MFG/PRO case studies

Implementation of MFG/PRO at Westcast Plc

Wescast Industries Inc. headquartered in Brantford, Ontario, Canada and Linamar Corporation based in Guelph, Ontario, Canada are pleased to announce the commissioning of their new manufacturing facility located in Oroszlány, Hungary. This green-field operation Wescast Hungary Plc. was designed and built to service the needs of an expanding European automotive industry.

Starting their operation in Hungary Wescast decided to introduce an ERP system which has low cost of ownership, rapid implementation and automotive specific functionality

Once the selection process was complete, the implementation by QAD’s Distributor in Hungary, KFKI Group began. Three months later, Wescast was live on MFG/PRO. From the first month onwards, Wescast was able to close their books according to Hungarian and Canadian stauatory requirements in only three and one half days. In the words of Murray Angus, Finance Director of Wescast, „To have this project designed, implemented and successfully utilized in 112 days including a rapid month end close is clearly an incredible achievement.”

MFG/PRO version 8.5 was installed at Wescast’s facilities for planning and tracking of its manufacturing activities. In total, 5 million units will be produced annually in a facility which includes a machining and foundry operation. In addition, MFG/PRO manages all assets of the Weslin operation.

Phase 1 of the implementation, which was completed on September 3, 2001, included the assessment, software installation, modeling, and user training. Phase 2, expected to end in January 2002, will cover the extension of the basic system functionality to areas such as forecasting, budgeting, and cost analysis.

Financials

The software enables the Weslin company to incorporate its financial models to comply with both the Canadian and Hungarian legal requirements. Wescast manages its banking relationships using an electronic connection implemented by ISYS-ON.

Sales & Logistics

The purchasing module of MFG/PRO is used for planning purchases, managing special agreements and controlling blanket orders. The sales functionality covers shipping, routing instructions, billing, and forecast management tools. MGF/PRO also supports incoming quality inspection and the management of parts received on consignment.

Production

The production differs significantly between the foundry and machining process. The methods, material requirements, production schedules and handling of recyclable materials are all very unique in this operation. In addition as a supplier to the automotive industry, Weslin adheres to strict quality control systems and procedures. This is another area enjoying full-scale support through various functions of MFG/PRO. Finally, finished goods are reported using state of the art touch screen technology. Factory workers simply touch the screen to signal that they have finished a product. MFG/PRO then performs a series of inventory and financial transactions automatically.

Wescast Hungary Plc. uses a separate software, the Maximo system, for managing maintenance tasks. The implementation of the on-line connection between MFG/PRO and Maximo is part of the Phase 2 implementation.