Nelson Electric Supply Company
A Giant Step Forward for Nelson Electric
- A Savance Enterprise Client Case Study
We needed a solution that was modern and flexible, and would continue to work smoothly with our existing, highly customized system.
Background
Nelson Electric is a premier supplier of industrial automation equipment and services headquartered in Racine, Wisconsin. In operation since 1949, the company prides itself on its longevity and long history of providing its customers with the best in services and capabilities. Since its inception, Nelson Electric has grown to being a company of over 50 people, and now features two separate distribution centers in addition to its headquarters and training facility.
Challenges
Prior to going on the hunt that would ultimately lead the company to Savance, Nelson Electric had started to feel that its aging Array software was no longer meeting their needs. Originally implemented in 1981, the system had been continually added to and customized over the years. And while many applications continued to serve the company well, the manual warehouse management processes were in particular need of updating. Nelson also recognized the need to serve a new generation of customers interested in shopping online from a browser or a smartphone.
In order not to disrupt day-to-day operations, any new functionality would have to be implemented incrementally. "We needed a solution that was modern and flexible, and would continue to work smoothly with our existing, highly customized system," explains Nelson Electric's Vice President, Steve Shuman. The company found precisely what it was looking for in Savance's warehouse management and Web store functionality.
Both solutions integrated seamlessly with our existing ERP system, and we began to see benefits almost immediately."
Implementation
Savance worked hand-in-hand with Nelson Electric to implement the new software quickly and painlessly. "Both solutions integrated seamlessly with our existing ERP system," states Shuman. "We began to see benefits almost immediately."
Results & Benefits
The new functionality automated numerous paper-based activities, streamlined processes, and helped reduce errors – providing expected, as well as unexpected, benefits. "Savance improved our order tracking; produced clearer, more professional labeling; and simplified our bar coding processes," Shuman continues. "Moreover, the web store functionality provided our customers with a much needed, comprehensive overview of our products – all with just a few mouse clicks."
Not only did the Savance software enhance the online experience for Nelson Electric's customers – with many touting its ease of use and quick, effective search function – it also improved transparency internally by enhancing employees' understanding of the company's full range of products and services.
"Implementing Savance has given us a best-in-class solution for both our warehouse and for our web store," states Shuman. "As a result, Nelson Electric has taken a giant step forward toward our goal of always providing the ultimate in service and capabilities to our customers."
With Savance Software, there is a place for everything, and everything in its place."
Next Steps
After implementing many of the Savance Enterprise modules, Nelson Electric could see significant improvements in overall operations. As a result of these welcomed improvements, as well as Nelson Electric’s strong connection with Savance and its technology, the company decided to commit to a complete migration of its Array ERP system to Savance Enterprise.
Savance continues to work closely with Nelson Electric to ensure that this transition is carried out as smoothly and successfully as possible. "With Savance software," Shuman says, "there is a place for everything, and everything in its place." Moreover, the improvements in organization have paved the way for the rollout of further functionality. "Not only are the Savance solutions excellent stand-alone applications in their own right," Shuman concludes. "They also allow us to update in stages, on an as-needed basis, until eventually we are ready to carry out the complete migration. Implementing Savance has helped ensure that Nelson Electric can build on our history of success – and remain future ready for a long time to come."