{"id":69251,"date":"2025-11-17T15:28:40","date_gmt":"2025-11-17T13:28:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/?p=69251"},"modified":"2025-11-17T15:47:17","modified_gmt":"2025-11-17T13:47:17","slug":"7-ways-to-reduce-costs-in-manufacturing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/7-ways-to-reduce-costs-in-manufacturing\/","title":{"rendered":"7\u00a0ways to reduce costs in manufacturing\u00a0"},"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-za\/blog\/category\/money-matters\/\" class=\"entry-header__link\">Money Matters<\/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\t7 ways to reduce costs in manufacturing \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=\"2025-11-17T15:28:40+02:00\">November 17, 2025<\/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=\"7\u00a0ways to reduce costs in manufacturing\u00a0\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-url=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/7-ways-to-reduce-costs-in-manufacturing\/\"\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-za\/blog\/author\/ingebarry\/\">\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/06\/Inge-350x350.jpg\" class=\"entry-author__image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/06\/Inge-350x350.jpg 350w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/06\/Inge.jpg 744w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 40px) 100vw, 40px\" \/>\t\t\t\t<span class=\"entry-author__name\">Inge Barry<\/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 class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Manufacturing is a multifaceted industry that requires consistent quality outputs. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">However, it can become quite an expensive operation\u00a0without\u00a0strategies to reduce manufacturing costs.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In this article,&nbsp;we\u2019ll&nbsp;explore&nbsp;how you can achieve&nbsp;<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">cost efficiency in manufacturing<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&nbsp;without lowering output and quality.&nbsp;<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><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-are-manufacturing-costs\" data-level=\"2\">What are&nbsp;manufacturing costs?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-7-strategies-to-reduce-manufacturing-costs\" data-level=\"2\">7&nbsp;strategies to reduce manufacturing costs<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-how-epcm-holdings-produces-low-cost-ventilators-for-africa-nbsp\" data-level=\"2\">How EPCM Holdings produces low-cost ventilators for Africa &nbsp;<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta gated-content\">\n\t<div class=\"single-cta__positioner on-scroll-highlight__target\">\n\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__wrapper has-dark-background-color\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"single-cta__title h3\">Digital transformation in process manufacturing<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>How Intelligent ERP can help close the information gap and achieve traceability across the supply chain<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#gate-a4702fd4-0e2c-4743-a8b0-bc6d971b867d\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"single-cta__button button button--primary\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>Download your free guide<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1064\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2019\/04\/GettyImages-610219284-1064x810.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"Woman using tablet\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2019\/04\/GettyImages-610219284-1064x810.jpg 1064w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-are-manufacturing-costs\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What are\u00a0manufacturing costs?<\/span><\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Manufacturing costs\u00a0are the total\u00a0expenses\u00a0associated\u00a0with\u00a0product manufacturing.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Everything\u00a0that\u00a0manufacturing businesses\u00a0spend\u00a0money on,\u00a0from material costs to overheads and labour,\u00a0is regarded as\u00a0a\u00a0manufacturing cost.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Like most businesses, expenses tend to\u00a0pile up\u00a0as the company grows \u2013 which is normal.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">However, there comes a time when\u00a0manufacturing costs\u00a0need to be re-evaluated to ensure optimal efficiency in daily, monthly, and yearly operations.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-7-strategies-to-reduce-manufacturing-costs\">7\u00a0strategies to reduce manufacturing costs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. The cost recovery method&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cost recovery is the method of calculating your income based on all the costs you\u2019ve recovered.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To put it simply, revenue is only recognised when all payments are received, and profit is determined from the remaining money after selling costs are recovered.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pros of the recovery method:&nbsp;<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>When repayments are delayed, it does not impact accounts administration.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tax is\u00a0deferred\u00a0until all costs are recovered from a product sold.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cons of the recovery method:&nbsp;<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>No matter how much sales come in within that period, none count until the costs incurred in producing the product or service is paid off.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Overtime reduction&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Labour wages make up a big&nbsp;chunk&nbsp;of a manufacturing budget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Although your employees are the driving force behind your operations, overtime costs can&nbsp;pile up&nbsp;and affect your profits.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Consider&nbsp;outsourcing&nbsp;or&nbsp;using&nbsp;part-time labour for urgent production tasks, or for once-off large orders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This saves money and creates job opportunities for part-time workers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pros of overtime reduction:&nbsp;<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Saves costs\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reduces the chances of burnt-out employees\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Less pressure on the company to meet overtime expenses\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cons of overtime reduction:&nbsp;<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Employees often work overtime to earn additional income\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Downtime reduction&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Downtime is a big no-no in the manufacturing industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It not only causes downtime for your employees but can also lead to downtime for ensuing processes&nbsp;\u2013 and that means time and money wasted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In addition, your customers might take the brunt of the downtime due to increased lead times.