Henning Industrial Software, the developer of Visual EstiTrack, is a prominent provider of ERP and accounting solutions for small and medium-sized manufacturing businesses. Based in Hudson, Ohio, the company has built its reputation on delivering practical, affordable, and highly configurable software that addresses the operational and financial needs of job shops, precision manufacturers, and related industries. Its flagship products include Visual EstiTrack ERP and Visual Books accounting, which together offer a fully integrated management solution for manufacturers.
Henning Software was founded in 1990 by Richard and Billie Henning. The founders combined Rich’s expertise in computer science and software development with Billie’s deep background in manufacturing operations. Their initial product was a DOS-based job estimating tool, which quickly evolved into a comprehensive ERP system as they recognized the broader needs of small and midsize manufacturers. Over the years, the company expanded its product line and customer base, supporting a wide range of manufacturing sectors including screw machine, job shops, powdered metal, glass, tool and die, fabrication, and assembly.
Henning Software operated as a privately held, founder-led company for over three decades. In 2023, the company was acquired by Valstone Corporation, an international technology solutions provider. The acquisition was motivated by the founders’ desire to secure a long-term future for the company and its customers, aligning with Valstone’s philosophy of “buy and hold forever.”
Estimating and Quoting: Automated, accurate quote generation with “what if” analysis and multiple alternatives.
Order Management: Seamless conversion from quotes to sales and shop orders, with detailed tracking.
Scheduling: Advanced forward and backward finite scheduling, interactive Touch Scheduling Board, and Gantt chart visualization.
Inventory Management: Supports FIFO/LIFO, multiple location bins, and comprehensive material tracking.
Production Management: Real-time job tracking, time collection, job costing, and shop floor analytics.
Shipping and Invoicing: Integrated tools for shipping management and invoice generation.
Business Intelligence: Extensive reporting, executive dashboards, and analytics for data-driven decision making.
The acquisition by Valstone in 2023 marked a significant expansion milestone, bringing additional resources, best practices, and a broader technology ecosystem to Henning Software. The company has continued to evolve its core products, launching new versions such as Visual EstiTrack Ultimate, which leverages the latest Microsoft technologies, offers a modern user interface, and supports higher-resolution displays and customizable workflows.
Visual EstiTrack Ultimate: Enhanced with ribbon menu navigation, Microsoft SQL Server support, larger screen resolutions, customizable quick access toolbars, and improved search and theming capabilities.
Henning Software’s culture has historically emphasized practical solutions, customer service, and long-term relationships. The founders’ hands-on approach, industry knowledge, and commitment to mentoring and training customers have shaped a company ethos centered on integrity, teamwork, and continuous improvement. The acquisition by Valstone is expected to reinforce these values while providing new opportunities for innovation and growth.
The Visual EstiTrack user base spans the U.S. and Canada, with customers ranging from small job shops to larger manufacturing facilities. The company is active in industry associations and conferences, fostering a sense of community among users. Many customers have relied on Henning Software for decades, benefiting from ongoing product enhancements and responsive support. The company’s commitment to customer success is reflected in its training programs, support resources, and user engagement initiatives.
Visual EstiTrack
By Visual EstiTrack
