Switching to an integrated software system for your glass processing business is no easy task. You have probably found yourself overwhelmed with information, surfing the Internet in search of ERP systems and software solutions. Despite the ton of options offered by your search engine, you are still not sure which solution is right for your business. The process can be daunting, and the fear of making a costly mistake is ever-present.
In your research, you have probably heard of StarterPro, a specialized software solution tailored for glaziers and SMEs in the glass industry. However, you may be wondering whether StarterPro is the key to solving your current operational problems, and it is worth taking a close look.
At Synerglass-Soft, we help companies in the glass industry worldwide choose the most appropriate ERP software. With close contact with small and medium-sized glass processors, whether in the decision-making process or during installation, we understand the unique challenges faced by glaziers and SMEs. Our goal is simple: to help you make the right decision for your business’s unique needs while saving time and effort on both ends. We want to ensure that StarterPro is truly a good fit for your company before you commit.
Let’s dive in and see if StarterPro is the solution you are looking for or not.
Indicators that StarterPro is the right fit for your company
In the next paragraphs, we will walk through a list of ‘indicators’ to determine whether StarterPro is the right solution for you or not. Think of these indicators as checkboxes: the more boxes you tick, the more confident you can be that StarterPro is the right fit for your company. However, if at the end of this article, you find that very few boxes are ticked, it might mean that StarterPro is not the best fit for your needs, and you may want to explore other options on the market.
Indicator 1: You are a glazier, craftsman or SME
If your company falls into the category of small businesses, glaziers, craftsmen, or SMEs, you may find it difficult to find a software solution that meets your specific requirements. Often, ERP systems are designed to meet the needs of larger companies, making it difficult for small businesses like yours to find a system that works for them.
Indeed, unlike larger companies, which often have standardized processes and higher production volumes, glaziers and SME businesses may deal with a variety of one-off, short-run orders that require quick adjustments. For instance, we have noticed that these smaller businesses handle a wide variety of small orders, sometimes requiring specific types of glass. They rarely produce the same products in large quantities and each order may be different from the last. Your software needs to be able to adapt to frequent changes in production schedules, customized orders, and varied customer requirements.
If you recognize your company in these assets, StarterPro comes in as the ideal solution for businesses like yours. However, if your business does not fit in that scope, then there are probably better solutions for you on the market.
It is specially designed to meet the unique needs of glaziers, craftsmen, and SMEs, offering the flexibility and adaptability that larger ERP systems often lack. It integrates seamlessly into your workflow, enabling you to quickly adjust parameters, manage short production runs, and easily process custom orders.
Indicator 2: You Are Using Excel or Fragmented Systems
Many companies, especially SMEs, struggle to manage their operations as they have limited resources and outdated processes. They often find themselves juggling multiple Excel files, a ton of paperwork, or dealing with numerous fragmented software tools simultaneously. Consequently, they are caught up in time-consuming and error-prone processes, preventing them from working efficiently and meeting evolving demands.
If you recognize your business in these pain points, StarterPro can help you. By bringing together all your business operations into one seamless system, StarterPro enables you to rely on a single source of truth. All your team members have access to the same information, wherever they are and whenever they need. Everyone is working with the same up-to-date data.
In fact, implementing such software means you no longer need to switch between different software or search through piles of documents to find the information you need. It allows you to have a centralized platform to manage your information by integrating all aspects of your business from production to sales, all in one.
Indicator 3: You want to connect your production machines to your software
Running a glass processing company means managing a multitude of activities on the production floor. However, there is a recurring problem: spending time manually encoding data at each machine workstation. You want to move away from this inefficiency and start controlling your machines directly from your integrated system.
StarterPro recognizes the importance of this integration and offers a direct connection to production machines such as cutting tables and insulated glass lines.
By connecting your production machines directly to your software, there is no more data re-entry, fewer errors, and clear, automated instructions are sent directly to your machines. This seamless integration can save you hours of work and improve your production processes. What’s more, it enables real-time monitoring and control of your production floor, so that you know exactly what each operator is working on, what still needs to be produced, and the status of each order. For example, in one click you know whether an order is on the cutting table, on the assembly line, or ready to be loaded for delivery. This allows you to respond directly to customers who inquire about the status of their orders.
