest feature, that’s a breeze! You can now import new variants to existing products and materials by simply downloading an . XLSX document, adding the new variants, and then upload the changes back to Katana. All you have to do is go to “Settings” → “Data import” → “Download template” for either “Add new products” or “Add new materials”. You can now import new variants to existing products and materials by simply downloading an . XLSX document, adding the new variants, and then upload the changes back to Katana. With the downloaded . XLSX document, you can go ahead and make the necessary changes, and once you’re finished, select “Upload data” to upload the updated document back to Katana. For example, let’s say that you sell T-shirts with two variant options: Color and Size. During the initial import, you added the product T-Shirt, with color variants Black and White, and sizes S, M, and L. Later on, you decided to launch the color Yellow. You can now download the template “Add new products”, and prepare your data by adding 3 new variants to the existing T-Shirt: Yellow S, Yellow M, and Yellow L. Upload the data back into Katana, and voilà! With Katana, you can focus on scaling your business and your product line with the new add variants to existing items feature. We hope you find this update useful, and if you have any questions or suggestions, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

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> An order management system is a platform used to track sales, orders, inventory, and fulfillment across business operations. Learn more here.

- Published: 2020-02-25
- Modified: 2024-05-24
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/order-management-system/
- Categories: Inventory management

Imagine you run a bustling online retail store, Vintage Visions, specializing in retro clothing and accessories. When you first launched, enthusiastic about the venture, you decided to manage orders using spreadsheets. It seemed straightforward enough. After all, how complicated could it get? As it turned out, quite complicated! Initially, with only a handful of orders each day, this system worked well enough. You had a spreadsheet for orders, another for inventory, and yet another for shipping information. However, as Vintage Visions grew in popularity, the cracks in this system began to show. The spreadsheets became a tangled mess, difficult to navigate, and even harder to keep updated. Mistakes became more frequent — an item marked as 'in stock' would suddenly be out of stock when you went to retrieve it, or an order would get misplaced in the digital shuffle, leading to delays and unhappy customers. You realized you spent more time managing spreadsheets than focusing on business growth or customer needs. It became clear that the makeshift system was not only slowing you down, but also impacting customer satisfaction and, ultimately, the bottom line. This article is all about order management systems, a way to transform the chaos of spreadsheet management into a well-oiled machine. We'll see what order management systems are, processes, benefits, best practices, and much more. What is an order management system? An order management system (OMS) is a software platform designed to help businesses manage and track the entire lifecycle of their orders. The system integrates with various sales channels, such as e-commerce websites, marketplaces, point-of-sale systems, and more, to automate and streamline order processing and fulfillment. The primary purpose of an OMS is to provide a centralized system for managing orders, inventory, and customer data. It allows businesses to monitor and track orders in real time, from the point of sale through to delivery, so they can quickly identify and resolve any issues that may arise during the process. An OMS can be particularly useful for businesses that have opted for multichannel selling, have a high volume of orders, or operate in complex supply chains. It can help reduce errors, improve order accuracy, and provide a better customer experience by ensuring timely and efficient order processing and delivery. While the general function of order management systems remains the same, there are some differences depending on the exact industry and business practices. Let's take a look at two examples. Order management system for manufacturing In the manufacturing sector, an order management system is pivotal for streamlining the complex process of producing goods from raw materials to finished products. It integrates closely with supply chain management systems to ensure that inventory levels are accurately maintained, reducing the risk of overproduction or stockouts. Order management system for manufacturing facilitates the scheduling of production runs, considering the availability of materials, machinery, and labor. It also enables manufacturers to track the progress of orders through various stages of production, quality checks, and final dispatch. The system provides real-time data,...

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> Textile manufacturing is an old, but still a massively important industry. In this article, we explore the history and how you can make it in the industry.

- Published: 2020-02-14
- Modified: 2024-05-30
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/textile-manufacturing/
- Categories: Manufacturing

Textile manufacturing is an old, but still a massively important industry. In this article, we explore the history and how you can make it in the industry. Textile manufacturing is a huge and diverse industry. That’s why we’ve looked into its history, how it works today, and tips you can use to crush it in the business. It’s crazy to think that the very shirt on your back represents millions of years of innovation, as far back as the prehistoric times, with the earliest known evidence of textile making (weaving) dating back to around 5000 BCE. The clothes we wear, the carpets we walk on, the very art we appreciate. All these different things stem from the same manufacturing processes and can either provide comfort or an essential need for survival. Not to get all gooey, but textiles are an important staple to culture all across the globe and to our existence in general. Textile manufacturing is an important industry, but one with a sullied reputation due to exploitation, ill-treatment of factory workers, and even deaths in the case of the Rana Plaza collapse. That’s why we’ve delved into the textile manufacturing industry, its history, how textile manufacturers operate today, and how you can run a textile manufacturing business. Pro tip: First things first, if you want to make it in textile production, or any area of the manufacturing industry, you’re going to need all the help you can get on optimizing your manufacturing inventory management. So, let’s unravel everything you need to know to become successful as a textile manufacturer. What is textile manufacturing? Textile manufacturing is a huge industry that entails the conversion of fiber into yarn, and that yarn into fabric. These fabrics are dyed, printed, or fabricated into clothes and various other items. Different types of fibers are used to produce yarn, with cotton remaining the most important natural fiber. In 2007, 25 million tons of cotton were produced from 35 million hectares across the globe. According to forecasts, the value of textile manufacturing is going to reach $842. 6 billion in 2020, a huge increase of 26. 2% since 2015. Textile production is a long and complex process, and it produces tons of different finished products. These textile production processes can be: Spinning Weaving Dyeing Knitting Bonding  Embroidery Felting Tufting  The term textile comes from the Latin word textilis and the French exere, that translates “to weave,” and used to only refer to woven fabrics. But, as methods and processes changed over time, textiles have come to include many different fabrics and materials. https://www. youtube. com/watch? v=c8g0wImRS64 So, now we know what is textile manufacturing. But, what’s the history behind this important industry, and how do textile manufacturers operate today? Historical and modern textile manufacturing The earliest textile manufacturing process was taking a piece of thread (regardless of material) to create loops in a repeated movement to design nets and basketry. As mentioned earlier in the article, the oldest known evidence of people employing this textile manufacturing process is during the Neolithic period. The Silk Road (207 BCE–220 CE) was an ancient trade network which saw goods such as iron, ivory, horses, pottery, and the most coveted of all, silk, pass through. This...

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- Published: 2020-02-13
- Modified: 2022-03-24
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/capterra-top-20-mrps-list/
- Categories: Company News

This list is the ultimate who’s who of the MRP software world, letting Capterra users quickly compare features from the best software on the market today. According to Capterra’s latest report, Katana made it onto the top 20 MRP software out there, based on verified ratings from users  You can find the methodology Capterra used to make this list, but it all came down to: — Positive reviews from users; and — Growing popularity among users from all over the world. MRP software is a manufacturer's best friend, allowing them to process orders, manage inventory, schedule production, and handle their bill of materials. This list is the ultimate who’s who of the MRP software world, letting Capterra users quickly compare features from the best software on the market today. Kristjan Vilosius, Founder and CEO at Katana stated, “It’s great to see Katana on the list, especially since we’ve been listening closely to our users and working hard to implement updates based on their feedback. ” He also added, “Using MRP software, direct-to-consumer manufacturers can forge their own paths. We’re happy to help them grow their businesses, and we’re thankful to our customers for their continuous support. It’s been humbling to read all their reviews. ” Capterra is the go-to marketplace for software comparison, and best of all, it’s free to use! This allows users to easily check out software on the market that best serves their business needs and, as it currently stands, Capterra has published over one million verified reviews to their website. Read more about Capterra here → We’re happy to bring you this news, and we look forward to helping you grow your manufacturing business further. Happy manufacturing, Katana Team

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> You can now choose whether or not you want to import your open sales orders with “Payment pending” status from Shopify into Katana!

- Published: 2020-02-12
- Modified: 2023-10-24
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/opt-out-importi-payment-pending-orders/
- Categories: Product updates

You can now choose whether or not you want to import your open sales orders with “Payment pending” status from Shopify into Katana! When your Shopify store is connected to Katana, your fulfillment status syncs two-ways and all your open sales orders are pulled into Katana. This automatically creates commitments for the required products or ingredients necessary to make the required products. But what if you want to require a payment from your customers before you commit any materials or products from Stock in Katana? We’ve got great news! You can now choose whether or not you want to import your open sales orders with Payment Pending status from Shopify into Katana! To disable the import of Payment Pending sales orders from Shopify, go to Settings→Integrations, and click the Reconfigure button from the Shopify integration. Then, simply turn off the following checkbox: Note: You can also do so when connecting your Shopify store for the first time. We hope this update makes your life as a modern manufacturer just a little bit easier. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to get in touch. Until next time, make sure to check out the ultimate guide for manufacturers selling on Shopify. It’s free to download, but the tips inside are priceless.

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- Published: 2020-01-22
- Modified: 2021-08-23
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/katana-raises-3-9-million-dollars/
- Categories: Company News

Katana fills this gap by offering a smart, modern, and affordable cloud-based solution, the first of its kind to focus on visual interactions and user experience. We are proud to announce that Katana has recently closed a $3. 9 million seed funding round, which includes $2. 2 million of new funds from 42CAP, a leading seed investor in European B2B software, based in Germany, as well as from our previous backers. It also includes the conversion of a $1. 7 million pre-seed convertible note from late 2018 financed by angel investors. Today, more and more manufacturers adopt a direct-to-consumer business model, managing without retailers, wholesalers, or any other type of middleman. By doing so, they can save costs, get full control over their brand image, and personalize the shopping experience for their customers. However, when it comes to managing inventory, production, and business operations, they struggle with a choice between messy spreadsheets and costly enterprise resource planning (ERP) technology, offered by leading ERP brands such as SAP or Infor, which is not designed for the needs of direct-to-consumer manufacturing. Katana fills this gap by offering a smart, modern, and affordable cloud-based solution, the first of its kind to focus on visual interactions and user experience. We are absolutely delighted that Katana is part of our portfolio. The team delivers what we call a truly seductive solution, for a global market on the rise. With their first-hand understanding of manufacturing processes, they offer companies unimpeded access to the new era of directed production. Moreover, Katana highlights Tallinn as one of the most interesting hubs in Europe in the years to come. — Alex Meyer, General Partner of 42CAP Katana’s Founders. From left to right: Kristjan Vilosius, Priit Kaasik, Hannes Kert We couldn’t be happier to have 42CAP on board and are extremely grateful for our current investors’ continuous support. We’re thrilled with the opportunity to fuel our growth even further and establish Katana as the leading smart manufacturing platform for SMEs. - Kristjan Vilosius, Founder and CEO at Katana Our current team is based in Estonia and U. S. , and it includes former team members of Pipedrive, Skype, and Microsoft. We plan to use the funding to speed up the development of new features and solutions, as well as expand the team, with experts in the fields of software development, marketing & sales, customer support, and product management. Interested candidates can request more details about available positions by contacting us at jobs@katanamrp. com.

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> Streamline floor-level tasks and ingredients with our newest feature: printing multiple manufacturing orders and consolidated pick list.

- Published: 2020-01-17
- Modified: 2023-08-10
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/katana-xero-integration/
- Categories: Product updates

It’s time to streamline how you organize your floor-level tasks and ingredients with our newest feature: printing multiple manufacturing orders and consolidated pick list. We’re excited to announce that Katana now integrates with Xero, allowing you to synchronize your business operations and accounting.   Check out our profile on Xero’s official App Marketplace. It’s time to streamline how you organize your floor-level tasks and ingredients with our newest feature: printing multiple manufacturing orders and consolidated pick list. Note: Do you use QuickBooks for accounting instead? Check out the Katana x QuickBooks integration. You can generate invoices and bills in Katana straight from the “Sell” and “Buy” screens when you push sales or purchase orders into Xero. No more tediously switching between apps to update data! You can also easily view those invoices and bills in Katana with a click of the Invoice/Bill Created button. Here’s a quick video tutorial on how the integration works: https://www. youtube. com/watch? v=qJ-NxuZag6k What are you waiting for? Centralize your business with the Katana x Xero integration, so you can stay focused on your brand, products, and customers. Also, be sure to check our latest article on Xero inventory management, and take your business to the next level today! Do you have any suggestions, questions, or comments? Please feel free to get in touch and let us know. Happy manufacturing, Katana Team

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> Optimizing production and operations management is important for manufacturers. Here’s why, and how to do it right.

- Published: 2020-01-14
- Modified: 2024-10-08
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/production-and-material-management/
- Categories: Business tips

Perfecting your production management is essential for a successful manufacturing business. Essentially, you can define your production management definition as an optimization problem. The ultimate objective of production management is to optimize your production line’s efficiency with your current resource capacity — manufacturers need production management. In this article, we look into production management and operations management, focusing on why they are important, and how you can make them work for your business. What is production management? Production management, or operations management, focuses on achieving a smooth production process with efficient planning and control of business operations. It has the ultimate objective of optimizing your manufacturing efficiency with your current capacity. To achieve this, you need to find the best manufacturing process for your business. Repetitive manufacturing This is a 24/7 production/assembly line, made possible with the use of manufacturing process automation such as conveyor belts and robotics. Discrete manufacturing This too relies on production lines. But the products that are produced by the manufacturer are varied, which requires the line to be set-up, and changed, depending on the products in production. Job shop manufacturing The humble manufacturer’s choice of manufacturing process management, which utilizes workshops and separate production areas to allow for bespoke products. Batch manufacturing Batch manufacturing allows manufacturers to make products in the necessary number of batches needed to satisfy customer demand. Continuous manufacturing Another manufacturing process that runs 24/7, although this process deals with raw materials such as gasses, liquids, powders, or slurries, including areas like mining, where the products can be more granule. The functions of production management systems Process operations are defined as a process of production management that includes any of the above workflows. Let’s look at the functions of production management in more detail.   Production control service This is where you’ll monitor production to make sure everyone executes the correct plans in the manufacturing process. The purpose is to react quickly if things deviate from the plan and make sure everything runs smoothly. Scheduling This one is a critical function in any business. Production scheduling is when you plan when production will start and finish during a project run. Cost and quality control The aim of this is to produce the highest quality product at the lowest possible cost, not just by saving money for your business, but by offering your customers a fairer price, too. To maintain consistent quality, be sure to follow your production quality control checklist. Maintenance of machines Finally, you’ll want to make sure all your tools and machinery are spic-and-span to avoid them underperforming or breaking down and stopping production completely. PRO TIP: Production management is going to be the most important aspect for manufacturers when looking to get more control over their business. But, with so many tasks and responsibilities, it can quickly become overwhelming. That’s why it’s essential to find production management software that can help you automate these tasks. Implementing production management When trying to achieve production and operations management, you’ll need to make...

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> Streamline how you organize your floor-level tasks and ingredients by printing multiple manufacturing orders and consolidated pick lists.

- Published: 2020-01-14
- Modified: 2021-08-23
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/print-multiple-mos-consolidated-pick-list/
- Categories: Product updates

Streamline how you organize your floor-level tasks and ingredients by printing multiple manufacturing orders and consolidated pick lists. It’s time to streamline how you organize your floor-level tasks and ingredients with our newest feature  With Katana, you can quickly get your production rolling by printing multiple manufacturing orders (MOs) in one go, allowing you to send the work orders to your team members, so they can get started as soon as possible. You can also group your selected MOs into one consolidated pick list, which will allow you to see all the ingredients you need for those orders. To do this is simple, head to the “Make” screen and select the MOs you wish to print: Click on the highlighted “Bulk actions... ” box, select “Print” and chose the printing template called “Manufacturing order”. A PDF will open in a new window for you to print all your selected MOs. However, if you want to have your selected orders, ingredients, and quantities in one document instead, simply select “Consolidated pick list” Doing this will help you quickly and easily gather your ingredients for all your MOs in one go. No more printing MOs individually! We’re sure this new feature will help you smash your deadlines. If you have any questions, thoughts, or suggestions, we would love to hear them. Happy manufacturing,  Katana Team

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- Published: 2020-01-06
- Modified: 2021-06-08
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/remember-filter-sorting-state/
- Categories: Product updates

Working with Katana is now even smoother! We’ve got a cool new feature that enables Katana to remember the filter and sorting state you last used on a particular screen. Working with Katana is now even smoother! We’ve got a cool new feature that enables Katana to remember the filter and sorting state you last used on a particular screen. For example, let’s say that you want to see all your sales orders with the delivery deadline in the upcoming week. To do so, go to your “Sell” screen, and sort your orders by “Delivery deadline”, choosing the filter “7-day forecast”. After that, you might want to leave this screen in order to control your stock levels or search for additional information. When you return to your “Sell” screen, the previously set filter is still in place, and you can easily continue your work from where you left off — no need to start sorting orders again. Katana keeps your set filter and sorting state even after you log out of your computer. To remove your filters, all you have to do is click “Clear filters” at the top-right corner of your screen. As always, if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Happy manufacturing,  Katana Team

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> With this new update, Katana supports multi-location manufacturing and purchasing. Learn more.

- Published: 2019-12-20
- Modified: 2021-08-23
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/multiple-manufacturing-purchasing-locations/
- Categories: Product updates

For a while now we have supported users with the option to track inventory at multiple sales locations. The workflow is now complete, as Katana also supports multi-location manufacturing and purchasing. We’ve got great news! For a while now we have supported users with the option to track inventory at multiple sales locations. The workflow is now complete, as Katana also supports multi-location manufacturing and purchasing. This (long-awaited) feature is especially useful if you manufacture at different locations or outsource some (or all) of your production. For example, if you split production between several factories in different cities, you can now manage the manufacturing, purchasing, and sales orders for each of them separately through Katana. This results in accurate material and product inventory levels in each location. On top of that, you can also transfer stock from one location to another. Or, if you outsource manufacturing then you could use these features to get a comprehensive overview of material levels, manufacturing activities and finished products at each of your outsourced manufacturing locations, based on the reports your partners provide. In Katana, you can now enable various functions for each of your locations: “Buy”, “Make” and “Sell”. It basically works like this: Enabling “Buy” means you can generate purchase orders to send materials to that location. Enabling “Make" allows manufacturing orders to be generated at that location. Enabling “Sell” allows you to fulfill your product commitments from that location to sales orders. Here’s a neat video that shows all of this in action, with examples to suit: https://www. youtube. com/watch? v=bRRAigKP6Xk Hopefully, these features make it easier for you to manage your manufacturing, purchasing, and sales at multiple locations. We know what a headache it can be without the right tools! If you have any questions, do not hesitate to get in touch. Happy manufacturing, Katana Team

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> We’ve just updated Katana with a brand-new feature which allows you to edit ingredients and operations lists on manufacturing orders (MOs).

- Published: 2019-12-20
- Modified: 2021-08-23
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/you-can-now-edit-ingredients-and-operations-lists-on-mos/
- Categories: Product updates

We’ve just updated Katana with a brand-new feature which allows you to edit ingredients and operations lists on manufacturing orders (MOs) — extra handy if you need to add an item to your product, such as a custom design, color or engraving. Good news! We’ve just updated Katana with a brand-new feature which allows you to edit ingredients and operations lists on manufacturing orders (MOs). If you need to add an item to your product, such as a custom design, color or engraving, then this feature comes in extra handy for you. Or perhaps you sell products with a long list of custom parameters your customers can choose from. In this case it’s going to be a lot easier to keep one product variant and then adjust the ingredients on the MO based on the parameters your customer has selected. It basically means that you can now create a new MO with the default product recipe and then make adjustments on the MO where needed. For example, let’s take a manufacturer who sells simple and custom-design T-shirts. A sales order comes in with the custom attribute “Unicorn” image sticker. To adjust the ingredients list all you have to do is open the manufacturing order, click “+ Add new row" under “Ingredients” and add “Sticker on textile / Unicorn”. The same applies to the operations list. In the example above, the custom sticker order means that an additional operations step is necessary. Scroll to the operations section on the same MO and click “+ Add new row” to add the new step “Apply sticker on T-shirt", as well as the associated resource, time and cost. You can of course add, remove and edit the ingredients and operations lists as you wish. Hopefully this feature will make your life a lot easier when offering unique customization options to your customers.  Please let us know what you think, and of course feel free to contact us with any questions you may have. Happy manufacturing, Katana Team

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> We’re happy to announce that Katana now allows you to export, delete, and import existing recipes/BOMs in bulk using .xls or .xlsx templates.

- Published: 2019-12-20
- Modified: 2022-04-26
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/bulk-export-delete-and-import-boms/
- Categories: Product updates

We’re happy to announce that Katana now allows you to export, delete, and import existing recipes/BOMs in bulk using . xls or . xlsx templates. You asked, and we listened! This is a feature highly requested by our growing customers with constantly expanding product portfolios. We’re happy to announce that Katana now allows you to: Export existing recipes/BOMs in bulk; Delete multiple existing recipes/BOMs; and Import recipes/BOMs using . xls or . xlsx templates. So, how exactly do you do this in Katana? From the ‘Items’ view, select products from the list, and click ‘Bulk actions’ to delete existing recipes/BOMs inside Katana. You can also export recipes/BOMs in bulk and make the necessary adjustments in the downloaded file. Then, delete your existing recipes/BOMs from Katana and use your file to import their updated versions. This is especially useful if, for example, a supplier changed the item and you need to replace one ingredient with another, or if you need to update a recipe for a new collection. To bulk import new product recipes, simply use the template found under ‘Settings’ - ‘Data Import’ tab. Please note that the match is based on the SKUs for both products and ingredients included in the recipe. You can only use products and ingredients that already exist in Katana. New products or ingredients will not be created. You can use the product and materials import templates to add new items. For more information on product recipes/BOMs in Katana, please check our Knowledge Base and if you have any questions, do not hesitate to get in touch with us. Until next time, Happy Manufacturing! Katana Team

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- Published: 2019-12-20
- Modified: 2021-06-03
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/receive-po-in-parts/
- Categories: Product updates

You can now receive a purchase order in parts, allowing you to choose which items and quantities to receive now and keep the others in expected status. Great news! Partial receiving of purchase orders is now fully implemented and ready to use. This means you no longer have to make separate purchase orders if your shipment arrives in multiple deliveries. Instead, you can receive the purchase order in parts, allowing you to choose which items and quantities to receive now and keep the others in expected status. So, next time you click to receive an open purchase order there will be a new menu option - “Receive Some... ”. After that, the order will be marked as “Partially received” and you can continue receiving items until the purchase order has completely arrived. We look forward to hearing your thoughts, suggestions or questions, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Happy purchasing, Katana Team

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- Published: 2019-12-20
- Modified: 2021-06-03
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/company-warehouse-addresses-on-pos/
- Categories: Product updates

From today onward, you can save your company and warehouse addresses on your printed purchase orders, allowing you to use the documents as official purchase orders for ordering materials from suppliers. We have an exciting new feature ready and waiting for you to use. From today onward, you can save your company and warehouse addresses on your printed purchase orders, allowing you to use the documents as official purchase orders for ordering materials from suppliers. In Katana, go to the top right corner of the dashboard and click your company name. Here, you can access your “Account” and edit the display name in Katana, your company’s legal name, and your company’s registered address. From the “Settings” screen, select “Locations” to edit your warehouse addresses and any of their legal names (in the event your materials are stored or used by another company). On your next purchase order, your company’s legal name and address will be displayed under “Bill to:”, and the warehouse address to which the order is being delivered will appear under “Ship to:”. Finally, after you have defined your “Account” information, on all future printed sales orders and price offers, your company information will appear in the footer. And that’s it for today! We hope this update will make it easier when purchasing supplies in the future. If you have any questions, you’re more than welcome to pop us a message. Happy Purchasing, Katana Team

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- Published: 2019-12-20
- Modified: 2021-06-08
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/unit-conversion-for-purchasing/
- Categories: Product updates

You can now enter a separate purchasing unit of measure for each material and purchasable product in Katana and define the ratio between the stock tracking unit and purchasing unit. We’re excited to announce that we’ve beefed-up Katana’s purchasing module with a brand-new feature: Unit Conversion! It's super useful if you buy supplies in one unit of measure but track the inventory in a different unit. For example, if you purchase materials in bottles but track consumption in milliliters. You can now enter a separate purchasing unit of measure for each material and purchasable product in Katana and define the ratio between the stock tracking unit and purchasing unit. To do this, open an "Item card" and enable "Yes, I purchase in a different unit". Then decide how you’ll track the unit of measure and the quantity in which the item will be purchased. You can now enter a separate purchasing unit of measure for each material and purchasable product in Katana and define the ratio between the stock tracking unit and purchasing unit. Once finished, when you create a new "Purchase order" (PO) Katana will automatically make the conversion and track the accurate quantity in stock based on the stock tracking unit. For a better understanding of how the new feature works, be sure to check out the video tutorial below: https://www. youtube. com/watch? v=XJli8DOl8eQ Gone are the days of making a manual stock adjustment after the purchase to convert from one unit to the other. If you have any questions, thoughts, or suggestions, we look forward to hearing them. Happy purchasing,  Katana Team

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> Craft production is a manufacturing technique that goes back to ancient times. Here we explore craft production and how to be a successful craft worker.

- Published: 2019-12-19
- Modified: 2024-06-05
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/craft-production/
- Categories: Business tips

Craft production is a manufacturing technique that goes back to ancient times. Here we explore craft production and how to be a successful craft worker. Craft production has been around since ancient times and still plays a crucial role in the manufacturing industry. In this article, we’ve investigated what is craft production, steps you can follow to become a skilled craft worker, and the appropriate automation to help your business thrive. When we think of manufacturing, we envision sterilized factories and heartless machines, forever pumping out cheap, unreliable, and tacky products at the lowest possible cost. Maybe this is a fair stereotype for the manufacturing industry in general, but we often forget about the artisans and humble workshop owners, who are still making things by hand, using techniques that are thousands of years old. These manufacturers inhabit an area in the industry, one which has been the cornerstone of culture for societies and is making a comeback according to our manufacturing trends and predictions. Manufacturers working in craft production play an important role because they make unique and difficult-to-replicate products that enrich our culture, either by adding to it or reflecting it. Take, for example, Rebel Nell, featured in our 19 best Shopify stores article, who teaches disenfranchised women how to make beauty accessories using graffitied material from the streets of Detroit. They can then build up their jewelry inventory to sell them later. https://www. youtube. com/watch? v=S0QA_It6p3Q That’s quite a literal example of how craft production enriches culture, but the point still stands. Craft production has a long history, and today many people are working in the field, either as hobbyists, part-time, or even full-time skilled crafter workers. And that’s why we’ve decided to delve into the world of craft production, from its history to how you can build a successful craft manufacturing business. So, let's get to it! What is craft production? The craft production definition is the manufacturing process of making products, one by one, with or without the aid of tools, usually in a job shop manufacturing setting. Craft production was the most common method of manufacturing pre-industrialization, such as when making pottery by hand. Regardless of the product, craft production’s finished goods are unique, tell a story, and (should be) made of extremely high quality, which is the biggest appeal of purchasing something from a craft manufacturer. However, even though customers are interested in these unique items, it does come with the disadvantage of being harder to repair compared to the mass-produced, cheaper alternatives, which are composed of identical, replaceable parts, that are easier and cheaper to fix. The other thing about craft production is that it’s reliant on a highly skilled craft worker, of which we’re currently experiencing a shortage. Training for anyone working in craft production can be intensive and delivered through apprenticeships, workshops, lectures, or just a simple hands-on approach. Even though large-scale manufacturers rely on mass production when making their goods, craft production is still practiced around the world and is a tried and true method when it comes to making furniture, cabinetry, and other woodworking trades. And before we continue, let’s quickly look at the history...

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> Multichannel selling is more important than ever if you want to leverage your reach. Learn all about what it is and how to benefit from it.

- Published: 2019-12-12
- Modified: 2024-04-16
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/multi-channel-selling/
- Categories: Business tips, Ecommerce

Multi channel selling is more important than ever if you want to reach potential customers. We’ve investigated what it is and how manufacturers can use it. Multichannel selling has emerged as a key strategy for businesses seeking to maximize their reach in the digital era. This approach has gained popularity due to the affordability and accessibility of online trading. This article explores the concept of multichannel selling and offers insights into how businesses across various industries can effectively implement this strategy. Gone are the days when businesses had to rely solely on intermediaries such as retailers and wholesalers to get their products to the consumer market. This traditional path often meant facing hefty fees and restrictive agreements imposed by these middlemen, including consignment inventory arrangements that could leave products languishing unsold on shelves, only to be returned at the seller's expense once the agreement expired. Thanks to the advent of multichannel selling, businesses now have the opportunity to directly reach their customers, bypassing traditional third-party channels. This method allows businesses to leverage both physical storefronts and an array of online platforms, making it possible to engage with a broader audience without necessarily maintaining a physical retail presence. The rise of e-commerce has significantly lowered the barriers to entry for selling online, offering an economical way to expand market reach. However, adopting a multichannel approach means businesses must now navigate the complexities of managing production, sales, and marketing across multiple channels simultaneously. The responsibility of directly interacting with customers, handling logistics, and executing a cohesive marketing strategy falls squarely on the seller, presenting both challenges and opportunities. This guide provides valuable insights and strategies to help businesses from all sectors understand how to leverage this model to their advantage. Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the digital marketplace, understanding multichannel selling is crucial for tapping into new customer segments and driving growth. What is multichannel selling? Multichannel selling is a comprehensive strategy that enables businesses to distribute their products or services across a variety of platforms, thereby maximizing their market presence and accessibility to different consumer segments. By adopting this approach, companies can leverage the unique strengths of each channel, such as online marketplaces, social media platforms, their own e-commerce websites, and physical retail locations, to cater to the diverse shopping preferences of their customer base. This method is particularly effective in enhancing brand visibility and engagement by meeting customers on their preferred platforms, thereby facilitating easier access to products and services. Additionally, it helps businesses diversify their sales strategies, reduce dependency on a single channel, and potentially increase resilience against market fluctuations. Through multichannel selling, businesses aim to create multiple touchpoints with customers, enriching the customer journey and ultimately driving sales growth by tapping into various consumer pools across the digital and physical retail landscapes Omnichannel vs. multichannel selling These terms can often be used interchangeably, but there is a difference: Multichannel selling — Using various independent channels, such as online stores, marketplaces, and physical locations, to reach...

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> Automation in manufacturing will soon become a standardized tool. In this article, we explore process automation and all it has to offer.

- Published: 2019-12-03
- Modified: 2024-05-24
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/manufacturing-process-automation/
- Categories: Manufacturing

Automation in manufacturing is quickly becoming a standardized tool across all businesses. In this article, we explore process automation and all it has to offer. There are a lot of assumptions people formulate when they think about automation along a production line. They envision conveyor belts, mass layoffs, and soulless robotic arms picking and packing away products. Yes, this is the case in some areas of the manufacturing industry that uses a repetitive manufacturing process. But, since the industrial robotics boom of the 1980s, the application of automation in manufacturing has changed, from robotic arms for large-scale manufacturers to inventory management tools for crafters. Automation is no longer a threat to employees but an important tool for any manufacturing business. Automation in production is here to stay and will only continue to improve daily as the technology becomes more accessible. As mentioned, an automated manufacturing system isn’t limited to production lines. It can be a tool that can automate your inventory, orders, purchasing, or even marketing. Pretty much anything can be automated to improve your manufacturing business process. In this article, we look into how a manufacturer can implement these tools into their business and the different functions these tools perform. So, without further ado, let’s delve straight into it.   What is automation in manufacturing? Automation in manufacturing is the process of using production management software or robotic tools to operate a factory when making a physical product.   These tools are built to perform operations to help businesses with tasks such as: Processing  Assembly  Inspection  Inventory management  Production planning In the past, a tool would perform a specialized task, but with technological advancements, the number of operations that a tool can perform has increased.   In a nutshell, this is what is meant by process automation.   It’s quickly become essential to consider the automation of the manufacturing process, as 76% of manufacturers use automation to improve their factory floor’s productivity as a key strategy for increasing growth. Manufacturers have shifted their focus to improving this area because it’ll help them. Reduce costs and production waste To properly adopt lean inventory techniques into your business, you’re going to need to adopt a tool that can help you track inventory movements, WIP manufacturing costs, and operation progress. Automated manufacturing will allow you to handle multiple projects at once, in turn generating more revenue. Improve product quality Having real-time data about your products and following your production quality control checklist, you can refine your production with process automation manufacturing. This will allow you to discover the inferior components in your products and make the necessary replacements. Improve response time With real-time data, you can better understand your stock levels to immediately know if you can start production or need to order more material, drastically increasing your business’s fulfillment rate. Of course, this is mainly focused on manufacturing process software, but when it comes to using robotics, there are two main reasons: It’s cheap to use It helps compensate for skilled labor shortages However, since robotics are mostly used in the automotive industry, we’ll focus...

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> Food production is not only an expansive sector of the manufacturing industry but an important one too. Discover the industry and how to run a business in it.

- Published: 2019-11-28
- Modified: 2024-05-23
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/food-production/
- Categories: Business tips

Food production is not only an expansive sector of the manufacturing industry but an important one too. Discover the industry and how to run a business in it. In this article, we’re going to explore the history of the food production, the processes businesses implement, the steps you can take to become a successful food manufacturer, and the perfect tool to help you along the way. When you begin your manufacturing endeavor, you need to ask yourself one important question. Will your product be satisfying a need or a want? Yeah, convincing someone that they want your product is great, but the best thing is to have a product that consumers need, something that is essential to living. Anything that ticks our physiological needs is certainly a product that is going to perform well. Theoretically speaking, that is.  There’s still competition you’ll need to overcome and a lot of room for error when making something as seemingly simple as food. That’s why we’re going to investigate the food production industry so you can better understand how this industry operates, and if you’re a food manufacturer, how you can get the most out of it. Food production complex, with thousands of businesses with various products, supplying the food that is consumed by the world's population. Pro tip: Regardless of whether you’re a humble baker or a factory owner pumping out ready-made microwavable meals, handling your raw materials is extremely important. That’s why it's crucial to learn how to calculate raw materials so as not to let your food inventory get out of control. So, without further ado, let's delve into this rich industry and look into the tools and tips you can use to help you with your food production. What is Food Production? Food production encompasses all businesses that are involved in the preparation of foodstuffs by converting raw materials into ready-made food products for use by consumers in their homes or for other food processing businesses. The operating food production businesses take scientific approaches to food manufacturing and span across several different food industry sectors, such as: Agriculture; Manufacturing; Food processing; Marketing; Wholesale and food distribution; Foodservice; Grocery, markets, and other retailing; Regulation; Education; Research and development; and Financial services. Consumers spend roughly $1 trillion annually for food in the US alone, which accounts for about 10% of the country’s GDP. Food production accounts for 16. 5 million jobs, and in 2004, the worldwide sales of processed food generated a whopping $3. 2 trillion. Not only does food production play a massive role in our day to day lives, but starting or managing a food production business can provide ample opportunities, just as long as you can carve out your piece of the market. But, before we look into doing that, let’s quickly explore the history of food manufacturing. The History of Food Manufacturing Food manufacturing spans back to ancient times when communities took steps to preserve their harvests to help them survive the harsh winters. Not just the vegetables and meat were saved, but our ancestors would have practiced lean inventory techniques by...

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> Leather manufacturing has a long history, a bright future, and is still a relevant material today. Read all about the leather industry here.

- Published: 2019-11-19
- Modified: 2024-05-23
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/leather-manufacturing/
- Categories: Business tips, Manufacturing

Leather manufacturing has a long history, an interesting future, and is still a relevant material today. This article fully explores the leather industry. Leather Manufacturing still plays an important role in the manufacturing industry, from producing leather to using leather to make your products. In this article, we’re going to take an in-depth look into the industry, real leather, faux leather, and the tools you can use to reduce the amount of waste you produce. In the caveman days, innovation wasn’t making a knife that makes toast as you cut your bread.  Innovation was a means of survival. When they had limited resources and the ultimate risks, the practice of lean inventory was essential – long before people even knew what this method was. For example, one thing cavemen would do after a hunt is to utilize all the animal's parts and not let anything go to waste. And thus, began leather manufacturing. A raw material so sturdy and reliable, it still plays an important role in the manufacturing industry today. However, as already mentioned, we don’t live in the caves anymore (plus its hyperbole anyway), and some would even argue that the use of animal-based leather is redundant as there are alternative sources to use when making leather. So, as you can imagine, leather manufacturing can be a minefield of ethics as consumers and manufacturers are now opting for cruelty-free leather. That’s why we’re going to take an in-depth look at the leather manufacturing industry, how leather goods manufacturing is carried out, and the software you can use to help you manage the material. So, without further ado, let’s get into it. Get control of your leather materials. Don’t lose track of another item with manufacturing ERP software purpose-built for manufacturers. Request a demo and see it for yourself. What is leather manufacturing? Leather manufacturing is the process of converting raw animal skin into leather through three sub-processes: Preparatory stages Tanning Crusting However, the operations the hide undergoes (that could be anywhere from 35 to 55 different operations) all depend on what type of leather a manufacturer is producing. Leather manufacturing is a by-product of the meat and dairy industries, and leather can come from any animal. But, the most popular type of skin used in the leather manufacturing industry is bovine (ox, cow, calf, and buffalo skin), which accounts for 64% of leather. Leather is traded internationally and comes in different conditions: fresh, wet salted, pickled, sun-dried, crust, wet blue, and finished. The history of leather manufacturing is a long one. Leather has been manufactured for thousands of years, by extracting water from bark, wood or leaves, to preserve an animal’s skin from decay. According to experts, the oldest tanneries, found in Egypt, date back to over 5,000 years. And since then, it's now estimated that there are 9,000 tanneries worldwide, and the annual area of leather produced is 19,000 million square feet, that’s around 2 million square feet per tannery. We haven’t touched on faux leather, but we will further in the article. For now, let’s investigate the leather manufacturing process. What is the leather manufacturing process? As quickly touched upon in the previous chapter, the leather manufacturing process is...

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> In this article, we explore the assemble to order workflow, including examples, the pros and cons, and the tools you can use to make it work in your favor.

- Published: 2019-10-22
- Modified: 2024-05-22
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/assemble-to-order/
- Categories: Business tips, Manufacturing

In this article, we explore the assemble to order workflow, including examples, the pros and cons, and the tools you can use to make it work in your favor. Assemble to order is the process of having the components and subassemblies of your product ready, so when a sales order is generated, the finished product can be quickly built and dispatched to the customer. Be sure to read on to learn how you can make this model work for your business. Imagine what it must be like to have a tried and perfected production set-up, where all your inventory and workstations are arranged to have your products out the door almost straight away. And not only to quickly fulfill orders but also to go a step further by giving customers the option to customize their orders. It sounds like a wild fantasy, right? Maybe the reality is your fulfillment rates are out of control, your inventory unmanageable, and your current workflow set-up inefficient. But don’t lose hope yet! A simple switch to an assemble to order workflow could be the solution to all your problems. Usually, when manufacturers are deciding which workflow to use within their business, it’s boiled down to one of two choices. Will your manufacturing be dictated by: Make to Order vs.  Make to Stock. But, for manufacturers who've ruled out make to stock (MTS) because they produce different variations of products or even for those who don't know which workflow to adopt, the assemble to order (ATO) model - the middle ground - could be the ideal workflow for you. But what is assemble to order, and how can you make it work for your business? In this article, we’re going to answer these questions, so you can decide on if the ATO model is right for you, or if you’re torn and need to choose between assemble to order vs make to order instead. PRO TIP: Admittedly, switching up your workflow could help improve your business's productivity. However, your business may be struggling due to poor inventory management. That’s why we offer an inventory spreadsheet template to guide you to the road of optimizing your business’s inventory practices. So, without further ado, let’s get into it. What Is Assemble to Order?   Assemble to order is a manufacturing workflow in which a customer's order triggers a manufacturing order for a product, which will then be built using components and subassemblies stocked by the manufacturer, as opposed to being built entirely from scratch. So, to achieve this type of workflow, the manufacturer will need to have their products either partially built or their routing manufacturing set-up to quickly build the finished product using pre-built subassemblies. You could essentially describe ATO as a hybrid process that combines features of make-to-order and make-to-stock production processes, to capitalize on the benefits offered by both strategies. And very quickly, here’s the difference between the other two models: Make to Order – Finished goods are manufactured when a customer's order is generated Make to Stock – Finished goods are manufactured in anticipation of a customer's order And that explains why we earlier described the ATO production as a middle-ground approach. The ATO model allows a manufacturer to speed up their deliveries and still provide the customer with the options to partially customize their products. However, we’ll explore the advantages and disadvantages of...

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> DTC or D2C manufacturing is becoming the main choice of business model among manufacturers. Discover direct to consumer manufacturing and how to work it.

- Published: 2019-10-15
- Modified: 2024-05-23
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/d2c-manufacturing/
- Categories: Business tips

DTC or D2C manufacturing is becoming the main choice of business model among manufacturers. Discover direct to consumer manufacturing and how to work it. D2C manufacturing has quickly become the preferred choice of selling for manufacturers, as it allows them to get more control over their business and have more interaction with their consumers. So, if you want your business to transition to this model, be sure to read on to the end. “Back in our day, the only way we could get our products in front of consumers was by partnering up with a retailer and meeting all of their requirements to get on their store shelves! ” you may hear an older manufacturer cry out. “But you youngsters, you whippersnappers have it easy! ” they might also add. And if you did hear someone complaining about this in the manufacturing industry, they’d be mostly right! This is because many modern forward-thinking manufacturers have decided to completely cut out the retailers, wholesalers, and middlemen to form a direct to consumer (DTC) manufacturing business instead. Direct to consumer manufacturing is where the manufacturer sells its products straight to the customer, as opposed to selling via a middleman. And it’s a tactic which is only growing in popularity, not just for manufacturers, but for customers too who want to know more about how and where their products were manufactured. That’s why we’ve put together this article exploring what is direct to consumer manufacturing and how someone can make this model work for their business. So, without further ado, let’s delve straight in! What is Direct to Consumer (DTC)? https://www. youtube. com/watch? v=2GnmY22X4dI DTC meaning Direct to consumer (or D2C) means that you’re selling your products directly to your customers, without the assistance of third-party retailers, wholesalers, or any other type of middleman. The reason the D2C business model has become a growing trend for manufacturers either creating products in-house or via outsource manufacturing is because customers are more and more transitioning to online shopping instead of the traditional route of going to a physical location to buy their products. But, not only is this the ideal selling tactic for manufacturers trying to stay ahead of future manufacturing trends and predictions, becoming a direct to consumer brand allows manufacturers to sell their products at a lower cost than other traditionalist manufacturing brands, and to take complete control of their business, from production to marketing and even the distribution of their products. In the days of yore, when manufacturers would either sell their goods to retailers or agree to have inventory on consignment, the manufacturer was at the mercy of how much effort their partner put into selling their inventory. But nowadays? The modern D2C manufacturer is a free spirit! They can still enter these traditional business agreements, but now they can establish their own D2C e-commerce store, get set-up on different (but relevant) marketplaces, and even get involved with some offline activities such as pop-up shops or attending trade fairs to increase their company’s awareness. To get into the mindset of someone using a direct to consumer manufacturing model, you need to remember your objective isn’t to go toe-to-toe with the larger manufacturing companies but to rethink the entire retail model to get ahead of your competitors. PRO TIP: Intimidated about jumping into this? Taking a DTC approach, even as a start-up company,...

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> Running a business online can be a tough affair. That’s why we’ve looked into the best three WooCommerce integrations you can adopt to optimize your company.

- Published: 2019-10-08
- Modified: 2024-07-01
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/woocommerce-integrations/
- Categories: Ecommerce, Top lists

Running a business online can be a tough affair. That’s why we’ve looked into the best three WooCommerce integrations you can adopt to optimize your company. You may feel as though you can make it work with just the vanilla platform, but if you want your scaling manufacturing business to succeed, you'll need WooCommerce integrations to keep up. Once upon a time, a manufacturer would create products, and a wholesaler or retailer would purchase them to sell them. But, as soon as we entered the internet era, forward-thinking manufacturers started cutting out the middleman and selling directly to consumers. With this, entrepreneurs could get total control over their business, from production to sales and even their supply chain management. And luckily for those manufacturers who took on this greater responsibility, software developers also saw an opportunity in this new digital market. That's why we're investigating the best WooCommerce integrations manufacturers can use to boost their business' productivity. WooCommerce integrations are tools designed to make managing your online store easier. As a manufacturer, finding suitable WooCommerce integrations for your store is confusing because most are tailored for dropshippers. It doesn't help that the number of tools out there seems infinite. However, some tools are purpose-built for scaling manufacturers, and we'll help you discover the best three your business should adopt. If you've already figured out that the place to be is online, but have already made the plunge with Shopify, have no fear! Take a look at our article on Shopify tools to figure out what apps are available for you on the market. Otherwise, if you're already set up, or thinking about getting started with WooCommerce, then this is the article for you since we'll be looking at the best WooCommerce integrations to help manufacturers get control over their business. What are WooCommerce integrations? WooCommerce integrations are third-party plugins you can find online, which provide solutions for features missing in WooCommerce that your business needs to maximize its capacity. These plugins can range from inventory management and production to marketing. Since WooCommerce is open-source, manufacturers can use specific WooCommerce integrations for their company's needs to help customize their site or get tools to help manage their business. As for WooCommerce itself? WooCommerce is a free WordPress plugin that allows you to use e-commerce functionality on your WordPress website to set up an online business for your manufacturing company easily and relatively cheaply. Here are some fun facts about WordPress and WooCommerce integrations before we look at the top three integrations your manufacturing business should consider: The plugin launched in 2011 and was purchased by Automattic (the owners of WordPress) in 2015 Woocommerce is the second most popular open-source platform on the internet WooCommerce has been downloaded 211 million times Knowing these facts is one thing, but if you want to get ahead of the competition, you need to understand how the vanilla plugin works. Be sure to read more about WooCommerce inventory management when trying to figure out how to optimize your website and...

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> Bottleneck management is essential as bottlenecks occur in all manufacturing industries. Here, we explain what they are and how to fix them.

- Published: 2019-09-25
- Modified: 2024-02-19
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/bottleneck-management/
- Categories: Business tips, Manufacturing

Bottleneck management is essential to learn as bottlenecks occur in all manufacturing industries. Here, we explain what bottlenecks are and how to fix them. TL:DR: In this article, we’re going to explore the bottleneck definition, examples, and how you can fix them when they occur on your factory floor. Everything might seem splendid in your manufacturing business, and as you plod along with your operations, you may even take certain issues you encounter at face value. Perfection isn’t achievable, so why waste resources on trying to chase an impossible goal? If that is a question you’ve asked yourself, you’re possibly in danger of becoming compliant, which will slow down your production flow, generate waste, and even increase your manufacturing costs. But have no fear, by reading this article you’ll have taken the first step toward improving your production workflow as we’re going to investigate bottleneck management and how you can do your best to tackle them. A basic bottleneck definition would be a point along your manufacturing route in which production flow becomes constricted, slowing down or even halting your other production operations. You might be wondering; bottlenecks exist in which type of manufacturing processes?  But every manufacturing business will experience a bottleneck, from horsey-seesaw makers to chemical processing plants. And a lot of manufacturers just accept that this is an occupational hazard of producing products. Which is true, a bottleneck in production is inevitable. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be vigilant and debottlenecking along your production line every chance you get. So, in this article, we’re going to explore bottleneck management, debottlenecking, and what tools you can use to optimize your productions workflow. PRO TIP: Want to get an immediate head start on better managing your manufacturing business’s inventory? Then be sure to check out our comprehensive breakdown on small business inventory which will help you on the path to practicing leaner manufacturing processes. So, without further ado, let’s dig into the bottleneck definition. What Does Bottleneck Mean in Production? A bottleneck definition is a congestion point along a manufacturers production line.  It’s also a term used in different industries, but for this article, we’re going to look at bottlenecks in manufacturing. The name, bottleneck, is inspired by the function of a bottleneck (on a wine bottle for example) which is to stop the content of a bottle quickly spilling out should it be knocked over. A bottleneck provides a point in which something passes through slowly. A bottleneck in production isn’t a congestion point limited to just your production line. A bottleneck could occur from your resources, such as: A machine that needs regular maintenance; A worker who needs training; or A computer with outdated software. Regardless of where the bottleneck occurs, it happens due to workloads arriving at a stage of production too early or the workstation struggling to handle the workload. So, as you can imagine, knowing how to identify a bottleneck in production is extremely important to begin the debottlenecking process as soon as possible. The reason it is important to identify a production bottleneck is that it’s going to greatly affect your manufacturing lead time and increase your manufacturing costs significantly. According to Eli Goldratt, in his book The Goal, bottlenecks in manufacturing aren’t a thing of evil, just an unavoidable fact of manufacturing that you’ll need to find a solution too. But before we move on to a bottleneck process example, it should be quickly mentioned that bottlenecks are sometimes confused with manufacturing constraints. The difference between bottlenecks...

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> Consumer expectations are rising, meaning that more modern manufacturers are looking to mass customization to ensure customers are satisfied.

