Precast & Concrete manufacturing faces a series of operational challenges—strict timelines, complex production stages, material handling, and on-site logistics. Managing these through fragmented systems often leads to delays, miscommunication, and increased costs.
This blog explores how Epicor Kinetic ERP, in tandem with GoCast’s specialized in precast & concrete modules, streamlines job scheduling, quality control, logistics, and resource allocation in a way that is purpose-built for the precast & concrete industry. By combining these two platforms, precast & concrete manufacturers gain end-to-end visibility, real-time tracking, and digital workflows that significantly reduce rework, minimize manual errors, and boost overall efficiency.
1. INTRODUCTION: THE EVOLVING LANDSCAPE OF PRECAST & CONCRETE MANUFACTURING
Precast & Concrete has established itself as a preferred construction method for a wide range of projects—from infrastructure (bridges and tunnels) to commercial and residential developments. Its inherent advantages—quality control, faster installation, and reduced on-site labor—position precast & concrete as a key player in modern construction.
However, many precast & concrete manufacturers find themselves juggling multiple workflows, each involving unique design specifications, production requirements, and logistics constraints. Common issues include:
- Disjointed planning systems, leading to resource conflicts
- Manual tracking, creating production blind spots
- Strict quality standards, complicating compliance if done on paper
- Complex logistics, where late or mis-sequenced deliveries cause on-site bottlenecks
Why a designed ERP solution matters?
While generic ERP systems provide basic functionality for production and inventory, they often fall short when it comes to specialized in precast & concrete processes. Epicor Kinetic, an industry-leading ERP platform, unifies core manufacturing operations—such as demand planning, inventory management, and financials—into one system. GoCast augments Epicor Kinetic with purpose-built precast & concrete modules, ensuring every phase of your production cycle (from estimation to installation) is precisely managed, tracked, and optimized.
2. COMMON PAIN POINTS IN PRECAST & CONCRETE & HOW EPICOR KINETIC + GOCAST SOLVE THEM
2.1 MANAGING COMPLEX JOB SCHEDULING & PRODUCTION PLANNING
THE PRECAST & CONCRETE CHALLENGE
Each project involves tasks like design finalization, mold preparation, concrete casting, reinforcement, curing, and quality checks—often under tight deadlines. A lack of integrated scheduling leads to:
• Mold clashes when two or more projects require the same mold at overlapping times
• High labor downtime due to poor batching or suboptimal allocation of staff
• Delayed deliveries caused by last-minute schedule disruptions
HOW EPICOR KINETIC + GOCAST HELP
Advanced Planning & Scheduling (APS) in Epicor Kinetic factors in labor, material, and machine capacities. This ensures production runs align with real-world constraints, reducing idle time.
GoCast’s Smart Planner offers a visual, drag-and-drop interface. This planner allows you to move structures in or out of schedules for “what-if” scenarios, ideal for handling sudden changes without disrupting the entire production calendar.
INDUSTRY EXAMPLE
A precast & concrete manufacturer specializing in bridge girders leverages APS to ensure enough mold availability and worker shifts, while Smart Planner quickly reschedules resources when an urgent highway project adds extra girders mid-week.
2.2 REAL-TIME STRUCTURE TRACKING & AUTOMATED JOB ORDERS
THE PRECAST & CONCRETE CHALLENGE
Large precast & concrete plants might handle hundreds of individual elements every day—ranging from slabs and beams to wall panels. Manually updating each structure’s status introduces delays and risk of mix-ups.
HOW EPICOR KINETIC + GOCAST HELP
GoCast’s Structure Entry: Allows mass uploading of structures along with critical attributes such as station, mark, location, date of cast, method of manufacturing, and more. Upon entry, automated job orders are created in Epicor Kinetic, removing the need for manual data re-keying.
Structure Tracker: Monitors each unit from initial casting to final inspection, providing a single source of truth for stakeholders. Project managers can instantly see which structures are cast, curing, or ready for dispatch.
INDUSTRY EXAMPLE
A manufacturer producing high-rise facade panels uses Structure Tracker to view daily updates of each panel’s progress. Team members across design, engineering, and shipping have synchronized data, minimizing errors when scheduling deliveries.
2.3 SPECIALIZED PLANNERS FOR DIVERSE PRECAST & CONCRETE PRODUCTS
THE PRECAST & CONCRETE CHALLENGE
Precast & Concrete isn’t a monolith; different products—hollow core slabs, prestressed beams, autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) blocks—each follow unique production flows. A single, generic planning tool can’t account for these nuances.
HOW EPICOR KINETIC + GOCAST HELP
GoCast offers four specialized planners, each one catering to unique precast & concrete product needs:
- Hollow Core Planner
- 3D Visualization to manage stud placement, track cutting sequences, and maximize casting bed usage.
- Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) Planner
- Focuses on mold optimization, letting you combine various block sizes efficiently.
- Prestress Planner
- Provides tensioning and curing oversight, ensuring correct sequencing and bed allocation.
- Smart Planner
- Combines data from each specialized planner, giving managers an overall view for quick resource reallocation.
INDUSTRY EXAMPLE
A multifaceted precast & concrete operation that produces wall panels, hollow core slabs, and prestressed beams can run all three planners simultaneously. Managers easily toggle between them to maximize throughput, reduce errors, and minimize wasted material.
