JobBOSS²

Pros

1. No IT guy cost to maintain server.
2. Can use inexpensive workstations. We use Chromebooks for data collection. I also use a chromebook for trips.
3. Android/Apple app for tablets that can be used for data collection
4. Also just released an app for employees to check in and out from their phone. You can post stock from this app.
5. Work from anywhere. I was in Minnesota 2 weeks ago during a blizzard. I was at starbucks, posted up next to the window, working on my chromebook with no hick ups.
6. New updated features over the old system. Better reports. More capable Hot Spots.
7. Works the same as the old system, just things are in different spots.
8. Better, more efficient user interface
9. Easier to customize reports
10. Just introduced Dashboards

Cons

1. The subscription price.
2. Cert control in general can be better.
3. Employee Clock in Module is a pain. You cannot edit someone time until they are clocked out.

Pros

The ease of quoting parts for customers was decreased substantially.
Real time reporting of the work flow in production.
The ability to connect with the system offsite to give customers answers about their orders while meeting with them.

Cons

There was a lot of data entry that had to be done to get the system working correctly for our company.

Pros

Bar code time tracking on jobs. Really help with shop metrics for individual performance.

Cons

It isn't easy to learn and train new users. Even after well over a year of working with them, we could never get the QuickBooks integration to work correctly. (The QuickBooks integration for Enterprize just does not work.) We flew in their 1:1 trainer at $1200 per day, and even he could not get the QuickBooks integration to download correctly. He handed it back to their support team, who, in the end, quietly quit the project.
The time clock for doing payroll requires much manual work to finalize the payroll hours. It's not a refined process; yes, it has reports for payroll, but it is more of an afterthought.

Pros

#1 - We really like how robust JobBOSS² is and how much it covers for us. Also, with so many features and capabilities, it is also very customizable and allows us to change just about anything we want. I used to use JobBOSS and am really enjoying the improved experience with JobBOSS². Next, the regular updates are fantastic, keeping us up to date with the newest features and enhancements of JobBOSS². Lastly, we love that we can run the system on either Windows or Mac computers.

Cons

With order processing and looking at our order list, when we want to order by job or order number, the saving remains at a default setting. When we customize this, it does not save over time. When we leave the system, it goes back to the default settings. Also, it does not allow other users to see my work, still resetting to the default every time.

Pros

We really like the structural layout of JobBOSS². It is repetitive in how it's laid out, so the logic and flow of the system is very intuitive.

Cons

While the system worked very well for us as our one single company, we have had some complications with bringing newly acquired businesses onto the system. We had some custom code written to accommodate this, but is still not functioning properly for us. We cannot easily combine multiple companies into the system.

Pros

JobBOSS² is easy to use. It's very flexible and user friendly. Also, it is easy to bring new employees onto the system, teach them how to use it, and quickly get them using the system effectively.

Cons

One of our integrations is not syncing up properly - we're struggling to get the data points over from Paperless Parts into the system. Also, there seems to be a ceiling on scalability with the number of parts of our products, as some have 600 or 700 components - this can be difficult to manage.

Pros

JobBOSS² is very easy to navigate. Overall, it is a very simple system and feels natural to learn and get familiar with the interface.

Cons

It is quite expensive for us. Also, we would like to see a more easily viewable dashboard for scheduling and job status - where a job is currently at, and having easy access to this information. More graphs and charts would be useful.

Pros

We really like that we can have multiple windows open at the same time and be working on lots of different things at once. It helps us to work faster. Also, the menu items are very clear and the system overall is easy to navigate. Recently quoted parts, RFQ, etc. are all easy to use for us. Keeping track of jobs that our employees are working on is easy with JobBOSS².

Cons

No complaints. The software does exactly what I need it to do.

Pros

The quoting feature is excellent and is very helpful to us. Next, getting information in and out of the system quickly is a huge benefit. Third, tracking jobs is both simple and easy to keep track of.

Cons

The reports are difficult to interpret, particularly profit and loss reports - some of the numbers just don't make sense.