- Published: 2019-09-20
- Modified: 2024-01-19
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/mass-customization/
- Categories: Business tips

Consumer expectations are on the rise, meaning that more modern manufacturers are looking to mass customization to ensure customers are satisfied. Modern manufacturers like the guys at “Framed” give customers options to modify their wooden framed eyewear, ranging from wood type to hinging. It’s a great example of how mass customization can work to satisfy a variety of tastes so that your product becomes appealing to more potential customers. Consumer expectations are as high as they’ve ever been. No longer can manufacturers rely on huge anonymous retailers to sell their products for them. People want to feel like their products are made for them, rather than just taking what’s on offer. It’s been part of the current manufacturing trends and predictions of 2023. And of course, this has driven modern manufacturers to become more customer-driven by adopting mass customization. Mass customization is the practice of creating products that satisfy the needs of individual customers as best you can without compromising your business. Now the first thought that probably comes to mind here is to offer a myriad of options for your customers when they are purchasing your products. And while that is a huge component, the reality is that mass customization strategy can be much more far-reaching. You can customize the packaging, marketing, and cosmetics, or even just create a product that inherently adapts to its environment. All of which contribute to making a product feel more personal to customers. And considering on average 36% of consumers express interest in purchasing personalized products, it is clear how important customized products have already become. So, let’s dive into mass customization and figure out which approach is best for you and your customers. What is the goal of mass customization? Right, so what is mass customization? Well, first thing is to note is that this is not about making tailor-made products. Mass customization is about offering products which are customized for customers but not necessarily redesigned for them. That’s because the products still need to be able to be made at a lower manufacturing cost so they are viable to be made on scale. The primary goal is to be able to satisfy the individual needs of as many customers as you can, as efficiently as possible. But the benefits can go much further. Here are some of the extended positives that come for companies that use mass customization: Increase product sales – providing a greater range of options means that your products become appealing to more potential customers. This often leads to a notable increase in sales. Improve manufacturing branding – by adopting mass customization you have also displayed your appreciation for the customer by default. You’re saying that their taste and needs are as important to you as your business itself. Up your profit margins – you have every right to charge that little bit more for providing customized products. And the cool thing is that customers are happy to pay on average 20% more for personalized products. Engage customers – mass customization gives your...

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> Consumers and businesses are conscious of their impact on the environment, meaning green manufacturing is more important than ever.

- Published: 2019-09-18
- Modified: 2024-05-23
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/green-manufacturing/
- Categories: Business tips

Consumers and businesses are conscious of their impact on the environment, meaning green manufacturing is more important than ever. Green manufacturing is going to be the option for manufacturers in the not-so-distant future, read on to know how this trend will affect your business and how you can take advantage of it. It’s time to get serious for a second. Doesn’t it feel like the world is turning crazy? Every time you turn on the news, all you hear about is how polarized politics is dividing countries across the planet. And if your country doesn’t succumb to the turmoil and hysteria that seems to have gripped everyone, you're more than likely going to experience the wrath of global warming instead. Jeez, this is depressing. Is there any hope in sight? Luckily for us, it isn’t all doom and gloom, at least when it comes to tackling a rising climate anyway. Get a real-time overview of your processes.  Turn your manufacturing workflows green with Katana to track your production and reduce waste. Get a demo.   What is green manufacturing? Green manufacturing is a process all manufacturers can adopt to do their part in curbing the effects felt by man-made environmental disasters. Green manufacturing also referred to as green production, is when manufacturing companies (regardless of scale) look to upgrade any outdated forms of production and opt for more environmental manufacturing solutions that reduce the amount of waste they produce instead. Instantly, manufacturing has connotations of big factories pouring chemicals into our rivers and shooting plumes of soot into the air. You’re even possibly scoffing, “Pfft, I make handmade leather handbags, it’s the big corporations who need to clean up! ” However, if you produce waste, even if it's just a few strips of leather, when you finish a product, where do you think the leftovers go? According to a CBS poll, 70% of Americans believe human activity contributes to climate change, and 56% believe we should act now to tackle it.   Meaning it’s not just good for the environment, but good for your business to go green manufacturing as consumers are increasingly only shopping with businesses who practice responsible manufacturing. If you want to be a part of the solution, then read on to learn more about the process of green production, how you can start eco-friendly manufacturing, and how to implement it into your business. PRO TIP: If you want to expedite your journey on the road to becoming a green manufacturing company, then you can get a head start by learning how to calculate raw materials to see if you can reduce the amount of waste you stock. What is the purpose of green manufacturing?   Green manufacturing defined is as the process of establishing eco-friendly manufacturing production practices into your business and taking advantage of renewable resources to build your products. According to current manufacturing trends and predictions, it’s a practice that’s growing in popularity among manufacturing businesses and consumers, with business partners and shoppers turning their backs on manufacturers who aren’t refining their processes for the good of the environment. The main goals of becoming a green manufacturing company are to: Use fewer natural resources Reduce pollution and waste Recycle and reuse materials Moderate their emissions during production...

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> Manufacturers need to focus on their manufacturing branding, especially as consumers continue to buy from manufacturers directly.

- Published: 2019-09-13
- Modified: 2024-05-24
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/manufacturing-branding/
- Categories: Business tips, Manufacturing

Scaling manufacturers need to focus on their manufacturing branding now more than ever, especially as consumers continue moving to buy from them directly. Understanding the importance of manufacturing branding is the first step to growing your business. Without it, you will find yourself lagging behind competitors who will find it much easier to retain customers over the long run. The tide of manufacturers moving to sell directly to consumers has been monumental over the last few years. Gone are the days where manufacturers relied on retailers and resellers to distribute their products. Now anyone can set up a direct to consumer business and sell their products via e-commerce platforms within weeks. All sounds gravy, right? Well, almost. Because what it has also meant is that these direct to consumer businesses must now focus on an element which wasn’t always so critical: manufacturing branding.   Manufacturing branding is the process of projecting an image to customers of what your company stands for, and why it makes the products it does. This is not just a matter of explaining what you do. It’s about letting your customers know how passionate you are about making the finest quality products in your market.  Telling your story in a way which resonates with your customers. Expectations are at an all-time high for consumers, and without a solid manufacturing brand in place, you might well find your business falling behind.  It’s a clear part of the trends and predictions for manufacturers of late. Still not convinced? Well, we’re going to go into all the reasons that manufacturing branding is so important to your success as well as some tips on how to achieve it. But first, let’s get the basics in place... What is a manufacturer brand? The first thing that probably comes to mind when thinking of manufacturing brands are the giants that have always been. We’re talking Ford, Nestle, Coca-Cola, Apple and the lot. But the reality is that there are much smaller brands which also have sway among consumers nowadays. This is largely down to e-commerce leveling out the playing field and allowing scaling manufacturers innovations to reach a wider audience. In fact, over 53% of new innovations contribute to smaller manufacturers growth as opposed to a meager 5% of large manufacturers. So now consumers might be turning towards manufacturing brands which provide more innovative products and a closer connection to customers. A manufacturer brand example of this sort could be Puppy Cake. Back in the day, these manufacturers would have given most of the marketing and sales responsibilities to the reseller, retailers, and wholesalers they worked with. Now, the power is in the hands of scaling manufacturers to take control of how their brand is perceived, and directly work with their customers to give them what they want. Importance of manufacturing branding There’s no doubt that scaling manufacturers now can brand themselves with greater control, thanks to the advent of e-commerce and social media. However, why is it so important for them to go down this route? After all, isn’t the product alone enough to grow a...

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> Looking for product bundling strategies? We go through the benefits of selling product bundles and even more importantly, the strategies you can use to make the most out of them.

- Published: 2019-09-04
- Modified: 2024-05-24
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/product-bundling/
- Categories: Business tips, Top lists

Here we go through the benefits of selling product bundles, and even more importantly, the strategies you can use to make the most out of them. Product bundling is a practice used by manufacturers from all kinds of industries. But a problem that unites them all is how exactly to create and manage bundles that are going to increase average order value. There's a knocking at the front door. You open and the postman greets you with an ever-knowing smile. It’s like he knows what wonder lies inside your post today. You sign off and take the box inside to be greeted by a beautiful product bundle. What a delight. Now comes the plain old excitement of going through the box and unwrapping each product one at a time. The truth is that we all love buying bundles of products. Especially if they’ve been well put together. But the thing is, creating product bundles is as much a science as it is an art. Customers react to each bundle differently, and there are good reasons why this is the case. The complexity, synergy and pricing of your bundles can all have a critical effect on how well your bundles do. Now, there are plenty of strategies you can use to make sure your bundle offer pays off. And we’ll get to five of the best soon enough. Before we get to that though, let’s investigate why you should practice product bundling in the first place. Product Bundling Benefits So, what are bundles? And what’s the point of having them? Well, to put it simply, product bundling involves combining several products into a package with a reduced price. It’s a way for customers to see your products in a different light and hopefully, spend more in the process. Product bundle examples could include basic packages, holiday sets, subscriptions boxes, product samples, and even giveaways. To find more bundle ideas check out our blog on inventory kitting (another word for product bundle). Otherwise, let’s jump into the benefits of bundling. 1. Increase Average Order Value As you can imagine the first benefit to bundles is the potential for a greater average order value. In other words, your customers spend more each time they buy. That’s because people are encouraged to spend and order more products when being offered a bundle discount. The principle is that buying products in bundles are going to save the customer money. Now that might mean that your margins might take a slight hit, but the increase in sales should more than makeup for that. Plus, you should be saving money on transaction costs by having a fewer number of orders. 2. Reduce Inventory Being smart with your stock bundles means that you can move dead stock on by pairing weaker items with strong selling items. This can help you make room in your stock room, save on carrying costs and increase product awareness for your underselling items. Now, beware that there are dangers in matching inexpensive items with premium products. You might find...

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> Here we delve into paperless manufacturing, how it can change your business today, and how it will affect businesses in the future.

- Published: 2019-08-30
- Modified: 2024-01-17
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/paperless-manufacturing/
- Categories: Manufacturing, Top lists

Here we delve into paperless manufacturing, how it can change your business today, and how it’s going to affect manufacturing businesses of the future. There’s no better feeling on this earth than holding a freshly printed, warm batch of documents. The vaguely familiar scent is one that most of us can recall, even as we sit behind our desks, miles away from the copy machine.   But as beautiful a moment as this can be, there can also be no doubt that manufacturers are fast leaving this way of doing things behind. Whether taking stock, scheduling production, or writing bill of materials, many modern manufacturers have found that paperless manufacturing is the way forward. The future is here, and it’s come in paperless manufacturing. Soon enough, every manufacturer up and down the globe will be using software solutions to run their business. But what software will they switch to, and what are the benefits? Paperless manufacturing software  Paperless manufacturing uses software-based solutions to manage production and keep track of records. There are many reasons why it’s fast becoming the norm among growing manufacturers. After all, paper is costly, slow to file, and highly prone to human error, among other things.   Printers might give us heavenly warm batches of documents, but they also decide to test us at every opportunity.   Paperless manufacturing tackles all these issues, but it does a lot more than that because these software solutions are not based on the paper systems of yore.   They were created to serve the needs of the modern manufacturer that wants to grow fast. One that needs to be on the ball, able to make decisions in real time and fulfill sales orders on demand.   The advantages of adopting paperless manufacturing  Moving your manufacturing further into the virtual world has plenty of benefits.   Benefits that could help over 80% of small to mid-sized manufacturing plants in the USA still use paper forms and manual keyboard data entry to track their inventory and manufacturing operations.   Here are just six of the most impactful advantages paperless manufacturing can bring.   1. Increase your productivity  Scheduling production is the bane of many a manufacturer.   Knowing which tasks need to be done when, as well as keeping track of progress, can be a headache when everything is being noted on paper.   Good paperless manufacturing systems totally overhaul this process by displaying the tasks needed for each order to your team and allowing them to update progress with a click of a button.   This way, your team knows what they need to be doing at any moment, and you can see how things are progressing without the need to track logbooks or chase people up for updates.   Notes can be left on the system, which removes the need for a constant physical back and forth. It’s just a much more efficient way to run your manufacturing floor — an effortless production planning strategy. And the benefit here is two-fold. Because not...

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> Contract manufacturing can help you save money and resources but outsource production to third-party companies. Here's how to do it properly.

- Published: 2019-08-28
- Modified: 2024-03-25
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/contract-manufacturing/
- Categories: Business tips

Contract manufacturing is often confused with outsourcing or toll manufacturing. Find out what is contract manufacturing and how to make it work for you. Have you ever been doing something, washing a spoon for example, in your day-to-day life, and then suddenly, after being soaked for the 17th hundred time, realized that there has to be a better way to wash a spoon? And then the eureka moment strikes! You have the perfect idea for a contraption that stops you from getting soaked when washing a spoon. Or a muffler for the vacuum to stop scaring the dog, or a device that lets you actually play musical notes when you start playing air guitar. The idea could be anything! But it’s the next crucial thought that kills the dream, “But, I can’t build any of those things. ” The contract manufacturing industry could be the savior you need for all of these whacky but potentially money-making ideas. And using contract manufacturers isn’t exclusively reserved for people who don’t have the means to produce their products. Contract manufacturing can be great for raising capital, focusing on different areas of business management, or simply finding the extra resources. But what is contract manufacturing? Let’s explore the advantages of contract manufacturing and its disadvantages, as well as how contract manufacturing software can help this business model. ERP software for perfect contract manufacturing Katana ERP software supports manufacturers who outsource all or some of their production to third-party businesses, giving users complete visibility of inventory levels and production line status. Get a demo What is contract manufacturing? A straightforward contract manufacturing definition is where a maker or designer goes into an arrangement or, if done properly for legal protection, a formal agreement with another company who can manufacture their components or products, which the maker or designer will use to complete manufacturing their product while they can continue to handle the sales process. You’re probably wondering, what’s the difference between outsource manufacturing and contract manufacturing? The short answer: The difference is very subtle. The main difference is that contract manufacturing is a form of outsourcing to practice when you don’t have access to the necessary resources to produce products. And outsourcing is usually a tactic to redistribute resources and help with cost savings and other economies of scale. But the definition of contract manufacturer has changed as the landscape of outsourcing has been affected by international business politics, countries’ trading policies, and even abuse of workers in some instances of businesses using outsourcing. And all of these points are factors that you’ll need to consider when looking into how to outsource manufacturing alongside your current workflows. But anyhow, back to the contract manufacturing definition. When two businesses enter this agreement, the manufacturing industry that creates, builds, or constructs the products for the other is referred to as the contract manufacturer (CM). The CM will either make the wares from a design or formula created by themselves (with specifications from the contractor) or use a bill of materials (BOMs)...

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> Explore how to outsource manufacturing, the risks of outsourcing, and the tools to help manufacturers keep their production under control.

- Published: 2019-08-21
- Modified: 2024-04-02
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/how-to-outsource-manufacturing/
- Categories: Business tips

Explore how to outsource manufacturing, the risks of outsourcing, and the tools that can help growing manufacturers keep their production under control. You had that nightmare again. The nightmare is where you’re hidden away in your workshop because an angry mob gathered outside as you could not fulfill their orders on time. You tried, you really did, but you’re just one person. How is it even possible to leave every customer satisfied when your business is quickly outgrowing you? Finally, the windows and doors of your business can’t hold off the negative feedback of your customers, and they break open while your company begins to crumble. This nightmare doesn’t have to be a reality. All you need to know is how to outsource manufacturing and make it work for your business. There are several reasons a manufacturer should consider outsource manufacturing: You need to redistribute resources to free up time You’re a designer but don’t know how to build the product and need a partner You’re not equipped to build a specific component needed to finish your product Maybe a reason to outsource could be beyond your control. Currently, many places are experiencing a drought of skilled workers to choose from in the talent pool. Worst of all, this issue isn’t going away anytime soon. And that’s not including any of the other manufacturing challenges your business might encounter. You might be able to handle manufacturing and running your business all by yourself now, but eventually, to scale, you’re going to need to find the extra resources elsewhere to be able to handle the increase in sales and mass production. This is where outsource manufacturing comes into play. In this article, we look at what is outsource manufacturing, how to make outsource manufacturing make sense, the risks associated, and how to get the ultimate set-up while you outsource your production. What is outsource manufacturing? Outsource manufacturing, or contract manufacturing is contracting with a third party to produce goods or services. This can be done domestically or internationally, saving businesses time and money — outsourcing can also help businesses stay competitive by focusing on their core competencies. How much it costs to outsource manufacturing depends on the company you start a contract with, the political atmosphere, the manufacturing company's demand, and the transportation cost. Outsource manufacturing is the process of one business hiring a third-party company to perform the services which a company's employees traditionally carry out. Most outsource manufacturing usually occurs in foreign countries with the primary goal of lowering costs, particularly minimizing labor costs and manufacturing overheads. This is because it can be cheaper for a business to hire the services of a third-party company instead of hiring its own employees. Besides reducing costs, a business may also consider outsourcing manufacturing to increase production or reallocate resources. Supporters of outsource manufacturing believe that implementing this tactic in a business gives an incentive for the company to allocate resources to where they would be most effective, and outsourcing even helps maintain a healthy free market on a global scale. When you outsource, you...

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> The Shopify variant limit is an issue many face with the platform. Thankfully there are a variety of plugins that can get around this.

- Published: 2019-08-07
- Modified: 2024-04-15
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/shopify-variant-limit/
- Categories: Ecommerce, Inventory management, Top lists

Shopify has a variant limit, but how to remove or overcome this limit? Discover the brilliant plugins out there which can do this for you. Let’s say you’re running an outdoor apparel business. You have a solid selection of articles for every kind of weather condition for female and male shoppers. Of course, you also offer different sizes. To ensure a smooth inventory management process, you need a dedicated SKU (stock keeping unit) for every combination. Let’s say you have the following five size options: XS S M L XL As you’re offering all sizes to men and women, you have a total of 10 SKUs. Let’s say you also offer 5 colors to choose from: Black Pink Blue Green Anthracite Suddenly, you have 50 different SKUs. While this is quite a manageable number, you can see how quickly this number can climb. It wouldn’t be a particularly big problem, but many systems limit how many variations you can have. Today, we'll examine the Shopify variants limit and see how you can remove it with some cool Shopify add-ons. What is Shopify variant limit? Shopify variant limit refers to the maximum number of variations you can have on a product. The current limit is 100 variants and a maximum of three options. So, using the example above, you would not be able to add a fourth customization option, as you're already maxed out: Style (M/F) Size Color Important Shopify update In April 2024, Shopify released a new version of its GraphQL product APIs supporting up to 2000 variants and 3+ options. This option is not available via the admin panel but only for those connected to the API. If you’re plugged into the Shopify GraphQL API, you can take advantage of it now. If you’re using the REST API, you must first migrate to the new GraphQL API to benefit from these raised limits. You can read more about it from the Shopify Developer Changelog. With that out of the way, let’s move on to the list of apps that help you remove Shopify variation limit. 1. Infinite Options https://www. youtube. com/watch? v=27Gp4_nq6Sg Starting with number one, we have Infinite Options. Infinite Options allows shoppers to choose customized products using: Checkboxes Swatches Text fields Radio buttons Dropdown menus This makes the shopping experience so much more fluid, inevitably attracting visitors to the buy button. In addition, there are lots of little nuggets that allow you to customize your new variants by enabling features such as required vs. optional fields. All you need to do to get it up and running is enter a single line of code. Users praise Infinite Options for its live chat and efficient support, which can promptly solve any issues that may appear. Price: $12. 99/month Rating: 4. 8/5 (3,905 reviews) To try: 14-day free trial 2. SC Product Options https://www. youtube. com/watch? v=BlLZ9vgtNz4&t=1s Here's an app with plenty to get excited about — Shop Circle Product Options. Shopify unlimited variants and options to overcome the...

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> Manufacturers can use the best WooCommerce stock management tools for more control over their inventory, plus insights into features.

- Published: 2019-07-26
- Modified: 2023-12-19
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/woocommerce-stock-management/
- Categories: Ecommerce, Inventory management, Top lists

List of the best WooCommerce stock management tools manufacturers can use to gain more control over their inventory, plus insights into features to look for. When scaling your e-commerce business and manufacturing operations, keeping on top of your WooCommerce stock management can be tricky. As your business expands, you will need to manage more orders and keep track of all your various inventory kinds. That’s why we’ve put together this article on the 10 best WooCommerce stock management plugins available. 1. Katana https://vimeo. com/865482402 Plenty of WooCommerce stock management variations are available on the market, but the trick is finding a stock management tool that can support your inventory operations, like Katana. Katana's cloud inventory software is the ultimate, all-in-one WooCommerce plugin built specifically for manufacturers or businesses that work with contract manufacturers. By adopting Katana into your business, you can expect to centralize and get complete control over your inventory operations with:  Finished goods and raw material tracking Bill of materials or product recipes  Reorder point management Priority-based production planning  Multichannel sales support Manufacturing floor-level support Automatic manufacturing cost calculations Katana integrates with your WooCommerce store, allowing you to import all your product and customer data to synchronize your inventory levels and order fulfillment.   What does that mean?   Well, it means if you complete a manufacturing order in Katana or fulfill a sales order within WooCommerce, your stock levels will automatically adjust to give you an accurate, real-time overview of available and needed items on both platforms.   But it doesn’t end there. Katana’s real-time master planner means when a manufacturing order is created, the required items, if available, are automatically allocated to the order, so you can understand if an operation can begin or if you need to place an order for more materials.   Pro tip: Have you been struggling to get a handle on your store’s inventory? We’ve put together an article on WooCommerce inventory management, so you can understand exactly how it works and what you can do to get the most out of it.   2. WooCommerce Stock Manager WooCommerce Stock Manager helps you get more control over your inventory and your product variables from one screen.   With this stock manager for WooCommerce, you can hide table cells to improve usability and specify which information you need to see.   You can easily filter products through the displayed columns by:  Type  Category  Status  Product  SKU  It is also possible to edit “Variants” for a variable product by selecting the “Show variables” button. While here, each product or variation can be saved separately.   WooCommerce Stock Manager allows you to search through your product stock history.   Finally, with this WooCommerce stock management app, it is possible to export all stock data from your e-commerce store, make changes in the plugin and import it back onto the store using a CSV file.   3. Z Inventory Manager Z Inventory Manager provides a comprehensive solution for managing inventory in your WooCommerce store. With Z Inventory Manager, you can easily track and...

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> WooCommerce order management is the process of efficiently handling and processing customer orders on WooCommerce. Learn more here.

- Published: 2019-07-19
- Modified: 2024-03-26
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/woocommerce-order-management/
- Categories: Ecommerce

Explore the best practices and strategies to efficiently manage orders and optimize e-commerce operations using WooCommerce. As an essential component of e-commerce operations, WooCommerce offers a powerful platform for businesses to establish and manage their online stores. For manufacturers venturing into the world of online sales, mastering WooCommerce order management is crucial to ensure seamless order processing, optimize inventory control, and deliver exceptional customer experiences. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the key aspects of WooCommerce order management and explore the best practices to efficiently handle customer orders within the platform. From understanding order statuses and inventory management to optimizing communication and automating processes, we will equip manufacturers with valuable insights to enhance their WooCommerce order management. Whether you are a seasoned WooCommerce user or new to the platform, this guide will provide you with practical tips and strategies to navigate the intricacies of order management effectively. To start it off, let's first define WooCommerce order management and see how to fulfill orders in WooCommerce. What is WooCommerce order management? WooCommerce order management is the process of handling and organizing customer orders within the WooCommerce platform. Order management in WooCommerce involves several key tasks and functionalities: Order creation — When a customer places an order on the WooCommerce store, the system records the details of the purchase, such as product(s) ordered, quantity, price, shipping address, and payment information. Order processing — As orders come in, the store owner or the staff can access the WooCommerce backend to process them. This may involve reviewing the order details, verifying payment, and preparing the products for shipping. Inventory management — WooCommerce inventory management is closely linked to its order management. When an order is placed, the system deducts the purchased items from the available stock, ensuring accurate stock levels. Order tracking — Customers may want to track the progress of their orders. WooCommerce provides functionality for sending order status updates and tracking information to customers, allowing them to know when their orders are shipped and expected to arrive. Order fulfillment — Once an order is processed and ready for shipment, the store owner or staff can mark it as Completed to indicate that the products have been sent out for delivery. Refunds and returns — WooCommerce allows for handling refunds and returns. If a customer requests a refund or wants to return a product, the store owner can manage these processes through the platform. Communication — Effective communication is crucial for order management. WooCommerce enables communication between the store owner and customers through various means, such as order confirmation emails, tracking updates, and customer support. Reporting and analytics — WooCommerce provides reporting tools that offer insights into sales, order trends, popular products, and other important metrics. This data helps store owners make informed decisions about their business strategies. Overall, WooCommerce plays a vital role in ensuring smooth and efficient e-commerce order management, helping businesses maintain customer satisfaction and streamline their online sales processes. How to manage orders in WooCommerce Managing orders in...

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> Struggling for profitability at scale is common for direct to consumer brands. Here we dive into challenges and solutions available for scaling DTC brands.

- Published: 2019-07-17
- Modified: 2024-05-23
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/direct-to-consumer-brands/
- Categories: Business tips, Top lists

Struggling for profitability at scale is common for direct to consumer brands. Here we dive into challenges and solutions available for scaling DTC brands. Achieving profitability at scale is one of the biggest challenges for modern manufacturers like the guys at “Radis”. That’s why you need to start planning ahead and making sure that you have the tools necessary to tackle them before they arise. For decades, manufacturers had been stuck going through retailers, wholesalers, and resellers to get their products to mass audiences. Now though, largely thanks to rising digital technologies and e-commerce, direct to consumer brands can disrupt entire markets without the need for an intermediary to connect them with customers. The middlemen are in shambles trying to deal with this phenomenon as consumers are drawn closer and closer to manufacturing businesses through the power of the internet. And it totally makes sense if you think about it. DTC brands can sell products at a cheaper price, ship it to the customer’s door and directly connect with them through social media and live chat. In a madly confusing world of endless possibilities, that personal touch can make a huge difference for consumers. And not to mention that customers are as informed as ever about their purchases, whether that be from a quality, purpose or even ethical perspective. Direct to consumer brands are taking these issues seriously and tackling them with innovative approaches. We’ll soon get to some of these approaches and how you can use them to make your brand stand out. The real question though is, how can you even find the time to meet customers growing expectations when there’s so much to do! It can feel like being amongst a hurricane in winter with all the responsibilities falling on your shoulders. Thankfully, there is a way to calm the storm and do business with a straight head. In a nutshell, you need to be using cloud inventory software to smoothen the running of your business operations, so that you can focus on your products, marketing, and customers instead. It really is that simple.  Take the pressure off by using software to streamline the daily tasks which take up so much of your day.  Inventory management, purchasing, production scheduling, and all that overwhelming headache. Then you can focus on growing your manufacturing business. But before we get to that, let’s dig deeper into what it means to be a successful modern direct to consumer brand. How to Be a Successful Direct to Consumer Brand  Alright, so let’s get things straight. A direct to consumer brand is a business that makes, markets, sells and delivers their products themselves. But it has more connotations to it than just that. Usually, they also create products that solve a problem, with an inspiring story to tell and an environmental awareness that appeals to socially conscious shoppers. These products can range from everyday items like personalized travel cases and funky underpants to flying insect traps and cat treats subscription boxes. The range of sectors that have been moving to this model is incredibly vast. As mentioned though, there are certain elements which...

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> Selling products in person can benefit your sales and brand. Explore what Shopify POS inventory management is and how to use it.

- Published: 2019-07-10
- Modified: 2024-07-05
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/shopify-pos-inventory-management/
- Categories: Ecommerce, Inventory management

Selling Shopify products in person can help boost sales and your brand. Explore the difference a Shopify POS inventory management can have on your business. Selling in person allows your Shopify store to make the connection that many consumers crave. The challenge lies in maintaining the efficiency of your workshop while ensuring it continues to run smoothly in the background. That's where good Shopify POS inventory management comes in. Once you decide to go to trade shows, create a buzz with a pop-up store, or even go full brick-and-mortar, Shopify still supports you with its POS system — or, to be precise, Shopify's Point of Sales (POS) system. Shopify's POS system gives you the ability to quickly take payments and sell products on the spot with cutting-edge hardware directly connected to your Shopify store. Despite these advantages, Shopify POS inventory management isn't always easy. If you want to continue running a tight ship back in the workshop while you sell, you need to have your inventory management running efficiently in real-time — and this is where using Shopify POS falls a little short. Thankfully there are software and tools which can support your mission to expand from the virtual world into the physical realm. Download the Ultimate Shopify Selling Ebook for Manufacturers See how successful Shopify sellers streamline their sales through manufacturing — for free. What is a Shopify point of sale (POS) system? Generally speaking, a POS system refers to the tools you use to process a sale at the location or point it happens. In your local supermarket, this includes a cash register, basic receipt printer, electronic scales, and barcode scanning software. When it comes to selling online, Shopify POS is an application that allows you to process orders and payments directly to your Shopify store in a physical location from an iPad or iPhone. If you are selling at a tradeshow or a pop-up store, you can continue to keep all of your data and processes in one place.   The application is included in your Shopify account, so you might already be able to use it. The reality is that you will need some hardware to start processing payments. And there are a few more limitations to your POS app if you use Shopify Basic, for example, the lack of the register shifts feature, which helps hold your staff accountable for the cash they handle. And the same goes for unlimited Shopify POS staff PINs. But the main problems arise when you think about your Shopify POS inventory management.   PRO TIP: If you’re just starting out with your manufacturing business, it’s a good idea to start saving and tracking your products and materials. Check out our free small business inventory spreadsheet template so you can take off on your inventory management journey. The Shopify POS hardware you'll need There are plenty of great ecommerce inventory management software options out there to help you improve your Shopify store, but everything starts with the right hardware to keep...

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> WooCommerce stock manager allows basic inventory management. Discover how to have full control of your inventory management with Katana.

- Published: 2019-06-28
- Modified: 2024-05-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/woocommerce-inventory-management/
- Categories: Ecommerce, Inventory management

WooCommerce stock management has basic functionalities but won't be enough for everyone. Discover how to have full control of your inventory management with Katana. Running an online business can be challenging. And it isn't made any easier by the fact that there are tons of e-commerce platforms available for you to choose from. One of the most loved options is WooCommerce, with about 25% of the market share among online stores. But how does WooCommerce inventory management hold up for scaling businesses? WooCommerce inventory management is sufficient for many small businesses but may lack features for growing businesses with more complex inventory. This article will explore in detail WooCommerce stock management, its shortcomings, and solutions. If you're a seasoned WooCommerce user, feel free to skip straight to limitations to find out what you're missing. Using a different ecommerce platform? If you're using an alternative ecommerce platform such as Shopify, check out this article covering everything you need to know about Shopify inventory management. What is WooCommerce? WooCommerce is a free and open-source ecommerce WordPress plugin that lets businesses sell online. The fact that the plugin is open source lets companies use modifications to customize their site, giving businesses more control over how they sell their products online. Best of all, WooCommerce isn't just limited to physical products, you can also sell software, services, and digital goods. WooCommerce inventory management doesn't have a limit on the number of products and images you can have on your site. Essentially, WooCommerce aids ecommerce companies in getting more control over their store, design, and scalability. WooCommerce allows you to set up your preferred payment gateways, both online and offline, and shipping specifications, such as the weight and dimensions of the units you sell. Finally, advanced features let you automate taxes. This means WooCommerce inventory will automatically calculate the associated taxes on a product when a customer makes a purchase. Great for those trading internationally. https://www. youtube. com/watch? v=1KahlicghaE So, that's how the ecommerce platform works and can benefit your business. But let's dig deeper and see how WooCommerce stock management works. How WooCommerce inventory management works There is a built-in system that lets you manage and track your inventory, but first, you need to enable it. To do that, tick the Enable stock management box by navigating to Inventory settings under the Products tab. If you do not select this feature, you can only see the stock status in the Product data inventory box. If you decide not to use WooCommerce inventory management to automatically track changes, you'll be responsible for updating the status of your stock. As you can already see, WooCommerce inventory management isn't the most in-depth system and can only track your finished products. This is going to be an issue for businesses that also need a system to track raw material inventory. But before we get into the limitations and solutions for WooCommerce inventory management, we'll quickly investigate how to get your inventory set up. How to set up WooCommerce inventory...

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> Fill rate is the metric of satisfaction. We show you how to calculate and get the most out of it, so your products always stay in demand.

- Published: 2019-06-12
- Modified: 2024-01-17
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/fill-rate/
- Categories: Business tips

Fill rate is the metric of satisfaction and disappointment. We show you how to calculate and get the most out of it so your products always stay in demand. Product making businesses like the guys at “Framed” need to make sure their order fill rates are as high as possible. Their brand’s success is tied to how reliable they are in delivering to customers. What’s the worst thing that can happen to you in the first world? We’ll tell you what. Ordering a drink at a restaurant and it coming back half full. No one is happy when they spend five dollars for a meager sip of orange juice. No matter how refreshing it tastes. It’s the same thing when it comes to your order fill rate.   Fill rate is a metric of satisfaction and disappointment. It investigates how many of the orders your customers made were in stock and therefore likely reached them on time. You want to make sure that you have a high enough fill rate to match customer needs, without overstocking and increasing your carrying costs.   A delicate balance as any for the manufacturing business. Which is why we’re going to delve deep into the fill rate formula and work out how to walk the tightrope of this elusive metric. But first, let’s make sure we understand what this tightrope is made of. What is Fill Rate? Alright, so let’s define fill rate. Or rather let’s look into what order fill rate is. Because the metric simply relates to how successfully you can fulfill demand. An order fill rate calculates how often a product is available for on-time delivery to customers that demand them. But keep in mind that fill rates can also refer to other demands for your business. For example, you could look at inventory fill rate which is related to your purchasing efforts. That would mean looking at your purchases and seeing how many times materials are ready to buy on demand when you need them. If you purchase materials and they are only available half the time then you have yourself a 50% inventory fill rate. You would then know to look into your supply chain and potentially finding a more reliable supplier. Anyway, going back to the order fill rate definition. That’s when we look into how often we have items in stock when customers want them. So if two times out of ten you are out of stock on an item then you have an order fill rate of 80%. That might sound alright but actually, that’s not a great number. The average order fill rate for manufacturers is around 95%, and you want to be making that your minimum target. Otherwise, you’re going to end up with: Drop in sales due to unreliability; Customers turning to competitors; and Loss of reputation. The last one is especially important because a bad reputation is hard to come back from. It usually occurs when customers’ orders go through and then they are informed, or even worse uninformed, that their delivery will be late due...

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> Here are our top ten tips for growing manufacturers looking to set-up an online store and take advantage of the mass consumer drift towards online shopping.

- Published: 2019-05-20
- Modified: 2024-05-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/secrets-makers-dont-know-selling/
- Categories: Ecommerce, Top lists

Here are our top ten tips for growing manufacturers looking to set-up an online store and take advantage of the mass consumer drift towards online shopping. The e-commerce era has made it possible for more people than ever to live the dream — to make things that they love with creativity and care, and to then turn this work into income. Today, it's absolutely possible for more and more people — but there are still some basics to master that aren't always obvious on day one. If you're a maker setting out to build your e-commerce empire, here are ten tips to keep in mind that will help to propel you to success. Here are our top ten tips for growing manufacturers looking to set-up an online store and take advantage of the mass consumer drift towards online shopping. Making your products look fabulous is step one on the road to success. 1. Photos, photos, photos Your products are one-of-a-kind, which is a key part of their allure. But this also means that shoppers won't have encountered them before and don’t know much about their specifics or their quality. Once they've landed on your product, having absolutely fabulous photos, taken with good gear in good lighting and professionally edited to the correct image sizes, will help you to close the deal. You get bonus points for lifestyle-friendly sets (gorgeous living or vacation spaces in the background) or for great light tent work. 2. Detail, detail, detail What else will help you to close the deal? Great, detailed information on your product pages. Don't stop at just a headline, or at just one sentence or one brief paragraph. Try to use bullets (or a bullet-like format) to tell your shoppers all kinds of things, possibly including, but not limited to: How it’s made; What it’s made from; How big it is; Aspects of visual appearance; How long it will last; Other products it complements; and Lifestyles and activities it complements. The fewer nagging questions shoppers have, the more desire will outweigh doubt — leading to a purchase. 3. Differentiate yourself There are very few absolutely new products in the world today. Chances are that whatever it is you're making, there's something else on the market that's similar in some way and that shoppers could buy instead. So, take the time to demonstrate why they should buy yours. Don't stop at one kind of product. Make and sell the other things that best accompany them. Don't feel like this has to be a feature-by-feature comparison based on numbers or other measurable things. Maybe your products are made with your own loving hands. Maybe they're preferred by nine out of ten fairies. Maybe if Han Solo was real, yours would be his product of choice. The point is to make a statement — and to show that both you and your products are different from the others that shoppers are considering buying from. 4. Accessorize Whatever you're making and selling, there's a good chance that there's another kind of product it could go well with. And since your products are originals,...

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> Manufacturers often get stuck choosing between whether to sell product on Shopify or Etsy. Here's a comparison to help you choose.

- Published: 2019-05-15
- Modified: 2024-06-05
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/shopify-vs-etsy/
- Categories: Ecommerce

Modern manufacturers often get stuck choosing between whether to sell product on Shopify or Etsy. Here we compare the two, to see which comes out on top. A big question every maker will ask themselves, should they be selling on Shopify vs Etsy? Nowadays, it’s not uncommon to have anxiety choosing something when there are so many options available. You’re in the supermarket, and you want to buy a tin of beans. The simplicity of this shopping trip finishes there. Now comes the tough life decision, do you take the expensive beans or the cheapest one? High in fiber? Low in fat? Decidophobia – The fear of making decisions. It's real, well you can find the term on Google anyway. Regardless of if it’s a medically observed phenomenon, the dread associated with having to make a big decision is genuine. It can be especially stressful when you’re trying to find a platform to sell your homemade products. Luckily, for scaling manufacturers, the options are essentially boiled down to one of two choices. Shopify vs Etsy: which one is the best for us humble scaling manufacturers? This guide will give you a comparison of Etsy and Shopify, which platform is the best to sell from, and how you can optimize your business. PRO TIP: Already on Shopify or have you been toying with the idea of making an account but haven’t yet committed? Why not download our free e-book which is the ultimate Shopify guide for manufacturers? With it, you’ll learn everything you need to know about Shopify, how to grow your business and optimize it with smart inventory software. Without further ado, let’s begin. Shopify vs Etsy First things first, if you're going to transition or pick a platform to sell from, we’re going to compare Shopify with Etsy to help you understand the difference. The main difference between them is that Etsy is a marketplace and Shopify is an e-commerce platform. Think of Etsy like a Facebook where artisans can sell their homemade products. While Shopify, on the other hand, is software that allows you to make an online store, manage products, inventory, payments, and shipping. But let’s delve deeper and go through each channel separately. PRO TIP: If you want to maximize your businesses performance you can implement a Shopify order management software to help you fulfill more orders on-time. P. S. if you’re selling on Shopify you can repurpose the program to manage your orders. Etsy When it comes to Shopify vs Etsy, one of the things that you need to consider is what position are you in? Are you ready to grow into a business? Or are you a one-person band? As already mentioned, Etsy is a marketplace that allows artisans to sell handmade products, vintage goods, or craft supplies. If you’re selling other types of products, then, unfortunately, Etsy is not the place for you. But, if you are a crafter, you can expect to find 1. 7 million users selling to over 33 million buyers. With Etsy, you can take advantage of the traffic that comes with the site without having to do much marketing yourself. But, if...

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> This article focuses on making the best Shopify images sizes for manufacturing businesses that make and sell their own products.

- Published: 2019-05-13
- Modified: 2024-06-05
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/shopify-image-sizes/
- Categories: Ecommerce

Pictures are worth a thousand words, which is why you should pay special attention to Shopify images sizes. Here's a guide on how to make them perfect. Finding the right tools to get the optimal Shopify image sizes can be a right old pickle when there's so much confusion on the definitions. On the bright side, it turns out there are a lot of options out there to help you get the lightest, highest-quality images for your Shopify store. But, does size really matter? Well, when it comes to Shopify image sizes, apparently it does. Open any web store you can think of and pay attention to where your focus is drawn. Is it the biggest, prettiest picture on the screen? No surprise there. But size is a lot more than just what we see on the screen, especially in the Shopify world. Some of the effects of image sizes aren't even visible to the naked eye. Here are the three pieces to the image size puzzle:  Space the images take on the screen Dimensions and pixel number of the images File sizes of the images These elements affect how visitors view your store, the quality of images you provide, and even the loading speed of the pages they are on. We all want to make sure we are using the right image sizes in these aspects to attract visitors to our store, and even more importantly, keep them there. That means that the images should be large and detailed enough to feel like your product is on display and can be seen in detail. At the same time, you don't want them taking up too much space or slowing your pages down.   And even more importantly, you want your Shopify image sizes to be consistent so that your pages look tidy. Nobody likes walking through a shop where half the products are strewn on the floor, and there's a murky puddle of unidentifiable liquid on the floor. It's not always so easy to get it right, though. You might find that being consistent with your image sizes is difficult when your theme has strictly defined dimensions. Or maybe your image file sizes are too big and heavy, causing your store to run slow. Thankfully, there are plenty of tips, tools, and tricks which can help you overcome these issues. Download the Ultimate Shopify Selling Ebook for Manufacturers See how successful Shopify sellers streamline their sales through manufacturing — for free. m What are the ideal Shopify image sizes? Some theme designs use large Shopify image sizes more so than others. Before deciding on what's right for you, look at other stores using your theme and see how you feel about their use of images. As you can imagine, this is quite a broad question, and the answer totally depends on which images we are referring to. You need to consider which image sizes are recommended by your Shopify theme and look alluring on your store, but also take the limitations of Shopify into account. Shopify has set limits for images...

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> Setting up a Shopify CBD store has opportunities and challenges. Learn how to manage this fast-growing market and stay ahead of the curve.

- Published: 2019-05-03
- Modified: 2024-05-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/shopify-cbd/
- Categories: Ecommerce

Setting up a Shopify CBD store is filled with opportunity as well as challenges. Here we guide you on this fast-growing market and staying ahead of the curve. Exciting times lay ahead for our budding Shopify CBD sellers as we enter a time that hemp is being recognized for the health benefits that it provides. Opportunities abound. It wasn’t too long ago that the mention of cannabis (aka the devil’s lettuce) would stir up feelings of horror and distaste to many a mother. But perceptions have changed in recent years as the medicinal value of hemp products have surely, but slowly entered the mainstream. Because not every cannabis plant is going to get you high. In fact, one of the most prominent extractions from the plant is the substance of CBD, and one of the most popular places to buy it is Shopify CBD. There are online stores popping up left, right and centre selling the stuff with all kinds of claims to wondrous health benefits. CBD products are at the forefront of fast-moving progressive markets in the western world. It’s estimated to grow to 22 billion dollars by 2022. Kim Kardashian recently had a CBD themed baby shower if you can believe it. There’s just no stopping it. But that doesn’t mean that there aren’t plenty of speed bumps in the way of budding (excuse the pun) Shopify CBD sellers. There are still grey areas with regards to its legal status and payment providers, especially when it has come to Shopify sellers. The good news though, is that if you navigate your operations in a smart way and take care to brand your products effectively there are opportunities abound. That means that you need to push your marketing mind in to sixth gear and get your stockroom in tip top shape.   And one of the most vital elements to getting your operations running smoothly is with the implementation of Shopify inventory software. But we’ll get to that later. For now, let’s dive into the basic steps of what it means to run a successful Shopify CBD store. Getting Your Shopify CBD Facts Straight Alright, best to start with the question, what is CBD? Not because you don’t already know, but because the first step to being successful in an anxious market is to relieve the tension by being clear about what the product is. That means being straight with the facts, offering up the benefits as well as dispelling misconceptions. Don’t forget that this is going to be a new product for many first-time visitors and there is a lot of misinformation out there. But that also spells out an opportunity to provide those essential facts that are going to clear everyone’s mind. So, as we know, CBD stands for Cannabidiol and is an organic compound that is found naturally in cannabis plants. There’s lots of studies showing that there’s benefits to ingesting it when it comes to dealing with: epilepsy, physical pain, stress, anxiety, depression, acne and a whole load of other common ailments. There’s even been studies showing that CBD can reduce blood...

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> Socially responsible manufacturing is fast becoming the standard. Check out our list of American companies paving the way by merging adopting ethical practices.

- Published: 2019-03-27
- Modified: 2024-05-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/responsible-manufacturing/
- Categories: Business tips, Top lists

Socially responsible manufacturing is fast becoming the standard. Check out our list of American companies paving the way by merging adopting ethical practices. The weight of the world in terms of social responsibility cannot just be on us as consumers, but as small manufacturers too. And doing our bit to be conscious of our processes and material sourcing will not only have a positive effect on the planet but also encourage others around to do the same. In a perfect world, every company would do the right thing simply because it was right—but increasingly, socially responsible manufacturing also makes good business sense. Studies indicate that more American consumers want responsibly produced goods and that they want to work for socially responsible companies. The businesses that will reap the true benefits of this trend are the ones who build sustainability processes that show a commitment to the cause. And despite trends for manufacturers often leading the way on this, it’s absolutely critical to see how the big players are adopting responsible practices. Because in some ways, that’s how we know that this mindset is going to stick. These six American manufacturers have gone above and beyond to show that their dedication to sustainability is real and lasting. Each have their own tailored approach and there’s a lot makers can learn from their approaches if not from the methods themselves. They’re all betting that implementing sustainability practices will help to drive innovation that will continue to make them industry leaders. And in many ways, it looks like their bets are paying off. 1. Milliken Plastics manufacturing, despite its critical importance to global business, is often not an industry associated with sustainability. However, there’s great potential for sustainability in the millions of plastic enclosuresand other common plastic components that power our world. Milliken is one manufacturer working hard to see the green side. Their environmental policy, adopted all the way back in 1990, seeks not just the reduction but the total elimination of waste from their manufacturing processes. Thanks to their longstanding commitment, Milliken has made remarkable progress toward their sustainability goals. The company diverts 99 percent of its waste out of the landfill waste stream into avenues for reuse or recycling. Their programs have proven so successful that in 2007, the sustainability experts at Leonardo Academy deemed them not just carbon-neutral but carbon-negative. 2. HP Sadly not all that glitters is gold. A lot of the sources for materials manufacturers often come from ethically dubious places. Of course we can’t be perfect, but delving into the sources of your materials will be greatly appreciated by those worse affected as well as your customers too. For years, the use of conflict minerals in electronics manufacturing has been a controversial topic. The minerals commonly referred to as “3TG”—tantalum, tin, tungsten and gold—are widely used in the industry but are also often mined in destabilized countries where armed militias use mining profits to finance human rights abuses. Not satisfied with waiting for the rest of...

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> The best Shopify tools for manufacturers in 2024, we've cherry-picked for both established and upcoming stores looking to boost business.

- Published: 2019-03-12
- Modified: 2024-06-05
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/shopify-tools/
- Categories: Ecommerce, Top lists

Here are our choices on the best Shopify tools for manufacturers to take their business to the next level. There are tons of great Shopify tools around these days — the question is, which ones are best for you?   You don't have to answer this question as we've done the leg work for you by gathering the most useful and rewarding apps for manufacturers. With the explosion of e-commerce came a massive influx of online tools for modern manufacturers. For example, it would have been an ordeal trying to sort something out as basic as a new business card back in the day. Now, this sweeping online eruption of Shopify tools has brought about a solution for almost any problem your business faces.   They can help you:  Get it up and running Boost traffic to your store Make your business operations a little bit smoother  You can run your online store without them of course — but with them on your side, you can step up your business management.  Don't underestimate what impact a brand-new logo, easy pay stub printing, and SKU generation can have for you when you implement a Shopify app. All this is why we have trawled through the Shopify tools on offer to cherry-pick the apps that do the most for you with the least required input. Upgrade your Shopify inventory management. Grow your store and save time with Shopify inventory software, managing inventory for your Shopify store can be tricky, especially when you’re growing fast. Katana's Shopify inventory software can help, request a demo today to see how. 1. Shopify SKU Generator SKUs (Stock Keeping Units) are codes that uniquely identify each of your products.   It's a vital piece of the puzzle to make sure you're managing your inventory properly. Making your codes consistent and clear means that anyone in your business can tell which product they're dealing with at a glance. Your stock rooms will be flowing much easier when every product is identifiable on sight.   If you don't have SKUs implemented, you can get started here. This Shopify SKU generator made by Katana is simple but effective. It lets you enter in your variants and product name, and in return, gives you an SKU you can start using straight away.   2. Google Analytics Gathering analytics for investigating your Shopify store's performance is essential — this is where Google Analytics steps in to help you.   Analytics gives you the tools to understand where your store's online visitors spend most of their time.  With this, you can focus on boosting your hot products and trimming the fat of what's holding back your business. You can dive straight into working on your marketing strategy and making sure that you're making the most of your online traffic.   You've spent all this energy getting people to your site. It would be a shame to lose them.   Google Analytics allows you to set up goals to see how you're doing, and the program will let you know every time you hit...

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> Bespoke is a term appearing in several industries. But what is bespoke manufacturing and how can a modern manufacturer benefit from custom manufacturing?

- Published: 2019-03-07
- Modified: 2024-05-22
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/bespoke-manufacturing/
- Categories: Business tips

Bespoke is a term appearing in several industries. But what is bespoke manufacturing and how can a modern manufacturer benefit from custom manufacturing? Bespoke was mainly used by tailors. However, as other industries have now started producing their own customizable wares, they too have adopted the word. For example, bespoke manufacturing. As we have explored in the past, the scale of the manufacturing industry is massive. Not only is the manufacturing industry diverse. But because some manufacturers run a similar business, it doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll produce their wares using the same methods. We’ve looked at the different types of manufacturing processes and which is the best for small manufacturers: make to order or make to stock. But technological advancements are making manufacturing processes cheaper and easier. Customers now have the option to have items custom-made, as opposed to buying off the shelf pre-made products. This is how the term bespoke manufacturing was coined. You may even recognize the word “bespoke”, as it has been used in several other areas, such as bespoke software and bespoke medicine. Is there a link between businesses that use the term bespoke to describe themselves? If you do see the use of bespoke by a business, it’s basically a fancy way of saying: Customizable goods or services built from a customer's specific requirements.   So, grab your three-piece tailored suit, start-up your custom-made Harley, and hold the kid’s macaroni pictures close to your heart because we’re about to dive into the world of bespoke manufacturing. Let’s begin. What Is Bespoke Manufacturing? Bespoke manufacturing means a business that provides a customized product or service, in accordance with a customer's specifications. The reason companies have started to adopt the word is because the bespoke definition is to “speak for something. ” To be more specific, it means “to give an order for it to be made. ” So, applying the meaning of bespoke to your business would indicate that you are a company that is going to provide your customers with the option for customization. The word originates from the land with ambivalent feelings toward Marmite, the United Kingdom. But it has deeper connotations to tailors who make suits for customers based on their measurements, which would be a bespoke suit. There is actually a dispute about whether or not a business has the right to use the word when describing their bespoke products or bespoke services, as this discussion in GQ on bespoke cocktails details. Though we must agree with GQ here, what the heck is a bespoke cocktail? Do you place your order and then spend the next few months waiting for your drink to whirl around a distillery? If you’re wondering if you could classify yourself as a bespoke manufacturing company, ask yourself if you make your products from scratch and specific to a customer's order?  If the answers yes, you’ve got our blessing to use the term. Along with manufacturing, in recent years bespoke has found a home in IT, especially within the field of software development. To make this more understandable, we’re going to take a look at a world-famous bespoke manufacturing company. Pro tip: You...

