Towards Digital Transformation in SMEs: A Custom Software Solution for Shopfloor–ERP Integration

The increasing complexity of mechanical manufacturing demands intelligent, integrated solutions to maintain high levels of precision, efficiency, and traceability. While ERP systems provide centralized management for core business functions, they often fall short in addressing operational-level workflows on the shopfloor. This paper presents the development and implementation of GIP (Gestão Integrada de Produção—Integrated Production Management), a custom software solution designed to bridge this gap for a small-to-medium enterprise (SME) specializing in precision mechanical components. GIP automates manual tasks such as technical drawing validation, file management, and part tracking, significantly reducing approval times and human error while enhancing traceability through unique DataMatrix part marking and centralized data logging. Developed with a modular, user-centered design using C# and SQL Server, the system integrates seamlessly with existing ERP infrastructure, following Industry 4.0 principles. Its deployment resulted in quantifiable improvements in productivity, data security, interdepartmental communication, and project delivery times. The success of GIP underscores the benefits of complementing ERP platforms with task-specific tools tailored to real user workflows. This approach aligns with smart manufacturing trends such as digital threads and digital twins, laying the groundwork for future enhancements in predictive maintenance and real-time analytics. GIP demonstrates how agile, scalable digital tools can drive competitiveness in modern industrial environments.