Introduction
WinMan is a powerful ERP Software solution aimed specifically at the manufacturing and distribution sectors. Covering all aspects of Manufacturing, Distribution, CRM, Financials and associated functions, WinMan has been developed from the ground up as an integrated business system for forward thinking enterprises.

WinMan utilises the very latest Microsoft .NET technology and is developed to n-tier standards using 100% .NET managed code. In tandem with the Microsoft SQL Server database environment and all associated Microsoft tools, WinMan provides a very powerful and leading-edge solution. Originally developed in 1993, WinMan was one of the world’s first Windows-based ERP systems. Our recent redevelopment and subsequent release in .NET reinforce our position as technological pioneers and prove our dedication to keeping our customers competitive with the latest advances in business systems.

Increasing pressure on UK industry has meant that the survivors have had to adapt to the changing business landscape. Customers are demanding more choice, lower cost and higher quality. Lean Manufacturing and Lean Supply Chain are no longer just buzzwords; adoption of these principles is becoming essential to the survival of UK manufacturers and distributors.

Rather than adopting an ‘either/or’ approach to integrating Lean into the supply chain, WinMan adopts a ‘both/and’ approach, recognising the value of integrating both contemporary and traditional methodologies. WinMan is extremely effective with either push or pull techniques or a mixture of both. WinMan distribution and manufacturing software also incorporates fully integral financials and customer relationship management (CRM) and is specifically aimed at both small and medium-sized companies typically requiring between 5 & 500 concurrent users.

WinMan ERP software is inherently flexible and also functionally rich. We have customers in and full functionality for the following industries:

Aerospace	Automotive	Defence
Electronics	Instrumentation	Medical
Food	Chemical	Textiles & Yarns
Machinery	Furniture	Windows & Doors
Fabrications	FMCG	Plastics
…and many more

WinMan is a mixed mode manufacturing system and simultaneously covers the following manufacturing types:

MTO – Make to Order
MTS – Make to Stock
CTO – Configure to Order
ETO – Engineer to Order or project based manufacturing
HVR – High Volume Repetitive or batch manufacturing
Batch Process
Assembly
Kitting
Packing

Single System
Many companies’ systems consist of disparate ‘islands’ of information that do not communicate with each other. This is highly inefficient due to unnecessary duplication of data entry, difficulties in tracing and resolving issues and huge problems in providing accurate and meaningful data to management. A single fully integrated ERP system enables easy access to business critical information, instigating effective and accurate reporting and provision of key performance indicators (KPIs) to key personnel. WinMan’s dashboard reporting, a feature of .NET, also provides all users with relevant, role specific, real-time reporting on KPIs, empowering more of the workforce to make business critical decisions. An integrated system also provides one single entry point for data and nullifies the need to re-enter data.

Intuitive & Transparent
WinMan has been designed with the user in mind. Supporting both ‘lean’ and traditional business processes are powerful features, including user definable workflow process controls, WinMan agents and bookmarks. Documents can be attached throughout the system and are easily accessible from anywhere. Screen layouts are designed with users in mind and drill down features allow rapid querying of data and access to ‘background’ data. Microsoft Reporting Services provides a formidable report writing tool and the best tool for querying the Microsoft SQL Server database on which WinMan resides.

Accessible via Web, Internet or Terminal Serivces
WinMan operates in the client/server environment and is accessible to all, whether remote or office based. WinMan can talk to supplier and customer systems using either traditional or modern EDI/XML and we have many customers who sell to companies such as Argos, John Lewis, Ford etc using protocols like Tradernet or Edifact or more bespoke electronic data communications. Customers and suppliers can also have direct access to the system via the web.

Manufacturing
WinMan has powerful manufacturing functionality in many areas, including production control, MRP, capacity planning and scheduling, product configuration, full traceability and engineering change control. For more information, see 'WinMan for Manufacturing' here.

Distribution
For an overview of WinMan’s expert support of complex distribution and warehousing please visit our 'WinMan for Distribution' here.

CRM
WinMan CRM was designed and built as an integral part of the system. Excellent telesales and pipeline management facilities combine with marketing campaign management to provide a powerful sales and marketing tool. However, CRM is not just about sales and marketing. As well as managing the sales process, WinMan also manages projects and customer support. For more information on CRM, click here.