How to Set Up Contract Manufacturing in NetSuite

Are you looking to streamline your manufacturing process and improve efficiency? Look no further, as this article will guide you on how to set up contract manufacturing in NetSuite. With the rise of global supply chains, it’s important for businesses to effectively manage subcontractors and maintain control over their production.

What Is Contract Manufacturing?

Contract manufacturing is a business arrangement where a company outsources the production of its goods to a third-party manufacturer. This arrangement allows the company to concentrate on other aspects of its operations, such as marketing and distribution.

Contract manufacturing offers numerous benefits, including:

• cost savings
• access to specialized expertise
• increased production capacity

It is commonly utilized in industries such as electronics, pharmaceuticals, and automotive. For instance, Apple contracts the manufacturing of iPhones to Foxconn, leveraging their capabilities and expertise while retaining control over the design and quality of their products.

Why Use NetSuite for Contract Manufacturing?

When it comes to contract manufacturing, having a reliable and efficient system in place is crucial for success. That is why many companies are turning to NetSuite as their preferred platform. In this section, we will discuss the various benefits of using NetSuite for contract manufacturing, including its centralized data management, streamlined communication, and real-time visibility. By the end, you’ll understand why NetSuite is the go-to solution for setting up a seamless and organized contract manufacturing process.

1. Centralized Data Management

Centralized data management plays a crucial role in streamlining contract manufacturing processes within NetSuite. Follow these steps to ensure efficient centralized data management:

1. Define the manufacturing process: Clearly outline the specific steps and tasks involved in the manufacturing process.
2. Set up manufacturing locations: Utilize NetSuite to create and configure manufacturing locations, effectively tracking inventory and production.
3. Create Bill of Materials (BOM): Establish the required components and quantities for each product.
4. Create Work Orders: Initiate production by generating work orders based on the BOM and allocating necessary resources.
5. Manage inventory: Accurately track raw materials, finished goods, and inventory levels.
6. Track production costs: Monitor and analyze production costs to ensure profitability.

By following these steps, businesses can effectively manage and control their manufacturing operations within NetSuite, maintaining centralized data management throughout the entire process.

2. Streamlined Communication

Streamlined communication is crucial for successful contract manufacturing in NetSuite. Here are the steps to achieve it:

1. Establish clear and open lines of communication with all stakeholders.
2. Utilize collaboration tools within NetSuite, such as shared documents and messaging platforms.
3. Regularly update relevant parties on project progress and changes.
4. Implement automated notifications and alerts for real-time updates.
5. Ensure effective communication between different departments involved in the manufacturing process.

To further enhance communication:

• Encourage feedback and suggestions from team members.
• Hold regular meetings to address any issues or concerns.
• Provide training and support to ensure everyone understands the communication processes.

By following these steps and fostering a culture of effective communication, contract manufacturing in NetSuite can be streamlined, leading to improved efficiency and successful outcomes.

3. Real-time Visibility

Real-time visibility is crucial in contract manufacturing to ensure efficient operations and timely decision-making. Here are the steps to achieve real-time visibility in NetSuite:

1. Implement real-time data integration between NetSuite and manufacturing partners.
2. Use NetSuite’s reporting and analytics tools to monitor production status, inventory levels, and shipping information.
3. Leverage NetSuite’s dashboards to track key performance indicators and identify bottlenecks or delays.
4. Enable notifications and alerts to receive real-time updates on production issues or changes in order status.

To optimize real-time visibility, consider:

• Regularly reviewing and updating Bill of Materials (BOMs) to reflect any changes or updates in the manufacturing process.
• Utilizing NetSuite’s quality control features to ensure product consistency and minimize defects.
• Using NetSuite’s forecasting tools to anticipate demand and adjust production accordingly.
• Monitoring production costs and performance to identify areas for improvement and cost savings.

Achieving real-time visibility in NetSuite empowers organizations to make informed decisions, minimize disruptions, and deliver high-quality products to customers.

Steps to Set Up Contract Manufacturing in NetSuite

Setting up contract manufacturing in NetSuite can streamline your production processes and increase efficiency. To successfully implement this feature, there are several important steps to follow. We will begin by defining the manufacturing process and then move on to setting up specific manufacturing locations. Next, we’ll discuss the creation of a bill of materials (BOM) and the generation of work orders. We’ll also touch on how to effectively manage inventory and track production costs to ensure a successful contract manufacturing setup in NetSuite.

