Top 5 Cetec ERP Features for EMS Companies
The Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) industry is all about precision, efficiency, and adaptability. Whether it’s managing complex part revisions, handling inventory fluctuations, or ensuring regulatory compliance, staying ahead of the game requires the right tools. That’s where Cetec ERP comes in.
This cloud-based ERP system is designed to tackle EMS-specific challenges head-on, helping manufacturers streamline operations and keep production running smoothly. Let’s break down five key Cetec ERP features that make life easier for EMS businesses.
1. Alternate Parts and Part Substitutions
Ever had a critical component go out of stock right when you need it? That’s an EMS manufacturer’s nightmare. Cetec ERP’s Part Spec Groups and Crosses feature helps companies stay agile by offering easy part substitutions.
Here’s how it works:
- Quickly swap out unavailable parts with approved alternatives
- Group parts by shared specifications to simplify searches and sourcing
- Reduce lead times and costs by keeping production moving, even when preferred parts aren’t available
This feature is a lifesaver when supply chains are unpredictable, ensuring EMS businesses can keep up with demand without unnecessary delays.
2. Revision Management
If you’re in EMS, you know that product designs change constantly—sometimes mid-production. Managing these revisions manually can lead to costly mistakes, but Cetec ERP’s Revision Management and Engineering Change Order (ECO) tools take the stress out of the process.
What does this mean for your business?
- Every revision is tracked across BOMs (Bill of Materials), work orders, and assemblies
- Built-in ECO workflows make it easy to review, approve, and apply changes
- Side-by-side BOM comparisons highlight differences in parts, quantities, and revisions
- Revision-specific documents like schematics and approvals can be attached to parts and BOMs
- Audit-friendly records provide a complete history of all changes
With these tools, EMS companies can ensure design updates are implemented correctly and on time, preventing production errors and reducing costly rework.
3. Purchasing UOM Conversion
Let’s say you order resistors in spools of 1,000, but production uses them individually. Manually converting units of measure (UOM) every time you make a purchase can lead to errors and wasted materials.
Cetec ERP’s Purchasing UOM Conversion feature takes the guesswork out of this process by:
- Automatically converting between purchasing and production units
- Eliminating manual calculations, reducing errors and scrap
- Ensuring accurate inventory tracking, so stock levels are always correct
This feature keeps production efficient and ensures that every part is accounted for properly, no matter how it was purchased or used.
4. Reel Inventory Management
For EMS companies using Surface Mount Technology (SMT) production lines, managing inventory in bulk reels instead of individual parts is a game-changer. Cetec ERP’s Reel Inventory Management simplifies this process, making SMT operations more efficient.
Here’s how it helps:
- Assign entire reels to SMT production orders instead of individual components
- Track reels in real time to maintain accurate inventory levels
- Minimize picking time and errors with automated reel handling
This is a must-have for any EMS business using SMT lines—it saves time, reduces manual work, and ensures better inventory control.
5. Scrap and Attrition Management
Wasted materials can eat into profits fast. Whether it’s scrap from production or expected attrition, keeping track of what’s lost and why is crucial. Cetec ERP’s Scrap and Attrition Management tools help EMS companies maintain control over their materials.
Key features include:
- Detailed scrap tracking, so every lost component is logged
- Pre-set attrition rates, ensuring enough material is allocated to prevent shortages
- Easy part replacement requests, reducing downtime when scrap exceeds expected levels
- Invoice-as-used reporting, showing how much material was actually used versus planned
- Full traceability, linking scrap to specific work orders for better audit trails
This system not only helps companies reduce waste but also gives them the data they need to improve efficiency and cut costs.
Honorable Mention: Pre-Allocation and Release Management
It’s worth discussing Cetec ERP’s pre-allocation and release management features. These allow businesses to pre-allocate stock for specific customers or contracts, ensuring materials are available when needed.
With this feature, you can:
- Pre-assign inventory to specific projects, so stock isn’t used elsewhere
- Manage batch builds and schedule shipments based on contract requirements
This flexibility helps EMS companies balance efficiency with customer commitments, keeping operations lean without compromising on reliability.
EMS manufacturing is fast-moving and highly detailed. From part substitutions to revision tracking, unit conversions, and inventory management, Cetec ERP helps companies stay agile and efficient. If you’re in EMS manufacturing, these tools can save time, cut costs, and boost productivity—all while keeping your operations running smoothly.