Case Studies SYSPRO Case Study: PEN Locks up Efficiencies with SYSPRO

Edit This Case Study Record

	SYSPRO Case Study: PEN Locks up Efficiencies with SYSPRO

SYSPRO Case Study: PEN Locks up Efficiencies with SYSPRO

Technology Category	Functional Applications - Enterprise Resource Planning Systems (ERP) Functional Applications - Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) Functional Applications - Product Data Management Systems
Applicable Industries	Agriculture
Applicable Functions	Business Operation Quality Assurance Warehouse & Inventory Management
Use Cases	Inventory Management Process Control & Optimization Supply Chain Visibility
Services	Software Design & Engineering Services System Integration Training
Challenge	In 1995, PEN Products began evaluating its information requirements, recognizing the need to automate the dissemination of business information throughout its multifaceted manufacturing and farming operations. PEN realized the importance of implementing new procedures to meet the requirements of fiscal self-sufficiency. The real challenge at the time was to find one computer software package that could accommodate what were, in effect, about two dozen different businesses. Additional selection factors centered on having to operate within a governmental/correctional/business environment and the ability to compete in the marketplace with efficient, private sector product and service providers. Read More
About Customer	Prison Enterprises Network, better known as PEN Products, is a division of the Indiana Department of Correction, based in Indianapolis. This prison system has housed infamous individuals such as John Dillinger and Mike Tyson. PEN Products produces a variety of durable and non-durable goods in its facilities, many of which are used within the correctional facilities throughout Indiana, while others are marketed to the general public. This operation provides meaningful jobs for offenders and offsets the costs of maintaining the state’s prisons. PEN Products operates nine manufacturing sites and three farms, producing diverse products such as foodstuffs, license plates, clothing, beds, mattresses, dormitory and office furniture, concrete products, soaps, detergents, and outdoor equipment for Indiana state parks. Read More
Solution	A search was conducted, and the choice was SYSPRO enterprise software. A major reason for the selection was the software’s ability to fit a wide variety of accounting, distribution, and manufacturing applications. SYSPRO’s diverse range of over 40 modules offered each business unit the opportunity to implement a tailored software solution for greater control and management. As only limited resources were available, a time-phased implementation strategy was adopted to facilitate a smooth transition to the new computer technology. By 1997, SYSPRO software modules were being fully used in the areas of financial control, sales, purchasing, inventory, and shop floor production. All accounting and distribution software modules are installed at PEN Products’ central office in Indianapolis. Eleven manufacturing and farming operations throughout the state are online to the central database. While seven use dial-in lines, six sites, including the newest facility in Miami County, communicate via a dedicated LAN. Read More Log in to view content
Contents

Technology Category

Functional Applications - Enterprise Resource Planning Systems (ERP)

Functional Applications - Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES)

Functional Applications - Product Data Management Systems

Applicable Industries

Agriculture

Applicable Functions

Business Operation

Quality Assurance

Warehouse & Inventory Management

Use Cases

Inventory Management

Process Control & Optimization

Supply Chain Visibility

Services

Software Design & Engineering Services

System Integration

Training

Challenge

In 1995, PEN Products began evaluating its information requirements, recognizing the need to automate the dissemination of business information throughout its multifaceted manufacturing and farming operations. PEN realized the importance of implementing new procedures to meet the requirements of fiscal self-sufficiency. The real challenge at the time was to find one computer software package that could accommodate what were, in effect, about two dozen different businesses. Additional selection factors centered on having to operate within a governmental/correctional/business environment and the ability to compete in the marketplace with efficient, private sector product and service providers.

About Customer

Prison Enterprises Network, better known as PEN Products, is a division of the Indiana Department of Correction, based in Indianapolis. This prison system has housed infamous individuals such as John Dillinger and Mike Tyson. PEN Products produces a variety of durable and non-durable goods in its facilities, many of which are used within the correctional facilities throughout Indiana, while others are marketed to the general public. This operation provides meaningful jobs for offenders and offsets the costs of maintaining the state’s prisons. PEN Products operates nine manufacturing sites and three farms, producing diverse products such as foodstuffs, license plates, clothing, beds, mattresses, dormitory and office furniture, concrete products, soaps, detergents, and outdoor equipment for Indiana state parks.

Solution

A search was conducted, and the choice was SYSPRO enterprise software. A major reason for the selection was the software’s ability to fit a wide variety of accounting, distribution, and manufacturing applications. SYSPRO’s diverse range of over 40 modules offered each business unit the opportunity to implement a tailored software solution for greater control and management. As only limited resources were available, a time-phased implementation strategy was adopted to facilitate a smooth transition to the new computer technology. By 1997, SYSPRO software modules were being fully used in the areas of financial control, sales, purchasing, inventory, and shop floor production. All accounting and distribution software modules are installed at PEN Products’ central office in Indianapolis. Eleven manufacturing and farming operations throughout the state are online to the central database. While seven use dial-in lines, six sites, including the newest facility in Miami County, communicate via a dedicated LAN.

Impact #1	The software facilitates and coordinates all purchasing, product manufacturing, and shipping operations.
Impact #2	For the first time in its 80-year history, PEN Products had the ability to produce financial statements on a monthly basis.
Impact #3	The ability to view sales, inventory, and shipping information on a dynamic basis allows management to make more informed decisions.

Impact #1

The software facilitates and coordinates all purchasing, product manufacturing, and shipping operations.

Impact #2

For the first time in its 80-year history, PEN Products had the ability to produce financial statements on a monthly basis.

Impact #3

The ability to view sales, inventory, and shipping information on a dynamic basis allows management to make more informed decisions.

Benefit #1	80 users are now utilizing the system.
Benefit #2	Eleven manufacturing and farming operations are online to the central database.

Benefit #1

80 users are now utilizing the system.

Benefit #2

Eleven manufacturing and farming operations are online to the central database.

Download PDF Version

Overview

SYSPRO Case Study: PEN Locks up Efficiencies with SYSPRO

Operational Impact

Quantitative Benefit