{"id":32711,"date":"2023-05-16T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-05-16T13:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/?p=32711"},"modified":"2025-12-03T05:45:43","modified_gmt":"2025-12-03T10:45:43","slug":"5-key-stages-in-the-production-process","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/5-key-stages-in-the-production-process\/","title":{"rendered":"5 key stages in the production process and how to track success"},"content":{"rendered":"<header class=\"entry-header has-dark-background-color entry-header--has-illustration entry-header--has-illustration--generic\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-header__row row align-center\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-lg-7 col-xlg-6 entry-header__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"component component-single-header\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-header__misc text--subtitle text--uppercase text--small\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/category\/strategy-legal-operations\/\" class=\"entry-header__link\">Strategy, Legal &amp; Operations<\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-title-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"entry-title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t5 key stages in the production process and how to track success\t\t\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"entry-header__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"single-post-details container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"posted-on \">Published <time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2023-05-16T09:00:00-04:00\">May 16, 2023<\/time><\/span><span class=\"reading-time\"> min read<\/span>\n\t\t<button\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\tclass=\"social-share-button button button--icon button--secondary js-social-share-button\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-title=\"5 key stages in the production process and how to track success\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-url=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/5-key-stages-in-the-production-process\/\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-text=\"Please read this interesting article\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__share-label\">Share<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__copy-label\" hidden>Copy Link<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__copy-tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\" hidden>Copied<\/span>\n\t\t<\/button>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<\/header>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-author has-dark-background-color alignfull\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"co-authors\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-author-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<a class=\"entry-author\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/author\/joechurchwoods\/\">\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/05\/Joe-Yard-2-crop-350x350.jpg\" class=\"entry-author__image\" alt=\"Joe Church Woods\" \/>\t\t\t\t<span class=\"entry-author__name\">Joe Church Woods<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>Late shipments, excess inventory, and unsatisfactory quality are all symptoms of poor control. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can remedy this by implementing software that improves visibility throughout the production process, from pre-production to shipment and delivery.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Manufacturers configure production to suit the characteristics of the product they sell. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some operate as job shops or craft businesses, while others produce large quantities of a single item through a dedicated production line.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite their differences, all need effective monitoring and control to meet your customers&#8217; expectations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this article we&#8217;ll discuss the production process, including its contributing factors and tracking key milestones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Here&#8217;s what we&#8217;ll cover:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><ul><li><a href=\"#h-what-is-the-production-process\" data-level=\"2\">What is the production process?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-5-key-stages-of-the-production-process\" data-level=\"2\">5 Key stages of the production process<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-key-milestones-for-success\" data-level=\"2\">Key milestones for success<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-how-automation-enhances-the-production-process\" data-level=\"2\">How automation enhances the production process<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-final-thoughts\" data-level=\"2\">Final thoughts<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-is-the-production-process\">What is the production process?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Production entails transforming raw material inputs into higher-value goods and is often considered the heart of&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/supply-chain-management\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">supply chain management<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The production process is a series of value-adding steps that transform raw materials from one state to a more useful form. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It spans every aspect of manufacturing, from raw material procurement to manufacturing processes, packaging of the final product, shipping, and dispatch.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are four types of production:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Mass production<\/strong>&nbsp;is where a production system is geared towards making very large quantities of a single product.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Batch production&nbsp;<\/strong>handles a range of related but different products. Variations might take the form of colors, sizes, or pack formats. Manufacturers produce a batch of one product, before producing a similar product in a different size, shape, or format.&nbsp;&nbsp;Large products made in small to single-piece quantities often use a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mbaskool.com\/business-concepts\/operations-logistics-supply-chain-terms\/18082-job-production.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">job production<\/a>&nbsp;process. Here, the inputs come to the product rather than being moved from machine to machine and department to department. Shipbuilding is a prime example.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Service production&nbsp;<\/strong>is a defined and controlled process that delivers a service rather than a physical product. Banking and IT are examples of industries that use service production. In some cases, the service may have physical characteristics, like in the food preparation industry.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Customized production&nbsp;<\/strong>takes two forms:&nbsp;craft production&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ptc.com\/en\/blogs\/iiot\/definition-of-mass-customization\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">mass customization<\/a>.&nbsp;Craft production&nbsp;is when an artisan makes one or a very small number of pieces, typically using only simple hand tools e.g. dressmaking. In&nbsp;mass customization, a manufacturer gears up to produce large quantities but can tailor each item to suit individual customer requirements.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s important to keep in mind that these processes are seldom exclusive. Often, an activity that\u2019s predominantly one type will incorporate elements of others. