Flexible cloud-powered solution helps reduce manual workload and increase efficiency
“During the testing stage, we found that the combination of Epicor ERP and Microsoft technology complemented each other well. This was especially evident when having to process unexpected financial statements—the system’s ability to quickly input data helped reduce the amount of work for the IT department, thereby greatly increasing efficiency. As a result, we decided to completely switch all of our operations to the new ERP system by the end of this year.”
Founded in 1948, Chin Fong has expanded operations to become a successful mechanical press maker based in Taiwan. With annual revenue last year in excess of $7.4 billion NTD, Chin Fong’s products are exported to over 50 countries, including the UK, the US, Japan and Australia. In 1990, Chin Fong officially entered the US market, following the acquisition of Stamtec Inc. Since then, the company has established subsidiaries in China, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia, further expanding the scope of its operations. In 2001, the company began production of automobile presses. Customers today include major global automobile manufacturers, such as Toyota and Ford.
Chin Fong had been using an ERP system to support business operations, but it could only handle standardized products. As Chin Fong experienced rapid growth, and its products became more complex, the existing system could no longer support its needs. As a result, employees had to spend nearly double the time on daily tasks, such as processing orders, creating quotes, purchasing materials and completing the financial close process. Therefore, the company decided it was time to replace its existing ERP system with one that could meet current and future needs.
Mr. Yuta Tu, IT manager at Chin Fong, said, “Our old ERP system could not cope with the type of orders we were receiving. With customer demands becoming increasingly diversified, whenever we processed orders or managed production, our workforce had to spend lots of extra hours to solve problems caused by the system. Furthermore, since our various subsidiaries used different ERP systems, a lot of additional time was spent compiling data for use in our financial statements. All of this had a negative impact on decision-making within the company.”
Chin Fong began evaluating a new ERP system to more effectively track cash flow. The company hoped that a new system would allow it to immediately know the details of orders and transfers made by its subsidiaries, thereby accelerating the ability to make quick quotations and calculate costs, as well as manage resources in real-time. In addition, Chin Fong wanted a new system which would help management easily check information on their mobile devices, to quickly make more informed business decisions.
Following two years of extensive testing and evaluation, Chin Fong selected Epicor ERP from a total of 17 suppliers. Not only did Chin Fong find the Epicor features most aligned to its needs, the company was also attracted to the superior total cost of ownership and positive customer feedback. After a period of intense consideration, Chin Fong identified Epicor ERP as the system that best met its development needs.
Yuta commented, “During the testing stage, we found that the combination of Epicor ERP and Microsoft technology complemented each other well. This was especially evident when having to process unexpected financial statements—the system’s ability to quickly input data helped reduce the amount of work for the IT department, thereby greatly increasing efficiency. As a result, we decided to completely switch all of our operations to the new ERP system by the end of this year.”
Chin Fong plans to implement Epicor ERP at its factory in Jiangsu this December. This new system will help the company better manage data for orders, logistics, purchasing and financial statements. Furthermore, Chin Fong will dispatch employees from its Taiwan headquarters to Jiangsu, to offer support and undergo training, so they can better understand how the new system works. These employees will then help headquarters to make the transition when it adopts Epicor ERP in spring 2020. Using a single unified system will enable Chin Fong to more effectively manage data and allow its various businesses to better cooperate with each other.
“Epicor has a wealth of expertise in developing ERP software for machinery manufacturers. Our solutions are specifically designed to provide the greatest level of flexibility and promote business growth. We are proud that Chin Fong has selected Epicor ERP to help meet its business goals, and we look forward to supporting the company in its future growth ambitions,” said Vincent Tang, regional vice president, Asia, for Epicor.
