ProcessPro (ECI)

Process manufacturing is fundamentally different from discrete manufacturing. You can't unbake a cake. ProcessPro understands this distinction, and that's exactly why it exists.

Built for Batch and Formula-Based Production

ProcessPro manages formulas, not BOMs. The formula management module handles ingredient scaling, yield calculations, and substitution rules that process manufacturers deal with daily. When your customer orders 500 gallons instead of 50, the system scales the recipe automatically while accounting for non-linear ingredient behavior.

Batch records capture everything — ingredient lot numbers, operator actions, equipment used, environmental conditions. For FDA-regulated industries, these records are critical during inspections. ProcessPro generates them automatically as production progresses rather than requiring manual documentation after the fact.

Regulatory Compliance Features

FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance is built into the system's architecture. Electronic signatures, audit trails, and access controls meet regulatory requirements without add-on modules. For food manufacturers, FSMA and HACCP support helps maintain compliance with traceability requirements.

Lot traceability works both directions — forward from raw ingredients to finished goods, and backward from a customer complaint to the specific ingredient lots used. During a mock recall, this can mean the difference between tracing a problem in 15 minutes versus 15 hours. That's not hypothetical. FDA mock recalls happen, and they expect fast answers.

Quality Management

Quality control integrates with production rather than operating as a separate system. Incoming material inspections, in-process checks, and finished goods testing all tie to the same production record. Statistical process control catches drift before batches go out of spec.

Shelf life management and expiration date tracking prevent shipping expired materials — a common problem in food and pharma manufacturing that generic ERPs handle poorly.

Where ProcessPro Struggles

The user interface clearly originates from an earlier era of software design. Navigation requires more clicks than modern users expect. Training new employees takes 2-4 weeks before they're productive. The mobile experience is practically nonexistent.

Reporting capabilities are adequate but not exceptional. Complex analysis usually requires exporting data to Excel or connecting a BI tool. The built-in reports cover standard scenarios but customization options are limited.

Pricing and Implementation

ECi doesn't publish ProcessPro pricing publicly. Based on industry feedback, typical deployments for 20-50 users cost $100,000-$250,000 annually including support. Implementation timelines range from 4-8 months depending on regulatory validation requirements.

The Right Fit

If you mix, blend, cook, or chemically process materials, ProcessPro speaks your language. Discrete manufacturers should look elsewhere. The specialization is both its strength and its boundary.