In the current issue of CabinetMaker Magazine, leading manufacturing solution provider Trakware is profiled as the MES solution for project-based manufacturers. The article may be read at its entirety at
According to Linda Ohm, author of the cover story, FC Woodworks, based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, increased the bottom-line with Trakware because the software tracks costs and provides profitability feedback. Ohm details the work stages of the woodworker and how Trakware has assisted. Jobs are broken down into work order stages; Work orders include purchasing, shop drawings, cutting, edging, machining, assembly, wrap and load, delivery and installation. Errors and rework, claims and changes by the customer are also factored into the report.
Interestingly the Trakware solution starts with the product that shop is going to build, taking it from a concept to a deliverable product. What goes into a product usually includes raw materials of various kinds, engineered parts and finished goods. Additionally there is labor and overhead, all of which affects the profitability of each project.
Founded in 1995, Trakware's partners include Microsoft, Oracle, ADP, Sage, and SolidWorks, Dell and TouchSystems. TRAKware software allows any manufacturer with unique requirements of a custom engineered-to-order business, in any industry, to have total control of each and every order through the plant. Trakware is the leader in delivering innovative Manufacturing, Planning, and Control (MPC) solutions for project-based manufacturers.
Trakware Systems is the worldwide leader in manufacturing execution system (MES) solutions for engineer-to-order (ETO) and project-based manufacturers maximizing both profitability and productivity. Trakware specializes in lean business-critical functions such as estimating, advanced scheduling, job costing, production management and labor as well as material shop floor data collection. TRAKware software fully integrates with existing ERP systems, as well as major software providers for financials, engineering design, optimization, payroll and wireless interaction for mobile workers. Trakware recognizes ETO manufacturing as a process and includes a wide range of industry sectors including Architectural Woodworking, Cabinets, Store Fixtures, Doors and Windows, Furniture, Oil and Gas Fabrication, Solid Surface, Metal Fabrication, Yachts-building, and Custom Electronics.