Production Control Software Isn’t a Luxury – It’s a Necessity for Subcontract Precision Engineers

In today’s precision engineering industry, margins are tight, lead times are shorter and customers expect quality, accuracy and traceability at every stage of the production process. Relying on spreadsheets, paper files or disconnected systems therefore simply doesn’t cut it anymore.

Production control software – often referred to as ERP or MRP software for precision engineers – is no longer a nice to have. It’s the foundation of a profitable, scalable and well-organised subcontract manufacturing business.

From Reactive to Proactive

Without a proper job tracking system or works order management software, even the best-run workshops can spend more time reacting than controlling. Orders slip through the cracks, stock levels get out of sync and quotes are based on instinct instead of data.

That’s where PSL Datatrack makes the difference – transforming everyday management into a seamless, traceable process from quotation to invoice.

“It’s a brilliant system. We wouldn’t be able to be where we are today without it.”

Steve Smith, Brown & Holmes (Tamworth) Ltd

A Proven Partner for Subcontractors

PSL Datatrack isn’t just MRP software – it’s a fully integrated production management system built specifically for subcontract precision engineers. Every module is designed to work together, ensuring full control of your business without third-party bolt-ons or complex integrations.

• Family-owned and UK-based, with all development, sales and support under one roof
• Established since 1988, trusted by hundreds of subcontractors nationwide
• Continuous development, driven by real customer feedback through the Wishlist programme
• Focused entirely on precision engineering, not diluted across unrelated industries

“The support and training that PSL Datatrack gave us was absolutely first-class, and made it very easy for us to transition.”

Anthony Ingledew, ADP Precision Engineering Limited

Software That Understands the Shop Floor

PSL Datatrack goes beyond administration and accounting – it connects every department, helping you manage the full lifecycle of production:

• Quoting software for engineers that ensures consistency and profit accuracy
• Inventory management software that keeps raw material and finished component stocks under control
• CNC shop scheduling software that recalculates your entire schedule in seconds when priorities change
• Shop floor data collection software that provides real-time feedback on shop floor performance and progress
• Quality control and ISO 9001 traceability software that streamlines audits and documentation

It’s all part of a true modular system – start with the essentials, and add features like Document Management, Stock Control or Quality as your business grows.

“We started off with a lower level of modules – just quoting and delivery – and now I believe we have most of the modules that PSL Datatrack offers.”

Ryan Goodger, Jota Advanced Engineering Limited

Trusted Reputation, Proven Results

Over the years, PSL Datatrack has earned a reputation for reliability and trust – not just as a software provider, but as a genuine partner to UK subcontractors. We’ve been proud technical partners at popular CNC machine tool open houses and we’re active members of the BTMA, GTMA and Made in Britain.

Many past BTMA presidents have even run PSL Datatrack in their own manufacturing businesses. That trust is built on personal service, UK-based support and continuous innovation – values that have kept customers with us for decades.

“Just get it and do it, I would say. It’s worth it!”

Steve Rigby, HSM Components

Don’t Sit in the Slow Lane

The difference between a company that’s thriving and one that’s just surviving often comes down to control.

Businesses still relying on manual systems or basic spreadsheets are holding themselves back. The most successful subcontractors are those embracing production control software and manufacturing process automation to gain total visibility, simplify compliance and improve efficiency.

PSL Datatrack brings it all together – integrating quoting, purchasing, works orders, quality, stock and scheduling into one logical, easy-to-use system.

It’s time to move from reactive firefighting to proactive control. Because in today’s precision engineering world, production management software isn’t a want – it’s a need.

Take Control of Your Business

Ready to see what difference PSL Datatrack could make for your subcontract manufacturing company?

Book a demo of PSL Datatrack and discover why so many precision engineers wouldn’t work without it!