Get Live Quote Rapid Manufacturing: Automating 3D Printing Operations with ERP
Switzerland
Challenge
Rapid Manufacturing, established in 2015, is a 6-person company specialising in industrial 3D printing using powder bed-based laser sintering machines to produce plastic components. The company generates around 1 million CHF in annual sales with three laser sintering systems. From the outset, founder Alain Stebler knew that with the high volume of offers and orders, business software was essential—it would be impossible to manage the business without it. The company needed a solution that could handle professional and efficient management of all quotes and orders, automate customer management, and provide real-time financial visibility.
We knew right from the start that we would have many small jobs, and therefore a large number of orders. Without business software, it's simply not manageable. — Alain Stebler, CEO, Rapid Manufacturing
Thanks to bexio, we have the option of automating and digitalising our customers' shopping experience even further! — Alain Stebler
You can't do without business software! This would not be possible without professional management. — Alain Stebler
Solution
Rapid Manufacturing adopted bexio as an ERP system from the company's founding in 2015 (when it was still called EasySys). The cloud-based solution enabled the company to manage their quoting system exclusively in the cloud, allowing customers to receive quotes online and accept or reject them with a single click. The platform provided device-independent access from anywhere, allowing Alain Stebler to monitor finances and operations whether on the road or working from home. The customisable dashboard provided an overview of sales, income, expenses, and outstanding invoices. Professional design templates enabled the company to present quotes in their own corporate design. The software automated customer management, order management, and accounting procedures. The team developed further automation by creating a configurator on their website where customers could upload data and receive automated quotes up to CHF 400 directly from bexio. For larger amounts, the RAPID QUOTING calculator processed requests using an algorithm and automatically created draft quotes in bexio.
Results
Rapid Manufacturing achieved significant growth and operational efficiency through bexio. The company grew from a one-man operation to six employees with three laser sintering systems and approximately 1 million CHF in annual sales. The cloud-based quoting system dramatically simplified the ordering process for customers and reduced manual effort for the team. Customers could now upload data and receive automated quotes for orders up to CHF 400, eliminating manual processing for small requests. The RAPID QUOTING calculator enabled efficient processing of larger requests. The customisable dashboard provided constant visibility into company finances and performance. The automation and digitalisation of customer processes took the customer experience to a new level, enabling the team to complete inquiries quickly and effectively. The company emphasised that this level of growth and development would not have been possible without professional management enabled by bexio.
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