1. Define the part
Build basic parts or assemblies, or import geometry (including 3D STEP with extraction and unfolding where licensed).
Metal fabrication software
Metal fabrication software built as real job-shop ERP
RanFab is metal fabrication software for contract cutters and fab job shops: parts and assemblies, quotes, true-shape nesting, production, inventory and purchasing — one thread from estimate to delivery. Local install or cloud.
What fabricators need from metal fabrication software
Most shops already have CAD, a nest packer, and a spreadsheet or accounting package. The gap is the middle: turning a customer request into a priced quote, a nest that protects margin, jobs the floor can run, and stock that matches what you cut. That is what metal fabrication software like RanFab is for — commercial and production control in one place, not another isolated tool.
If you only need a nest file, a nesting utility may be enough. If you need to quote fast, protect yield, schedule work and buy material against real demand, you need fabrication ERP — metal fabrication software that spans the office and the shop floor.
Workflow
From enquiry to dispatch in one system
Typical path inside RanFab — the same data carries through each step.
2. Quote with cost visibility
Work items, materials and processes priced in a fabricator-friendly quote — not a generic invoice template.
3. Nest true-shape
Pack parts for laser, plasma, waterjet and related processes; yield and sheet use feed cost and production.
4. Run production
Jobs, status and floor flow so the office and machines share one picture of what is released and what is done.
5. Stock & purchasing
Inventory and purchase demand tied to real orders — fewer “we thought we had plate” surprises.
6. Customers & documents
CRM context, documents and integrations (accounting, CAM and more) without re-keying every step.
Who uses RanFab metal fabrication software
- Contract cutting houses — high quote volume, tight turnaround, sheet utilisation matters.
- Job shops and custom fabricators — mixed work, assemblies, and repeat customers.
- Profile cutting specialists — laser, plasma, waterjet, oxy and similar processes.
- Growing teams — outgrowing spreadsheets and “the nest guy’s folder structure.”
Shops worldwide run RanFab under Idronic hosting or on their own servers. See customer testimonials and the global footprint on the homepage map.
Local metal fabrication software vs cloud
RanFab Local installs on your infrastructure when data residency, offline control or on-site integration policy requires it. RanFab Online is the same product family hosted by Idronic — less server ops, same job-shop DNA. Compare packages on the pricing page or configure seats and add-ons on sign-up.
Looking specifically for laser-centric ERP language? Read ERP for laser cutting.
Frequently asked questions
What is metal fabrication software?
It is software that runs the commercial and production lifecycle of cutting and fabricating metal: estimating and quoting, nesting or work orders, shop status, stock and purchasing — instead of disconnected CAD, nest and spreadsheet tools.
Is RanFab only nesting software?
No. Nesting is included (with Profile Cutting where licensed), but RanFab is metal fabrication software and ERP: quotes, orders, jobs, inventory and more. For a module map see features.
Does it support laser, plasma and waterjet?
Yes. RanFab is built for profile cutting and fabrication environments where those processes are common, including true-shape nesting into quotes and production.
How fast can we go live?
Implementation is measured in days and weeks for many shops, not multi-year ERP programmes. Book a free demo to walk your workflow.
See metal fabrication software that fits the floor
Configure pricing online or walk through your shop’s process with us.