The Ultimate Guide to Manufacturing Efficiency with NetSuite

Achieving peak efficiency in manufacturing requires more than just software – it demands a strategic approach to shop floor operations. NetSuite Advanced Manufacturing equips manufacturers with real-time visibility, automated scheduling, and predictive maintenance tools to reduce downtime and increase throughput.

In this guide, we explore proven strategies to maximise efficiency, optimise workflows, and eliminate production bottlenecks using NetSuite Advanced Manufacturing.

Manufacturers today face a range of operational challenges that can reduce efficiency and profitability. These include:

• Inefficient scheduling: Production plans often fail to consider actual resource availability, leading to delays and overburdened equipment or staff.
• Disconnected systems: Lack of integration between departments creates communication gaps that slow down workflows.
• Inventory mismanagement: Overstocking ties up capital, while understocking can halt production entirely.
• Unplanned downtime: Equipment failures disrupt production and increase operational costs.
• Quality control issues: Defects and rework add unnecessary costs and impact customer satisfaction.

Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive solution that integrates production planning, scheduling, and real-time data insights.

NetSuite Advanced Manufacturing provides a suite of features designed to optimise shop floor operations. Consequently, these tools ensure that resources are used efficiently, workflows are streamlined, and production meets the highest quality standards.

One of the biggest efficiency killers in manufacturing is poor production scheduling. Many companies rely on manual planning or infinite capacity scheduling, which assumes unlimited resources leading to:

• Overburdened equipment & labour, causing delays.
• Bottlenecks that slow production and impact delivery timelines.
• Unrealistic schedules that disrupt workflows and increase costs.

To maximise efficiency, manufacturers need to:

• Match production plans to actual resource availability.
• Avoid overcommitting machines and labour.
• Ensure realistic schedules that improve on-time delivery.

NetSuite’s Finite Capacity Scheduling ensures that production schedules are realistic and achievable by factoring in real-time resource availability. This prevents scheduling conflicts, reduces unexpected downtime, and helps manufacturers improve throughput and efficiency without overloading resources.

Detailed routing defines every step of the manufacturing process, including required machines, tools, and labour. This clarity helps eliminate bottlenecks, reduce cycle times, and improve workflow coordination, resulting in more consistent output.

Batch processing groups similar production tasks or products into batches, reducing setup times and operational costs. This feature is particularly valuable for industries requiring high-volume or complex production runs, such as food and beverage or pharmaceuticals.

Quality control is embedded directly into production workflows, allowing manufacturers to identify and address issues early. This reduces defects, minimises rework, and ensures that products consistently meet required standards, improving customer satisfaction and reducing costs.

NetSuite provides real-time insights into production performance, resource utilisation, and equipment status through intuitive dashboards. These tools enable managers to identify bottlenecks, monitor progress, and make data-driven decisions quickly.

Seamless integration with other NetSuite modules—such as inventory management, procurement, and financials—effectively creates a unified platform for managing all aspects of the manufacturing process and operations. Furthermore, this integration notably enhances communication, comprehensively streamlines workflows, and ultimately ensures all teams work with the same data.

Predictive maintenance tools monitor equipment performance in real time, identifying potential issues before they cause breakdowns. By scheduling maintenance proactively, manufacturers can reduce downtime, extend equipment life, and improve production reliability.

Automation eliminates repetitive tasks, improving precision and allowing employees to focus on higher-value activities. This enhances productivity while maintaining consistent quality across production runs.

The features of NetSuite Advanced Manufacturing translate into tangible benefits for manufacturers:

• Improved resource utilisation: Finite capacity scheduling ensures optimal use of labour and equipment.
• Reduced downtime: Predictive maintenance minimises disruptions and extends machinery lifespan.
• Enhanced quality control: Embedded quality checks ensure consistent product standards.
• Streamlined workflows: Integrated tools improve communication and coordination across departments.
• Real-time decision-making: Live data and dashboards provide actionable insights for faster problem-solving.
• Optimised inventory management: Automated reordering and demand planning reduce stockouts and overstocking.

In any manufacturing environment, efficient labor tracking is crucial to minimising idle time, optimising task assignments, and ensuring smooth production workflows. Without clear visibility into workforce activities, businesses may struggle with delays, underutilised resources, and increased labour costs.

