ERP Upgrade Drives Improvements in On-Time Delivery and Sales Growth

Connecticut Spring & Stamping (CSS), a manufacturer of precision springs and metal shaped solutions, needed a more efficient way to schedule its 600 work centers and improve on-time delivery and customer satisfaction. When its old ERP system could no longer keep up with the company's growth, CSS upgraded to Global Shop Solutions to resolve real-time scheduling, inventory management, and other production challenges.

The results came quickly. With accurate scheduling across 600 work centers, CSS improved product flow and boosted on-time delivery by 35%-reaching a record 97.5%. The company also increased sales by 50%. Since then, CSS has continued to expand its ERP capabilities by adding new products, features, and functionality.

35% Improvement in On-Time Delivery Rate

Scheduling thousands of part numbers-many with multiple secondary operations requiring up to 28 in-house and offsite processes-was nearly impossible with CSS' old system. Advanced Planning & Scheduling (APS) software solved the problem by providing real-time data to complete jobs on time.

"Based on the extensive routers we create for every part, Global Shop Solutions tells us when we need to do something in each of our work centers," said CSS President Steve Dicke. "We can see available capacity at any moment and make sure we can deliver before promising due dates to customers."

That visibility translated into results: a 97.5% on-time delivery rate-the highest in company history.

Real-Time Shop Floor Efficiency

CSS also uses APS to electronically send scheduling data to large TV screens across the shop floor. Workers no longer log into the ERP system to find their next job. Instead, they check the screens for real-time instructions on what to work on and what is coming next.

"Having live scheduling data at each work center has definitely improved our workflow," said Dicke. "It also moved us closer to our goal of a paperless system."

Anytime, Anywhere Material Tracking

CSS first began barcoding incoming materials a decade ago but later upgraded to GS Mobile, a real-time paperless inventory tracking system. With mobile barcode scanning, workers can track raw materials or finished goods anywhere on the floor at any time.

The upgrade streamlined lot control, improved accuracy, and simplified certification tracking. Certification data is now embedded in barcodes, and the system automatically prints all required documentation at shipping.

Automated Purchasing

To further streamline operations and reduce paper use, CSS automated its purchasing process. Buyers now use the Purchasing Dashboard to review requirements, planning functions, and purchase history before placing orders.

"Previously, every department had to call for the material they needed," said Dicke. "Now the material department uses the Dashboard to deliver materials at the right time. It is all electronic and much more efficient."

Tailored Dashboards

CSS also leverages the Global Application Builder (GAB) to create custom Dashboards, reports, and screens.

"GAB lets me pull data directly from our ERP system to create custom layouts and grids that are easy to filter and sort," said CSS Software Engineer Richard Delatorre. "With these tailored Dashboards, management can evaluate key metrics and make informed decisions at the right time."

A Complete ERP Solution

CSS initially implemented Global Shop Solutions to overhaul scheduling, but the system now runs the entire business.

"We are very satisfied with our ERP system," said Dicke. "All the information is centralized, eliminating spreadsheets and offline work. When our team relies on the system, we operate more efficiently and provide better service to our customers."

For more information contact:

Connecticut Spring & Stamping

48 Spring Lane

Farmington, CT 06032

860-677-1341

www.ctspring.com

Global Shop Solutions, Inc.

975 Evergreen Circle

The Woodlands, TX 77380

800-364-5958

www.globalshopsolutions.com