Robert Connolly Northeast Ohio manufacturers face relentless pressure to optimize operations. Labor shortages, supply chain disruptions, and rising demand for precision are pushing companies to rethink workflows. Custom software for automation is now a must-have for staying competitive in 2025.
Whether integrating with popular ERPs or building fully custom ERP solutions from scratch, our tailored software streamlines production, inventory, and supply chain processes to drive measurable growth.
Why Automation Matters Now
Manufacturing in Northeast Ohio is at a crossroads. Data shows a large portion of regional manufacturers cite labor shortages as a top challenge, while an even larger majority report supply chain issues impacting output. Automation addresses these by reducing manual tasks and enabling real-time adaptability.
From just-in-time inventory to predictive maintenance, custom software delivers efficiency that generic tools cannot. Whether connecting to existing ERPs or crafting bespoke ERP systems, our solutions align with your unique processes for seamless integration and scalability.
Top Automation Trends for 2025
Here are the key trends shaping workflow automation for manufacturers this year:
1. ERP Integrations for Unified Operations
Connected systems are critical. Custom software integrates with leading ERPs like SAP, Epicor, or Microsoft Dynamics 365, unifying data from production, inventory, and procurement. For example, a custom API can sync real-time inventory with supplier orders, cutting overstock costs by a significant margin. For clients needing tailored control, we build custom ERP solutions designed specifically for their workflows, offering unmatched flexibility over off-the-shelf options.
2. API-Driven Automation for Flexibility
APIs enable agility. Custom APIs allow machines, sensors, and software to communicate instantly, automating tasks like production scheduling or quality checks. A manufacturer could link IoT sensors to a central dashboard, flagging defects in real time, whether integrated with an existing ERP or a custom-built system.
3. Scalable Dashboards for Real-Time Insights
Data overload is real. Custom dashboards distill complex metrics into clear KPIs, like cycle time or downtime, for quick decisions. These tools scale with your business, adapting to new product lines or facilities, and work seamlessly with both popular ERPs and our bespoke ERP solutions.
Getting Started with Automation
Ready to streamline your workflows? Here are practical steps to begin:
1. Audit Your Processes
Identify repetitive tasks or data silos, like manual inventory checks or production reports.
2. Start Small
Automate one process, such as quality checks, before scaling to full workflows.
3. Choose the Right ERP Path
Integrate with platforms like SAP, Epicor, Microsoft Dynamics 365, or Infor, or opt for a custom ERP tailored to your needs.
4. Partner with Experts.
Work with a team that specializes in both ERP integrations and bespoke ERP development (like PivotPoint!)
The Bottom Line
Automation empowers Northeast Ohio manufacturers to focus on innovation, not repetitive tasks. At PivotPoint, we deliver custom software that integrates with leading ERPs like SAP, Epicor, Microsoft Dynamics 365, and Infor, or we build fully custom ERP solutions to fit your exact needs. Using tools like Node.js, React, PostgreSQL, and Docker, we create smarter inventory systems, real-time insights, and seamless integrations.
Ready to transform your operations? Contact us for a free workflow audit today. Let’s build software that works as hard as you do.