To enhance shop floor productivity, manufacturers can implement several best practices:

• Real-Time Labor Monitoring: Track employee activities in real-time to identify bottlenecks and improve task allocation.
• Automated Time Tracking: Use digital solutions to reduce manual errors and ensure accurate work-hour reporting.
• Workload Balancing: Distribute tasks effectively to prevent employee burnout and maximise efficiency.
• Data-Driven Decision-Making: Leverage workforce analytics to refine scheduling and improve overall labor management.

OneKloudX offers a Shop Floor Time Management App designed to simplify and enhance workforce tracking. The app provides real-time visibility into employee activities, helping manufacturers streamline operations and improve efficiency. Features such as automated time tracking, performance analytics, and seamless integration with ERP systems enable businesses to optimise labor management with greater accuracy and ease.

By adopting a structured approach to shop floor time management whether through digital tools like OneKloudX or other workforce optimisation strategies, manufacturers can boost productivity and maintain a competitive edge in the industry.

Many manufacturers have successfully implemented NetSuite Advanced Manufacturing to address their manufacturing process efficiencies. Here are three examples:

1. Nutra Organics
   Nutra Organics, a health product manufacturer, struggled with manual production planning and inefficient inventory management. By adopting NetSuite’s Demand Planning and Materials Resource Planning (MRP) tools, they streamlined workflows, improved forecasting accuracy, and reduced waste. These changes enabled them to scale efficiently while meeting customer demand. Read case study

2. Adchem Australia
   Adchem Australia, a chemical manufacturer, relied on spreadsheets for forecasting and procurement, leading to inefficiencies. Implementing NetSuite SuiteSuccess Manufacturing Edition provided visibility into inventory and production schedules, automated workflows, and reduced manual tasks. The result was improved operational efficiency and greater scalability. Read the case study

3. AD Instruments
   Confronting challenges in supply chain visibility and operational agility due to microchip supply uncertainties, AD Instruments partnered with OneKloudX to integrate NetSuite MRP into their NetSuite ERP system. The collaborative implementation approach optimised inventory management, enhanced supply chain visibility, and eliminated production disruptions. This strategic shift has significantly improved AD Instruments’ inventory control, streamlined their manufacturing process, and bolstered their resilience to supply chain fluctuations. read the case study

As manufacturing continues to evolve, technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and robotics are increasingly becoming integral to shop floor operations. Consequently, NetSuite Advanced Manufacturing is meticulously designed to seamlessly integrate these innovations. As a result, this provides manufacturers with a future-ready platform that enhances their operational capabilities.

Furthermore, AI-powered analytics significantly enhance scheduling, quality control, and demand forecasting. Moreover, robotics effectively automate repetitive tasks, thus allowing employees to focus on innovation and higher-value activities. Additionally, NetSuite robustly supports sustainability initiatives by optimising resource use and reducing waste. Ultimately, this helps manufacturers align with evolving consumer expectations and stringent regulatory requirements in the modern manufacturing landscape.

NetSuite Advanced Manufacturing software is undoubtedly a powerful tool that significantly transforms shop floor operations. Indeed, its comprehensive features—including finite capacity scheduling, quality management, batch processing, and real-time dashboards—effectively empower manufacturers to streamline workflows, markedly improve quality, and substantially enhance efficiency. Moreover, by adeptly addressing common challenges such as downtime, inefficient scheduling, and inventory mismanagement, NetSuite ultimately helps businesses achieve sustainable growth and increased profitability in the long run.

If you’re ready to optimise your shop floor and drive greater efficiency, NetSuite Advanced Manufacturing is the solution you’ve been looking for. Visit the NetSuite Advanced Manufacturing page to learn how this powerful platform can help transform your manufacturing operations today.

NetSuite Advanced Manufacturing provides manufacturers with full visibility and control over production, from scheduling and work orders to inventory and quality management. By connecting every stage of the manufacturing process in a single system, businesses can reduce downtime, eliminate manual errors, and make data-driven decisions to improve efficiency. Ready to see it in action? Get a demo.

The OneKloudX Shop Floor Time Management App helps manufacturers track labour hours, job progress, and workforce productivity in real time. By eliminating manual time tracking and reducing errors, it ensures accurate labour costing, better compliance, and improved operational efficiency. Want to see how it works? If you are ready, schedule a demo, or call us on 1800 155 683.