Step 1: Define the Manufacturing Process

To define the manufacturing process in NetSuite for contract manufacturing, follow these steps:

1. Identify the specific manufacturing activities required for your products.
2. Outline the sequence in which these activities need to be performed.
3. Determine the resources, equipment, and materials needed for each step.
4. Establish the timeframes and deadlines for each manufacturing stage.
5. Create a detailed workflow or flowchart to visually represent the process.
6. Document any specifications or quality control measures to ensure consistency.

Step 2: Set Up Manufacturing Locations

To establish manufacturing locations in NetSuite for contract manufacturing, follow these steps:

1. Access the NetSuite dashboard and go to the Manufacturing module.
2. Select “Setup” and then choose “Manufacturing Locations.”
3. Click on “New” to generate a new manufacturing location.
4. Provide all necessary details for the manufacturing location, including the name, address, and contact information.
5. Specify the capacity and capabilities of the manufacturing location, including available resources and equipment.
6. Define any specific requirements or restrictions for the manufacturing location, such as certifications or compliance standards.
7. Save the information and repeat the process for any additional manufacturing locations.

By setting up manufacturing locations in NetSuite, businesses can effectively manage and track their production processes, ensuring efficient operations and seamless communication among all parties involved in contract manufacturing.

Step 3: Create Bill of Materials

To generate a bill of materials (BOM) for contract manufacturing in NetSuite, follow these steps:

1. Identify the components required for production.
2. Create a list of all the necessary materials and their corresponding quantities.
3. Specify the unit of measure for each material.
4. Include any additional information about the materials, such as supplier details or cost.
5. Organize the BOM in a hierarchical structure, with top-level assemblies and sub-assemblies.
6. Add any necessary instructions or notes to clarify the production process.

The practice of creating BOMs can be traced back to the early 20th century, when manufacturing processes became more complex and required detailed documentation of materials and their quantities. Over time, BOMs have evolved into essential tools for efficient and accurate production planning and management in various industries.

Step 4: Create Work Orders

Creating work orders is a crucial step in setting up contract manufacturing in NetSuite. Here is a list of steps to follow:

1. Step 1: Define the manufacturing process and determine the specific tasks and resources required.
2. Step 2: Set up manufacturing locations in NetSuite, including defining the physical locations and resources available.
3. Step 3: Create a bill of materials (BOM) for your product, specifying all the components and raw materials needed.
4. Step 4: Generate Work Orders in NetSuite, assigning tasks to specific resources and setting the production schedule.
5. Step 5: Manage inventory by tracking the usage of components and materials during the manufacturing process.
6. Step 6: Track production costs to ensure profitability and make informed decisions regarding pricing and resource allocation.

Following these steps will help streamline the contract manufacturing process and ensure efficient production within NetSuite.

Step 5: Manage Inventory

Managing inventory is a crucial step in contract manufacturing. To effectively manage inventory in NetSuite, follow these steps:

1. Track incoming materials: Record the receipt of raw materials and components into the system.
2. Assign storage locations: Allocate specific locations for different inventory items to ensure easy retrieval.
3. Set reorder points: Establish minimum stock levels to trigger automatic replenishment.
4. Implement barcode scanning: Use barcode scanning technology to improve accuracy and efficiency in inventory management.
5. Generate reports: Utilize NetSuite’s reporting capabilities to monitor inventory levels, turnover, and valuation.

True story: A contract manufacturer successfully implemented NetSuite’s inventory management module, enabling them to optimize their inventory levels, reduce stockouts, and improve overall efficiency, leading to increased customer satisfaction and higher profitability.

Step 5: Manage Inventory

Step 6: Track Production Costs

Tracking production costs is a crucial step in contract manufacturing to ensure profitability and efficiency. Here are the steps to effectively track production costs in NetSuite:

1. Establish cost categories: Create categories to classify various production costs, such as labor, materials, overhead, and equipment.
2. Assign cost codes: Assign specific codes to each cost category to easily track and analyze costs throughout the manufacturing process.
3. Record direct costs: Track direct costs, such as raw materials and direct labor, by associating them with the corresponding production orders or work orders.
4. Allocate indirect costs: Allocate indirect costs, like overhead expenses, to the appropriate products or manufacturing processes based on predetermined allocation methods.
5. Monitor variances: Regularly review and analyze cost variances, comparing actual costs with estimated costs, to identify any discrepancies and take corrective actions.
6. Generate cost reports: Utilize NetSuite’s reporting capabilities to generate comprehensive cost reports, including cost of goods sold, cost breakdowns, and profitability analysis.
7. Step 6: Track Production Costs

