The verdict in three sentences
For a Berlin job shop with 45 employees running small-batch CNC machining, the whiteboard costs more than software: late deliveries, underloaded machines and quotes priced blind. A standard production ERP fits if your routings are stable, while custom scheduling software connected to your ERP or accounting becomes profitable once you juggle short work orders, rush jobs and a dozen machines. Expect 25,000 to 60,000 EUR excl. VAT with a Berlin agency or ERP integrator (market estimate), or 10,670 to 22,870 EUR excl. VAT on the Kolonell grid, with a 4 to 6 month timeline.
Standard production ERP or custom scheduling software
Production ERP and MES vendors charge in 2026 roughly 150 to 300 EUR per user per month for production, purchasing and quality modules (order of magnitude, configuration and training extra). They are strong on bills of materials and traceability, far weaker on fine-grained scheduling in a shop where every work order is different.
| Criterion | Standard production ERP | Custom scheduling |
|---|---|---|
| Annual cost for 12 users | 21,600 to 43,200 EUR | Maintenance 1,320 to 2,160 EUR a year |
| Setup | Configuration 15,000 to 40,000 EUR | Project 10,670 to 22,870 EUR (Kolonell grid) |
| Multi-machine scheduling | Infinite capacity or optional module | Drag-and-drop plan per machine, finite capacity |
| Machine time tracking | Manual entry at end of shift | Badge or tablet at the workstation, real time |
| Rush order handling | Heavy rescheduling | Impact simulation before approval |
| Fit with your routings | Workarounds, free text fields | Data model built for your parts |
| Time to deploy | 6 to 12 months | 4 to 6 months |
Custom software does not necessarily replace your ERP: in most cases it plugs into it (export, API or shared database) and handles what the ERP does poorly, namely shop floor scheduling and feedback from the machines.
What each module costs
Budget depends mainly on the number of machines tracked, how precise the load calculation must be and the integrations required.
| Module | Scope | Berlin agency (2026 estimate) | Indicative timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Work orders | Created from sales orders, routings, BOMs | 6,000 to 12,000 EUR | 4 weeks |
| Finite capacity planning | Gantt view per machine, drag and drop, alerts | 8,000 to 18,000 EUR | 5 to 6 weeks |
| Machine time tracking | Tablets at workstations, start, stop, downtime | 5,000 to 12,000 EUR | 3 to 4 weeks |
| OEE dashboard | Overall equipment effectiveness, stop reasons | 3,000 to 8,000 EUR | 2 to 3 weeks |
| ERP or accounting connector | Orders, raw material stock, invoicing | 3,000 to 10,000 EUR | 2 to 4 weeks |
| Acceptance and training | Shop floor tests, team lead training | Included or 2,000 to 4,000 EUR | 2 weeks |
On the Kolonell grid, a project of this complexity sits between 7 M and 15 M FCFA, that is 10,670 to 22,870 EUR excl. VAT, with maintenance from 50 to 180 EUR a month depending on the support level. The exact scope is set in a half-day scoping workshop on site or by video.
Mini case study
Illustrative example: Jonas, operations director of a precision machining shop in Berlin, 45 employees, 11 CNC machines. His on-time delivery rate caps at 78% and his team leads spend about 6 hours a week redoing the whiteboard schedule.
| Indicator | Before | After 6 months (assumption) |
|---|---|---|
| On-time deliveries | 78% | 92% |
| Rescheduling time | 6 h a week | 1.5 h a week |
| Average OEE | 58% | 66% |
| Late delivery penalties | 18,000 EUR a year | 6,000 EUR a year |
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Calculation: 4.5 hours saved a week over 46 weeks at 45 EUR loaded cost is about 9,300 EUR a year. Add 12,000 EUR of avoided penalties and 8 OEE points on a machine hour valued at 70 EUR. For an 18,000 EUR project, payback lands around 10 to 12 months, excluding capacity gains.
FAQ
Do we have to drop our current ERP?
Rarely. In 7 cases out of 10, the custom scheduler connects to the existing ERP, which stays the reference for invoicing and stock. That avoids a 6 to 12 month migration.
How long to equip workstations with tablets?
Count 300 to 600 EUR per rugged tablet with mount. For 11 machines, hardware runs around 5,000 EUR, installed in one to two weeks.
Does the software work if the shop network goes down?
Yes, workstations can record times offline and sync when the network is back. This option usually adds 1 to 2 weeks of development.
Who owns the code?
With Kolonell, the source code and data are yours on delivery. You can evolve the software with another provider without licence fees.
Can we start with a single module?
Yes, many shops start with machine time tracking, delivered in 4 weeks, then add finite capacity planning. Phasing spreads the budget over two financial years.
Let's scope your project. Send us your machine count, your ERP data flows and your deadline: we price a scope between 10,670 and 22,870 EUR excl. VAT with a phased plan. Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