Pros

The concepts at a very high level are good. The modules and work flow make sense in general. The basic concepts are all good and at the core are what is needed out of an ERP system.

Cons

Where to start...

1. The number of clicks to accomplish a simple task is unreal and extremely time consuming.
2. Lack of customization - each company is very different in operation yet all are forced into a solution that does not work for all. Simple issues such as the way tables are viewed are forced by Shoptech and not able to be customized.
3. Customer service - Many issues raised by the online community are classified as "oversights" and not as defects as a result nothing is done to correct them
4. Slow improvements - The community can request enhancements to the software, yet this are very slow to be implemented (if at all).
5. Outdated - many features are copied over from old outdated software and not likely to change anytime soon as they attempt to keep the new cloud based software inline with the older software packages

Pros

Estimating is great. Shipping and Purchasing are great. Inventory Control is great.

Cons

Scheduling can be difficult to figure out, but we are working on that. Also, the Accounting can be a little wonky sometimes in how it integrates with QuickBooks.

Pros

My number one pro for JobBoss2 is ease of use. It's pretty intuitive, and I appreciate the simplicity of the accounting module.

Cons

The reporting for accounting is very minimal. I would like to see more standard accounting reports available. I would also like the ability to add more columns to my views (don't know if that's possible now. I haven't been able to find a way to do so).

Pros

Stock list was easy to use, and packing slips were easy to make

Cons

One spelling mistake on the stock list and it put in another category that you didnt know was there

Pros

It's a great software which I have liked most. It's a user friendly

Cons

Some of the futures are need to be improve

Pros

It has quoting, materials, costing, and scheduling, and job status capabilities.

Cons

Sadly the UI is severely lacking. And it seems not much thought is given to usability and efficiency.

Pros

Modules that flow together easily. Also the ability to track clock in/clock out times and amount of time spent on jobs is so simple even someone that does not posses basic computer skills can use the product.

Cons

In some areas it is very rigid and does not allow flexibility you would expect from a mid-teir package.

Pros

E2 creates a clutter free work space with a simple layout and design. Shop Tech has broken down the manufacturing process to get a true understanding of how our company really operates. The bolt on modules allow for greater control of specific functions in particular departments. We specifically use the Scheduling and Custom Order Import Automation functions. Scheduling give us a top level view, department view, work center view, and all the way down to a view of sub parts that make up a single part. This tells us exactly where an order is as well as if we are under or over loaded at the work center and department level. All I have to do is pull up the schedule, click a button for the level of detail I want to display and away it goes. The Custom Order Import Function has allowed us to automate the order entry process by simply downloading a file from our customer, pointing where I saved the file, and clicking "Import". This function creates the order and based off our custom company settings which we have setup to automatically pull from stock jobs, inventory, post a quantity to make or a combination of all of the above. We can then run a requirement report to see what we need to make to fulfill open orders or to make stock for inventory. It really doesn't get easier than that.

Cons

The extra modules do have a cost but they are well worth it. On the plus side of that, E2 will demo the modules with full functionality and if it doesn't incorporate everything that you need you don't have to purchase it.

Pros

Interface is user friendly and visually appealing. A lot of potential.

Cons

Limitations on customizing views, terrible implementation support, tremendous lack of technical support. Editing an order "freezes" it so if a PO is cut for material on that order, it causes a glitch. Customizing reports is not the easiest, and could be easier.
Worst part so far has been trying to get technical assistance with the system. You will have to invest a lot of your own time to figure it out without help.

Pros

E2 has really helped us streamline all of our processes: from initially purchasing, through receiving, invoicing, check writing on the AP side; to processing POs from customers, generating orders, travelers, packing lists, and invoicing on the AR side. I can't imagine going back to what we did before! In the E2 system, once a part number/PO is entered, all of that information travels through all of the processes and handling of that item. No more repeated entries, with that time consumption and potential for error--one entry and you are done!--the processing of the PO or part number then goes through the whole shop and out the door. And I am not even including the ease of quoting and routing, which is less in my area of work, but is the area where most parts "begin" their life with us. E2 takes these parts all the way through, including the generating of Return Authorizations and credits when those are needed, in a seamless way.

