What is ETO Software?

ETO Software is a broad term that could be referred to different applications, namely either Engineer-to-Order (ETO) software or Efforts to Outcomes (ETO) software.

Engineer-to-Order (ETO) software, or ETO manufacturing software is a specialized type of software designed to manage the unique challenges of companies that produce custom-made products based on specific customer requirements.

Efforts to Outcomes (ETO) software is a case management software used by large nonprofits, government agencies, and community collaboratives to track client data, program enrollments, and outcomes.

In this article, we focus on Engineer-to-Order (ETO) software. Unlike mass production software, which is optimized for standardized products and repetitive processes, ETO software caters to the dynamic and flexible nature of engineer-to-order manufacturing.

Key features and capabilities of ETO manufacturing software

Project Management

ETO software helps manage the entire lifecycle of a custom product, from initial quote request to final delivery. This includes features like project planning, scheduling, resource allocation, and progress tracking.

Configuration Management

ETO software allows engineers to configure products based on customer specifications, often using visual tools like product configurators. This ensures that the final product meets the exact needs of the customer.

Bill of Materials (BOM) Management

ETO software generates and manages BOMs for each custom product. This includes tracking required components, inventory levels, and lead times in the project supply chain.

Costing and Estimating

ETO software helps accurately estimate the cost of producing a custom product based on materials, labor, and overhead. This ensures profitability and competitive pricing.

Integration with other systems

ETO software often integrates with other business systems like ERP, CRM, and CAD/CAM, providing a holistic view of the manufacturing process and improving data accuracy.

ETO companies manage project business

Engineer-to-Order (ETO) companies are essentially project-based businesses. Every customer order becomes a unique project with its own timeline, budget, specifications, and resources. Therefore, project business management is deeply ingrained in their core operations.

Managing project business means you essentially manage project financial activities and project operational activities.

ETO Project Financials

• Estimating and budgeting
• Cost Breakdown Structure cost tracking
• EAC, BAC, earned value, actuals
• Change management
• Financial risk management

ETO Project Operations

• Planning and scheduling (WBS)
• Resource & capacity management
• Materials requirements planning
• Progress tracking
• Schedule risk management

Most of the activities are typically managed in separate applications and by separate people. However, if you are managing all these activities as a core part of your business, you really need a Project Business System.

If you are managing all these project activities as a core part of your business, you really need a Project Business System.

Project Business Automation for ETO Companies

Project Business Automation (PBA) is uniquely positioned for ETO companies. PBA is a holistic system that manages all aspects of your project business. All these activities that used to managed in separate applications are now integrated, which means processes and data flow seamlessly across the organization.

Benefits of PBA for ETO companies

• Streamline project initiation and estimation
• Enhance project planning and scheduling
• Boost project execution productivity
• Increase visibility and control
• Automate workflows and project tasks

Learn more about Project Business Automation for ETO companies by downloading the PBA Quick Guide.