--- title: "QMS software for metal fabrication: what to look for" description: "What a metal fabrication shop should look for in QMS software: drawing-based inspection, welder qualifications, outside processors, NCRs, gages and PM." --- [![FactoryQA](https://factoryqa.com/hubfs/fqa-logo-white.png)](https://factoryqa.com/) Features [**Platform overview**Every module, and how they connect](https://factoryqa.com/feature-overview)[**AI features**Purpose-built AI in every module](https://factoryqa.com/ai-powered-quality-management)[**Integrations**ERP connectors and imports](https://factoryqa.com/integrations) [**Dashboard**Every module in one scorecard](https://factoryqa.com/products/qualitybi-dashboard)[**Tasks**Every to-do, from every module](https://factoryqa.com/products/task-management)[**Compliance**Readiness for your standard](https://factoryqa.com/products/compliance)[**Quality Plans**Ballooning, PFMEA, control plans, PPAP](https://factoryqa.com/products/quality-plans)[**Documents**Revisions, approvals, sign-offs](https://factoryqa.com/products/document-control)[**Issues**NCRs, CAPAs and SCARs](https://factoryqa.com/products/non-conformance-management)[**Inspection**Sheets, first articles and SPC](https://factoryqa.com/products/inspection-sheets)[**Calibration**Gages, due dates and Gage R&R](https://factoryqa.com/products/calibration-management)[**Preventive Maintenance**Scheduled work orders and repairs](https://factoryqa.com/preventive-maintenance-factoryqa)[**Supplier Quality**Approved suppliers, portal and SCARs](https://factoryqa.com/products/supplier-management)[**Audits**Schedules, checklists and findings](https://factoryqa.com/products/audit-management)[**Learning Management**Courses, quizzes and the training matrix](https://factoryqa.com/products/learning-management-system)[**QMS Generator**Your manual from an interview](https://factoryqa.com/products/qms-generator) Services [**Services overview**Certification, consulting and supplier quality](https://factoryqa.com/services)[**Get Certified**Three paths to AS9100, ISO 9001 or ISO 13485: do it yourself, join a workshop, or work 1-1 with a consultant.](https://factoryqa.com/certification-services)[**Certification Workshops**A 9-week, small-group program with 18 expert-led sessions and an AI-built document kit.](https://factoryqa.com/certification-cohorts)[**QMS Consulting**A consultant on your team from training through implementation, internal audit and the registrar audit.](https://factoryqa.com/qms-consulting)[**Supplier Quality Services**Qualification, management, training and security services for your whole supply base.](https://factoryqa.com/supplier-quality-services) [Pricing](https://factoryqa.com/pricing) [Log in](https://app.factoryqa.com/auth/login)[Book a demo](https://factoryqa.com/get-a-demo)[Start free](https://app.factoryqa.com/auth/register) Features[**Platform overview**](https://factoryqa.com/feature-overview)[AI features](https://factoryqa.com/ai-powered-quality-management)[Integrations](https://factoryqa.com/integrations)[Dashboard](https://factoryqa.com/products/qualitybi-dashboard)[Tasks](https://factoryqa.com/products/task-management)[Compliance](https://factoryqa.com/products/compliance)[Quality Plans](https://factoryqa.com/products/quality-plans)[Documents](https://factoryqa.com/products/document-control)[Issues](https://factoryqa.com/products/non-conformance-management)[Inspection](https://factoryqa.com/products/inspection-sheets)[Calibration](https://factoryqa.com/products/calibration-management)[Preventive Maintenance](https://factoryqa.com/preventive-maintenance-factoryqa)[Supplier Quality](https://factoryqa.com/products/supplier-management)[Audits](https://factoryqa.com/products/audit-management)[Learning Management](https://factoryqa.com/products/learning-management-system)[QMS Generator](https://factoryqa.com/products/qms-generator) Services[**Services overview**](https://factoryqa.com/services)[Get Certified](https://factoryqa.com/certification-services)[Certification Workshops](https://factoryqa.com/certification-cohorts)[QMS Consulting](https://factoryqa.com/qms-consulting)[Supplier Quality Services](https://factoryqa.com/supplier-quality-services)More[**Pricing**](https://factoryqa.com/pricing)[Log in](https://app.factoryqa.com/auth/login)[Book a demo](https://factoryqa.com/get-a-demo) Guide # QMS software for metal fabrication: what to look for What a metal fabrication shop should look for in QMS software: drawing-based inspection, welder qualifications, outside processors, NCRs, gages and PM. FactoryQA quality teamNovember 5, 2026 A metal fabrication shop cuts, forms, machines, welds and finishes parts to customer drawings, often sending them out for galvanizing, powder coat, plating or heat treat along the way. Quality depends on the drawing being inspected correctly, the right people doing qualified work, outside processors doing what the order said, and equipment staying in tolerance. A QMS for a fab shop has to cover all of that without a full-time administrator. Here is what to look for. ## 1. It turns the drawing into the inspection plan Fabricated parts carry dimensions, weld callouts, hole patterns and finish requirements on the drawing. Look for software that lets you balloon the drawing once and build first article, in-process and final inspection sheets from those same characteristics, so nobody retypes limits for every new job. If you supply aerospace customers, check for AS9102 first article forms filled from the ballooned drawing. ## 2. It proves who is