A&K Finishing Manages Explosive Growth, Greater Efficiency with the Plex Manufacturing Cloud
Customer Company Size
Mid-size Company
Region
- America
Country
- United States
Product
- Plex Manufacturing Cloud
Tech Stack
- Cloud-based ERP
- Real-time Data Access
Implementation Scale
- Enterprise-wide Deployment
Impact Metrics
- Productivity Improvements
- Customer Satisfaction
- Cost Savings
Technology Category
- Functional Applications - Enterprise Resource Planning Systems (ERP)
- Functional Applications - Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES)
Applicable Industries
- Automotive
- Electronics
Applicable Functions
- Quality Assurance
- Business Operation
Use Cases
- Inventory Management
- Predictive Maintenance
- Process Control & Optimization
Services
- System Integration
- Training
About The Customer
A&K Finishing is a privately owned company established in 1990, specializing in providing high-quality plastic paint solutions for various industries, including automotive, office furniture, electronics, and commercial sectors. The company is known for its commitment to lean manufacturing and just-in-time delivery, ensuring products are delivered with zero defects on time. A&K Finishing utilizes advanced technology, such as robotic painting and open spray booths, to maintain its reputation for quality and efficiency. The company paints interior automotive components for some of the largest automakers in the nation, following a workflow that involves receiving molded parts, decorating them, finishing with paint, and sending them to tier-1 auto suppliers. A&K Finishing's dedication to being 'First to Finish, with Quality' drives its operations and customer service.
The Challenge
A&K Finishing faced several challenges in its operations, primarily due to outdated systems and fragmented processes. The company relied heavily on spreadsheets and a Great Plains accounting system, which led to inefficiencies and inaccuracies. Physical inventory counts were time-consuming and often inaccurate, causing delays and disruptions in the production process. Managers spent a significant amount of time on data entry, up to 85%, which detracted from their ability to focus on strategic tasks. Quality control issues were prevalent, leading to production delays and impacting customer satisfaction. The lack of a unified system made it difficult for departments to share data seamlessly, resulting in fragmented business processes. A&K Finishing recognized the need for a robust ERP system to streamline operations, improve data accuracy, and enhance overall efficiency.
The Solution
To address its operational challenges, A&K Finishing implemented the Plex Manufacturing Cloud, a cloud-based ERP system that offered a comprehensive solution for managing business processes. The decision to move to a cloud platform was driven by the need for real-time access to business information and the ability to unify data across departments. The Plex Manufacturing Cloud provided A&K Finishing with instant access to real-time information, reducing the need for manual data entry and allowing managers to focus on strategic planning. The system's functionality, combined with the support of a vibrant customer community, made it an appealing choice for A&K Finishing. The company engaged Cumulus Consulting for implementation, benefiting from a 'train the trainer' approach that facilitated a smooth transition. The Plex system enabled A&K Finishing to digitize its operations, moving from manual data entry to a virtually paperless shop floor. Operators used computer terminals to scan products, ensuring accurate data capture and enhancing product quality. The system also provided tools for quality control, allowing the company to enforce its standards and reduce scrap rates.
Operational Impact
Quantitative Benefit
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