Best Practices for Contract Manufacturing in NetSuite

Implementing contract manufacturing in NetSuite requires careful planning and strategic utilization of the platform’s features. In this section, we will discuss the best practices for successfully setting up and managing contract manufacturing in NetSuite. From regularly reviewing and updating BOMs to utilizing forecasting tools, we will explore the key steps and features that will ensure a smooth and efficient manufacturing process. By following these best practices, businesses can maximize their production capabilities and optimize their performance.

1. Regularly Review and Update BOMs

Regularly reviewing and updating Bills of Materials (BOMs) is essential for successful contract manufacturing in NetSuite. Follow these steps to ensure proper BOM management:

1. Identify the need for BOM updates based on changes in product design, component availability, or production process improvements.
2. Access the NetSuite system and navigate to the BOM module.
3. Locate the specific BOM that requires updates.
4. Modify the BOM by adding, removing, or updating components and quantities as needed.
5. Verify that the updated BOM accurately reflects the latest production requirements.
6. Save the changes and update the BOM status to indicate that it has been reviewed and updated.

To optimize contract manufacturing in NetSuite, consider implementing these suggestions:

• Regularly communicate with suppliers to stay informed about component availability and pricing.
• Utilize automated notifications to alert stakeholders of any changes to BOMs.
• Take advantage of NetSuite’s reporting capabilities to analyze BOM usage and identify areas for improvement.
• Collaborate with the production team to ensure that BOMs align with production schedules and goals.

2. Use Quality Control Features

Using the quality control features available in NetSuite for contract manufacturing is essential for ensuring product consistency and customer satisfaction. To effectively utilize these features, follow these steps:

1. Establish Quality Control Standards: Clearly define the specific quality criteria that your products must meet.
2. Create Inspection Plans: Set up inspection checkpoints at different stages of the manufacturing process to evaluate product quality.
3. Perform Inspections: Conduct inspections to verify that products meet the established quality standards.
4. Document Non-Conformances: Record any deviations from the quality standards and initiate corrective actions.
5. Analyze Inspection Results: Regularly review the inspection data to identify trends, address recurring issues, and improve processes.

Pro-tip: Consistently monitoring and utilizing the quality control features in NetSuite can help maintain a high level of product quality and improve customer satisfaction.

3. Utilize Forecasting Tools

Utilizing forecasting tools is crucial for successful contract manufacturing in NetSuite. By accurately predicting demand and production needs, businesses can optimize inventory levels, reduce costs, and effectively meet customer demands. Here are the steps to effectively utilize forecasting tools in NetSuite:

1. Set up demand planning: Define forecasting parameters and configure demand plans.
2. Create sales forecasts: Use historical data, market trends, and customer insights to generate accurate sales forecasts.
3. Analyze demand patterns: Review and analyze demand patterns to identify seasonality, trends, and fluctuations.
4. Collaborate with suppliers: Share forecasted demand with suppliers to ensure timely procurement and production.
5. Monitor and adjust: Continuously monitor actual demand and adjust forecasts based on real-time data and market changes.

One company successfully utilized forecasting tools in NetSuite to optimize their contract manufacturing process. By accurately forecasting demand, they reduced inventory carrying costs by 15% and improved customer satisfaction with on-time delivery.

4. Monitor Production Costs and Performance

To ensure successful contract manufacturing in NetSuite, it is crucial to monitor production costs and performance. Here are some key steps to follow:

1. Regularly review and update Bill of Materials (BOMs) to ensure accurate cost calculations and availability of ingredients.
2. Utilize NetSuite’s quality control features to track product quality and identify any production issues or defects.
3. Utilize forecasting tools within NetSuite to anticipate demand and plan production accordingly, avoiding overproduction or stockouts.
4. Regularly review actual costs versus budgeted costs to monitor production costs and identify any discrepancies or areas for improvement.

By implementing these best practices, you can effectively monitor production costs and performance in NetSuite, optimizing your contract manufacturing operations.