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> Kitting manufacturing is an easy way to lower shipping costs and increase sales. Here's how to make the most out of product bundles.

- Published: 2019-03-05
- Modified: 2024-05-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/what-is-kitting/
- Categories: Business tips, Inventory management

Kitting manufacturing your products for customers can be an exciting endeavor. Here are some fresh ideas to get you started and let you make the most out of product bundles. A simple box of chocolates, a bottle of red wine, and a rose will always be a winner on a romantic date. That’s just science. But it’s not only gifts that well-put-together packages are useful for — we all love to buy products in sets. You might know these as product bundles, but they are also referred to as manufacturing kitting in the industry. The kitting process in manufacturing essentially puts a selection of finished products together to create an attractive package for your customers. Literally anything can be put into a bundle: Jumpers Handbags Skateboards Candles The list is practically endless If they complement each other, you can sell as many well-thought-out packages of exciting products as possible. Or, if you’re clever, the manufacturing kitting process can be a way to improve your inventory control. So, what does kitting in manufacturing have to offer? Katana Cloud Inventory Looking for inventory management software built specifically for manufacturers looking to implement kitting manufacturing? Katana is an all-in-one tool for makers selling directly to consumers. Get a demo What is kitting in manufacturing? Kitting in manufacturing involves compiling individual items and finished products that are usually used together into a single kit. Kitting can increase operational efficiency by reducing the need to handle each item separately. Kitting can also reduce inventory costs by consolidating items into fewer stock-keeping units (SKUs). Kitting is common in many industries, including: Automotive manufacturing Electronics assembly Medical device assembly Kitting can assemble products from individual components or group together products frequently purchased together. In some cases, kits may also be used for packaging items for shipping or storage. What are the benefits of kitting manufacturing? The benefits of product kits can be reaped by you and customers alike. Your customers walk away with a good deal, and you get to walk away from the transaction with advantages too. Each kitting manufacturing type brings unique rewards. But here are the more general benefits on offer: Drive sales This is the number one reason for creating product kits or doing most things in business. Whether you give a big discount or not, bundles are attractive to customers because the assumption is that there will be savings involved. And if a discount offer is the case, the increased sales will quickly make up for the smaller profit margin. Save time and money on operations By creating pre-made bundles, you can save a lot of time that would otherwise be spent on selling individual products.   So instead of having to take items out of the stock room one by one, you are reducing the amount of moving time which is one of the cornerstones of implementing lean inventory practices. This also means you’re going to save on labor costs. There’ll be less time spent packaging and picking out items from the stock room...

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> Forward scheduling vs. backward scheduling — which is best for modern manufacturers looking to organize their workflow? Find out now.

- Published: 2019-02-22
- Modified: 2024-05-23
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/forward-scheduling-vs-backward-scheduling/
- Categories: Business tips

Here we explain the differences between forward scheduling and backward scheduling. Which is the best method for manufacturers looking to organize their workflow? You're back in school, and Mrs. Smith has dropped an assignment on your desk. Do you: Do your homework as soon as possible Do your homework closer to the deadline If you complete your tasks as soon as possible, you have the security of knowing your work is done long before the due date. This is the basic principle of forward scheduling. But what happens if you're a day into your assignment and Mrs. Smith gives you another assignment that needs to be ready by tomorrow? Well, this is when the student who chose to work closer to the deadline shines. Leaving the first assignment until the last minute allows you to make sure you're organized, meaning you can be more flexible when prioritizing your workload. This is the basic principle of backward scheduling. Let’s go through these scheduling tactics so you can get a better understanding and see which is the best for you. Why is it important to schedule? When scheduling, you should efficiently utilize your resources to complete operations within the specified time frame. Scheduling aims to make your manufacturing process flow at maximum efficiency. According to some studies, poor scheduling leads to employees multitasking, which drops productivity by 40%. If done correctly, it will allow you to fulfill your orders most effectively, helping you avoid interruptions, delays, and stress. As businesses adopt the principles of lean manufacturing and just-in-time inventory, they also put more emphasis on scheduling. The two main concepts are forward scheduling and backward scheduling. But what are these two scheduling practices? What is forward scheduling? Forward scheduling is when businesses manufacture their items as soon as possible before the due date. This is achieved by scheduling the relevant resources and materials as soon as they're available. Let's illustrate this with an example. Suppose a customer orders an item with a delivery date that is six days away, and the lead time for the item is three days. Production begins as soon as the manufacturing order is created, and the item should be ready three days before it is due (assuming there are no snags along the way). As you can see, some orders can be fulfilled long before they must be dispatched, meaning you have to hold the products in inventory until you can send them. What are the advantages of forward scheduling? There are two notable advantages to using forward production: High labor utilization rate Minimized slack time Let's explore these in more detail. 1. High labor utilization rate Because you're working on completing tasks immediately, you can maximize the use of your human resources and design a workflow that gives you the highest output without straining your workforce. 2. Minimize slack time Similar to having more flexibility with your workforce, you can also redistribute your resources during downtime to ensure time is fully utilized on the work floor. This also allows you...

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> Here are the best Shopify stores of 2024. Perfect inspiration if you're starting out or for growing businesses looking to improve their Shopify store.

- Published: 2019-02-15
- Modified: 2024-06-05
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/best-shopify-stores/
- Categories: Ecommerce, Top lists

Have you ever thought about opening a Shopify store? We've gathered the best Shopify stores that will provide you with all the inspiration you need to get it done. Ever since the DotCom area, spending habits have been changing drastically, and every year, more people decide to do their shopping online.   According to some projections, retail ecommerce sales worldwide are expected to grow 378% from 2014 to 2024, with the final forecast being estimated at a whopping $6. 38 trillion for 2024. It goes without saying that selling online is a must for every retailer. If starting your own Shopify store has been in the back of your mind for ages, but you just need a little extra inspiration, you’ve come to the right place. We've compiled a list of the best Shopify stores (in no particular order) in 2024 to inspire you. These are the businesses that didn’t use existing molds but made their own. Businesses that were born from innovative ideas to create what’s missing or improve on the existing. In addition, we've also complied 8 best Shopify themes you can choose from to really make your new ecommerce store shine. So, let’s get started, as we have a long list to go through. 1. Brosa First up in this list of best Shopify stores is Brosa, an Australian company that’s disrupting the traditional business structure of furniture stores. They were unhappy that customers foot the bill for the associated costs of transporting, importing, and selling wholesale products. Brosa eliminates the middleman, so you can buy premium furniture without breaking the bank. They handle everything in-house, from designing the product to delivery, and have skilled makers based in Australia, China, and India. Brosa’s founders have grown and managed their business due to prior experience with ecommerce stores and marketing. You, too, can use your knowledge in other areas of the business world to build your company. Just make sure that you’re treating your customers fairly regardless of how you establish yourself. 2. Cherry Diva The next one is a jewelry maker, Cherry Diva, from the chim-chiminey lands of the UK. They sell and design their own bohemian-inspired treasures. Their commitment is to bring customers affordable and fashionable jewelry from around the world. Their business journey began with the frustrations of finding boho jewelry on the Highstreet and quickly noticing how expensive it is. So, their operation began ad hoc. They sourced products abroad and started selling their wares at market stalls, car boot sales, boot fairs, and social events. Admittedly, the Cherry Diva founders have said they didn’t do much research before embarking on this endeavor. But they did have one goal — they wanted to sell to everyone. Yes, it was a bit ambitious, but that goal led them to the natural conclusion of getting their business set up online to reach as big of an audience as they could.   Now, they have moved on to manufacture their own jewelry line and have a huge...

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> Routing Manufacturing maps the journey of your products through the manufacturing process. Discover the importance of manufacturing routing.

- Published: 2019-02-07
- Modified: 2024-03-15
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/routing-manufacturing/
- Categories: Business tips, Manufacturing

Routing manufacturing maps the journey of your products throughout the manufacturing process. Discover the importance of routing manufacturing. Imagine you're a bus station manager. You have 20 buses, each of which visits 5 out of the 100 bus stops in the city. However, the routes aren't established, and the buses aren't numbered. It will be impossible to avoid delays as you'll be struggling with the logistics of getting the buses to their correct stops in the correct order. This is similar to if you're a manufacturer who makes customized goods. Your products and the orders will require different processes. Without routing manufacturing, it's going to be difficult to move your product from one process to the next. You're probably wondering, "What is routing manufacturing, and how do I do it? " In this article, we'll look into routing and how you implement it to achieve a smooth, uninterrupted flow for your products as you manufacture them. Let's begin. Perfect your manufacturing route Identify bottlenecks and easily make improvements to your manufacturing workflow like thousands of other businesses with Katana Cloud Inventory software. Get a demo What is routing in manufacturing? Routing manufacturing, sometimes referred to as production routings, is the route to be followed during each step of the manufacturing process when transforming components and raw materials into a finished product. Routings show the production flow that needs to be achieved. This can be done in one or more facilities or sent to an external vendor for specialized tasks. A task is an action that is performed to make the product. For example, the steps could go in an order such as: Cutting material  Painting  Assembly  Packaging  Routing details the steps needed to take and, in the order, they need to be completed to create your product. Along with this, the routing highlights the materials and equipment/workstations that will be used to manufacture an item, all derived from a product’s bill of materials. For a simpler explanation: Routing = lists of tasks needed for a manufacturing process used to make a product The same routing can be used for multiple products if it has a similar process. Also, a product may go through one process more than once before moving on to the next stage. If this is the case, the number of cycles must be specified in routing manufacturing. So, determining your routing in operations management will help you understand the path and sequence of operations needed to be completed on a product as it passes from one process to another.   But what’s the purpose? The aim of routing manufacturing is to establish the optimum sequence of operations at the lowest cost and complete it in the quickest amount of time. Routing manufacturing does not mean that you can take any shortcuts. You still have to review your production quality control checklist to maintain the highest quality. Routing is an important base for organizing your business as it defines the manufacturing method. When figuring out your routings, consider:  The tasks that need to be...

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> Stereotypically, when we think of the manufacturing industry, we imagine repetitive manufacturing. But what is it, and can growing manufacturers make use of it?

- Published: 2019-01-09
- Modified: 2024-05-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/repetitive-manufacturing/
- Categories: Business tips

Stereotypically, when we think of the manufacturing industry, we imagine repetitive manufacturing. But what is it, and can growing manufacturers make use of it? A full moon hangs above you in the cloudless night sky. You tip-toe through a sterilized factory. Belts move, sparks fly, and machinery works away. You notice you're surrounded by large mechanical arms, picking away at the exoskeletons of cars. They don’t stop. They don’t sleep. They don’t need food or water. AAAAAAAAAAAAA! This is repetitive manufacturing in action at an automobile production plant. Not only is this the familiar sound of a horror film, but it’s also a way to describe a production method (we’ll explain how a little later). You’ve just crossed over to the repetitive manufacturing process. It might seem a daunting process for a business manufacturer, but it doesn’t hurt to know how the larger businesses operate. We’ve also looked into the other types of manufacturing processes if you want to find a process which is more to your businesses speed. So, we’re sorry if our introduction filled you with the heebie-jeebies. Hopefully, this video of a special type of conveyor belt will showcase the fun side of the repetitive manufacturing process. Let’s dive in! What is Repetitive Manufacturing? Repetitive manufacturing is a manufacturing process which produces products for rapid production flow. A distinguishing characteristic of repetitive manufacturing is its use of assembly/production lines. Manufacturers use this method when they are making products which are similar in design.  Any variations in the product's design will be marginal. Meaning this process isn't suitable if you're a maker, artist or crafter. A traditional, hands-on, method of manufacturing is more preferable. The products you make are more unique, customizable or their construction needs more attention to detail. Something which is difficult to achieve with this process. Repetitive manufacturing adheres to a strict schedule to achieve a set production rate. Businesses set their production rates schedule by a daily, weekly or monthly target. Because the production of the items is similar, this allows for a shorter set up time. As items are being perpetually made, the process shortens the manufacturing lead time. Since you're manufacturing products ahead of a customer's order, the process needs a master production schedule to run efficiently. Businesses that utilize repetitive manufacturing are ones who, for example, produce electronic goods, cars, and durable goods. Another feature that is prevalent in repetitive manufacturing is the use of autonomous machinery. Yes, the very machines that took a job from Charlie Bucket’s Dad at the beginning of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (spoiler alert: he finds work as an engineer... at least in Tim Burton’s film adaptation he does! ).  Nevertheless, that’s how progress works, unfortunately. Let’s look at an example of a business which uses repetitive manufacturing. PRO TIP: Explore the frontier of the manufacturing industry and be ahead of the competition. We’ve crafted a ‘survival guide’ to help you get the lay of the land and understand what you need to thrive. Here we explain what is manufacturing from a scaling manufacturers perspective. Repetitive Manufacturing Process Examples Building PC cases. Since nerds are (and always were) in vogue. To manufacture a PC case, you will need to: First Step...

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> Here’s a deconstruction of continuous manufacturing, weighing up the benefits and the risks for a small-scale manufacturer adopting this process.

- Published: 2018-12-20
- Modified: 2024-05-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/what-is-continuous-manufacturing/
- Categories: Business tips

Here’s a deconstruction of continuous manufacturing, weighing up the benefits and the risks for a small-scale manufacturer adopting this process. Churning out, conveying, non-stop, lines, machines, rattling, etc. Just a few connotations that spring to mind when thinking about an operation that uses a continuous manufacturing process. For smaller manufacturers, the non-stop clattering of machinery might not be the best approach to manufacturing products. But don’t panic, as we can help you find an operation from the five types of manufacturing processes your business can incorporate instead. However, to satisfy your inquisitive nature, let's go ahead and look into what is continuous manufacturing. Take your business to the next level. Production scheduling software tracks your sales and inventory data in real-time to ensure all your teams are up-to-date and have the live insights they need to spot shortages before they cause trouble. Book a demo with Katana, and take your manufacturing business to the next level. What is continuous manufacturing?   Continuous manufacturing, also referred to as Process Manufacturing (continuous), is a production line that operates 24/7. The raw materials used for the manufacturing process consist of gases, liquids, powders, or slurries. Unlike other production lines that use more physical components like those found in repetitive and discrete manufacturing. The aim of the continuous manufacturing flow is to produce a flow production to manufacture, produce, or process materials uninterrupted. The reason it is called a continuous process is that the materials, which can also be fluids, are being perpetually processed. During the process, materials will experience chemical reactions or mechanical or heat treatment. The difference between continuous manufacturing and process manufacturing (batch) is that instead of different stages of production being handled in a different area or even by another company, the entire process goes through one movement in one location, whilst being monitored for ongoing evaluation to improve the process. The material is added at point A and leaves as a finished product further down the line at point B. Although, there might be offshoots as the same material can produce different products. The material may enter at point A, with some leaving at point B and the rest leaving at point C, to make two finished products. We’ll go into this a little later with some examples. This type of process is used by companies that deal with oil refining, metal smelting, power stations, sanitary wastewater treatment, and many more. Other industries, such as the pharmaceutical industry, are catching on to the benefits of having a continuous production process where your items can be on store shelves on time, at the lowest possible cost whilst also minimizing waste. Continuous manufacturing examples The idea of continuous manufacturing is to create large volumes of standardized products. Take for example a steel manufacturing plant that produces 100 million tons of steel annually. Liquid steel will be prepared for casting at one end of the factory, and at the other end, thin steel slabs will be rolled out and shipped off. The steel will move along the plant, undergoing different treatments, on machinery that is rarely modified, to achieve an uninterrupted journey in the most cost-effective manner possible. Technically, all this will be happening...

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> Discrete manufacturing for those brushing up on their theory. What is discrete manufacturing and a comprehensive review of discrete vs process manufacturing.

- Published: 2018-12-18
- Modified: 2024-05-23
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/discrete-manufacturing/
- Categories: Business tips

Discrete manufacturing for those brushing up on their theory. What is discrete manufacturing and a comprehensive review of discrete vs process manufacturing. The picture gives you a clue as to what type of manufacturing it is. But there is more to it than meets the eye. This is because products made through discrete manufacturing can also utilize process manufacturing. Sometimes the distinction is not so clear: the theory might tell us it is one kind of manufacturing but it may be another. Let’s cut to the chase. Discrete manufacturing is the manufacturing of individual finished products, that can be counted, touched, and seen. This is one type of manufacturing process that involves parts, components, and sub-assemblies to produce finished products. Most guides on this form of manufacturing go into examples like the auto and smartphone industry. They are focused on large-scale manufacturing and mass production. When a modern manufacturer like you wants to brush up on their theory, they might be put off by the lack of relevance to their manufacturing business. It can be very discouraging as it’s difficult to imagine the concepts as being applied to a scaling business. That’s why we’re doing discrete manufacturing for the scaling manufacturer, including craft and artisan businesses. We’re distilling the manufacturing theory into something digestible and applicable for the independent business owners. So what are we waiting for? Time to get to work! Discrete vs. Process Manufacturing So, we have discrete manufacturing on the one hand. Does this cover all forms of physical goods? Remember, discrete manufacturing only produces countable products. What is discrete manufacturing in theory? Well, discrete manufacturing produces physical goods that: Come in individual units; and Are made up of parts, components, and sub-assemblies. The finished product is a large assemblage that can be broken down again into its constituent parts. There’s no good reason why you’d want to do that, it’s just one way discrete manufacturing can be distinguished from process manufacturing. So, on the other hand, we have process manufacturing. Process manufacturing produces goods that: Are made from a formula or manufacturing recipe; and Can be packaged into individual units, like bottles. The finished product cannot be broken down into its ingredients due to the irreversible chemical reactions in the manufacturing process. Now we’ve learned the difference between discrete manufacturing vs process manufacturing, it’s time to look at some examples. Examples of discrete manufacturing include: Leather bags and accessories; Wooden toys; Handmade jewelry; Furniture inventory; Bespoke bicycles; Wooden phone cases; and Printed T-shirts. In short, lots of cool stuff. Products made via discrete manufacturing can be big or small, low-cost or come with a premium price tag. But hang on? What about this other type of manufacturing? Examples of process manufacturing include: Soaps and shampoos; Glass and plastic; Artisan ice-cream; Juices and smoothies; and Craft beer and liquor. This is the essence of discrete vs process manufacturing. A piece of cake right? Of course if you made cake, that would be an example of process manufacturing. Discrete manufacturing and process manufacturing can include things made by hand with or without the aid of tools and machinery. This is known as craft production. So, if parts are assembled,...

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> Batch production is a manufacturing process that produces a specific quantity of items before changing to another product. Learn all about it here.

- Published: 2018-12-17
- Modified: 2024-05-22
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/batch-manufacturing/
- Categories: Business tips

Learn what is batch processing in manufacturing and explore its benefits and drawbacks. Uncover the secrets to mastering this production method, along with how to streamline your batch manufacturing process. In the vast landscape of manufacturing processes, each with its own merits and drawbacks, batch production stands out as a popular and time-tested method. With its step-by-step approach, batch production allows for the creation of distinct product configurations with relative ease. For example, let's imagine a soap manufacturer and take a closer look at the three primary stages of soap production: Saponification Drying Mixing In this method, soap is produced in batches, with each batch comprising 10 pieces. Until all 10 pieces have undergone saponification, the drying process is put on hold. Once saponification is complete, the batch proceeds to the drying stage, and so on. The logical flow of batch production raises the question of whether it could be the right fit for your growing business. Let's delve into the realm of batch production to understand its benefits and determine if it aligns with your unique requirements. Now that it's clear what is batch production, let's take a look at the advantages this manufacturing method brings. Advantages of batch production Batch production, like any production style, boasts distinctive attributes that can be both advantageous and challenging. This section delves into the advantages of batch production, which contribute to its widespread popularity in the manufacturing world. Let's uncover 12 reasons behind its acclaim and the benefits it offers to businesses. 1. Reduced setup time In batch manufacturing, the setup time is significantly reduced as the preparation and adjustment of equipment occur before commencing the production of each batch. Unlike continuous production systems that demand frequent changes in product specifications, batch production allows manufacturers to streamline their processes, fine-tune equipment settings, and optimize workflow efficiency for a specific batch. This minimizes downtime between batches, ensuring a smoother transition from one production run to the next, ultimately leading to higher overall productivity. 2. Efficient use of equipment One of the key advantages of batch production lies in its ability to make efficient use of heavy-duty equipment and machinery. By grouping similar or identical products together in batches, manufacturers can maximize the utilization of specialized machinery. This approach ensures that equipment is not underutilized or left idle during production runs, leading to improved output efficiency and reduced production costs per unit. Furthermore, it enables businesses to capitalize on economies of scale, as the larger quantities produced in batches can help spread fixed costs over more units, resulting in cost savings. 3. Consistent operations Batch manufacturing promotes consistency in operations, offering a stable and predictable production environment. Once the initial setup and configuration adjustments are made for a specific batch, there is little need for constant readjustment during the production process. As a result, operators can focus on maintaining steady and reliable production rates, reducing the risk of disruptions or variations in product quality. This advantage is particularly valuable when producing goods with precise...

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> Using unique packaging is a great way to enhance the product experience for your customers. Here we give you some of our own packaging ideas for handmade items.

- Published: 2018-12-10
- Modified: 2024-01-18
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/packaging-ideas-for-handmade-items/
- Categories: Business tips

Using unique packaging is a great way to enhance the product experience for your customers. Here we give you some of our own packaging ideas for handmade items. Thanks to the popularity of e-commerce platforms like Etsy, Shopify and Folksy, the market for handmade items is booming. It welcomes people with all kinds of experience and attracts customers looking for diverse products. So, let’s dig deeper! Which factor fostered the growth of handmade items as a growing part of commerce worldwide? What turned individual craft skills into viable business opportunities? And what kind of packaging ideas for handmade items work best? Personalization. This is the key. Nowadays, consumers like to feel special. Every item ordered online should be an experience. The value of a product is no longer its durability or usefulness - it’s everything around it too. Such expectation became common thanks to the big fish in the pond.  Apple has built its success on approaching a consumer as an individual and by understanding their needs, they began crafting the product. “Personalization goes beyond brand awareness, and organizations should think deeply about how they approach persona marketing. Segmentation is a good start, but it’s not enough. Build a language of loyalty with your customers based on understanding individual personas, subpersonas and multipersonas. ” - Andy Betts, martechtoday. com The fact that the company grew into one of the most influential brands globally is a different story. Despite that, it still remains a benchmark for turning a customer into a loyal customer, thanks to understanding their needs. “For consumer brands the biggest takeaway could be that Apple’s latest innovations dramatically improve the degree of personalization that can be embedded in products. ” - Kevin O’Marah, forbes. com The development of e-commerce allowed solopreneurs and talented people to gain tiny market shares for themselves. After years of cementing an image of a global village, a substantial part of the business worldwide is shifting towards all-crafty, all-individual and all-local. Furthermore, finding out how to start a craft business became easier than ever before. If it’s easy, why not give it a try? Handmade Means Minimal and Unique In other words, E-commerce has opened the doors for entrepreneurs to thrive. “E-commerce gives makers more reach, and apps help keep their businesses running more efficiently, letting them focus on what they do best: their craft. ” - via Shopify Designers, artists and all the people, who refused to work “for somebody else”, found their safe haven in the form of handmade items and easy-to-establish e-commerce brands. Their products are a perfect example of personalization at work. Personalizing your products doesn't end with the item itself. A concept of an extended product indicates that packaging, the right advertising channels, the brand’s vision - they all constitute parts of the whole offer. Small Brands: Packaging Ideas for Handmade Items Do you need an unprecedented idea to start a business of your own? No. In fact, it’s your ability to remain agile and juggle your resources that matters the most. Katana Cloud Inventory Software, for example, has given...

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> Are you a manufacturer using an inventory excel sheet for monitoring stock and material levels? Cloud-based alternatives could really free up your resources.

- Published: 2018-12-07
- Modified: 2024-05-23
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/inventory-excel-sheet-inefficient-for-small-manufacturers/
- Categories: Inventory management

Are you a manufacturer using an inventory excel sheet for monitoring stock and material levels? Cloud-based alternatives could really free up your resources. “To err is human. ” Alexander Pope We all make mistakes, it’s what makes us human. It’s just sometimes you feel like you can’t afford a mistake, especially when your business’ growth depends on it. Researchers found that on average we will make one mistake every 300 characters whilst inputting data into spreadsheets.  Wow, that’s a lot! If you’re a small business manufacturer who uses an inventory Excel sheet for inventory management, statistically speaking, this will eventually become an issue as you grow. For example, lets imagine you want to calculate your reorder point, but there’s a pesky typo or a simple miscalculation in your inventory Excel sheet leading you astray with wrong information. This in turn leads you to incorrectly ordering the wrong level of safety stock. In the long run, using Excel for inventory, is going to cost you, and your business.  Not to mention frustrate your employees and, worst of all, your customers. You might be thinking to yourself “I’ve been keeping inventory in Excel and I haven’t noticed any problems. ” congrats, but it’s a ticking time-bomb. Let’s delve into the issues that will eventually plague your business if you continue to use an Excel sheet for inventory management. Inventory Management Using Excel  Maybe you’ve figured out how to maintain store inventory in Excel and haven’t noticed any problems. let's look at the dangers lurking beneath using an Excel sheet for inventory. 1. The Errors  A quote from the Journal of End User Computing's best explains the issues with spreadsheets: “88% of the 113 spreadsheets audited in 7 studies that reported the number of spreadsheets audited have contained errors. ” Using an inventory Excel sheet is the business equivalent to a spaghetti strainer, except the water in this instance is potentially the company's revenue. 2.  The Ol’ Ball and Chain. Literally Having multiple employees' access and edit your inventory Excel sheet is certainly not the most efficient way of organizing your business. The most likely method of data keeping is to have one person chained to the spreadsheet. This will mean most of their time will be lost to data entry when it could be utilized elsewhere instead of figuring out how to manage inventory in Excel. Another issue with this is that your entire business is dependent on one person to interpret the inventory Excel sheet. Here’s a horror story, how about only they can translate the information and then they leave the business? Uh-oh. Your inventory Excel sheet has now become useless. 3.  Resource Expensive  You’re potentially losing money because of errors which has led to dead stock being stored or duplicate orders being made from multiple employees. Every entry must be manually inputted, which can be cumbersome for one or more employees. This burns into time that could be better spent elsewhere in your business because you’re stuck in an inventory Excel sheet. 4. Inefficient at Tracking Data  Let’s start with an example, you get an order...

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> Lead time is the time taken from scheduling to delivering a product and is vital for your business efficiency. Find out how to reduce lead time.

- Published: 2018-11-23
- Modified: 2024-05-24
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/manufacturing-lead-time/
- Categories: Business tips

Lead time is the time taken from scheduling to delivering a product. Reducing lead time is vital for your business efficiency. Find out how to reduce lead time. You find something you really like the look of, and you place an order. Then you wait, and wait, and wait... No one likes to wait for something they really want. Even on a small scale, if you queue for 20 minutes for a cappuccino and then wait another 10 minutes for it to get to you, it’s not going to feel worth it by the time you finally get it. In this article, we’re going to look into manufacturing lead time, how you can reduce your lead times, and the tools needed to implement changes to production and scheduling efficiently. Take the shortcut to lower lead times by implementing production scheduling software. Request a demo to see how it works. What is lead time? Lead time is a metric that looks at the time taken from scheduling production to completing production for a product. In other words, the lead time is the period when a manufacturing order comes in until the time it’s completed. For example, let’s imagine you make wooden model bicycles and the process of building them takes place in three steps: You make the wheel You make the frame You put them together Each of these steps of course has its own processing time, but what about that time in between? Even if you’re managing to do all these processes at once, there is still time taken to transfer the items and this is all taken into account for manufacturing lead time. In fact, this metric goes one further too. Because it also considers any time spent making purchases and waiting for materials. So, before we delve further into lead times, let's quickly explore another term people often confuse lead time with - cycle time. Lead time vs cycle time These are terms that can have varying definitions. But, when looking at lead time vs cycle time, then it primarily comes down to when the clock starts ticking. Lead Time starts from when the order comes in Cycle Time starts from the moment actual work starts. So essentially, your cycle time also referred to as the order fulfillment cycle, doesn’t consider the purchasing process. Although there is value to that metric as well, the focus should always be on manufacturing lead time. At the end of the day, this is what the customer perceives. They feel the whole wait, it doesn’t matter to them why they’re waiting. They don’t care how efficient your process is. They just want their delivery to be fast, so they can stick their magnificent model bicycle on the mantelpiece for the whole world to witness. How to calculate manufacturing lead time It could be hours, days, or even weeks. It all depends on your own processes. But, essentially when figuring out how to calculate your manufacturing lead time (MLT), this is the formula you’ll be using: MLT =...

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> Set up a Shopify store like an expert with this guide to ecommerce for modern manufacturers selling online.

- Published: 2018-11-14
- Modified: 2024-07-05
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/set-up-shopify-store/
- Categories: Ecommerce

Here is our comprehensive guide to assist you with setting up a Shopify store quickly, easily, and with the best tools to use alongside your store. More and more physical stores are upping their online game. The ones that lag behind can find themselves struggling. Why is this? Well, like it or not, shopping habits have changed. Your brick-and-mortar store is your pride and joy. But no matter how popular it is, you can only reach a certain amount of people. People’s lives have gotten busier. And that drives their desire for more convenience. Online shopping gives them convenience and the power to shop for the best deals in a global market. No more buying the same cookie-cutter products that everyone else is. Shopify is one of the major players in the world of ecommerce. What’s great is that it’s perfect for sellers who are just getting started with an online store. You don’t need any specialized skills to start with Shopify — you just set up and go. Anyone can figure out how to set up a Shopify store. That said, there are still one or two challenging things with Shopify for beginners. We want to demystify the setup process and let you in on a few ecommerce secrets to show that anyone can do it. You might be wondering: “Okay, how much does it cost to set up a Shopify store? ” Well, it’s completely free. That’s why it’s a great way to test the waters of ecommerce. You’ve found a profitable niche that you love. Maybe you just started your own business. Or perhaps you’re a seasoned business veteran who wants to expand into the digital realm. Whatever the case, this guide to setting up your Shopify store and making it awesome will get you up and running. The main reason to set up a Shopify store How to set up a Shopify store Your Shopify home page Make a product in Shopify Run a Shopify test order How to change your Shopify store name What's next for your budding Shopify store? Shopify setup checklist for a maximum impact store The main reason to set up a Shopify store So why Shopify? There are plenty of alternatives available — some specialized, some general. Some are household names, while others have a small but loyal following. One of the leading contenders is WooCommerce. It’s not a standalone system like Shopify but a plug-in WordPress. There are more parts to it, hence more complexity. Not the best choice for the ecommerce novice. Frustration will be inevitable. If you can’t resist, try it out when you have more experience. Etsy is another name that’s well-known in the ecommerce community, and for good reason. It is a specialized platform for craft and handmade products. Etsy is another name that’s well-known in the ecommerce community, and for a good reason. It is a specialized platform for craft and handmade products. Amazon and eBay are also hard hitters that pretty much everyone has used at...

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> Ever considered how to start a craft business from the comfort of your own home? Here’s a step by step guide on setting up a profitable online business.

- Published: 2018-11-12
- Modified: 2024-05-23
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/how-to-start-a-craft-business-101/
- Categories: Business tips

Ever considered how to start a craft business from the comfort of your own home? Here’s a step by step guide on setting up a profitable online business. Planning ahead is vital to success when considering how to start a craft business. Without proper preparation new craft businesses can lose sight of the necessary steps to success. The age old cliché really does apply here: failure to plan is planning to fail. The fantasy is there. We’ve all ran it through our minds at some point. The dream of doing what we love and making money from it. If you have that creative spark in you, then it’s likely you’ve at least considered how to start a craft business.  Some have a hobby they want to convert to a business. Some just like the idea of being their own boss. There’s no single type of person that runs their own craft business and that’s the beauty of it. And with online shopping having become the mainstream it’s now more possible than ever to do from the comfort of your own home. The manufacturing trends for small businesses is real. Just imagine... Sitting at home in the evening, doggy (or kitty if you’re more of a cat person) by your side. The embers of the fireplace keeping your face warm. Laptop on hand to check on your orders from the online store. Maybe you even feel like going out for a pizza. But... won’t the boss mind? Oh wait no, relax, everything’s okay...  you are the boss. But that’s unfortunately as far as it goes for most people – a fantasy. Many never go for it because they know that realizing that dream requires a lot of dedication and hard work. There are some though that are prepared to go through the motions to make a craft business, they just don’t know how. Here we’re going to run through the basics of setting up a craft business. Before we dive in, let's be real for a second. This is a labour of love we’re talking about, not a get rich quick scheme. It’s a marathon, not a sprint – you should only do it if you’re willing to put your heart into it. But if you follow through these steps and stick with it, you’ll have a solid foundation to get you started on this journey. Craft Business Ideas Okay, so now we want to go ahead and get started. First thing’s first – an idea. It’s quite possible you already have a hobby or craft which you could turn into a business, but just don’t know where to start. In this case you’re already one step ahead, and you can skip this section. But if you don’t currently have a hobby, and really want to be a craft business owner then it’s good to see what’s out there. You might find there is something which catches your eye and you would love to make a business out of. Thankfully, there’s endless amounts of crafts you can sell in an online shop, from the comfort of your own home. You can go as simple as T-shirt...

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> Tired of working for someone else? Or maybe you have kids and would like to work from home? Join the thousands of people with hobbies that make money.

- Published: 2018-10-22
- Modified: 2024-05-23
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/hobbies-that-make-money/
- Categories: Business tips, Top lists

Tired of working for someone else? Or maybe you have kids and would like to work from home? Join the thousands of people with hobbies that make money. Introduction: From Passion to Profit We live in an age of entrepreneurs. The Internet allows people who are not content with their job to find alternatives. There are hundreds of people who start successful businesses in their garage every year. They found the hobbies that make money. E-commerce platforms allow even the most niche businesses to find their audience and flourish. Many times, someone like you happened to make something for fun and the idea took off. There doesn’t have to be an impenetrable difference between hobby and business. Almost any craft hobby can become a successful income stream. Many of the most successful entrepreneurs started out doing something they enjoyed. They grew their passion into their full-time career. They made something for fun. A friend or colleague sees said person’s work and immediately says: “That’s so cool! Where can I buy one? ” And the rest is history. Through word of mouth, hard work, and smart marketing the hobbyist becomes an entrepreneur. They gain independence and financial freedom whilst maintaining the creativity and fun of their first idea. Their hobby is one of the many lucrative hobbies out there. You can find one too. But where to begin? Even if you don’t feel you have a practical bone in your body, you possess skills that can be leveraged into a side-business. The first question is: what hobby can you do that makes money? You need to choose the right thing to pour your time into. Figure out the things you enjoy, and how you can develop these into a skill that produces in-demand goods. The list of profitable craft business ideas is almost endless. There is a craft hobby out there for everyone. Once you have gotten good enough - you can learn how to turn your hobby into a profitable side business. If you are already proficient in a productive skill – great! You can turn your hobby into a business straight away. If you are still looking for hobby business ideas, then read on to find out some of the best earners in 2018. Categories of Hobbies That Make Money If you can think of it, someone has started a craft hobby around it. Here are some categories of what you can make as a craft hobby, with examples. We will take some of the most profitable hobby business ideas and discuss them in more detail below. Homeware: candles, cushions, ceramics, pottery; Beauty and Self-Care Products: skin creams, soap, organic shampoo; Papercrafts:decoupage, cards, posters and prints; Textiles: macramé, quilt-making, embroidery, rope-making; Clothes: T-shirt printing, leatherwork, accessories; Food and Drink: beer, wine, liquor, health food, ice cream, chocolate; Musical Instruments: making complex or simple instruments and/or accessories; Outdoor Pursuits: lawn games, hiking accessories, archery equipment (bows, finger tabs, and so on). Make sure you abide by the legal requirements in...

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> Order fulfillment cycle time - how you can measure and reduce it. We show you how to speed up “e-fulfillment” so you can ship online orders faster than ever.

- Published: 2018-10-12
- Modified: 2024-04-02
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/order-fulfillment-cycle/
- Categories: Business tips

Order fulfillment cycle time - how you can measure and reduce it. We show you how to speed up “e-fulfillment” so you can ship online orders faster than ever. Order Fulfillment Cycle Time refers to the time it takes from a customer placing an order to them having it in their hands. Are your online customers happy with the quality of your service? Maybe you manage to get your orders shipped on time, but is there room for improvement? Of course, your product ticks all the boxes when it comes to quality. Unfortunately, nowadays this is not enough when it comes to customer satisfaction. Indeed, online shoppers have increasingly high demands when it comes to their whole e-commerce experience. This is especially true when it comes to wait time for online orders. Shoppers want more convenience, quicker gratification, and many other online stores have already adapted to fit this demand. But don’t sweat. You don’t need to bow out to e-commerce giants, when your independent e-commerce store can thrive. Streamlining your order fulfillment cycle time can help you get the most out of your e-commerce store. Order fulfillment time is a major KPI for any business, especially when it comes to “e-fulfillment” — which brings over logistical challenges over your regular orders. If a customer thinks they have waited too long for an order, they might not be motivated to order from you again. Even worse, they might cancel their order, wasting valuable time and production costs for your business. This may seem unfair as you place your trust in a postal or courier service to get your orders delivered ASAP. This is why order fulfillment cycle time is an important metric for your scaling manufacturing business to track. You can figure out if it is good enough for your customer and ways to improve it. Customers are likely to shop elsewhere if they can get goods quicker, even if the products themselves are of lower quality. This may be a bitter pill to swallow, but it is solvable for any business, no matter how big. Your business can be known for quality and speed. It can be the go-to online store when your customer needs to buy a last-minute birthday present for their cousin. Helping people out of a sticky situation pays dividends and should make you feel great about what you do. It boils down to the psychology of why people choose to shop at a particular place. Emotion plays such a big role. That is why your product alone might not be enough to build up your online sales. You also need to have utility for the customer, to give them a reason to shop online in the first place. That is why manufacturing jargon like the order fulfillment life cycle is so important to understand. It has a profound effect on the human side of your business. You want to build your customers’ trust and be a dependable online seller. Quick deliveries show you care about your customers and you will be rewarded through...

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> Production planning and scheduling involve setting targets and creating a detailed plan to meet customer demand in a timely and cost-effective manner.

- Published: 2018-10-09
- Modified: 2024-08-06
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/blog/production-planning-scheduling/
- Categories: Business tips, Manufacturing

Production planning and scheduling is essential to increase your manufacturing efficiency. Adjust your production schedule based on inventory, resources, and orders. Learn how with Katana. Production scheduling is essential for growing manufacturing operations to take their production to the next level. If you’re looking to maximize efficiency on your shop floor, you need a way to optimize your production planning and scheduling. Nowadays, your scaling manufacturing business has many options for finding production planning software explicitly crafted for manufacturers. This guide will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of production planning and scheduling and how it can help you allocate your resources efficiently and cost-effectively to meet customer orders. So, read on to learn how to improve production scheduling in your scaling manufacturing business. What is production planning? Production planning is a process of preparing and planning for manufacturing. A production plan outlines all the steps and methods to ensure the produced goods are manufactured efficiently, on time, and within budget. You can think of a production plan as a roadmap or strategy that you’ve developed based on the requirement planning of your business before you commit anything to production. These requirements will consider factors like managing your supply chain, raw materials, resources, factories, and warehouses. Depending on a business’ size and scale of manufacturing, a production manager is responsible for developing a production plan by working closely with shop floor workers, contractors, and different departments within the business. So, what is the primary task of production planning? Well, there are three that a manufacturer needs to achieve for flawless production planning: Complete efficiency when using materials, utilities, and resources Reduce manufacturing waste and eliminate excess materials in the purchase management process Efficiency utilizing workforce management, the amount of production times required for making goods, and equipment availability As you can already imagine, your production plan will heavily depend on your manufacturing setup. However, most manufacturers follow one of two types of planning — make-to-order or make-to-stock. Make-to-order — You create manufacturing orders after receiving a customer order. Your production plan will need to anticipate customer orders. Make-to-stock — You create manufacturing orders based on expected demand. Your production plan needs to produce a certain inventory level within a specific time period. Developing a production plan for optimizing flow means identifying what are the most important aspects of your business, for example: Supply chain management Material requirements planning Manufacturing lead time Resource capacity planning Production planning allows managers to create an efficient production process to meet customer and organizational needs. A great production plan will empower manufacturers to get total control over their production processes. It provides knowledge on what and how long is needed to finish a production run, which allows manufacturers to: Better manage their time Avoid bottlenecks Manage staff Create a seamless process flow in manufacturing Without a proper production plan in place, it’s easy to lose control of your resources and manufacturing — leading to delays, shortages, and increased product costs. 5 types of production planning...

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## Case Studies

> Discover how Mine Baseball, the fastest-growing wood bat maker in the U.S., used Katana and Shiptheory to streamline inventory and fulfillment across Shopify, Amazon, Etsy, and more—saving over 30 hours per week.

- Published: 2025-05-28
- Modified: 2025-06-11
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/case-studies/mine-baseball/

Mine Baseball hits a home run with real-time inventory visibility across sales channels As the fastest-growing wood bat company in the US, Mine Baseball streamlined their inventory and fulfillment—learn how they used Katana and Shiptheory to reclaim 30+ hours a week. 30+ hours Saved weekly Omnichannel Inventory visibility Website minebaseball. com  Integrations Shopify, Shiptheory, QuickBooks Industry Sporting Goods Location USA About Mine Baseball  Mine Baseball launched in 2020 with one mission: to build the best wood bat possible. Since then, the company has become the fastest-growing wood bat manufacturer in the U. S. , driven by innovation and a deep understanding of the modern athlete. As their e-commerce presence expanded across Shopify, Facebook Shops, Etsy, Google Shop, and Amazon, so did the complexity of their operations.   The challenge: Too much of the wrong product, not enough of the right one Like many fast-growing businesses, Mine Baseball faced the classic inventory challenge—overstocked on low-demand items and out of stock on bestsellers. With nearly half of their annual sales occurring between May and July, every misstep in inventory forecasting meant missing out on revenue that couldn’t be recovered later in the year. On top of that, managing inventory across multiple sales channels was becoming increasingly inefficient. Before implementing Katana, Mine Baseball managed their rapidly growing ecommerce operations using Shopify and manual processes to keep all other sales channels up to date. Their shipping process was heavily manual and disconnected form Shopify, requiring unnecessary effort to maintain order accuracy and update stock levels across multiple channels.   Katana allowed us to consolidate everything into one platform. We know what our inventory is at the central hub, and it pushes out to every other location. Lance O’Brien, Chief Operating Officer The solution: Katana and Shiptheory – a seamless pairing  Mine Baseball turned to Katana to centralize and automate inventory management across all their sales channels. With Katana pulling order data from Shopify and pushing inventory updates across platforms, the team could make real-time stock adjustments and ensure better forecasting during peak seasons.   Katana’s integration with Shiptheory provided Mine Baseball with a powerful end-to-end workflow for order fulfillment. As soon as orders flow into Katana from Shopify, they are automatically passed to Shiptheory, which determines the appropriate shipping account and generates labels without manual input. This seamless handoff between systems enabled Mine Baseball to eliminate repetitive tasks and speed up fulfillment. The impact: Time and money saved, headaches gone By implementing Katana and Shiptheory together, Mine Baseball didn’t have to overhaul its Shopify-based systems. Instead, the tools enhanced their existing processes, making them faster and more efficient.   They are now able to save over 30 hours every week thanks to:  Real-time inventory visibility across all channels  Simplified shipping workflows with automatic label generation  Improved seasonal forecasting and demand planning  Reduced deadstock and optimized stock levels   With Katana and Shiptheory working together, it’s sometimes hard to remember what our problems used to be. Chris Boyd, Director of Customer Experience The bottom line:...

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> Found Surface, a Cleveland-based textile manufacturer, recovered $40,000 in forgotten inventory and enabled a 5× facility scale-up using Katana’s connected manufacturing platform. Discover how they turned operational chaos into scalable growth.

- Published: 2025-05-28
- Modified: 2025-05-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/case-studies/found-surface/

Found Surface scales textile manufacturing with Katana Found Surface, a Cleveland-based textile manufacturer, recovered $40,000 in inventory and enabled a 5x scale-up using Katana. With guided onboarding and seamless integrations, Katana helped them transform manual chaos into a connected, scalable operation. $40k+ In recovered inventory 5x Facility scale-up enabled Website foundsurface. com Integrations Shopify, QuickBooks  Industry Apparel Manufacturing Location Cleveland, OH From chaos to clarity in custom apparel production Cleveland-based Found Surface is redefining what modern textile production looks like in the United States by blending heritage cut-and-sew craftsmanship with advanced German knitting technology. Specializing in small-batch custom garment production, Found Surface partners with emerging brands to bring their apparel visions to life through a fully managed design-to-production pipeline. The challenge: no system, no structure, and $40K in forgotten inventory  When Gianmarco Rinaldi joined Found Surface as Director of Business Development, the company was transitioning from a fashion brand to a full-service manufacturing operation. What he found was promising potential — and a lack of processes and systems that was holding back growth.   No inventory management or manufacturing system  No visibility into materials or finished goods  No structured quoting or sampling process  No central source of truth for production workflows  I told them, ’I’m not touching your inventory until we figure something out’. Gianmarco Rinaldi, Director, Business Development The team was managing critical operations manually, leaving tens of thousands of dollars in raw material sitting unused. With expansion on the horizon — including a move to a 20,000 sq. ft. facility and a multi-million-dollar investment in new machinery — Found Surface needed a reliable, scalable system to serve as its operational backbone. Katana quickly became the solution that allowed Found Surface to organize operations, support growth, and unlock $40,000 worth of misplaced materials — all while laying the foundation for their 5× scale-up.   The solution: a unified platform with flexibility and depth  Found Surface chose Katana for its intuitive interface, flexible manufacturing flows, and seamless integrations — especially with Shopify and QuickBooks Online. Within weeks, with the help of Katana’s onboarding service, they transitioned from a fragmented workflow to a fully connected operation. Why Katana?   Full-stack production management: From quoting to sampling to full production  Streamlined sales order management: Sales from all channels are automatically reflected in Katana, triggering the right manufacturing workflows.   Shopify and QuickBooks Integrations: Streamlined order to cash process Material tracking: Raw materials linked to specific customers and orders  Guided onboarding: Katana’s onboarding team made the transition easy, ensuring the platform was configured in the right way and that users were comfortable running it. The whole process — quoting, invoicing, material handling — works together. It’s not just one area where Katana shines. It’s every step. Gianmarco Rinaldi, Director, Business Development A great onboarding experience led to successful implementation Gianmarco’s aha moment with Katana came when he started working with the onboarding team to get things up and running. “Yeah, it was your onboarding phase. Any time I sent an email or made...

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> Discover how SpeedShield Technologies implemented Katana to streamline their inventory management and financial data, enabling them to expand.

- Published: 2025-04-01
- Modified: 2025-04-30
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/case-studies/speedshield-technologies/

How SpeedShield scaled by partnering with Cohesis and implementing Katana Katana’s intuitive platform helped SpeedShield move away from manual workarounds and legacy systems, giving them real-time visibility and operational control. Partnering with Cohesis ensured a smooth, expert-led implementation that unlocked rapid international growth. Enabled Global expansion Streamlined Financial processes Website speedshield. com Integrations Xero Industry Telemetry and safety cameras Location Australia About SpeedShield SpeedShield Technologies is an IoT company specializing in telemetry and safety cameras for the industrial vehicle market, working mainly with large OEM manufacturers. Being previously part of a bigger group of companies, they inherited a legacy ERP system that was not suitable for their needs. Faced with rapid growth and a legacy ERP that couldn’t keep up, SpeedShield partnered with Cohesis, a certified Katana partner, to implement Katana — unlocking smoother operations and enabling international expansion. We had a forklift rental system as a core ERP for essentially an electronics manufacturer. You can imagine that was not ideal. David Johnson, Head of Business & Digital Systems Challenge: An ill-suited legacy ERP was holding back growth SpeedShield’s old ERP system had originally been designed for forklift rentals, a very niche use case that simply wasn’t matching the workflows and use cases of their electronics manufacturing business. Difficulties with creating manufacturing orders and a lack of transparency in workflows, such as work-in-progress tracking, were slowing them down considerably.   We were doing workarounds for workarounds. Just trying to process manufacturing orders and get some insight into our work-in-progress. There was no way we were going to scale with that system. David Johnson, Head of Business & Digital Systems Due to the poor fit of the system, they needed extensive, manual workarounds to manage their operations. This, for example, led to the company using Excel sheets for workarounds outside of the system, leading to extensive amounts of manual work.   It was clear to SpeedShield Technologies that their legacy system simply wasn’t scalable as their business was growing, so they decided to look for a new system. Solution: A modern inventory system that integrates with other essential business software SpeedShield wasn’t sure which system would meet their requirements best, so they kicked things off with a vendor selection process, going through demos of several platforms. They chose Katana for several reasons: Katana’s APIs would allow them to build further custom solutions as needed in the future. Katana’s user experience was intuitive, so even employees who aren’t the most tech-savvy can quickly learn to use it correctly. Information was presented clearly, and workflows were structured in a logical way that supported their manufacturing methods. The ease Katana integrates with other key systems, such as accounting software and CRMs. This allowed them to connect their accounting software, Xero, and sync data effortlessly. We liked the modular approach — you can bolt on platforms that do specialized things like shipping integrations or CRMs. You can even chop and change accounting systems. David Johnson, Head of Business & Digital Systems The right implementation partner...

