Why precision shops break generic ERP
Singapore precision engineering shops — CNC machinists, mold makers, jig and fixture fabricators, EDM specialists, sheet metal precision — typically run 5-30 staff and turn over S$1-10M annually. Their workflow is dense in specifications, tolerances, machine routings, and certifications. Generic ERPs model BOM and routing; precision shops need to model the specific machine path, tooling, and verification per order.
Spec-driven quoting
A precision quote starts with a drawing. The estimator reads material, dimensions, tolerance band, finish, certification, quantity, lead time. Most of this lives in a senior estimator head and a master pricing spreadsheet. Quotes take half a day. Faster competitors are quoting in an hour.
A custom quoting engine captures the spec parameters in structured form, applies the shop rate logic (material + machine time + setup + certification + freight), and produces a quote in minutes. Senior estimators review the output rather than doing the math.
Tolerance traceability
For ISO 9001 / IATF 16949 / aerospace AS9100 customers, every part needs a traceable QC record: which CMM, which operator, which gauge, which calibration date. Most SG precision shops capture this on paper or in folder-of-PDFs. Audit prep is days of digging.
A custom system captures QC records inline with the order — operator scans a barcode, enters measurements, attaches a CMM file. The record becomes queryable. ISO audit prep becomes a filter, not a forensic search.
Multi-machine routing
Different parts go through different machines. Some need turning then milling then EDM then anodising. The routing depends on the part. Most shops keep this in a job ticket and the production manager judgement. When the production manager is sick, routing decisions stall.
A custom system captures the routing logic per part family and assigns jobs to machines based on capacity, capability, and current load. The production manager becomes the exception handler, not the dispatcher.
How a Start Canyon precision build is usually scoped
Typical engagement for a 10-25 person SG precision shop: 10-12 weeks, S$22-32k. Includes quoting engine, order pipeline, machine assignment view, QC record capture, and a customer-facing order status page. Integrates with the existing finance system.