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The reality is that equipment malfunctions and unscheduled downtime are almost unavoidable. And while downtime cannot be eliminated, there are steps to avoid&nbsp;it&nbsp;as much as possible,&nbsp;including&nbsp;ongoing&nbsp;safety training, preventative maintenance plans, regular inspections, and determining&nbsp;overall&nbsp;equipment&nbsp;effectiveness and&nbsp;lifespans.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pros of downtime reduction:&nbsp;<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Higher\u00a0productivity for equipment and employees\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lower\u00a0repair costs for under-maintained equipment breakages\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reduced\u00a0downtime of ensuing processes\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Shorter\u00a0lead times caused by downtime\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cons of downtime reduction:&nbsp;<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Preventative maintenance might cause limited downtime, but at least this can be planned for\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta gated-content\">\n\t<div class=\"single-cta__positioner on-scroll-highlight__target\">\n\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__wrapper has-dark-background-color\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"single-cta__title h3\">Digital transformation in process manufacturing<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>How Intelligent ERP can help close the information gap and achieve traceability across the supply chain<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#gate-a4702fd4-0e2c-4743-a8b0-bc6d971b867d\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"single-cta__button button button--primary\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>Download your free guide<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1064\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2019\/04\/GettyImages-610219284-1064x810.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"Woman using tablet\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2019\/04\/GettyImages-610219284-1064x810.jpg 1064w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Moving to&nbsp;lower-cost&nbsp;countries&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Moving your manufacturing business to a foreign country offers&nbsp;several&nbsp;benefits for reducing&nbsp;manufacturing costs.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are, however, certain risks involved, prompting careful consideration.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pros of moving to&nbsp;lower-cost&nbsp;countries:&nbsp;<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Lower labour costs\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Untapped markets\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Potential benefits of up-and-coming economies overseas\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cons of moving to&nbsp;lower-cost&nbsp;countries:&nbsp;<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The unpredictability\u00a0of foreign government and economy changes\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It might\u00a0be subject to local scrutiny and public relations backlash\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Making a move&nbsp;to automation&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you haven\u2019t already adapted to automated processes, now is the time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Automation has already proven efficient as many industrial businesses&nbsp;have already&nbsp;gravitated to technological innovation.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not only can automation reduce&nbsp;manufacturing costs, but it also&nbsp;significantly reduces manufacturing time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ultimately, minimising manual processes can maximise productivity in your manufacturing business.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pros of manufacturing automation:&nbsp;<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Cost efficiency in manufacturing\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reduces manufacturing time\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Minimises manual errors\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Saves labour costs\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Opportunity to utilise workforce in other departments\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Competitive advantage<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>High quality and consistent output\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Seamless tracking, communication, and workflow management\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Enhances product development\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cons of manufacturing automation:&nbsp;<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Finding the right source to provide automation\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Adaptation time\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Employee training is often required, which could take time\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Certain employees could potentially be without work due to manual work replacement\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Reduce material costs&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Businesses often concentrate on reducing staff expenditure while not giving much thought to other saving avenues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your manufacturing materials keep your business going but also contribute to high&nbsp;manufacturing costs.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are many ways to reduce your material costs, from negotiating with your suppliers to purchasing stock&nbsp;based on&nbsp;demand, opting for more affordable materials, and identifying products and processes that aren\u2019t of much value.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pros of reducing material costs:&nbsp;<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The lower your material costs, the lower your\u00a0manufacturing costs, and the higher your profits\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Storage space is optimised for necessary stock\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>More value, less overspending\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cons of reducing material costs:&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Lowering inventory stock can lead to backorders\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>More affordable stock might offer lower quality\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7. Strategy alignment&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The best way to lower&nbsp;manufacturing costs&nbsp;is to test your strategies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With all change comes adaptation, evaluation, and adjustment according to your business needs.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For your cost&nbsp;reduction efforts to be successful, you need to keep a close eye on the new process you\u2019ve implemented to ensure&nbsp;no other adjustments are&nbsp;necessary.