Machine Shop Growth Episode #15: The #1 Thing that can help ALL Areas of Shop Growth
5 snips
Dec 2, 2025 
Paul Van Metre, founder of ProShop ERP and a former machine shop owner, shares insights on transforming shop efficiency through effective ERP systems. He reveals how his software originated from a need to tame chaos and streamline workflows. The conversation dives into improving profitability by identifying unprofitable jobs and maximizing company value at exit. Paul emphasizes the importance of data for continuous improvement and avoiding common growth mistakes. Discover how a robust ERP can elevate every aspect of your business.
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Shop-Built Software Became An ERP
- Paul built spreadsheets and custom tools for his shop before selling the software to a major OEM customer.
- That customer deployed the tool as their ERP and saw a rapid transformation.
Paperless Shop Origins In The 90s
- Paul and partners put computers by machines in 1997 and built a paperless shop with Excel macros.
- Years later a customer asked to buy that internal software after seeing its impact.
ERP Tames Operational Chaos
- A well-implemented ERP tames shop-floor chaos by enforcing workflows from quoting to delivery.
- It ensures the right drawings, tools, and instructions reach the right person at the right time.