FlowsEasy - ResourcesFlowsEasy - Resourceshttps://demo.flowseasy.com/blogsWed, 16 Sep 2026 21:56:00 +0200http://zoho.com/sites/<![CDATA[Six challenges manufacturers face and how to solve them now and in the future ]]>https://demo.flowseasy.com/blogs/post/Six-challenges-manufacturers-face-and-how-to-solve-themWe identify six common challenges manufacturing businesses face, how they are affected, solutions and how to prepare for them.]]>
The manufacturing world is changing rapidly to keep up with dramatic shifts the world has seen in past years. Whilst many of these changes bring new problems and amplified challenges to manufacturing businesses, they also present new opportunities and ways to stand out from the crowd by dealing with these new challenges rapidly and professionally.  

If you want to make the most of your manufacturing business in 2022, you must prepare for these changes. In this blog post, we'll discuss some of the biggest challenges, solutions, and tips on how you can adapt your business to capitalise on these changes. So if you're looking to stay ahead of the curve, read on!

Supply Chain Challenges

Manufacturing supply chains have experienced challenges at every level. Material shortages, lack of transport for the available goods, and late deliveries are becoming the norm.

Material shortages result in:

  • Inability to fulfil orders
  • Late delivery
  • Over budget production
  • Restricted growth potential

Logistic shortages result in: 

  • Factory down-time
  • Unreliable lead times
  • Increased transport costs

 Supply chain solution

Strength in numbers 

Having multiple suppliers is a solution that can be either a rapid decision or a timely exercise.

For example, you have an enquiry, and they need delivery in 14 days. Your go-to supplier can't deliver for 16 days. Which scenario sounds better to you?

 

Scenario 1:

You ring/email a hand full of hopeful suppliers who take your details and say they'll get back to you unless you strike lucky. 

Est time: 1 1/2 hours 


Scenario 2:

You go to your parts inventory item, view the supplier database, select 'stock request email template', and instantly send it to all the suppliers. 

Est time: 2 minutes 


The multi-supplier solution was managed with software that could: 

  • Monitor your inventory 
  • Store specific supplier details
  • Have email templates
  • Send emails directly from the same system.

Prepare for supply chain issues

Create a directory of suppliers, contact details, order processes and costs.

NOTE* Multiple suppliers often come with varied costs for products and delivery. Please make sure they are all within profit-making brackets or complete this process by creating a Bill of Materials before supplying quotes, so you can adjust costs to maintain profit margins and markups. 

Labour Shortage Challenges

Skilled and unskilled labour shortages have been detrimental to the manufacturing industry and predicted only to worsen. Employees leave for more advanced businesses, offering streamlined work processes or career changes for easier work or higher pay.

The average Amazon delivery driver earns £26,500 per year.

Lack of streamlined processes result in:

  • Unorganised high-stress environments
  • No sense of achievement

Lack of competitive pay result in:

  • The lure of higher pay
  • Harder to create a healthy work-life balance 

Labour shortage solutions

Manufacturing business software

Invest in tech solutions to streamline processes, making the job less manual. The increased organisation will allow employees to know what they should be doing and when. With time assigned to tasks/projects, employees will know when they are performing well, boosting a sense of achievement and job satisfaction.

NOTE* People will choose great working environments over minor financial gain.

Increased pay or bonus schemes

Increased pay can only come from making more money unless your business can handle a net-profit deduction. To achieve this, improve marketing efforts. Even minor changes to your website performance, directory listings, and social media efforts can result in dramatic uptakes.


Bonus schemes, especially linked to productivity, are a great way to retain staff, increase job satisfaction and purpose whilst benefiting the business and increasing production capacity.

Hiring campaigns 

Regardless of business size, hiring is always a lengthy and costly task. You can use job boards, recruitment agencies and outreach to help attract new hires. Utilising software such as Zoho Recruit to manage recruitment needs, automate applicant flows to short-list, contact and hire. 