Cons

Honestly, I can't think of any significant cons. We have had the occasional glitch or problem with usage, and there are some areas where I wish we could use the system even more, but for the massive amount of work we do use it for, it is excellent!

Pros

This product is extremely easy to use, and very forgiving of mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes, and E2 makes it possible to catch and correct mistakes, while keeping an audit trail all along. We have had the system for 20 years and our company has been able to grow and use more functions of the software such as quality and scheduling. We had planned a 6 month dual period with our old software but deployment was so seamless that we only ran double for 1 month. Everything is integrated from the initial customer quote through order entry, the invoice, receipts, and the General Ledger. Tech support has been so helpful, and team members are knowledgeable of the job shop business as well as the product!

Cons

The only issue I have struggled with is user access to data. To give a user rights to view certain data, they also are allowed access to edit it. We can work around that with creative report writing. I can think of no other big drawbacks to the system.

Pros

In general, it's easy to use. Each module has similar buttons and interfaces. I think the AR/AP modules work well since it's not the primary focus of the software.

Cons

Quote entry has extremely limited ability to adjust margins (it can do it, but it's not easy). Adjusting margins are key for job shop environments. After speaking with support about my needs, they told me to quote outside of the system. Which means, I was literally told not to use your product.

Legacy fields get stuck in the system. There's a lot of clutter in our system because we need to change user defined fields but they're not available in the find/replace utility.

Scheduler is very poor. Difficult to use, glitchy. Doesn't (automatically) schedule for available labor resources, which is a huge part of a job shop environment. Reviewing scheduling during quoting doesn't account for current back load (or didn't at the time we last considered it).

The recent "facelift" was atrocious. It's actually a huge deterrent to updating versions. What benefit is this facelift to me?

My perception is that there will be no feature additions to the core product. Any improvements come in the form of custom utilities with additional cost.

Pros

The biggest advantage that we see in JobBOSS is that it is well-suited to the small manufacturer and job shop. The modules are functional for our day-to-day operations, which allowed us to standardize and increase our workload and throughput by at least 20%. The interface is user-friendly. We were able to implement the software very quickly compared to the software we were using. The workstations in the shop have given us a good handle on time collection. We also use the QuickBooks integration and it works flawlessly.

Exact employees are very friendly and knowledgeable about their product. We get answers to our questions very quickly, and they are very helpful in solving problems we incur. The online portal is a huge asset for training new users and enhancements to the software’s customization.

Cons

As good as the program is, there is room for improvement. We think it is just a few enhancements away from greatness. The software has several glitches that have not been fixed in the five years we have been using it. For example, you lose the information you are entering into a job or purchase order if another user is updating a related job or material. Sometimes, the software locks up and has to be forced to close and restart. This usually happens when you are trying to delete a raw material in a Job and select a different material; it's some kind of access violation. The updates of information changes between modules is slow and can be frustrating. For example, if a raw material is received from a PO and you want to add that material to a job and pick it from the inventory, you have to close the jobs module and reopen it to get the new inventory update; this should occur instantly. A few other enhancements would be nice (e.g.: autofill on names fields, uses of Return key to tab between fields, and a simpler method of customizing basic forms like can be done in QuickBooks).

We purchased the ShopBoss scheduling module with high hopes of solving our delinquent deliveries. After about two years of trying to implement this module, we abandoned it for our old manual method. The JobShop module needs a simpler and more flexible scheduling module. it requires way too much time in operator maintenance to keep it functional. In a job shop environment the schedule has to stay on the balls of its feet because the priorities are always changing. We can do the job faster than we can change the schedule in JobBoss.

Pros

The best part of this software is the ability to integrate inventory, invoices, shipping and work travelers in one place.

Cons

The interface is awkward, and the functionality of the interface is not intuitive. Actions like "F2" are swapped with a right click of the mouse, or double click at random in different screens.
To be able to check the status of an inventory item while in a job window requires opening another instance of the program.

