From Chaos to Control: Managing a 3D Printing Business with Notion

Managing a scaling 3D printing business (on-demand manufacturing) involved juggling numerous disconnected processes: CRM via sticky notes, complex manual data collection in spreadsheets, and tracking production, resources, finances, and team tasks without a unified system.

This lack of integration hindered efficiency, made data analysis difficult, prevented effective delegation, and made scaling or remote management nearly impossible.

The business owner desperately needed a way to centralize operations and gain control.

The no-code platform Notion was leveraged to build a custom, all-in-one business management system tailored for a specific 3D printing service's needs. It was chosen for its affordability, mobile accessibility, remote availability, and flexibility.
System included:

• Production scheduling and monitoring.
• CRM for lead and deal management (and its connection to production).
• ERP for resource (printers, materials) tracking.
• Repair and Maintenance module (scheduling, reporting, and history).
• Project, Team, Contractor, and Document management.
• Financial tracking with semi-automated P&L reporting capabilities.

The system utilized 19 interconnected databases, templates, and automations built within Notion

Implementing the Notion-based system brought transformative results:

• Full Operational Control: Centralized data provided a complete business overview.
• Systemized Operations: Established clear, repeatable processes for production, maintenance, and administration.
• Remote Management: Enabled remote control over 40+ printers and a team of 5+ people.
• Efficiency Gains: Templates and automated workflows saved significant time for all participants.
• Enhanced Business Value: The system itself became a valuable asset, contributing to the successful sale of the business in late 2023.

P.S. This system has been turned into a product and is now available to all 3D printing services at 3dpboss.com.