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> Discover how Rehmann helps manufacturers replace manual processes with real-time inventory tracking and automation using Katana.

- Published: 2025-02-21
- Modified: 2025-02-25
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/case-studies/rehmann/

How Rehmann extends their service offering with Katana’s intuitive inventory software  Rehmann helps manufacturing clients streamline inventory and financial operations with Katana’s intuitive software. Replacing manual processes with real-time data and automation helps businesses optimize operations, reduce errors, and make smarter financial decisions. Increase Automation and efficiency Reduce Software complexity Website rehmann. com Integrations QuickBooks Online Industry Accounting, consultancy Location USA About Rehmann Rehmann is a professional accounting advisory firm that partners with businesses and public sector organizations to help them achieve their goals at every stage of growth. With more than 1,000 associates across Michigan, Ohio, and Florida, Rehmann goes beyond traditional tax and audit services, offering expertise in human resources, information technology and cybersecurity, wealth management, fractional CFO and VCIO services, and more. For manufacturing businesses, managing inventory and financial data efficiently is a significant challenge. Many rely on outdated processes and disconnected systems, making it difficult to gain real-time insights. Rehmann helps its clients modernize these operations by implementing Katana’s cloud-based inventory and manufacturing software, providing a single source of truth for inventory data. Katana offers a huge boost to our manufacturing clients because they can now get the in-depth inventory analysis and the data they need for a fractional CFO through one system. Melissa Rood, CPA, Fractional CFO The challenge: Disconnected systems slowing down insights Businesses that manufacture or hold inventory often rely on multiple software systems and manual tracking, creating inefficiencies and increasing the likelihood of errors. This fragmented approach makes it difficult for advisory firms like Rehmann to provide timely and accurate insights, ultimately impacting the growth and operational efficiency of their clients. It’s not just an overabundance of software tools that causes issues — many manufacturers still rely on pen and paper to track inventory, purchasing, and costs. Instead of focusing on offering strategic financial insights, advisors spend valuable time gathering the necessary data to get a clear picture of a business' financial health. This lack of real-time visibility hinders the ability to provide meaningful recommendations and slows down decision-making. People still try to manage a lot manually — inventory, accounting, production planning. If you want us to help you, it has to be online. So, automating, computerizing, and moving our clients to a paperless office is our main goal. Christine Hoke, CPA, MSA, Accounting Solutions Specialist As Christine explains, moving to cloud-based solutions is a critical step in modernizing business operations and ensuring advisory services can be truly impactful. Otherwise, they need to spend so much time chasing down the information that there's none left for improving processes. The solution: Solving data gaps with Katana and QuickBooks Online To help clients gain better visibility and streamline operations, Rehmann implements Katana’s inventory software. Voted “Easiest to Use" by customers and partners, Katana integrates inventory, production, reporting, planning, and forecasting into a single, intuitive platform. This eliminates inefficiencies and simplifies operations without the complexity of traditional ERP systems. The ease of use is a huge win for Katana. I've seen a lot of inventory...

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> Bill-of-materials (BOM) is a tremendous help in our manufacturing process and overall production management. Integrations with Shopify and Xero also play a big role in business management, helping us streamline our operations from sales orders to ready-made goods.

- Published: 2024-05-15
- Modified: 2025-05-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/case-studies/raw-coffee-company/

Raw Coffee Company boosts on-time order fulfillment by 60% with Katana Raw Coffee Company uses Katana to optimize the production and distribution of freshly roasted and ethically sourced specialty coffee in the UAE and beyond. Features like batch and expiry date tracking and integrations with services like Xero and Shopify made Katana their go-to choice. 60% Increase on-time order fulfillment 40% Increase of day-to-day operations Website rawcoffeecompany. com Integrations Shopify, Xero Industry Coffee roasting Location UAE About Raw Coffee Company Raw Coffee Company produces freshly roasted and ethically sourced specialty coffee in Dubai and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Their team sources premium green beans from around the world, focusing on quality as well as sustainability. Integrations with Shopify and Xero play a big role in business management, helping us streamline our operations from sales orders to ready-made goods. We can now manage both B2B and B2C orders with greater ease. Nadia Hussain, Supply Chain Manager at Raw Coffee Company When purchasing their beans, Raw Coffee Company makes sure coffee farmers and their families are treated fairly and can make a sustainable living. Besides dealing directly with these farmers and the processing partners, Raw Coffee Company roasts every bean to perfection, and doing this means paying attention to every detail. The challenge they faced Shortly after starting in 2007, Raw Coffee Company realized being in the coffee business is more than just purchasing beans and roasting them. To succeed, you also need to manage many other variables effectively, including water quality, training, and finding the right equipment to keep up quality. And a sustainability-first coffee company, they have to take extra care to make sure they are sourcing correctly. Because there are many important aspects of ethical coffee roasting that need managing, coffee roasting software is critical to keep track of purchasing and production. When looking for a software solution, Raw Coffee Company had to find something that would help them: Manage raw material inventory Track batches and expiry dates Ensure orders are delivered on time Get an overview of their manufacturing process The solution they found Raw Coffee Company found Katana after searching for software that would make inventory management and manufacturing scheduling simple. Before Katana, Raw Coffee Company used other business software tools that were not tailored for their unique manufacturing needs and were complex and challenging to operate. Customer support is very responsive and wants you to succeed as a user. According to Raw Coffee Company’s Supply Chain Manager, Nadia Hussain, Katana was the user-friendly and easy-to-integrate solution they were looking for. How Katana helped Raw Coffee Company optimize production Raw Coffee Company needed to know how much coffee they had and when they needed to order more based on demand. Using spreadsheets or business software that isn’t built for manufacturers to manage this can be incredibly difficult. This is especially true when multiple roasts occur throughout the day, there are batch expiry dates to keep track of, and you have a large team that needs to stay up...

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> Our overall efficiency has significantly improved. Katana is a very user-friendly and easy-to-use system for each of the struggles that we used to have before. Even more, I appreciate the communication when they are developing new tools, they are open to feedback and take our improvements into account.

- Published: 2024-05-15
- Modified: 2025-04-10
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/case-studies/komali-tortillas/

Komali Tortillas Improve Inventory Control by 70% As a food producer, Komali Tortillas management quickly identified that the food manufacturing operations are complex not only from a production scheduling perspective where they need to manage product recipes, inventory, and operations. 70% Improved inventory control +100% Increased production efficiency Website komalitortillas. com Industry Food and beverage Location Germany About Komali Tortillas Komali Tortillas is a tortilla factory based in Hamburg, Germany. Komali Tortillas was born from the desire to bring authentic Mexican tortillas to all tables in European homes and restaurants.  Their tortillas are made from 100% Mexican corn. Komali Tortilla products are made in Germany and can be purchased in such European countries as Norway, Sweden, Netherlands, France, Spain, Finland, and others. Komali Tortillas honors the traditional Mexican recipes and guarantees complete satisfaction to their customers – regular consumers and restaurants alike. Their tortillas do not contain animal products, are gluten-free, and are made with non-GMO Mexican corn to cater to various diets and health requirements. Apart from tortillas, one can order also a taco kit, various salsas and dips, and, of course, some Mexican tequila. Challenges As a food producer, Komali Tortilla management quickly identified that the food manufacturing operations are complex not only from a production scheduling perspective where they need to manage product recipes, inventory, and operations. A big factor is also perishable inventory and compliance with food safety requirements. At some point, spreadsheets did not cut it anymore and Komali Tortillas set out to improve their processes by: Adding full-traceability and expiry date tracking to their materials and finished goods Tracking incoming materials and finished goods in their inventory Being able to see and plan production operations and improve task scheduling Katana is a very user-friendly and easy-to-use system for each of the struggles that we used to have before. Even more, I appreciate the communication when they are developing new tools, they are open to feedback and take our improvements into account. Rafael Ysosa, Managing Director at Komali Tortillas Why Katana We often hear that our customers come over from spreadsheets mainly due to all the moving parts that they are no longer able to manage manually. Komali Tortillas are one of them, and they also tried other software before choosing Katana. We tried other software as well. However, only Katana could provide visual insight into the production process. How Katana Helped Now Katana has replaced the laborious spreadsheets and Komali Tortillas can direct their efforts to keep bringing high-quality tortillas to tables all over Europe. Furthermore, the end-to-end traceability function has allowed them to track expiry dates of raw ingredients and ready goods, as well as trace each batch back to the supplier. Overall, they have achieved the main goals they set out to solve: Implemented batch tracking to meet the safety standards and reduce their risks Increased their production efficiency by more than 100% due to real-time master scheduling Improved their inventory control by almost 80% As a consequence of improved production planning...

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> CT LAB is a South-Africa-based company specializing in power quality solutions. Being a quite complex electronic device manufacturer means keeping track of all the transistors, circuits, diodes, and other components.

- Published: 2024-05-15
- Modified: 2024-05-20
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/case-studies/ct-lab/

CT LAB Improves Daily Operations Efficiency by 30% with Katana CT LAB is a South-Africa-based company specializing in power quality solutions. Being a quite complex electronic device manufacturer means keeping track of all the transistors, circuits, diodes, and other components. 60% Improved inventory control 50% Optimized production planning and scheduling Website ctlab. com Integrations Xero Industry Electronics Location South Africa About CT LAB CT LAB is a South-Africa-based company specializing in power quality solutions. CT LAB designs, develops and manufactures multi-functional device Vecto III. It has created the OTELLO platform, using its own software Osprey Pro, that collects Vecto III data to provide real-time insights into power grid performance. CT LAB currently manages and hosts one of the world’s largest grid performance data-stores, encompassing over 1,200 devices from more than 90 customers. Vecto III® is an intelligent electronic monitoring and controlling device that synchronizes with every other device installed across the network. It is capable of rating and analyze over 9,000 electrical parameters in near real-time and deliver online access to the data that engineers and other decision-makers need. Challenges With Katana, we can now know what we have in store and where to look for it. It has also helped us a lot with our manufacturing and purchase processes. Danielle Louw, Production Manager at CT LAB Being a quite complex electronic device manufacturer means keeping track of all the transistors, circuits, diodes, and other components. Inability to have sufficient inventory control can lead to chaos not only in the warehouse and shop floor but also impact the company’s bottom line. Before Katana, CT LAB used business management software combined with spreadsheets. However, the solution was not perfect and prompted them to look for another solution to: Keep track of components and ready item stock; and Gain control over the resource and production planning. Why Katana More than a year ago, CT LAB set out to look for a new solution, and after finding out that Katana integrates with their new accounting platform (Xero), they decided to go for it. Recently, we switched over to Xero, so we decided to work with Katana since it integrates well. Our previous system did not provide the necessary support, but Katana now offers a quick response. How Katana Helped How does it look in numbers? CT LAB has managed to achieve the following: Improved inventory control by 60% by being able to track components in each location; Optimized production planning and scheduling by 50%; And have managed to increase the efficiency of their day-to-day operations by 30% due to system integrations. Katana has given them the power to control their manufacturing operations, get a complete overview of the manufacturing operations to easily manage their resources, set tasks for team members, and monitor projects’ progress. Everything is integrated, making for effective company-wide resource planning and control.

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> Katana fulfills all our needs in a simple easy solution. As an organic food processor, traceability is a critical requirement, and our records must be meticulously kept.

- Published: 2024-05-15
- Modified: 2025-03-25
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/case-studies/hornby-organic/

Hornby Organic improves production efficiency by 100% with Katana Hornby Organic drastically improved inventory control and spent half as much time on admin after switching to Katana. They needed manufacturing software that would help them achieve end-to-end traceability and get the visibility they needed to scale production and stay profitable. 50% Increase on product range Reduced waste and costs Website hornbyorganic. com Integrations Shopify Industry Food manufacturing Location Canada About Hornby Organic Hornby Organic started producing organic energy bars in an old garage. Today, they are the first company in Canada to produce a Canadian Certified Organic energy bar, proving that putting people’s and the health of our planet before profit is an achievable goal for a company. While much has changed, their mission remains the same — to bring affordable organic food without our planet and customers paying the price. Now you can purchase Hornby Organic bars on their online store and in plenty of retail shops across Canada. We were looking for end-to-end traceability on our raw ingredients through to finished products. Katana fulfills all our needs in a simple, easy solution. As an organic food processor, traceability is a critical requirement, and our records must be meticulously kept. Irah Vet, Founder and CEO at Hornby Organic The challenge they faced As a food company, effective production management is not only about efficient operations. Regulatory compliance in the food production industry is rigorous, and companies need to effectively trace products and batches to ensure these health and safety requirements are met. Despite their humble beginnings, Hornby Organic expanded rapidly and needed a more reliable tool than spreadsheets to ensure traceability for their ingredients and products. So their team quickly set out to find a software solution that would help them: Get end-to-end traceability from raw ingredients through to finished products Implement an accurate inventory system for batch planning and warehousing Manage the growing number of sales orders from their online shop and retailers The solution they found With Katana, Hornby Organic was able to ditch time-consuming spreadsheets and instead focus on increasing productivity and profitability — which is essential in an industry known for its low margins. Katana also made it possible to implement end-to-end traceability for their products, a critical feature to ensure product quality and meet the safety standards of food manufacturing ingredients. According to Irah Vet, Founder and CEO at Hornby Organic, Katana was the manufacturing software they were looking for to help them scale production. Katana is one integrated solution that replaces our many spreadsheets. Also, the integration with our Shopify store and accounting software was a key consideration. How Katana helped Hornby Organic double their inventory control Hornby Organic manages their sales orders from various channels, and Katana brings all their orders to a single platform. Using Katana, they can automatically start production and see the number of finished goods in stock. By creating product recipes, they can accurately track costs based on material usage and production operations to make better pricing decisions....

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> Katana helps keep accurate stock of assemblies and ingredients so that a plan can be developed for manufacturing and receive instant feedback on whether or not there are enough resources in stock to complete an order.

- Published: 2024-05-15
- Modified: 2024-05-20
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/case-studies/puppy-cake/

Puppy Cake has total control of their operations and inventory with Katana Puppy Cake produces treats for your beloved pets for special occasions or just because you want to spoil them. According to Kelly, their biggest issue with manufacturing was forecasting ingredients purchasing and labor planning for several weeks out. 100% Improve the efficiency of day-to-day operations Website puppycake. com Integrations AmeriCommerce Industry Food production Location USA About Puppy Cake Puppy Cake produces treats for your beloved pets for special occasions or just because you want to spoil them. No more feeling guilty eating dessert as your dog stares at you wanting something you can’t give them. Puppy Cake is a company celebrating everything “doggo. ” They sell everything from cooking ingredients, utensils, personalized cakes, and even clothes for humans and dogs alike. They only use natural ingredients and hold themselves to the highest standard since they know how people’s pets are a part of the family. They even have a wheat-free alternative if you wish for if your dog to avoid certain food types. Their products are all inspected by the PA Department of Agriculture. Katana keeps accurate stock of our assemblies and ingredients so that I can plan out manufacturing and get instant feedback on whether or not I have enough resources in stock to complete an order. Kelly Costello, Puppy Cake CEO Challenges According to Kelly, their biggest issue with manufacturing was forecasting ingredients purchasing and labor planning for several weeks out. We struggled to figure out how many pounds of product we would need. We regularly ran out of ingredients or assemblies on a weekly basis because it was so difficult to plan it out. Objectives Puppy Cake quickly identified that they needed to get more control over their business, by: Improving the efficiency of their day-to-day operations by more than 75% Finding a new method of monitoring their material inventory management Developing, implementing, and improving scheduling to optimize production planning How Katana Helped Puppy Cake was spoiling dogs with their treats. But they were struggling to achieve the perfect balance of inventory management, and their bottom-line was being affected by this. That was until they found Katana. With Katana they have been able to: Improve the efficiency of day-to-day operations to 100% Get more control of their material inventory with our auto-booking feature Have a master production schedule with a clear overview of operations progress with a task list, so team members know what tasks are left to complete We used Excel spreadsheets to attempt to keep stock of our ingredients and what was needed to accomplish different manufacturing processes. It was tedious and inaccurate. Since abandoning the inefficient spreadsheets, Puppy Cake has been able to dramatically optimize their, operations, inventory control, and time management. Katana’s auto-booking system allocates available material to the most recent manufacturing orders, so Puppy Cake can effortless see if they have enough resources to complete their operations. However, if they wish to reprioritize the work order to finish an important order sooner, Katana’s nifty drag-and-drop feature...

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> With Katana we know our real-time inventory of raw materials, finished and non-finished products. We can plan sourcing and production accordingly, and have a direct overview of production costs.

- Published: 2024-05-15
- Modified: 2024-06-25
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/case-studies/paper-republic/

Paper Republic improves production planning by 60% with Katana Started in 2013, Paper Republic manufacture their own leather journals and accessories. As every entrepreneur was working on developing apps, founder Jérôme Bacquias decided to take a more traditional approach and invested in paper. 60% Production planning increased 29% Improved inventory accuracy Website paper-republic. eu Integrations Shopify Industry Paper and packaging Location Austria About Paper Republic Started in 2013, Paper Republic manufacture their own leather journals and accessories. As every entrepreneur was working on developing apps, founder Jérôme Bacquias decided to take a more traditional approach and invested in paper. The company stands for stunning vegetable-tanned, full-grain soft cow leather. The leather is bought directly from family-run tanneries in Italy, which only natural, non-chemical extracts. This ancestral tanning is a slow and artisanal process: it takes on average two months to tan and dye a cow hide. The vegetable-tanning means that the color and texture of the leather have a natural look and develop a unique patina overt time. The writing paper used in Paper Republic notebooks is made in a Swedish paper mill. It is acid-free, wood-free FSC-certified 80 gsm natural paper with a cream color and a soft touch. Challenges The three major challenges Paper Republic identified were: Planning production and getting a real-time overview of inventory, Large orders jeopardizing smaller orders, and  Stock synchronization with Shopify. We manufacture most of our products and have a complex supply chain. Yet, most third-party inventory management tools out there are made for resellers, not for makers. We need to source raw materials, plan production, put components together and know our real-time inventory across the entire production process. Jérôme Bacquias, Paper Republic Founder He said that one of their main struggles was the inability to plan the right amount of necessary raw materials. Objectives Paper Republic quickly identified that they needed to get more control over their business, by: Optimizing production planning and having real-time status of finished goods and raw materials, Differentiating between make-to-order and make-to-stock to avoid large orders taking over smaller orders, and Implementing an inventory management tool that seamlessly integrates with Shopify and is easy-to-use. How Katana Helped Paper Republic was growing fast and realized they needed the right infrastructure to support this growth. Katana, the Smart Manufacturing Software, made it possible to cope with the underlying manufacturing challenge and achieve operational excellence. With Katana they have been able to: Improve production planning by 60%, through segmenting the production process for each SKU, setting up manufacturing steps, and allocating resources and raw materials to each product and sub-component, Produce personalized products on order or assign large orders as “make-to-order”, thanks to being able to differentiate between batch and bespoke products, and Improve inventory accuracy by 29% and gain a complete overview of business operations through stock sync with Shopify. Katana helps us segment our entire production process for each SKU by setting up exact manufacturing steps and allocating resources and raw materials to each product and sub-component. Since implementing Katana, Paper Republic has been able to dramatically optimize their day-to-day...

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> Delta Development Team produces portable refrigerators for blood. Katana provides inventory tracking, planning, and a well-oiled manufacturing process.

- Published: 2024-05-03
- Modified: 2024-05-20
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/case-studies/delta-development/

How Delta Development Team stays in stock with Katana Delta Development Team Inc. manufactures portable refrigerators for the transportation of blood. They switched from using only QuickBooks Desktop to a setup of Katana integrated with QuickBooks Online, giving them live inventory tracking and planning and a structured and unbroken manufacturing process. Shop Floor App For optimizing operations Multilocation For strict quality control Website deltadevteam. com Integrations QuickBooks Online Industry Electronics Location USA About Delta Development Team Based in Tucson, Arizona, Delta Development Team is an American company that produces medical refrigeration units for the portable transportation of blood. Chatting with Alexander Blanchard, the Operations Coordinator at Delta Development Team, we learned that the company started out by making large refrigerators called Tricons, which are large shipping units used by the military. They then went on to develop the APRU (Autonomous Portable Refrigeration Unit), the world’s most portable, FDA-listed blood and vaccine refrigerator. The APRU has since become their main product. Alexander implemented Katana in Delta Development Team’s fulfillment process and is in charge of purchasing and inventory management for all of their materials. We spoke with him further about the company’s overall experience with cloud inventory software. Planning future demand without the right data didn't work Originally, inventory tracking was done with pen, paper, and memory. Unfortunately, memory-based tracking lacks precision and can lead to inaccurate inventory levels and estimations of future material needs, leaving room for oversights, stockouts, and inefficiencies in planning and procurement. Implementing Katana for live inventory tracking and planning addresses this problem by providing a centralized and accurate system to monitor stock levels in real time. Katana's integration with QuickBooks Online ensures that inventory data is up-to-date and accessible, reducing reliance on manual methods and improving overall inventory management accuracy. To keep track of materials, our COO had a pen, pencil, and his memory — ‘OK, I’m pretty sure we have all of these, so we’ll need more in a month’ – and that’s simply not a good system.   Alexander Blanchard, Operations Coordinator at Delta Development Team Using Katana's manufacturing capabilities, Delta Development Team established structured production workflows and schedules based on real-time inventory data and demand forecasts. This helps optimize production processes, reduce waste, and ensure manufacturing aligns with actual demand and inventory levels. Finding a suitable solution By using Katana, Delta Development Team can efficiently monitor inventory levels, receive notifications for reordering materials, and forecast potential shortages. This proactive approach helps in maintaining optimal stock levels and streamlining procurement processes. Katana facilitates detailed production planning, giving Delta Development Team visibility into the entire production process, enabling them to easily adjust schedules, manage resource allocation, and prioritize tasks based on real-time insights. The ability to adapt to vendor delays or unexpected issues ensures continuity in production without major disruptions. I love getting a little notification that says these materials are reordered. I can see what material is going to run out in a month. The multilocation features allow Delta Development Team to efficiently manage inventory across different...

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> GJ Motorsports has used Katana API to optimize and simplify their manufacturing workflow - saving hours every week. Could we help you too?

- Published: 2024-05-03
- Modified: 2024-05-15
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/case-studies/gj-motorsports/

How GJ Motorsports cut 4 hours of admin time with automation GJ Motorsports used Katana to optimize and simplify its manufacturing workflow, meaning less human intervention, hours saved weekly, and more space for the business to grow. -4 hours weekly manual updates Website gj-motorsports. com Integrations OpenCart, ShipStation, Easy Insight Industry Automotive Location Chicago, USA About GJ Motorsports GJ Motorsports is a Chicago-based aftermarket automotive parts manufacturer making accessories, primarily for pickup trucks. They make lighting products in their manufacturing facility where the main machining process occurs, while a few operations, such as anodizing and powder coating, and materials, are outsourced. In Katana, Thomas has 222 products and 120 materials, of which around 60 are sellable materials, and the rest are used for sub-assemblies. Thomas spends his days in the office, doing most of the design, sourcing, and procurement work. He also does a lot of work in Katana, dealing with order management, customer service, accounting, and more. His background is in software development, so he’s used his knowledge and skills to automate many workflows and ended up saving two full workdays every month by not having to do admin work. GJ Motorsports employs make-to-stock batch manufacturing and has an equal rate of B2B and B2C sales. GJ Motorsports also has one shop floor worker who takes care of the assembly, manufacturing, and shipping processes. They use Katana, OpenCart ecommerce platform, and ShipStation for perfectly automated processes. Struggling with material stockouts and order delays Before Katana, GJ Motorsports had a setup involving OpenCart and UPS WorldShip but lacked specific manufacturing modules to support manufacturing processes within their workflow. Without manufacturing features, managing production-related tasks such as creating production orders, tracking work-in-progress, managing inventory for production, and linking these processes with sales and order fulfillment became challenging. They often ended up in situations where they ran out of materials and needed to delay manufacturing until a new purchase order was in place and items were delivered. Having a live view of inventory levels was an absolute must for both materials and products. The limitations of their previous shipping and order fulfillment setup, which lacked tailored manufacturing modules and essential packing lists and suffered from a suboptimal integration between their ecommerce platform and shipping software, led them to adopt Katana to streamline and automate these critical aspects of their business operations more effectively. I configured some automation between OpenCart and UPS WorldShip to deal with the shipping, but there were no manufacturing modules or packing lists, and overall it was very clunky. Thomas Judge, Owner at GJ Motorsports Katana's integration with Easy Insight allows for automated reporting and data sharing. By leveraging Katana's real-time inventory data, they can automatically generate and send weekly reports to the supplier, keeping them informed about stock levels, projections, and inventory requirements without requiring manual updates or physical visits. The Shop Floor App in Katana allows for streamlined shop floor operations. They can easily set and manage assignments for different production tasks. Each product's manufacturing process, involving multiple jobs,...

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> Kron Technologies makes amazing high-speed imaging cameras with Katana and sells them seamlessly with WooCommerce. Learn more.

- Published: 2024-05-03
- Modified: 2024-05-15
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/case-studies/kron-technologies/

How Kron Technologies streamlines sales with Katana and WooCommerce Kron Technologies is a manufacturer of high-speed imaging cameras and uses the seamless Katana and WooCommerce integration to streamline the sales process and improve customer experience. Shop Floor App for streamlining shop floor operations 1-2 day shipping with WooCommerce and Katana Website krontech. ca Integrations WooCommerce Industry Electronics Location Canada About Kron Technologies Kron Technologies is a Canadian high-speed imaging system design and manufacturing company located in the heart of the Greater Vancouver Area (British Columbia). Kron Tech aims to make high-speed imaging accessible to everyone. Their target customers cover a broad spectrum — from cinematography and sports to research and industry — anything a person might want to have slowed down beyond the human eye’s capability. Inventory visibility gets tricky with growth Before Katana, Kron Technologies used spreadsheets to manage their inventory and production, but it became unsustainable and required a new solution. As an electronics manufacturer, following raw materials inventory and component delivery times was crucial, especially after the pandemic put stress on supply chains. Kron Technologies knew they needed an ERP system to keep up with their commitment to quick order fulfillment — a 1 to 2-day turnaround time from order placement to shipment for B2B and B2C clients. To maintain a rapid turnaround time as a competitive advantage, it’s crucial for Kron to ensure that inventory levels are accurately monitored and maintained to meet this tight shipping schedule without encountering stockouts or delays. It was hard to see how many orders were open, completed, or delivered. We also had more team members coming on board and needed a system in place that would help improve transparency. Jax Hughes, IT Manager at Kron Technologies Another challenge they faced, a common one faced by rapidly growing businesses, is managing and maintaining control over operations as they expand. Rapid growth can lead to increased complexity in managing inventory, production, and overall business processes. Kron required better organization and management practices to support scalability. This includes implementing efficient systems to streamline operations and maintain visibility and control over the expanding business. Saving time with the right workflows Finding an ERP proved to be challenging as many did not fit Kron's workflows or were clunky to use. They needed a solution that was not only functional but also user-friendly and visually appealing. The adoption of Katana provided them with an intuitive platform that met their operational needs while being accessible and easy to use, thereby supporting their startup's requirements effectively. What sets Kron Technologies apart is availability. The turnaround between an order being placed and shipped is 1-2 days on average for B2B and B2C customers. Katana allows Kron to ship worldwide the next day. Kron recognized the limitations of standard ecommerce platforms for their specific business model, which involves selling high-value items in larger quantities with specific documentation requirements. To address this, they adopted WooCommerce, a flexible ecommerce platform, and seamlessly integrated it with Katana. This integration allowed them to manage...

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> Naturewall manufactures and sells natural acoustic paneling. With Katana, they were able to get the visibility they needed to scale. Read the case study.

- Published: 2024-05-03
- Modified: 2025-01-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/case-studies/naturewall/

How Naturewall doubled sales while boosting efficiency Based in the UK, Naturewall manufactures and sells all-natural acoustic paneling across the UK, Europe, and beyond. With Katana, they were able to keep sales, accounting, inventory, and production in sync and get the visibility they needed to scale operations. 2x sales orders Revenue Doubled monthly Website naturewall. com Integrations Shopify, Xero Industry Home and furniture Location UK About Naturewall Naturewall manufactures and sells all-natural acoustic wall paneling across the UK and the EU. Their products range from Slatwall and 3D paneling to decorative oak planks, all manufactured sustainably in Britain. Using Shopify as its primary sales channel, Naturewall uses Katana and Shopify in tandem to manage operations from sales to production. With plans to expand to another fulfillment center outside the UK, Naturewall needed a solution that would allow them to manage multiple warehouses and integrate with their key accounting and ecommerce tools. Stephen Newlove needed software that would allow him to monitor manufacturing orders, ensure on-time fulfillment, and handle purchasing and sales on one platform. Finding the right tech stack To manufacture home and furniture products like wall paneling, Naturewall needed software that would allow them to add their bill of materials to track raw materials and finished goods to keep their inventory levels optimal — including any subassemblies if needed. While most of Naturewall’s sales are generated through D2C channels (like Shopify), they also needed software supporting B2B. They also needed software that was easy to use and would support floor-level task tracking. I’ve used Sage, SAP, and in-house Excel programs in previous positions. Here they used Linnworks, but we couldn’t get it to meet the business production requirements, which is why Katana was brought in. Previous software solutions they used (Sage, SAP, Linnworks) did not adequately meet the specific production requirements of the business and created operational challenges due to a lack of integrations with other business tools. They needed software that aligned with their unique production needs and integrated seamlessly with existing systems like Shopify and Xero. Expanding operations and international reach with software Katana's ability to export data seamlessly into Excel format was highlighted as beneficial to Stephen, who is accustomed to Excel for collecting data. Katana's Excel export capability allows him to leverage familiar tools for managing data, enhancing productivity, and enabling deeper insights into business operations. Access to historical data empowers informed decision-making and supports business analysis for continuous improvement. We were doing £150-250,000 a month while struggling with the previous system at that time. With Katana, we’ve doubled that number and are working a lot more efficiently. Stephen Newlove, Procurement and Logistics Manager at NatureWall Integrated systems like Katana and Xero reduced duplication of data, improved accuracy, and enhanced efficiency in order processing and financial management. Katana, compared to Linnworks, had easier order management and description input, eliminating the need to remember complex product codes. The Shop Floor App's functionality allows for assigning tasks and tracking progress seamlessly across multiple production stages, enhances coordination...

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> Sylmasta uses Katana and native ecommerce and shipping integrations to make and sell their excellent adhesive repair products.

- Published: 2024-05-03
- Modified: 2024-05-20
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/case-studies/sylmasta/

How Sylmasta raised revenue with Katana Sylmasta overhauled production operations, integrated accounting and sales, and even brought a new integration to Katana to make shipping easier for everyone. Read how they did it all here. Website sylmasta. com Integrations Shiptheory Industry Industrial repair products Location UK About Sylmasta Sylmasta is a UK-based manufacturer of adhesive repair products, primarily for pipe repairs, such as fixing leaks or damage to pipes. They also produce some general maintenance adhesives, which repair metalwork, damaged machinery, etc. Selling products both B2B and D2C, they have customers worldwide that they reach via their website and product distribution. With in-house manufacturing built on lean manufacturing principles, they were a well-run operation that was running into challenges that any growing business does. We spoke to Simon Bedding, the managing director, to learn about the challenges they faced, how they found Katana, and how things have been since they signed up. This might sound like a cliché, but Katana made our lives much easier. Revenue has gone up because we manage more orders without hiring more staff. Simon Bedding Managing Director at Sylmasta The struggle to integrate software Originally, they built a custom manufacturing system developed in Microsoft Access. While this system was tailored to their needs, it had a significant drawback of being isolated and unable to communicate effectively with other software tools. For example, integrating with QuickBooks Desktop was particularly challenging. The inability of Microsoft Access and QuickBooks to synchronize properly led to operational inefficiencies and hindered stock management. This lack of communication resulted in manual data entry, discrepancies, and limited inventory and financial data visibility. We didn’t have a grip on the value of the stock. Nothing was very well integrated and Everything was about to fall apart. Adopting Katana addressed these issues by providing integrated production, inventory, and sales management capabilities, ultimately improving efficiency and supporting business growth. Building the perfect tech stack Simon went on the hunt for a new way to run manufacturing, production, and sales processes, with the idea that there must be something that could integrate everything they used. While looking at other systems on the market, they noticed many were overly complex and difficult for operators to use without constant review. Katana stood out for its intuitiveness, allowing operators to use the software efficiently without requiring extensive training or constant supervision. They were able to get set up quickly by importing essential data, allowing Sylmasta to start using the software immediately without a steep learning curve. This rapid adoption was crucial in ensuring minimal disruption to their operations during the transition. This helped remove unnecessary complexities, providing a streamlined experience focused on essential functionalities like stock control. The intuitive traffic light system for stock management made it easy to visualize and manage inventory levels. I contacted Shiptheory and asked them to create an integration with Katana. And now that’s why there’s a Shiptheory integration available in Katana. Before Katana, stock management was cumbersome and error-prone, requiring frequent audits. But, with...

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> Wabanaki Maple produces barrel-aged maple syrup, and once they combined Katana and its integrations, they doubled their sales volume without hiring.

- Published: 2024-05-02
- Modified: 2024-05-20
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/case-studies/wabanaki-maple/

How Wabanaki Maple got out of a sticky situation — doubled sales without increasing costs Wabanaki Maple produces barrel-aged maple syrup in Canada and distributes their products throughout North America. With the company growing rapidly, they realized that continuing to manage their business with Excel spreadsheets would limit their scalability. By switching to Katana and our integrations, Wabanaki Maple streamlined its manufacturing processes and doubled its sales volume. 2x sales increase Website wabanakimaple. com Integrations Prospect CRM, QuickBooks Online Industry Food and beverage Location Canada About Wabanaki Maple Wabanaki Maple is a value-added maple syrup company based in Neqotkuk, New Brunswick, Canada. We spoke with Zak, a Sales & Operations Lead who joined the company a couple of years after it was founded. Wabanaki's primary product is a uniquely flavored barrel-aged maple syrup. Founder and CEO Jolene Johnson is a part of the Tobique First Nation, an indigenous Wolastoqiyik community in New Brunswick, and Wabanaki maple syrup is a traditional indigenous product with a modern spin. Using the right tech to boost efficiency at scale The company grew rapidly from a two-person team to a small facility (500ft² building) and then grew into a more prominent company with substantial production space (4,800ft² custom facility) and a dedicated on-site staff. The previously used Excel documentation simply couldn’t keep up with processes anymore. Moving to a more sophisticated facility added complexity, underscoring the need for advanced tools to manage operations efficiently. We'd require a full-time person doing documentation in Excel to match what is automatically done by Katana. Zak Genefaas, Sales & Operations Lead at Wabanaki Maple Tackling efficiency and traceability with one inventory solution To deal with the new scale of their business, Wabanaki Maple hired a consultant to help develop their roadmap and current business development and establish new processes. Several inventory systems were suggested during the consultation, and they decided to settle with Katana. Before Katana, Wabanaki Maple relied on manual processes like Excel for inventory management. Katana not only introduced a way to track products but also allowed detailed batch tracking, such as including information on which barrel was used for each product and the aging process of the maple syrup. The batch tracking system within Katana ensures regulatory compliance and facilitates smooth recall processes — a feature that is particularly important for Wabanaki when dealing with large chains that require stringent recall capabilities. Knowing exactly what barrel goes into what product, being able to track what maple syrup is in that barrel, how long it has aged, and really quantifying all those costs through the system have been real game changers for us. With a diverse customer base spanning Canada and the US, managing multicurrency transactions was crucial. Katana provided real-time currency conversion and separated stock and labeling requirements for different countries, simplifying international operations. Also, by Integrating Katana, Prospect CRM, and QuickBooks Online, Wabanaki eliminated redundant data entry and ensured accurate customer information across all platforms. This integration saves significant time and effort, helping enhance overall operational efficiency. To get up and...

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> With Katana, Peace Collective was able to transition to an on-demand manufacturing model and more than double its product offering. Read the full case study.

- Published: 2024-04-30
- Modified: 2024-05-24
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/case-studies/peace-collective/

How Peace Collective grew its on-demand product range by 50% with Katana From a single Toronto storefront to a dynamic lifestyle brand with a presence across North America, Peace Collective manages an expansive range of product lines, including licenses from the NBA and NFL, and collaborates with TikTok influencers with the help of Katana. Increase In the on-demand product range 120+ Product licenses managed Website peace-collective. com Integrations Shopify Plus, DataAutomation Industry Fashion and apparel Location Canada About Peace Collective Peace Collective, established in 2014 in Toronto, has grown from a local apparel brand into a lifestyle powerhouse known for its commitment to sustainability and social causes. The brand has built a mission around making fashion sustainable and giving back to communities, focusing on supporting food banks, human rights foundations, and mental health centers across North America. If I didn't have Katana, I would be drowning in spreadsheets, which would all break at some point. Because of Katana and our pre-order methods, we can make sure our hero products are always in stock. Lisa Diep Chief Operating Officer Before settling on Katana, they had plans to expand further into the US market. However, they lacked the software to support scaling their production while minimizing waste, enabling omnichannel selling, and giving them complete visibility over sales and production. https://www. youtube. com/watch? v=g8cUGqp3Ubc What was stopping their growth? Peace Collective faced the complex challenge of managing growth while staying true to its sustainable ethos. With a vast array of products and a mixed manufacturing approach, the brand needed to evolve its operations to keep up with demand without generating excess waste — a notorious challenge for the fashion industry. We carry licenses for most major league teams, from the NBA to the NFL. You’re looking at a total of 120+ teams, and carrying physical inventory for that amount is obviously not very feasible space-wise or economically without automation Adopting on-demand manufacturing became a strategic move to mitigate the environmental impact typical of the fashion industry. However, traditional inventory management tools like spreadsheets and a basic warehouse management system (WMS) fell short of supporting this transition efficiently. Their WMS only collected orders for picking, packing, and fulfillment and didn’t allow them to monitor production or track different stages of an item or order that comes in. How they scaled their business After extensive research into inventory and manufacturing software, Peace Collective chose Katana as the best solution for their needs. Katana provided a seamless integration with multiple Shopify stores and a visual, real-time overview of manufacturing and sales orders. This allowed the brand to manage its made-to-order and made-to-stock workflows effectively. The move to Katana was further facilitated by DataAutomation, a partner that helped customize workflows to ensure efficient order processing and manufacturing tracking. Doing on-demand manufacturing allowed us to cut down on holding costs. Now we’re able to avoid over and underproducing. With the help of Katana, Peace Collective successfully expanded its on-demand product range by over 50%, significantly increasing the number...

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## Industries

> Knit production and sales together with Katana’s textile ERP. Organize your inventory and plan production all on one platform.

- Published: 2022-09-05
- Modified: 2025-06-02
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/industries/textile-manufacturing-software/

Get textile manufacturing software to organize your workflow and inventory Katana textile ERP supports apparel and garment manufacturers who want to rise in the ranks in the competitive world of the textile industry. Control stock, manage sales orders, and improve your company’s workflow with Katana. Get a demo Features Textile software for enhancing productivity and production planning Katana’s fashion ERP software supports textile businesses with the features they need for optimized textile management. Use Katana to gain a real-time overview of your textile and apparel production process and find bottlenecks in your production cycle. Lot tracking Gain lot visibility with Katana and take advantage of full end-to-end traceability from purchasing to manufacturing and sales Read more Accurate costing Track your manufacturing costs based on information in your bill of materials (BOM) and actual costs once a production run is finished Read more Live inventory management Get real-time inventory updates to know your current stock levels and what raw materials you need to restock to fulfill orders Read more Shop Floor App Enable your production managers to assign tasks to operators remotely, and track time spent on tasks, using Katana’s Shop Floor App Read more Barcode scanning Track your items, batches, and raw materials in Katana's textile software using internal and internationally registered barcodes Read more Real-time master planning Prioritize orders with the drag-and-drop feature and Katana will automatically allocate items to sales and manufacturing operations Read more Implement textile ERP into your business and stitch your operations together Katana supports garment and apparel manufacturers in the textile industry — from the smaller workshops scaling their embroidery business to industrial factories that produce the fabric. Katana offers an intuitive platform that will give you total visibility into the fabric production cycle. Whether you want to plan production, improve the existing production process, or gain knowledge of what raw material to stock in advance. Track the progress of your textile productions via Katana’s manufacturing ERP software Katana is useful for production managers because it can track batches and raw materials in real time. You can think of a textile ERP as a separate digital insurance policy to ensure that a manufacturing company doesn’t have to worry about running out of items or overstocking. You can plan ahead to meet customer expectations and sleep peacefully knowing an automated system has your back. With the help of ERP software, companies can seamlessly import customer requests and remain on time with their scheduled deliveries. You can track everything from stock levels to production lines so that each task moves along at a smooth pace without any major setbacks or disruptions. Weave together all your favorite business tools Think of Katana’s textile industry software as a tie dye t-shirt — Katana as the shirt and the colors, your other platforms. You can integrate Katana’s ERP for textile with other e-commerce, accounting, and shipping solutions like Shopify, WooCommerce, Xero, and QuickBooks Online, just to name a few. This allows you to manage your inventory, production planning and...

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> Plastics and rubber manufacturing software to take the guesswork out of your business. Integrate with Katana and take control of your entire product lifecycle.

- Published: 2022-08-22
- Modified: 2024-05-16
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/industries/plastics-rubber-manufacturing-software/

Simplified production with plastics and rubber manufacturing software Accurately tracking all your composite materials while also making sure your inventory is kept optimal is no easy task. Katana’s plastics and rubber manufacturing software gives you the necessary tools to keep ideal stock levels. Get a demo Features No more juggling between multiple platforms and systems Making sure all your business tools are synced is vital to keep everything running smoothly. However, if applications don’t communicate with each other, mistakes can easily be introduced. Adopting Katana’s ERP software lets you connect your favorite business tools, so everything is kept in sync automatically. Live inventory management Track your inventory in real time and maintain optimal stock levels to reduce carrying costs and avoid stock-outs Read more Shop floor control Improve collaboration between your operators and office staff by sharing relevant information using the Katana Shop Floor App Read more Shipping integrations Seamlessly integrate with the most popular transport platforms and have full visibility of your product deliveries Read more Sales order management Easily fulfill sales orders based on product availability and integrate with e-commerce and CRM tools Read more Contract manufacturing Issue purchase orders, track materials in partner locations, and receive items with accurate cost values Read more Accounting integrations Connect with your accounting software and keep your books automatically synchronized Read more Plastics and rubber manufacturing software to avoid stretching yourself too thin Running a manufacturing business takes a lot of work. You need to keep track of your orders, make sure your inventory levels are optimal, keep customers happy, ensure everything ships on time, and much more. Without the proper tools in place, every little mistake can grow into a bigger issue if not nipped in the bud. By implementing Katana’s plastics and rubber manufacturing ERP, you can automate a lot of tasks and make sure all systems run optimally. Katana’s ERP system makes it easy to change course should you experience issues in your supply chain. Discovering that your materials won’t arrive on time can turn into a bit of chaos. With Katana’s ERP software, you can simply prioritize production based on raw material availability to ensure your manufacturing doesn’t come to a complete halt Full make-to-stock (MTS) and make-to-order (MTO) support As a manufacturer, you have few options when choosing your production workflow. With conventional MTS workflows, you manufacture your products in bulk and stock them for future sales. When using MTO workflows, you only start the manufacturing process once an order comes in. When using an MTS workflow, you can reduce your customers’ wait time since the products are all made and ready to be sent out. MTS also makes it easier to schedule ahead and plan your resources. Of course, when using MTS, if your forecasting is inaccurate or consumer trends change, you may find yourself holding too much or too little stock. MTS also comes with higher carrying costs and possibly more waste. MTO, on the other hand, is excellent for minimizing waste and keeping your...

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> Food distribution software like Katana gives you the tools and the visibility you need to track and manage your products with the least effort.

- Published: 2022-08-12
- Modified: 2025-06-02
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/industries/food-distribution-software/

Track your inventory and reduce waste with food distribution software Katana equips food distributors with all the necessary tools to take complete control of their product lifecycle. With Katana’s ERP software solution, distributors get real-time visibility of their full product inventory. Get a demo Features Boost efficiency and streamline your operations with a centralized hub Katana’s ERP software allows you to integrate with the most popular platforms to manage your food manufacturing business. By integrating Katana with your favorite tools, you can manage all aspects of your business from one place. End-to-end traceability Easily track batches, trace products back to their original batch, and keep track of expiry dates Read more Live inventory management Track your inventory in real time, so you always know exactly what you have at hand and what needs to be reordered Read more Shop floor control Easy collaboration with your operators by sharing relevant information using the Katana Shop Floor App Read more E-commerce integrations Seamless integration with the most popular e-commerce apps to make selling online a breeze Read more Shipping integrations Easily connect with your favorite transport platforms and send your products to customers globally Read more Omnichannel order management Effortlessly manage all your orders from a central place, whether business-to-business or direct-to-consumer Read more End-to-end traceability for full visibility and easy compliance with regulations As any business dealing with food knows, there are a lot of rules and regulations involved. Regulatory agencies must make sure that specific processes are followed to ensure standards in food safety. To comply with all the regulations, distributors must be able to quickly identify any potential health risks and trace these back to the original source. Katana’s software for food and beverage distributors offers end-to-end traceability, so distributors have full visibility when tracking their perishable goods. Software for food distributors to increase efficiency and reduce waste One of the biggest issues when selling perishable goods is that these expire. Selling spoilt food won’t just damage your credibility and relationship with customers but may even lead to expensive lawsuits. That’s why it’s critical to know when your products have reached the end of their shelf life. Katana’s food distribution software allows you to create batch barcodes. Batch barcodes include a lot more useful information compared to a regular EAN barcode. Batch barcode lets you add an expiry date, production date, identification code, and more. This makes it easy to trace expired or contaminated ingredients, so you can get these recalled or off the shelf before any larger problems arise. Having a clear overview of the expiration dates also allows you to deal with expiring products before you have to throw them out. Food waste is a big problem in the industry, but with the right tools, you can do your part to fight that while also helping your bottom line. Inventory management software that takes the cake Keeping track of your inventory is no simple task, especially if your product lines keep growing with your business. That’s why...

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> Greenlight your new production ideas with Katana’s cannabis manufacturing software. Katana ERP organizes products and inventory in one intuitive platform.

- Published: 2022-08-12
- Modified: 2025-06-02
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/industries/cannabis-manufacturing-software/

Easy batch tracking with cannabis manufacturing software Keep your cannabis business sprouting in different directions with customizable manufacturing software that has end-to-end product traceability, and allows you to reach cannabis fans in every corner of the world. Get a demo Features Cannabis manufacturing software that increases productivity and gives you peace of mind Katana’s manufacturing software works for cannabis operators of all sizes, from small businesses to large operations. Katana’s software provides you with a real-time overview of your production process and helps you boost efficiency across all operations. Live inventory management Get constant inventory tracking to see what’s in stock, what raw materials are committed, what’s finished, and what’s shipped at all times Read more E-commerce integrations Sell products using your preferred e-commerce platform, as Katana has integrations with numerous platforms like Shopify and eBay Read more Shop Floor App Utilize Katana’s Shop Floor App to collaborate with your warehouse workforce and handle tasks remotely so you can keep tabs on daily progress Read more Real-time master planning Make sophisticated decisions in your trending industry as Katana automatically prioritizes all of your manufacturing orders Read more Accurate costing Optimize sales and keep track of your manufacturing costs based on bill of materials (BOM) and ongoing production operations Read more Barcode scanning Track batches, raw materials, and items in a single manufacturing software using a unified barcode inventory system to ensure accuracy Read more Grow your cannabis business and blaze up in the expanding cannabis industry by producing more The marijuana industry is expanding every year. Exhibit A – USA. As of the beginning of 2022, eighteen states (and the District of Columbia) consider marijuana to be fully legal, with additional states allowing medicinal options. As a result, cannabis cultivators and cannabis growers are searching for new methods to produce products as efficiently as possible. There are many cannabis businesses who use Katana’s manufacturing software to streamline their operations. Here's why. Upgrade your cannabis and hemp production process and maximize value with software Katana is useful for cannabis management to track your batches and raw materials in real time. Manufacturing software helps you ensure that you’re never suddenly out of stock on any items. You can safely plan ahead to meet and surpass customer expectations, and roll up your sleeves to hustle to the top of the cannabis industry. The product management process is clear with our comprehensive product recipes, helping you specify which ingredients go into each product, in what amount, and in which packages. If you’re a cannabis manufacturer who focuses on making and selling cannabidiol (CBD) products like edibles or oils, then you’ll find Katana’s Shop Floor App most useful. It can help you track time and understand how long it takes to make that sweet, best-selling edible of yours. Katana also helps you find out where you can get rid of the hazier tasks that take unnecessary hours or minutes. The Shop Floor App additionally allows you to calculate the lead time for each variety of...

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> Save time daily with Katana’s cannabis inventory management software and ensure that you never run low on great products or satisfied customers.

