News Article

Pacific Hardware Manufacturing experience productivity improvements with M1

By K. Charles Oelfke II

May, 2002

M1 has reduced order entry time by 50%

Back in the late 1940's, when Pacific Hardware (www.pacifichardwaremfg.com) was known as Pacific Brass and Hardware Mfg., window and door hardware was their specialty. Cast ornamental door pulls, knobs, window operators and decorative hinges were much in vogue at the time. In 1960, the owner sensed a change, phased out most cast products (except one popular window operator) and concentrated on stamped products - a much more profitable line. As Rick Sheridan, Pacific Hardware's President explained, "Today we make slip hinges, flag hinges, piano hinges and butt hinges in steel, aluminium and brass; both as stock items and 'made-to-order' items. We supply cabinet makers, vending machine manufacturers, automobile console fabricators and the like."

"We have ERP needs like every other machine shop-type business, regardless of size. Keeping track of contacts, quotes, orders, materials, inventory, deliveries, payroll, etc. is necessary whether the end product is destined for outer space or garden tractors." Rick continued, "we needed an efficient computer program that would speed up our operation and increase efficiency - so important to running a profitable business. We had been writing applications for each of our requirements, until we came across an available program that combined all of that in one program. We in fact, became Beta Testers for the company. Then we heard about something new - a program called 'M1.'"

"We tried it, and from that time on, we have never been let down by Bowen & Groves, creators of M1. I began running M1 live in January 2001 after three trial runs. We bought everything they had to offer - Contact Management, Advanced Inventory Management - all that kind of stuff. We use it and we can tailor it to our specific needs; you don't have to be a programmer to do it. Our previous program was running an older, 1998 program, and running it on SQL and Fox Pro - a real nightmare. Since the introduction of M1, my order entry staff has managed to reduce the time to complete an order by a whopping 50%. Before that, I had to personally verify delivery dates and stock levels. Now, that information is at our fingertips and calculations are automatic, allowing me to concentrate on other aspects of the business."

"M1 has an extraordinary user group too," Rick pointed out. "Most programs won't let you explore their user group until after you've purchased the program (when it might be too late). Not so with M1. Bowen & Groves let you browse around in their user group, which is the best ever because it is unmediated and uncensored -, no secrets or unpleasant surprises LATER!

When a customer calls, there are two things he wants to know: when can I have it and how much will it cost? When M1 calculates a release date, the program shows quantity in stock and how long it will take to produce the rest. That saves both time and money; it's a good experience."

According to Rick, if you make a valid argument, Bowen & Groves will incorporate it into M1. "We suggested separate set-up rates because of different hourly billing rates. Bowen & Groves accommodated that because it made good sense. Many of us users wanted a place for a customer's part number. M1 not only did that, but they made it so that multiple customers can have their part number attached to our part number. They listen to what users want, go the extra mile and next thing you know, it's right there. It's refreshing to see that kind of effort. Now we have accurate, real-time costing, which allows us to analyse each part that we make. In fact, it pointed out parts that were borderline profitable, refined the manufacturing process, and brought them into line - an increase in profit without increasing price. Other parts, which were already profitable, have been refined so we can actually pass on cost reductions to our customers. Constant improvement assures customer satisfaction."

"If we get in a jam, I simply post the question to the group. Someone always suggests a solution, and Bowen & Groves responds immediately. I come from a machining background - not computers. Believe me.that kind of aftermarket attention inspires great confidence. I personally know of no company besides Bowen & Groves that gives such a level of everyday support."

For more information on Pacific Hardware Manufacturing, visit their web site at www.pacifichardwaremfg.com.

About Bowen & Groves Pty Ltd

Bowen & Groves was established in Australia in 1992 and expanded into the USA in 2000 with the specific focus to provide quality software and support to the Manufacturing Industry. Over the past nine years they have accomplished a reputation for excellence in customer support and professional service. More information about Bowen & Groves and its products and services is available at Bowen & Groves' Web site www.bowen-groves.com