If you think that the paints and inks industries consist of simple processes of mixing, blending, and pouring, just consider the spectrum of available colors. Every color requires special ingredients, meaning separate formulas and individual routings. Shades and variations of colors are essential parts of the equation. The traditional paint can has been augmented by multiple packaging options to include plastic and direct feed. When you add coatings to the product mix, characteristics such as surface type, absorption, and elasticity further complicate the overall production process. Of course, you must be concerned with regulated guidelines such as material data safety sheets (MSDS) that need to accompany each order. This is not a paint-by-number process anymore. Accordingly, the software supporting your business requirements must be designed specifically for the painting, coatings, and inks industries. From the back office functions through and including product scheduling and delivery, every aspect of the manufacturing process must be managed, controlled, and reported on to properly focus management's attention to ensure profitability and customer satisfaction.

To meet these objectives and stay competitive, paints, inks, and coatings manufacturers are confronted with a number of challenges. Prominent among them are: