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Most manufacturers produce high quality products in various trim and format options. This is a complex process often managed by traditional methods. Craftsmanship and tradition permeate the industry and many companies are reluctant to abandon this for what they see as the impersonal high-tech systems of modern manufacturing. But there are signs that this is changing.

To survive, business must be efficient and competitive. Whilst it is not impossible to manage a manufacturing business using pen, paper and a phone, the reality is that unless a business puts more systems in place it is not just standing still, it is going backwards.

This being the case, it is impossible to deny access to the dreaded computer.
The very nature of furniture manufacturing makes it a special case that an off-the-shelf hardware and software package cannot manage.

Key phrases in the industry are "build to order" and "multiple parts control". A manufacturer designs a range of furniture and it is displayed in retail outlets. But domestic decorative schemes feature endless colour combinations and styles. The end customer has the luxury of choosing a suite, and then material, colour, seating unit and cushion combinations to suit their tastes. There is no such thing as a normal product.

Potentially this means manufacturers may need to hold vast amounts of stock of widely different parts and materials. But holding large volumes at any one time is not an option if a business is to remain competitive. Stock has to be managed effectively.

Another factor often overlooked is the relatively high level of manpower in the industry where large scale automation is not always possible or affordable. Any system that enables a business process that takes labour out of production and parts control will be a major step forward.

High Wycombe based Chairman Software set out to tackle these issues. It's Chairman package contains modules for accounts, order processing, inventory control, manufacturing and distribution. Grantham based Quality Furniture's financial director David Bramwell uses the package and says: "The industry presents a manufacturing challenge like few others. ...Take our range of products, multiply by the number of colour, trim and seating options, factor in the customers' expectation that the product will be delivered quickly, and you see the problem."

By harnessing the number crunching capabilities of the current computer systems, plus the ability to string together complex manufacturing, stock control and distribution processes, Chairman provides a foundation and structure on which company systems can be built.

At the system's heart is business processing. Typically this enables product specifications to be changed at will and refines the manufacturing process to be more efficient. The key, says Chairman Software is building processes as well as products. This streamlining takes labour out of production and general business systems. Lead times and stock holdings can be reduced, making the made to order process realistic and profitable.

Chairman Software's Managing Director, John Swift, says: "The systems manages all aspects of the manufacturing process and it provides the tools to run an efficient and automated system. Chairman is under constant development with enhancements such as the integration of postcode recognition software to simplify invoicing and delivery."

Although the system manages larger accounting and manufacturing processes, it can be used by smaller firms. The entry level package manages eight users.

Mr Bramwell adds: "It enables us to plan and monitor production and provides the means for us to plan distribution of a wide range of products and options. Chairman Software understands the furniture industry and environment it works in."

Hythe, Kent, based contract furniture maker Gopak has taken technology to its heart and is one of Chairman Software's most demanding clients.

Gopak joint MD, Andrew Fieldwick says: "Injecting technology and investing in systems has enabled us to create an environment to run more quickly and accurately."

Chairman Software's Mr Swift concludes: "Gopak is IT aware to a high level and it has set us challenges in terms of supplying a system which keeps ahead of expectations."

First printed in Cabinet Maker January 1999