Getting Started with Factory Forward
Complete guide to setting up your Factory Forward ERP system and getting your team productive in days, not weeks.
1. First Login & Dashboard Overview
Accessing the System
- Navigate to your Factory Forward URL (provided during onboarding)
- Enter your username and password
- Click "Login" to access the system
First-Time Login
If this is your first login, you'll be prompted to change your password. Choose a strong password with at least 8 characters.
Understanding Your Dashboard
After logging in, you'll see your personalized dashboard based on your role:
Master Admin Dashboard
Complete system visibility, user management, all sites access, system configuration
Manager Dashboard
Operational metrics, work orders, inventory levels, quality alerts, MRP recommendations
User Dashboard
Task-focused view, assigned work orders, pending approvals, recent transactions
2. System Navigation
Sidebar Menu
The left sidebar is your primary navigation tool. Click the hamburger icon (☰) to expand/collapse it.
Inventory Module
Item Master, Locations, Transactions, Adjustments
Manufacturing Module
BOMs, Routings, Work Orders, Shop Floor Scheduling
Purchasing Module
Purchase Orders, Suppliers, Receiving, MRB
Sales Module
Sales Orders, Customers, Fulfillment, Shipping
Planning Module
MRP Dashboard, Supply/Demand Analysis
AI Co-Pilot
Click the AI assistant icon in the top-right corner to:
- Ask questions about how to use features
- Get navigation help ("How do I create a work order?")
- Query your data ("What items are below reorder point?")
- Learn about specific workflows
3. Essential Initial Setup
Step 1: Configure Your Sites
Navigate to: Admin → Sites
- Click "Add Site"
- Enter Site Code (e.g., "MAIN", "PLANT-2")
- Enter Site Name (e.g., "Main Manufacturing")
- Add address details
- Click "Save"
Step 2: Set Up Locations
Navigate to: Inventory → Locations
- Click "Create Location"
- Enter Location Code (e.g., "WH-A-01-01" for Warehouse A, Aisle 01, Bin 01)
- Select Location Type (Storage, Receiving, Staging, Inspection, etc.)
- Select Parent Location (for hierarchical structure)
- Set capacity limits if needed
- Click "Save"
Location Hierarchy
Create a logical hierarchy: Warehouse → Zone → Aisle → Bin. This helps with organization and reporting.
Step 3: Add Your First Items
Navigate to: Inventory → Item Master
- Click "Create Item"
- Enter Item Number (your part number)
- Enter Description
- Select Item Type:
- Raw Material - purchased materials
- Component - purchased parts
- Sub-Assembly - manufactured intermediate
- Finished Good - final product
- Service - non-physical items
- Set Make or Buy:
- Buy - MRP generates Purchase Orders
- Make - MRP generates Work Orders
- Enter Unit of Measure (EA, LB, FT, etc.)
- Set Lead Time (days to procure/manufacture)
- Enter Standard Cost
- Set Min/Max/Reorder Point for automatic replenishment
- Click "Create"
Step 4: Configure Suppliers
Navigate to: Purchasing → Suppliers
- Click "Add Supplier"
- Enter Supplier Code and Name
- Add contact information
- Set payment terms (Net 30, Net 60, etc.)
- Enter lead time
- Assign quality inspection plan if needed
- Click "Save"
Step 5: Add Customers
Navigate to: Sales → Customers
- Click "Add Customer"
- Enter Customer Name and Code
- Add billing and shipping addresses
- Set payment terms
- Configure pricing if needed
- Click "Save"
4. Inviting Team Members
Navigate to: Admin → User Management
Creating User Accounts
- Click "Add User"
- Enter full name and email address
- Create username (typically firstname.lastname)
- Set temporary password (user will change on first login)
- Assign role:
- Master Admin: System-wide access, all configuration
- Admin: Site-level administration
- Manager: Operational management, approvals
- User: Standard operations, data entry
- Viewer: Read-only access
- Assign site access (which sites can this user see?)
- Click "Create User"
Security Best Practice
Follow the principle of least privilege - give users only the access they need for their job function.
5. Next Steps
Once you've completed the initial setup, you're ready to start using Factory Forward for daily operations:
Purchase Order Workflow →
Learn how to create POs, receive materials, and perform quality checks
Manufacturing Workflow →
Create BOMs, routings, and execute work orders on the shop floor
Sales Order Workflow →
Process customer orders from entry through fulfillment and shipping
MRP Planning →
Run material requirements planning and convert recommendations