Why such a project?
The last major upgrade of our information systems dated back to the 2010s. At that time, the company had acquired an ERP system and new mechanical and electrical CAD software. Our systems were closely interlinked, with updates that were not always compatible with one another, and the hardware was at risk of becoming obsolete.
In addition, we were still facing issues with information being circulated on paper.
It was therefore both necessary and urgent to carry out a complete overhaul of our information systems.
How was the project set up?
A Project Manager (more precisely, a female Project Manager) was appointed to understand the needs and issues of every department and to coordinate between them, as well as with the technical service providers (hardware, software, Wi-Fi, IP telephony).
As the company’s mission is not to be an expert in managing digital transformation projects, we decided to enlist the support of a specialist consultancy: Agence Smart Industry.
What were the success factors?
The project fully met its objectives in terms of schedule, budget and technical performance. At this stage, it is difficult to say exactly what the key factors in the project’s success were. Nevertheless, we have identified 2 major ones: a daily 30-minute meeting to review progress and the decisions to be made, and the involvement of all users in every presentation of the new tools. This involvement took the form of half-day software presentations, as well as questionnaires gathering feedback on the products (performance, usability, understanding of their capabilities, etc.).
What stage has the project reached?
To date, all the servers have been replaced, along with the workstations and CAD stations; all computers are now equipped with MS365; Wi-Fi has been rolled out across the company’s 11,000 m²; IP telephony has also been deployed, and desk phones have been replaced by smartphones or headsets connected to PCs.
The new ERP system has been purchased and is currently being rolled out, as is the mechanical and electrical CAD software.
The project will be completed at the end of 2022, and we will then have real-time access to all of the company’s databases (sales information, technical data, planning, scheduling, etc.).
With this project, we will also take a major step forward in managing technical data, as the company will be equipped with a PDM (Product Data Management) system, and in traceability, thanks to barcode readers for all operations (time recording, incoming and outgoing materials).
The project is progressing in line with the original specifications, but it is far more complex than we had imagined; our choice of service providers has proved to be a truly wise one.