Pros

The new web based software works well and is easy to use. The integration of the of all the different modules is very nice. Data collection tied to operations and job travelers gives us a great way to quote more accurately and efficiently. The Rapid Documentation System gives you all that you'll need to become ISO certified and ties right into your E2 system. The new apps that they have created have added features making it easy to enter additional information and part pictures.

Cons

The web based system has a repository manager which is the weakest link in the system. It's time consuming to upload documents, enter documents into document control, and then link to the part number. This needs to be simplified. Also all the documents must be PDF's if you want them to print with a job traveler. In the new web based system you will be mouse clicking all over the screen instead of tabbing from field to field. Also you will need a large monitor to minimize the screen from jumping around and still be able to see the font.

Pros

Once you get the hang of it, it's pretty easy to navigate through. We do not utilize everything E2 has to offer. We create orders, packing slips, invoices and vendor PO's with E2. We are in an internet deadzone and have really bad service in the shop so we are unable to use the data collection portion and we use QuickBooks for our billing. for what we use it for it works great. The traveler make sense, creating packing slips and invoices is simple and the customer service is top notch.

Cons

The interface is not really intuitive, there was a big learning curve for my team. For example, when we were first trying to print job travelers we were hitting the "print" button in the top right. This was not the correct button. The correct button is "reprint" on the left side of the screen. Why would we be "reprinting" something that we haven't even printed yet? And why have two print options when one isn't even really an option? Another example with some of our frustrations is with the GL accounts. You have to assign an account to a tool in order for it to be properly assigned in QuickBooks. When invoicing, you are required
to enter what GL account you would like that invoice assigned to, but it does nothing. The GL accounts are attached to tools, not invoices. If you do your bookkeeping in QuickBooks it is pointless. It would be really helpful if you could assign your GL account in the invoicing stage, but you can't.

Pros

This program allows us to manage our parts, all the way from quoting, to shipping and billing. Once you learn the system, there is a lot of information available that allows you to track, schedule, and make sure your products follow all of your customers requirements. If you fully utilize what's available, you have a lot of information available to you, to make your business efficient and make sure you're making a profit on your parts.

Cons

There is some chunkiness to the program. There are things that take more steps than necessary to find the information you need. There are some things that you can double click, and it redirects you to a different area of the program, which is good. Other things, you not only can't double click on, but it doesn't allow you to copy, necessitating manually writing it down and navigating to the other part of the program. There are a few other features I'd like to see. Things that should be available, but haven't been implemented. I feel all of these issues can be solved with future quality of life updates.

Pros

We like the comprehensive functionality, customization options, integration capabilities, real-time insights, user-friendly interface, and dedicated support services, all of which contribute to improved efficiency, productivity, and profitability in our manufacturing operations.

Cons

There was a bit of a learning curve, especially for those who are not familiar with similar software or who don't have a strong background in manufacturing processes.

Pros

Agile, fast and natively clouded. Ease of use is the best around
It is not bloated and the workflow is logical for a JobShop environment.

Cons

Quality module is a little thin. It could use custom user fields to make more robust.

Pros

The detailed control of purchases based on past purchases/cost/vendor to have it flow back into the job bidding process to insure we are keeping on top of making sure we properly bid on work.

Making purchases based on specific job requirements/needs is paramount to minimizing overhead that might get stuck in "stock" and left as an unknown costing thousands in underutilized inventory dollars.

Cons

The difficulty in finding and/or tagging documents to certain jobs that might help the manufacturing process. This might be based on how your company uses related drawings or details for bids that might be won.

Pros

JobBOSS2's simple web-based approach makes the software highly accessible and easy to use. The setup is relatively straightforward and allows users to quickly get in tune with their business.

Cons

The web application can be finicky and will occasionally log you out without warning, and the inventory module is not very intuitive or conducive for precise inventory control.

Pros

It does a great job of capturing all of the work flow in a manufacturing business. We use it from estimating all the way through shipping.

