New MRP manufacturing
software installed at
Nottingham-based laser- and
waterjet-cutting specialist,
Lasershape, uses live order
processing functionality to
accelerate the company’s
entire front-end admin
process. Benefits claimed
include pinpoint-accurate
quotes and fast-track entry
into the shop floor
manufacturing schedule.

Tim Leam, MD, says: “We
previously operated
production control software
but it was more tailored to
machined (milled or turned)
components than our type of
parts, which are all profiled
from sheet metal or plate.”
After a review of the
marketplace, Lasershape
opted for SigmaMRP from
Sigma Business Automation,
which is designed to suit the
needs of sheet metal
companies. SigmaMRP
allows users to manage
quotes, orders and invoices,
as well as everything in
between, such as purchasing,
stock control and machine
programming. The system
synchronises with Sage
accounting/payroll software.

“Before SigmaMRP we
prepared job estimates on
spreadsheets,” says Tim
Leam. “If we won the order
we would start engineering it
ready for manufacture. With
customer lead-times getting
shorter this was a bottleneck
we had to address. With the
new system all this can be
done up front at quotation
stage. It calculates
manufacturing cycle times to
the second (via SigmaNEST
CADCAM), and knows the
exact material requirements.”
To staff its new planning
office, Lasershape has
recruited three Mastersdegree
graduates (pictured).