Prepare for labour shortages

Build a relationship with a temporary recruitment agency or create a network of reliable sole traders. Failing this, a sub-contract engineering business that can fulfil orders to the quality expected by customers. 

Personalisation & Bespoke Product Challenges

In a world where even Starbucks coffee is personalised, the expectation for product variations or personalisation couldn't be more prevalent. Manufacturers have to be increasingly flexible to customer requests and make-to-order.

Bespoke product requests result in:

  • Varied product margins
  • Disruption to build process
  • Increased quote time 

Bespoke products solution

Editable Bill of Materials (BOM)

This solution can be a complex spreadsheet or a software solution linked to your inventory system. Having the ability to raise a product bill of materials, select and de-select items to meet the customer requirements and most importantly, edit part markups to ensure the final product still meets benchmarked profit margins. 

Prepare for bespoke requests

Manage the build process to assemble essential components first to reduce downtime. Build elements that can be removed, added or interchangeable should be fitted before testing and dispatch. 

New Business Challenges

New business isn't a challenge unique to the manufacturing industry. Manufacturing services both to trade and the public require various marketing channels such as:

  • Search engine traffic
  • Directory sites
  • Display advertising on trade sites 
  • Sponsorship
  • Social media
  • Events & conferences 
  • Job lead sites (such as Qimtek.co.uk)

If you don't have a marketing team, the time to do all this, or know where to start. We strongly suggest starting with the methods that can be outsourced and provide the most significant return on investment.

Labour shortage solutions

A clear, well-functioning website detailing what services you offer, your capabilities, industry accreditations and a gallery of work examples is the place to start. Allowing your business to generate leads by ranking on google, having a Google business profile, informing directory traffic and providing easy to use methods of contact.

Preparing for a lack of new business

The key to this is scheduling and knowing your capacity to provide accurate lead times and when you may need to search for work. A popular method for acquiring work is bidding or tendering. Winning contracts for work months in advance that is likely to fill capacity for a considerable length of time is a great way to have healthy forecasts. 

Technological Costs Challenges

Implementing software, especially one that alters your business process, can cost your business before it begins to see the returns both in time and monetary value.

So we'll look at the options to help your business benefit from software at an expediated rate.

Time
Whilst you can't create time, you can become more efficient, which is the purpose of the software. Hiring software consultants or making the most of the teams provided by the supplier reduces implementation time and ensures correct setup and configuration. Nominating a team member to champion the training, system management and work with your supplier is a standard method of software introduction. 

Cost
When buying a system, there are usually two pricing models available:

Flat fee:
These are generally large amounts with a small monthly support fee. 

Software as a Service (SaaS):
Predominantly, cloud software is provided for a monthly subscription cost based on the number of users or features you require.

The challenge is determining which suits your businesses cash flow and financial situation. The subscription model comes with the benefit of potential change with a smaller loss, assuming the agreement doesn't have a long fixed-term contract. 

Technology cost solutions

Every business is different, and the solution is to find the software that meets your companies requirements. Begin your journey on helpful sites such as Capterra, GetApp, SoftwareAdvice and SoftwareSuggest.


If you don't have the time to search, try contacting a software consultant with industry knowledge for suggestions. If you would like to discuss your businesses requirements, contact us here.

Preparing for technology costs

Apart from forecasting costs, the manufacturing industry regularly has government funding schemes to help acquire consulting, software and machinery. For example, the UK has a manufacturing growth programme. Starting the process of understanding the funding available to your business will help you prepare for planned expansion and digital transformation.

Software Integration Challenges

Having software can significantly benefit your business, but too many can hinder it. 

It can result in:

  • High combined costs
  • Several data sources 
  • Poor internal team communication 
  • Unreliable reporting 

Solutions to software integration

Single software solution 

The dream for many businesses can be tough to accomplish. However, there are now software solutions offering modules that will help every business division succeed and, most importantly, thrive working together.