Cons

I do not believe you are able to upload a csv file as a user or admin. You have to have the company do it for you. It should be able to take a properly formatted csv like most software application will allow.

Pros

Ease of use allows my business to execute at low cost overhead of my company

Cons

That if the web browser get closed you lose unsaved work

Pros

Shop floor management.
User friendly interface.

Cons

Can only report on the accrual basis. No cash basis available for reporting.
Some report are tricky to produce.

Alternatives Considered

Switched From

Pros

It allowed us to manage orders throughout the facility using paper-based job travelers. We also ran our invoicing and logistics through it as well.

Cons

The system was very inflexible and could not change with the company. Training new users was also difficult. The customer service is almost non-existent. It was always very difficult to find out how to get a hold of someone if there was a question or issue.

Pros

JobBOSS² makes it very fast to get work done as compared to other softwares, There are fewer steps required to complete the work that needs to be done. We like the functionality of the system and we use it every day effectively.

Cons

Sometimes the system is not as interconnected as I would like it to be. I want the system to speak to every aspect of the ERP to be fully connected.

Pros

The best feature for us in JobBOSS² is how it flows through the system - from estimating to actually creating an order to shipping to receiving to billing.
The workflow is very easy to understand.

Cons

We're in the Cloud. I don't like that there is no integration to my local hard drive at the shop. So, I have to store files in 2 places. Also, there is no second security system to get important information if the system goes down.

Pros

Helps me to be very organized on the products we make.

Cons

I have no complaints that i can think of right now

Pros

This software is very intuitive and easy to use. It's critical to our quoting, job cost tracking, billing, and purchasing.

Cons

We don't have any real complaints to speak of.

Pros

Just being able to pick up the phone and get help. No delays.

Cons

I struggle with inventory at times. I was "thrown" into this job as the previous person walked out. Just a learning curve.

Pros

Ability to add and adjust as the business grows

Cons

Support and set up is painful and stressful

Pros

Very easy to use cloud based system. Access to the sysytem from anywhere

Cons

That I did not purchase this software sooner.

Pros

The ERP system features and user interface meets our needs. System provided reports work well. It supports our ability as contract manufacturer machine shop to supply simple parts to more complex assemblies for commercial, defense and aerospace OEMs.

Cons

Poor experience with customer support and communication to resolve software issues. A recent example is with a system caused large inventory errors. Initial response with repeat follow up took over 3 weeks, and reaching out to others after 4 weeks.Requests to procure custom reports take weeks for feedback.

Pros

It offers the rigt features our company needs.
Easy to learn and use.

Cons

None up to now. Our experience have been satisfactory.

Pros

Nothing of value for us to comment on because we couldn't use the software to receive materials or properly account for our inventory.

Cons

Too numerous to detail. Tech support, training and customer service keep telling us the same thing, "Software Functions as Designed". We don't see how we can use this job shop software for metal manufacturing and they aren't offering any workable solutions.

Pros

JobBOSS² is an incredibly comprehensive and user-friendly software solution for streamlining and automating business processes. It offers a wide range of features such as collaboration tools, scheduling, accounting, and analytics. The user interface is intuitive, making it easy to learn and use. The customer support team is also excellent and always available to help when needed.

Cons

Although JobBOSS² is a great tool overall, there are some minor issues with the software that can be frustrating. For example, some of the features can be difficult to access and the user manual isn't always clear. In addition, the licensing costs can be expensive for smaller businesses.

Pros

The software can handle all the process in your facilities from sales to delivery to the customer.
form SO to the customer, pass throug jobs (WO) and invoices to delivery product. it handle fine partial delivery so it can be accurate all invoices.

Cons

once you have all modules set up. it can work. but you need to get assistance from an partner to get all the information and help to set up all the process. it can't be set by yourself.

Pros

Absolutely Nothing. There was nothing that we liked about the software

Cons

The Description field for parts is limited to 30 characters. The database does not include a vendor/manufacturing part number field as a standard filed and you have to do workaround to get it to show on your purchase order. The software is completely non-intuitive, is extremely cumbersome and non-flexible and then they nickel and dime for every single change. The implementation phase was a total joke where after 9 months it still was not doing what we need it to do.. And then they to not make it clear that it is an annual subscription and that you need to provide a 30 day notice prior to renewal which they do not even inform you that it is a renewal. They simply tell you a few days ahead of time that you need to upload a license key.

