As partners who work with Manufacturing Works members and hundreds of other manufacturers across Northeast Ohio, we see a critical tipping point: companies reaching the limits of spreadsheets and disconnected systems. The question isn't whether to modernize, it's how to do it without disrupting their workforce and community partnerships that define success in our region
Featured blog post by the Parallel Solutions Team, a Supporting Member of Manufacturing Works
"Our current system is paid for, so why invest in something new?" We hear this all the time. The reality? That "paid for" system is bleeding money:
Total: $198,000 annually. One manufacturer discovered this was enough to fund an entirely new modern ERP system with budget left over for workforce training.
"We see manufacturers pour resources into inadequate systems that weren't designed for manufacturing or were designed 20 years ago. That's not frugality; it's spending good money on bad software. The right ERP investment frees up resources for workforce development and training."
— Laura Jaffe, Parallel Solutions
Old (legacy) systems create invisible barriers to the workforce development that Manufacturing Works members prioritize. Outdated interfaces make onboarding harder, extending training time and costing you talented recruits who expect modern technology. When only one or two people understand your system, you're one retirement away from chaos.
Modern ERP systems, implemented correctly, create clear career pathways. Employees see how system capabilities translate to advancement. Well-trained users are 3x more productive in the first 90 days. Companies can document knowledge from retiring workers and integrate apprenticeship tracking, preserving institutional memory while attracting younger, digital-native talent.
A family-owned metal fabricator achieved 60% revenue growth with the same headcount by documenting retiring employees' knowledge. An aerospace manufacturer improved on-time delivery from 15% to 97%, creating predictable schedules that support employee retention. These improvements create better jobs and strengthen our regional ecosystem.
Based on 30 years working with manufacturers, we've developed a framework addressing both technical and human sides of transformation:
Foundation (Steps 1-2): Map actual workflows, not official ones. Companies completing comprehensive needs assessments are 3x more likely to achieve goals on time and budget.
People First (Steps 3-5): Address fears directly. Make your biggest skeptic your project champion. Research shows 2/3 of successful implementations credit leadership support as the most critical factor.
Execution Excellence (Steps 6-9): We don't automate chaos; we optimize processes first. Bad data causes 1/3 of budget overruns. Well-trained users deliver 3x productivity gains. Prepare for problems with documented playbooks.
"The biggest mistake is treating ERP as a technology project instead of a workforce development initiative. When you frame it as investing in your team's capabilities and career growth, adoption rates transform."
— Tom O'Neill, Parallel Solutions
Measure and Build (Step 10): Successful manufacturers treat implementation as workforce development, preserve institutional knowledge, and create career pathways tied to system competencies. Average results: 15-25% inventory reduction, 20-30% order accuracy improvement, and 20-40% revenue growth within 2-3 years.
When manufacturers modernize thoughtfully, benefits extend beyond individual companies: better systems create better jobs that attract local talent, preserve knowledge from retiring baby boomers, enable regional competitiveness, and free up resources for apprenticeships and training partnerships.
As a Manufacturing Works member, you have access to peer connections, training programs, workforce development resources, and cost-saving partnerships that complement digital transformation. The combination of community support and the right implementation partner create a powerful foundation for success.
Get our Complete Roadmap
Our comprehensive guide for small and mid-sized manufacturers includes detailed breakdowns of all 10 steps, actionable checklists, real-world case studies, resource allocation frameworks, partner evaluation criteria, and training strategies.
Download: "The SMB Manufacturing Guide to Successful ERP Implementation"
For 30 years, Parallel Solutions has focused exclusively on helping manufacturing and distribution companies achieve operational excellence through successful ERP implementation. We understand the unique challenges facing Northeast Ohio manufacturers and bring proven methodologies that balance technology with workforce development.
Contact: (440) 498-9920 | sales@parallelsolutions4u.com