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pros of implementing, monitoring, and adjusting&nbsp;strategies:&nbsp;<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>You\u2019ll be able to implement processes that work for your business, profit, employees, and customers\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>More transparency and control over your operations\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Room\u00a0for\u00a0improvement\u00a0and growth\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ability to ensure optimal\u00a0cost efficiency in manufacturing\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cons of implementing, monitoring, and adjusting&nbsp;strategies:&nbsp;<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Implementing new processes takes time\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Adaptation\u00a0for\u00a0employees, customers, and suppliers takes time\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>You might be subjected to a trial-and-error process until you\u2019ve found the right strategy\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>There\u2019s always risk in modifying operations\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Reducing&nbsp;manufacturing costs&nbsp;is&nbsp;no easy feat, but it can make all the difference for your profits.&nbsp;The result?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A boost in manufacturing productivity and reasonable&nbsp;manufacturing costs.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta gated-content\">\n\t<div class=\"single-cta__positioner on-scroll-highlight__target\">\n\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__wrapper has-dark-background-color\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"single-cta__title h3\">Digital transformation in process manufacturing<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>How Intelligent ERP can help close the information gap and achieve traceability across the supply chain<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#gate-a4702fd4-0e2c-4743-a8b0-bc6d971b867d\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"single-cta__button button button--primary\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>Download your free guide<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1064\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2019\/04\/GettyImages-610219284-1064x810.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"Woman using tablet\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2019\/04\/GettyImages-610219284-1064x810.jpg 1064w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-epcm-holdings-produces-low-cost-ventilators-for-africa-nbsp\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">How EPCM Holdings produces low-cost ventilators for Africa<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">When the\u00a0COVID-19 outbreak started, the world reacted in panic. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Individuals, families, and businesses scurried to avoid the virus, while healthcare systems hurried to find treatments, cures, and effective Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">It wasn\u2019t long until a significant shortage of ventilators created even more panic \u2013 especially in third-world countries where&nbsp;monetary&nbsp;access was already limited.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">South African engineering, procurement, and construction company\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/epcmholdings.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">EPCM Holdings<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> specialise\u00a0in oil and gas projects in Africa.\u00a0When the pandemic hit, the\u00a0company\u00a0searched\u00a0for affordable methods to make a difference.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Although\u00a0he didn\u2019t\u00a0have much knowledge of\u00a0ventilators\u00a0at the time,\u00a0CEO and co-founder Tom Cowan\u00a0did some research and\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.howwemadeitinafrica.com\/south-african-company-ready-to-roll-out-low-cost-ventilators-for-the-african-market\/64508\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">designed\u00a0a low-cost ventilator.<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The company used basic, low-cost materials readily available in most African countries to\u00a0manufacture\u00a0the device.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">It\u00a0partnered with a\u00a0South African laser-cutting company\u00a0to supply these materials,\u00a0so EPCM\u00a0would only need to assemble the parts.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The\u00a0resulting\u00a0design could be made from Perspex, stainless steel, or wood\u00a0and\u00a0only needed\u00a0an electrical component to work. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The system is designed so an individual could set breaths per minute, volume per breath, maximum pressure, and flow for the machine.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The outcome was a system made from&nbsp;inexpensive&nbsp;materials that could be manufactured rapidly and cost a fraction of the price of other ventilators.&nbsp;<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Their secret sauce?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Minimising\u00a0material costs\u00a0and outsourcing processes to make the production process\u00a0faster and\u00a0more affordable.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Editor&#8217;s note: This article was originally published in October 2021 and has been updated for relevance.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta\">\n\t<div class=\"single-cta__positioner on-scroll-highlight__target\">\n\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__wrapper has-dark-background-color\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"single-cta__title h3\">Subscribe to the Sage Advice enewsletter<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Get a roundup of our best business advice in your inbox every month.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#gate-84fe79b5-668d-41f8-a0cc-6229018c4ac9\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"single-cta__button button button--primary\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>Subscribe<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1440\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1181404518-1440x810.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1181404518-1440x810.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-za\/blog\/tag\/erp\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tERP\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-za\/blog\/tag\/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<\/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-76100 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-money-matters category-strategy-legal-operations tag-accountants tag-bookkeeping tag-business-intelligence tag-cloud-financial-management tag-financial-insights tag-profit-loss tag-supply-chain-management business_type-small-business business_type-medium-business business_type-accountants 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=\"1213\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/09\/SAGE-14-1213x810.