If you are currently evaluating software to run your shop floor, you are likely feeling the pressure of “getting it right.” In an SME manufacturing environment, whether you are running CNC machines, fabrication, or electronics assembly, the choice of an MRP (Material Requirements Planning) or MES (Manufacturing Execution System) is not just an IT decision. It is a decision that will dictate your ability to hit delivery dates and protect your margins for the next decade.

The landscape in 2026 is different than it was even a few years ago. “Digital transformation” has moved from a boardroom buzzword to a practical necessity for staying competitive. However, the market is still flooded with complex systems that were designed for global corporations, not the reality of a UK machine shop.

Before you commit to a demo or sign a contract, here are ten analytical questions you should ask every vendor.

1. How does the system handle multi-level Bills of Materials (BOMs)?

In discrete manufacturing, a product is rarely a single part. It is an assembly of components, sub-assemblies, and hardware. You need to know if the system can accurately explode a complex BOM and trigger material requirements at every level. If it cannot handle sub-assemblies naturally, your production planning will remain a manual exercise.

2. Can we track actual vs estimated costs in real time?

Protecting your margin depends on knowing if a job is costing you more than you quoted while it is still on the machine. Ask if the system captures actual labour time and material usage on the shop floor and compares it to your quote instantly. Waiting until the end of the month to see your variances is too late to fix a loss-making job.

3. What does ‘Shop Floor Data Capture’ actually look like for the operator?

If the interface is too complex, your machinists and fabricators won’t use it. Ask to see the operator terminal. Is it a series of simple buttons on a tablet, or does it require a keyboard and a mouse? The best data comes from systems that make life easier for the operator, not harder.

4. How do you handle ‘Work in Progress’ (WIP) visibility?

One of the biggest drains on a factory’s cash flow is parts sitting in pallets between operations. Ask the vendor how the system visualises bottlenecks. Can you see, at a glance, which work centre is overloaded and which jobs are stalled?

5. Does the MRP logic account for live supplier lead times?

A static lead time in a database is a fiction. In the current supply chain environment, you need an MRP that can be updated easily when a supplier warns you of a delay. Ask how the system reshuffles the schedule when a material delivery slips.

6. How is data portability handled?

As we have discussed previously, vendor lock-in is a significant risk. Ask directly: “If we decide to move to a different system in five years, how do we get our historical data, BOMs, and customer records out in a readable format?” If the answer involves expensive “extraction fees,” be cautious.

7. Can the system manage sub-contract processes within the routing?

Most SME factories in the UK rely on external processes like heat treatment, plating, or painting. Your software must be able to track parts leaving the building, the purchase order tied to that service, and the expected return date, all while keeping the job “live” in the schedule.

8. How does the software support our quality and traceability requirements?

Whether it is ISO 9001, AS9100, or simple customer requirements, traceability is non-negotiable. Ask if material certificates and inspection reports can be attached directly to the works order digitally. Finding a certificate should take five seconds, not fifty minutes in a filing cabinet.

9. Is the system cloud-based or on-premise, and why?

In 2026, the debate is largely settled in favour of the cloud for SMEs due to security and accessibility. However, you should ask about the vendor’s backup protocols and uptime guarantees. You need to know that your shop floor won’t grind to a halt if your local internet has a blip.

10. What is the true ‘Total Cost of Ownership’ over three years?

Don’t just look at the initial implementation fee. Ask about:

  • Annual maintenance or subscription costs.
  • Training fees for new staff.
  • Costs for adding new work centres or users.
  • Charges for updates and support.

The Calm Approach to Selection

Choosing a system shouldn’t be a frantic process. It is about finding a logical fit for how your factory actually operates. If a vendor spends more time talking about “AI-driven paradigms” than about how a job card moves from the mill to the assembly bench, they probably don’t understand your business.

DynamxMFG was built by people who have spent years on real shop floors. Our system is designed to provide clear answers to these ten questions, focusing on practical visibility and margin protection for UK manufacturers.

If you would like to see how DynamxMFG handles these specific challenges, book a demo today and we can walk through your shop floor requirements.