Who are the molding companies?
Molding companies manufacture parts or components made of plastic, metal, silicone, or composite materials, using specialized molds. These parts are often intended for the following sectors:
- Automobile
- Electronics
- Medical
- Aerospace
- Packaging
- Consumer goods
They can produce in series, individually, or for on-demand projects. Some also design their own molds, while others outsource them.
See also: Make-to-Order Manufacturing: 6 Challenges Faced by MTO/ETO Manufacturers and How an ERP Can Solve Them et The Top 5 Challenges Faced by MTS Manufacturers – and How ERP Transforms the Game, two articles that detail these models and their specific challenges.
Common challenges in the molding industry
According to studies by Statistics Canada and sector data (CME, Manufacturers and Exporters of Quebec), molding companies face several operational challenges:
1. Monitoring of the molds and their condition
The molds wear out, are repaired, and are modified. Without a good tracking system, it is difficult to plan or avoid downtime.
2. Production Planning
Sequence errors, downtime, or raw material shortages lead to delays and losses.
3. Lot traceability and compliance
Some clients require complete traceability of manufactured parts, particularly in healthcare or aerospace.
4. Suivi des coûts réels
Entre le temps machine, la maintenance, les rebuts et les changements de séries, il est difficile de savoir si un produit est réellement rentable.
5. Multiplication of unconnected software tools
Excel spreadsheets, drawing software, emails, and accounting tools often work in silos, without smooth communication.
Tools used (and their limitations)
Many molding companies use a combination of:
- Excel for machine planning or tracking
- QuickBooks, Acomba, or Sage 50 for accounting
- Email or paper for tracking molds, repairs, or quality controls
- CAD software for technical drawings
Limits :
❌ No overview of operations
❌ Double data entry
❌ Loss of technical history
❌ Difficulty in responding to audits or client requirements
How an ERP like Odoo or Zoho can help
Modern ERPs like Odoo and Zoho are designed to connect all your departments into a single system. They are modular, adaptable to your reality, and accessible to industrial SMEs.
Examples of useful applications for molding:
| Challenge | ERP Solution (Odoo or Zoho) |
|---|---|
| Monitoring of molds | 📌 Odoo Maintenance to schedule preventive maintenance and record interventions |
| Production Planning | 📌 Odoo MRP or Zoho Creator + Projects to visualize sequences, manage machine capacity |
| Lot traceability | 📌 Odoo Quality + Inventory to record lot numbers, inspections, and non-conformities |
| Cost tracking | 📌 Analytical accounting (Odoo or Zoho Books) to know the actual profitability per item or project |
| Data centralization | 📌 Odoo Documents or Zoho WorkDrive to associate drawings, specifications, and quality documents with products |
“It’s not the machine that limits production — it’s the lack of clear data to make the right decisions.”
Who are we?
At Digi-Centre, we support manufacturing SMEs like yours in structuring their processes with accessible digital solutions.
We understand the realities of molding: tool management, traceability, maintenance, deadlines, profitability.
Our services include:
- Selection of the right solution (Odoo or Zoho)
- Adapted implantation for your operations
- Training of your teams
- Technical support and evolutionary guidance
Ready to modernize your industrial management?
Talk to a Digi-Centre advisor.
Discover how an ERP can help you better manage your molds, production runs, and projects.
📞 Book a Free Appointment – Better control starts with better visibility.