In today’s fast-paced manufacturing world, operational efficiency is vital. Boulder Creek Stone, a family-owned manufacturer from Minneapolis, faced a common challenge: the struggle to manage separate systems that handled important business functions. After years of dealing with outdated technology and the ensuing inefficiencies, they took a bold step to centralize their operations with Acumatica’s ERP.
The Challenge of Disconnected Systems
For many years, Boulder Creek Stone depended on a patchwork of systems to keep their business running smoothly. An older version of Sage managed inventory and sales orders, while Microsoft Dynamics took charge of the General Ledger, payroll, and accounts payable. As Scott Starkweather, President of Boulder Creek Stone, pointed out, “Certain information was important to one system, and other information was important in another.” This disconnect led to inconsistent accountability and a chaotic operation, reminiscent of a jigsaw puzzle missing vital pieces.
The difficulties of using two unconnected systems extended beyond frustration. It consumed precious time. Each month, they entered approximately 700 accounts payable bills manually—an exhausting process made worse by the necessity to migrate data using Excel spreadsheets. This inefficient routine meant that they were always racing against the clock, desperately seeking a better solution.
Making the Switch to Acumatica
Boulder Creek Stone reached a point where they could no longer tolerate the hassle. Rather than simply updating one of their outdated systems, they opted for an all-encompassing solution: Acumatica’s ERP. This choice not only streamlined their operations; it also saved them thousands of dollars and enhanced their business capabilities in ways they had never imagined.
Scott and Glenda Starkweather, Co-Owner and Vice President, shared how this transition allowed them to have a unified system where all essential information worked in harmony without the need for manual entries. This integration liberated their team from hours of repetitive data entry, enabling them to concentrate on business growth instead.
Key Results of the Transformation
The impact of Acumatica on Boulder Creek Stone was profound. By centralizing their operations, they achieved significant improvements:
Streamlined Business Functions: The newly integrated system simplified workflows and reduced confusion.
Cost Savings: The transition led to thousands saved through an efficient CRM solution, enhancing overall operational costs.
Elimination of Manual Tasks: By removing the need for manual entries, the team reclaimed valuable time for strategic initiatives.
Improved Product Support: They gained better access to high-level support, a critical need they had previously struggled with.
These results illustrate a remarkable turnaround for the company, shifting their focus from merely managing operations to boosting productivity and efficiency.
"With Sage, our technical support was generally very slow. You would put a ticket in and maybe you’d hear back from them two, three days later. With Acumatica, you get an almost immediate response." Glenda Starkweather, Vice President Boulder Creek Stone
A Bright Future Ahead
With the transition to Acumatica, Boulder Creek Stone has unlocked new possibilities. Free from the burden of disconnected systems, they are poised to innovate while expanding their service offerings. Their dedication to quality remains steadfast, now backed by Operations that are more reliable and efficient.
In a competitive marketplace, Boulder Creek Stone’s proactive approach stands as an inspiring example of how integrating technology can result in substantial process improvements. Their experience offers valuable insights to other manufacturers grappling with similar systems issues.
Boulder Creek Stone's story serves as a reminder that having the right tools can significantly impact success. In today's dynamic business landscape, adapting and refining operations are essential. Their journey highlights how technology can pave the way to a more efficient future, with Acumatica ERP as the cornerstone of their revitalization.
With this transformation, Boulder Creek Stone is no longer just about manufacturing stone and thin brick veneer; they are creating a roadmap for effective business operations in the modern era.
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