Firstronic Enhances ERP Capabilities

Grand Rapids, MI–Firstronic LLC has enhanced its enterprise resource planning (ERP) capabilities with the addition of Plex, a software as a service (SAAS), cloud-based ERP system. The new system is scheduled to go live in June 2012.

“After evaluating several options, we decided on Plex online software for four reasons. First, it is scalable and easy to grow with the company. Second, it is highly configurable, allowing easy interface with our proprietary ProManage project management system. Third, it was originally developed to support the rigorous demands of the automotive industry and as a result is attractive to customers with complex data collection needs. Finally, because it is cloud-based, it allows us to provide our customers with real-time access to quality data, project status and material status via an internet connection, “ said John Sammut, Firstronic CEO.

While Plex is being used by several large electronics manufacturing services (EMS) firms, Firstronic’s implementation of the software will be somewhat unique due to the Company’s existing ProManage software system. Firstronic’s team created ProManage so that the Company could have a project management system customized to EMS. The ProManage system acts as a “force multiplier” by tracking critical tasks and notifying members of the project team whenever a timeline is slipping. It is also a centralized database for all project activities, supporting both traceability and product history recordkeeping.

“Because our team literally created our ProManage project management system, they are approaching the Plex implementation as process experts who understand exactly what they want the new ERP system to support. This is critical given the over 50% growth rates for 2012 and 2013 that our current bookings are driving. I have confidence that the team that created ProManage and has extensive experience in complex ERP implementations including SAP and DBA, can meet our aggressive four-month implementation timeline on Plex,” added Sammut.

The Plex implementation will include the ERP system, manufacturing execution system (MES) module, EDI customer and supplier interfaces, and online quality data collection/reporting tools.  In addition to enhancing customer access to real-time project data, the new system will also reduce transaction costs within the supply chain by supporting a two-bin kanban system with suppliers.

Firstronic LLC provides advanced electronics manufacturing services and optimized supply chain solutions for the electronics industry. Headquartered in Grand Rapids, MI, Firstronic has a 35,000 square foot facility, state-of-the-art equipment and a seasoned management team with an average tenure of 20 years.