Need for More Visibility, Manufacturing Functionality, and Mobility Drives ERP Change

OptiProERP provides a one-stop-shop manufacturing solution that gives manufacturers’ complete control of and visibility into business processes from start to finish. As the first OEM partner in SAP’s global PartnerEdge Program, OptiProERP’s industry-specific solution is embedded into SAP Business One’s core ERP and financial modules. 

Based in Grand Junction, Colorado, Western Filament braids, twists, coats, and dyes man-made fiber for the military, aerospace, automotive, electric motor and fishing industries. Its customers include NASA, Boeing, Rolls Royce, Lockheed and Northrop Grumman, among others. The manufacturer prides itself in producing high quality textile products that are used in the most demanding applications.

“As our business has grown, we require more information and manufacturing functionality from our ERP system,” said Rex Nelson, Western Filament president. The company has operated effectively on a legacy ERP system that utilizes “bolt on” data sources. “Our current ERP lacks the manufacturing modules required to move our operation forward,” he said. “While the current system has many features, it lacks the ability to provide advanced scheduling, routing, cost centers, work centers or work-in-process visibility.”

Also, the current system does not allow remote access, which has made working from home during the pandemic very difficult.

Fully Integrated Manufacturing Capabilities and Mobility Key to OptiProERP Decision

Western Filament reviewed Sage, JobBoss and NetSuite before selecting OptiProERP with SAP Business One. “OptiProERP’s manufacturing platform appeared to be more suitable for our operation,” Nelson said. “Other ERPs appeared to be more applicable for distribution or assembly operations.” He also liked that OptiProERP is embedded and fully integrated with SAP Business One, a proven performer with a solid track record.

Single Platform for Future Growth

Western Filament, deemed essential under the Defense Production Act during the COVID-19 pandemic, is reinvesting for the future. “We’re making strides to push the company forward and position it for further growth once the pandemic ends. There is never a good time to install a new ERP system, but our entire management team agreed that we needed a more robust system to handle our unique business,” Nelson said.

After OptiProERP is deployed, Nelson looks forward to its remote access capabilities, operating within a single system, time saved by eliminating manual processes, better WIP visibility, more accurate capacity detail and improved lead times that allow for a better customer experience.

“OptiProERP’s innovative cloud-based ERP for manufacturing will allow us to run our operation more effectively, assist with accommodating growth, operate more efficiently and offer better service to our customers,” Nelson said.