Introduction
The fenestration industry is growing rapidly, and consumers have high expectations as they seek customised products. They need to follow the strict project deadlines to achieve the client’s requirements, as fabricators of complex production schedules, high-quality materials, and custom designs for customers is an essential requirement for digital transformation.
Many fenestration businesses still rely on spreadsheets or generic ERP platforms that fail to identify the unique errors or delicate items associated with window and door fabrication. This leads to inefficiencies and delayed deadlines. It also increases the cost factor during the production stage.
It’s time for fabricators to shift towards automated Fenestration Software, specially designed to streamline operations, which also helps to reduce waste and deliver better client experiences.
What is Fenestration Software?
Fenestration Software is an end-to-end digital solution developed specifically for companies involved in manufacturing and installing doors and windows. Unlike off-the-shelf ERPs, it understands the variables that define the industry—from frame types and glass specifications to powder coating, delivery sequencing, and installation tracking.
Purpose-Built vs Generic ERP
While generic ERP software covers standard business processes, it often lacks critical features like:
- Custom quotation generation based on system, profile, or project phase
- Material tracking down to the profile and hardware level
- Powder coating and the installation stage visibility
- Barcode-based production scanning
In contrast, dedicated Doors and Windows ERP software, such as DW-ERP, offers modules purpose-built for each phase of the fenestration workflow.
Key Challenges Faced by Fabricators
Managing Custom Orders and Variations
Every project in this industry is unique. Custom configurations of size, frame types, colour coatings, and hardware lead to complex BOMs (Bills of Materials) and job dependencies.
Inefficient Project and Quotation Tracking
Manual quotation and project status updates increase response time and lead to lost opportunities or customer dissatisfaction.
Inventory Mismanagement and Delays
Poor stock visibility leads to over-ordering, understocking, and job stoppages, directly affecting delivery timelines and profitability.
How Dedicated Doors and Windows ERP Software Solves These Problems
Streamlined Enquiry and Quotation Workflows
With DW-ERP’s Quotation Module, teams can instantly generate detailed quotations, visualise positions, and revise proposals with complete version control—all from one screen.
Automated Project Tracking and Client Updates
The Job Module converts approved quotes into jobs and tracks everything from material allocation to milestone follow-ups, keeping clients informed at every stage of the process.
Centralised Material and Inventory Control
The Stock Module enables real-time tracking of materials, including profiles, glass, and hardware. It also helps manage powder coating, partial deliveries, and rejected items.
Real-Time Production and Delivery Management
The Production Tracking Module offers barcode-enabled job monitoring, ensuring transparency across every phase—cutting, CNC, dispatch, and installation.
Module Breakdown: The DW-ERP Advantage
BDL Module: Customer and Supplier Management
Create and manage relationships with customers, subcontractors, and manufacturers. Attach billing addresses, design files, and notes—all accessible in the field via mobile.
Quotation Module: Fast and Transparent Proposals
Auto-generate quotes with Logikal integration, attach images, revise with ease, and track client approvals with signatures.
Job Module: End-to-End Project Oversight
Track each job by position, material, price, and timeline. Break down phased jobs for multi-stage delivery and ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Purchase Order (PO) Module: Simplified Procurement
Generate POs job-wise or for general stock. Automatically check live inventory and only order what’s needed to reduce wastage.
Stock Module: Precise Inventory Control
Maintain master lists of materials with full colour, UOM, and supplier info. Run closing stock reports and easily adjust discrepancies.
Production Tracking Module: Barcode-Enabled Visibility
Set up your production process (e.g., Cutting > CNC > Dispatch), track every stage with barcodes, and generate real-time delivery notes.
Finance Module: Integrated Billing and Payments
Create sales invoices, assign cost centres, and send payment receipts to streamline financial operations.
Mobile App: On-Site Updates for Field Teams
Let your sales and production teams upload documents, photos, and update job statuses on-site via the DW-ERP mobile app.
Business Benefits of Using Fenestration Software
Accelerated Project Timelines: Track jobs with milestone-based follow-ups and real-time status updates.
Optimised Inventory: Never overstock or underorder again. Real-time stock updates and auto-generated purchase prevent procurement errors.
Client Transparency: The software facilitates the timely delivery of updates and accurate documentation.
Lower Operational Costs: Reduce material wastage and rework through digital automation.
Why Industry-Specific ERP is a Smart Investment
Investing in Fenestration Software may seem like a niche decision, but for fabricators, it’s a competitive edge. Industry-focused systems like DW-ERP provide:
- Faster time-to-value than generic ERPs
- Deep domain knowledge from day one
- Built-in industry best practices
- Better staff adoption due to intuitive workflows
Case in Point: A fabricator using DW-ERP improved quotation turnaround by 70%, reduced stock wastage by 30%, and saw a 40% increase in on-time deliveries within 6 months.
Selecting the Best Doors and Windows ERP Software
When evaluating your ERP options, ensure the software includes the following key features.
- Modules for tracking jobs, production, inventory, and quotations
- Integration with design tools (like Logikal)
- Barcode scanning and real-time mobile access
- Supplier and procurement tracking features.
Additionally, give preference to vendors who are knowledgeable about the fenestration domain rather than just software.
Conclusion
The window and door industry thrives on precision, speed, and customisation. Using spreadsheets or generic software is no longer a sustainable approach. With DW-ERP, fabricators can digitise operations, automate workflows, and scale efficiently without compromising quality or delivery.
Please book your free demo today and discover how our Doors and Windows ERP Software can transform your fenestration operations.
