Formula-based manufacturers operate in an environment where precision, compliance, and efficiency are non-negotiable. Standard ERP functionality often falls short, forcing manufacturers to rely on disconnected spreadsheets, manual workarounds, and inefficient processes that erode margins and impede growth.
At Vicinity Software, we’ve built purpose-driven solutions that directly address these industry-specific needs. For over 25 years, our team has been implementing solutions to support formula-based industries, including food & beverage, chemical, and brewing. It integrates easily with Microsoft Dynamics 365 (GP, NAV, SL, or BC), extending native ERP functionality with the specialized capabilities processs manufacturers require. Below, we outline the 18 key reasons formula-based manufacturers should consider Vicinity, not just as a software vendor, but as a strategic partner in digital transformation and operational excellence.1. Experience: Vicinity software was written and developed specifically for formula-based manufacturers. We’ve been helping our customers streamline their processes and improve efficiencies since 2001.
2. Labor tracking: Compare budgeted time to actual time for each production stage to pinpoint and correct productivity variances.
3. Streamlined formula management: View formula management as integral to your operation rather than an afterthought. Lab formulas can be segregated from production formulas to ensure experimental formulas do not make their way into production. Each formula can be assigned its own set of searchable attributes, so formulators can quickly find formulas they need, whether managing 30 formulas or 30,000. More about formula management here. Or, click here for info about lot trace and tracking, recall and food safety.
4. Formula version control: Track multiple versions and revisions and dynamically switch between versions as needed to provide greater flexibility in production control. Read more here.
5. Multi-facility support: Easily modify formulas and routing for each facility and then develop production and capacity plans that reach across all facilities.
6. R&D project tracking: Maintain R&D projects including formula comparison, search and costing. Centralize the process of developing and selecting formulas to match a customer requirement. Learn how chemical manufacturers use this feature.
7. Hosted in the cloud: No need for servers on-premise. Vicinity can be hosted in the cloud reducing investment in hardware and software costs on upgrades.
8. Simplified control system integration: Stream data to other systems with instant insight into actual production results, in real-time. Whether the system is a simple handheld, intelligent dispensing system or sophisticated PLC, Vicinity has you covered.
9. Proposed cost analysis: Review potential cost changes to formulas for finished goods by maintaining a “Proposed Cost Schedule.” As material costs are anticipated, get ahead of the curve by revaluing production costs using these anticipated material costs.
10. SSRS Reports: Reports are built on the industry-standard MS SQL Server Reporting Service (SSRS) allowing reports to be viewed in a browser, on a device or at a workstation. Learn more here.
11. Automated lab calculations: Any calculation driven from material specifications can be viewed during formula entry and assist the formulator in developing a formula based on desired specifications. Examples include nutritional analysis, material composition and industry-specific formulaic values.
12. Automated GHS/SDS: Streamline the authoring of GHS/SDS, eliminating the labor and costs involved in producing a GHS/SDS. Each formula GHS/SDS can be generated on-demand or approved and archived for distribution. Hazard categories can be assigned by a compliance officer or automatically calculated by third-party services. Want to read more? Click here.
13. Comprehensive production scheduling/MRP: Dramatically reduce investment in safety stock without risk. Improve scheduling accuracy and reduce inventory levels through effective master production scheduling. Learn more here.
14. Production calendar: Visualize the production schedule similar to Outlook or Google Calendar. Drag and drop to adjust start/stop dates and reassign equipment.
15. Certificate of analysis generation: Automatically generate, store, and distribute Certificates of Analysis for customers and lots.
16. Powerful business intelligence: VicinityView enables real-time data querying without programming. Filter, sort, group, export to Excel, and analyze instantly. More info here.
17. QC test by process: Track QC results at every manufacturing stage and resolve formulation or production issues faster. More about QC here.
18. Microsoft Dynamics integration: Microsoft Dynamics is at the core of Vicinity. Shared CRM, inventory, sales, and purchasing data deliver a complete ERP solution. Find out more here.
————————————————————————–Together, these reasons reflect Vicinity Software’s focus on delivering purpose-built ERP capabilities designed for the unique demands of formula-based manufacturing—helping manufacturers manage complexity, maintain compliance, and operate with greater precision inside Microsoft Dynamics ERP.
Want to know more? Check out a few success stories to see how our clients utilize Vicinity:
Intelligent Blends – Taking technology to the next level
Highland Brewing – Seamless software integration for the Southeast’s largest independent brewery
Engineered Custom Coatings – Growing with a growing company
Crowley Chemical Company – Ease of software integration streamlines aromatic oils business
Vicinity Software serves manufacturers in the chemical, food, and brewing markets.
Contact Us to Learn More!