qualified to do the work Welding and other special processes depend on qualified people. Customers and auditors will ask who welded a part and whether that person's qualification was current. Look for a training matrix that records who is qualified on what, with re-certification dates that come due automatically, rather than a folder of certificates. ## 3. It keeps outside processors under control Galvanizers, coaters, platers and heat treaters are where many fab shop escapes start. Look for an approved supplier list with certificate expiry tracking, supplier evaluations and scorecards, and a way to send a corrective action request that the supplier can answer without creating an account. Our guide to [controlling outsourced special processes](https://factoryqa.com/resources/controlling-special-processes) covers the controls in detail. ## 4. NCRs are quick to log and hard to forget Weld defects, bent parts and wrong hole positions need to be logged where they are found, with containment and a disposition (use as is, rework or scrap) on the same record. Look for an NCR form that works on a tablet, flags repeats of the same problem, and tracks rework and scrap so you can see the cost of quality. ## 5. Gages and tools are always in calibration Tape measures, calipers, weld gauges, protractors and torque wrenches all need calibration records. Look for a gage register with due dates, stored certificates and labels anyone on the floor can check before using a tool. ## 6. Machine maintenance is scheduled and proven Press brakes, lasers, plasma tables and welding power sources drift when maintenance slips. Look for preventive maintenance that issues work orders on schedule, turns a failed check into a repair, and shows PM compliance to an auditor in one screen. ## 7. It works with your ERP Your ERP already holds customers, part numbers, suppliers and jobs. A QMS should read those, not ask you to keep a second list. Ask which ERPs have ready-made connectors and whether Excel and CSV imports cover the rest. ## 8. It helps you get and stay certified Many fab shops adopt a QMS because a customer asks for ISO 9001 or AS9100. Look for help writing the quality manual and procedures, internal audit tools and a readiness check against your standard. In FactoryQA, [Quality Plans](https://factoryqa.com/products/quality-plans) balloons the drawing and [Inspection](https://factoryqa.com/products/inspection-sheets) builds sheets and AS9102 first articles from it. [Learning Management](https://factoryqa.com/products/learning-management-system) keeps a training matrix with automatic re-certification, [Supplier Quality](https://factoryqa.com/products/supplier-management) tracks certificate expiry and SCARs through a portal with no supplier login, [Calibration](https://factoryqa.com/products/calibration-management) puts a QR label on every gage, and [Preventive Maintenance](https://factoryqa.com/preventive-maintenance-factoryqa) issues work orders on schedule. Connectors cover Epicor Kinetic, Infor CloudSuite Industrial, JobBOSS², Realtrac and Carbon. ## A short checklist - Balloon a drawing and get the inspection sheet and first article from it - Training matrix with qualification and re-certification dates - Approved supplier list with certificate expiry and SCARs suppliers answer without a login - NCRs on a tablet, with disposition, repeat detection and cost of quality - Gage register with due dates and labels - Preventive maintenance work orders on schedule - A connector for your ERP, or CSV import - A free plan or trial to test on real jobs Running a high-mix shop as well? See [QMS software for job shops](https://factoryqa.com/resources/qms-software-for-job-shops), and compare vendors in [Cloud QMS software for small and mid-size manufacturers compared](https://factoryqa.com/resources/cloud-qms-software-for-small-and-mid-size-manufacturers-compared-2026). ## Questions ### What is the best QMS software for metal fabrication? The best fit is a system that builds inspection from the drawing, records welder and operator qualifications, controls outside processors, logs NCRs on the floor and keeps gages and machines maintained, while working with the ERP you already run. Test it with your own drawings and jobs before you commit. ### Do fabrication shops need a separate system for welding qualifications? Not necessarily. A QMS training matrix that records who is qualified on each process, with re-certification dates and reminders, can hold the proof auditors and customers ask for. Keep reading ## More from Resources [Supplier quality**Customer complaints and supplier inspections in one QMS**Why customer complaints and incoming supplier inspections belong in the same QMS, how the loop between them closes, and what software should do for both.](https://factoryqa.com/resources/customer-complaints-and-supplier-inspections-in-one-qms)[Guide**Why manufacturers outgrow paper-based quality systems**Seven signs a paper quality system is holding your plant back, what a digital QMS changes for compliance, visibility and speed, and how to switch safely.](https://factoryqa.com/resources/why-manufacturers-outgrow-paper-based-quality-systems)[Guide**How to centralize quality in one cloud QMS**Why NCRs, audits, supplier inspections and reports fall apart in separate files, how they connect in one cloud QMS, and the order to bring them in.](https://factoryqa.com/resources/how-to-centralize-quality-in-one-cloud-qms) ## Try it on your own process: start free. 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