Independent tech advice for manufacturing leaders
Not sure whether to buy an ERP, build custom, or fix what you've got? Our advisory service gives NZ manufacturers honest, practical guidance — without the vendor sales pitch.
Book a Discovery CallIndependent tech advice for manufacturing leaders
Not sure whether to buy an ERP, build custom, or fix what you've got? Our advisory service gives NZ manufacturers honest, practical guidance — without the vendor sales pitch.
Every vendor says they're the answer
The manufacturing technology landscape in New Zealand has never been more crowded or more confusing. ERP vendors promise end-to-end transformation. IoT companies want to sensor your entire factory floor. Industry 4.0 consultants throw around buzzwords about digital twins and predictive maintenance. And each one says they're the solution to your problems.
As a manufacturing business owner or operations manager, you know something needs to change. Manual processes are slowing you down. Data lives in silos. Your best knowledge walks out the door with retiring staff. But the gap between recognising the problem and knowing the right solution is where most NZ manufacturers get stuck — or worse, make expensive mistakes.
The challenge is amplified by New Zealand's market size. Many enterprise solutions are designed for factories with 500+ employees, not the 20-100 person operations that make up most of NZ's manufacturing sector. HERA, EMA, and Callaghan Innovation all promote digitalisation, but the practical question — what should MY business do first, and how much should it cost? — rarely gets a straight answer.
What Advisory includes
Operations & technology audit
A thorough assessment of your current systems, manual processes, data flows, and pain points. We spend time on your factory floor, not just in the office, to understand reality versus theory.
Vendor-neutral evaluation
Independent assessment of technology options for your situation — ERP systems, production software, IoT platforms, and custom development. No partnerships, no kickbacks, just honest comparison.
Digital roadmap
A prioritised 12-24 month plan for your digital investments. What to do first, what can wait, realistic budgets, and expected ROI for each phase. Aligned to your capacity and cashflow.
Workforce readiness assessment
Evaluation of your team's digital capability and appetite for change. Practical recommendations for training, upskilling, or hiring — accounting for the NZ manufacturing labour market.
Grant & funding guidance
Identification of applicable Callaghan Innovation grants, NZTE funding, and regional development support for your digital investment. We help you understand what's available and how to access it.
Ongoing advisory sessions
Monthly advisory calls to support your team through implementation — whether you build with us, buy off-the-shelf, or use another provider. Continuity of advice through the change process.
How Advisory works
Site visit & discovery
We visit your facility, walk the production floor, and interview key team members — from management to machine operators. Understanding how work actually flows, not how the org chart says it should.
Analysis & research
We analyse your operations, benchmark against similar NZ manufacturers, evaluate technology options, and assess funding opportunities. Thorough research before any recommendations.
Recommendations report
A clear, written report with prioritised recommendations, budget ranges, vendor shortlists, and a phased roadmap. Presented in person with time for discussion and questions.
Implementation support
Ongoing monthly advisory sessions as you execute the roadmap. We help you evaluate vendor proposals, manage implementation risks, and adjust the plan as your business evolves.
What you walk away with
Clarity on priorities
A clear understanding of what your manufacturing business needs digitally — sequenced by impact and feasibility. No more analysis paralysis or vendor-driven urgency.
Confident investment decisions
Make technology investments based on independent analysis, not sales presentations. Know what things should cost before you sign anything.
Funding awareness
Understand which Callaghan Innovation, NZTE, and regional grants apply to your plans. Potentially offset 20-40% of your digital investment through co-funding.
Reduced implementation risk
Avoid the most common mistakes NZ manufacturers make — over-investing in enterprise software they'll never fully use, under-investing in change management, or building custom when off-the-shelf would suffice.
Frequently asked questions
No. Advisory is an independent service. We regularly recommend off-the-shelf software, other implementation partners, or internal capability building when that's the right answer. If you end up working with us on implementation, great — but the advisory stands on its own merits.
We combine digital expertise with genuine understanding of manufacturing operations — production scheduling, quality systems, supply chain management, and the realities of running a workshop. We've worked with fabricators, food processors, and precision engineers across New Zealand.
Advisory is most valuable for NZ manufacturers with $2M-$50M turnover and 10-200 staff — the businesses big enough to need proper systems but not so large that they have internal IT departments making these decisions. That said, we've worked with both smaller and larger operations.
Yes, but we take a practical approach. Industry 4.0 means different things at different scales. For a 30-person fabrication shop, it might mean basic production tracking and automated quoting. For a 200-person food processor, it might mean IoT sensors and predictive maintenance. We recommend what makes sense for your business today, not what sounds impressive in a conference presentation.
The initial assessment phase is a fixed fee — you'll know the cost upfront before committing. Ongoing monthly advisory is available through our Advisory plan at a predictable monthly rate. Contact us for current pricing based on your business size and complexity.
Ready to talk about manufacturing & engineering?
Book a free discovery call. No sales pitch — just an honest conversation about what your business needs.