D&S Manufacturing selects Epicor Manufacturing ERP solution

Epicor Software Corporation, a leading provider of enterprise business software solutions for the midmarket and divisions of Global 1000 companies, has announced that Black River Falls, Wisc.-based D&S Manufacturing has selected Epicor Vantage to run its business processes. 

Epicor Vantage is a flexible enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution designed for mid to large-sized progressive make-to-order (MTO) and mixed-mode manufacturers.

D&S Manufacturing is an ISO 9001:2000 certified manufacturer of exceptional quality large scale components, assemblies and complete weldments crafted from carbon steel plate as well as aluminum and stainless steel.  The integration of Epicors advanced service-oriented architecture is one of the most significant investments made in the history of our company and will result in substantial time and cost savings benefits for our customers through the corporate-wide elimination of needless waste, said Michael Dougherty, president of D&S Manufacturing. 

During the ERP supplier selection process, D&S Manufacturing retained a consultant to solicit opinions from employees representing various roles within the corporation to ensure that differing requirements of administrative and production staffs were clearly represented in the detailed Request for Proposal.  Epicor was one of a limited group of targeted software vendors chosen to participate in the RFP and was selected in part for its ability to provide a solution that not only meets the current requirement of a business, but also anticipates inclusion of emerging and future technologies as mandated by customer need.

According to Frans Carlstrom, operations manager for D&S, the Epicor solution, which leverages Microsoft .NET, assimilates a broad spectrum of functions previously addressed by D&S through multiple software programs.  The built-in workflow processes within the Epicor solution enables D&S to efficiently manage the entire order cycle, from quoting, production and planning to logistics, billing and payroll.  As a result, non value-added operations and duplication of activities will be dramatically reduced, particularly time-consuming data re-entry.

The automation of redundant operations allows our employees to reallocate more time toward cross training and other production tasks, said Carlstrom.  This enables our company to be flexible and respond more quickly to customers without adding administrative staff.  We also anticipate noticeable improvements in our ability to more efficiently and accurately schedule and forecast projects, which will in turn improve productivity and on-time delivery rates.

Epicors manufacturing solution is built on a true service-oriented architecture that enables continuous performance initiatives, real-time connectivity between supply-chain applications and partners and greater business agility for manufacturers, said Rodney Winger, senior director of product marketing, manufacturing and supply chain management for Epicor. Our focus is to deliver innovative solutions that empower companies like D&S Manufacturing with applications that help them stay competitive and deliver greater value to their customers. 

About D&S Manufacturing

For more than 40 years, ISO 9001:2000 certified D&S Manufacturing has served as a custom manufacturer of exceptional quality large scale components, assemblies and complete weldments for a broad cross section of well-respected corporations that include Caterpillar, Oshkosh Truck, The Trane Company, CNH and Parkson.  The companys extensive capabilities include technologically superior machining, laser, high definition plasma and oxy-fuel cutting, as well as manual and robotic welding.  These resources are complemented by diverse value-added services ranging from wet painting and shot blasting to assembly and testing.  A dedicated and highly skilled workforce lives a commitment to superior project management, exceptional quality, accountability, teamwork and continuous improvement, which empowers the company to live its slogan, D&S . Solid.

About Epicor Software Corporation

Epicor, named one of FORTUNE magazines 100 Fastest-Growing Companies in 2006, is a global leader dedicated to providing integrated enterprise resource planning (ERP), customer relationship management (CRM), supply chain management (SCM) and professional services automation (PSA) software solutions to the midmarket and divisions of Global 1000 companies.  Founded in 1984, Epicor serves over 20,000 customers in more than 140 countries, providing solutions in over 30 languages.  Employing innovative service-oriented architecture (SOA) and Web services technology, Epicor delivers end-to-end, industry-specific solutions for manufacturing, distribution, retail, hospitality and services that enable companies to drive increased efficiency, improve performance and build competitive advantage.  Epicor solutions provide the scalability and flexibility to meet today's business challenges, while empowering enterprises for even greater success tomorrow.  Epicor offers a comprehensive range of services with its solutions, providing a single point of accountability to promote rapid return on investment and low total cost of ownership.  Epicors worldwide headquarters are located in Irvine, California with offices and affiliates around the world.