For job shops or make-to-order manufacturers that need an ERP software solution, the E2 Shop System touts itself as being able to bring together virtually all business operations into one system. This includes estimates, scheduling, purchases, shipping, CRM functions, and accounting. The software allows you to simplify as much as you want to in the quoting process, or be complex as needed in estimating labor, overhead, materials, and other costs. It’s up to you and your unique business requirements.

Quotes can also be automatically converted into order without the need for double-entering information. E2 can automatically produce both shipping labels and packing slips, and then track those shipments to multiple addresses. For materials ordering, E2 can be configured for a company’s unique purchasing requirements as well as finding the best pricing and shipping options. The scheduling function keeps everyone on the same page for seeing a job go from initiation to completion, including the client in the loop. The accounting module can handle payroll, AP, and AR all from one place, as well as 200 different built-in financial reports. The software comes with round-the-clock technical support as needed.

Pros

Because of the multiple functionalities included, several users note that they were able to consolidate as many as four different software packages into just one by adopting the in E2 Shop System solution. Users are especially pleased with greater efficiency in quoting, entering orders, and shipping, as well as how useful it is to have all job documentation available in one place, allowing one to accurately track a job from inception all the way through to completion. A number of users have highlighted that customer support is both quick and reliable, and that the ability of technicians to log onto your company’s system remotely is very helpful. Users also note that the company seems to listen to customers in order to keep improving the product.

Cons

A few users have noted that sometimes answers on support issues differ between the sales team and technical support staff. In particular, more than one user has noted that the salespeople sometimes over-promise on what the software can actually deliver. Others have noted that the accounting functions are less than optimal. For anyone with an accounting background, they may even not make much sense. Others have noted these deficiencies in the accounting side, especially regarding the difficulty of extracting balance sheet and income sheet information from the system. Some users note that you can’t have more than one window open at a time in E2, which means if you’re working in one job and need to switch to another, you have to close out whatever you’re working to make the switch. Some have also noted that because the search function defaults to a week’s worth of data, getting search results can take minutes of time, which feels frustrating in an age of instant search results.

If your type of business matches the job shop or make-to-order manufacturing types, it is clear that E2 Shop System is an ERP software solution worth investigating.