Running a standard manufacturing business is tough, but imagine doing it for a self-sufficient, state corrections enterprise that produces 500 different products and services across seven locations. That’s the challenge Alabama Correctional Industries (ACI) faces every day.
ACI isn’t just any business—it manufactures furniture and supplies for state departments while providing work training for inmates of the Alabama Department of Corrections. On top of that, it has to stay profitable to keep things running smoothly, expand into new areas, and teach inmates new skills that will benefit them upon release.
For years, ACI managed its operations with a mix of old, clunky business management systems. Keeping data in sync and tracking inventory across seven disparate locations was a constant struggle. When ACI finally got the green light to implement ERP software, they knew they needed a strong system that could handle all their locations as if they were one.
ACI implemented an all-in-one ERP system in 2015 and hasn’t looked back. Despite running seven unique businesses at seven different locations, all the production data and costs are now tracked in one centralized system. This allows managers to see what’s happening at each location and get the full picture of the business all in one place.
With up-to-date information readily available, including job status and inventory levels, ACI has improved efficiency throughout the enterprise. Managers can now allocate costs faster and more accurately, keep tabs on what’s being produced, monitor inventory levels with ease, and prioritize on-time deliveries. Plus, the ERP system’s detailed accounting reports have given them a better handle on accounts receivable and customer payments, making it easier to ensure products are priced right.
Over the past decade, the one-system ERP has brought clarity and control to ACI’s operations, helping them manage a complex, multi-location business with confidence. It’s proof that the right technology can make all the difference, even in the most challenging environments. Explore how you, too, can simplify your manufacturing with the right software and technology.