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/supply-chain-diagram\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">supply chain diagram<\/a>&nbsp;can help you visualize the flows and processes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-5-key-stages-of-the-production-process\">5 Key stages of the production process<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Moving from product design to manufacturing entails planning and organizing the activities associated with production. There are five stages in the process:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Planning<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Production planning involves detailing all the steps needed to turn a design or concept into a physical product and get it to the customer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It forms the basis of a production schedule and ensures the resources needed\u2014manufacturing equipment, materials, quality control devices, etc.\u2014will be available.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Planning is essential to control production costs. It is the key to capacity planning and management and ensures everyone involved in the production process understands what they must do. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Planning can be simple. In fact, some businesses have success using a simple Excel&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/production-planning-template\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">production planning template<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Routing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Routing is a map showing the path materials, components, and subassemblies will take through manufacturing on their journey to become the finished product. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It shows the individual machines, which may be linked or configured as a production line or cell, or arranged in functional groups. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The routing will usually include cycle and setup time estimates and possibly also expected yields. This forms the basis of production scheduling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Scheduling<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>With the routing defined, it\u2019s possible to schedule the flow of work through the factory. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Scheduling involves considering batch sizes (in batch production), setup times, and required delivery or completion dates to determine when orders must be released to production. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Poor or inefficient scheduling may cause&nbsp;bottlenecks.&nbsp;Scheduling is less complex with continuous processes, but still necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Dispatching<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This is the release of orders, material, and sometimes tooling, to production. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s done at the time dictated by the production schedule. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The order paperwork accompanying the material often incorporates a barcode that is scanned in and out of each operation or manufacturing process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Follow-up<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Follow-up is a way of identifying improvement opportunities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It compares actual performance with the production plan to identify variances or deviations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These are used to refine the plan and possibly initiate factory improvement efforts, with the goal of reducing their magnitude to zero.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-key-milestones-for-success\">Key milestones for success<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Reviewing performance after the order has shipped is good for identifying improvements to the production plan and the manufacturing process. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, it doesn\u2019t avoid the consequences of inferior quality, late delivery, or being short on quantity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The best way of keeping every order on target is to track milestones at key stages, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Pre-production<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A lot of things must come together before a production line can run. Details depend on industry and product, but common examples include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Material must be of the required standard.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Colors must match.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Packaging must be designed and produced to specification.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Presses must be set up to produce metal shapes of the right dimensions and without cracking.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>These points all form a pre-production milestone. If any of them are incorrect, the production run will almost certainly result in a product that either can\u2019t be sold or can only sell for a steep discount.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-example-pre-production-tasks-for-personal-care-products\">Example: Pre-production tasks for personal care products<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>For personal care brands, confirming both colors and packaging samples is common before a production run. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Colors can vary slightly between suppliers and even from different machines, so it\u2019s important to confirm they are correct before production starts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition, if you&#8217;ll be using new tooling for packaging, it must be carefully inspected and signed off on first.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Production<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>During production, tracking progress against schedule and in terms of quality is essential. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is to avoid any quality problems that would force rework or scrapping of parts, and to ensure the order or batch stays on schedule. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It requires visibility into manufacturing processes and, if not done, almost guarantees the product will ship late.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-example-production-tasks-for-cut-and-sew-goods\">Example: Production tasks for cut-and-sew goods<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>In a business making apparel or other home goods using fabric, there are several activities to track. These could include the completion of primary processing steps like weaving and dying. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In such a scenario, setting up a production tracker is useful. Typically based on a template, this assigns each task, defines checkpoints, and provides details to help the team and suppliers execute. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Detailing expectations ahead of time reduces the risk of issues during production.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Pre-shipment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Customers expect high quality, a satisfactory appearance, and good performance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To avoid complaints, warranty claims, or returns, your team must closely inspect the final product and packaging before shipping. