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| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 30, 2003 |
For more information please contact: Jack Healy MassMEP Tel: 508-831-7020 Email: jackh@massmep.org |
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Shrewsbury, MA - Supercon, Inc. of Shrewsbury, Massachusetts has been manufacturing superconducting wire longer than any other company in the world. With 40 employees, they are actively involved in the research, development and production of all types of low temperature superconductors for the industrial, medical and telecommunications industries. An award-winner for technical innovation, Supercon prides itself for staying on the leading edge of technology. After installing and using a financial software application for efficient and effective office operations, Supercon realized the need to integrate their production materials and manufacturing operations processes under the existing Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) application or, if necessary, a completely new application. Supercon contacted the Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MassMEP) to perform a neutral assessment and evaluation of their current business system and for assistance in choosing a replacement ERP solution if required. "The MassMEP has experience in implementing software systems across a variety of businesses, so Supercon asked us to assist in selecting the best software product and company to meet their needs," said Rosemary Presnar, lead project manager for the MassMEP. "Even though businesses are unique, most face similar issues when implementing ERP applications. The MassMEP provides background and experience from a history of common experiences and proven solutions." MassMEP conducted on-site interviews with Supercon managers to assess not only the company’s current business system needs, but projected those needs three to five years from now. Based on a series of more than 500 requirements, they built a comprehensive list and key criteria for the selection process. "What we learned from the initial process was that the current ERP system would not meet future needs," said Presnar. "We then started with a list of 300 potential ERP providers who would meet the Supercon needs, and whittled it down to 14 candidates, then a final short list of three." With the assistance of Presnar, Supercon’s management chose RPC Associates of Medway, Massachusetts to help install their new software system. RPC specializes in working with small to mid-size manufacturing and distribution companies throughout New England to help them achieve better customer account and information management, realize greater efficiency and profitability, and improve real-time company-wide reporting and analysis capabilities. "An ERP system is designed to address the needs of your back office operations where the processing of customer orders takes place," said Bob Comtois, President, RPC Associates. "We’re implementing a SYSPRO system at Supercon, which is ideal for their needs because it goes beyond traditional ERP concepts. It presents a full e-Commerce solution and allows them to select functions that they need now and add additional functions as their business grows." "The ERP requirements gathering and selection methodology that the MassMEP used gave us the confidence we needed to move forward," said Terry Wong, vice president of Supercon. "The entire process presented software solutions and options we could never have uncovered on our own in the time frame allowed. We are pleased with the outcome." Supercon also expects to avoid the normal costs associated with upgrading software packages. The new ERP system does not currently require extensive, additional hardware purchases or the addition of a new employee to manage the upgraded system, saving them an estimated $50,000 in the first year of implementation. MassMEP is an affiliate of the National Institute of Standards and Technology under the U.S. Department of Commerce. The national MEP is a network of manufacturing extension centers that provide business and technical assistance to smaller manufacturers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Through MEP, manufacturers have access to more than 2,000 manufacturing and business "coaches" whose job is to help firms make changes that lead to greater productivity, increased profits and enhanced global competitiveness. For more information on the services Mass MEP project managers provide, contact the Worcester office at (508) 831-7020. |
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