Zoho One now unifies every aspect of many businesses.


Single analytics solution

If your business cannot use one software, another option is using a business intelligence tool. All your business tools feed data into one reporting software to get a clear, unified view. 

There is no shortage of providers catering to all business sizes and budgets.

View a comparison of market leaders here.

Preparing for software integration

Which software can you ditch?

When introducing new software, it's crucial to understand what software you already have. Understand its capabilities, cost and integration API. This way, you know which software will be replaced by the new and how the new software will link up with the existing solutions you must keep.

What is your workflow?

By creating a process flow, you will know what you want the software to do, the order, and the desired outcome. 

Is it future proof?

As a crucial part of your business, you need to know the supplier is capable of supplying and supporting for years to come. If it relies on someone internally, do you have records, training manuals and qualified cover? 

Final thoughts

We've detailed six challenges we commonly see manufacturers face and help overcome. For steady and planned growth, it's not enough to overcome a challenge, you must prepare for them to return. We've detailed some of the preparations that owners and managers of manufacturing businesses can do to be ahead of competitors, as an industry or sector often simultaneously face most challenges together as a result of external economical factors.

Get Started Now
]]>Tue, 22 Mar 2022 09:54:29 +0000<![CDATA[What Customer Experience changes should you expect? ]]>https://demo.flowseasy.com/blogs/post/what-customer-experience-changes-should-you-expectAs the world starts to recover somewhat from the effects of the virus pandemic what changes might be necessary in your business in relation to your cu ]]>

As the world starts to recover somewhat from the effects of the virus pandemic what changes might be necessary in your business in relation to your customers and their experience in interactions with you and your business?

 

Trust is more important than before

Customers, clients and your employees will remember how you treated them during the lock-down period. The businesses and leaders that did the honest and right things by their employees and customers will be rewarded for sure.

 

Be patient with people, help them where you can. They will return something to you and your business over time.

 

Customer Experience Focus

Much more of what you used to do with people has and will move online. It will be imperative to design customer and employee interactions that still have a feel of authenticity. Business will need to design customer journeys with more digital touch-points than previously. Think about how you want your brand to be represented in these changes.

 

Customers have a low and lower tolerance for clunky, badly designed customer experience. When designing your systems, always consider the customer interface with these processes. Are you giving your customer what they expect when they expect it?

 

Expect to use Chatbots and analytics

The use of chatbots was growing before the pandemic. Now it has become more widely used. They have become a more accepted way to obtain answers. Make them intuitive - they won't be going away any time soon. Use your business chatbots to enhance your customer experience.

 

Your customer data is like the new oil. Not only the analytics but the actual conversations. Monitor your customer conversations to get a sense of their sentiment in real time.

 

Steps to Improve your Customer Service

Your business will probably have changed during the COVID lock-down. Your customer interactions will most certainly have become digitised.

 

Take these steps to improve your customers' experience:

 

  • Make your customer feel good. Use emotion in all your interactions.

  • Send your customers birthday cards, with actual paper - not emails. A small gift too.

  • Use video and text over emails and calls. Mix things up, keep it fresh.

  • Over deliver on everything. If you said it will take 7 days, deliver in 5. Surprise your customer.

  • Survey after you have delivered. Don't be irritating with this though.

]]>Mon, 13 Jul 2020 14:16:46 +0100<![CDATA[7 things to Improve your Customer Experience]]>https://demo.flowseasy.com/blogs/post/Improve-your-Customer-Experiences-with-these-7-thingsFor each user journey, ask yourself these questions along the way: Who is my persona in this particular user journey and what is their primary goal? (A ]]>

For each user journey, ask yourself these questions along the way:


Who is my persona in this particular user journey and what is their primary goal? (And how does it align with my business goals?) 


What is their context? (What’s their physical environment? What device are they using? What functionality does their device have?) 


What is their initial emotional state? (Annoyed? Curious? Excited? Anxious?)


How does each step of the process guide them to the next step? 


