Midwest Patterns Profiled in Reed Business' InMFG including ERP
Software Encompix
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), a custom moldmaking
manufacturer based in Quincy, IL. The feature article can be
found
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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