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You should also check to see if there are any documented customer requests so that you can ensure they\u2019re fulfilled before shipping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-example-pre-shipment-tasks-for-food-or-beverage-products\">Example: Pre-shipment tasks for food or beverage products<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Food and beverage products are often subject to strict regulation and quality control. A brand selling edible products must ensure the pre-shipment process includes a check for appropriate documentation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This may include requesting certificates of authenticity, quality release forms, and\/or third-party testing documents from the supplier before moving goods into the Shipment milestone.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Shipment and Delivery<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>For your customers to be satisfied, they need to receive what they ordered, in the correct quantity, to the required standard, at the expected date and time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can accomplish this by cross-referencing each order against its documentation at each step of the process to ensure nothing is missed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Incorporating a checklist or template that prompts these cross references is one way to avoid overlooking anything pertinent.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Similarly, you&#8217;ll want to make sure your customers have accurate and up-to-date shipping and tracking information. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, if their tracking link says that their \u201cshipping label is being created\u201d for days on end (even after the item has shipped), they&#8217;ll have no idea where their package is or when they can expect it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This can reflect poorly on your business, so be sure to choose reliable fulfillment and shipping partners that employ organized, accurate, and transparent shipping practices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-automation-enhances-the-production-process\">How automation enhances the production process<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Tracking progress against milestones takes time and effort\u2014unless it\u2019s automated. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Automating data capture and analysis can help by generates information faster, saving you time, minimizing errors, and improving overall operational visibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Using appropriate supply chain management software, such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/products\/supply-chain-intelligence\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sage Supply Chain Intelligence<\/a>, makes production data accessible, actionable, and auditable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sage Supply Chain Intelligence supports automated task and activity tracking throughout every type of production process, with centralized document management and payment tracking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition to pre-configured milestones and automated check-ins with suppliers, the latest enhancement gives better visibility throughout the order lifecycle and production process. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-final-thoughts\">Final thoughts <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Effective production control is the foundation of consistent quality, on-time delivery, and customer satisfaction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether your business runs a high-volume production line, a craft shop, or a hybrid approach, the same principles apply: planning, routing, scheduling, dispatching, and follow-up are essential to staying competitive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Tracking milestones at pre-production, production, pre-shipment, and delivery ensures potential issues are caught early, rather than after goods reach customers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Done well, this minimizes costly rework, late shipments, and excess inventory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The complexity of today\u2019s supply chains makes manual oversight difficult and risky. That\u2019s where automation and supply chain management software can really help you up your game. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By digitizing routine checks, centralizing documents, and making data instantly accessible, you gain real-time visibility into every stage of the production process. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This doesn\u2019t just reduce errors\u2014it frees teams to focus on continuous improvement and customer service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ultimately, adopting the right tools and practices turns production from a potential bottleneck into a competitive advantage, ensuring your products are delivered with the quality, timeliness, and reliability your customers expect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/products\/supply-chain-intelligence\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Explore Sage Supply Chain 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in hand\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1073797282-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<section class=\"more-topics alignfull has-grey-light-background-color wp-block-sage-post-topics\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"row\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-12 col-lg-4\">\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"more-topics__title h2\">Browse more topics from this article<\/h3>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-12 col-lg-8\">\n\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"post-tags__list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/hub\/boss-your-business\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBoss your business\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/hub\/business-continuity\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBusiness Continuity\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/hub\/business-strategy\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBusiness strategy\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/hub\/cloud-technology\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCloud Technology\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/hub\/growing-a-business\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGrowing a business\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/hub\/productivity\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tProductivity\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/hub\/small-business\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSmall business\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/hub\/supply-chain-management\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSupply chain management\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/hub\/technology\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTechnology\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n<div class=\"alignfull wp-block-sage-related-posts\">\n\t<section class=\"related-posts card-grid has-dark-background-color\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"related-posts__heading related-posts__heading--featured h1\">Explore more wisdom<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"row related-posts__featured\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-0 post-30823 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-money-matters category-strategy-legal-operations tag-accounting-101 tag-boss-your-business tag-business-intelligence tag-cash-flow tag-small-business tag-starting-a-business tag-staying-competitive business_type-small-business business_type-growing-business card-post--is-clickable\"\n>\n\t<div class=\"card-post__media-wrapper\">\n\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1215\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1190223207-1215x810.