By Stephanie Elsen
All businesses can benefit by implementing accounting software. Manufacturers have their own specific set of needs when it comes to setting up and maintaining an accounting system, especially when it comes to inventory. With the right system, a manufacturer can increase profits, streamline practices, and keep customers happy. Here are some of the most important features within an accounting system and inventory management for manufacturers, along with their benefits.
Assemblies
‘Assemblies’ is a term that refers to creating finished products from other component items in your inventory within your accounting system. Once you set up inventory components and organize which ones are used to create the finished item (“assembly”), you can move forward with production. You enter which assembly items to be produced, and the system will pull the necessary component items out of inventory, and let you know what is needed. (It will also show you whether you need to order any missing components.) Using assemblies helps you understand your profits, streamline your order management, and stay organized.
Bill of Materials
A bill of materials is a list of materials to be used for an assembly process. When you create a production plan to build your assemblies, the system looks at what you are building and then looks at the supplies that are needed for that plan. A bill of materials lists what is needed, and what is available or not available in your inventory.
Costing Method
User specified costing method, ranging from LIFO, FIFO, average or standard. Generally your accountant can help you determine the best costing method for your organization, and your accounting system should be set up accordingly.
Item Alias
Item alias refers to the ability to give inventory items alternative names for easier lookup of name variations. When you have a long list of inventory items, it can be difficult to remember exactly what each item is called. Setting up each item with an alias, or alternate name, can help you find inventory items in the accounting software more easily.
Physical Inventory Count
Taking a physical inventory count allows you to update your on hand quantities and adjust for accuracy. Accounting systems typically have a tool that allows you to print documents that aid in the process of collecting a physical inventory count.
Pricing Method
A pricing method allows you to specify, on an item by item basis, how to calculate the price of the item. Common pricing methods include: fixed price, markup based on cost, gross profit margin based on cost, percentage of base price, other. Your accounting system should accommodate the pricing system that works for how you calculate pricing for your products.
Serial/Lot Number Tracking
Certain types of products carry serial or lot numbers, and those numbers need to be tracked by the manufacturer. The ability to track serial and lot numbered items within your accounting program is more organized and more easily accessible than tracking them on a spreadsheet or by hand.
Multiple Units of Measure
If you purchase products in one unit of measure and sell in a different unit of measure, you will need to the ability for your accounting software to handle that capability. Managing multiple units of measure within your accounting software allows you to keep inventory numbers accurate and streamline the order entry process.
Make the most of your accounting system by using features that are designed to help manufacturers! CenterPoint Accounting Software has the tools manufacturers need to manage their inventory. Visit the CenterPoint Accounting Software product page to learn more.