Why we selected VISUAL Manufacturing Software?
We were a special case in that we had JDEdwards up and running. Due to company restructuring and the software/hardware cost cuts, it was no longer possible to maintain. We were therefore looking for a mid-market ERP system that had an integrated suite of modules from Sales Order Management, Estimating to Shipping, and Invoicing with strong Financials and Operational reporting. This system had to be cost effective, simplistic, easy to maintain, with a commitment to meet current needs as well as future opportunities.

We also took into consideration the install base and the expertise of the implementation consultants (i.e. Shop 9000).

How did the implementation go?
The implementation schedule was demanding, in that our project timeline was six weeks. We started off the implementation as one single project, but quickly realized that in reality we had two separate implementations. sevencontinents and TFS. It was decided that they would be implemented on the same server with two databases.

Toward the end of the six weeks, it became evident that sevencontinents may have been ready to go live, but TFS still had some more work to do. A decision was made to concentrate on sevencontinents during the last two weeks and ensure its success due to the limited support resources. If we were to go live with both, TFS would have needed more resources. On Tuesday April 1st , 2003 we went live with sevencontinents with minimal issues. The implementation, as perfect as any ERP implementation can be within 6 weeks, was amazing.

We took an extra month with TFS after going live with sevencontinents. During that month, Shop9000 and the internal team developed a customized macro solution that allowed for a more smooth transition to VISUAL Manufacturing. On Thursday May 1st, 2003 we went live at TFS, again with minimal issues. Since then, we have not looked back and we continue to improve our internal processes and use of VISUAL.

Why was the implementation successful?
The hard work and dedication of the implementation team was the single most important factor that led to the successful implementation of VISUAL. The team put in a tremendous effort, training and modeling, yet still dealt with their regular duties and the added difficulty of the company restructuring.

What were the benefits of implementing VISUAL?
VISUAL is simple to use and learn. The simplicity allowed for a rather flat learning curve and a quick implementation. The online help and documentation also assisted in this.

At sevencontinents, where JDEdwards was already implemented, the benefit of VISUAL is mainly the substantial reduction in cost of ownership compared to the former solution. In addition, the easy to use interface allowed for greater user acceptance of the ERP system and therefore greater compliance and more accurate data to make better management decisions.

At TFS the benefits are evident. Its former legacy system/business process did not adhere to modern inventory and production management techniques. With VISUAL Manufacturing, and specifically work management with Engineering Masters, we will be able to better manage the shop floor. VISUAL's database architecture also allows for the easier development of reports and other tools to manage the business.

What can we recommend to other VISUAL users?
As with any ERP software, it only gets better if it is used to its fullest extent. The implementation should never stop. Modules that were not implemented should be considered and implemented. Continue reviewing internal processes and always look at what VISUAL can offer.