Plex Systems > Case Studies > FT Precision's Transition to Plex Manufacturing Cloud for Enhanced Operational Efficiency

FT Precision's Transition to Plex Manufacturing Cloud for Enhanced Operational Efficiency

Customer Company Size

Mid-size Company

Region

America

Country

United States

Product

Plex Manufacturing Cloud

Tech Stack

Cloud Computing
ERP Systems

Implementation Scale

Enterprise-wide Deployment

Impact Metrics

Productivity Improvements
Cost Savings
Employee Satisfaction

Technology Category

Functional Applications - Enterprise Resource Planning Systems (ERP)
Platform as a Service (PaaS) - Connectivity Platforms

Applicable Industries

Automotive

Applicable Functions

Business Operation
Quality Assurance

Use Cases

Inventory Management
Process Control & Optimization

Services

System Integration
Training

About The Customer

FT Precision Inc. is a Japanese-parented company based in Fredericktown, Ohio, specializing in the supply of automotive chassis and engine components. The company is a subsidiary of Tanaka Seimitsu Kogyo Co., and its operations include machining raw steel forgings and cast aluminum combustion engine rocker arms, as well as forgings of constant velocity joint bearings and outboard retainer forgings. With a workforce of 400 employees, FT Precision has established itself as a key player in the automotive industry, known for its commitment to quality and excellence. Over the years, the company has evolved from a small operation to a mid-sized enterprise, driven by a strategy focused on long-term survival and commercial success. Despite its achievements, FT Precision recognized the need to modernize its processes to keep pace with the demands of a real-time, lean production environment.

The Challenge

FT Precision faced significant challenges with their paper-based processes, which were unable to keep up with the demands of a real-time, lean production environment. The manual data entry and inventory tracking systems were outdated and resource-draining, leading to inefficiencies and slow response times. The company needed a platform that could provide immediate access to accurate operational data across all departments to maintain their competitive edge and support their growth strategy. The senior management recognized that transitioning to software-driven, integrated processes was essential to realize their lean manufacturing and growth potential.

The Solution

FT Precision decided to implement the Plex Manufacturing Cloud to address their operational challenges. Initially, they planned to deploy only the inventory management module, but after realizing the software's full capabilities, they partnered with Plante Moran to explore its potential further. Plante Moran provided industry expertise, bilingual support, and knowledge of JSOX compliance, facilitating a smooth transition to the new system. The implementation was divided into phases, with phase zero focusing on identifying areas for improvement and phase one on the actual deployment. The project was completed on time and under budget, with no disruptions to operations. The transition involved significant changes for the workforce, who were initially resistant to moving from paper-based processes to a technology-driven environment. To ease the transition, FT Precision provided training sessions and ran parallel processes to test the new system. The Plex Community also played a crucial role in supporting the company by offering a platform for collaboration and advice.

Operational Impact

FT Precision has built a resilient foundation for future growth with the Plex Manufacturing Cloud, enabling agility and lean capability support.
The real-time data accessibility has transformed decision-making processes, allowing for faster and more informed decisions across the organization.
The mobile application for P.O. approvals has improved efficiency, enabling managers to approve processes from any location.
The company now experiences improved financial control with automated information flows, enhancing future profitability.
Employee satisfaction has increased as staff spend more time on value-generating activities and less on paperwork.

Quantitative Benefit