As cybersecurity threats evolve, so do the government regulations designed to protect sensitive data in the defense supply chain. For manufacturers working with the Department of Defense (DoD), CMMC compliance is no longer optional—it’s a competitive necessity. But what many small and mid-sized manufacturers overlook is the vital role that quoting and ERP software can play in meeting CMMC requirements.

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Here’s how the right digital tools can help you align with CMMC 2.0, pass audits, and stay compliant with ITAR and DFARS regulations.

How Quoting and ERP Software Support CMMC Compliance for Manufacturers

Quoting and ERP software help manufacturers with CMMC compliance by:

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• Controlling access to Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)
• Automating audit trails and activity logs
• Enforcing role-based access and user authentication
• Centralizing documentation for CMMC audit preparation
• Supporting ITAR manufacturing compliance with secure data handling

Understanding CMMC 2.0 Requirements for Manufacturers

CMMC 2.0 (the updated Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification) streamlines compliance into 3 levels and aligns closely with NIST 800-171. For most manufacturers and subcontractors, Level 2 applies—requiring protection of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).

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Key focus areas include:

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• Access control
• System and communications protection
• Audit and accountability
• Identification and authentication

This means every system that touches sensitive customer or DoD data—including your quoting, job tracking, and ERP software—must be secure. 

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Want to know more about CMMC2.0, download our ebook.

Why Paper-Based Systems Put You at Risk

If you're still quoting jobs via email, spreadsheets, or paper documents, you’re exposing your operation to security gaps that could fail a CMMC audit.

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Risks of outdated quoting systems include:

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• No role-based access control
• No audit trail of who viewed or edited data
• Inability to encrypt or log communications
• Poor visibility into compliance status
  

By contrast, a modern cloud-based quoting and ERP system can enforce the necessary controls automatically.

How StartProto Helps with CMMC and ITAR Compliance

StartProto’s digital quoting and workflow software is designed with manufacturers in mind—especially those working with DoD or ITAR-regulated contracts.

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Benefits of using StartProto for compliance:

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• Access Control: Only authorized users can view or modify sensitive quotes or work orders.
• Audit Logs: All user activity is logged, supporting audit readiness.
• Secure Cloud Infrastructure: Built with best-in-class encryption and cloud security.
• Centralized Data Management: Keeps CUI and ITAR data traceable and protected.
  
  

Preparing for a CMMC Audit? Start with Your Software Stack

CMMC compliance isn’t just an IT problem—it affects your entire operation. Auditors want to see that your systems:

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• Restrict access to CUI
• Maintain logs and documentation
• Can demonstrate secure handling of sensitive data
  

Your quoting and ERP software is a great place to start. If your tools can't meet these criteria, it's time to upgrade.

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