As experts in analytics and application development, when Superior Consulting Services (SCS) first arrived on the scene to create technology solutions for Foam Injection Mold Company (FIMC) we were pleased with how well the extensive list of business solutions we provide aligned with their extensive list of technology needs. We would love to take some time to tell you about it!
FIMC, a company that specializes in creating a wide-range of foam products, has been in business for nearly 30 years. When we first met them in 2017, Bill and Bella Bradley (who opened their doors in 1988) were getting ready to retire and hand down their thriving company to the next generation of Bradleys – their two sons, John and Dustin.
Now, in order to understand the magnitude of their operations as well as the widespread impact of our technology solutions, it’s important to note that – when we came onto the scene – FIMC employed 188 people and their business was steadily growing. Today they employ close to 200 people!
Because Bill and Bella had run the operations at Foam Injection Mold Company for nearly 30 years, their technology had changed with the times but only to a certain point. They much preferred ‘old school’ operations to the latest technological advances and although computers were becoming commonplace in business operations by 1988, according to Bella they “gave it a few years” before they got on board. Where it was possible, the founding Bradleys opted for pen and paper as opposed to electronic documentation. Fortunately, because they were heavily involved with all operations at FIMC, their system worked for them and they grew a healthy business. The problem came, however, when it was time to begin handing off operations to their sons. That’s when they called on Superior Consulting Services. We were able to come in and update their antiquated infrastructure, software and make sure all their devices were communicating seamlessly with each other. This allowed for a smooth transition for John and Dustin.
At this point, you’re probably curious what technology they were implementing and what we were able to do to modernize and streamline their operations! Here are a few of the many discoveries we made and how we navigated them…
- The Bradleys were operating with an old SQL server.
We upgraded FIMC to the 2016 SQL server, facilitated cloud migration and installed Office 365 for more competitive and efficient operations.
- They were generating reports with several large spreadsheets.
We performed a BI Assessment, as a first step in developing a new reporting solution.
- They were using Access as their timekeeping system.
We developed a timekeeping application that interfaces with their payroll system for better connectivity and efficiency.
This past week, John and Dustin reached out to SCS. It appears they are settled in with operations at FIMC and are ready to pursue more innovative technology solutions for their business. Stay tuned!
Disclosure: Foam Injection Mold Company is a fictional organization created to allow SCS to more fully convey the details of business needs and technical environments related to actual solutions created by SCS without infringing upon the privacy of our clients. All SCS consultants, technical expertise, consulting services provided, and implemented solutions referred to in the Foam Injection Mold Company articles are real! Only the client names and lines of business have been changed to protect the innocent.
