Case Studies Dennen Steel Finds the Solution for its Unique Business Processes

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	Dennen Steel Finds the Solution for its Unique Business Processes

Dennen Steel Finds the Solution for its Unique Business Processes

Technology Category	Functional Applications - Enterprise Resource Planning Systems (ERP) Functional Applications - Remote Monitoring & Control Systems
Applicable Functions	Quality Assurance Warehouse & Inventory Management
Use Cases	Inventory Management Process Control & Optimization
Services	System Integration Training
Challenge	As Dennen Steel expanded its operations and added new manufacturing processes, the company faced significant challenges in integrating its operations into a seamless supply chain. The lack of visibility and limited data collection capabilities were major issues that needed to be addressed. The company recognized the need for an ERP and Automated Data Collection (ADC) solution to support its evolving business needs. The existing manual processes for inventory management and production tracking were inefficient and prone to errors, leading to inaccuracies and delays in operations. Read More
About Customer	Dennen Steel Corp. is a steel assembly, welding, and stamping manufacturer based in the United States. Founded in 1947 by two brothers from Grand Rapids, Michigan, the company initially focused on buying and selling scrap steel from World War II. Over the years, Dennen Steel has significantly expanded its operations, adding various manufacturing processes such as stamping, welding, and assembly. The company has also grown its geographic presence by opening manufacturing centers across the country, including locations in Burns Harbor, Indiana, and Iuka, Mississippi. With a focus on integrating its operations into a seamless supply chain, Dennen Steel aims to enhance visibility and data collection to support its business growth. Read More
Solution	To address its challenges, Dennen Steel implemented Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009 as its ERP system and selected RF-SMART for Automated Data Collection (ADC). The decision was based on RF-SMART's certification with Dynamics AX and its proven integration capabilities. The implementation began in February 2011, and RF-SMART was able to meet the business needs of the manufacturing company from the start. One of the first areas to benefit from the implementation was the receiving department. With RF-SMART's ADC workflows, receiving personnel could enter inventory data using handheld devices, providing immediate updates and improving visibility. The solution also enhanced the company's ability to track production operations and finished goods in real-time, eliminating the need for manual tag writing and reducing errors. Additionally, RF-SMART's workflows were customized to handle specific processes like slitting, allowing for individual identification of co-products. The implementation led to significant productivity improvements and streamlined inventory management processes. Read More Log in to view content
Contents

Technology Category

Functional Applications - Enterprise Resource Planning Systems (ERP)

Functional Applications - Remote Monitoring & Control Systems

Applicable Functions

Quality Assurance

Warehouse & Inventory Management

Use Cases

Inventory Management

Process Control & Optimization

Services

System Integration

Training

Challenge

As Dennen Steel expanded its operations and added new manufacturing processes, the company faced significant challenges in integrating its operations into a seamless supply chain. The lack of visibility and limited data collection capabilities were major issues that needed to be addressed. The company recognized the need for an ERP and Automated Data Collection (ADC) solution to support its evolving business needs. The existing manual processes for inventory management and production tracking were inefficient and prone to errors, leading to inaccuracies and delays in operations.

About Customer

Dennen Steel Corp. is a steel assembly, welding, and stamping manufacturer based in the United States. Founded in 1947 by two brothers from Grand Rapids, Michigan, the company initially focused on buying and selling scrap steel from World War II. Over the years, Dennen Steel has significantly expanded its operations, adding various manufacturing processes such as stamping, welding, and assembly. The company has also grown its geographic presence by opening manufacturing centers across the country, including locations in Burns Harbor, Indiana, and Iuka, Mississippi. With a focus on integrating its operations into a seamless supply chain, Dennen Steel aims to enhance visibility and data collection to support its business growth.

Solution

To address its challenges, Dennen Steel implemented Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009 as its ERP system and selected RF-SMART for Automated Data Collection (ADC). The decision was based on RF-SMART's certification with Dynamics AX and its proven integration capabilities. The implementation began in February 2011, and RF-SMART was able to meet the business needs of the manufacturing company from the start. One of the first areas to benefit from the implementation was the receiving department. With RF-SMART's ADC workflows, receiving personnel could enter inventory data using handheld devices, providing immediate updates and improving visibility. The solution also enhanced the company's ability to track production operations and finished goods in real-time, eliminating the need for manual tag writing and reducing errors. Additionally, RF-SMART's workflows were customized to handle specific processes like slitting, allowing for individual identification of co-products. The implementation led to significant productivity improvements and streamlined inventory management processes.

Impact #1	The receiving department experienced immediate improvements in inventory visibility and accuracy, as personnel could now enter data using handheld devices, eliminating manual entry delays.
Impact #2	The stamping operations saw a significant increase in productivity, with a reported 30% improvement on the shop floor. Workers were freed from manual tag writing and paper processes, allowing them to focus on running presses and producing products.
Impact #3	The physical inventory count process was drastically streamlined. Previously taking up to two weeks to reconcile, the count could now be completed in just two days using RF-SMART's Random Count and Tag Count workflows.

Impact #1

The receiving department experienced immediate improvements in inventory visibility and accuracy, as personnel could now enter data using handheld devices, eliminating manual entry delays.

Impact #2

The stamping operations saw a significant increase in productivity, with a reported 30% improvement on the shop floor. Workers were freed from manual tag writing and paper processes, allowing them to focus on running presses and producing products.

Impact #3

The physical inventory count process was drastically streamlined. Previously taking up to two weeks to reconcile, the count could now be completed in just two days using RF-SMART's Random Count and Tag Count workflows.

Benefit #1	Reported an approximated 30% increase in productivity on the shop floor.
Benefit #2	Decreased inventory count duration from 2 weeks to 2 days.

Benefit #1

Reported an approximated 30% increase in productivity on the shop floor.

Benefit #2

Decreased inventory count duration from 2 weeks to 2 days.

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Overview

Dennen Steel Finds the Solution for its Unique Business Processes

Operational Impact

Quantitative Benefit