Pros

The customer service was terrible and we do not have any pros to say about this software.

Cons

We hired a representative from their company to fly out for some help with direct training and accounting fixes. We had to prepay for his services. Upon arrival he informed us that he too was unfamiliar with the accounting portion and couldn't help us much. His services totaled over $6000.00 We finally resorted to paying our CPA office several hours to go through the process with us and balance the books.

In short, $37,000.00 later, not only we would NEVER recommend this product to any sized businesses, but if you're thinking of viewing this product, don't waste your time. They will show you a demo of software that's already setup and operating smoothly, which is NOT what will happen when you implement. As of January 2021 we have since, happily moved on to new software, but recently been forced to pay for the last six months of (non) tech support or risk being sent to Collections from Shop Tech. Classy Shop Tech....very classy.

Pros

The software is powerful and easy to use a majority of the time. Support is helpful and readily available. We use E2/Jobboss2 for all of our estimating, order management, quoting, purchasing, scheduling, and more. After 6 years with the software it is definitely sustainable and a needed tool in our shop.

Cons

The homepage user interface is difficult to look at. There is a lack of customization options concerning fonts, text size, etc. Right now we have to use third party extensions to try and adjust fonts so some of our users can read the text properly. These extensions tend to cause problems with the logos so navigating becomes a little more difficult if you aren't familiar with where the buttons are. Implementing higher contrast homescreens would be beneficial and/or having an ingrained option for text size customization.

Pros

The designers clearly have knowledge of a shop environment and are pretty comprehensive in touching all the aspects of a job shop. The sales team is very accessible. The product is very easy to get up and operational with which may be attractive to shops starting out or implementing this type of system for the first time. The software does have controls over what users can do what which is useful for keeping employees in check. The reports that it generates are concise and professional looking out of the box.

Cons

The interface is woefully outdated and lacks cohesiveness throughout, data entry practices in one area do not apply to others and certainly do not conform to defacto software standards. Its a bit embarrassing having state of the art CAD/CAM systems with wonderful imagery next to something that looks straight out of 1996. Looks are one thing but we have had a lot of time lost due to slow workflow and data entry errors. It will open many windows and dialog boxes which demand screen focus. Not only is it cumbersome to work in other windows applications with E2 running, you can not even run more than one task at a time inside of it. The software does not scale well to high resolutions or multiple screens. The software rarely fails gracefully, you'll get cryptic error messages in never ending loops.

The software relies on a number of 3rd party frameworks including outdated Java runtimes (insecure) All of your data is stored MSJet databases, for those not tech savvy, its late 1980's technology that is isn't supported by Microsoft any more and was never really designed to be scaled to the point you can potentially reach. They do offer an upgrade to MS SQL which comes at a significant cost (which doesn't include SQL server itself or migration services) and it has the added bonus of breaking any custom reports (which are also expensive commissioned work). Although some user controls are present, there isn't granular control over everything in the system. Its very possible users without clearance to certain information can gain access to things they shouldn't. (ie: ITAR)

Nearly every other vendor is offering some type of cloud integration, and although E2 does offer a component called webview (no surprise, its an additional fee), its really a customer portal and doesn't offer much in terms of what a company employee would need. The software will not play nicely across multiple networks, we had several locations connected via VPN which Shoptech does not support. Their solution was to use MS terminal services which is cumbersome and requires additional licensing. In today's global economy, accessibility should be paramount, not a vendor locked afterthought.

The software does have provisions for shop floor data collection and although it does work, its cumbersome and our busy and non-technical shop floor staff abhor it and we eventually abandoned it.

Support was initially good but as our business grew and our implementation of the software became more complex support has been slow to respond (if at all) and many of the ongoing problems we are facing haven't been satisfactorily resolved.