2.4 OPTIMIZING TRANSPORTATION & LOGISTICS
THE PRECAST & CONCRETE CHALLENGE
Once elements are ready, they must be transported to the construction site on time, in sequence, and with correct labeling for swift installation. Poor dispatch coordination can lead to idle cranes, on-site labor delays, and damaged reputations.
HOW EPICOR KINETIC + GOCAST HELP
Epicor Kinetic’s Logistics Module integrates dispatch scheduling, fleet tracking, and load optimization in a single pane. GoTrack Mobile App:
- Scans QR/Barcodes on structures to ensure the right elements are loaded in the correct order
- Updates status (In Transit, On-Site) in real time
- Captures digital proof of delivery (POD), hastening invoice processes
- Offers an installation module to track element placement on-site, reducing confusion and rework
INDUSTRY EXAMPLE
A precast & concrete supplier for highway tunnel segments uses GoTrack to scan segments before they leave the yard. The site manager can track delivery progress, ensuring a crane is available the moment segments arrive. Meanwhile, digital PODs reduce paperwork and speed up billing.
2.5 INTEGRATED QUALITY ASSURANCE & COMPLIANCE
THE PRECAST & CONCRETE CHALLENGE
In precast & concrete, quality is everything—from consistent concrete mixes to precise rebar placement. Traditional paper-based QC checks are easy to overlook and difficult to audit.
HOW EPICOR KINETIC + GOCAST HELP
GoQ Mobile App:
- Comes with out-of-the-box precast & concrete QC/QA forms
- Digitizes inspection and testing data (slump tests, dimension checks, tension verification)
- Logs defects and initiates corrective actions automatically
- Epicor Kinetic QA Module:
- Automates compliance documentation, storing test results, approvals, and audit-ready records
- Tracks non-conformance reports (NCRs), helping prevent repeated mistakes through an integrated corrective-action workflow
INDUSTRY EXAMPLE
A manufacturer specializing in underground utility vaults uses GoQ to document final dimensional checks, rebar spacing, and compressive strength. These digital records update in Epicor Kinetic instantly, streamlining compliance with local building codes and client standards
3. WHY PRECAST & CONCRETE MANUFACTURERS BENEFIT FROM AN INTEGRATED EPICOR KINETIC & GOCAST ECOSYSTEM
- REAL-TIME VISIBILITY
A centralized dashboard unifies data from design, production, inventory, quality, and logistics. Decision-makers rely on proactive, real-time insights rather than reactive reporting. - AUTOMATED WORKFLOWS
Automated job order creation from Structure Entry removes the need for repetitive data entry. Specialized planners eliminate guesswork in scheduling diverse product lines. - MOBILE & DIGITAL TOOLS
GoTrack for dispatch oversight and digital proof of delivery.
GoQ for paperless inspections and quality assurance. - SCALABLE CONFIGURATION
Epicor Kinetic grows with your business—whether you operate a single plant or multiple facilities. GoCast modules are configurable to different precast & concrete product lines, reducing the need for costly custom add-ons. - IMPROVED COMPLIANCE & TRACEABILITY
Each structure’s journey—from conceptual design to final installation—is logged digitally, simplifying audits and stakeholder communication. Automated QC workflows significantly minimize the risk of shipping non-compliant element
4. THE FUTURE OF PRECAST & CONCRETE: FULLY DIGITAL & DATA-DRIVEN
As Building Information Modeling (BIM), IoT sensors, and AI-driven analytics become more pervasive, precast & concrete manufacturers who embrace digital transformation will gain significant competitive advantages. Predictive maintenance on production equipment, real-time monitoring of curing conditions, and machine learning to optimize scheduling are rapidly becoming the industry norm.
Epicor Kinetic’s cloud-enabled architecture and GoCast’s specialized suite ensure precast & concrete businesses are future-proofed. You’re not just patching existing issues; you’re laying the groundwork for ongoing innovation and continuous improvement.
5. CONCLUSION & NEXT STEPS
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Epicor Kinetic + GoCast form a powerful, integrated platform addressing the distinct needs of precast & concrete manufacturing—covering scheduling, quality control, logistics, and installation tracking.
- Real-time data, automated workflows, and mobile app-driven processes significantly enhance productivity, reduce errors, and strengthen compliance.
- Adopting a digital-first approach is no longer a luxury; it’s the key to remaining competitive in an evolving construction landscape.
WHAT YOU CAN DO NEXT
- Request a Personalized Demo: See how these solutions integrate with your specific operations—whether you produce architectural panels, prestressed beams, or large-scale hollow core slabs.
- Ask for Case Studies: Learn from real-world success stories on time savings, cost reductions, and QC improvements.
- Engage in a Pilot Project: Transition one product line or project into the Epicor Kinetic + GoCast ecosystem to assess ROI and scalability.
- Collaborate with Experts: Both Epicor and GoCast consultants have extensive industry knowledge to tailor solutions that address your unique product mix, compliance requirements, and business goals.
Don’t wait for the competition to outpace you—take proactive steps now to digitally transform your precast & concrete operations. With Epicor Kinetic and GoCast, you’ll have unmatched visibility, streamlined production, and robust quality assurance—the exact recipe for sustained success in the fast-moving world of precast & concrete construction.