- Published: 2022-08-12
- Modified: 2025-06-02
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/industries/cannabis-inventory-management-software/

Cannabis inventory management software Katana's cannabis inventory management software helps you track, manage, and sell your products while ensuring efficient order fulfillment and satisfied customers. Get a demo Features Reach a new high with cannabis inventory management software Katana’s cannabis inventory management system is the perfect platform to keep track of every bud. Building a quality cannabis product demands consistency and wise time allocation — Katana’s cannabis software helps you master both. Barcode scanning Receive inventory and conduct stocktakes with barcodes to save time and minimize human error Read more Live inventory management Get a live look at your cannabis inventory and feel safe that your business is well-stocked to meet demand Read more Accurate costing Automatically track the moving average cost of your inventory and the cost of raw materials over time Read more Production planning Generate production schedules and calculate costs based on your bill of materials and operations Read more Inventory control Set reorder points and safety stock levels and track stock across all inventory locations Read more End-to-end traceability Trace faulty batches, materials, and products from materials to sold goods for quality assurance and recalls Read more Maintain your cannabis inventory with a single platform While cannabis is a quickly growing industry, you can't rest on your laurels (or cannabis plants). Cannabis dispensaries and manufacturers need to be and remain innovative in their operations. Your choice of cannabis software can have a significant impact on your business. It can help make daily operations run smoothly and give you extra time to devise a growth strategy for your company. Keep oil and edibles production flowing with savvy management When you bring your CBD oil or THC edibles production process into Katana, you will understand straight away what your business was lacking. Once you import product recipes into Katana’s cannabis dispensary software and change production statuses, Katana automatically updates the stock of raw materials. You’ll always know what materials are committed to production, so you know exactly when to reorder. In addition to standard bills of materials, you’ll be able to track batches of your products — not only a necessity but often also a requirement when dealing with perishable goods. Use integrations to reach both loyal and newfound customers Want to skip managing cannabis retailers and instead start selling directly to customers? Katana's cannabis inventory tracking software offers a ton of integrations, allowing you to connect all your favorite business services. Connect Katana's cannabis inventory system with Shopify and link it directly to your own point-of-sale aka POS system. This lets you synchronize data between your systems, so your inventory and sales are always aligned. What's more, you can also connect the best accounting tools like QuickBooks Online and Xero, ensuring your books are always balanced. Integrate with the best e-commerce, accounting, reporting, and CRM software out there Create custom API integrations Use Katana’s open API to create custom workflows and connect to apps beyond our list of integrations. Automate data transfers between the services you use...

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> Traceability software for food manufacturing is crucial for trust in your products and remaining compliant with food production regulations

- Published: 2022-07-11
- Modified: 2025-06-02
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/industries/traceability-software-food-manufacturing/

Use our manufacturing ERP for smarter production and total food traceability Traceability software for food manufacturing is crucial to inspire trust in your products and remain compliant with food production regulations. Get a demo Features Keep a close eye on your products from farm to fork Our ERP is a perfect traceability software for the food industry with the common features needed to track raw ingredients, completed recipes, and shipped products so you always know where each batch is being sent. Live inventory management Get total inventory control and raw material management in one clear platform Read more Real-time master planning Use our ERP software to get a full view of your business with more data to make smarter decisions Read more Shop Floor App Work with your production team on quality management and track raw materials and finished products Read more Accurate costing Our software provides you with a moving average cost for all your raw materials so you can track prices over time Read more E-commerce integrations Sell your products the way you like, with native and third-party e-commerce options available Read more Accounting integrations Integrate with your preferred accounting software to get complete data collection for your accounts and sales Read more Complete traceability to give food and beverage businesses compliance and confidence Using ERP software for your business primarily gives you control over your production process from raw ingredients to finished and shipped food products, but is also offers the benefits of food traceability with batch tracking, inventory counts, and complete order data. Having a full view of your business, with traceability solutions included, in one platform, presents an ideal scenario, rather than unconnected spreadsheets and handwritten notes. Track your trace data and always know the location of your products One of the key features of food traceability for food and beverage businesses is knowing the use and expiry dates of their perishable ingredients and products. This means knowing which batches or products need to ship when, and ensuring money isn’t wasted through products going unused or unsold. Using software that helps track ingredients and orders, allows you to learn more about food distribution across your business and make informed decisions about which products to prioritize and which might be costing you too much. Produce food to meet industry standards and meet regulations With the food safety modernization act (FSMA) in the United States, and other food production regulations globally, companies making edible products need to be more aware of where their ingredients come from, how they’re handled in production, and where they go once they’re shipped out. To maintain the position of an industry leader, you need to track your food distribution, know your raw materials and finished products in detail, and practice specific batch or lot tracking as standard.   If you’re producing great food, and ensuring compliance, you’ll see sales trending upwards in no time. Get a demo and see Katana in action Get a demo Eliminate stockouts with Katana Easily manage incoming...

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> Work smarter with pharmaceutical manufacturing software to organize inventory and products, and bring accounting and sales in one platform

- Published: 2022-07-06
- Modified: 2025-06-02
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/industries/pharmaceutical-manufacturing-software/

Containment of your production and inventory with pharmaceutical manufacturing software Pharmaceutical manufacturers are subject to strict regulations and government-mandated requirements, and one lapse in focus is a formula for disaster. Pharmaceutical manufacturing software helps you achieve an eagle-eyed focus on your sales, production lines, and inventory control. Get a demo Features Implementing process automation is the primary goal for any pharmaceutical manufacturer looking for stability Pharmaceutical manufacturing ERP software helps companies improve the quality of their products. By automating quality control and regulatory compliance tasks, pharmaceutical manufacturers can ensure that their products meet the highest standards. And the benefits don’t stop there. Inventory tracking Access to inventory for round-the-clock track and trace any of your items from within the warehouse and beyond. Read more Real-time master planning Pharma manufacturing software allows you to design, prioritize, and implement production plans on the fly. Read more Shop Floor App The Katana Shop Floor App lets you and your employees update tasks, track production status, and improve quality control. Read more Accurate costing Pharmaceutical manufacturing ERP software ensures that you have live updates on inventory and manufacturing costs. Read more E-commerce integrations A centralized point of truth to manage your entire business from one platform with native and 3rd party integrations to your business tools. Read more Accounting integrations Keep your billing and accounting spick and span by integrating your accounting tools with Katana pharma manufacturing software. Read more Achieve sustainability from sales to production, to inventory management and your supply chain The importance of pharmaceutical industry software cannot be understated. It is a critical tool for ensuring the quality and safety of medications and for maintaining compliance with regulations. Pharmaceutical manufacturing software helps pharmaceutical manufacturing companies standardize their operations and track their progress in real-time. It also provides a centralized repository for important documents and data integrity, which can be accessed by authorized personnel only. This ensures that only authorized personnel have access to the information needed to make decisions about medication production. Automate your processes and mitigate product recalls from avoidable mistakes Pharmaceutical manufacturing software can help automate some of the tasks involved in medication production. This can free up time for employees to focus on other aspects of their job, and it can also help to improve accuracy and efficiency. Automation can also help to reduce the chances of human error, which can result in costly mistakes. Pharmaceutical manufacturing ERP software is critical for any company that manufactures medications. It can help improve quality and safety, automate some tasks, and complying with regulations. Any company that does not have this type of software in place is at a disadvantage, and it is important to ensure that you are using the best possible manufacturing solutions for your needs. Using manufacturing ERP software for tracking pharmaceutical batches Batch production is a common process manufacturers use to produce large quantities of pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and other materials. Often, batch control is the only practical option for a manufacturing company producing pharmaceuticals. Katana ERP software...

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> Work smarter with chemical manufacturing software to organize inventory and products, and bring accounting and sales in one platform

- Published: 2022-06-29
- Modified: 2025-06-02
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/industries/chemical-manufacturing-software/

Airtight control of your business with chemical manufacturing software Managing your manufacturing company without the proper tools is a catalyst for catastrophe. In a hyper-regulated chemicals industry, a single mistake can be disastrous. Remove some of the pressures of managing your business by automating workflows with chemical manufacturing software. Get a demo Features Without chemical manufacturing software, you and your managers will quickly reach a boiling point as your business grows Chemical manufacturing ERP software allows you to stay on top of your inventory, production, and supply chains and allows your team members to get on the same page with a cohesive workflow. Katana ERP software for chemical manufacturing gives you all the advanced software applications and integrations you need to keep a competitive edge safely. Live inventory management Complete inventory control to track raw materials and finished goods where and whenever you need to locate items. Read more Real-time master planning Specialty chemical manufacturing software with features to create and alter your production plans on the fly for flexibility. Read more Shop Floor App The Katana Shop Floor App lets you and your employees update tasks, track production status, and improve quality control. Read more Accurate costing Katana ERP software chemical manufacturing costing uses the moving average inventory formula, so you can better understand the total cost of your items. Read more E-commerce integrations Integrate directly or via third-party apps to your favorite e-commerce platforms, allowing you to implement an omnichannel sales order management strategy. Read more Accounting integrations Keep your bookkeeping spick and span by integrating your accounting tools with Katana chemical manufacturing software. Read more Dilute solutions, not profits, with ERP software for chemical manufacturing The chemical manufacturing industry is a vital part of the global economy, and it plays a significant role in the everyday lives of people around the world. The products of the chemical manufacturing industry are used in a wide variety of industries, and they are essential to the functioning of many different types of businesses. A minuscule change can significantly impact on the bottom line. Many companies turn to software solutions to streamline operations and reduce costs. Chemical manufacturing software provides valuable insights into production data, helping managers identify areas for improvement and facilitate compliance with safety and environmental regulatory requirements. With a comprehensive view of all aspects of production, chemical manufacturing software can help companies avoid costly mistakes and keep their operations running smoothly. Real-time production and inventory status overviews of the entire business or at the atomic level Katana chemical manufacturing software helps you track production levels and plan and schedule production runs in real-time — ensuring that you always have the necessary raw materials available and your production process is as efficient as possible. ERP software for chemical manufacturing helps avoid costly downtime due to shortages or delays in receiving new shipments. Having a live overview and access to historical sales data with Katana gives you valuable insights for process manufacturers, allowing you to identify areas where your business...

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> Use Katana as your packaging ERP software to plan, produce, and sell your brilliant packaging products worldwide.

- Published: 2022-06-10
- Modified: 2025-06-02
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/industries/packaging-erp-software/

A perfect view of your packaging business to help save you money and time Katana offers an ideal packaging ERP software to plan, produce, and sell your brilliant packaging products. Get a demo Features The perfect features for a packaging software to help you manage production, work with your team, and integrate sales and accounting into one platform Katana offers a manufacturing ERP solution providing packaging companies with an all-encompassing view of their business in a single platform. Make flexible packaging products, sell them, and ship them, with Katana and our many integrations. Live inventory management Always have an eye on your stock, so you know what’s ready for your bills of materials, and which product configurations need to be updated to match what’s on hand. Read more Real-time master planning With everything in one platform, you’ll have access to your master data to help increase operational efficiency and cut down lead times for each product. Read more Shop Floor App Use our shop floor app for remote warehouse management, and work with your team on which bills of materials to prioritize, and track when products are made and shipped. Read more Accurate costing Our moving average cost feature allows you to track the cost of raw materials over time, to get a better understanding of the best prices and when to buy in bulk. Read more E-commerce integrations Sell to your customers where they are, with a well-presented e-commerce store, powered by Shopify, WooCommerce, or one of our many third-party providers. Read more Accounting integrations Manage your company’s finances using your favourite software, with direct integrations to QuickBooks Online and Xero, and our API for everything else. Read more Shipping integrations Reach customers across the globe, and cut down on manual transport management with one of our two excellent shipping partners. Read more Implement a packaging ERP to help automate workflows, save time, and focus on business growth With online orders becoming daily normality for millions around the world, the printing and packaging industry has to work consistently to meet demand. Whether you create classic corrugated packaging, a more modern alternative, or if you’re in commercial printing for packages, your internal business processes need to be on point. Implementing ERP software will help you do this, and Katana is ideal. We offer features to help automate and simplify your daily workload, making life for your team and yourself a lot easier. It also gives you time to consider how to grow your business with less daily admin. Keep raw materials stocked up, and work with your team to prioritize the right products Maintaining your supply of raw materials is key to keeping production running smoothly, and this is where Katana’s automated reordering can really help you out. You can set automated reorder points, so when any individual stock item falls below a specified threshold, then we create a purchase order and it’ll automatically be sent. You can even modify the units of measure for your stock, so the platform...

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> Use Katana’s cloud manufacturing software as your steel fabrication estimating software to save money and gain time daily.

- Published: 2022-06-10
- Modified: 2025-06-02
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/industries/steel-fabrication-estimating-software/

Katana helps steel fabricators organize inventory, monitor costs, and reach customers easily Use Katana cloud manufacturing platform as your steel fabrication estimating software to save money and gain time daily. Get a demo Features Refine your sheet metal fabrication processes by automating daily tasks and integrating your business into one platform Grow your business in the fabrication industry with Katana manufacturing software helping make production planning clear and allowing you to increase and potentially diversify your sheet metal fabrication business. Live inventory management Always have a view of your raw materials, know what’s available and what’s needed and keep sheet metal estimating going smoothly. Read more Real-time master planning With a full view of your business in one place, production planning can prioritize high-demand items, and you can predict turnaround time easier to set customer expectations. Read more Shop Floor App Manage your warehouse team with our shop floor app, so they know which bill of materials to prioritize, and track when products are made and shipped. Read more Accurate costing Use our moving average cost feature to track the cost of raw materials over time, and manage your fabrication costs and any other processing costs accordingly. Read more Accounting integrations Track and manage your company finances with the software you choose - we integrate with QuickBooks Online and Xero, and our API allows you to connect to other providers. Read more Shipping integrations Reach potential customers across the world with one of our two excellent shipping partners. Read more Get a clear view of your sheet metal and steel projects within Katana, increase production, and decrease admin To give yourself the best opportunity for growth and success in the metal fabrication industry, you need to have well-defined processes, smartly managed costs, and top-quality end products. Katana can help with this. As a steel fabrication estimating software, Katana brings your manufacturing process into the light, so you can track your raw metals through the fabrication process into being complete products and then sold and shipped. You can also integrate crucial elements of your business, including e-commerce, accounting, and shipping, to get a better view of your company data and make informed decisions about ways to alter or grow production. Prioritize the right raw materials, and decrease turnaround time with better planning Prior to the production process of your sheet metal fabrication, you’ll need to create a bill of materials for each product you’re producing. Within Katana, this is made as easy as possible, as bills of materials (BOMs) are highly customizable, including the option to include production notes and create variants for each product. Once your BOMs are created, your warehouse team can get to work on production, and you can use Katana to calculate your processing costs, looking at the moving average cost of your raw materials, and the costs of your daily running. This should help to prioritize and alter workflows over time. Steel fabricators can also then alter their estimating processes with the greater data available to...

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> Katana Brewery production software helps refine your brewing process, manage your raw ingredients, and increase sales with smart integrations

- Published: 2022-06-03
- Modified: 2025-06-02
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/industries/brewery-production-software/

Katana offers craft breweries smarter production planning and a better view of your business Start using brewery production software to refine your brewing process, manage your raw ingredients better, and increase sales with helpful integrations. Get a demo Features Utilize our advanced features for greater control over your brewing process and integrated sales and accounting Katana is here to help brewery owners around the world make their beverage manufacturing process simpler and more automated, giving them time to think about growing their business and their product line. Live inventory management Track your raw materials at all times to help manage production scheduling, modify recipe management, and define reorder points Read more Real-time master planning Get a live overview of your production process to make informed decisions about brewery operations, schedule regular batch tracking, and prioritize high-demand products Read more Shop Floor App Use our shop floor app for remote warehouse management, and work with your production teams online, setting tasks for production, shipping, and quality control Read more E-commerce integrations Integrate your online sales platform with Katana, either with our native integration to Shopify or WooCommerce, or one of our many third-party providers Read more Accounting integrations Decide how you manage your company’s finances, with integrations to QuickBooks Online and Xero, and an API option for other providers Read more Shipping integrations Reach beer lovers around the world with one of our two excellent shipping partners Read more With brewery manufacturing software as a single source of truth for your business, brewery management and beer production is simpler Brewery owners operate in an incredibly competitive market, competing amongst smaller craft breweries and major beer producers daily. This is where software designed to make daily life in a brewing company easier can be a major advantage. And that’s what we believe Katana can be. Katana is a manufacturing ERP, that can easily serve as a brewery ERP, to help you craft beverages on a growing scale, manage your recipes, help clarify production decisions, and keep finances in a healthy shape. Work on your brewing process and never run low on raw ingredients When working with consumable goods, your production process has a lot of moving parts you need to factor in. You’ll need to use batch tracking for both raw materials and packaged products to make sure nothing nears its expiry date, and you also need to ensure your recipe management is perfectly defined, so product taste and consistency never change. Katana offers you all the features to refine and automate your brewery operations and beverage manufacturing, helping you set automated reorder points for important raw materials, write detailed bills of materials which can include notes about production, and remotely manage your warehouse team so packing and shipping is done without you needing to be in the building. Keep sales and accounting integrated with your business in Katana’s platform With your finished products ready and quality control done, you need to present them to your potential customers in as many places...

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> Work smarter with brewery inventory management software to organize inventory and products, and bring accounting and sales in one platform

- Published: 2022-06-03
- Modified: 2025-06-02
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/industries/brewery-inventory-management-software/

Manage inventory, reduce waste, and increase sales with Katana Brewery owners can work smarter with brewery inventory management software that helps them organize inventory, prioritize the right products, and integrate accounting and sales into one platform. Get a demo Features Brewery ERP software with powerful features to help you get a view of your whole business in one place and make informed decisions In beverage manufacturing, you need a consistent overview of your raw ingredients, tight control over your financial management, and choice over where and how to sell to both private and business customers. With our advanced features and integrations, Katana offers all of this, and is almost built for breweries. Live inventory management Total inventory control helps simplify your production process, manage your raw ingredients, and be sure crucial items are always ready for a bill of materials. Read more Real-time master planning Bring all your business data into one place, for clarity in production planning, recipe management, and sales and accounting. Read more Shop Floor App Use our shop floor app for remote warehouse management to set tasks for your team, including product creation, quality control, and batch tracking. Read more Accurate costing Our moving average cost feature helps you track the cost of raw materials over time, to help ensure you’re not overpaying for key parts of your brewery inventory. Read more E-commerce integrations Integrate directly with Shopify or WooCommerce, or choose from one of many third-party providers to sell your craft beverages online. Read more Accounting integrations Using accounting software you’re familiar with makes financial management and tax reporting a lot easier, which is why we integrate directly with QuickBooks Online and Xero. Read more Shipping integrations Make sure your brewed products can reach customers around the world with our excellent shipping partners. Read more Manage your brewing process with a perfect single source of truth for your business Craft beer is a rapidly growing industry, with sales consistently increasing year on year in many countries and different brewed beverages becoming popular with a willing market. This means craft breweries need to be innovative in their production and operations, to ensure they’re always creating tasty and memorable products, while operating sensibly and staying in the black. This is where your choice of software for your business can have a big impact, as it can help make daily operations run smoothly, and give you more time to consider how to grow your business, or it can not do that. Thankfully Katana can. Our manufacturing ERP can be a great software for craft beer brewers, as it helps you get a holistic view of your business and automate daily workflows that can otherwise eat up your time and stop you from actually running your business at the top. Keep beer production flowing nicely with smart warehouse management and keg tracking Bringing your production process into Katana will immediately help you see what you were missing - both figuratively and literally. As you write the bill of materials...

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> Use 3PL inventory management software to simplify your stock processes and boost sales, both online and in-store with Katana.

- Published: 2022-05-27
- Modified: 2025-06-02
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/industries/3pl-inventory-management-software/

Discover 3PL inventory management software Third-party logistics or 3PL inventory management software helps you effortlessly manage your inventory and supply chain in one platform. With the right software you can reduce costs, improve efficiency, and increase your inventory management flexibility — all the while boosting your business's reputation and ability to scale operations. Get a demo Features Third-party logistics (3PL) software features Running a business requires a lot of attention, whether you produce your own goods or purchase from suppliers. 3PL inventory management software ensures accuracy and consistency in your stock management as you expand your team and business. Live inventory management Real-time overview for managing inventory on the shop floor, at your warehouse, and your sales points to stay fully stocked Read more Real-time master planning Gain live insights with reporting tools to make business decisions and prioritize tasks on the fly based on real-time information Read more Shop Floor App 3PL inventory management systems allow you to assign daily tasks to teams to ensure smooth operations and keep inventory going Read more Accurate costing Keep your finances balanced by tracking the average moving cost of your stock and reordering the right amounts of items for orders Read more Warehouse management Using 3PL inventory management software gives you a comprehesive overview of your warehouse operations and tasks Read more Integrations 3PL warehouse management system ensures other business aspects like shipping, reporting, and accounting are also taken care of Read more Never lose track of items again with 3PL inventory management software Inventory management is a vital part of any growing business. An effective inventory management system can help companies keep track of their raw materials, finished products, and work-in-progress with reporting tools. It can also help them manage their warehouse inventory space and labor more efficiently. 3PL inventory management software is especially important for those who use third-party logistics (3PL) providers. These software systems can help businesses track and manage their inventory across multiple warehouses and distribution centers. They can also provide complete visibility into the 3PL provider's operations so that companies can make sure their orders are being fulfilled correctly and on time. Using 3PL software can help you improve overall efficiency and profitability. Having a tight handle on inventory in vital in today's competitive marketplace. 3PL systems can help do just that. No fuss with 3PL software A 3PL inventory management system ensures that your product control is always accurate and up to date. By automatically updating your bills of materials, you can be sure that you never miss a critical ingredient or component. This also allows you to keep track of your progress and make changes as needed. 3PL inventory management software is the key to maintaining high-quality control for your products. With accurate bills of materials and real-time updates, 3PL inventory management software provides you with the ability to: Make changes to your inventory processes as needed Keep track of your progress and spot potential issues early Avoid costly delays or errors in your daily...

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> Use Katana’s retail order management software to help in maximizing efficiency, increasing profit, and minimizing waste.

- Published: 2022-05-27
- Modified: 2025-06-02
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/industries/retail-order-management-software/

Track and maintain stock levels with retail order management software Use Katana’s retail order management software to help maximize efficiency, increase profit, minimize waste, and exceed customer expectations. Get a demo Features Utilize the key features of Katana to track inventory, replenish stock, ship orders, and simplify your business Bring your business activities into a single platform to make smarter decisions and increase efficiency, saving time and money in the process. Live inventory management Get up-to-date inventory tracking, set automatic reorder points, and prevent stockouts to keep things running smoothly. Read more Real-time master planning Use your business data to compile reports and forecasts, so you can make informed decisions about your products based on their performance. Read more Shop Floor App Our shop floor app is ideal for warehouse management, so whether you’re online or offline, your team always know their daily tasks. Read more E-commerce integrations Choose from a host of e-commerce solutions, as we have native integrations with WooCommerce and Shopify, plus a wide range of third-party providers. Read more Accounting integrations Use the accounting software you prefer, with native integrations to QuickBooks Online and Xero, or connect to other providers using our API. Read more Shipping integrations Meet customer expectations with excellent shipping software provided by one of our partner companies. Read more Katana’s software tools give your more time to manage and grow your business daily In retail, you need to keep up with a stream of online and physical orders, meeting customer expectations at all times. Implementing retail order management software will make this a breeze, allowing you access to get a wider view of your business and use data to help inform your long-term planning. If you choose Katana as your retail order management system, you can benefit from our features, integrations, and extensive Knowledge Base to support your growing business. Simplified inventory management with automatic reordering and easier stocktaking When you’re responsible for retail orders, not necessarily manufacturing the products, but the buying or storing, and then shipping and delivery, you need total inventory visibility at all times. As the business that receives, and completes orders, you’re a crucial part of the supply chain, needing to set customer expectations around delivery times and meet them.   With Katana’s platform, you’ll always have eyes on what’s in stock, what’s committed, and what’s shipped. You’ll also be able to automate stock reorders, so if products surge in popularity, you can be secure in knowing that stocks will be replenished and stock-outs won’t happen. This automation workflow is just one of a few features where Katana takes a simple task out of your hands to make daily life easier. Track online and offline sales and give customers greater delivery options Our integrations with e-commerce, accounting, and shipping software give you freedom of choice about how you sell and ship your products and then run your company’s finances. Our native integrations with Shopify and WooCommerce give you the platform to create an excellent online store, and...

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> Streamline operations and manage your building materials with lumber inventory software. Katana gives you the end-to-end traceability you need to stay profitable.

- Published: 2022-05-24
- Modified: 2025-06-02
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/industries/lumber-and-building-materials-inventory-software/

Track and manage your building supplies with inventory software Streamline operations and manage your building materials with lumber inventory software. Katana gives you end-to-end traceability and the built-in integrations you need to stay profitable. Get a demo Features Inventory management software with built-in features for manufacturers of building materials Manage production, invoicing, and shipments all in one system. Katana cloud manufacturing software helps businesses in the lumber and building materials industry stay organized. Live inventory management Real-time tracking of lumber and building materials across all your locations to avoid overstocks and shortages. Read more Real-time master planning Integrated system that optimizes production and shipments based on live inventory data. Read more Shop Floor App Easy-to-use mobile app to control production and shipments from anywhere and get total shop floor visibility. Read more Shipping integrations Ensure building materials reach their destination on time with the shipping services that fit your business. Read more Accounting integrations Integrate with accounting software like QuickBooks Online and Xero to streamline accounts receivable (AR) and accounts payable (AP). Read more Purchase order management Generate purchase orders directly from Katana's manufacturing software and easily keep track of supplier invoices. Read more Cloud-hosted inventory management system to manage your lumber and building materials from production to shipment In the construction industry, time is money. Any delays in the production process can result in costly overruns. That's why an efficient inventory management system is essential. A cloud-hosted inventory management system like Katana provides a real-time overview of your lumber and building materials, so you can quickly identify any potential problems before they affect your bottom line. Keep your stock levels optimal by tracking your inventory and products with a warehouse management system It can be difficult to keep track of your inventory, especially if you have a broad range of products. If you don't track your inventory levels, you may end up with too much or too little of a particular product, which can be costly and time-consuming. With Katana tracking your inventory levels, you can ensure that you have the right volume of products on hand at all times to keep your business running smoothly. Additionally, Katana's inventory management software can be integrated with accounting and shipping software so you can manage your production, invoicing, and shipments all in one system. This will save you and your team time while streamlining your business operations. Katana has you covered with full supply chain management, from production line to clients' doorsteps Katana's cloud-hosted inventory management software will help you to track and manage your lumber and building materials from production to shipment. With its intuitive interface and real-time view of your inventory, you can avoid costly delays and make sure your processes run at optimal efficiency. To support both direct-to-consumer (D2C) and business-to-business (B2B) workflows, Katana also integrates seamlessly with popular customer relationship management (CRM) software and e-commerce platforms. No matter what sales channels you use, Katana's integrations make it possible to manage customer relationships and sales in one place...

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> Retail inventory management software from Katana that saves you time, optimizes stock levels, and sets your business up for success. Read more here.

- Published: 2022-05-24
- Modified: 2025-06-02
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/industries/retail-inventory-management-software/

Retail inventory management software to boost your sales Katana's retail inventory management software provides you a full view of your business, from inventory movements to sales and performance metrics, giving you full control. Get a demo Features All the inventory management features a retail business needs With Katana's retail inventory software you can track every inventory move, plan your demand, set reorder points and safety stock levels, and much more. Live inventory management Gain a real-time view of your entire inventory and manage items effortlessly, including all SKU variations Read more Shop Floor App Improve collaboration with your warehouse team by setting tasks and tracking completion Read more Multiple locations Effortlessly monitor stock levels across all your stores and warehouses and transfer inventory between locations Read more E-commerce integrations Seamlessly integrate with your favorite e-commerce platform to keep your sales and inventory synced Read more Barcode scanning Receive inventory and conduct stocktakes quickly and easily with a barcode scanner Read more Order management Streamline your order management on a single platform, overseeing every step from receipt to shipment Read more See all features Use Katana’s retail inventory software to reduce daily admin and help you grow your business The retail world involves constant competition to get consumers’ attention and ultimately convince them to make a purchase. This is why you need retail inventory software that makes life behind the scenes easier and more automated. Katana offers you this freedom by integrating all your business tools, allowing you to set up automation and ensuring your information is synced across platforms. It’s ideal for owners who want a wider view of their business and more time to focus on long-term growth. Real-time inventory tracking for all your SKUs across multiple locations Katana's cloud-based software for retail inventory management makes it easy to see all your stock movements in real time, enabling you to make decisions on the fly. It's the perfect platform for retailers that need to manage multiple item variants/SKUs across different locations. Katana's retail inventory management software makes it easy to: Monitor inventory movements in real time Easily set up stock transfers between locations Use barcodes for quick stocktakes and receipts Unified experience across all your business tools Katana's retail inventory management software is the ideal platform that brings all your apps and services together. Katana integrates seamlessly with the best e-commerce, accounting, and other software out there, making it easy to keep your data synced. With Katana's retail inventory software, you can: Keep your stock levels accurate in all your online and offline stores Integrate seamlessly with your favorite business software (including Shopify, QuickBooks Online) Manage inventory across all your sales channels See Katana in action Manage production planning, resource allocation, and scheduling in real time Issue purchase orders based on precise material requirements and reorder points Implement Katana on your own or with a team of experts that will set you up for success Learn more about our plans and the features they come with Check out the...

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> Katana offers food ERP software with batch tracking, automatic reordering, and simplified sales for easier food manufacturing.

- Published: 2022-05-16
- Modified: 2025-06-02
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/industries/food-erp-software/

Use a food ERP software that helps you make, track, and sell your products ERP for food industry from Katana helps you refine production, track batches of stock and products, and minimize waste of perishable items Get a demo Features Bake your mark on the food and beverage industry using Katana and our integrated partners Katana food ERP software has the necessary features to make daily life easier for food companies, regardless of your products. Create multiple product recipes, track perishable stock, and work with your warehouse team to make production more efficient. Live inventory management Our ERP solution can track stock, including perishable items, at all times so you can meet food safety standards and never run out Read more Real-time master planning Get a high-level view of your whole business, so you can work on demand forecasting and make better-informed product decisions Read more Shop Floor App Use our shop floor mobile app for warehouse management and maintain quality control with assigned tasks and completion tracking Read more Accurate costing Keep a close eye on production costs over time with our ‘moving average cost’ feature, and be sure you’re not overspending on stock Read more E-commerce integrations Sell online to customers using one of our many integrations, including Shopify, WooCommerce, and a host of third-party providers Read more Accounting integrations Use the financial management software of your choice – Katana integrates with QuickBooks Online and Xero, and for everything else there’s our API Read more Shipping integrations Get your products to business and private customers on time and in one piece with Katana’s shipping partners Read more Make your food production process faster, smarter, and less wasteful For food manufacturers and distributors, the focus is on delivering a quality product, on time and compliant with food safety standards. And Katana’s platform aspires to help you cover all of these, helping cut down on unnecessary daily admin so you can focus on developing your product line and maintaining quality without overspending. And whether you do distribution yourself, or use an outsourced food distributor, our shipping partners will have you covered. Consistent recipe management, lot traceability, and production improvement The recipe for your products, or their bill of materials, defines every individual element that goes into them. To maintain quality management, your product recipes need to be consistent, accurate, and well-structured. And Katana offers this within our platform, as well as the option to add notes to recipes in case your team needs to know specific individual details. We also offer batch traceability with barcode tracking, so you can track perishable stock and product expiry dates to ensure the right batches are being sold and shipped first. Our shop floor app also assists in manufacturing operations, as it enables you to create tasks for your warehouse staff and see when things are done and orders are shipped. All of this means you can spend more of your daily time on product development. Meeting food safety standards and shipping on time...

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> Katana's fashion ERP software works for you, helping maximize profits through smart decisions and reducing waste.

- Published: 2022-05-13
- Modified: 2025-06-02
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/industries/fashion-erp-software/

The fashion ERP software to increase profit and sustainability Make your apparel business work smarter with our fashion management software that helps you prioritize the right products, make smart business decisions, and reduce waste Get a demo Features Our fashion ERP offers features to track, produce, sell, and ship your fashion and apparel products Whether you run a fashion or apparel business, you need to stay ahead of your competition and produce environmentally-conscious products. Our fashion management software features help you make informed decisions about your products, how you make them, and how you sell them. Live inventory management Track your raw materials, stock, and completed products, and set automatic reorder points so you’re never hit by stock-outs Read more Real-time master planning Master your product lifecycle management with informed decisions about stock, products, and sales, by getting a full view of all your processes Read more Shop Floor App Make talent management in your team simple, with our shop floor app that lets you set tasks, track completions, and see when orders are shipped Read more Accurate costing Keep an eye on the price of your stock over time with our ‘moving average cost’ feature, and make sure you’re not overspending on materials Read more E-commerce integrations Do digital commerce your way – choose from either one of our native integration partners, or one of our many third-party providers Read more Shipping integrations Ensure on-time deliveries to business and private customers alike with one of Katana’s excellent shipping partners Read more Use Katana’s ERP platform to sew together your fashion and apparel business Fashion brands across the world face a constant challenge of innovation in both design and sustainability. As buyers become more conscious of the environment, so the focus on reduced waste and more eco-friendly materials grows. Katana’s ERP solution helps you track your raw materials, ensure you’re not over-ordering, make sure you’re focusing on the right products, and sell in a customer-friendly way. Smart lifecycle management with inventory tracking and structured bills of materials Keeping a close eye on your inventory is crucial in all manufacturing, so you always have sufficient stock to meet your demands. Katana comes into its own here, as you can create automatic reorder points for all stock items. This means when you hit a certain threshold, we’ll create a purchase order and your new stock will be on the way, so you can plan ahead in confidence. Once your stock is in the warehouse, you can use our shop floor app for warehouse management, as you work with your production team. This allows you to create tasks for team members, add notes to tasks, and track when things are done, without team members needing specific access to Katana’s platform. This is workforce management simplified. Use our e-commerce channel partners to sell online or physically and sync your accounting data Once your products are created and ready for sale, you have a few e-commerce solutions available to you. Katana offers native integration to...

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> Katana offers perfect apparel ERP software, helping you make smarter decisions and integrating sales and shipping with production.

- Published: 2022-05-12
- Modified: 2025-06-02
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/industries/apparel-erp-software/

A manufacturing ERP helping the apparel industry reduce waste and maximize profit Katana offers perfect apparel ERP software, helping you make smarter decisions and integrating sales and shipping with production Get a demo Features The key features to help boost your apparel business and reduce waste Use Katana’s ERP solution to grow your business through smart inventory management and prioritizing the right products and processes daily Live inventory management Get total inventory visibility across your business at any time, set automatic reorder points, and never fear a stock-out Read more Real-time master planning Create workflow automation, manage production scheduling, and make informed decisions that benefit your business long-term Read more Shop Floor App Use our shop floor mobile app to work with your warehouse team, create tasks, track completions, and see when orders are shipped Read more Accurate costing Track the cost of your raw materials over time using our ‘moving average cost’ feature, and buy in bulk at the right time to fit your budget Read more E-commerce integrations Use the ideal e-commerce solution for your business, by choosing from either of our native integration partners or one of many third party options Read more Accounting integrations Katana integrates with QuickBooks Online and Xero, or you can use our API to sync financial data with your platform of choice Read more The ideal apparel ERP software for your business, covering you from raw materials to shipped orders Apparel and fashion businesses exist in an evolving and consistently competitive market. You not only need to consider the design, style, and price point of your products, you also should consider the environmental impact of your production process. This is where smart product management aided by well-designed fashion ERP software can lend a helping hand, and that’s exactly what Katana aspires to do. Refine your productions process with your warehouse team and increase overall efficiency A crucial element in working smarter as a business is effective warehouse management and a good understanding of your supply chain. With Katana, you can track the pace of product creation, and set reorder points for your raw materials so you never run out at the wrong moment. And these reorder points can be updated if the demand for products rises or falls over time. This product lifecycle management can be done hand-in-hand with your production team, as our shop floor mobile app can be used to set daily tasks for them, and add notes to bills of materials in case there are new requirements for a particular product. Increase sales with ecommerce and shipping integrations, and manage your finances in your way Once products are completed and prepared, it’s on to the sales process. You might be an apparel retailer yourself, or you might be creating products for other fashion brands that are sold elsewhere, but either way, you don’t want to lose sight of your sales data. Our integration with Shopify is a big part of this, as they offer excellent software for online sales,...

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> Katana's automotive inventory management software minimizes waste and effort while maximizing profits, quality, and customer satisfaction.

- Published: 2022-05-06
- Modified: 2025-06-02
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/industries/automobile-inventory-management-software/

Automotive inventory management software Katana helps you get ahead in the automotive industry by minimizing waste and effort while maximizing profits, quality, and customer satisfaction Get a demo Features Automotive inventory management software helps you work smarter Katana offers the ideal features of automotive inventory management software, with inventory management, live planning, and integrations for all your needs from sales to shipping. Live inventory management Always have an overview of your inventory data, so you know what raw materials are in stock, what products are finished, and what’s shipped. Read more Real-time master planning Use live data to make smart decisions about products, inventory, and when to ship orders for on-time delivery. Read more Shop Floor App Our shop floor app allows your and your team to create daily tasks, track completions, and see when products are shipped. Read more Accurate costing Track the cost of your raw materials and products over time, understand the price of each item, and order in bulk for better rates. Read more Integrations Katana has excellent integrations that help with sales, accounting, shipping, or build your own workflows with our open API. Read more Warehouse management Quickly locate items across multiple warehouses and give all your teams access to the same live data for ultimate accuracy. Read more Automotive inventory management software helps reduce waste, supercharge production, and maximize profit You can use Katana as automotive, auto parts, or even auto dealer inventory software. Use Katana's array of features for raw materials and stock inventory tracking as well as to gain an end-to-end overview of completed and shipped products. If you’re linked to a dealership then you can keep track of which vehicles are in stock and when a car is sold. It’s an ideal overview of your whole business, with live data thrown in. Make bills of materials to perfect your products Well-written bills of materials (BOMs) can play a crucial role in inventory management, as the finer details of each of your products are kept within them. By accurately capturing every component and material required in the production process, BOMs provide a comprehensive overview that is essential for efficient planning and execution. This level of detail ensures that you can manage resources effectively, reduce waste, and maintain quality control. Katana allows you to: Create BOMs and share them with your team Include variations for different products Add notes for special cases and custom details  Calculate lead times and plan product lifecycles Optimize your logistics and operations with integrations Katana has a growing list of native and third-party integrations to streamline your operations and centralize day-to-day tasks in one comprehensive platform. This allows users to elevate operational efficiency and drive business growth without having to switch between platforms, leaving you plenty of time to enjoy the results of your work. Katana enables automotive businesses to: Manage e-commerce channels with Shopify and WooCommerce Keep your finances in check with accounting tools like Xero and QuickBooks Online Discover tools for automation, CRM, shipping, and more...

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> As a manufacturing software for the automotive industry, Katana will help you save time and boost your automotive product sales.

- Published: 2022-05-05
- Modified: 2025-06-02
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/industries/automotive-manufacturing-software/

Boost production with automotive manufacturing software Take full control of planning and scheduling your automotive manufacturing processes from A to Z. Automate daily tasks and integrate Katana with sales and shipping software to unify business operations. Get a demo Features Take automotive production to another level with cloud ERP software Upgrade your automotive manufacturing operations with advanced planning and scheduling features for simplified automotive inventory management, less waste, and integrated sales, accounting, and shipping. Live inventory management Track your inventory use at all times, adjust material requirements, and set automatic reorder points for frequently used stock Read more Real-time master planning Katana's real-time master planner automates resource allocation based on order priorities to help you reduce lead time Read more Shop Floor App Maintain quality control without being in the building with our shop floor mobile app – set tasks for your team and track completions Read more Accurate costing With our moving average cost feature, you can see the average price of your stock over time, and switch providers or order in bulk when prices improve Read more E-commerce integrations Reach your customers the way you want to, using one of our e-commerce integration options, like Shopify, WooCommerce, or one of our third-party partners Read more Accounting integrations Manage your finances using world-class software, as Katana integrates and syncs with QuickBooks Online and Xero Read more Shipping integrations Send products to business customers and private customers alike with one of our excellent shipping partners Read more Manufacture robust and reliable automotive products with Katana's cloud ERP Katana’s name is an homage to the lean manufacturing principles that came out of Toyota, so we’re always excited to see automotive manufacturers achieving success with our platform. Using Katana's automotive manufacturing software, you can cut down on unnecessary admin, and spend more time developing products and expanding your range.   Maintain inventory control, understand material requirements, and keep production quality high Automotive manufacturers working with industrial machinery need to have clarity over every element of the product. This is where a well-structured bill of materials (BOM) is crucial. These are major features of Katana’s platform, helping your team to have clarity over which materials make each product and how they fit within the product designs. Monitoring your BOMs, along with your sales, will help you in supply chain planning and knowing when you need to set automatic reorder points for raw materials which are constantly in demand. With these, your building supply will never be short, and you won’t be susceptible to stock-outs. Your BOMs will also assist your quality management systems to maximize quality control, as you can use product feedback to tweak bills of materials and improve products over time. Build compliant products, manage your warehouse, and sell to your ideal market Building cars or car parts differs from other types of manufacturing, as your products need to remain compliant with certain local and global safety standards. This compliance management can be covered within Katana as you can add notes,...

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> Streamline industrial manufacturing with Katana's electronics ERP. Optimize operations with features tailored for electronics manufacturing.

- Published: 2022-04-29
- Modified: 2025-06-02
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/industries/electronics-erp-software/

Streamline your electronics inventory and production planning Katana is a great cloud ERP for electronics manufacturing, offering planning and scheduling to ensure high quality and speedy delivery of products. Get a demo Features Helping electronics companies maintain optimal inventory and always meet market demands Creating intricate products requires accurate planning and scheduling, and this also applies to electronic manufacturers, whether they create microtechnology or industrial machinery. Katana's electronics ERP has features that help make daily work easier and automate many everyday activities. Thousands of manufacturers from various industries use Katana to manage manufacturing and distribution in one place. Live inventory management Keep a close eye on your inventory levels across all locations, and set reorder points for those crucial stock items you always need Read more Real-time master planning An up-to-date planning system helps you prioritize the production of the right products and automate cost calculations across your inventory Read more Shop Floor App Help your warehouse team with plant maintenance and quality management by using our mobile Shop Floor App to set tasks and track completed and shipped products Read more Accurate costing Moving average cost tracks the cost of raw materials over time, so you understand where you might want to adjust prices or drop a product that isn't performing well Read more Serial number tracking Add unique identifiers to all your products and trace them across the supply chain, from the early stages of manufacturing until they arrive at your customer's doorstep Read more Integrations Crunch accounting numbers, manage your online store, plan deliveries, and much more — take advantage of all the integrations Katana offers for an even smoother workflow Read more Bring your innovative spark to the electronic industry with a perfect production process You might be building tiny microchips for mobile phones or massive industrial machinery for other businesses to use in warehouses. Either way, Katana's electronics ERP is here to simplify your day-to-day processes, especially in industrial manufacturing. With a greater overview of production, automated stock reordering, and finance, sales, and shipping integrations, you'll have more time to build and refine your business. The basis of a well-made product is a structured bill of materials (BOM), and it's no different for great electronics products. If you need to make an engineering change to your products, you update the BOM, and your team will know what needs to be changed in constructing that item. BOMs are a major part of Katana's ERP for electronics, essentially a product configurator, helping track the use of all your raw materials and their cost over time, and identify when you need to create automated reorder points so you're not hit by stockouts. Automated reordering allows you to maintain the optimum inventory amount to always have the correct raw materials in stock. You can adjust these points in case a particular product sees a drop or sudden spike in sales and you need to change your material reordering. It allows for capacity planning, both in the workload of your...

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> Katana ERP offers excellent winery management software features to increase wine production and decrease waste daily

- Published: 2022-04-29
- Modified: 2025-06-02
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/industries/winery-management-software/

Helping winery owners increase efficiency and save time Keep your winery business flowing with winery management software that simplifies daily operations to increase productivity and sales, and allows you to reach wine lovers around the world. Get a demo Features Winery management software that offers a view of your entire operation, from production to bottle to sale Katana works for wineries of all sizes, from small vineyards to large operations, helping you refine daily processes, minimize unnecessary admin, and boost productivity across your operations. Here are the Katana features that make wine production management manageable at scale. Live inventory management Get consistent inventory tracking to see what’s in stock, what’s committed, what’s bottled and what’s shipped at all times Read more Real-time master planning Cut manual data entry and smart decisions about your products as Katana prioritizes your manufacturing orders automatically Read more Shop Floor App Work with your warehouse team using our shop floor mobile app which offers you remote task management so you can track what’s done daily Read more E-commerce integrations Make wine sales using the e-commerce platform of your choice, as Katana has both native and third-party integrations with numerous providers Read more Accounting integrations Katana integrates with both QuickBooks Online and Xero accounting software, and offers API connections with other providers to align sales and accounting Read more Shipping integrations Send your bottles to wine lovers across the world with one of our shipping partners and track the wine production process from start to finish Read more Grow your wine business and take on the wine industry by producing more and wasting less Whether you craft boutique fine wines or produce thousands of bottles for a wider market, Katana's winery software can help make your daily operations smoother and simpler. Our software can be used by wineries of all sizes, allowing you to compare products in terms of production time, sales performance, and wastage, and then plan tasks with your team to make operations smarter and more efficient and simplify business management. Perfect your production process to get the most from every grape Use Katana's software for winery management to track your raw materials in real time. Wine software like Katana ensures you’re never suddenly out of stock on any items and can plan ahead to meet and surpass customer expectations and make it to the top of the wine industry. The product management process is simplified with our extensive and intricate product recipes, helping you work with your manufacturing team to specify which elements go into each product, in what quantities, and in which packaging. The winemaking process itself might be separate from Katana if you’re creating batches in bulk, but you could also track the usage of your grape stocks, which wines they make up, and how much you’re losing due to expiry to optimize wine production. Our warehouse shop floor app will show product recipes and can help with time tracking, understanding how long it takes to make each bottle or batch...

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> Katana offers wine inventory management software to cut waste and increase daily productivity of your wine production business.

- Published: 2022-04-29
- Modified: 2025-06-02
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/industries/wine-inventory-management-software/

Wine inventory management which simplifies production and planning Track raw materials, reduce waste, and focus on crafting the perfect wine with Katana. Thousands of manufacturers in the food and beverage industry use Katana to manage all their operations from sales to shipping in one intuitive platform. Get a demo Features Create and evolve your wine varieties with software that helps you focus on production and reduce admin Use our wine inventory software features to make daily operations more efficient so you can focus on perfecting your wines and improving or maintaining quality for your customers. Live inventory management Track your inventory from raw materials to shipped products to understand what needs to be reordered regularly and what can be cut back Read more Real-time master planning Use live data to help you in managing wines, their production process, bottling, labelling, and shipping, and make smart business decisions based on your info Read more Shop Floor App Work remotely with your warehouse team using our mobile shop floor app to assign tasks and track when products are completed and shipped Read more E-commerce integrations Offer your virtual rack to wine collectors around the world via an online store, using one of our many e-commerce partners Read more Accounting integrations Manage your money using excellent accounting software, as Katana integrates directly with both QuickBooks Online and Xero Read more Shipping integrations Send your wine from its country of origin to countries across the globe with one of excellent shipping partners Read more From fine wines to design wines we’re here to help make processes easy The satisfying moment when your customer uncorks a bottle of wine has a lot of work leading up to it. Katana is here to help ensure that work isn’t harder than it should be. The food and wine industry is massive, and it’s tough to make your brand stand out. Katana helps you optimize processes so you can focus on getting your wine information out into the world. Integrate with leading e-commerce and shipping integrations to reach customers globally and track everything in one place. Manage your cellar inventory and produce wines with less waste Using Katana's platform, you can track your inventory through every stage of production. These might be wine barrels, wine bottles, wine corks, or even wine bottle tags, but you can see how much demand you have for each, and how frequently they need to be reordered. You can then automate reorder points, so when you hit a certain number of stock, an order is created and you won’t be hit by stock-outs. You can then also work with your warehouse team using the Katana Shop Floor App to create tasks, refine product recipes, and track completed and shipped orders so nothing gets missed or delayed. Help your customers fill their wine cellar with friendly e-commerce platforms and super shipping tools Whether you choose to sell your wine via the internet or in a physical store, so you can literally hear the cash...

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> An ERP software for the footwear industry, Katana offers real-time inventory tracking, a warehouse management app, and sales and shipping.

- Published: 2022-04-28
- Modified: 2025-06-02
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/industries/footwear-erp-software/

Plan and manufacture your way into the footwear industry Take the next step in the footwear manufacturing game and lace all your manufacturing processes together with Katana. Here's how thousands of manufacturers use Katana to streamline operations. Get a demo Features An ERP for footwear brands who want to simplify manufacturing and nail sales The features you need to put more shoes on more feet with perfect production processes, user-friendly sales systems, and prompt shipping. Live inventory management Always know what raw materials are in stock, what’s committed to manufacturing, and which products are shipped Read more Real-time master planning A truly real-time product management platform, helping you track material requirements, average cost of stock, and lead times for all your products Read more Shop Floor App Work with your warehouse team directly using our shop floor mobile app to set tasks and track what’s done Read more E-commerce integrations With native integrations to Shopify and WooCommerce and lots of third party options, you can sell your shoes how you choose Read more Accounting integrations Make financial management a priority by integrating your accounting software with Katana so all your numbers are lined up Read more Shipping integrations Make sure your customers walk in your shoes wherever they are, using our two great shipping partners Read more A footwear software for companies of any size Whether you’re creating innovative and tailored footwear or producing big batches of beautiful shoes, Katana’s footwear ERP software can help you boost sales and streamline your work. You could become another of our apparel success stories, bringing your product development into our footwear ERP platform which helps cut down on daily admin and increase time spent making, selling, and shipping. Create bills of materials, perfect warehouse processes, and maintain product consistency and quality Every product made within Katana has a bill of materials (BOM) or a product recipe, if you prefer that. Each footwear product you make will have its own dedicated bill of materials, and every variant will have one with specific details tweaked (maybe color, number of eyelets, or lace length). These are crucial for the people making the shoes, whether that’s you individually or your team, as it helps keep each product uniform and sets the standards for your awesome products. It’s a great and simple way of maintaining quality control while making multiple products daily. BOMs are also important if you work on a larger scale, as they assist in warehouse management, and letting your team know which stock is needed for which product. And once products are made, you can also track which have been shipped through tasks in our shop floor mobile app. This is where real-time inventory management can then help you identify which of your products need more regular reorders so the supply chain matches the demand of your consumers. Sell to customers in all corners of the world, and ship to them on time It’s great to have a lot of customers interested in your products,...

