News and industry insights: Blog

The first major event on the 2026 industrial calendar is fast approaching and we’re thrilled to once again be exhibiting at Southern Manufacturing & Electronics.

Electrical & device equipment manufacturers face complex BOMs, tight compliance, and constant pressure to deliver on time. ERP/MRP from 123Insight brings structure, visibility, and control across materials, jobs, and traceability.

123Insight gives electrical & device equipment manufacturers the ERP built for their world — complex builds, strict compliance, and full traceability. See how a sector-specific system helps you run faster, smarter, and with total control.

Messy or outdated BOMs cost machinery manufacturers time, money, and customer trust. Discover how ERP-driven BOM management brings clarity, compliance, and control to complex builds.

Engineer-to-Order projects push machinery manufacturers to their limits with complex BOMs, constant changes, and tight deadlines. Learn how modern ERP/MRP software brings structure and control to even the most custom builds.

Why do so many ERP systems struggle with electronics manufacturing? Find out the core challenges and discover why industry-specific MRP software is often the smarter choice.

Powering the future of UK defence manufacturing: Discover how 123Insight ERP supports Make UK Defence’s plan to build a stronger, more resilient industrial base.

BOM errors slowing you down? Discover how smarter MRP software helps electronics manufacturers take control, cut delays, and stay compliant.

The Belfast Distillery Company, producer of McConnell’s Irish Whisky, has chosen Forterro’s manufacturing ERP solution, 123Insight, to help streamline its operations, support business growth, and ensure compliance in a highly regulated industry.

As your industrial business begins to scale, there comes a time when the methods, systems and processes that once worked well for your organisation begin to hold you back. Here are four signs you are ready to implement a manufacturing ERP. 

With traceability features built into the fabric of the software, 123Insight powers our customers’ ability to demonstrate quality compliance – without which they could not successfully compete in certain markets and would significantly limit their ability to grow. 

As 2024 draws to a close, we look back at some of the highlights from the year and provide a sneak peek at what lies ahead for 123Insight in 2025.

Sustainability is no longer a ‘nice to have’ trend in UK manufacturing – it’s becoming a key driver of profitability. 

123Insight is used by many electronics manufacturers across the UK. Why is it so well suited to that industry, and how does it benefit those businesses?

Any midmarket manufacturer needs to focus on production planning to keep customers and the supply chain happy. Why is it so important, and how do MRP software solutions such as 123Insight help? 

A new study by the Oxford Innovation Group urges the UK Government to provide more funding to help bridge the digital skills gap in small and medium-sized manufacturers. The study emphasises that this support is essential to help these manufacturers grow and thrive. 

From tax reliefs to new environmental policies, here’s what UK midmarket manufacturers need to know to make the most of the Autumn Budget 2024 updates. 

Digital transformation is vital for discrete manufacturers. Why is it so critical, how should businesses approach it, and what role can ERP solutions such as 123Insight play? 

What is traceability in manufacturing, why is it so important, what are the consequences of failing to maintain proper levels of traceability and how can 123Insight help you?

Since its launch, 123Mobile has proven to be a popular extension to 123Insight. Here’s what a small selection of our customers had to say about the benefits of switching to 123Mobile.

50% of manufacturers have started the process of bringing their supply chains back home. But what motivates this shift, and what benefits are companies experiencing? Download your copy of the 2024 Reshoring Report.

Every company’s aim is to achieve growth – that’s their reason for being. How to achieve it, of course, is another matter. Here’s how focusing on efficiency through smarter ERP systems can generate more output with the same or fewer resources, confirming that less actually can make more.

Extending the reach of your 123Insight system with 123Mobile is a logical step. In this blog we examine the elements you should consider when making the switch from desktop to tablet.

In manufacturing, David doesn't always need to fear Goliath, and SME manufacturers can compete or even overtake larger companies with the right tools and strategies in place.

Discover how the use of modern technology is driving productivity and empowering workplaces across the UK. 

The despatch department is where the collective fruits of your company’s labour are prepared for their journey to your customer. Yet, in a time where tablets are commonplace, many despatch staff are shackled to desktop ERP systems. Here, we discuss how the despatch workflow can be improved by switching from desktop to mobile devices.

Implementing an ERP system is essential for companies aiming to achieve sustainable growth. However, if you're not including portable devices or handheld technology into that mix, you may be missing a trick. 

If you work on the shop floor, you know how important it is to have quick and easy access to your ERP system. PCs have been commonplace on the shop floor since the 1980’s, but tablets not only replicate their functionality in a smaller, sleeker footprint but also extend your ERPs reach further than ever. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the reasons how going mobile can help you on the shop floor.

Discover how to overcome some of the biggest challenges facing the fabrication sector with the power of ERP.

It's accepted that ERP can keep your stock room in tune, however, you can reap significant further benefits if you switch to using tablets instead of PCs in the stores department. 

Real life success stories

BI’s transformative power lies in its ability to streamline processes, dispense critical information, facilitate strategic decision making, significantly increasing productivity. This blog showcases companies that have used the data provided by MRP to deliver business intelligence, and how it powers their day-to-day operations and long-term strategic planning.

Tablets on the shop floor not only streamline day-to-date tasks, but they can also help you to make long-term decisions for your business, due to the business intelligence data that they help to collect more effectively.

For manufacturers, efficiency, agility, and foresight are not merely desirable traits – they are prerequisites for sustainable success. A well-implemented ERP can deliver the business intelligence (BI) that you need to stay ahead of the game. Here we highlight six Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that you can track from ERP.

Trends and Predictions

The terms ‘Big Data’ and ‘Industry 4.0’ have been around for some time now, but many companies have yet to fully embrace them. So, what are our trends and predictions, and how can you take advantage of them?

In today's highly competitive business environment, pricing plays a crucial role in attracting and retaining customers. One of the most effective ways to maintain your place in the market is by utilising ERP.

While CRM will provide you with the right tools for sending communications, knowing what to send and why can prove a little more challenging!

With global temperatures in the headlines for all the wrong reasons, the spotlight is on manufacturers to reduce their environmental impact. 

Common problems caused by natural disasters that can affect your supply chain and how to mitigate against them.

This blog discusses when is the right time to select a new MRP system or replace an existing one that is not working for you.

Changing MRP/ERP systems is often seen as an overwhelming task. Find out why people choose to replace a system and what to consider when migrating.

In this blog, we examine how you can protect both your business and supply chain from online threats and cyber attacks.

While medical industry manufacturing may have similar processes to other sectors, the value to risk association is much greater.

Whether you manufacture your own electronics product or offer EMS, there are numerous reasons why MRP is essential to your business.

Here are some of the common problems that textile manufacturers experience, how MRP solves them, and additional benefits.

Here we explore common problems that food or chemical manufacturers experience, how MRP solves them and what additional benefits it can provide.

Here we explore common problems that engineering/metals manufacturers experience, how MRP solves them common benefits.

Choosing the right integrated accounts solution to work alongside your MRP software for your manufacturing business.