From Data to Dollars: Australian Metal Fabricator’s Journey to Enhanced Productivity

Located in Bassendean, Western Australia, Pressform Engineering has been a regional cornerstone of expert metal fabrication since 1976. Catering to a broad spectrum of industries – including industrial, mining, oil, gas, architectural, chemical, and water supply infrastructure – Pressform Engineering offers a comprehensive array of services working with a variety of metals from stainless steel and nickel alloys to aluminum, copper, and brass.

To align with its reputation for delivering high-quality products, Pressform Engineering needed to address operational inefficiencies and improve overall productivity. In 2016, following a search for an ERP system that can handle key performance metrics such as costing, quoting, inventory management, and labor efficiency, Pressform Engineering found a long-term partner in Global Shop Solutions.

Real-time data leads to real results

Access to real-time shop floor data has made all the difference for Pressform Engineering. The ERP enables managers to track job status live on the shop floor and view comprehensive data from a single screen. The Supply & Demand screen in the Inventory application, for instance, allows managers to oversee jobs, sales, receivables, and performance metrics in real time, providing a holistic view of shop floor activities.

“The accuracy of the data has helped raise our gross profit percentage above 42%,” says Jonathon Worner, Group Manager for Pressform Engineering. “Our ERP system assists with the efficient movement of jobs around the factory floor so that productivity, margins and profits are carefully monitored and assessed to keep cash flow healthy. Now we can easily determine which jobs are perennial burners and assess their true value to the company.”

Purchasing and efficiency go hand-in-hand

Another aspect of the ERP system that has improved efficiencies and lowered costs for Pressform Engineering is Automated Purchasing. This application facilitates swift analysis and smarter decision-making by enabling purchasing personnel to select the best vendor quotes, track past purchases, monitor production, compare fabrication times on repeat orders, and much more.

“We can cut purchasing costs by reviewing historical work orders to see who is more efficient at certain processing operations, and viewing multiple vendor quotes on materials. Buyers can work more efficiently by setting up automated purchasing based on material requirements, planning functions, and purchase history.”

Richard Dolan, Estimator for Pressform Engineering

Company-wide improvements

The many improvements in measurements and production processes allow Pressform Engineering to compete more effectively in their markets. Quoting is now faster and more accurate, employees are more mindful of time allocation, and on-time deliveries have seen a significant boost. Further, the increased visibility and control over production processes has enhanced employee morale and engagement on the shop floor.

“Global Shop Solutions ERP impresses and engages new employees with its technology and capabilities,” expressed Worner. “It assists with the efficient movement of jobs around the factory floor, making production easier for everyone and motivating them to take pride in their work and become more engaged in their jobs.”

For a deeper dive into Pressform Engineering’s transformative journey through ERP, read their case study.