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> With Katana you can simplify your cosmetics production process, track inventory and waste less valuable stock with our manufacturing ERP.

- Published: 2022-04-28
- Modified: 2024-05-21
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/industries/cosmetics-inventory-software/

Increase sales and cut waste with cosmetic inventory software Katana's end-to-end cosmetic inventory software helps beauty product companies boost efficiency, keep customers happy, and optimize stock levels as they grow their cosmetic businesses. Get a demo Features Cosmetics production without the blemishes of needless daily admin A cosmetics inventory software built for you, a brilliant creator of health and beauty products. With a collection of features to help you start saving time and money from day one. Real-time inventory management Get a live view of your inventory, from raw materials to finished goods, and manage items with multiple variants Read more End-to-end traceability Ensure compliance with industry regulations and readiness for any product recalls with batch tracking Read more Total shop floor control With easy mobile navigation, the Katana Shop Floor App helps you work with your warehouse team remotely Read more Seamless integrations Connect your other business tools, like QuickBooks Online and Shopify for a unified experience Read more Expiry date tracking Stay on top of your inventory shelf life to ensure fresh products and happy customers consistently Read more Omnichannel sales Ensure consistent shopping experience across all your sales channels, online and offline Read more Get a demo Cosmetics inventory software that will nurture your personal care products from production to sale The cosmetic industry is constantly growing and adapting to the needs of a demanding market. This means cosmetics producers must continuously innovate, using new techniques to make their products eco-friendly and cost-effective. Within Katana, the bill of materials (BOM) feature is crucial, ensuring you’re always using the perfect balance of ingredients for each product and handling automatic stock counting so you know when to reorder each ingredient to minimize lead time. Use product recipes to create the perfect blend, minimize waste, and track batches The foundation of quality cosmetics is a well-planned production process, with product recipes (or a bill of materials) refined and perfected to deliver great health and beauty goods. To help you ensure quality throughout your line, Katana lets you create multiple BOMs, specifying each ingredient to maintain consistency every time a product is made. This is even more relevant when working with a team, so they always know which raw materials make which product and what quantities are required. Your sales data will also enhance product management, guiding bulk reordering of materials based on demand. Katana's reordering feature ensures timely stock replenishment, preventing ingredient shortages and order delays. Manage your sales channels and meet customer expectations To prevent your freshly made personal care products from expiring unused in storage, it's crucial to have a reliable sales outlet, whether online or physical. Katana caters to both make-to-stock and make-to-order models, offering direct integrations with Shopify and WooCommerce, plus compatibility with various other platforms, ensuring your sales are well-managed and visible. For those selling in bulk to businesses, Katana provides lot tracking to monitor inventory ready for shipment. Additionally, the shipping integrations facilitate a smooth transition from production to delivery, covering your entire manufacturing...

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> Use Katana to simplify your furniture inventory processes, increase profits, and boost sales, both online and in physical stores.

- Published: 2022-04-27
- Modified: 2025-06-04
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/industries/furniture-inventory-management-software/

Furniture inventory management software Furniture and home decor is a consistently competitive business. Don’t let software hold you back from success, choose Katana and get ideal inventory management, brilliant bills of materials, and total sales control so you always have happy customers. Get a demo Features Furniture inventory management features Building products for the furniture and home market needs accuracy, consistency, and time. Katana's furniture inventory software helps you master all of them. Live inventory management Get a live look at your furniture inventory, and make sure you’re always well-stocked for upcoming orders Read more Real-time master planning Use live data to make accurate decisions with live data and prioritize tasks based on your available raw materials Read more Shop Floor App Perfect for your warehouse manager to assign daily tasks to your team of makers and ensure furniture moves smoothly Read more Accurate costing Keep your finances balanced by tracking the moving average cost of your stock and reordering in the right amounts for projected orders Read more Warehouse management Simplify inventory control, organize your raw materials and finished goods efficiently and manage items across multiple locations Read more Integrations Streamline your furniture sales and business operations with our integrations or build custom workflows with our open API Read more Total inventory control, automated reordering and moving average cost help keep your furniture business moving fast Furniture inventory management software is crucial to building a successful business supplying people’s homes with interior fixtures. You need strict inventory control, well-structured bills of materials, and solid customer management to keep things running smoothly and meeting expectations. Katana is ideal for this purpose, as our software allows you to manage your stock across multiple locations and in the units and customizations you need. You can also specify reorder points for all items so stock levels remain consistent no matter how many orders you're receiving. Finally, moving average cost allows you to get an overview of your spending throughout your time using Katana, so you're aware of the typical price for all of your goods and can price your products accordingly. Detailed product control with accurate bills of materials Along with swift sales and accurate accounting, quality management and setting customer expectations are key to success in the furniture field. An accurate bill of materials (BOM) for every product plays a crucial role in this, with the option to add notes and instructions for each product if you have a team in your warehouse or on a shop floor. Katana's furniture inventory software enables you to:  Create and edit bills of materials as needed Add notes and customizations to inform your shop-level teams of any necessary changes Prioritize orders based on material and product availability to get popular items shipped out faster Create reorder points for materials and supplies to avoid stockouts and delays Build custom workflows based on your business needs Katana has many useful features to enhance efficiency in your inventory operations and business tasks. To further boost your success and streamline...

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> Jewelry manufacturing software that will make the production of your precious creations more efficient and cost effective. Try it for free.

- Published: 2022-04-26
- Modified: 2025-06-02
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/industries/jewelry-manufacturing-software/

Jewelry manufacturing ERP to simplify production, and save time and money Perfect jewelry manufacturing software for both bespoke, custom jewelry creators and those making for retail and wholesale. Katana supports both D2C and B2B workflows, allowing you to manage all your manufacturing processes in one intuitive platform. Get a demo Features Manage every element of your workflow with software for jewelry business Jewelry making software provides the features you need to take simple raw materials to beautiful finished products to be sold and shipped. Inventory management Track your jewelry inventory at any moment, and see the status of all of your stock — on-hand, committed or used Read more Real-time master planning Production management, scheduling and sales order management all in one platform Read more Shop Floor App The shop floor management mobile app lets you to assign tasks to your team and sync completed products and shipping Read more E-commerce integrations Sync jewelry manufacturing software with your e-commerce stores for around the clock accurate inventory levels Read more Accounting integrations Choose from our native integrations with QuickBooks Online or Xero to easily manage your manufacturing and accounting Read more Shipping integrations Get your products where they need to go with 2Ship or Shiptheory Read more Software for jewelers for jewelry manufacturers of all sizes Whether you're creating timeless designs or bringing innovative jewelry creations to the market, Katana is perfect to make sure your production runs smoothly from start to finish. Here's how. Endless bills of materials and end to end inventory control make beautiful finished jewelry Combining intricate elements to create timeless and beautiful jewelry isn’t a simple task, and for manufacturers this requires creating a structured bill of materials (BOM). This is essentially the recipe for your product, showing every element that goes into production, from which metal type, to what color stones, to any additional flourishes. These BOMs help your team maintain consistency in production, but to keep production running you’ll also need to maintain your jewelry inventory and maintain your supply chain. Katana offers automatic reordering at thresholds you define, so your production schedule isn’t held up by stock-outs. This allows for smart resource planning and helps set customer expectations around production and shipping deadlines. Connect to the e-commerce solutions you need and integrate accounting to keep every penny organized Whether you run an online jewelry store, or you have a physical presence (maybe a pop-up, or a permanent location), you need to be able to sync your sales activities with your production process. Katana has native integrations with both Shopify and WooCommerce, giving you user friendly options to sell your products online. You can also use Shopify to sync with your jewelry store POS systems, so all of your customer purchases can be synced with Katana. It’s also important to use top-quality accounting software, which is why we offer integrations with QuickBooks Online and Xero. Get a demo and see Katana in action Get a demo Eliminate stockouts with Katana Easily manage incoming orders...

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> Apparel inventory software for fashion retailers. Streamline stock management, enhance efficiency, and boost sales with an intuitive cloud platform.

- Published: 2022-04-26
- Modified: 2025-06-02
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/industries/apparel-inventory-software/

Apparel inventory software for improved stock tracking The perfect software for the apparel and fashion industries, with real-time inventory tracking, warehouse management, and integrations to sell your products the way you want. Features Apparel inventory software with features built for fashion Ideal fashion ERP software for apparel businesses — watch your stock and products in real-time and keep your company growing. Live inventory management Track stock in real time, from raw materials to finished goods, and manage multiple variants effortlessly Read more E-commerce integrations Keep your inventory and sales data in sync with seamless e-commerce platform integration Read more Multichannel sales Consolidate all your sales to a single source of truth across multiple channels, online or offline Read more Simplified order management Manage the entire order lifecycle from an intuitive platform, from order entry to shipping Read more Material tracking Effortlessly track materials and allocate them to manufacturing orders for smooth production flow Read more Contract manufacturing Take full control of your production and inventory, whether in-house or outsourced Read more See all features Apparel inventory management software that just fits The apparel industry is fast-moving and ever-evolving, and fashion retailers are selling items in the millions daily. To ensure your business keeps moving smoothly, it’s crucial to perform regular stock counts so you know the raw materials you have in-house, what needs to be ordered, and how soon you’ll need it. Live overview of your entire clothing inventory Katana's apparel inventory software is the ideal platform for fashion businesses. Whether you're a distributor, retailer, manufacturer, or do a bit of everything, Katana has you covered. With features to track your inventory in real time, you never have to worry about stockouts or overstocking. Katana lets you effortlessly: Manage your inventory in real time, including items with multiple variants Set reorder points so you always know when you're running low on stock Track costs based on operations and your bill of materials Reach all your customers, regardless of how they prefer to shop Katana's apparel inventory management software makes it easy to cater to your customers' needs. It offers seamless integrations with the best e-commerce platforms, including Shopify, WooCommerce, and BigCommerce. Katana's fashion inventory management software lets you: Consolidate orders across all sales channels, online or offline Gain a live view of your operations from procurement to delivery Track product availability across multiple inventory locations Integrate Katana's clothing inventory management software with your favorite business tools and create your own perfect tech stack that fits your needs like a glove. Discover the power of real-time insights Get a demo Explore key features tailored to your needs Discover how Katana can optimize your workflows Schedule a demo at a time convenient for you Learn more about our plans and the features they come with Check out the pricing Plans starting from $359 / month Annual and monthly billing options Add users and warehouses as you grow Integrate with the best e-commerce, accounting, reporting, and CRM software out there Create custom API...

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> Katana offers the best inventory management software for food industry, helping you track perishable stock and offer excellent service.

- Published: 2022-04-12
- Modified: 2025-06-02
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/industries/food-inventory-management-software/

Food inventory management software Whether you create food items for online orders, run a food truck, or work in the restaurant industry, Katana can work with you. Watch inventory levels, maintain cost control and make sure you’re never running low on great products or happy customers with food inventory software. Features Get a live look at your business with features that keep your teams and products moving Katana's food inventory management software is packed with features that help you boost efficiency and align your teams to ensure complete inventory control and high-quality production. Live inventory management Get total inventory control for finished products and raw materials, automate stock transactions, and set reorder points to prevent stockouts Read more End-to-end traceability Keep an eye on your inventory across the whole supply chain, tracing lots, batches, serial numbers, and more Read more Shelf life management Track the expiry dates of your products to minimize waste, comply with industry regulations and ensure customer satisfaction Read more Multichannel order management Sync all your sales orders from multiple channels into a single platform to manage all your inventory levels from one place Read more Warehouse management Gain stock visibility inside warehouses and simplify daily operator tasks by assigning default storage bins to products and materials Read more Real-time master planning Make data-driven business decisions, prioritize production and sales based on available supplies, and gain full control of your operations Read more Financial visibility and cloud accounting Sync Katana with your accounting software like QuickBooks Online and ensure consistency between inventory and accounting records Read more Integrations Build a custom workspace for your specific requirements and choose from a wide range of integrations to streamline your day-to-day tasks Read more Custom workflows via API Set up custom integrations and create unique workflows to meet the needs and fulfill the unique requirements of your business Read more Compare plans and features Food inventory software to track perishables, create recipes, and minimize waste through smart reordering Finding a solution to track your perishable inventory is crucial for businesses in the food and beverage industry. Katana's food inventory management software makes it easy to ensure your raw materials and finished goods are constantly fresh and of the highest quality. Katana offers real-time tracking of your entire inventory, so you always know your stock levels and where everything is, keeping your organization running smoothly and customers satisfied. Food and beverage inventory control software for consistent, high-quality goods Katana gives businesses in the food and beverage industry complete control over their inventory, minimizes waste, and reduces costs. It enables you to keep putting out high-quality products while maintaining optimal inventory levels and eliminating stockouts. Katana's food inventory software equips you with features to: Track your entire inventory in real time across multiple locations Create bills of materials (BOMs) for consistent production processes Monitor costs based on your BOMs and operations Track batch numbers and expiration dates for industry compliance Food and beverage inventory software to centralize your entire business Along with...

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> Greater inventory control, clear resource planning, and fair software pricing make Katana the ideal software for electronics manufacturing.

- Published: 2022-04-12
- Modified: 2025-06-02
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/industries/electronics-manufacturing-software/

Electronics manufacturing software With greater inventory control, clear resource planning, and great distribution integration, Katana is the ideal software for electronics manufacturers. We track demand so your production schedule matches lead times, and you can maintain quality management for the final products. Get a demo Features Boost efficiency and align your teams with features designed to give you total visibility and control Integrate the best e-commerce, accounting, reporting, and CRM tools with Katana and get a live look at your manufacturing business with features that keep your teams and products moving. Multiple warehouses Easily monitor and manage your inventory across multiple locations from one central hub Read more Contract manufacturing Issue purchase orders for outsourced manufacturing and monitor inventory levels in your partner location Read more Reorder points Set reorder points so you always know when you need to order more raw materials or manufacture more finished products Read more Live inventory management Know exactly the amount of raw materials and finished products you have in stock to avoid stock-outs and keep your business moving Read more Production planning Change priorities for your manufacturing orders and Katana automatically reallocates resources to optimize the manufacturing process Read more Serial number tracking Gain traceability throughout the entire manufacturing process to ensure accurate identification, monitoring, and control of individual product units at every stage Read more Get a demo Ideal resource planning to match both intricate and simple electronic products For electronic manufacturers, a lot of moving parts and specific stock need to be perfectly balanced to create products. This is why software that aids planning and scheduling is crucial, so your production schedule is aligned with customer demand, and you’re never hit by stock-outs or shortages. You can create a detailed bill of materials (BOM) for every product you offer and variation BOMs if you also supply the same products with different technical specs or minor details. This allows for clear material requirements planning so all the components and parts of your products are accounted for, and reorder points are set to meet make-to-stock or make-to-order deadlines. Manufacturing software that you can understand from day one to help you and your team keep product quality high Whether you run your business from a single location or many, Katana's cloud solution is ready to help you with resource planning, warehouse management, and quality control as soon as you log in. You can immediately configure settings to fit your needs and daily processes, like currencies, units of measurement, delivery times, default tax rates, and more. Once this is done, you can start making products, tracking manufacturing times and delivery expectations, and setting reorder points for frequently used stock. You can use barcode scanning in your warehouse, and serial number tracking to help keep an eye on items before they’re used or shipped. Make sure your price ranges work with your outgoings and integrate with the best financial software When working with multiple bills of materials for intricate, high-priced products, you need to make sure...

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> Cosmetic manufacturing software is an essential piece of the cosmetics production puzzle. Ensure smooth and accurate inventory management.

- Published: 2022-04-06
- Modified: 2025-06-02
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/industries/cosmetic-manufacturing-software/

Get total funnel management with cosmetic manufacturing software Any and all cosmetic manufacturing businesses rely on one thing to be successful: smooth operations. Without them, you can kiss increased performance and customer retention goodbye. Katana gives you the tools you need to make it happen. Get a demo Features Getting your products to customers faster Katana supports your workflows no matter your industry with the features and seamless integrations you need to manage your business how you want. Keeping your business organized without cosmetic ERP software is no longer viable Direct-to-consumer cosmetic production is on the rise – as such many process manufacturers are facing a difficult situation. On one side, there are many more opportunities to reach previously untapped markets – on the other; however, the competition is incredibly fierce, and unless innovation is front-and-center in your mind, getting left behind is a very real possibility. Manufacturing ERP software ensures seamless inventory management Scaling is one of the biggest hurdles a business needs to overcome if they want to continue being successful – but it’s not easy. As a cosmetic manufacturer, ensuring smooth and accurate inventory management is a huge challenge – and with the rise of the personal care sector in recent years; demand is bigger than ever. So how do you keep up? Cosmetic manufacturing ERP software by Katana is designed to provide your company with an inexpensive and high-quality tool, allowing you to track, manage, and audit your entire inventory within a few clicks. Make sure you always have the correct amount of raw materials available for production at any given time. Manufacturing ERP software like Katana allows you to: Utilize priority-based batch production planning – helping you avoid stockouts Keep track of on-hand, committed, and anticipated material requirements and stock levels Manage and organize product and material variants in one place with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software Monitor resources and inventory across various warehouses Stay one step ahead of the rest of the cosmetic industry with all of your data in one place Enforce omnichannel sales techniques to enhance inventory control from anywhere By integrating your sales channels with Katana you remove all the stress of managing sales and inventory – everything is accessible from one platform, regardless of the location. Secure yourself in the knowledge that all your sales and storage points keep stocked at optimal inventory levels. Cosmetic manufacturing software gives you the ability to achieve omnichannel order management, as well as cross-channel item tracking, stock updates, inventory and sales management, fulfillment, and so much more. Katana's end-to-end ERP software makes it easy to: Synchronize your sales and production planning for efficient order fulfillment Unify your e-commerce inventory and sales order management operations Monitor the availability of raw materials, allowing open sales orders to have products automatically assigned to them A simple and intuitive drag-and-drop system, giving you the ability to have full control over your resource planning Automatic conversion of sales order values to multiple currencies Eliminate waste and start saving money...

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> Optimize your business processes and get the visibility you need with metal fabrication software like Katana. Learn more.

- Published: 2022-04-05
- Modified: 2024-05-16
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/industries/metal-fabrication-software/

Streamline your business with ERP metal fabrication software As a manufacturing business, ensuring smooth operations should be of the highest importance. Metal fabrication software by Katana gives you the opportunity to make it happen. Learn more about the benefits of ERP software, and why it can help take your business to the next level. Get a demo Features Getting your products to customers faster Katana supports your workflows no matter your industry with the features and seamless integrations you need to manage your business how you want. Organizing your business without manufacturing software is no longer a feasible option With the recent rise in direct-to-consumer steel fabrication, manufacturing businesses are facing a double-edged sword. On the one hand, there are more opportunities to reach untapped markets than ever before – on the other, competition is fierce, and unless innovation is at the forefront, getting left in the dirt is a real possibility. ERP software, as such, helps manufacturers manage, scale, and ensure priorities are met through an easy to use solution. Metal fabrication software ensures full inventory visibility One of the largest challenges for a business is foolproof and accurate inventory management – especially in conjunction with keeping price ranges competitive. A manufacturing software solution like Katana is designed to give your company an inexpensive but supreme-quality tool to track, manage, and audit your inventory.   Katana gives you the ability to tap into your full inventory at the click of a button – this includes tracking items, stock, and material costs, thus ensuring that you always have the right amount of raw material available for production at any one time. Metal fabrication software provides your business with live alerts when new products need to be manufactured, or when your raw material levels are getting low – this way you can always be prepared to replace diminishing stocks before they run out completely. ERP software like Katana allows you to: Utilize priority-based material requirements planning – therefore avoiding stockouts Keep track of on-hand, committed, and expected stock levels Manage and organize product and material variants in one place Monitor resources and inventory across various warehouses Eradicate waste and save money with metal fabrication software Fabrication manufacturers often face similar problems; retention rates fluctuating, price ranges doing the same – ensuring a streamlined flow of raw materials and goods helps your avoid holding on too long to a certain product, or letting go of it when you may need it the most. Manufacturing software provides you with the tools you need to accurately manage your resources and complete orders without ending up with leftover items – allowing your job costs to come crashing down. Integrate this software with hundreds of leading e-commerce and accounting tools, and you’ve got a perfect recipe for growth. Katana’s fully-integrated solution makes it simple to: Connect enterprise resource planning ERP software with your manufacturing business Track your production process and manufacturing costs based on your bill of materials (BOM) Keep your eye on product cost and...

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> Furniture manufacturing software for modern woodworking manufacturers selling online. Try Katana free for 14 days.

- Published: 2021-05-11
- Modified: 2025-06-11
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/industries/furniture-manufacturing/

Manage sales and production with furniture manufacturing software Furniture makers, lighting manufacturers, and other home and garden businesses use Katana to keep track of production and sales order fulfillment. Furniture manufacturing software is designed to manage a combination of made-to-order and made-to-stock workflows and integrates with all the services you know and love for total visibility. Get a demo Watch how Katana works for furniture manufacturers Get a closer look at how Katana helps streamline production, sync sales channels, and surface insights through AI powered analytics, all in one connected platform. Watch the video Katana’s software for furniture manufacturers gives the tools to optimize the entire manufacturing process Greater stock and production management from the first day of use Katana’s software for furniture manufacturing allows furniture makers to follow their stock movements, production processes, and sales all in one place, including the ability to monitor:  Your supply chain, from purchasing to shipping The efficiency of your manufacturing process as a whole The quality of your finished products Whether your deliveries are meeting customer expectations From the moment you sign up, you can customize your settings to suit your business, import data previously used in spreadsheets, or manually input this yourself and get to work fast. You can create as many bills of materials as you need, add reorder points for different stock types that you need on hand regularly, and configure your make-to-order and make-to-stock processes. So if spreadsheets or outdated software are slowing you down, furniture manufacturing software will put you on the path to becoming another of Katana’s manufacturing success stories. Live production planning for making and adjusting plans on the fly Real-time production planning allows furniture manufacturers to track progress and identify issues early in the manufacturing process. This eagle-eyed focus will help you make necessary adjustments to the production line to improve efficiency and quality. Real-time production planning features in Katana assist you in optimizing material usage and minimizing waste. You can avoid overproducing or stockpiling inventory by clearly understanding what materials are necessary for production and only using them when required. End-to-end traceability and complete visibility of your entire supply chain End-to-end traceability is an essential feature in furniture manufacturing. It allows you to track your products from raw materials to the finished product and even beyond when the items finally reach your clients and customers. Complete and total traceability will empower you to identify issues and problems early in your manufacturing run, allowing you to take corrective action quickly before a minor issue becomes a big one. Additionally, end-to-end traceability can help reduce waste and improve overall efficiency in furniture manufacturing. Features Boost efficiency and align your teams with features designed to give you total visibility and control Get a live look at your manufacturing business with features that keep your teams and products moving along your entire supply chain. Live inventory management Optimize and improve stock control to keep track of materials and products to avoid stock-outs in real-time. Read more Real-time master...

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> Katana's coffee roasting software gives coffee roasters total production and inventory control. Try it for 14 days free.

- Published: 2021-05-11
- Modified: 2025-06-02
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/industries/coffee-roasting-software/

Track your perishable stock and order fulfillment with coffee roasting software Katana gives coffee roasters the real-time insights they need to manage manufacturing and sales order fulfillment. Features like batch and expiry date tracking help you meet coffee roasting industry regulations, giving you total visibility when it comes to tracking your perishable stock, from green coffee beans to roast coffee, and optimizing your inventory. Get a demo Features Getting your products to customers faster Katana supports your workflows no matter your industry with the features and seamless integrations you need to manage your business how you want. Integrate Katana's coffee roasting software with the other tools you know and love Create custom API integrations Use Katana’s open API to create custom workflows and connect your coffee roasting software to apps beyond our list of integrations. Automate data transfers between the services you use to level up efficiency. Take a look at our API documentation to learn more. See all integrations Coffee roasting software which puts you in control from green beans to roasted, packed, and shipped If you’re in the coffee roasting business, quality and consistency are absolutely crucial. However, keeping track of different roast profiles in your product variants, which roasting machines are used for different products, while keeping order fulfillment on time is a challenge — especially when your business is growing. As a coffee roaster, you also need to know what you have in stock, how soon it needs to go in the roasting machine, what’s committed to orders, and when they need to be shipped. In short, you don’t want to be managing it all in poor software, or even worse, a spreadsheet! Katana cloud manufacturing software offers support for batch manufacturing, so each bean in a batch can get the same roasting quality, batch tracking, so you can follow the progress of each batch of roast coffee, and product recipe, so you’ll always have control over what’s required for every specialty coffee product you stock and sell. You can also keep track of your outgoings, with our moving average cost feature, which will help you track your spending on green beans over time. How Katana can help you maintain quality control over your roasting process, and minimize waste Consistency in production is crucial to maintaining product quality and customer loyalty, and this is where well-structured product recipes are key in Katana. Your staff will know the make up of every coffee product, and you can maintain the roasting quality of every bean. You can also use batch tracking and expiry date tracking to know when beans need to be roasted, and when products are nearing their sell by dates. This will help you know when you need to place new orders with your coffee importers so you’re not out of stock. Ensuring quality control is critical, with the visibility Katana's coffee roasting software gives you, ensuring quality and consistency in your products is easier than ever. Here are few features that coffee roasters that use...

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> Katana food manufacturing software gives food & beverage manufacturers operational efficiency, food safety, and up-to-date information. Try it for free now!

- Published: 2021-05-11
- Modified: 2024-05-16
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/industries/food-beverage-inventory-manufacturing-software/

Get full traceability with food manufacturing software Maximize efficiency and stay in control of your business with cloud software that connects to all the e-commerce and accounting tools you love. Katana's food and beverage manufacturing software supports batch and expiry date tracking, ensuring industry compliance and total visibility when it comes to tracking your perishable stock from materials to finished products. Get a demo Features Get your slice of the pie in the food and beverage industry by using the Katana food manufacturing software Katana's cloud manufacturing platform is full to the brim with features to make manufacturing food and beverages a breeze. Create detailed and rich product recipes, track perishable inventory, and get your entire warehouse in tip-top shape to make production as efficient as possible. Live inventory management Real-time stock tracking of all your different items, including perishables, to keep you in check with food safety standards and never run out. Read more Real-time master planning Get a birds-eye overview of your business to help you with demand forecasting and make better business decisions on the spot. Read more Shop Floor App The Katana Shop Floor App helps you and your managers improve warehouse management and quality control down to the task level. Read more Accurate costing Monitor production cost over time with our ‘moving average cost’ feature and save money from not overspending on items. Read more E-commerce integrations Sync your production and sales processes with our native integrations, including Shopify, WooCommerce, and other third-party providers. Read more Accounting integrations Katana integrations with your favorite financial management software, including QuickBooks Online and Xero, or use our API to sync others. Read more Integrate your food manufacturing software with the services you love most Create custom API integrations Use Katana’s open API to create custom workflows and connect to apps beyond our list of integrations. Automate data transfers between the services you use to level up efficiency. Take a look at our API documentation to learn more. See all integrations Why thousands of food and beverage manufacturers turn to food manufacturing software like Katana Process manufacturers in the food and beverage industry have unique workflows compared to manufacturers in other sectors. One example is additional legal requirements for food safety, making product traceability essential. While smaller food manufacturers can manage with spreadsheets for some time, this becomes more complicated as they grow or during periods of high demand for several reasons. For starters, spreadsheets are error-prone and make traceability and quality management tricky. One typo or failure to update a spreadsheet can have heavy consequences, and it only takes one untraceable faulty ingredient batch to inflate your costs dramatically. Without the right data to trace a faulty batch, you would need to recall all your products, resulting in higher production costs and upset customers, potentially damaging your business’ reputation. Process manufacturers today need live data to manage production Even the most efficient system of spreadsheets is no match for food and beverage manufacturing software. The level of inventory control you...

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> Intuitive apparel manufacturing software to take control of your garment and footwear production. Get a demo today.

- Published: 2021-05-11
- Modified: 2024-05-16
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/industries/apparel-footwear-manufacturing/

Get total business control with apparel manufacturing software Katana supports made-to-order and made-to-stock, combining B2B and D2C workflows in intuitive apparel manufacturing software. Garment producers turn to Katana to get total visibility over their manufacturing processes, from material requirements to capacity planning. Get a demo Features Boost efficiency and align your teams with features designed to give you total visibility and control Katana's apparel production software gives you a live look at your business with features that keep your teams and products moving. Integrate your favorite tools with Katana's apparel manufacturing software and manage your entire business from a central place. Real-time inventory management Know exactly the products and raw materials you have on hand and when you need to restock your shelves Read more Accurate costing Precise pricing decisions by tracking completion times of manufacturing operations and your bill of materials (BOM) Read more Seamless integrations Easy integrations with your favorite business platforms to cut admin time and reduce human errors Read more Real-time master planning Automatic allocation of raw materials and products when sales and manufacturing priorities change Read more Shop floor control Equip your operators with Katana's Shop Floor App to improve collaboration with office staff Read more Purchase order management Clear view of material requirements, to make sure raw materials are purchased on-time Read more Integrate with the best e-commerce, accounting, reporting, and CRM software out there Create custom API integrations Use Katana’s open API to create custom workflows and connect to apps beyond our list of integrations. Automate data transfers between the services you use to level up efficiency. Take a look at our API documentation to learn more. See all integrations Expand output while staying efficient with apparel manufacturing software Managing your apparel manufacturing business with spreadsheets or a whiteboard is doable when you only receive a few orders per day, but what happens when demand increases and your company begins expanding? In the world of manufacturing, it is difficult to find a more competitive industry than garment manufacturing. Apparel manufacturers often have a broad range of products with warehouses full of clothes, shoes, and jewelry inventory. When you add in the deadline pressures that this industry faces, it becomes a highly demanding sector where companies must consistently perform at their best. Step up your game by automating your apparel and footwear business Garment production software allows companies to stay ahead of the competition and increase their manufacturing capabilities while also catering to customer requests quickly and efficiently. Most importantly, it makes it possible to improve processes and procedures without spending additional time or money on hiring skilled workers. As automation continues to take the manufacturing world by storm, businesses can focus on designing production lines capable of operating at total capacity without requiring the attention of highly-skilled labor. With the help of apparel software, companies can easily import customer requests and remain on time with their scheduled deliveries. Integrating its capabilities with other business management systems makes tracking everything from stock levels to...

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> Improve order management and production of machinery and equipment with real-time updates from manufacturing ERP software that's easy to use.

- Published: 2021-05-11
- Modified: 2024-07-01
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/industries/technology-inventory-manufacturing-software/

Track batches, align your teams, and optimize production Keep your sales and production in sync with manufacturing ERP software built for maximum efficiency. Katana tracks demand to adjust your production schedule according to resources and deadlines automatically. And features like batch tracking help you stay compliant and manage quality assurance processes with ease. Get a demo Features Boost efficiency and align your teams with features designed to give you total visibility and control Get a live look at your manufacturing business with features that keep your teams and products moving. Katana's cloud ERP software gives you the necessary tools to upgrade your production in the ever-competitive industry of technology and equipment. Live inventory management Automate inventory transactions, set reorder points to avoid stock-outs, and use barcodes to receive stock Read more Real-time master planning Prioritize production based on raw material availability and make accurate manufacturing decisions with live data Total shop floor control Assign and reassign jobs to operators who can start, pause, and resume tasks to keep you up to date on production Read more Omnichannel order management Track the availability of required products for sales orders that are synced from multiple channels into a single dashboard Read more End-to-end traceability Trace faulty batches, materials, and products from materials to sold goods for effective quality assurance and recalls Production planning Automate the allocation of materials based on priorities you set, and identify delay risks related to your material supply lead times Read more Purchase order management Select and use multiple currencies to automatically convert purchase order values, and track delay risks in your supply chain Accurate costing Ensure accuracy with costing features built for precision and make precise pricing decisions based on your product margins Create custom workflows via API Create custom integrations with other apps using Katana’ s open API and build your own apps into Katana with API Integrate with the best e-commerce, accounting, reporting, and CRM software out there Create custom API integrations Use Katana’s open API to create custom workflows and connect to apps beyond our list of integrations. Automate data transfers between the services you use to level up efficiency. Take a look at our API documentation to learn more. See all integrations Maintain the manufacturing of high-quality industrial machinery and equipment In the building of modern technological equipment and machinery, you need absolute precision. Processes must stick to a plan and schedule, with constant inventory control, warehouse management, and complete visibility of your orders and sales. Katana offers you all of this with its manufacturing software solution. Whether you work on a make-to-stock or make-to-order basis, you’ll always know your material requirements, with the option to schedule automatic reorder points for consistently used materials. You also have the freedom to create as many bills of materials as you require, and work in the units and currencies you use most. Use Katana’s Shop Floor App to boost efficiency in floor operations Katana’s manufacturing can offer you greater warehouse management, no matter your type of...

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> Take control of your industrial equipment manufacturing with Katana, manufacturing ERP software that gives you total visibility. Try it free.

- Published: 2021-05-11
- Modified: 2025-06-04
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/industries/industrial-equipment-manufacturing/

Manage production and quality control with industrial manufacturing software Industrial manufacturers use Katana's manufacturing ERP software to track inventory movements, set up reorder points, and prioritize orders. Features like multilevel bills of materials (BOMs) and subassemblies make precise costing easy. And Katana supports made-to-order and made-to-stock workflows in tandem to help industrial manufacturers stay flexible. Get a demo Features Boost efficiency with features designed to give you total visibility and control over your entire supply chain Get a live look at your manufacturing business with features that keep your teams and products moving. Take control of your inventory with Katana’s ERP for industrial equipment. Live inventory management Track on-hand, committed, and expected stock amounts in real-time, and manage product variants in one place Real-time master planning Gain real-time visibility to optimize all your key resources, and make precise manufacturing decisions with new data Total shop floor control Track time spent on tasks to optimize shop floor activities, and view resource consumption with live material tracking Omnichannel order management Sync your sales channels for optimal order fulfillment, and identify delivery delay risks to boost efficiency End-to-end traceability Oversee inventory beyond the warehouse. Track the expiry date of items and stay in control of expiring stock Production planning ERP allows routing and matrix BOMs for your variable products, and can automate the reallocation of materials Purchase order management Ensure on-time purchasing based on clear material requirements to get maximum visibility over order management Accurate costing Track your company’s manufacturing costs based on your bill of materials (BOM) and various production operations Versatile integrations Sync your inventory data with hundreds of e-commerce, shipping, accounting, and reporting platforms Integrate you ERP system the best e-commerce, accounting, reporting, and CRM software out there Create custom API integrations Use Katana’s open API to create custom workflows and connect to apps beyond our list of integrations. Automate data transfers between the services you use to level up efficiency. Take a look at our API documentation to learn more. See all integrations How Katana’s ERP software helps industrial manufacturers optimize supply chain management A key priority for any business is to meet customer needs. But in the increasingly competitive 21st-century economy, defined by digital transformation, it's not only consumers who are demanding an improved service from their suppliers. Manufacturers need to consider stakeholders at all stages of their supply chain, from suppliers to customers and, in some cases, retailers. Industrial manufacturing companies need to find ways of satisfying the demands of internal stakeholders, too — especially when outdated systems and processes are currently meeting these demands. This means updating legacy computer systems that don't always offer manufacturers the flexibility they require in many cases. It also means finding an MRP software or a manufacturing ERP software upgrade if they already have a digital system in place, or a digital replacement for paper-based workflows. That can prove cumbersome and inefficient in fast-moving conditions. Smart manufacturing software features that give you total visibility and control Manufacturers today use a range of...

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> Take control of your automotive production with Katana, manufacturing ERP software that makes an ideal automotive ERP system. Try it for free.

- Published: 2021-05-11
- Modified: 2024-05-16
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/industries/automotive-manufacturing/

Better raw materials management, so you can minimize waste, and innovate better Katana's manufacturing ERP software gives you clarity when you need it most. Katana allows you to use your engineering bill of materials to track production quality in real time and get the next-gen batch and lot tracking features for optimal warehouse management. Get a demo Features Upgrade productivity and align all of your teams with features designed to give you total visibility Get a comprehensive live look at your automotive and boating business with features that will keep your teams and products always moving. Avoid bottlenecks and unnecessary stockouts with Katana's ERP solution. Live inventory management Track on-hand, committed, and expected inventory levels in real-time, and manage product materials in one place Read more End-to-end traceability Autogenerate your batch and internal barcodes and swiftly locate all manufactured items across multiple warehouses Read more Purchase order management Select and use multiple currencies to automatically convert purchase sales order values to whatever currency you use Read more Real-time master planning Obtain real-time visibility to streamline all your key resources, and ensure optimal inventory levels at all times Powerful shop floor control View manufacturing order task and ingredient list for every task, and track lead time spent on production tasks Multichannel order management Unite your B2B and e-commerce sales order management and sync sales channels for effective order fulfillment Production planning Drag-and-drop priorities for manufacturing tasks and get accurate expected completion dates of your operations Accurate costing Track your manufacturing costs based on autogenerated bill of materials (BOM) and various production operations Build your own workflows Connect your favorite tools with Katana and create workflows to streamline your operations via Katana's open API and native integrations The ideal automotive ERP system to manufacture and distribute automotive and industrial machinery Wherever you want to manage your manufacturing operations from the cloud or from a physical store, Katana has you covered. You'll be able to manage your automotive inventory, production processes, and finances — all from one place. Advanced automotive machinery requires immense precision and high production quality while maintaining quality control and meeting customer demands. Katana's automotive ERP system gives you all that and complete control over your manufacturing processes. The vision for Katana's software comes from the automotive industry In case you’ve never read our 'About Us' page, you may not know that our name Katana itself is an homage to the lean manufacturing approach of Toyota - hence choosing a traditional Japanese weapon for our name in tribute. And we use this lean approach to create our ERP system which in turn can make life simpler for manufacturers across the world. In the scope of automotive and industrial manufacturing, you’re likely to be making and selling products across a big scope of price ranges, and you may need diverse deployment options for both creation and delivery. Here are just a few of the features of Katana's cloud inventory software to keep your global automotive business running smoothly: Super detailed bills...

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> Katanas jewelry inventory software gives you complete control over your stock, planning, costing, and more to set your business up for success.

- Published: 2021-04-30
- Modified: 2025-06-02
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/industries/jewelry-inventory-software/

Stay in stock with jewelry inventory software Katana's jewelry inventory management software helps to keep track of all your accessories. It ensures you have enough to meet customer demand while keeping carrying costs low. Get a demo Features Boost efficiency with features designed to give you total visibility Integrate Katana's jewelry inventory system with your favorite business tools and get a live look at your entire business with features that keep your teams and products moving. Inventory control Set reorder points and safety stock levels to meet customer demand while avoiding excess inventory Read more Omnichannel order management Keep your data in sync and manage all your online and offline sales channels from a single intuitive platform Read more Inventory planning Forecast demand based on accurate sales data and plan your inventory accordingly to maximize efficiency Read more Purchase order management Effortlessly track purchase orders to eliminate stockouts and supply chain delay risks Read more Live inventory management Easily track your products and materials in real time across all your inventory locations Read more End-to-end traceability Track serial numbers for product indentification for warranty claims, maintenance, and customer support Read more Integrate with the best e-commerce, accounting, reporting, and CRM software out there Create custom API integrations Use Katana’s open API to create custom workflows and connect to apps beyond our list of integrations. Automate data transfers between the services you use to level up efficiency. Take a look at our API documentation to learn more. See all integrations Jewelry inventory system that lets your products shine Whether you run an online or physical jewelry store, you need to stay on top of market trends, monitor your price ranges, and understand your ideal customer profiles while maintaining efficient processes. It’s a lot to handle, especially if you're doing everything manually or by navigating multiple different tools and platforms. Jewelry inventory software that does the boring stuff for you Jewelry inventory software provides you with an ideal system that brings together your inventory, purchases, sales, and production. Manage your business from a single intuitive platform, including: Inventory across multiple locations Production planning and management Sales and purchase orders Analytics and reporting Jewelry store inventory software for a unified experience Thanks to the wide range of integrations, you can connect your jewelry inventory system to your favorite business services. This allows you to keep your data synced across applications while minimizing tedious copy-pasting. Katana's jewelry inventory software integrations let you: Sync stock levels across sales channels Convert purchase orders to bills Keep accounting and inventory data in sync Generate sales orders based on won deals Get a demo and see Katana in action Get a demo Eliminate stockouts and overstock Manage incoming orders from all your sales channels Track products and materials in real time Learn more about our plans and the features they come with Check out the pricing Plans starting from $359 / month Annual and monthly billing options Add users and warehouses as you grow FAQs for jewelry inventory...

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> Take on the health and beauty industry with production management, real-time inventory, and master planning software. Try it free.

- Published: 2021-04-30
- Modified: 2024-05-16
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/industries/health-beauty-inventory-manufacturing-software/

Manage sales and get total traceability for your perishable stock Built for total visibility, Katana helps health and beauty manufacturers track perishable stock and manage omnichannel sales. Batch and expiry date tracking ensure compliance and visibility, and integrations with leading e-commerce platforms centralize all your sales and production in one visual platform. Get a demo Features Take control of your entire business — from inventory to customer relationship management Katana gives you all the necessary tools to manage your inventory and manufacturing processes. By integrating your other platforms with Katana, you can also manage your accounting, reporting, shipping, and more from the same central hub. Reorder points Set reorder points and know exactly when you need to replenish your raw material inventory or manufacture more products Read more Omnichannel order management Manage all your sales whether you sell business-to-business (B2B), direct-to-consumer (D2C), or both Read more Inventory planning and forecasting Use accurate sales data to forecast and plan your inventory to stay in stock and meet customer demand Read more Barcode scanning Easily count incoming stock by scanning barcodes to reduce errors and speed up the process Read more E-commerce integrations Easily integrate with your favorite e-commerce platforms and keep your inventory updated Read more Total shop floor control Equip your operators with Katana's Shop Floor App to streamline collaboration with your office team Read more Integrate with the best e-commerce, accounting, reporting, and CRM software out there Create custom API integrations Use Katana’s open API to create custom workflows and connect to apps beyond our list of integrations. Automate data transfers between the services you use to level up efficiency. Take a look at our API documentation to learn more. See all integrations Full control of your raw materials to maintain excellent product quality The cosmetics industry has incredibly high demands when it comes to product quality. Using contaminated or low-quality ingredients will quickly damage your reputation and your sales. Besides that, there are also a lot of regulatory hoops to jump through, so you have to be on top of your operations to meet all the compliance requirements. Implementing Katana's enterprise resource planning or ERP solution gives you the tools you need to manage your manufacturing and distribution and take full control of your whole product lifecycle, including quality management. Katana provides you with a real-time overview of your inventory, manufacturing processes, costs, and more. Cosmetics manufacturing software with end-to-end traceability Given the high-quality requirements for beauty products, it's crucial to know the exact source of each ingredient. This way, you can trace back issues to the origin and eliminate them before more significant complications arise. Katana's cloud hosted ERP system comes with a batch tracking feature that allows you to trace all production-related processes. From procurement of raw materials to production, consumption, and disposal to clarify when and where the product was produced. With Katana's batch tracking, you can: Take control of your warehouse management and inventory by tracking raw materials, expiry dates, and more Automatically generate internal...

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> Take control of your toys and entertainment manufacturing with Katana, which helps manufacturers get more control over their business. Start a free trial.

- Published: 2021-04-27
- Modified: 2025-06-02
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/industries/toys-entertainment-manufacturing/

Track of production and sales order fulfillment in one visual platform Manufacturers in the toys and entertainment industry use Katana to keep track of production and sales order fulfillment with features that give them the visibility they need. Supporting made-to-order and made-to-stock workflows, Katana also integrates all the tools you know and love to give you the visibility you need. Get a demo Features Getting your products to customers faster Katana supports your workflows no matter your industry with the features and seamless integrations you need to manage your business how you want. Get a demo and see Katana in action Get a demo Eliminate stockouts with Katana Easily manage incoming orders from all your sales channels Track products available for sale Learn more about our plans and the features they come with Check out the pricing Plans starting from $359 / month Annual and monthly billing options Add users and warehouses as you grow Integrate with the best e-commerce, accounting, reporting, and CRM software out there Create custom API integrations Use Katana’s open API to create custom workflows and connect to apps beyond our list of integrations. Automate data transfers between the services you use to level up efficiency. Take a look at our API documentation to learn more. See all integrations Get visibility over your sales and stock Wave goodbye to uncertainty by using Katana Cloud Inventory for total inventory control Get a demo

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> Take control of your pet supplies manufacturing with Katana, which helps manufacturers get more control over their business. Start a free trial.

- Published: 2021-04-27
- Modified: 2024-05-16
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/industries/pet-supplies-manufacturing/

Track batches and expiry dates for total inventory control Maximize efficiency and stay in control of your pet supply manufacturing business with ERP software that connects to all the e-commerce and accounting tools you love. Katana also supports batch and expiry date tracking, ensuring industry compliance and total visibility when it comes to tracking your perishable stock. Get a demo Features Getting your products to customers faster Katana supports your workflows no matter your industry with the features and seamless integrations you need to manage your business how you want. See Katana in action Manage production planning, resource allocation, and scheduling in real time Issue purchase orders based on precise material requirements and reorder points Implement Katana on your own or with a team of experts that will set you up for success Learn more about our plans and the features they come with Check out the pricing Plans starting from $179 / month Annual and monthly billing options Add users and warehouses as you grow Integrate with the best e-commerce, accounting, reporting, and CRM software out there Create custom API integrations Use Katana’s open API to create custom workflows and connect to apps beyond our list of integrations. Automate data transfers between the services you use to level up efficiency. Take a look at our API documentation to learn more. See all integrations Get visibility over your sales and stock Wave goodbye to uncertainty by using Katana Cloud Inventory for total inventory control Get a demo

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> Take control of your packaging manufacturing with Katana, which helps manufacturers get more control over their business. Start a free trial.

- Published: 2021-04-27
- Modified: 2025-06-02
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/industries/paper-packaging-manufacturing/

Make precise pricing decisions with intuitive manufacturing software Paper and packaging manufacturing is highly price-sensitive, and accurate costing is essential to profit and business growth. Create multi-level BOMs for your different materials, with subassemblies in Katana to make precise pricing decisions based on your product margins. Get a demo Features Improve efficiency and harmonize your teams with features designed to give you total control Find a new live look at your manufacturing business with features that keep your teams and products moving. Use Katana's ERP to control every detail of your manufacturing production. Live inventory tracking Track on-hand, committed, and expected stock amounts in real-time, and manage product materials in one place Real time master planning Gain real-time visibility to optimize all your key resources, and ensure optimal inventory levels at all times Total shop floor control View manufacturing order task and ingredient list for every task, and track time spent on production tasks Omnichannel order management Unify B2B and e-commerce sales order management and sync your sales channels for optimal order fulfillment End-to-end traceability Autogenerate batch and internal barcodes and quickly locate items across multiple warehouses Production planning Drag-and-drop priorities for manufacturing tasks and get accurate expected completion dates of your tasks Purchase order management Select and use multiple currencies to automatically convert purchase sales order values to the currency you prefer Accurate costing Track your company’s manufacturing costs based on your bill of materials (BOM) and various production operations Custom workflows via open API Connect tools and create workflows to streamline your operations, and build your own apps into Katana via open API Integrate with the best e-commerce, accounting, reporting, and CRM software out there Create custom API integrations Use Katana’s open API to create custom workflows and connect to apps beyond our list of integrations. Automate data transfers between the services you use to level up efficiency. Take a look at our API documentation to learn more. See all integrations Katana's manufacturing ERP software gives you precise end-to-end production management Paper and packaging are still a necessity for so many businesses around the world, and this is why the makers of these products need excellent organization at all times. This is where Katana steps in. With Katana, you get immediate inventory control, knowing what you have in stock, what material requirements you have, and the ability to set automatic reorder points, so you’re never out. You’ll also always have a good overview of your lead time, so you can set expectations to meet customer demands. Maintain operational efficiency with an industry-leading manufacturing ERP No matter which materials you’re creating, paper, corrugated board, wool, or something entirely different, you need to be able to make and ship it at a consistent rate. This means solid requirements planning, the ability to optimize stock, and high operational efficiency, all enabled by Katana. Maintaining quality control is as easy as can be with Katana’s bill of materials (BOM) feature. But ensuring quality is one thing. Consistent data collection on purchases, production,...

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## Integrations

> SparkLayer powers the ecommerce side of B2B sales. Katana powers what happens behind the scenes. Together, they help brands streamline wholesale ordering, sync inventory and pricing, and deliver on every promise to retail partners.

