Your success truly is our success, and we mean that. Every time a customer sees better results, hits a major milestone or simply has a smoother day on the shop floor, it reinforces why we do what we do. Over the years, we’ve worked alongside thousands of manufacturers, and we’ve noticed a pattern: the most successful ones all seem to follow a similar playbook.
These aren’t complicated tricks or industry secrets. They’re simple, intentional habits that help unlock the full power of your ERP system. If you’re ready to take your operations to the next level and become an industry leader, this guide is for you.
1. own your unique processes
Nobody knows your business like you do. The way you quote, build, ship and manage your team are your secret ingredients. When you lean into those unique processes during your ERP implementation, you help us tailor the software to work with you, not against you.
Think of it as fitting a custom tool: it should feel natural, comfortable and highly effective. When your ERP reflects the way you work, adoption becomes smoother, daily usage goes up and your entire operation starts clicking into place. Your ERP will feel like an extension of your team.
2. set your new hires up for success
New hires bring fresh energy – and a chance to instill the right ERP habits from day one. We’ll handle the ERP basics, but you have the inside track on how things really work in your shop. Walking new team members through how your business uses the system helps them connect the dots faster, make fewer mistakes, feel confident and contribute to your business faster. Research has shown that companies with comprehensive employee training programs have a 24% higher profit margin overall than those without formal training. Make sure you are training your team at the start on exactly how you want them to use the system for the best results.
3. keep your cost data fresh
Getting costs right is so important for your bottom line. Regularly reviewing and updating figures like labor rates, material pricing and overhead ensures your quoting stays sharp and your margins stay healthy.
Outdated numbers can lead to underbidding, misallocated resources and unwelcome surprises. A quick check-in on your cost data every quarter can protect your profits and keep your decision-making laser focused.
Our customer, Mary Bly, Inventory Accountant at MaTech, shows near-perfection when your ERP and you work together.
"We've been carrying 99% accurate inventory counts and costs for the last four years. We still make mistakes from time to time. But when we do inventory counts on dollar value and quantity, they're almost perfect."
4. start with accurate data
“Garbage in, garbage out.” It’s a great motto for a reason; it’s true. Feeding your ERP system with clean, accurate data from the start gives you a trustworthy foundation to build on. Whether it's part numbers, inventory levels or BOMs, clean data leads to clean results. A survey from Deloitte found manufacturing executives who reported using advanced analytics and visualization tools were 3.2 times more likely to report significant year-over-year productivity improvements due to the increase in accurate data compared to those who didn’t. A few extra minutes double-checking your data before import can prevent hours of cleanup later. You’ll spend less time troubleshooting and more time using the system to drive value and give you a true picture of your business.
5. jump into training sessions
We want your training sessions to be as helpful as possible, and your team's participation is the magic ingredient. The more your team leans into these sessions, the more impact you’ll see. Show up with questions, challenges and examples from what you face every day.
When people see how the system applies directly to their day-to-day responsibilities, they retain more, engage more and are more excited to put what they’ve learned into action. You’ll see the benefits in your shop right away.
6. Do the homework to keep moving
After training, you will usually get some type of homework to do. These follow-up tasks are super important because they're the bridge between learning something and actually putting it into practice. Tackling them quickly helps keep the positive momentum going and your whole project on track. It’s the difference between “good idea” and “new habit.” By knocking out these next steps, you'll start seeing the positive changes you're working toward much, much sooner.
7. come to every meeting with a plan
When we meet with you, we want to make every minute count for you. Before our sessions, take a few minutes to check in with your team and outline the top priorities. Knowing your “must haves” helps us focus our time together and deliver immediate wins.
8. always look for ways to improve
Great manufacturers never settle. And neither should your software. Your ERP system isn’t a “set it and forget it” kind of tool. It’s a powerful tool for continuous improvement.
Make it a habit to ask, “How can we use the system to make this process just a little bit better?” Could you automate that task? Could that report be more insightful? Could this process be leaner? It's about making small, steady improvements that add up to big results over time. As your business grows and changes, your software should grow right along with it. This mindset is what really helps you maximize your investment for years to come.
9. stay sharp with ongoing learning
The learning doesn't stop after your ERP Go Live, and we've got tons of resources to help your team keep growing, including live webinars, on-demand classes, industry events and hands-on workshops all designed to help your team stay sharp and make the most of your investment. In fact, SurveyMonkey found that 59% of employees believe training directly improves their overall job performance, while 51% feel it gives them more confidence. Learning from others in the field can also spark new ideas you haven’t considered. You might discover a feature that solves a nagging problem or a best practice that saves hours each week. It’s an easy way to make sure you’re getting the most out of your ERP.
10. don't hesitate to reach out
Seriously, don’t wait. If something feels off, if you have a question or if you just want to brainstorm a better way to do something, we’re here. The sooner we hear from you, the sooner we can help. Think of our support and consulting teams as an extension of your own team.. We’re your partners in this. That’s how you keep your ERP running like a dream and your business one step ahead. Our customer Michael Martens at M&H Engineering explains it best:
"Global Shop Solutions is always there when we need help – even when something out of the ordinary pops up. Global Shop Solutions has a completely different service attitude when compared to its competition."
the starting point for erp excellence
Implementing and maintaining an ERP system is a journey that requires commitment, continuous learning and collaboration. By embracing these ten steps, you're not just adopting a system; you're fostering a culture of efficiency, accuracy and growth. Remember, your ERP system is a tool that should work for you. Leveraging it effectively will take your shop to new heights. Download the Get ERP Software Right the First Time whitepaper to get started.