Globally, there is a vast digital explosion, and most sectors are automated. However, there is still the Production of handcrafted products sold worldwide. If the handcrafted business is expanding more, a diverse solution is required to manage the large audience. This advanced solution like ERP software can be utilised by any handcrafted business to manage accounting and finance, sales, marketing, etc. In addition, it is known that the reliability of machine-made products is higher as it is sold at a lower cost, but they lack the charm that handcrafted products possess. Further, the handmade items represent a distinctive culture.

What is Craft Production?

Craft production involves the production of goods by hand instead of relying on automation. Further, it means the products are made by artisans by hand or with the help of hand tools. This craft specialization began much earlier and can be traced back to ancient times. Some of the attributes of Craft Production are aesthetic, artistic, practical, and creative. Most of these goods are traditional and functional.

Even though handcrafted production started during ancient times, it plays a significant role in the industrial business. Another aspect of craft production is that it is produced in low volumes. If the demand is more for such goods, then it will take a lot of time to make the product.

Manufacturers involved in this process create unique goods that enrich the culture and are aesthetically satisfying. Plus, it is tedious to replicate the product. Some of the popular examples of craft production in India are Pashmina shawls, kanjivaram silk sarees, cane and bamboo crafts, kalamkari prints etc.

The distinctive feature of craft manufacturing is that they are crafted using hands without any automation or robotics. Large-scale companies involved in mass production and handcrafted goods in craft production are made in small volumes.

Also Read : The Master Production Schedule (MPS) Explained

Current Scenario of Craft Industry

Digitalisation and automation have taken over the world and everyone is intensely reliant on both. However, the craft industry has survived all the tough times and exists even today. Without adopting machinery, it has managed to maintain its tradition and currently, this sector has diversified. Manufacturers have researched and found many innovative ways to keep it more updated simultaneously keeping its traditional designs intact.

→Some of the areas where Craft Production flourished are listed below :

• Decorative arts
• Paintings
• Woodcraft
• Toys
• Apparels
• Jewellery
• Traditional food

Types of Craft Production

Some of the common types of craft manufacturing are enumerated below :

⇒Job Production

In this type of production, the artisan makes the product one by one and the customer have the option to customize the product. Let us take an example of jewellery, the artisan makes jewellery one at a time and then moves on to the next. And they are involved in making unique designs.

⇒Batch Production

This type of craft manufacturing and technique is the production of goods in batches in a series of steps. For instance, a shoemaker makes a pair of 8 shoes in a series of 11 steps to create the final product.

⇒Production Line

This category focuses on the creation of handcrafted goods one by one, but the items will be in different stages at the same time. For example, handcrafted guitars are manufactured where it is created in 7 steps by different artisans handling each step.

Benefits of Craft Production

1. Even the handicrafts industry is involved in the creation of jobs which is useful for the country. These jobs are more hands-on and less abstract. Plus, the craftsmanship will be passed on to someone, hence, the tradition won’t die.

2. Mostly, the handcrafted products are created for local consumption which is excellent for the local economy. The advantage here is that it reduces freight charges and fuel consumption.

3. This industry focuses more on quality than quantity. And the handcraft goods are meant to be more appealing and savoured. It will reduce overproduction, which in turn will reduce manufacturing junk.

4. The energy consumption is less, so their production process is very environmentally friendly. Small-scale businesses consume less resources.

5. Handcrafted business involves a variety of products, it is not just limited to a single product. And is not a similar product with different labels, there is really many variety that the customer can choose from.

6. The Craftsmen make a product with passion and care, so they put their heart and soul into making it. In an automated factory, the products are produced without any personal touch.

Also Read : What is Batch Production in Manufacturing?

How can Technology help craftsmen?

We have learned about craft manufacturing in detail. Hence, we know that craft production is a unique making of handcrafted goods that doesn’t involve mass production. Here, let’s see how technology helps craftsmen in the creation and sale of traditional goods.

1. Managing business

Handcrafted business doesn’t need silk routes now to travel and sell it. Globally, sales can be done with the help of an e-commerce platform remotely. Manufacturers just have to create sales strategies and take the help of technology such as an ERP or CRM system to conduct sales. In addition, it will be more helpful if they switch to a social media channel and analyse which platform works best for them. Social media platforms help in getting their target audience when they showcase their masterpiece. Automation helps them to manage their overall business.

2. Create sales strategies

So when social media helps you to find your target audience, the next step is to plan your sales strategies. Getting your wider target audience with the help of technology will boost your sales and revenue.

3. Accounting and Finance

Technology will help in bringing all the accounting fundamentals under one roof. ERP is the best solution to view all significant accounting components such as general ledger, revenue recognition etc. in one single place.

Conclusion

Craft production is a unique and ancient production process that doesn’t involve mass production. Technology like ERP Solutions will help boost the sales and revenue of this aesthetic industry.