- Published: 2025-06-10
- Modified: 2025-06-10
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/integrations/sparklayer/
- Integration Categories: E-commerce

SparkLayer powers the ecommerce side of B2B sales. Katana powers what happens behind the scenes. Together, they help brands streamline wholesale ordering, sync inventory and pricing, and deliver on every promise to retail partners. Integration SparkLayer Website sparklayer. io Category Ecommerce Type Third-party Documentation How to set up the integration Sales orders that flow straight into production When a wholesale customer places an order in SparkLayer, it is sent directly to Katana with all the details needed for fulfillment. Orders arrive complete with products, quantities, and delivery info, so your team can act fast without manual entry. Sales orders from SparkLayer are created automatically in Katana Product SKUs and quantities are matched with your Katana item list Order status updates are reflected in both systems Delivery information is transferred to support fulfillment workflows Accurate stock, pricing, and customer data at every step With Katana and SparkLayer connected, your wholesale buyers always see the correct stock availability and pricing. At the same time, your team gains full visibility into customer data and account-level pricing rules. Stock levels in Katana are displayed in SparkLayer for real-time accuracy Customer and company details are synced to avoid duplicate entry B2B price lists and customer-specific pricing are applied automatically in SparkLayer Sales agents can place orders on behalf of customers with role-based access Integrate with the best ecommerce, accounting, reporting, and CRM software out there All your business tools — connected Optimize your workflow with native and third-party integrations, automating data transfer between systems and reducing errors. Or build your own custom integrations using the open API for seamless data flow with other applications. Check out the API documentation for more details. See all integrations

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> Eliminate manual fulfillment steps, sync order and tracking data in real time, and gain full visibility into your delivery process for cost-effective shipping.

- Published: 2025-04-24
- Modified: 2025-05-06
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/integrations/starshipit/
- Integration Categories: Shipping

Connect and automate your shipping operations with Starshipit integration. Eliminate manual fulfillment steps, sync order and tracking data in real time, and gain full visibility into your delivery process for faster, more cost-effective shipping. Integration Starshipit Website starshipit. com Category Shipping Type Third-party Documentation Coming soon Automate fulfillment and cut shipping costs with Starshipit Integrate Starshipit with Katana to streamline your back-office shipping operations. Automate the entire fulfillment process and reduce costs with flexible rate management and real-time syncing. Automatically generate shipping labels, packing slips, customs documentation, and manifests Seamlessly sync orders between Katana and Starshipit — no manual data entry Compare live rates or automatically choose the cheapest shipping option Support for multiple carriers and your own negotiated shipping rates Integrate with major ecommerce platforms and couriers Connect Katana to Starshipit for fast, error-free shipping Deliver a polished post-purchase experience that keeps customers informed, reduces support volume, and simplifies returns — all while keeping your brand front and center. Branded tracking pages and delivery notifications to reduce customer inquiries Offer multiple shipping services, rates, and delivery times at checkout Free onboarding and expert support for businesses of every size Simplify returns with a fully branded self-service journey Integrate with the best ecommerce, accounting, reporting, and CRM software out there All your business tools — connected Optimize your workflow with native and third-party integrations, automating data transfer between systems and reducing errors. Or build your own custom integrations using the open API for seamless data flow with other applications. Check out the API documentation for more details. See all integrations

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> Contextualize your cash flow against inventory with Katana’s open API integration with Accountero.

- Published: 2024-12-20
- Modified: 2024-12-20
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/integrations/accountero/
- Integration Categories: Reporting

Contextualize your cash flow against inventory with Katana’s open API integration with Accountero. This integration gives you a holistic view of business performance, effective monitoring of multiple sales channels, and actionable insights for enhanced financial control. Integration Accountero Website accountero. com Category Reporting Type Third-party Documentation Coming soon Make informed decisions with cash flow against inventory insights Align inventory and finances with a real-time view of cash flow. Automatically sync your data across systems to create actionable reports and financial dashboards for a clear view of your business health. Key features include: Custom reports, visual dashboards, and widgets for real-time insights Quick access to critical metrics on sales, inventory, and AR/AP Efficient monitoring across channels to reduce errors and save time AI analysis and recommendations validated by accounting experts Integrate with the best e-commerce, accounting, reporting, and CRM software out there Create custom API integrations Use Katana’s open API to create custom workflows and connect to apps beyond our list of integrations. Automate data transfers between the services you use to level up efficiency. Take a look at our API documentation to learn more. See all integrations

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> Automate logistics, increase reliability, and lower transportation costs by connecting your Katana account to Owlery. Learn more.

- Published: 2023-12-07
- Modified: 2024-05-18
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/integrations/owlery/
- Integration Categories: Shipping

Connecting your Katana account to Owlery allows you to lower transportation costs and provides an overall look at your supply chain. Owlery tracks everything down to an item and provides you with instant visibility and analytics. Integration: Owlery Website: owlery. ai Category: Shipping Type: Third-party Documentation: Integrate with Katana Improve collaboration with your transportation partners Leave logistics optimization to Owlery and focus on what matters most to your business. Send sales and purchase orders from Katana to Owlery Select an order from Owlery's quotes page Get instant quotes and tender from their freight brokers Integrate with the best e-commerce, accounting, reporting, and CRM software out there Create custom API integrations Use Katana’s open API to create custom workflows and connect to apps beyond our list of integrations. Automate data transfers between the services you use to level up efficiency. Take a look at our API documentation to learn more. See all integrations

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> Ensure you’re providing customers with the highest quality of products and services by automating quality checks and safety workflows. Learn more.

- Published: 2023-10-10
- Modified: 2024-05-18
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/integrations/workclout/
- Integration Categories: Other

With the WorkClout integration, you can cover all of your purchase order workflows in Katana. This allows you to have greater quality control over incoming goods. Integration: WorkClout Website: workclout. com Category: Other Type: Third-party Documentation: Integrate with Katana Automate quality checks and safety workflows Complete quality control tasks inside WorkClout on Katana purchase orders and seamlessly update them through an automated workflow. Send purchase orders to WorkClout Find an attached URL reference to test results in Katana Assign status updates through WorkClout Integrate with the best e-commerce, accounting, reporting, and CRM software out there Create custom API integrations Use Katana’s open API to create custom workflows and connect to apps beyond our list of integrations. Automate data transfers between the services you use to level up efficiency. Take a look at our API documentation to learn more. See all integrations

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> Integrating Katana with JIKKO’s Manufacturing Execution System (MES) helps companies to build a more efficient workflow between multiple systems. Learn more.

- Published: 2023-06-22
- Modified: 2024-05-18
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/integrations/jikko/
- Integration Categories: Automation, MES

Integrating Katana with JIKKO’s cutting-edge Manufacturing Execution System (MES) empowers manufacturing SMEs to optimize their production processes, enhance operational efficiency, and achieve sustainable growth. With real-time data collection, advanced analytics, and AI-driven insights, JIKKO revolutionizes the way businesses operate, enabling them to streamline workflows, reduce costs, and improve productivity by up to 30%. Integration: JIKKO Website: opalytica. com Category: MES Type: Third-party Documentation: Integrate with Katana Revolutionize the way your business operates With real-time data collection, advanced analytics, and AI-driven insights, JIKKO can completely change how a business strings its processes together. Streamline workflows between different systems Reduce costs needed to manage multiple tools Improve productivity by up to 30% Push data between Katana and JIKKO and sync statuses Integrate with the best e-commerce, accounting, reporting, and CRM software out there Create custom API integrations Use Katana’s open API to create custom workflows and connect to apps beyond our list of integrations. Automate data transfers between the services you use to level up efficiency. Take a look at our API documentation to learn more. See all integrations

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> Integrate Shippo with Katana via the Extensiv Integration Manager and gain access to all the best carriers and prices to match your needs. Learn more.

- Published: 2023-05-15
- Modified: 2024-05-18
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/integrations/shippo-extensiv/
- Integration Categories: Shipping

Through the Extensiv Integration Manager, you can now take advantage of all the delivery carriers Shippo offers and track all the shipments from inside Shippo’s dashboard. Integration: Shippo Website: goshippo. com Category: Shipping Type: Third-party Documentation: Integration guide Choose the setup that works best for you Shippo can be set up as either the order source where you can send sales orders from to a 3PL provider or WMS system or you can send sales orders from a shopping cart/marketplace to Shippo if you want to fulfill orders directly in Shippo. Connecting Katana to Shippo via Extensiv only takes a few minutes: Create a free Extensiv trial account Log in to Extensiv and set up Katana (either as an order source or order destination) Adjust your Shippo settings in Extensiv

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> Syncware can connect Katana to over 300 different apps, making it easier to automate your business and allowing you to focus on what matters. Read more.

- Published: 2023-03-23
- Modified: 2024-05-18
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/integrations/syncware/
- Integration Categories: Automation

Syncware saves you from the manual work that can be automated and the extra cost of processing orders. Simply connect to any of the 300+ integrations available and Syncware will automate everything — orders, shipments, products, and inventory — allowing you to focus on growth. Integration: Syncware Website: syncware. com Category: Automation Type: Third-party Documentation: Integrate with Katana Mix and match different workflows to see what works With Syncware’s large selection of apps, you can pick and choose which type of workflow works best for your business. Sync sales and purchase orders, products, and shipments between Katana and your order sources (e-commerce, Marketplaces, sales reps), WMS and Shipping apps, and EDI chain retailers. Push inventory related information from Katana to e-commerce, WMS, Marketplaces, and EDI chain retailers. Integrate with the best e-commerce, accounting, reporting, and CRM software out there Create custom API integrations Use Katana’s open API to create custom workflows and connect to apps beyond our list of integrations. Automate data transfers between the services you use to level up efficiency. Take a look at our API documentation to learn more. See all integrations

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> Through the Extensiv Integration Manager, you can effortlessly integrate with ShipStation to easily import, manage, and ship out orders. Read more.

- Published: 2023-03-02
- Modified: 2024-05-18
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/integrations/shipstation/
- Integration Categories: Shipping

Through the Extensiv Integration Manager, you can easily connect ShipStation to Katana and either send orders from Katana to ShipStation for order fulfillment or send orders from ShipStation to Katana to push order related information. Integration: ShipStation Website: shipstation. com Category: Shipping Type: Third-party Documentation: Integration guide A better shipping experience from start to finish To experience the convenience of ShipStation, you’ll first need to create a free Extensiv trial account (which only takes a couple minutes). Once the Extensiv account is created and you’re logged in, set up Katana as either an order source or order destination. After that, adjust the ShipStation settings within Extensiv. Create a free trial account with Extensiv Set up Katana as an order source or order destination Adjust the ShipStation settings in Extensiv

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> QuickBooks MRP software centralizes your inventory, production, and sales order data. Integrate with QuickBooks to sync sales orders and reduce admin time.

- Published: 2023-01-19
- Modified: 2024-05-18
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/integrations/quickbooks/quickbooks-mrp/

When you are a manufacturer with barely any time to spare, the last thing you want is for your QuickBooks Online to give you headaches. The MRP integration between Katana and QuickBooks helps you easily manage your sales and production operations from one intuitive platform. Get a demo Features The QuickBooks MRP integration helps you automate your manufacturing and accounting processes Katana’s QuickBooks Online integration saves you time and money with automated solutions and advanced features for optimizing manufacturing, so you can focus on what your business needs. With the help of a QuickBooks MRP, you can ensure total accuracy when calculating costs and dealing with finances. Tracking finances Sales and purchase orders saved in Katana's MRP for QuickBooks appear in QuickBooks as invoices and bills Read more Live inventory management Track your inventory levels by location, set reorder points for each item, and get real-time updates on inventory movement Read more Supply chain management End-to-end traceability to quickly and accurately assess any supply chain issues before they become a threat and ensure cash flow stays positive Read more Real-time master planner Automate item allocation for quick and easy order fulfillment. Prioritize orders, and Katana automatically adjusts your production schedule Read more Omnichannel order management Manage make-to-order and make-to-stock workflows simultaneously, centralizing your D2C and B2B operations for total visibility Read more Customizable integrations Katana’s API means you can integrate e-commerce, CRMs, and other essential tools into your workflow Read more You’ve got a traffic light system for stock control which is really nice. It’s cloud-based, which is helpful. And it integrates with QuickBooks Online. So it’s all really seamless. ” Simon BeddingManaging Director at Sylmasta I don’t have to do anything myself anymore — as soon as the operator marks the manufacturing order as complete, the dashboard on the floor says whether these orders are ready to ship. " Thomas JudgeOwner at GJ Motorsports With Katana, we can more effectively see and follow inventory levels, and have recipes and bills of materials (BOMs) for our manufactured products" Richie DuncanFounder of KODAMA We also wanted an accurate inventory system for batch planning, warehousing, and sales. Katana fulfills all our needs in a simple, easy solution. ” Irah VetFounder and Production Manager at Hornby Organic Simple accounting integration with cloud-based sales and manufacturing solutions With the Katana and QuickBooks integration, you can manage your sales orders, manufacturing, finances, and customers in one place. Getting started is simple — all you need to do is connect your QuickBooks and Katana accounts. From then on, your sales orders will flow automatically from one to the other, allowing you to easily pair your manufacturing and sales orders. Your accounting team can focus on other tasks, such as preparing for the tax season or analyzing your company’s financial performance — while your shop floor operators can focus on delivering quality products. Centralize your business' important information between Katana and QuickBooks In addition to saving you time, the integration between QuickBooks and Katana offers several other...

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> Xero order management made easy with Katana. Integrate Xero accounting software with Katana and streamline Xero sales orders and purchase orders.

- Published: 2022-12-06
- Modified: 2024-05-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/integrations/xero/xero-order-management/

Gain control over your purchase, sale, and manufacturing orders with Xero order management system. Connect Xero with Katana to manage all your orders effortlessly from a central place. Integrating Katana will improve efficiency, cut back on admin time, and eliminate human errors. Get a demo Features Sync your orders between platforms automatically Katana's Xero order management software equips you with all the tools needed to automate your entire workflow, from ordering raw materials to producing goods and managing your finances. Live inventory management Have a real-time overview of your entire inventory, including finished goods, work-in-process, and raw materials Read more Easy integrations Connect all your favorite business tools for a unified experience across all platforms and eliminate human errors Read more Sales and purchase order sync Streamline order management by having your sales and purchase orders pushed to Xero automatically as invoices and bills Read more Accurate costing Keep track of your manufacturing costs and product margins to make accurate pricing decisions Read more Katana Insights Keep an eye on your sales performance and make data-driven decisions with intuitive visual dashboards Read more Barcode scanning Speed up receiving inventory and stocktakes by counting products and materials with barcode scanners Read more Get a demo Katana’s bill of materials (BOM) is a tremendous help. Integrations with Shopify and Xero also play a big role in business management, and we can now manage both B2B and B2C orders with greater ease. ” Nadia HussainSupply Chain Manager at Raw Coffee Company Katana accurately keeps stock of assemblies and ingredients so that I can plan production and get instant feedback on whether we have enough resources in stock. ” Kelly CostelloChief Executive Officer (CEO) at Puppy Cake That was one thing that was very difficult to manage was raw material inventory — for example, how many black t-shirts do I need to order? That was the main reason why we selected Katana. ” Lisa DiepChief Operating Officer (COO) at Peace Collective I think that Katana had a much lower barrier to entry. It was still some work to get up and running, but I was able to gradually build my processes into Katana’s system over several months. ” Richie DuncanFounder of KODAMA Create Xero bills and invoices directly from Katana Save time and money with Katana’s Xero order management software by automating the process of creating, updating, and managing invoices and bills. Katana lets you: Create invoices based on sales order statuses in your system Quickly convert purchase orders into Xero bills with one click Keep all your contact information up to date so that it is always accurate and consistent By automating these processes, Katana’s Xero order management system ensures all your invoices and bill payments are handled on time. With the powerful sync feature, you can be sure that customer and supplier data is always up-to-date, allowing you to spend your time on more critical tasks. Track your orders across multiple sales channels Businesses often sell across multiple channels to maximize sales...

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> You can centralize customer messages from multiple e-commerce stores in one helpdesk platform. Learn more.

- Published: 2022-11-29
- Modified: 2024-05-18
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/integrations/replyco/
- Integration Categories: Other

Centralize all your customer messages from multiple different e-commerce platforms into one intuitive inbox. Replyco is a helpdesk app that enables you to automate tasks and deliver exceptional customer support. Integration: Replyco Website: replyco. com Category: Other Type: Third-party Documentation: Integrate with Katana Optimize your workflows by handling all customer messages from one platform Connecting Replyco to your Katana account enables you to automatically notify your clients if the sales order fulfillment takes longer than expected. Apart from that, Replyco helps you to: Save time on manual tasks by using single login for all stores and marketplaces Access support team analytics and reporting Use custom templates and tags Allocate and prioritize messages, and more

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> Connect Shopify and Katana to sync manufacturing and sales data automatically. Learn more about Shopify manufacturing software with Katana.

- Published: 2022-11-28
- Modified: 2024-05-21
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/integrations/shopify/shopify-manufacturing-software/
- Integration Categories: E-commerce

Leave competitors in the dust by combining your Shopify sales data, inventory management, and accounting into one streamlined system. With Katana, get real-time reports on your business performance and make better decisions to grow your company. Get a demo Features Connect the simplicity of Shopify with the efficiency of Katana Say goodbye to daily manual stocktakes scrawling through complicated spreadsheets. Keep an eye on stock levels, prioritize sales orders, and set reorder points to avoid disruptions with just a few clicks. Expanded visibility See your business as a whole and make better decisions. Katana gives you complete visibility over your data so that you can quickly adapt to changes in the market. Read more Calming visuals Stop stressing over your business data. With a sleek and modern interface, get the information you need at a glance without feeling overwhelmed. Read more Avoid stockouts Know exactly when it's time to reorder materials and products. Katana automatically keeps track of your inventory levels and allocates items to open sales and manufacturing orders. Read more Connect multiple stores Have several Shopify stores? No problem! Katana can connect to all of them and give you a complete overview of your business. Read more Drag-and-drop priority If a special order comes in, you can easily prioritize it over others with Katana's drag-and-drop feature to make sure it isn’t delayed. Read more Mutual sync With complete integration between Shopify and Katana, you'll never have to worry about data being out of sync. Manage your business from one central location for maximum efficiency. Read more Get a demo We wanted an accurate inventory system for batch planning, warehousing, and sales. Katana fulfills all our needs in a simple, easy solution. ” Irah VetFounder and Production Manager at Hornby Organic Since implementing Katana, we’ve grown our product offering, and that wouldn't be possible without it. It has freed up my time so I can focus on designing and creating more products. It also means that I am not working until 11 pm every night. ” Thomas Judge Owner at GJ Motorsports Katana’s bill of materials (BOM) is a tremendous help. Integrations with Shopify and Xero also play a big role in business management, and we can now manage both B2B and B2C orders with greater ease. ” Nadia Hussain Supply Chain Manager at Raw Coffee Company We chose Katana because it seemed to be the most user-friendly software we tried – it is very easy to use, and the customer service is great! ” Candice Murno Founder and Designer at Buttercream Clothing Optimize your workflow with multiple integrations You can optimize your workflow and get the most out of your data by connecting Katana, Shopify, and other business tools. Connect to accounting software like QuickBooks or Xero to streamline bookkeeping or a shipping app to automate order fulfillment. There are endless possibilities for how Katana can help you run your business better. With less time spent on administrative tasks, you can focus on designing, manufacturing, and selling the...

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> Katana ERP is a purpose-built QuickBooks order management software for managing sales, purchase, and manufacturing orders. Try it for free.

- Published: 2022-10-31
- Modified: 2024-05-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/integrations/quickbooks/quickbooks-order-management/
- Integration Categories: Accounting

QuickBooks order management tracking across all your sales channels and warehouses has never been easier when using the right order management software for QuickBooks. Get timely inventory level updates, avoid stockouts, and use barcode scanning to receive and count stock with Katana. Get a demo Features Get total visibility and optimize your QuickBooks order management with Katana Katana equips you with essential features for managing QuickBooks online sales orders and manufacturing operations in one place. Integrate your QuickBooks online ordering system with your accounting, sales order fulfillment, and shipping operations in a single platform. Live inventory management Track inventory across any location for complete control and clarity of product stock levels Read more Barcode scanning A barcode system keeps up with your QuickBooks order management at every warehouse and store Read more Set reorder points Get a head start by ordering additional items to fulfill QuickBooks orders and reduce lead time Read more Ecommerce integrations Upgrade your QuickBooks online ordering system by Integrating with Shopify, BigCommerce, and more Read more Seamless production planning QuickBooks order management software where you set priorities and resources get allocated automatically Read more Customized workflows via API A QuickBooks order management solution that’s customizable with Katana’s open API Read more Learn more about Katana + QuickBooks Online Katana provides us with all the features for manufacturing order management and can track inventory usage and incorporate our sales order tracking into Katana. ” Mikhail MooreChief Executive Office (CEO) at Vitacore Industries Having the shop floor know what they can or can’t make on a given day is amazing and replaces our previous “system” of spreadsheets. ” Sara VarelaFounder and Designer at Sara Gabriel With Katana, we are able to track products, build recipes for materials, and set reorder points for our materials as well. ” Lisa DiepChief Operating Officer (COO) at Peace Collective We also wanted an accurate inventory system for batch planning, warehousing, and sales. Katana fulfills all our needs in a simple, easy solution. ” Irah VetFounder and Production Manager at Hornby Organic Reduce admin time and streamline accounting With Katana order management software for QuickBooks, you can manage all your sales and manufacturing orders in one place. Getting started is simple, and once your accounts are synced, you'll be able to track open and upcoming orders in real time. Then, once the integration is set up, you can send sales orders from Katana to QuickBooks as invoices and purchase orders from Katana as bills to QuickBooks — making your accountant's life so much easier. With more information about your order status, your team spends less time on manual data tracking and can concentrate on other business-critical tasks. QuickBooks order management solution and Shop Floor App to manage your business on the fly Become unstoppable with a 24-hour connection with your team and suppliers, so you can place purchase orders and make business decisions no matter where you are. Do you use contract manufacturing within your workflow? No need to panic. QuickBooks order management...

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> Through Integrately, you can easily connect your Katana account to hundreds of useful business apps without needing to code anything. Learn more.

- Published: 2022-10-31
- Modified: 2024-11-20
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/integrations/integrately/
- Integration Categories: Automation

Automate repetitive workflows and connect your Katana account to hundreds of e-commerce platforms, cloud services, and other business apps without needing to code anything. You can also use pre-built triggers to create the automations in just a few clicks. Integration: Integrately Website: integrately. com Category: Automation Type: Third-party Documentation: Integrate with Katana Sync sales orders between Katana and other tools Integrately is a simplified solution that allows you to easily integrate with hundreds of apps in a few clicks. Connect Integrately to benefit from: Exporting data from several cloud platforms like Google Sheets, OneDrive, etc. Optimized shipping by syncing sales orders between Katana and shipping services Sending emails, Slack messages, or SMS if the status of your sales order changes Driving deals from marketing and CRM platforms like Marketo, Zoho CRM, etc. Connecting Katana with Monday. com, Trello, Asana, and more. Integrate with the best e-commerce, accounting, reporting, and CRM software out there Create custom API integrations Use Katana’s open API to create custom workflows and connect to apps beyond our list of integrations. Automate data transfers between the services you use to level up efficiency. Take a look at our API documentation to learn more. See all integrations

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> Manufacturing and bookkeeping united with Katana’s QuickBooks manufacturing software for managing production and finances in one go.

- Published: 2022-10-31
- Modified: 2024-05-18
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/integrations/quickbooks/quickbooks-manufacturing/
- Integration Categories: Accounting

Manufacturing and bookkeeping without proper software can feel like sailing on two boats in choppy waters. Unite these two worlds with Katana’s QuickBooks Online integration and push invoices and bills to QuickBooks with one click. Get a demo Features Make your accountants’ lives easier with Katana Keeping your books in order is just as important as chasing efficiency on your shop floor. With Katana, you can kill two birds with one stone, and go after more. With a QuickBooks manufacturing software, like Katana, you can get rid of the constant back and forth about invoices and bills, saving your accountants a lot of time and helping them balance your books much more efficiently. Tracking finances Simplify tracking sales and purchase orders with Katana’s manufacturing software for QuickBooks Read more Total shop floor control Track material consumption, time spent on tasks, and optimize your shop floor with the power of real-time data Read more Production planning Automate the reallocation of materials based on the priorities you set Read more Omnichannel order management Centralize all your sales channels onto one easy-to-use platform Read more Real-time inventory management Track on-hand, committed, and expected stock amounts in real time Read more Accurate costing Track manufacturing costs based on your bill of materials (BOM) and production operations Read more Learn more about Katana + QuickBooks Online Katana provides us with all the features for manufacturing order management and can track inventory usage and incorporate our sales order tracking into Katana. ” Mikhail MooreChief Executive Office (CEO) at Vitacore Industries Having the shop floor know what they can or can’t make on a given day is amazing and replaces our previous “system” of spreadsheets. ” Sara VarelaFounder and Designer at Sara Gabriel With Katana, we are able to track products, build recipes for materials, and set reorder points for our materials as well. ” Lisa DiepChief Operating Officer (COO) at Peace Collective We also wanted an accurate inventory system for batch planning, warehousing, and sales. Katana fulfills all our needs in a simple, easy solution. ” Irah VetFounder and Production Manager at Hornby Organic Powerful manufacturing software that integrates with QuickBooks Have your manufacturing and accounting team aligned with manufacturing software for QuickBooks. Automatically sync your supplier and customer data between the teams, and push invoices from the Katana platform to QuickBooks Online with one click. Setting up the integration is a breeze, as connecting Katana to your QuickBooks account only takes a couple of minutes. From then on, the integration makes sure that information moves smoothly between your QuickBooks Online and the Katana platform. Thereby freeing your accounting team from having to track down the numbers manually and allowing your shop floor operators to focus on what they do best – manufacturing quality products. Accounting made easy with QuickBooks manufacturing software Without a proper system to track expenses and revenues, you will end up chasing both your employees, and your accountants come the tax filing season. This can get even more complicated if you have...

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> Katana’s BigCommerce ERP integration automates and streamlines your manufacturing processes. Try it for free with a 14-day free trial.

- Published: 2022-09-16
- Modified: 2024-05-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/integrations/bigcommerce/bigcommerce-erp-integration/

Manage your online sales, production, and accounting from one platform with a BigCommerce ERP integration built to support manufacturers of any size and industry. Adopt BigCommerce ERP to automate responsibilities and significantly reduce your admin time. Get a demo Features Improved communication between your business tools with Katana The Katana ERP for BigCommerce integration provides a comprehensive set of inventory management features for a real-time overview of your business without switching between apps. Connect your favorite business tools and manage your entire business from one platform. Ecommerce integrations Connect seamlessly with the most popular e-commerce stores available and gain complete control over your sales and inventory Read more Shop Floor App Manage your business operations remotely by creating, assigning, and tracking tasks with Katana’s Shop Floor App Read more Accurate costing Make precise pricing decisions as Katana accurately tracks your expenses based on production and your bill of materials (BOMs) data Read more Omnichannel experience Easily connect multiple e-commerce platforms and manage them all from Katana with full support for D2C and B2B sales Read more Inventory planning Create forecasts based on accurate sales data, set automatic reorder points, and calculate safety stock levels to meet customer demand Read more Real-time master planning Use a visual drag-and-drop system to reprioritize your open orders and let Katana automatically allocate resources and items accordingly Read more Learn more about Katana + BigCommerce Since implementing Katana, we’ve grown our product offering, and that wouldn't be possible without it. It has freed up my time so I can focus on designing and creating more products. It also means that I am not working until 11 pm every night. ” Thomas JudgeOwner at GJ Motorsports We struggled to know which items are in stock so that we could build a batch and therefore often found extra components lying around Katana, we can now know what we have in store and where to look for it. ” Danielle Louw Production Manager at CT LAB Before Katana and Naturewall I’ve used Sage, SAP, and in-house Excel programs in previous positions. Here they used Linnworks, but we couldn’t get it to meet the business production requirements, which is why Katana was brought in. ” Stephen NewloveProcurement and Logistics Manager at NatureWall Katana’s bill of materials (BOM) is a tremendous help. Integrations with Shopify and Xero also play a big role in business management, and we can now manage both B2B and B2C orders with greater ease. ” Nadia HussainSupply Chain Manager at Raw Coffee Company Keep stock levels synchronized with the ERP for BigCommerce integration Establishing a clear overview of your inventory, sales, incoming orders, and all other business processes ensures your customers get their products without any hiccups — and not having a live view of this information can make managing your store incredibly difficult. Katana’s BigCommerce ERP integration synchronizes all your sales with your inventory levels. As soon as new orders arrive, Katana automatically allocates the required items and resources to fulfill the order. With Katana, you...

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> Xero ERP integration to simply update your bills and invoices. Adopt Katana and keep your accounting documents in sync with your ERP.

- Published: 2022-09-09
- Modified: 2024-05-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/integrations/xero/xero-erp-integration/

Adopt Xero ERP integration to streamline your billing and invoicing. Katana ERP integration with Xero keeps your accounts and sales synchronized across both platforms and significantly reduces the required admin time. Get a demo Features Automate the communication between your business tools with Katana Katana comes with tons of native and third-party integrations that eliminate the need to copy information across platforms manually. Leave the mundane tasks to Katana and dedicate your time to running your business. Live inventory management Gain a real-time overview of your stock levels with Katana to keep your inventory levels optimal and avoid stock-outs Read more Purchase order management Simply manage your purchase orders for in-house and outsourced manufacturing from a centralized hub Read more Barcode scanning Speed up receiving and counting stock and reduce human errors with Katana’s barcode scanning feature Read more Easy integrations Connect seamlessly with the best accounting, reporting, and e-commerce platforms on the market Read more Sales order management Fulfill your sales orders based on product availability and manage multichannel sales from one platform Read more Shop Floor App Manage your warehouse remotely with Katana’s Shop Floor App, create tasks, and track completion Read more Learn more about Katana + Xero Katana’s bill of materials (BOM) is a tremendous help. Integrations with Shopify and Xero also play a big role in business management, and we can now manage both B2B and B2C orders with greater ease. ” Nadia HussainSupply Chain Manager at Raw Coffee Company I think that Katana had a much lower barrier to entry. It was still some work to get up and running, but I was able to gradually build my processes into Katana’s system over several months. ” Richie DuncanFounder of KODAMA We struggled to know which items are in stock so that we could build a batch and therefore often found extra components lying around Katana, we can now know what we have in store and where to look for it. ” Danielle LouwProduction Manager at CT LAB Having a system track inventory and what stage it is in has been incredibly helpful. It also has helped our team have a more clear delineation of the order of operations for each product in our catalog. ” Sarah ZingerDirector of Production Logistics at System76 Multicurrency support with automatic conversions Perhaps you're purchasing your raw materials from abroad to take advantage of better prices. Or maybe, you sell your products worldwide to benefit from global demand. Regardless of your business strategy, exchanging with other countries can involve dealing with different currencies, which can significantly increase the workload of your bookkeeper. To ensure you can maintain a friendly relationship with your bookkeeper, it's better to give them a helping hand. The Katana ERP integration with Xero is here to do just that. Katana has multicurrency support that allows you to sell in the currency your customers prefer and buy from your suppliers in the currency they use. Katana's Xero ERP integration converts everything back into your base currency...

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> Connect your online store to Katana via Extensiv and automate inventory and sales order sync. Learn more.

- Published: 2022-09-05
- Modified: 2024-12-16
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/integrations/prestashop/
- Integration Categories: E-commerce

Automate the import of sales orders and sync your inventory from PrestaShop to your Katana account. Reduce the time you waste aligning data between the two systems while experiencing total visibility over manufacturing processes and order fulfillment within one platform. Integration: PrestaShop Website: prestashop. com Category: E-commerce Type: Third-party Documentation Integrate with Katana Gain a real-time overview of your PrestaShop’s sales and order fulfillment Connecting Katana to your PrestaShop store via Extensiv simplifies stock level management, sales order synchronization, and fulfillment process control. Find live insights that help ensure on-time product manufacturing and raw material purchasing while avoiding stock-outs and remaining up to date. Easily connect Katana to PrestaShop through Extensiv Move inventory across sales channels Auto-create products in Katana from PrestaShop Collect Sales order shipping info in Katana from PrestaShop Integrate with the best e-commerce, accounting, reporting, and CRM software out there Create custom API integrations Use Katana’s open API to create custom workflows and connect to apps beyond our list of integrations. Automate data transfers between the services you use to level up efficiency. Take a look at our API documentation to learn more. See all integrations

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> Use Katana’s WooCommerce ERP integration to sync your manufacturing production and online sales in a single platform and save time daily.

- Published: 2022-08-18
- Modified: 2024-05-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/integrations/woocommerce/woocommerce-erp/

Use Katana’s WooCommerce ERP integration to sync your manufacturing production and online sales in a single platform for more holistic business management and less unnecessary admin. Get a demo Features An ERP system which makes production and sales simpler Combining your existing WooCommerce store with an online business run through Katana could not be easier. With both accounts up and running it takes a few clicks, and you’ll start eliminating manual work from day one, as you get a wider view of your business, greater automation, and a simplified approach to production, sales, and accounting. Stay connected to your business Use cloud-based inventory software to make your Woocommerce store more productive and powerful Read more Work with your team remotely Katana’s Shop Floor App tracks your manufacturing processes in real-time, while keeping Katana’s ERP system up-to-date Read more Total manufacturing control Manage the full production cycle, including order management, inventory, and manufacturing tasks on your shop floor Read more Sell around the world Become a global business with Katana’s multicurrency capability – buy and sell in multiple currencies with daily conversion rates Read more Costing made easy Track your manufacturing costs based on your BOM and production operations, and make precise pricing decisions Read more Make products your way Katana supports both make-to-order and make-to-stock manufacturing workflows to support your business needs Read more Learn more about Katana + WooCommerce Most e-commerce platforms are built for selling high-volume, low-price products... but we need documentation and other prerequisites for the sale, even if it’s online. This is why WooCommerce has been the optimal solution, and connecting it with Katana was pretty flawless. " Tabatha HughesFinance and IT Manager at Kron Technologies Since implementing Katana, we’ve grown our product offering, and that wouldn't be possible without it. It has freed up my time so I can focus on designing and creating more products. It also means that I am not working until 11 pm every night. ” Thomas JudgeOwner at GJ Motorsports We chose Katana because it seemed to be the most user-friendly software we tried – it is very easy to use and the customer service is great! ” Candice MurnoFounder and Designer at Buttercream Clothing With Katana, we are able to track products, build recipes for materials, and set reorder points for our materials as well. ” Lisa DiepChief Operating Officer (COO) at Peace Collective Complete organization with an ERP you can trust Bringing your manufacturing business into Katana allows you to integrate easily with your existing WooCommerce store. You can organize your materials and products and sync inventory to maintain accurate stock quantities in both your store and warehouse. And all your data is updated in real time, so you always have up-to-date numbers and can set reorder points for your raw materials. Get live syncing between production and sales You can synchronize both your orders and stock using Katana's ERP integration with WooCommerce. If orders are processing in WooCommerce, they’ll be open in Katana until you mark them...

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> Tired of purchase surges resulting in inventory issues? Gain end-to-end visibility by with Katana's eBay ERP integration. Learn more.

- Published: 2022-08-18
- Modified: 2024-05-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/integrations/ebay/ebay-erp-integration/
- Integration Categories: E-commerce

Tired of purchase surges resulting in inventory issues? Gain end-to-end visibility by linking your sales orders with your manufacturing processes and managing it all from one platform. Get a demo Features Katana's eBay ERP integration brings sales and manufacturing together With this integration through CartRover, businesses can track inventory levels in real-time and fulfill orders with ease. This powerful combination gives companies the ability to reach a global audience of shoppers while streamlining their sales and manufacturing processes. End-to-end visibility From manufacturing to inventory, to sales, to delivery, see the entire scope of your cloud ERP needs in one integrated solution Read more All-in-one sales management With Katana, you can manage all of your sales funnels in one place, whether it is eBay ERP, Shopify integration, or any other trading partner Read more Live inventory management Never have an “out-of-stock” listing for too long. Push inventory levels from Katana to eBay accounts with the click of a button. Read more Custom workflows via API Need more integrations? It can be changed and re-routed to fit your needs, with Katana’s countless API integrations that take your business to the next level Read more Warehouse management Integrate your existing warehouse management system with Katana to streamline your operations from concept to sales and everything in between Read more Accounting made easy Send your sales and manufacturing data to your accounting integrations, moving customer data from eBay to an automation solution like QuickBooks Online or XERO Read more Learn more about Katana + eBay It’s great to be able to see where inventory faults happen and being able to fulfill orders and where the turnaround happens. ” Alaina Oehrlein Production Lead at Essence One Katana provides us with all the features for manufacturing order management and can track inventory usage and incorporate our sales order tracking into Katana. ” Mikhail Moore Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Vitacore Industries Katana allows us to have a complete, real-time overview of our manufacturing processes and keeps our operations under control. ” Pablo Baque Walk With Me CEO Since implementing Katana, we’ve grown our product offering, and that wouldn't be possible without it. It has freed up my time, so I can focus on designing and creating more products. It also means that I am not working until 11 pm every night. ” Thomas JudgeOwner at GJ Motorsports Become a retail pro and take your eBay marketplace integration to the next level It can be difficult to stay on top of inventory levels, material ordering, and sales statuses all at once. By integrating your eBay accounts with Katana, you can get real-time updates on stock levels, find out when products have been sold or shipped, and get automated order reports sent straight to your inbox.   Plus, our user-friendly interface makes it easy for anyone in your organization to stay up-to-date on your marketplace progress, whether they're on their desktop or on the go. So you can focus on what you do best: running your business! Never...

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> Connect Shopify and Katana to sync sales order data automatically. Learn more about Shopify order management software with Katana.

- Published: 2022-08-09
- Modified: 2024-07-05
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/integrations/shopify/shopify-order-management/
- Integration Categories: E-commerce

Juggling between your Shopify store and manufacturing software can be a challenge. Connect Shopify and Katana to automatically sync sales order data, cut down on admin time, and master Shopify order management. Get a demo Features Katana integrates with Shopify app for smooth sales order management Get a real-time overview of your sales orders and inventory management in one intuitive platform. Katana helps store owners manage their sales data and production progress in one place, and all order changes done in Shopify are synced to Katana. Automatic sales order import All existing open sales orders in Shopify store can be imported to Katana during the initial integration, and future sales orders will be pulled automatically. Read more Sync sales orders changes No need to update both systems as updates to orders, including refunds, cancellations, and item quantity changes, are reflected in Katana. Read more Real-time master planning Track inventory in real-time and automate raw material and product allocation for quick and easy Shopify sales order fulfillment. Read more Prioritize Shopify sales orders Drag and drop orders according to available materials and delivery deadlines to easily speed up and optimize order fulfillment. Read more Total shop floor control Use the Katana Shop Floor App to align sales and production. With the Shop Floor App, you can track time spent on tasks to optimize shop floor activities. Read more Accounting and costing made easy Track the manufacturing costs based on your bill of materials (BOM) and production operations. You can also connect to popular accounting tools like Xero and QuickBooks Online. Read more Manage offline and online sales Katana allows you to manage orders from both your Shopify web store and brick-or-mortar locations using Shopify POS software. Read more Automatic currency conversion Katana supports international sales orders by automatically converting sales order values according to your selected base currency. Read more Create custom workflows via API Build your own workflows or connect to third-party applications using our developer resources and open API documentation. Read more Learn more about Katana + Shopify We wanted an accurate inventory system for batch planning, warehousing, and sales. Katana fulfills all our needs in a simple, easy solution. ” Irah VetFounder and Production Manager at Hornby Organic Since implementing Katana, we’ve grown our product offering, and that wouldn't be possible without it. It has freed up my time so I can focus on designing and creating more products. It also means that I am not working until 11 pm every night. ” Thomas Judge Owner at GJ Motorsports Katana’s bill of materials (BOM) is a tremendous help. Integrations with Shopify and Xero also play a big role in business management, and we can now manage both B2B and B2C orders with greater ease. ” Nadia Hussain Supply Chain Manager at Raw Coffee Company We chose Katana because it seemed to be the most user-friendly software we tried – it is very easy to use, and the customer service is great! ” Candice Murno Founder and Designer at...

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> Combine Xero and Katana to manage your money and your products, and make daily production smarter and simpler.

- Published: 2022-08-09
- Modified: 2024-05-18
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/integrations/xero/xero-manufacturing/

Katana’s cloud manufacturing platform connects to Xero seamlessly to help you manage your business from production to sales and accounting Get a demo Features Get Xero for manufacturing companies to stay on track and in the black Katana offers excellent inventory optimization and simple Xero integration, bringing more automation to your production process and organization of your manufacturing inventory and raw materials. Without being made by Xero, it serves as Xero manufacturing software thanks to the smart native integration between both platforms. Money management Improve your manufacturing processes by keeping your accounting and sales in sync with Katana and Xero Read more Less manual work Control your automation process and push Sales and Purchase Orders from Katana to Xero as Invoices and Bills Read more Easy access to invoices View your invoices and bills in Katana by clicking the Invoice/Bill Created button Read more Simplified reconciliation Katana transfers Sales and Purchase Orders' document numbers to Xero as reference numbers Read more Consistent information Benefit from syncing customers' and suppliers' information between the two systems Read more Smarter production Create a bill of materials (BOM) for each of your products to make running your business simpler daily Read more Learn more about Katana + Xero With Katana and Xero everything is linked and together in one place. You can type descriptions in and it works really well with an Excel card system and I find it much easier to use – rather than remembering product codes. ” Stephen NewloveProcurement and Logistics Manager at NatureWall We’re really utilizing all features Katana offers. It has been a great experience. The staff is excellent — anytime I have a question, I use the chat or Knowledge base, and the team has been an immense help during the implementation and integration of all our products. ” Tabatha HughesFinance and IT Manager at Kron Technologies I used to spend around 15 minutes per individual order on admin work, and I would be doing it all – preparing the packing lists, labels, and shipping. Now I do not need to touch any of that. Instead, I can put this time into designing new products and developing the business. ” Thomas JudgeOwner at GJ Motorsports The reason why we were very sold on Katana was the how-to and guide videos and walkthrough videos were pretty straightforward. It was simple and we were able to connect to all our online stores and had everything we needed. ” Lisa DiepChief Operating Officer (COO) at Peace Collective Your company connects to Xero in just a few clicks Every company would love to get paid faster for the products they create, so they could get a clear picture of their business’s financial health. Using Xero gives you an excellent view of your company’s financials, even if they can’t speed up how fast the money comes in. And combining it with Katana means your financial data is sent to Xero, and your company data is then shared between both platforms, so you always...

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> Integrate your e-commerce store with Magento order management software to streamline every step of the order fulfillment process from picking to shipping.

- Published: 2022-08-01
- Modified: 2024-05-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/integrations/magento/magento-order-management/

As your e-commerce sales continue to grow, you may be wondering how to keep up with order fulfillment and keep your customers happy. Katana gives you end-to-end control over your whole sales process from picking to shipping, taking the headache out of scaling your business. Get a demo Features Taking control of the whole order management cycle Let Katana simplify and streamline your Magento order management cycle by giving you full visibility of the entire process. With Katana, you have a centralized point to track and manage your Magento orders from the point these are received to when they reache the customer. Live inventory management Real-time monitoring of your inventory, so you always know what raw materials to order for production and products to manufacture Read more Purchase order management Partially receiving goods allows you to understand what you have on hand and what's expected to arrive Read more Omnichannel order management Manage sales across multiple e-commerce stores and channels, whether your model is B2B, D2C, or a mix of both Read more Support for MTS and MTO Katana's manufacturing software simultaneously supports make-to-stock (MTS) and make-to-order (MTO) workflows Read more Reorder points Avoid stock-outs by setting reorder points so you always know when you need to top up your raw materials or product inventory Read more Accurate costing Track your manufacturing costs and make precise pricing decisions based on your product margins Read more Learn more about Katana + Magento Since implementing Katana, we’ve grown our product offering, and that wouldn't be possible without it. It has freed up my time so I can focus on designing and creating more products. It also means that I am not working until 11 pm every night. ” Richie Duncan Owner at GJ Motorsports Katana’s bill of materials (BOM) is a tremendous help. Integrations with Shopify and Xero also play a big role in business management, and we can now manage both B2B and B2C orders with greater ease. ” Nadia Hussain Supply Chain Manager at Raw Coffee Company I think that Katana had a much lower barrier to entry. It was still some work to get up and running, but I was able to gradually build my processes into Katana’s system over several months. ” Sara Varela Founder of KODAMA Katana allows us to have a complete, real-time overview of our manufacturing processes and keeps our operations under control. " Pablo Baque Walk With Me CEO  Full support no matter which manufacturing method you use Make-to-stock (MTS) is a manufacturing method that’s been tried and tested for eons. But over the last years,make-to-order (MTO) is becoming increasingly popular. You may also use both methods simultaneously — having more generic products in stock but also offering MTO for highly customized items.   Whether you manufacture goods using MTS, going with the trend and choosing MTO, or have decided to cater to everybody and utilize both methods simultaneously, Katana equips you with all the necessary tools to keep your business running smoothly.    Simplify your business with...

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> Connect your eBay store and Katana to optimize your order management process. Learn more about eBay order management software with Katana.

- Published: 2022-07-29
- Modified: 2024-05-18
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/integrations/ebay/ebay-order-management-software/
- Integration Categories: E-commerce

Using suitable eBay order management software (OMS) for receiving and tracking customer orders can give you the competitive advantage you need. Get a real-time overview of your eBay sales with Katana. Features Katana integrates with eBay for seamless order management and inventory tracking Equip your manufacturing business with a real-time overview of your sales orders and all the inventory management features you need in one intuitive platform. Katana provides eBay sellers with the live insights they need to ensure on-time delivery of products. Live inventory control Get total inventory control and a better overview of product stock levels while tracking inventory across warehouses. Read more Integrate with shipping tools Integrate Katana with your favorite shipping tools for a smooth sales process beyond production. Read more Sales order synchronization Get real-time sales order updates to ensure that products are manufactured and delivered on time. Read more Keep all data in sync Katana auto-creates new products and customers when they're added in eBay, automatically syncing your data. Read more Omnichannel sales management Use Katana manufacturing software to manage eBay, Shopify, and WooCommerce sales all from one place. Read more Build custom workflows Connect to different tools via Katana’s API solution and, as a result, set up workflows that are customized to your needs. Read more Learn more about Katana + eBay It’s great to be able to see where inventory faults happen and being able to fulfill orders and where the turnaround happens. ” Alaina Oehrlein Production Lead at Essence One Katana provides us with all the features for manufacturing order management and can track inventory usage and incorporate our sales order tracking into Katana. ” Mikhail Moore Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Vitacore Industries Katana allows us to have a complete, real-time overview of our manufacturing processes and keeps our operations under control. ” Pablo Baque Walk With Me CEO Since implementing Katana, we’ve grown our product offering, and that wouldn't be possible without it. It has freed up my time, so I can focus on designing and creating more products. It also means that I am not working until 11 pm every night. ” Thomas JudgeOwner at GJ Motorsports Sync inventory data to streamline order management It’s important to find the perfect eBay order management system specifically built for manufacturers. Otherwise, you're going to end up with an OMS that doesn’t support direct-to-consumer (D2C) manufacturing. This will result in less efficiency, which can ultimately drive customers away and damage your reputation either temporarily or permanently. Order management is affected by how you manage inventory as a manufacturer. Katana’s inventory management features allow you to synchronize inventory data across eBay and Katana. Inventory management software equips you with real-time information on current stock levels, items sold, canceled orders, or what's in production. Keep track of all customer data in one place Toggling between eBay listings, online spreadsheets, files, and physical notes to check the needs and profiles of your customers is something you don't want to be doing as you scale....

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> Integrate with Magento inventory software like Katana to keep your sales in sync across multiple channels, reduce carrying costs, and avoid stock-outs.

- Published: 2022-07-29
- Modified: 2024-05-18
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/integrations/magento/magento-inventory-software/

Keeping track of your inventory as your e-commerce store grows becomes quite the challenge. Katana’s Magento inventory software automatically keeps your inventory levels synced between your store and ERP, so you can be sure you always have the items you need in stock. Get a demo Features Get the live overview you need with Magento inventory software Tracking your sales and manufacturing orders with spreadsheets can quickly turn into chaos. Katana monitors your sales and purchase orders, ensuring optimal stock levels so you can stay ahead of demand and keep selling your products. Live inventory management Get a live overview of your inventory to keep orders flowing and avoid stock-outs Read more Real-time master planning Automatic reallocation of resources based on sales and manufacturing priorities Read more Total shop floor control Equip your operators with a mobile-friendly Shop Floor App to stay aligned and track job completion Read more End-to-end traceability Track items from supplier to customer, essential for batch production and tracking expiry dates Read more Accurate costing Keep track of costs based on your bill of materials (BOM) and actual completion times of production operations Read more Easy integrations Seamlessly integrate with your favorite tools, including sales, shipping, accounting, and reporting platforms Read more Learn more about Katana + Magento We struggled to know which items are in stock so that we could build a batch and therefore often found extra components lying around Katana, we can now know what we have in store and where to look for it. ” – Danielle Louw– Production Manager at CT LAB  We also wanted an accurate inventory system for batch planning, warehousing, and sales. Katana fulfills all our needs in a simple, easy solution. ” – Irah Vet – Founder and Production Manager at Hornby Organic  Having the shop floor know what they can or can’t make on a given day is amazing, and replaces our previous “system” of spreadsheets. ”  – Sara Varela – Founder and Designer at Sara Gabriel  We chose Katana because it seemed to be the most user-friendly software we tried – it is very easy to use and the customer service is great! ”  – Candice Murno – Founder and Designer at Buttercream Clothing  Ensure optimal inventory levels at all times Without proper inventory management software, keeping your inventory synced with your e-commerce platform can get messy. With Katana’s inventory management system, you have real-time data at your fingertips, allowing you to stay up-to-date with manufacturing and material purchasing to avoid stock-outs.   Having a live view of your inventory and orders allows you to keep your stock at the most optimal level and reduce carrying costs. Katana also allows you to set reorder points so you know exactly when you need to replenish your inventory.   Manage your inventory across multiple warehouses As your business grows, you may find the need for an additional warehouse. Or perhaps you have half of your customers on the other side of the globe, and shipping products from there can greatly...

