From Steam to Streamlined: Sauna Maker Brings 45 Years of Craftsmanship Into the Digital Age
In this episode of the MRP Easy Manufacturing Podcast, director Sarah Jones of Oceanic Saunas discusses how the UK’s leading sauna and steam‑room maker modernized its operations by adopting the MRP‑Easy ERP system after decades of using basic accounting software. She explains the strategic shift to focus solely on saunas, the challenges of cleaning up a tangled SKU system, and the year‑long implementation that coincided with a product redesign and e‑commerce launch. The new ERP gave the company real‑time visibility, accurate costing, and streamlined BOM management, turning staff from spreadsheet‑reliant to enthusiastic users. Sarah’s key takeaway is to thoroughly research and define requirements before committing to an ERP overhaul.
Decoupling Inventory: Protecting Orders With Strategic Supplies
In this episode of the MRP Easy Manufacturing Podcast, host(s) explain decoupling inventory—a strategy of placing buffer stock of sub‑assemblies and work‑in‑process between production stages to absorb equipment failures, supplier delays, or demand spikes. They differentiate it from safety stock...
Everyone Has a Role to Play with Inventory By Tim Grant
In this 11‑minute episode, Tim Grant explains how inventory management has shifted from siloed functions to a collaborative, cross‑functional process that involves every department—from shipping and receiving to procurement, operations, production, sales, accounting, and senior management. He highlights how each...
Multi-Location Inventory Management Guide for Growing Businesses
In this 8‑minute episode, the host explains multi‑location inventory management—tracking stock across multiple warehouses, distribution centers, or stores—and why it’s essential for scaling manufacturers. They outline common pitfalls such as inconsistent data, inventory imbalances, transfer complications, poor visibility, rising costs,...
Lead Time in Manufacturing: A Complete Guide to Types, Strategies, and Optimization
In this 17‑minute episode of the MRP Easy Manufacturing Podcast, the hosts break down lead time—what it is, how it differs from cycle, throughput, and takt time, and why it matters for profitability and customer loyalty. They explain the various...
The Hidden Cost of Expiring Inventory for Small Food Manufacturers
In this 38‑minute live webinar, Steve Maurer—an industry veteran with 35 years of food‑processing experience—explains the hidden costs of expired inventory for small food manufacturers. He breaks down direct losses (raw material, labor, overhead) and indirect expenses such as storage,...
Packaging Management: Workflows, Inventory, and Tools
In this episode the host explains packaging management as a critical component of manufacturing, covering its role in product design, workflow optimization, inventory control, cost reduction, sustainability, and regulatory compliance. Key takeaways include the importance of treating packaging like any...
Top Warehouse KPIs for Small Businesses – What To Track and Why?
In this episode the host breaks down the most important warehouse KPIs for small businesses, organizing them into receiving/shipping, put‑away, picking, order management, storage, labor, and safety categories. Each metric—such as receiving efficiency, picking accuracy, inventory turnover, labor utilization, and...
Overcoming the Manufacturing Talent Shortage with Better Systems
In this episode of the MRP Easy Manufacturing Podcast, Sarah Duff, commercial director of Smart Manufacture, explains how small and mid‑size manufacturers can mitigate the current talent shortage by improving their systems rather than hiring more staff. She highlights that...
Stocktake – A Practical Guide to Inventory Counts
In this 17‑minute episode, the MRPeasy team walks listeners through the fundamentals of conducting effective stocktakes, covering preparation, execution, and post‑count reconciliation. They highlight common pitfalls—like missed components during peak seasons—and demonstrate how regular inventory counts can prevent costly production...
Natural Cleaner Manufacturer Cuts Delivery Times with Smarter Planning
The episode follows Ymani Efunyale, founder of Good Vibes Clean, who created a natural cleaning product after her toddler suffered an asthma attack from conventional cleaners. She discusses how she scaled her business to ship nationwide and dramatically reduced delivery...