How emerging technologies can save your workforce time and keep processes on track
I've talked to my fair share of manufacturers lately, from casual chats at industry events to deep dives with guests on my podcast, "Manufacturing the Future." And something really hit home at our recent Epicor Insights conference in Las Vegas. With over 4,000 customers and partners in the room, I kept hearing the same worry:
“We are struggling to keep deliveries on track while these tariffs keep changing on us.”
The manufacturing leaders I meet, whether they're running small shops or major operations, are all facing this same headache. It's not as simple as just hitting delivery dates anymore. The whole game has changed, and everyone's trying to figure out how to keep operations steady in this wildly changing global market.
On Time in Full (OTIF) performance is more than a metric — it's the heartbeat of customer relationships. When you're dealing with hundreds of RFQs every day (and some of our customers see thousands), even handling a few can eat up hours of your team's time with endless email chains and problem-solving. Miss a delivery window, and you're watching that disruption move beyond one unhappy customer to ripple across your entire supply chain.
At Epicor, we’re not just tweaking the old way of doing things. Instead, we're fundamentally reimagining how businesses handle these challenges. Through our AI capabilities, especially with Epicor Prism, we're seeing real transformation in how companies manage their OTIF performance and supplier communications.
Andy Young from Olympus Group (a printing group that does everything from college sports mascots to graphics for large-scale events) recently shared his experience: "One of the most important metrics for us is on-time delivery. With Epicor Prism, we're seeing delivery times drop from eight weeks to four weeks. We're looking at a potential 20% gain in operations."
The manufacturing world has changed dramatically, particularly in how we think about supply chain resilience. We're seeing some remarkable transformations among our customers. Their AI-powered solutions are making a difference in measurable ways:
Along with faster data processing; what really matters about these innovative solutions is their ability to amplify human judgment. Jason Bassett from Madsen's Custom Cabinets recently told me a story that perfectly illustrates this point. His estimators now save three hours every week by using AI to analyze architectural drawings and specs. Adding more technology does not equal replacing people—rather, it simply gives them better tools to do what they do best.
The successful path forward in manufacturing and distribution is paved with businesses that use emerging technology wisely to build stronger operations. Successful companies will focus on these key tenets::
The pressure to maintain high OTIF performance while managing tariff complexities isn't going anywhere. But I continue to be energized by how our customers turn these challenges into opportunities to innovate and grow. With smart use of AI and modern ERP capabilities, they're building robust, flexible operations that are ready for whatever comes next.
Learn how Epicor AI-powered solutions can help you stay one step ahead of the competition.