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> Magento ERP software centralizes your inventory, production, and sales order data. Integrate with Magento to sync sales orders and reduce admin time.

- Published: 2022-07-26
- Modified: 2024-05-29
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/integrations/magento/magento-erp/

Keeping track of sales, inventory, and order fulfillment can seem like an overwhelming task. Luckily with Katana’s end-to-end inventory management platform, you can do all that and more in one place. Get a demo Features Magento ERP features that give you total visibility Katana’s Magento integration gives you complete visibility of your inventory and order fulfillment. By having a real-time overview of your raw materials and finished products, you can keep your inventory optimal while also avoiding stock-outs. Real-time master planning Katana automatically allocates raw materials and products to orders to optimize production Read more Live inventory management Track your inventory in real time to make sure you always have the materials you need at hand. Read more Sales order management Easily fulfill sales orders based on product availability and integrate with e-commerce and CRM tools. Read more Purchase order management Track delay risks in your supply chain and ensure on-time purchasing based on material requirements. Read more Accounting integrations Seamlessly connect to QuickBooks Online or Xero to manage all your finances, or build a custom integration via API. Read more Shop Floor App Remote production and warehouse management by creating tasks and tracking completion using Katana’s Shop Floor App. Read more Having a system track inventory and what stage it is in has been incredibly helpful. It also has helped our team have a more clear delineation of the order of operations for each product in our catalog. ” Sarah ZingerDirector of Production Logistics at System76 Having the shop floor know what they can or can’t make on a given day is amazing and replaces our previous “system” of spreadsheets. ” Sara VarelaFounder and Designer at Sara Gabriel With Katana, we are able to track products, build recipes for materials, and set reorder points for our materials as well. ” Lisa DiepChief Operating Officer (COO) at Peace Collective We also wanted an accurate inventory system for batch planning, warehousing, and sales. Katana fulfills all our needs in a simple, easy solution. ” Irah VetFounder and Production Manager at Hornby Organic Production planning and scheduling with a real-time master planner Keeping track of your business using spreadsheets may be feasible at first, but as your company grows, this process will quickly become unmanageable. Trying to match all your sales orders to manufacturing orders manually is no easy task.    Katana’s real-time master planner automatically allocates resources to fulfill orders based on priority and raw material availability.    Making accurate decisions about purchasing and production is vital for every manufacturer. Katana’s Magento integration allows you to do just that by giving you access to live data. Having a clear overview of your inventory, purchase orders, and business processes helps you efficiently fulfill sales orders and identify any potential delay risks before they happen. Sync stock levels between Magento and your manufacturing ERP A clear overview is vital in keeping your orders flowing. When you integrate Magento with Katana, you can track all your products and raw materials across multiple locations to...

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> Connect Katana to Outvio to sync order shipping and gain overall better control over your entire delivery process. Learn more.

- Published: 2022-07-14
- Modified: 2024-05-21
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/integrations/outvio/
- Integration Categories: Shipping

Katana’s integration with Outvio enables you to synchronize shipping orders between the two systems and automate tracking and label printing, allowing you to focus on scaling your business. Integration: Outvio Website: outvio. com Category: Shipping Type: Third-party Documentation: Integrate with Katana Advance your business with Outvio’s shipping, analytics, and customer experience optimization Outvio allows you to choose from a wide range of carriers, compare the rates and choose the best option for your delivery. Apart from that, with this code-free integration, you can benefit from: Synced workflows - sync orders and have their status updated based on the shipping Tracking - push tracking numbers to Katana Label printing - automate the printing of the shipping and self-service return labels Incidents handling - access real-time incident monitoring and courier claims handling Analytics - get details on your sales numbers, shipping costs, and returns To connect your Katana to Outvio in 4 simple steps, check our Knowledge Base article. Integrate with the best e-commerce, accounting, reporting, and CRM software out there Create custom API integrations Use Katana’s open API to create custom workflows and connect to apps beyond our list of integrations. Automate data transfers between the services you use to level up efficiency. Take a look at our API documentation to learn more. See all integrations

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> Integrate with StockTrim and benefit from demand forecasting, inventory optimization, and purchase order planning. Learn more.

- Published: 2022-06-09
- Modified: 2024-05-21
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/integrations/stocktrim/
- Integration Categories: Forecasting

Integrate StockTrim with your Katana account to get access to inventory forecasting functionalities that will help you to have a more efficient inventory planning process. Integration: StockTrim Website: stocktrim. com Category: Forecasting Type: Third-party Documentation: Integrate with Katana Benefit from demand forecasting, inventory optimization, and purchase order planning StockTrim's forecasting algorithm reads your data, makes sense of it for you, and develops tailored demand forecasts and order plans specific to your business. StockTrim offers: Detailed Demand Analysis - view underlying demand patterns and calculations for sales order quantities Manufacturing Features - receive a forecasted demand for your finished product and better grasp the required materials Variable Lead Times - configure your supplier lead time and recalculate the forecasts in real-time Automated Purchasing - automatically create purchase orders based on StockTrim's calculated suggestions Take a look at our detailed guide on integrating StockTrim to Katana in a few simple steps. Integrate with the best e-commerce, accounting, reporting, and CRM software out there Create custom API integrations Use Katana’s open API to create custom workflows and connect to apps beyond our list of integrations. Automate data transfers between the services you use to level up efficiency. Take a look at our API documentation to learn more. See all integrations

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> Sync orders between ShippyPro and Katana to save hours on shipment fulfillment processes.

- Published: 2022-06-07
- Modified: 2024-05-21
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/integrations/shippypro/
- Integration Categories: Shipping

Katana’s integration with ShippyPro allows you to scale your business globally, increasing the delivery speed and automating shipping management. Integration: ShippyPro Website: shippypro. com Category: Shipping Type: API Documentation: Integration guide Focus on manufacturing and scaling your business while ShippyPro takes care of shipping ShippyPro provides you with an extensive library of carriers, saving your time and money on shipping, and enables you to automate: Workflow: import orders to ship from Katana and update sales order status based on the shipping status. Tracking and returns: the tracking numbers will be transferred from ShippyPro to Katana. Label printing: сhoose the best option among the сarriers rates and print labels in bulk. Shipping rules: set specific rules for certain marketplaces and carriers To connect your Katana to ShippyPro in 4 simple steps, check our Knowledge Base article.

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> Automate shipping and manufacturing workflows with Katana’s newest integration - Shiptheory.

- Published: 2022-03-24
- Modified: 2024-05-18
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/integrations/shiptheory/
- Integration Categories: Shipping

Automate the repetitive manual shipping order fulfillment process by seamlessly integrating Shiptheory with Katana Integration: Shiptheory Website: shiptheory. com Category: Shipping Type: API Documentation: Integration guide Place manufacturing and sales at the center by automating menial processes Effortlessly connect your manufacturing processes with shipping and manage order fulfillment. Shiptheory can help save you hours of work every week. All you need to do is create an account in Shiptheory and then connect to the carrier(s) you want to use. Connect Katana as your order channel, then: Select the order to be imported from Katana to Shiptheory at order creation, when it is marked PACKED or DELIVERED Select the default weight when creating new products in Shiptheory Select the order status in Katana after it’s submitted to shipping in Shiptheory - change the status to NOT SHIPPED / PACKED / DELIVERED. Once orders start appearing in Shiptheory, simply save the product dimensions and select the carriers and shipping methods for your orders.

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> Katana's integration with the Walmart Marketplace enables you to control order management through sales orders imports and inventory syncing.

- Published: 2022-03-16
- Modified: 2024-12-16
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/integrations/walmart-marketplace/
- Integration Categories: E-commerce

Automate the importing of sales orders and synchronize inventory between Katana and your Walmart Marketplace store without having to write a single line of code. Integration: Walmart Marketplace Website: marketplace. walmart. com Category: E-commerce Type: Third-party Documentation: Walmart Marketplace integration Gain a real-time overview of your Walmart Marketplace sales and order fulfillments Through Extensiv, Katana can connect to your Walmart Marketplace store and keep your sales order data aligned with manufacturing. This integration ensures on-time product manufacturing and raw material purchasing and provides the live insights needed to keep your customers happy. Connect Katana to Walmart Marketplace via Extensiv — no need to engineer anything Import sales orders from your Walmart Marketplace store to Katana Sync updated inventory levels from Katana to your online store Integrate with the best e-commerce, accounting, reporting, and CRM software out there Create custom API integrations Use Katana’s open API to create custom workflows and connect to apps beyond our list of integrations. Automate data transfers between the services you use to level up efficiency. Take a look at our API documentation to learn more. See all integrations

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> Connect Katana with Prospect CRM and their Stock-Aware approach to close the gap between your manufacturing and sales.

- Published: 2022-03-14
- Modified: 2024-12-20
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/integrations/prospectcrm/
- Integration Categories: CRM

Connect Katana with Prospect CRM and their Stock-Aware approach to close the gap between your manufacturing and sales. Integration: Prospect CRM Website: prospectsoft. com Category: CRM Type: Third-party Documentation: Prospect CRM integration More info: Prospect CRM trialProspect CRM demoLearn more Grow your B2B product sales with the #1 Stock-Aware CRM Prospect CRM Prospect CRM’s unique integration to Katana turns your back-office data into valuable insights and actions to increase customer lifetime value – automating your analytics and eliminating the disconnect between inventory management and CRM. Get more customers and a higher CLTV Like all CRMs, Prospect CRM includes all the popular tools, like enquiries, web forms, landing pages, opportunity pipelines, goals, and integration to Mailchimp and Klaviyo to help you get more customers. While all CRMs help you get more customers, only Prospect CRM focuses on customer retention, repeat orders, and cross-selling. Specialist tools like RFM Analysis, the Magic Matrix, Missing Orders, upsell, cross-sell and must-sell capabilities make it easy to build customer lifetime value too. An integrated, single view of your customers By connecting Katana with Prospect CRM, data from each system will be in constant communication. Any changes made in one system – like adding new accounts or making a sale – will be instantly updated in the other, meaning your whole team can work better together. 2x your B2B sales like Wabanaki Maple "Since integrating Prospect CRM with Katana, we’ve doubled sales and improved customer service. ” Read the case study How to get started Sign up for a Prospect CRM free trial and connect to Katana Prospect CRM will sync and pull customer, product, sales history and inventory from Katana Data will then regularly sync from Katana to Prospect CRM automatically Take a Katana-integrated CRM trial https://www. youtube. com/watch? v=o8ZbAJ15eLY Integrate with the best e-commerce, accounting, reporting, and CRM software out there Create custom API integrations Use Katana’s open API to create custom workflows and connect to apps beyond our list of integrations. Automate data transfers between the services you use to level up efficiency. Take a look at our API documentation to learn more. See all integrations

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> Our newest integration to Pipe17 enables real-time order and stock syncing between e-commerce, 3PLs and other apps and your Katana account.

- Published: 2022-02-18
- Modified: 2024-05-21
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/integrations/pipe17/
- Integration Categories: Automation

Pipe17 allows you to synchronize and automate your order and inventory flows by connecting e-commerce carts and marketplaces to 3PLs, ERP, and other systems. Integration: Pipe17 Website: pipe17. com Category: Automation Type: Third-party Documentation: Integrate with Katana A real-time inventory and order status sync between Katana and other apps With Pipe17’s ability to connect merchant e-commerce businesses with an expanding set of marketplaces, fulfillment centers, financial systems, and SaaS applications – forming end-to-end automated operations is surprisingly easy. Connect your Katana account to Pipe17 and set up a codeless integration that will automate workflows such as: Receiving orders from e-commerce, marketplace, and POS systems and sending them automatically to Katana Syncing your Katana inventory levels to e-commerce, marketplace, and POS systems Pipe17 already offers more than 50 apps you can connect to Katana, such as Chord, Wayfair, 3PL Central, and more. Integrate with the best e-commerce, accounting, reporting, and CRM software out there Create custom API integrations Use Katana’s open API to create custom workflows and connect to apps beyond our list of integrations. Automate data transfers between the services you use to level up efficiency. Take a look at our API documentation to learn more. See all integrations

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> Katana's new integration with Faire allows you to gain control over order management through sales order importing and inventory synchronization.

- Published: 2022-02-16
- Modified: 2024-12-16
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/integrations/faire/
- Integration Categories: E-commerce

Automate sales orders importing and synchronize updated inventory levels from Katana to your Faire e-commerce store, streamlining your workflows and giving you the total visibility needed to grow your business. Integration: Faire Website: faire. com Category: E-commerce Type: Third-party Documentation: Integrate with Katana Get a real-time overview of Faire sales and order fulfillment Using Extensiv, Katana connects to your online Faire store and keeps your sales order data aligned. With live insights, you ensure on-time product manufacturing and raw material purchasing to keep your customers happy. Connect Katana to Faire in minutes via Extensiv — no coding required Import sales orders from your e-commerce store to Katana Sync updated inventory levels from Katana to your online store Integrate with the best e-commerce, accounting, reporting, and CRM software out there Create custom API integrations Use Katana’s open API to create custom workflows and connect to apps beyond our list of integrations. Automate data transfers between the services you use to level up efficiency. Take a look at our API documentation to learn more. See all integrations

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> With 2Ship API integration, you can automate your shipping workflows while guaranteeing the best rates with 2Ship’s carrier comparison.

- Published: 2022-01-13
- Modified: 2024-05-18
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/integrations/2ship/
- Integration Categories: Shipping

Katana’s new API integration with 2Ship lets you fully automate and manage all your shipping needs, from full loads to envelopes and everything in between. Integration: 2ship Website: 2ship. com Category: Shipping Type: Third-party Documentation: Integrate with Katana Put your focus on manufacturing and let 2Ship take care of shipping 2Ship takes care of the heavy lifting, letting you choose from over 400 carriers so you know you’re getting the best rates. Connect your Katana account and automatically sync your queued sales orders to 2Ship. Create an account in 2Ship Create a connection to Katana from 2Ship via Settings > Store Connections > Add New Connection Wizard > Katana > Connect At the prompt, sign in to Katana to authorize the connection. Confirm connection settings Integrate with the best e-commerce, accounting, reporting, and CRM software out there Create custom API integrations Use Katana’s open API to create custom workflows and connect to apps beyond our list of integrations. Automate data transfers between the services you use to level up efficiency. Take a look at our API documentation to learn more. See all integrations

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> Extensiv Integration Manager (previously CartRover) is your answer for integrating with all of those useful apps that make life easier. Learn more.

- Published: 2021-10-28
- Modified: 2024-05-18
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/integrations/extensiv/
- Integration Categories: Automation, E-commerce

Integrate your Katana account with popular e-commerce, shipping, and 3PL platforms to automate and streamline your online order management workflows. Extensiv Integration Manager (formerly CartRover) lets you import sales order data from your e-commerce store to Katana, sync updated inventory levels from Katana back to your store, and pull order information from Katana to a shipping platform, warehouse management system, or other 3PL tools. Integration: Extensiv Integration Manager Website: extensiv. com Category: Automation, E-commerce Type: Third-party Documentation: Integrate with Katana Sync order information between Katana, online stores, and other order management tools Extensiv Integration Manager specializes in integrations with a focus on creating integrated solutions for order management. Extensiv Integration Manager allows you to integrate Katana with 100+ e-commerce, WMS, OMS, and shipping platforms. With Extensiv Integration Manager integration, you can easily: Import sales orders and related customer data from your e-commerce store to Katana Sync updated inventory levels from Katana to your online store Choose to import order-related product data from your online store to Katana if no matching products are found Send order information from Katana to various shipping and 3PL apps Integrate with the best e-commerce, accounting, reporting, and CRM software out there Create custom API integrations Use Katana’s open API to create custom workflows and connect to apps beyond our list of integrations. Automate data transfers between the services you use to level up efficiency. Take a look at our API documentation to learn more. See all integrations

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> Katana’s API integration with SyncHub gives you access to more data than ever. Connect to reporting and BI tools like Tableau, Excel, and Power BI.

- Published: 2021-10-11
- Modified: 2024-05-18
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/integrations/synchub/
- Integration Categories: Automation, Reporting

Katana’s open API integration with SyncHub gives you access to more business data than ever. Connect to reporting and business intelligence tools like Tableau, Excel, and Power BI to create custom dashboards and analytics reports. Integration: SyncHub Website: synchub. io Category: Automation, Reporting Type: Third-party Documentation: Integrate with Katana Make better business decisions with easy access to your Katana data SyncHub keeps your data aligned across multiple tools by automatically collecting new and modified data into a central relational database, which you can then connect to your BI software of choice. When integrated with Katana, SyncHub collects the raw data you need to build custom reports and dashboards with all data available via Katana API, including: Sales order, product, and customer data Purchasing, inventory, and batch data Coming soon: stock adjustment and transfer data, product recipe, and manufacturing order data Integrate with the best e-commerce, accounting, reporting, and CRM software out there Create custom API integrations Use Katana’s open API to create custom workflows and connect to apps beyond our list of integrations. Automate data transfers between the services you use to level up efficiency. Take a look at our API documentation to learn more. See all integrations

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> Automate sales orders imports, including product and customer data, from your Wix e-commerce store to Katana. Learn more.

- Published: 2021-09-02
- Modified: 2024-05-21
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/integrations/wix/
- Integration Categories: E-commerce

Automate sales orders imports, including product and customer data, from your Wix e-commerce store to Katana to streamline your workflows and get the total visibility you need to grow your business. Integration: Wix Website: wix. com Category: E-commerce Type: Third-party Documentation: Integrate with Katana Get a real-time overview of your Wix sales and order fulfillment Katana connects to your Wix online store via Make to keep your sales order data aligned. Get the live insights you need to ensure on-time manufacturing of products and raw material purchasing to avoid stock-outs and keep your customers happy. Connect Katana to your Wix webshop in minutes — no coding required Create custom workflows using Make Scenarios or use our pre-made template Automate repetitive workflows to maximize efficiency Integrate with the best e-commerce, accounting, reporting, and CRM software out there Create custom API integrations Use Katana’s open API to create custom workflows and connect to apps beyond our list of integrations. Automate data transfers between the services you use to level up efficiency. Take a look at our API documentation to learn more. See all integrations

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> Integrate HubSpot with Katana to import deals as sales orders and keep your sales and manufacturing data in sync. Learn more.

- Published: 2021-08-02
- Modified: 2025-06-13
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/integrations/hubspot/
- Integration Categories: CRM

Integrate Katana with HubSpot to generate sales order imports from won deals. Streamline your manufacturing operations from sales to production and track all your key manufacturing data in one intuitive platform. Integration HubSpot Website hubspot. com Category CRM Type Native Documentation Integrate with Katana HubSpot listing HubSpot Marketplace https://www. youtube. com/watch? v=7H5BKljRPtA Keep your sales and manufacturing data in sync Bridge the gap between sales and manufacturing by automating deal imports from HubSpot Sales Hub to Katana. This integration makes it easy to manage your product recipes and ensure on-time purchasing of materials in line with real-time data from your sales CRM. Quick and easy setup — Connect Katana to your HubSpot Sales Hub in minutes — no coding required. Automated sales order imports — Import sales orders from HubSpot Sales Hub to visually manage order fulfillment and production. Trigger-based automation — Set up triggers that import orders as soon as you win a deal in your HubSpot account. Features Your sales, production, and fulfillment — aligned Improve your sales and manufacturing workflows by integrating Katana with HubSpot. Enable your team to make informed decisions based on accurate inventory and production data. Automate sales workflows with HubSpot deal triggers Empower your team with a fully automated sales-to-manufacturing workflow. Reduce manual work, eliminate data silos, and ensure accurate order management across platforms. Effortless deal management — Create new deals, add line items, and update deal stages directly in HubSpot. One-click order conversion — Drag-and-drop deals to Closed Won to trigger automatic order creation in Katana. Seamless platform integration — Connect all your business tools like QuickBooks Online, Shopify, and more Get a demo Streamline order fulfillment and financial processes Ensure smooth order processing, shipping, and invoicing by integrating Katana with HubSpot. From deal creation to final delivery, your teams have complete visibility and control over every step. Fast order fulfillment — Sales orders in Katana are ready for immediate processing, picking, and shipping, reducing lead times and improving efficiency. Live order status updates — Order status changes in Katana are automatically reflected in HubSpot’s deal view. Integrated invoicing — Katana syncs seamlessly with QuickBooks Online to ensure accurate financial tracking and streamlined accounting. Get a demo See it in action See how to set up the HubSpot integration and explore it in action. Quick walkthrough, real-time demo, and everything in between. Integrate with the best ecommerce, accounting, reporting, and CRM apps out there All your business tools — connected Optimize your workflow with native and third-party integrations, automating data transfer between systems and reducing errors. Or build your own custom integrations using the open API for seamless data flow with other applications. Check out the API documentation for more details. See all integrations

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> Integrate Squarespace with Katana to sync sales orders and streamline your inventory, order fullfillment, and sales. Learn more.

- Published: 2021-07-19
- Modified: 2024-05-18
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/integrations/squarespace/
- Integration Categories: E-commerce

Automate sales orders imports, including product and customer data, and sync order fulfillment statuses from Squarespace to Katana to streamline your workflows and get the total visibility you need to grow your business. Integration: Squarespace Website: squarespace. com Category: E-commerce Type: Third-party Documentation: Integrate with Katana Get a real-time overview of your Squarespace sales and order fulfillment Katana connects to your Squarespace store via Make to keep all your sales and order fulfillment data aligned. Get the live insights you need to ensure on-time manufacturing of products and raw material purchasing to avoid stock-outs and keep your customers happy. Connect Katana to Squarespace in minutes — no coding required Create custom workflows using Make Scenarios or use one of our pre-made templates Automate repetitive workflows to maximize efficiency Integrate with the best e-commerce, accounting, reporting, and CRM software out there Create custom API integrations Use Katana’s open API to create custom workflows and connect to apps beyond our list of integrations. Automate data transfers between the services you use to level up efficiency. Take a look at our API documentation to learn more. See all integrations

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> Etsy integration from Katana. Sync your sales orders to streamline your inventory, order fullfillment, and sales. Try it free for 14 days.

- Published: 2021-06-09
- Modified: 2024-05-18
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/integrations/etsy/
- Integration Categories: E-commerce

Make seamlessly connects Katana with Etsy, automating sales orders, product and customer imports, and marking Etsy orders as shipped when order statuses are marked as delivered in Katana. Integration: Etsy Website: etsy. com Category: E-commerce Type: Third-party Documentation: Integrate with Katana Get a real-time overview of your Etsy sales and order fulfillment Connect Katana to your Etsy store via Make to manage all your inventory and manufacturing processes in one visual platform. Get the live insights you need to ensure on-time manufacturing of products and raw material purchasing to avoid stock-outs and stay up to date. Connect Katana to Etsy in minutes — no coding required Create the custom workflows or use one of Katana’s pre-made templates Automate repetitive workflows to maximize efficiency Integrate with the best e-commerce, accounting, reporting, and CRM software out there Create custom API integrations Use Katana’s open API to create custom workflows and connect to apps beyond our list of integrations. Automate data transfers between the services you use to level up efficiency. Take a look at our API documentation to learn more. See all integrations

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> You can now connect Katana with Make to integrate with thousands of apps that help your business run smoother.

- Published: 2021-06-01
- Modified: 2024-05-18
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/integrations/make/
- Integration Categories: Automation

Visualize, design, and automate workflows in minutes using Make and Katana. Make seamlessly connects Katana with the apps and services you use most, automating repetitive tasks to make your business run smarter. Integration: Make Website: make. com Category: Automation Type: Third-party Documentation: Integrate with Katana Automate tasks and data flows between Katana and other apps Make is a powerful integration platform that allows you to connect all the services you need without writing any code. With Katana’s Make integration, you can easily: Connect Katana to hundreds of apps without the help of a developer Create the custom workflows you need with Make’s “Scenarios” Automate repetitive tasks from syncing sales orders and inventory data to generating reports Integrate with the best e-commerce, accounting, reporting, and CRM software out there Create custom API integrations Use Katana’s open API to create custom workflows and connect to apps beyond our list of integrations. Automate data transfers between the services you use to level up efficiency. Take a look at our API documentation to learn more. See all integrations

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> QuickBooks Online inventory management software to integrate your accounting, inventory, production, and sales in a one platform. Try it free.

- Published: 2021-05-13
- Modified: 2024-09-25
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/integrations/quickbooks/
- Integration Categories: Accounting

Connect Katana with QuickBooks Online to effortlessly sync between your accounting, sales, and inventory. Integrating Katana with QuickBooks Online ensures accurate data transfers between your accounting and cloud inventory software while saving precious time. Integration: QuickBooks Online Website: quickbooks. intuit. com Category: Accounting Type: Native Documentation: Integrate with Katana More info: https://vimeo. com/797006163 Create QuickBooks Online bills and invoices from your Katana account Spend less time transferring data from one system to another and focus on things that matter — your brand, your products, and your customers. Katana’s QuickBooks Online integration sends finalized sales and purchase order data to QuickBooks Online for you and gives you access to all your accounting documents directly from Katana. Create and update QuickBooks Online invoices based on sales orders in Katana Convert purchase orders in Katana to QuickBooks Online bills in one click Sync all your contact information to ensure consistent and accurate supplier and customer data Sync your inventory balance between QuickBooks Online and Katana Streamline your QuickBooksinventory management Unlock the full potential of your business with Katana’s QuickBooks integration. Effortlessly manage your QuickBooks inventory, track your orders and associated costs, and issue invoices and bills directly from Katana. QuickBooks inventory tracking with Katana Katana’s cloud inventory platform makes tracking your QuickBooks inventory a breeze. Full traceability and regulatory compliance with the following features: Automated generation of product barcodes Serial number tracking for recall readiness Complete inventory visibility across multiple locations Thorough traceability with lot/batch numbers Monitoring of expiry dates for perishable goods Katana — The QuickBooks inventory software Enhance your QuickBooks inventory management with Katana, streamlining order processing, improving accuracy, and tailoring workflows to boost your business efficiency. Integrate Katana with QuickBooks and get access to features to: Monitor stock movements in real time for total inventory control Keep your inventory and accounting in sync effortlessly Manage your inventory across all locations from a centralized platform Track business metrics like sales performance, revenue, and costs Keep orders synced across multiple sales channels for accurate inventory records Features Get a live overview of your inventory and financials with Katana’s QuickBooks integration Have you outgrown QuickBooks Online when it comes to inventory management? By incorporating Katana into your operations, you can continue to leverage QuickBooks while gaining access to a comprehensive set of features to take complete control over your inventory management processes. Live inventory management Track inventory in real time across multiple locations for complete control and a better understanding of product stock levels Read more End-to-end traceability Achieve regulatory compliance and recall readiness by tracking batch and serial numbers and expiry dates for perishable goods Read more Reorder points Eliminate frustrating out-of-stock notifications to ensure customer satisfaction by implementing reorder points and staying informed through restocking alerts Read more Multichannel inventory Integrate all your online and brick-and-mortar stores into a unified system for streamlined inventory and order management, ensuring a seamless operation Read more Sales order management Consolidate all your sales orders to a single location for enhanced organization, and seamlessly transfer...

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> Amazon integration from Katana. Sync your sales orders to streamline your inventory, order fullfillment, and sales. Try it free for 14 days.

- Published: 2021-05-13
- Modified: 2024-12-16
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/integrations/amazon/
- Integration Categories: E-commerce

Create automation to sync your inventory and import sales orders from your Amazon Seller Central store directly to Katana (via Extensiv) without ever needing to code anything yourself manually. Integration: Amazon Website: amazon. com Category: E-commerce Type: Third-party Documentation Integrate with Katana Gain a real-time overview of your Amazon sales and order fulfillment Connecting Katana to your Amazon shop helps you manage your inventory and manufacturing processes in one visual dashboard. Receive live insights that allow you to ensure on-schedule product manufacturing and raw material purchasing that otherwise may cause stock-outs. Connect Katana to your Amazon shop in minutes Import sales orders from your Amazon store and visually manage order fulfillment and production Monitor product availability and fulfill Amazon sales orders on time Integrate with the best e-commerce, accounting, reporting, and CRM software out there Create custom API integrations Use Katana’s open API to create custom workflows and connect to apps beyond our list of integrations. Automate data transfers between the services you use to level up efficiency. Take a look at our API documentation to learn more. See all integrations

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> Ecwid integration from Katana. Sync your sales orders to streamline inventory, order fulfillment, and sales for total visibility. Try it free.

- Published: 2021-05-13
- Modified: 2024-05-18
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/integrations/ecwid/
- Integration Categories: E-commerce

Automate sales order import from Ecwid with Katana’s end-to-end inventory management integration. Simplify your operations and get total visibility over manufacturing and order fulfillment with one visual platform. Integration: Ecwid Website: ecwid. com Category: E-commerce Type: Third-party Documentation Integrate with Katana Get a real-time overview of your Ecwid sales and order fulfillment Connect Katana to your Ecwid store via Zapier to manage all your inventory and manufacturing processes in one visual platform. Get the live insights you need to ensure on-time manufacturing of products and raw material purchasing to avoid stock-outs and stay up to date. Connect Katana to your Ecwid shop in minutes — no coding required Import sales orders from your Ecwid store to visually manage order fulfillment and production Monitor raw material availability and finished products to fulfill Ecwid sales orders on time Integrate with the best e-commerce, accounting, reporting, and CRM software out there Create custom API integrations Use Katana’s open API to create custom workflows and connect to apps beyond our list of integrations. Automate data transfers between the services you use to level up efficiency. Take a look at our API documentation to learn more. See all integrations

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> Connect your eBay online store to Katana (via Extensiv) and automate your workflows between both systems. Learn more.

- Published: 2021-05-13
- Modified: 2024-12-16
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/integrations/ebay/
- Integration Categories: E-commerce

Automate sales order import from eBay with Katana’s end-to-end inventory management integration. Simplify your operations and get total visibility over manufacturing and order fulfillment with one visual platform. Integration: eBay Website: ebay. com Category: E-commerce Type: Third-party Documentation Integrate with Katana More info: Get a real-time overview of your eBay sales and order fulfillment Connect Katana to your eBay store via Extensiv to manage all your inventory and manufacturing processes in one visual platform. Get the live insights you need to ensure on-time manufacturing of products and raw material purchasing to avoid stock-outs and stay up to date. Connect Katana to eBay in minutes — no coding required Auto-create new products and customers from eBay in Katana Pull new orders from the eBay shopping cart to Katana Retrieve inventory levels from Katana and push them to eBay Import customers’ shipping information from eBay to Katana Integrate with the best e-commerce, accounting, reporting, and CRM software out there Create custom API integrations Use Katana’s open API to create custom workflows and connect to apps beyond our list of integrations. Automate data transfers between the services you use to level up efficiency. Take a look at our API documentation to learn more. See all integrations

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> Integrate Adobe Commerce (previously Magento) with Katana via Extensiv and automate the sync of inventory and sales orders. Learn more.

- Published: 2021-05-13
- Modified: 2024-12-16
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/integrations/magento/
- Integration Categories: E-commerce

Via Extensiv, you’ll easily be able to integrate your Adobe Commerce (formerly known as Magento) store to Katana to import sales orders and inventory. Save time and simplify your operations with total visibility over your manufacturing. Integration: Magento Website: magento. com Category: E-commerce Type: Third-party Documentation: Integrate with Katana More info: Gain a real-time overview of your Magento sales and order processes Connect Katana to your Adobe Commerce store via Extensiv and manage all your inventory and manufacturing processes in one place. Live insights help you ensure on-time product manufacturing and raw material purchasing — keeping you up-to-date and avoiding stock-outs. Connect Adobe Commerce to Katana in minutes Move inventory across sales channels Send Sales orders from Adobe Commerce to Katana Import customer-related shipping info to Katana Integrate with the best e-commerce, accounting, reporting, and CRM software out there Create custom API integrations Use Katana’s open API to create custom workflows and connect to apps beyond our list of integrations. Automate data transfers between the services you use to level up efficiency. Take a look at our API documentation to learn more. See all integrations

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> BigCommerce inventory management software with real-time stock tracking and omnichannel order management capabilities to boost your sales. Learn more.

- Published: 2021-05-13
- Modified: 2024-05-21
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/integrations/bigcommerce/
- Integration Categories: E-commerce

Automate sales order management and sync your inventory between BigCommerce and Katana with this end-to-end integration. Simplify your operations and get total visibility over your inventory and order fulfillment with one visual platform. Integration: BigCommerce Website: bigcommerce. com Category: E-commerce Type: Native Documentation: Integrate with Katana More info: Track your BigCommerce sales and order fulfillment in real time Katana’s BigCommerce inventory management integration allows you to manage all your orders and manufacturing processes in one visual platform. Get the live insights you need to ensure on-time manufacturing of products and raw material purchasing to avoid stockouts and stay up to date. Connect Katana to your BigCommerce shop in only a couple of minutes Import sales orders from your BigCommerce store to visually manage order fulfillment and production Sync stock between BigCommerce and Katana, so there’s never a question about stock levels Monitor raw material availability and finished products to fulfill BigCommerce sales orders on time Fulfill MTO and MTS orders simultaneously with total visibility of operations https://vimeo. com/788937845 Katana + BigCommerce integration Manage your BigCommerce inventory and orders with an intuitive centralized platform. Katana + BigCommerce integration equips you with the tools you need to improve inventory turnover, increase sales, and decrease carrying costs. Order management software for BigCommerce Katana's BigCommerce order management software is the ideal platform for growing e-commerce businesses. Simplify your order management with features like: End-to-end control for streamlined order fulfillment Comprehensive live overview of orders Synced orders across multiple channels Sales performance tracking for data-driven decisions Order tracking across all sales channels Inventory management software for BigCommerce Get real-time visibility of your business with BigCommerce inventory management software and never miss a sales opportunity. Improve your inventory management with: Complete inventory control Optimized inventory for lower carrying costs Real-time view of product and material availability Reorder points to avoid stockouts Enhanced insights for forecasting Features Streamlined order fulfillment and inventory management with Katana + BigCommerce integration Find all the features you need in one manufacturing platform. Sync sales orders from your BigCommerce store to Katana’s intuitive order management software and ensure on-time delivery of products. Katana gives you real-time visibility into every aspect of your order and inventory management processes, allowing you to make informed decisions about your business. Live order management Track open sales and manufacturing orders in real time. Reprioritize your workflow, and Katana automatically reallocates items and resources to orders. Read more Barcode scanning Quickly capture product information and update inventory levels with minimal effort and improved accuracy during stocktakes, procurement, and sales. Read more Reorder points Katana lets you set up reorder points and notifies you if stock falls below threshold, so you can avoid stockouts and keep your business running. Read more Connect multiple stores Katana + BigCommerce integration lets you connect several BigCommerce stores, keeping all your orders across your business centralized. Read more Live inventory overview Katana gives you a real-time overview of your entire inventory, including raw materials, finished goods, work-in-progress, and MRO. Read more Track lifecycle...

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> WooCommerce inventory management integration for Katana. Streamline inventory, order fulfillment, and sales for total visibility. Try it now.

- Published: 2021-05-13
- Modified: 2024-05-21
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/integrations/woocommerce/
- Integration Categories: E-commerce

Never miss a delivery deadline or run out of stock with the Katana + WooCommerce inventory management integration. Manage inventory, product recipes, production, and purchasing for total visibility over your order fulfillment process. Integration: WooCommerce Website: woocommerce. com Category: E-commerce Type: Native Documentation Integration guide More info: Gain a real-time overview of your WooCommerce inventory Katana’s WooCommerce inventory integration allows you to manage all your inventory and manufacturing processes in one visual platform. Find the live insights you need to accurate inventory numbers, ensure on-time manufacturing of products, and avoid stock-outs by staying up to date. Sync inventory between WooCommerce and Katana to ensure accurate stock quantities in your webshop  Import sales orders from your WooCommerce store to visually manage order fulfillment and production  Monitor raw material availability and finished products to fulfill WooCommerce sales orders on time Assign and schedule production tasks for floor-level employees and track real-time progress  https://www. youtube. com/watch? v=MDjE5RKG0IU Katana + WooCommerce integration Optimize your e-commerce operations with Katana, the ultimate inventory management software for WooCommerce. With Katana's powerful features, you can maximize efficiency and keep your business running smoothly. Experience the game-changing WooCommerce inventory integration and watch your business thrive. Order management software for WooCommerce Katana's WooCommerce order management software provides a comprehensive platform to streamline your e-commerce operations. Simplify your order management process with the following features: End-to-end control for seamless order fulfillment Real-time visibility into order statuses and inventory levels Synchronization of orders across multiple channels Sales performance tracking for informed decision-making Order tracking capabilities across all sales channels WooCommerce inventory management software Integrate Katana with WooCommerce for efficient end-to-end stock management, providing real-time updates and total inventory control. Experience the following benefits with Katana's integration: Track inventory movements and production operations throughout your product lifecycle Seamlessly import and export sales orders from your WooCommerce store Efficiently manage order fulfillment, inventory, and production in one platform Gain visibility into inventory movements and production processes Simplify production planning and inventory management for D2C manufacturing Features Elevate your inventory management for WooCommerce with Katana With Katana, you can ensure timely delivery of products while benefiting from its unparalleled flexibility and a wide range of top-notch integrations. Streamline your operations, optimize efficiency, and unlock the full potential of your WooCommerce store with Katana's powerful features. Real-time order management Keep track of your orders across multiple locations and WooCommerce stores in real time, prioritize sales to keep up with demand, and plan your materials accordingly. Read more Live inventory overview Gain a comprehensive view of raw materials, bills of materials (BOMs), and finished products, allowing you to make informed decisions based on up-to-date inventory information. Read more End-to-end traceability Track your products from start to finish, factory to customer, and purchase to delivery. Trace individual items as well as batches to be prepared in case of a recall. Read more Reorder points Set reorder points to automatically trigger reminders for purchase orders when stock levels reach a certain threshold, ensuring you never run out of essential...

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> Streamline your inventory, order fulfillment, and sales to gain total visibility. Try Katana's Shopify integration for inventory management now.

- Published: 2021-05-13
- Modified: 2024-07-05
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/integrations/shopify/
- Integration Categories: E-commerce

Never miss a delivery deadline or run out of products with Katana’s Shopify inventory management integration. Manage product recipes, production, and purchasing for total visibility over your order fulfillment process. Integration: Shopify Website: shopify. com Category: E-commerce Type: Native Documentation Integration overview More info: Gain a real-time overview of your Shopify sales orders and inventory Connect Katana to one or more Shopify e-commerce stores with this native integration. Manage all your inventory and manufacturing processes in one visual platform to ensure clear inventory management, on-time manufacturing, and accurate raw material purchasing. Katana’s Shopify integration helps you prevent stock-outs by automating your e-commerce business with synced sales order changes and constant availability updates based on your stock levels. Sync inventory between Shopify and Katana to ensure accurate stock quantities in your webshop Automatically update manufacturing orders based on sales order changes in Shopify Import sales orders from your Shopify store and POS system to visually manage order fulfillment and production Monitor raw material availability and finished products to fulfill Shopify sales orders on time Assign and schedule production tasks for floor-level employees and track real-time progress https://www. youtube. com/watch? v=CrGla_LQN1o Katana + Shopify integration Experience the Katana + Shopify integration that empowers your business with advanced inventory management features to efficiently manage stock, streamline operations, and achieve optimal order fulfillment on the Shopify platform Optimize your stock processes with Shopify inventory management system Streamline your stock processes to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and improve customer satisfaction. Katana can seamlessly integrate with your Shopify store and revolutionize how you handle your inventory. Katana + Shopify inventory management system enables: Tracking your inventory in real time and staying up to date with your stock levels Tracing all your supplies from raw materials to WIP to finished goods Keeping an eye on all your stores and warehouses with multilocation support Achieving end-to-end traceability using batch and lot tracking Unlock efficiency with a Shopify warehouse management system A reliable and integrated system is crucial when managing your Shopify store's inventory and warehouse operations. Katana combines advanced features with user-friendly functionality, streamlining your warehouse processes and revolutionizing how you handle your inventory. Streamline your warehouse operations using Katana's features, such as:  Barcode scanning for easier receiving and searching of items Automation to enable efficient order fulfillment with live inventory updates Katana's Shop Floor App to communicate and share tasks with your operators Smart prioritization to allocate supplies to the most critical orders Elevate your inventory strategy with Shopify inventory planner Crafting a successful e-commerce business on Shopify requires meticulous inventory planning to meet customer demands while optimizing resources. Katana empowers you to take control of your inventory, plan effectively, and ensure seamless order fulfillment. Katana + Shopify inventory planner lets you:  Set reorder points to ensure that you never run out of supplies and restock on time Forecast demand to stay ahead of spikes in sales and be prepared to fill orders Make more data-driven business decisions using Katana's trend analysis and sales insights Choose from...

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> Shift4Shop integration from Katana. Sync your sales orders to streamline inventory, order fulfillment, and sales for total visibility. Try it free.

- Published: 2021-05-12
- Modified: 2024-12-16
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/integrations/shift4shop/
- Integration Categories: E-commerce

Automate sales order import from Shift4Shop (formerly 3Dcart) with Katana’s end-to-end inventory management integration. Simplify your operations and get total visibility over manufacturing and order fulfillment with one visual platform. Integration: Shift4Shop (3Dcart) Website: shift4shop. com Category: E-commerce Type: Third-party Documentation Integrate with Katana Get a real-time overview of your Shift4Shop sales and order fulfillment Connect Katana to your Shift4Shop store via Zapier to manage all your inventory and manufacturing processes in one visual platform. Get the live insights you need to ensure on-time manufacturing of products and raw material purchasing to avoid stock-outs and stay up to date. Connect Katana to your Shift4Shop store in minutes — no coding required Import sales orders from your Shift4Shop store to visually manage order fulfillment and production Monitor raw material availability and finished products to fulfill Shift4Shop sales orders on time Integrate with the best e-commerce, accounting, reporting, and CRM software out there Create custom API integrations Use Katana’s open API to create custom workflows and connect to apps beyond our list of integrations. Automate data transfers between the services you use to level up efficiency. Take a look at our API documentation to learn more. See all integrations

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> Automate repetitive tasks in minutes to save hours. Instantly connect your favorite apps to Katana via Zapier. Try it free.

- Published: 2021-05-12
- Modified: 2024-05-18
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/integrations/zapier/
- Integration Categories: Automation

Zapier makes automating workflows easy. Move data between Katana and thousands of Zapier apps to boost efficiency, reduce human error, and ensure data accuracy across all the tools you use to grow your manufacturing business. Integration: Zapier Website: zapier. com Category: Automation Type: Third-party Documentation Integration guide Automate tasks and data flows between Katana and other apps Zapier makes it possible to integrate with thousands of apps and set up automated workflows with Katana. Boost efficiency by connecting to industry-leading e-commerce and CRM platforms to keep your sales and inventory data and activities in sync. Connect Katana to hundreds of Zapier apps — no coding required Create exactly what you need with multiple Zapier connections to automate tasks with a single trigger Automate repetitive tasks from syncing sales orders to generating reports Integrate with the best e-commerce, accounting, reporting, and CRM software out there Create custom API integrations Use Katana’s open API to create custom workflows and connect to apps beyond our list of integrations. Automate data transfers between the services you use to level up efficiency. Take a look at our API documentation to learn more. See all integrations

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> Easy Insight reporting integration for manufacturing. Use reporting features to manage invenotry and production with ease. Try it free.

- Published: 2021-05-12
- Modified: 2024-05-18
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/integrations/easy-insight/
- Integration Categories: Reporting

Connect with Easy Insight’s cloud-based business intelligence tool to gain insight into your Katana manufacturing data. Easy Insight comes with customizable reports or pre-made templates that help you analyze any data in your Katana account. Integration: Easy Insight Website: easy-insight. com Category: Reporting Type: Third-party Documentation: Integrate with Katana Make better decisions with data analysis and visualization tools Connect with Easy Insight’s cloud business intelligence tool to make sense of your manufacturing data in Katana. Easy Insight comes with manufacturing report templates that help you track customer acquisition, sales order counts, and revenue by customers, product, and product categories, along with inventory data. Make better business decisions with live data you can make sense of Build automated reports and dashboards to get an accurate overview of your business Visualize your sales and inventory data with charts, tables, calendars, and more https://www. youtube. com/watch? v=6Z9nFCqBxa4 Integrate with the best e-commerce, accounting, reporting, and CRM software out there Create custom API integrations Use Katana’s open API to create custom workflows and connect to apps beyond our list of integrations. Automate data transfers between the services you use to level up efficiency. Take a look at our API documentation to learn more. See all integrations

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> Pipedrive CRM integration for modern manufacturers from Katana for easy inventory and production management. Try it free.

- Published: 2021-05-12
- Modified: 2024-05-16
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/integrations/pipedrive/
- Integration Categories: CRM

Automate sales order import from Pipedrive CRM with Katana’s end-to-end inventory management integration. Simplify your operations and get total visibility over manufacturing and order fulfillment with one visual platform. Integration: Pipedrive Website: pipedrive. com Category: CRM Type: Third-party Documentation: Integrate with Katana Keep your sales and manufacturing data in sync with Katana + Pipedrive Bridge the gap between sales and manufacturing by automating Deal imports from Pipedrive to Katana. This integration makes it easy to manage your product recipes and ensure on-time purchasing of materials in line with real-time data from your sales CRM. Connect Katana to your Pipedrive CRM in minutes — no coding required Import sales orders from Pipedrive to visually manage order fulfillment and production Set up triggers that import orders as soon as you close a deal or create a sales order in your Pipedrive account Integrate with the best e-commerce, accounting, reporting, and CRM software out there Create custom API integrations Use Katana’s open API to create custom workflows and connect to apps beyond our list of integrations. Automate data transfers between the services you use to level up efficiency. Take a look at our API documentation to learn more. See all integrations

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> Salesforce integration from Katana. Sync your sales orders to streamline inventory, order fulfillment, and sales for total visibility. Try it free.

- Published: 2021-05-12
- Modified: 2024-05-16
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/integrations/salesforce/
- Integration Categories: CRM

Automate sales order import from Salesforce CRM with Katana’s end-to-end inventory management integration. Simplify your operations and get total visibility over manufacturing and order fulfillment with one visual dashboard. Integration: Salesforce Website: salesforce. com Category: CRM Type: Third-party Documentation Integrate with Katana Keep your sales and manufacturing data in sync with Katana + Salesforce Bridge the gap between sales and manufacturing by automating sales imports from Salesforce to Katana. This integration makes it easy to manage your product recipes and ensure on-time purchasing of materials in line with real-time data from your sales CRM. Connect Katana to your Salesforce CRM in minutes, no coding required Import sales orders from Salesforce to visually manage order fulfillment and production Set up triggers that import orders as soon as you close a sale or create a sales order in your Salesforce account Integrate with the best e-commerce, accounting, reporting, and CRM software out there Create custom API integrations Use Katana’s open API to create custom workflows and connect to apps beyond our list of integrations. Automate data transfers between the services you use to level up efficiency. Take a look at our API documentation to learn more. See all integrations

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> The best Xero inventory management software to keep your orders and accounting in sync across all your services. Sign up now.

- Published: 2021-05-12
- Modified: 2024-05-21
- URL: https://katanamrp.com/integrations/xero/
- Integration Categories: Accounting

Connect Katana with Xero to keep your accounting, sales, and inventory in sync. Automating the data transfer between your accounting and cloud inventory software saves you time while ensuring accuracy. Integration: Xero Website: xero. com Category: Accounting Type: Native Documentation: Integration guide More info: https://www. youtube. com/embed/qJ-NxuZag6k Create Xero bills and invoices from your Katana account Spend less time copying from one system to another and focus on things that matter — your brand, your products, and your customers. Katana’s Xero integration sends finalized sales and purchase order data to Xero and gives you access to all accounting documents directly from Katana. Automatically create and update Xero invoices based on sales order statuses in Katana Convert purchase orders in Katana to Xero bills in one click Sync all your contact information to ensure consistent and accurate supplier and customer data Katana + Xero integration Unlock seamless business operations with the Katana + Xero integration. Experience real-time harmony between powerful inventory management and comprehensive financial insights. Xero inventory management Integrate Xero with Katana and seamlessly synchronize your accounting and inventory. Katana's inventory management system for Xero lets you: Keep inventory levels updated across sales channels Quickly move inventory between locations Manage inventory traceability with batch and serial number tracking Track sales performance to forecast future demand Track inventory across multiple locations Xero warehouse management system Streamline your Xero warehouse management with Katana. Optimize order processing, enhance accuracy, and customize workflows to elevate your business efficiency. Katana's Xero integration equips you with everything you need to: Streamline order processing for faster and more accurate shipments Tailor warehouse workflows to match your unique business needs Expedite processes and reduce errors using barcode scanning Automatically update costs from Xero for better profit analysis Conduct regular stocktakes to maintain accurate inventory records Features Streamline billing and invoicing with Xero inventory management from Katana No more cumbersome inventory management in Xero — Katana lets you effortlessly generate invoices and bills. These are then directly pushed to Xero, so you don’t need to manually copy this information across platforms. Cloud access Access to all your data from anywhere in the world, all you need is an internet connection Read more Live inventory management Keep your products moving and avoid stockouts by having a live overview of your inventory Read more Sales and purchase order sync Automatically push your sales and purchase orders from Katana to Xero as invoices and bills Read more Barcode scanning Receive and count stock by scanning barcodes to speed up the process and limit human errors Read more Multichannel inventory Manage your inventory across all your sales channels in real time from a centralized platform Read more Batch and lot tracking Easily trace and manage product batches and lots for enhanced quality control and regulatory compliance Read more See all features Katana integrations See all available integrations Katana + Xero integration FAQs Can Xero be used for inventory management? Yes, Xero offers basic inventory management functionality, allowing you to track stock levels, create purchase...

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