Shop operations,explained plainly.

The vocabulary of running a shop — MRP, BOMs, work orders, PM schedules — without the consultant accent. Written for people who fix the bandsaw themselves.

Planning & MRP

What is MRP? Material requirements planning, in plain English6 min read MRP vs ERP: the actual difference (and which a small shop needs)5 min read What is an MES (manufacturing execution system)? And do you need one?4 min read

BOMs & materials

What is a bill of materials (BOM)? Definition, structure, and a worked example5 min read Bill of materials example: a complete, costed BOM you can copy9 min read What is kitting in manufacturing? Definition, examples, and when it pays4 min read What is WIP inventory? Work in progress, explained for shops3 min read

Inventory accuracy

Reorder point calculator interactive calculator Safety stock formula & calculator interactive calculator Cycle counting: how to keep inventory accurate without shutting down5 min read

Maintenance

What is preventive maintenance? Definition, examples, and a starter program5 min read Preventive vs predictive maintenance: which does a small shop need?4 min read The 4 types of equipment maintenance, with examples4 min read

Tools, assets & jobs

What is asset tracking? Definition, methods, and what to track4 min read What is a tool crib? And how to run one that gives tools back4 min read What is a work order? Meaning, contents, and lifecycle4 min read

Costing & pricing

Markup calculator — price, profit & margin interactive calculator

Reading about it is step one.

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