Technology solutions are designed to help these manufacturing
heroes, yet the results are mixed. Selecting the correct
technology can be tantamount to an adding a group of employees;
selecting the wrong technology can bring the enterprise to a
screeching halt.
Rob Stull is IT Manager, Quality Assurance Manager who noted,
"Our Y2K quick purchase of an ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning)
software system turned out to be a poor choice as far as the
company goes. The ERP company was bought shortly after our
purchase and then put out of business. This left MPI without
support or upgrades or an opportunity for continuous
improvement...which did not match our lean goals."
Thomas R. Cutler, the nation's leading manufacturing journalist
profiled Midwest Patterns (MPI), selection of Encompix ERP
Software designed specifically for the ETO (Engineer-to-Order)
environment. The feature article can be found at:
http://www.reedlink.com/SingleArticle~ContentId~56398~pub~IP.html
or
www.trcutlerinc.com.
Stull insisted that ETO (engineer-to-order) issues characterized
Midwest Patterns business, "The need for flexibility in all we
do was central in finding the best technology solution. On-time
delivery is critical to Midwest Patterns. Saving time and
paperwork was essential...We have molds to build not paperwork!"
Midwest Patterns' selection of a new ERP system came down to a
choice between two software providers; Encompix
(
www.encompix.com) won due to its flexibility and its
Engineer-to-Order appropriateness. Stull noted that, "The
interface has a simplistic layout which is less intimidating to
the users. Let's face it, not all users have degrees in computer
science and you need to make them comfortable in their
environment."
Midwest Patterns has a philosophy that is indicative of other
ETO manufacturers working to achieve a competitive advantage.
Stull suggests with the commitment to delivery and service,
"Most companies remain loyal if they get what they want and get
it early. Service above all!"
Mike Merten advised Midwest Patterns in the new technology
selection. Merten noticed how many functions Stull fulfilled at
the company. "They do not have a large IT staff. Stull does
double (sometimes triple) duty as Quality Assurance Manager, IT
Manager and whatever other duties might be thrown his way. This
made the selection of the proper ERP system critical for them."
Encompix
www.encompix.com Roger Meloy 513-733-0066
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About the author:
Professional Marketing Firm
