In any manufacturing business, good stock control is essential for balancing customer service with operating costs. Too much stock ties up capital that could be invested strategically in output and efficiency. Too little stock can leave you turning down orders or, worse, letting down your customers.
In the glass industry, it is fair to say that stock control is as much an art as it is a science. Without reliable systems, it is difficult to ensure that you have glass available in hundreds of different types, sizes and finishes, not to mention spacers, trims and other parts.
You also need to factor in breakages and jobs that are awkward to cut and use far more glass than expected. Supplier lead times can be long and bulk order quantities inflexible, so glass manufacturers often need to look further ahead than many other businesses.
That is why the stock control functions provided by accounting packages and many ERP systems can be too rigid for real-life glass manufacturing, requiring numerous workarounds. We have seen business owners use complex spreadsheets to regain some flexibility, but these can be difficult for other employees to use and may take up hours of the owner’s time.
So, what is the alternative? At Jotika, we recognise that glass businesses need to combine two distinctly different approaches to manage stock efficiently:
Both approaches require good data, and your business software, particularly your ERP system, is key. Gtrak 3 ERP includes flexible forecasting tools that draw on the detailed order and production data held within the system and present it through a selection of clear, detailed reports.
Several overlapping disciplines can help make your production and stock data as reliable as possible:
Barcode tracking: More glass businesses are using barcode tracking to monitor orders and glass in real time as they move through the factory. Scanning each sheet of glass as it is taken from stock or used in key processes helps maintain a clear and accurate picture.
Streamlined manual corrections: If a piece of glass is damaged, your employees need an easy way to update the system. In the past, the only alternative to paper was a costly fixed terminal on the factory floor. Today, employees can report wastage immediately using a simple mobile device running the ERP system’s dedicated app.
Stocktakes: The more robust your day-to-day tracking is, the less frequently you may need to carry out a stocktake. It is still worth understanding which tools your ERP system provides to make this task quicker and easier.
A system such as Gtrak 3 ERP brings these elements together while allowing you to apply human judgement and intuition. This gives you a practical, dependable view of the stock you are likely to need and where you may be at risk of running too low.
Nothing is ever certain in the demanding and fast-changing world of glass manufacturing. However, better stock management can support stronger customer service and profitability.
If you would like to learn more about practical approaches to stock management and how Gtrak 3 ERP is helping glass businesses make the process more dependable and less time-consuming, explore Jotika’s stock control software or contact the Jotika team to discuss how we can help.
What is stock control in glass manufacturing?
Stock control in glass manufacturing involves forecasting requirements, monitoring stock levels and recording how glass and other materials move through the factory. It needs to account for different glass types, sizes and finishes, as well as waste, breakages, supplier lead times and order demand.
How can ERP software help glass manufacturers manage stock?
ERP software can bring order, production and stock data together in one system. This helps glass manufacturers forecast requirements, track usage, identify potential shortages and review information through reports.
Why is barcode tracking useful for glass stock?
Barcode tracking records sheets of glass as they are taken from stock or move through key factory processes. This provides a more accurate, real-time view of stock usage and order progress.
How often should a glass manufacturer carry out a stocktake?
The right frequency depends on the business and the reliability of its day-to-day tracking. Accurate barcode scanning and timely waste reporting can reduce the need for frequent stock takes, although regular checks remain important.