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/09\/SAGE-14-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/09\/SAGE-14-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/09\/SAGE-14-1213x810.jpg 1213w\" 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=\"2026-04-30T15:34:41+02:00\">April 30, 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\">9 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-za\/blog\/accounts-payable-management-best-practices\/\"\n\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tAccounts payable best practices for AP management\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\tFollow accounts payable best practices to strengthen vendor relationships and optimise cash flow. Manage your AP ledger with tools and configuration that fit.\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-70082 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-business-planning tag-business-intelligence tag-business-management tag-erp tag-supply-chain-management business_type-medium-business industry-manufacturing\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/how-manufacturers-can-unlock-value-from-the-circular-economy\/\"\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-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1397908026-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1397908026-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1397908026-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1397908026-1215x810.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=\"2025-11-24T15:14:40+02:00\">November 24, 2025<\/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 manufacturers can unlock value from the circular economy\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-69137 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-technology-innovation tag-inventory-management tag-supply-chain-management business_type-medium-business industry-manufacturing\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/how-digital-transformation-enables-the-shift-to-smart-sustainable-manufacturing\/\"\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-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/07\/Microplasticos_2019_SageX3_Portugal-01-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/07\/Microplasticos_2019_SageX3_Portugal-01-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/07\/Microplasticos_2019_SageX3_Portugal-01-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/07\/Microplasticos_2019_SageX3_Portugal-01-1215x810.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=\"2025-11-18T13:04:00+02:00\">November 18, 2025<\/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\">6 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 digital transformation enables the shift to smart, sustainable manufacturing\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-72607 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-strategy-legal-operations category-trends-insights tag-business-intelligence tag-business-management tag-business-strategy tag-erp tag-inventory-management business_type-small-business business_type-medium-business\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/what-is-material-requirements-planning\/\"\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-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1471700567-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1471700567-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1471700567-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1471700567-1215x810.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=\"2025-01-28T15:56:06+02:00\">January 28, 2025<\/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\tWhat is material requirements planning? (MRP)\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-72606 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-business-process category-strategy-legal-operations tag-business-strategy tag-erp tag-inventory-management tag-supply-chain-management business_type-medium-business\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/what-is-vertical-integration\/\"\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-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1483132604-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1483132604-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1483132604-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1483132604-1215x810.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=\"2024-11-14T15:24:31+02:00\">November 14, 2024<\/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\">1 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 vertical integration and how does it 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\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Discover 7 practical strategies to cut manufacturing costs without compromising quality. Learn how to optimise processes, reduce downtime, and improve profitability.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1265,"featured_media":509,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_yoast_wpseo_is_cornerstone":"","_yoast_wpseo_meta-robots-noindex":"","_yoast_wpseo_meta-robots-nofollow":"","_yoast_wpseo_opengraph-title":"","_yoast_wpseo_opengraph-description":"","_yoast_wpseo_opengraph-image":"","_yoast_wpseo_opengraph-image-id":"","_yoast_wpseo_twitter-title":"","_yoast_wpseo_twitter-description":"","_yoast_wpseo_twitter-image":"","_yoast_wpseo_twitter-image-id":"","_yoast_wpseo_schema_page_type":"","_yoast_wpseo_schema_article_type":"","_sage_video":false,"_yoast_wpseo_focuskeywords":"","_yoast_wpseo_keywordsynonyms":"","_yoast_wpseo_primary_category":"25","post_featured_image_hide":false,"sage_hide_published_date":false,"sage_hide_read_time":false,"sage_hide_share_buttons":false,"_pwl_sage_podcast_buzzsprout_src":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[25,27],"tags":[187,212],"business_type":[3],"lilypad":[],"context":[],"industry":[346],"persona":[8,13],"imagine_tag":[56,91,92,78,79],"coauthors":[443],"class_list":["post-69251","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-money-matters","category-strategy-legal-operations","tag-erp","tag-supply-chain-management","business_type-medium-business","industry-manufacturing"],"sage_meta":{"region":"en-za","author_name":"Inge Barry","featured_image":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2019\/04\/GettyImages-723507317.jpg","imagine_tags":{"56":"ERP","91":"Food and beverage","92":"Manufacturing","78":"Supply Chain Management","79":"Supply management"}},"distributor_meta":false,"distributor_terms":false,"distributor_media":false,"distributor_original_site_name":"Sage Advice South Africa","distributor_original_site_url":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog","push-errors":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/69251","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/users\/1265"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=69251"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/69251\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/media\/509"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=69251"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=69251"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=69251"},{"taxonomy":"business_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/business_type?post=69251"},{"taxonomy":"lilypad","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/lilypad?post=69251"},{"taxonomy":"context","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/context?post=69251"},{"taxonomy":"industry","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/industry?post=69251"},{"taxonomy":"persona","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/persona?post=69251"},{"taxonomy":"imagine_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/imagine_tag?post=69251"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=69251"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}