Unleashed targets smaller manufacturers with new MRP tool
Unleashed Software has unveiled a forecasting tool designed to provide small and micro manufacturers with material requirements planning options typically reserved for much larger companies.
The software, which forms part of Unleashed's cloud-based inventory management platform, aims to address common challenges faced by smaller manufacturers in New Zealand and Australia. These businesses often struggle to maintain efficient stock levels and production plans due to the high implementation costs and complexity associated with traditional material requirements planning (MRP) systems.
Unleashed has enhanced its existing AIM demand forecasting module to operate as a simplified MRP, allowing users to convert product-level demand forecasts directly into raw material purchasing plans and assembly schedules. This development is positioned as a response to rising input costs and tight profit margins observed across the manufacturing sector in the region.
Accessible pricing
"At just $150 a month, this gives even very small manufacturers the ability to manage complex production and purchasing without big costs or extra staff," says Unleashed Head of Product & Distribution, Jarrod Adam.
The intent behind the pricing is to ensure that even manufacturers with limited resources can benefit from improved planning capabilities. The AIM module features an interface designed for ease of use, enabling users to create forecasts and automatically reverse-engineer required bill of materials and procurement plans to achieve their production goals.
Addressing production complexity
One of the key aspects of the tool is its capability to account for production times, supplier lead performance, and stock-out risk. This enables purchasing managers to plan replenishments with multiple suppliers efficiently and to optimise inventory holding.
Adam provided a practical example to illustrate the tool's application:
"Imagine you're a cheesemaker with a dozen different products. The cheddars take months to mature - but the bries can be ready in weeks. They all use different combinations of rennets and cultures, packaging and milk. And your suppliers are a mix of local and overseas."
He continued, explaining how the AIM module streamlines otherwise complex planning activities:
"Now imagine you land a big retail deal for a handful of different SKUs. The planning involved can be a nightmare. But with AIM all you do is tell it what end products you want, when, and where - and an optimised purchasing and production plan creates itself."
Adam concluded, "For small teams with tight budgets, that's a big deal - having the confidence you can satisfy customers, while only buying what you need, when you need it."
Emphasis on ease of use
Unleashed has focused on creating an intuitive user experience, prioritising accessibility for entire teams without the need for extensive training. Adam observed that user feedback consistently cites simplicity and quick onboarding as important attributes.
"That's something we hear a lot about from our customers," Adam said. "They don't want systems that take special training or extra time to learn. You want everyone on the team able to pick it up and use it straight away."
This focus has led to the adoption of 'Kanban' boards within the platform. According to Adam, "Kanban is just a fancy word meaning 'signboard', where you basically have digital post-it notes for jobs that you can drag and drop."
He added, "Creating a Kanban interface for production was a no-brainer, and it's been really popular. It's just a much more visual way of organising work that helps you keep track of everything in one view, progress your jobs through different stages, match people to tasks, and let everyone see what's going on."
Additional features
Another recent addition to the manufacturing suite is byproduct tracking, which allows manufacturers to monitor and account for secondary outputs such as scrap material or spent grain. This helps businesses manage auxiliary product streams and improve visibility of additional revenue opportunities.
The platform also features enhancements for manufacturers involved in container deposit schemes and similar recycling programmes. These tools assist companies in tracking and reporting packaging volumes and managing related payments within their accounts in compliance with regulatory requirements.
Adam highlighted the intent behind these updates: "Again, building this functionality is about making life easier for manufacturers. Deposit return schemes are common around the world for everything from drink bottles to tyres. They have the potential to add complexity for manufacturers, but with a few simple features we can help them meet their obligations without headaches.
"To me that's the key to success in serving our target market - ensuring they stay as agile and competitive as possible without getting bogged down in processes. We'll help them with that wherever we can."
