Manufacturing is a constant balancing act. You have to keep production on schedule, inventory stocked, orders fulfilled, and invoices paid on time. And if you’re in the thick of it, you know that managing all these moving parts can get complicated — fast. That’s why you need a quality ERP system.
One of the best manufacturing-focused ERPs on the market? QAD.
More than just a software solution, the QAD ERP is designed for the unique demands of manufacturing, making it easier to stay on track and keep operations running smoothly.
And by adding accounts payable (AP) automation to that mix, you can elevate your efficiency even more. When you integrate QAD with an AP automation solution, you'll eliminate manual processes to speed up invoice processing, cut down errors, and increase cash flow visibility.
Whether you’re new to ERP systems or just exploring your options, let’s explore how QAD can be a game-changer for your business — and why pairing it with AP automation can take your work even further.
What is QAD?
QAD is an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software system that helps manufacturers run operations from start to finish. This includes tracking inventory, handling orders, scheduling production, and even managing finances. What makes QAD special is that it’s built specifically for manufacturing, so it’s tailored to the unique needs of industries like automotive, life sciences, and consumer goods.
QAD is also extremely flexible and highly customizable. You can set up your QAD system to fit your specific processes, making it easier than ever to manage your day-to-day operations. And when you integrate an AP automation solution, like Nimbello, QAD becomes even more powerful — helping you tackle financial tasks with ease.
Key Features of QAD ERP for Manufacturing
How can the QAD ERP boost your business? Let's look at some of the features that make it valuable for manufacturing:
- Supply Chain Management: Keep tabs on your supply chain in real time, from raw materials to finished products. This helps you avoid delays caused by supply shortages, so you’re always ready to meet customer demand.
- Production Planning and Scheduling: With QAD, you can plan production schedules based on available resources, so you’re not scrambling to meet deadlines or overworking your staff.
- Quality Control: Manufacturers must meet strict quality standards. That's why QAD has quality control features to help you monitor product quality, catch any issues early, and ensure everything meets the required standards.
- Financial Management: QAD offers features that help you track budgets, manage costs, and monitor your cash flow. And by integrating AP automation, you can speed up invoice processing, reduce errors, and improve overall efficiency.
Why Pair QAD with AP Automation?
QAD is powerful on its own, but combining it with an AP automation (like Nimbello) can make it even better. Why? Because accounts payable can be a major bottleneck in your financial workflow — especially when you’re dealing with piles of invoices and manual data entry.
AP automation takes repetitive tasks — like PO matching, data entry, and payment scheduling — and automates them, reducing the need for manual work and speeding up the entire process.
Integrating AP automation with QAD offers many benefits, including:
- Faster Invoice Processing: AP automation software processes invoices in seconds, so you can process invoices with ease and pay vendors faster — which may help you qualify for early payment discounts.
- Reduced Errors: Mistakes are inevitable with manual invoice processing. AP automation reduces the risk of errors, so you’re less likely to have issues like duplicate payments or missed invoices.
- Cash Flow Transparency: AP automation gives you real-time visibility into your cash flow. This means you can budget more effectively, easily identify discrepancies, and make stronger, data-driven decisions.
- Better Compliance and Record Keeping: Automating AP makes it easier to keep accurate records, which is key for audits and compliance. Every transaction is tracked, creating detailed digital records you can access any time.
QAD Manufacturing User Guides: Getting Started
If you’re new to the QAD ERP, their collection of comprehensive user guides is a great place to get started. They're packed with helpful tips on how to use the system and make the most of its features.
Here are some highlights of what you can learn:
- Basic Navigation: If you're new to using an ERP, QAD's guides walk you through the basics, from setting up user permissions to navigating the dashboard. Even if you’ve never used ERP software before, you’ll find it easy to get started.
- Detailed Module Breakdown: QAD's platform offers multiple modules for different parts of manufacturing, like inventory, production, and finance. Their guides help you learn how each module works — so you can focus more on workflow efficiency, and less on trying to navigate your ERP.
- Data Entry Best Practices: Efficient data entry is key to getting accurate reports. That's why QAD's guides outline a variety of best practices to help you avoid common mistakes.
- Integration Tips: QAD integrates with other tools, including AP automation software like Nimbello. Their resource collection gives you the steps you need to easily integrate your AP solution of choice.
How to Integrate AP Automation with QAD
Ready to take your QAD ERP setup to the next level with AP automation? Here’s a quick breakdown on how to integrate your AP solution of choice:
- Define Your Goals: Decide what you want to achieve with AP automation. Are you aiming for faster processing times, fewer errors, or better cash flow management? Having clear goals will help you choose the right automation tools.
- Review Your Current Process: Take a look at your current AP workflow to see where automation could help the most. Look for bottlenecks and areas where manual work slows things down.
- Choose the Right Automation Solution: Not all AP automation tools work the same. Pick one that not only aligns with your goals, but also integrates easily with QAD — like Nimbello.
- Train Your Team: Make sure your team knows how to use the new system. Offering comprehensive training on how to use both QAD and your AP automation solution can ensure a smooth transition — and future success.
- Monitor and Adjust: Once everything’s up and running, it's important to keep an eye on the metrics. Are you hitting your goals? If not, make adjustments as needed to get the results you’re after.
QAD + Nimbello: The Future of Manufacturing
QAD with AP automation helps you keep up with the unique demands of manufacturing — making it easier than ever to run a smooth, error-free operation.
Ready to see how AP automation can elevate your QAD experience? Nimbello’s AP automation solutions are built to integrate seamlessly with QAD, helping you reduce errors, save time, and improve cash flow. Ready to learn how our solutions can transform your AP process? Schedule a demo today!