Case Study: Improved Business Processes Drive Measurable Outcomes for an Automotive Manufacturer

AUTHOR

David Benhaim

Patrick is a professional in information technology consulting, holding the position of manager at Spadina Digital. His expertise allows him to develop effective IT strategies and deploy technological systems that improve the financial performance of companies. He has in-depth knowledge of several industries.

Summary

An automotive production company faced the challenge of achieving ambitious growth objectives, including:

  • Doubling total profits in 5 years, with a subsequent 1% annual increase
  • Decreasing working capital to 45 days, followed by a 5-day annual improvement
  • Establishing a robust financial position that allows for organic expansion or strategic acquisitions as circumstances and prospects emerge.

Spadina Digital, a long-standing client partner, was brought on board to swiftly evaluate the existing technological infrastructure and devise a 24-month enhancement strategy.

Several issues need to be tackled to fulfill the ambitious business growth goals. Firstly, vital operational data was collected manually and inconsistently. Secondly, data was frequently saved on local systems, making historical data hard to locate and utilize. Thirdly, the client struggled to oversee essential program deliverables and budgets. Certain departments were perpetually reactive, dealing with daily problems without sufficient foresight into planned priorities. Lastly, daily core processes were manual, labor-intensive, and managed through software programs that exposed the company to potentially expensive configuration errors.

 

Solutions

Spadina Digital rapidly configured and deployed a Microsoft-based enterprise system within a few months to support the client in achieving their performance targets. This solution concentrated on enhancing four primary areas:

  1. Enhancing the precision and availability of essential program data. Spadina Digital customized Microsoft Dynamics CRM to address the client’s unique requirements, enabling centralized storage and linkage of all vital program data within SharePoint. This boosted the timeliness and accuracy of performance data, minimized data consolidation time for delivery, and granted immediate access to all program data across the organization.

  2. Boosting visibility into key performance indicators. The customized Microsoft Dynamics CRM application consolidated vital program, delivery, and cost data into real-time, on-demand performance dashboards. This allowed for the prompt identification of critical issues needing leadership intervention and support and the detection of trends that could affect future program performance. Teams could be evaluated and incentivized based on activities that drive program performance, fostering increased accountability throughout the organization.

  3. Prioritizing essential tasks. The Microsoft solution enabled the management of crucial actions and milestones, providing all functions with insight into resources and priorities. Consequently, the focus was directed toward the most critical tasks of a program at any given moment while ensuring resources were allocated to current and future priority needs.

  4. Administering core business processes. The system’s integrated process management features reduced process failures and enhanced accountability for timely completion of competing tasks. Material planning accuracy was also significantly improved.

Outcomes

The manufacturing company consolidated nearly all operational data into a single solution by collaborating with Spadina Digital on their accelerated system deployment. Spadina Digital’s hands-on approach to service and support assisted the client in quickly adopting and embracing the new technology solution. Although technology is just one component of the company’s comprehensive solution, the new system’s agility and adaptability directly contribute to the ongoing efforts to achieve its ambitious improvement goals.

Let's Grow Together

Do you have a project? Complete the form below to speak with one of our IT consultants about your business needs.