SYSPRO Case Study: Floe International
Customer Company Size
Mid-size Company
Region
- America
Country
- United States
- Canada
Product
- SYSPRO ERP
- SYSPRO Learning Channel (SLC)
Tech Stack
- Kanban
- Just-In-Time (JIT)
Implementation Scale
- Enterprise-wide Deployment
Impact Metrics
- Productivity Improvements
- Cost Savings
- Digital Expertise
Technology Category
- Functional Applications - Enterprise Resource Planning Systems (ERP)
- Functional Applications - Inventory Management Systems
Applicable Industries
- Marine & Shipping
Applicable Functions
- Warehouse & Inventory Management
Use Cases
- Inventory Management
- Manufacturing System Automation
Services
- System Integration
- Training
About The Customer
Floe International, Inc., headquartered in McGregor, Minnesota, manufactures aluminum-based products, including boat docks, boat lift systems, and recreational and utility trailers. Founded in 1983 by Wayne Floe, the company has grown to have a significant dealer network across the United States and Canada. Floe International is known for its high-quality products and unique features, which are promoted through trade shows, a comprehensive website, and DVDs. The company operates two manufacturing locations and produces products based on past sales histories and dealer projections, ensuring timely delivery and better control over production and shipping.
The Challenge
Floe International faced challenges in managing their production and inventory processes efficiently. The company needed to streamline its operations to reduce paperwork, data entry, and improve production flow. Additionally, they required a system that could support their Lean manufacturing environment and provide real-time data for better decision-making.
The Solution
Floe International implemented SYSPRO ERP software, purchased from RT Enterprises, to facilitate their Lean manufacturing environment. The SYSPRO ERP system allowed Floe to 'backflush' jobs, reducing paperwork and data entry, and speeding up production. This feature enabled the company to issue materials to jobs as they were received into inventory, providing traceability and adjusting quantities as needed. Additionally, SYSPRO's custom reporting capabilities were fundamental to Floe's Lean practices. The company set up 'supermarkets' in SYSPRO using custom fields, allowing them to run reports that triggered other necessary actions. These reports provided real-time data on inventory and shipping requirements, ensuring that production and shipping schedules remained current. To further enhance their Lean practices, Floe utilized the SYSPRO Learning Channel (SLC) to train employees. Thirty-two employees were trained through the SLC's live broadcasts and archival library, resulting in significant savings in training costs.
Operational Impact
Quantitative Benefit
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