Aquilon expands ERP tools for custom door manufacturers

Aquilon Software rolled out new Configure-to-Order ERP capabilities for manufacturers of pre-hung interior and exterior doors, aiming to cut errors, preserve production knowledge and speed up custom order handling. The update targets small and mid-sized makers that need to manage complex door specifications without relying on manual workflows.

Why it matters: - Custom door manufacturing involves many variable inputs, and manual handling can lead to quoting mistakes, production errors and rework. - Aquilon’s expanded ERP tools are built to turn product rules and manufacturing knowledge into a single workflow for sales, purchasing, production and accounting. - The release is aimed at small and mid-sized manufacturers that need enterprise-level configuration tools without enterprise-level complexity.

What happened: - Aquilon Software announced enhancements to its Configure-to-Order ERP solution for manufacturers of pre-hung interior and exterior doors. - The company said the platform was developed with customers over many years. - The update is designed to help manufacturers configure, quote, manufacture and deliver custom-built doors more accurately. - Aquilon described the product as a way to reduce manual processes and preserve manufacturing knowledge.

The details: - Custom door orders can vary by dimensions, materials, wood species, glazing, hardware, finishes, handing, swing direction, labour requirements and manufacturing processes. - Aquilon’s system captures those product rules inside one integrated ERP platform. - The software automatically generates information for purchasing, manufacturing, inventory control, costing and financial management. - During configuration, the system can calculate material requirements, estimate labour hours and labour costs, generate a unique bill of material for each product and produce shop floor specifications. - The platform also creates purchasing requirements, allocates available inventory, produces rough-cut production schedules and calculates selling prices and margins. - The system integrates with inventory, purchasing, manufacturing, costing and financial accounting functions. - For the shop floor, the software can generate machining instructions, assembly details, glazing requirements, hardware installation steps, finishing instructions, quality checkpoints, packaging details and customer-specific requirements. - Aquilon said the result is a flow of information from quotation through production and invoicing with less duplicate data entry.

Between the lines: - The update is as much about preserving know-how as it is about automation. - Aquilon’s pitch centers on embedding the rules that experienced employees use so new staff can configure orders and generate documentation with less dependence on tribal knowledge. - The company is also positioning Configure-to-Order software as practical for smaller manufacturers, not just large enterprises. - One large pre-hung door manufacturer cut production errors by almost 80% within six months after replacing handwritten configuration with Aquilon’s system. - An independent door pre-hanger used the software to embed product knowledge and hire an additional salesperson with less training.

What’s next: - Aquilon says the expanded platform should help manufacturers respond faster, reduce costly mistakes and protect operational knowledge. - The company expects the system to support industries such as windows, millwork, cabinetry, architectural building products and custom fabrication. - Aquilon is offering live demonstrations and more information at the company’s website.

The bottom line: - Aquilon is betting that custom manufacturers need ERP software that can do more than track transactions. - The real value is turning complex product rules into repeatable output across sales, production and finance.