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1190223207-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1190223207-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1190223207-1215x810.jpg 1215w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t<div class=\"card-post__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__label\">Recommended<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-06-24T09:08:55-04:00\">June 24, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">13 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h3\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__title-link\"\n\t\t\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/how-to-track-business-expenses\/\"\n\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tHow to keep track of business expenses\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"card-post__description\">\n\t\t\t\tIf you&#8217;re responsible for managing business finances, keeping track of expenses affects how clearly you can see your cash flow and make informed decisions. Learn the key steps, best tools, and how to build a process that keeps your finances accurate and error free. \t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row related-posts__non-featured\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-12\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"related-posts__heading related-posts__heading--more h4\">More on this Topic<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-1 post-36758 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-money-matters tag-distribution tag-supply-chain-management business_type-small-business business_type-growing-business industry-distribution industry-wholesale-distribution\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/reduce-supply-chain-costs\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1349031655-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1349031655-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1349031655-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1349031655-1215x810.jpg 1215w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-06-24T08:00:00-04:00\">June 24, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">7 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tHow to reduce supply chain costs: 10 strategies that work\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-2 post-30598 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-strategy-legal-operations category-trends-insights tag-boss-your-business tag-business-intelligence tag-business-strategy tag-sage-news tag-security-fraud tag-small-business tag-starting-a-business business_type-small-business business_type-growing-business\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/what-is-expense-report-fraud\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/08\/BrandShootLDN_Jul2022_TechSoftware_0620-684x384.jpeg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"A person giving a presentation to colleagues.\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/08\/BrandShootLDN_Jul2022_TechSoftware_0620-684x384.jpeg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/08\/BrandShootLDN_Jul2022_TechSoftware_0620-768x432.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/08\/BrandShootLDN_Jul2022_TechSoftware_0620-1440x810.jpeg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-06-24T05:46:09-04:00\">June 24, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">8 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tExpense fraud: How to detect and prevent it in your organization\u00a0\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-3 post-29306 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-money-matters category-strategy-legal-operations tag-accounting-101 tag-boss-your-business tag-business-continuity tag-small-business business_type-small-business\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/what-is-a-purchase-order\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1415809513-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1415809513-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1415809513-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1415809513-1215x810.jpg 1215w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-06-12T10:24:32-04:00\">June 12, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">9 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tWhat is a purchase order (PO) and how is it used?\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-4 post-30699 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-strategy-legal-operations tag-automation tag-digital-transformation tag-erp tag-inventory-management tag-supply-chain-management business_type-small-business business_type-growing-business\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/what-is-order-management\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1355438061-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"Lady carrying cartons\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1355438061-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1355438061-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1355438061-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-06-11T08:52:26-04:00\">June 11, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">13 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tWhat is order management?\u00a0\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Explore the 5 key stages in the production process and learn more about the best milestones to track for success.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1847,"featured_media":4230,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_sage_video":false,"post_featured_image_hide":false,"sage_hide_published_date":false,"sage_hide_read_time":false,"sage_hide_share_buttons":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[44],"tags":[195,399,170,346,153,272,34,36,154],"business_type":[40,41],"lilypad":[],"context":[],"industry":[53],"persona":[98,97],"imagine_tag":[245,434,504,233,484,230,1032,237],"coauthors":[592],"class_list":["post-32711","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-strategy-legal-operations","tag-boss-your-business","tag-business-continuity","tag-business-strategy","tag-cloud-technology","tag-growing-a-business","tag-productivity","tag-small-business","tag-supply-chain-management","tag-technology","business_type-small-business","business_type-growing-business","industry-manufacturing"],"sage_meta":{"region":"en-us","author_name":"Joe Church Woods","featured_image":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2018\/05\/manufacturingoperarator.jpg","imagine_tags":{"245":"Distribution","434":"Large Business","504":"Manufacturing","233":"Medium Businesses","484":"Multi Entity","230":"Small business","1032":"Supply chain intelligence","237":"Supply Chain Management"}},"distributor_meta":false,"distributor_terms":false,"distributor_media":false,"distributor_original_site_name":"Sage Advice US","distributor_original_site_url":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog","push-errors":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32711","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/users\/1847"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=32711"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32711\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/media\/4230"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=32711"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=32711"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=32711"},{"taxonomy":"business_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/business_type?post=32711"},{"taxonomy":"lilypad","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/lilypad?post=32711"},{"taxonomy":"context","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/context?post=32711"},{"taxonomy":"industry","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/industry?post=32711"},{"taxonomy":"persona","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/persona?post=32711"},{"taxonomy":"imagine_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/imagine_tag?post=32711"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=32711"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}