Indicator 4: You are looking for a preconfigured software
It may not be the first software tool you implement in your company, and you may have already experienced the hassle that comes with the implementation of a new IT tool: configuring the system, training your people to use it, adapting it to your way of working while still facing day-to-day operations. This time, you know you do not want to go through that tedious implementation process; you want a ready-to-use tool that will get you up and running quickly.
StarterPro was designed with this in mind. It is made to be simple to install and intuitive to use, sparing you the complexities of setting up traditional software.
With a predefined list of items, glass shapes, and pricing structures, StarterPro offers a seamless integration experience. You have direct access to a complete catalog of glass items commonly used by the biggest players in the industry, eliminating the need for manual entry and saving you valuable time.
Indicator 5: You are looking for an industry-specific software
Many companies in the glass processing sector face a common problem: finding software that truly understands and meets the unique requirements of their sector. Generic software often fails to address the specific needs and nuances of the glass industry: handle the specific demands, calculations, technical standards, and diverse product offerings your business requires.
This is where industry-specific software comes to play. StarterPro is an industry-specific solution, designed with the intricacies of glass processing in mind. It is developed by experts who gathered insights directly from glass processors in the field to shape the software.
The software includes industry-specific features such as technical verification for compliance with glass industry standards and machines. It provides a comprehensive list of predefined items and shapes frequently used by glass processors, efficiently manages scrap rates to improve the use of resources, and complies with several industry standards.
Indicator 6: You do not want to break the bank
SME businesses usually look for affordability when it comes to choosing a new integrated system. You are aware of the importance of investing wisely, especially when you may have other investments planned for your business, such as the purchase of new machinery or the hiring of additional staff. While you understand the value of a complete software solution, you are not looking for an extensive costly program with tons of options. Instead, you are looking for an affordable tool that offers the essential features you need to get you up and running quickly and easily, without straining your budget.
StarterPro comes in as a cost-effective solution tailored to the needs of small businesses in the glass industry. Starting at €75 per month per user, StarterPro offers essential functionality at a reasonable price, allowing you to make the most of your investment. Its subscription model leaves you flexible to increase or reduce your budget according to your needs and your potential other investments. You can choose the package that you want for your business and are free to cancel the subscription or upgrade to another package whenever you feel the need to.
Indicator 7: You are planning for a scalable solution that follows your growth
Many SMEs start small but want to grow and expand their business. Whether it is acquiring a new factory or setting up a new sales counter to sell their products, SMEs and glaziers expanding their business see their needs change over time, and therefore need their IT tools to adapt and evolve with them.
StarterPro understands the importance of scalability and offers a solution that can grow alongside your business, adapting to your evolving needs every step of the way.
Each package is designed to adapt to the different stages of your growth. Whether you are at the initial stage of optimizing cutting tables or progressing towards controlling your entire production workshop, StarterPro has scalable solutions adapted to your current stage. With StarterPro’s different packages – Cut, Prod, Sales, and Enterprise – you can choose the level of features that best suits your current needs.
So, what?
With all this information in mind, you may be wondering: What does this mean for me and my business? How can I move forward?
The decision to adopt StarterPro should be based on a deep assessment of your company’s specific needs, objectives, and environment. While StarterPro can offer many benefits, other solutions on the market may be better suited to your business. So it is important to carefully consider whether it meets your company’s specific requirements before making a decision. Here is how you can take the next step:
Take time to think about the indicators we have talked about. Think about your company’s needs and challenges. How many of these indicators apply to you?
If you tick most of the boxes, it probably means that StarterPro could be an interesting solution for your company. If so, consider contacting us for a personalized demo at info@synerglass-soft.com. Our experts can help you better understand how StarterPro can meet your specific needs, and help you implement the software smoothly.
If only a few indicators seem relevant to you, it may be worth exploring other options on the market. However, feel free to reach out to us for additional information should you require it. Regardless of whether StarterPro aligns with your requirements, we are here to assist you in finding the right solution for your business.
Understanding where you stand is the first step to making an informed decision.
You are still unsure whether StarterPro is fitting yours needs? Check more info about StarterPro on StarterPro’s product page.