{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Manufacturing Hub","title":"Ep. 203 - From Spreadsheets to Structure: ERP for Machine Builders & SIs","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":4140,"description":"In this episode, Dave and Vlad are joined by Jay and RJ from Total ETO to explore the often overlooked world of ERP for machine builders and systems integrators. While ERP conversations often focus on large-scale deployments like SAP or Oracle, this episode dives into the day-to-day of smaller, engineer-to-order (ETO) businesses—where spreadsheets still reign and project complexity is high.Jay and RJ share their unique perspectives—Jay coming from 25 years in automation and becoming a Total ETO user-turned-employee, and RJ bringing three decades of software expertise focused specifically on this niche. Together, they break down:The unique ERP needs of custom machine builders and SIsWhy project-based workflows don't fit traditional manufacturing ERPsCommon pitfalls like spreadsheet reliance and change order chaosThe difference between machine builders and system integrators (and how ERP can serve both)How they approach implementation in 4–6 months, not 4–6 yearsWhy people who've used Total ETO often end up joining the companyWhether you're managing projects off scratch paper or already in the market for your first ERP, this episode is full of insights on how to bring structure and visibility to custom manufacturing.💡 Key Topics[00:02:00] Intro to Total ETO and backgrounds of Jay and RJ[00:12:00] The life of a machine builder: high variability, custom BOMs, and the project-first mindset[00:22:00] Why most ETO businesses still run on spreadsheets[00:31:00] The emotional journey from ERP user to ERP evangelist[00:39:00] System integrators vs. machine builders: similar goals, different workflows[00:47:00] Why one-size-fits-all ERP fails for custom equipment manufacturing[00:58:00] Getting buy-in for ERP: from small teams to company-wide rollouts[01:07:00] Implementation: how Total ETO does it in under 6 months[01:18:00] Integration with CAD tools like SolidWorks and Inventor[01:26:00] The future: AI, web platforms, and the changing face of manufacturing software🧠...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/yoKAvzBXZ3YjQTekFk7KFGXeuwJ29WgXvop3dVEfhLs/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9zaG93/LzE3MjEzLzE2MDk0/MzA1OTgtYXJ0d29y/ay5qcGc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}