Is the next step I offer what my visitor expects to see? 


What are the friction points–or points of possible confusion–in every step? 


How can any ambiguity be clarified? How can I get users past their hesitation? 


Are they getting the information they need in each of these steps? Is any of these steps ultimately unnecessary? 


Can they see the light at the end of their “task tunnel”?


Download the FULL guide to Improving CX with User Journey Mapping


]]>Mon, 15 Jun 2020 10:56:10 +0100<![CDATA[Top Tier Organisations Set-up Internal Communications App]]>https://demo.flowseasy.com/blogs/post/internal-communications-appBest practice businesses establish an internal communications app for work related communications with their people. It separates work from personal c ]]>

Top tier organisations set up internal Communications App

Best practice businesses establish an internal communications app for work related communications with their people. It separates work from personal communication. It respects people's personal messaging with their family and mates and keeps the work stuff in a separate distinct application. It's clean.

Bring people, actions, and everything else that matters, together in one place.  

Group collaboration, made simple

Transform ideas into reality with your team. With channels, your team communication is visible, transparent and efficient.

 

Searchable conversations

Search for messages, find files shared in a conversation, or look up a user— find what you're looking for, right when you need it.

 

Your team is one tap away

No matter where you're working from or what device you're working on, you can jump onto a voice or video call and stay connected.

 

Never forget a task or meeting

Your day-to-day tasks and calendar schedules are available right where you collaborate.

 

Centralize your workflows

Empower your team communication by collaborating intelligently. Custom build bots or create command shortcuts on the Cliq platform and automate your day-to-day activities.

 

Data security

Look for a top-notch security system, with data encryption and secret chat, is here to make sure your organization data is always safe.

]]>Wed, 03 Jun 2020 13:40:05 +0100<![CDATA[What the Best Businesses do to Lead in Customer Experience]]>https://demo.flowseasy.com/blogs/post/what-the-best-businesses-do-to-lead-in-customer-experienceCustomer journey mapping is at the forefront of everything they do The companies are often regionally based or have a strong regional office They are of ]]>

Focus on your customer's need, expectation, desire and why 

  • Customer journey mapping is at the forefront of everything they do
  • The companies are often regionally based or have a strong regional office
  • They are often member owned or have excellent owner operators
  • The business has dedicated and robust processes in creating customer experiences
  • Leading companies have excellent people policies and are often regarded as the best places to work
  • The businesses out in front have lots of customer journey data. They build trust and protect the customer's privacy
]]>Mon, 01 Jun 2020 14:52:18 +0100<![CDATA[5 Benefits of Business Process Blueprinting]]>https://demo.flowseasy.com/blogs/post/5-benefits-of-business-process-blueprintingAlign your processes with your customer's journey Customer centric organisations ensure that what their people do, day in and day out, is aligned with ]]>

5 Benefits of Business Process Blueprinting

Align your processes with your customer's journey

Customer centric organisations ensure that what their people do, day in and day out, is aligned with their customers needs, desires and expectations. Ensure your people are only doing work that helps your customer along their journey. If they are currently doing work that isn't helping your customer, try to eliminate this.

 


Increase your people and business efficiencies

The best blueprints cover every option available at each step, decision point or transition. Presenting the right options at the right time helps your people with clarity to perform for your customer and your business.

 


Compliance and regulation

Your business might be in a heavy regulated sector and it is important that your people stick to the most stringent rules. Blueprinting forces this compliance which gives management this comfort without having to oversee every action.

 


Consistency and repeatability

Success in every aspect of life and particularly in business is about consistency in application and the ability to repeat this every day, week etc. Blueprints which can be monitored and measured can help you understand where the constraints are in your business.

 


Training and management

Blueprints assist with training new people. Well-defined blueprint processes provide a common sense path for your people to follow. This allows you to be specific in your training and improves your ability to manage with increased focus.

]]>Mon, 01 Jun 2020 14:47:31 +0100