Metal and structural steel products are essential for commercial, industrial, and infrastructure construction. But as a distributor, managing these products comes with unique operational challenges — from weight and handling to specification tracking, certifications, and custom lengths or cuts.
In this post, we’ll break down the most common issues in structural steel distribution — and how your ERP system can streamline workflows, reduce waste, and improve traceability.
🔩 COMMON OPERATIONAL CHALLENGES
- Inventory Complexity
Multiple grades, profiles (I-beam, HSS, angle, channel), and lengths
Variable units of measure (lbs, ft, tons, pieces)
Inaccurate tracking leads to overstock or under-delivery
- Handling and Storage
Requires forklifts, spreader bars, or overhead cranes
Prone to rust or damage if stored incorrectly
Large yard space with limited slotting visibility
- Order Customization
Cut-to-length or drilled-to-spec orders
High chance of miscommunication between sales and yard teams
- Compliance and Documentation
Mill test reports (MTRs), weld certs, and country-of-origin docs are essential
Needed for DOT, public works, and code compliance
🛠️ HOW YOUR ERP SYSTEM SOLVES THESE PROBLEMS
- Dimensional SKU Control
Store every product by:
Profile type and size
Length increments
Weight per foot and total bundle weight
Use alternate UOMs (e.g., quote in feet, stock in tons)
- Yard Mapping and Slotting
Assign location tags for every bay or racking area
Use barcode scanning to pull correct stock quickly
Integrate with forklifts or crane schedules for safer handling
- Order Customization Fields
Enable “cut length” or “drill spec” fields at time of quoting
Trigger shop work tickets or instructions via ERP
Add fabrication lead times to delivery schedules
- Document Management
Attach MTRs and compliance certs directly to orders
Automate delivery of documentation to contractors or procurement teams
Store historical docs for audit or reorders
📈 METRICS TO TRACK
Cut-to-length order accuracy rate
Yard handling incidents per month
Average fulfillment time for structural orders
% of structural SKUs with attached MTRs
🏁 FINAL THOUGHTS
Steel distribution is all about precision and control. With the right ERP setup, you can manage complex inventory, reduce errors, and meet even the most demanding compliance requirements — while improving safety and service.
📞 Want help configuring custom-length products, managing MTRs, or mapping your steel yard in ERP? Let’s steel your operations for success.
