How a Custom Coating Auto Line Shop Improved Efficiency by 30% With Steelhead
At a Glance:
Industry: Professional top grade custom finishing to fit your commercial and residential needs, complete with special packaging, shipping and installation.
Location: Concord, Ontario, Canada
Organization: ISO 9001 Certified, Auto Line, 26 Employees
Challenge: Outdated software system with compatibility issues and limited access to real-time data.
Solution: Implement Steelhead’s comprehensive ERP system for improved visibility, efficiency, and cost analysis.
Results:
- Profit and Efficiency
- Control and Traceability
- Data Driven Insights
- Exceptional Customer Service
Colourfast Custom Coatings: Streamlining Operations With Steelhead Technologies
Colourfast Custom Coatings, a family-owned business with over 33 years of experience in custom powder coating, has seen great improvements from implementing Steelhead’s ERP system.
This is how Colourfast leveraged Steelhead to modernize operations, reduce inefficiencies, and position themselves for long-term growth while maintaining their commitment to quality craftsmanship.
The Challenge: Outdated Software, Limited Real-Time Data, and Manual Processes
Colourfast faced several operational challenges:
- Outdated software system with compatibility issues between hardware and software
- Limited access to real-time data
- Inefficient manual processes for inventory tracking, quoting, order management, and maintenance
- Separate databases for quoting and production, leading to double entries and miscommunications
Joseph Manzoli, President of Colourfast Custom Coatings, noted:
“We approached Steelhead because the system that we had although great from the time that we started up until we started working from Steelhead became antiquated.”
The Solution: Improve Tracking and Analysis With Steelhead’s All-In-One ERP
Colourfast implemented Steelhead’s digital production floor to address several operational challenges and achieve specific improvements in their processes:
- Gain real-time job tracking and cost analysis
- Integrate quoting and order processing
- Enhance inventory management
- Improve production workflow
- Access advanced reporting and analytics
- Easily manage and track maintenance
The Results: An Estimated 30% Increase in Efficiency
Switching to Steelhead at Colourfast led to key improvements:
1. Improved Visibility and Production Workflow
Real-time workboards provide visibility across the shop floor, allowing operators to track job status at any stage. Unlike manual spreadsheets prone to errors, Steelhead’s system updates in real time, ensuring accurate scheduling and prioritization.
“The workboards give visibility to everybody. So everybody on the shop floor is able to look at the workboards and know what is coming in, what has been received, and what is being processed, at which stage at any time of the day.” – Marino Manzoli, COO
2. Efficient Order Processing
Colourfast has seen an estimated 30% improvement in overall workflow due to reduced administrative tasks. With Steelhead’s ability to centralize all part details including processes, diagrams, and special requirements directly into a part number profile, they eliminate double data entries and miscommunications across the shop.
3. Inventory and Maintenance Control & Traceability
Steelhead enables Colourfast to track inventory such as powder, packaging supplies, and equipment components. This ensures critical items are always available, and integrates with financial reporting for better cost management. Maintenance documentation is centralized and automated with notifications for scheduled tasks, simplifying ISO compliance and reducing downtime.
4. Advanced Reporting and Analytics
Steelhead’s reporting tools offer insights into key metrics like quote win ratios and customer trends. Dashboards allow quick access to performance data, helping Colourfast prioritize profitable accounts and make data-driven decisions.
5. Exceptional Customer Service
Steelhead’s customer portal has streamlined communications, allowing clients to easily track quotes, orders, and invoices in real time. This reduces the need for calls and emails, freeing up internal resources while improving transparency and customer satisfaction.
Summary: Positioning Colourfast for Continued Growth and Success
Steelhead Technologies has helped optimize processes from the front office to the production floor at Colourfast Custom Coatings, driving visibility and efficiency while reducing errors, improving decision-making for maximum profitability, and enhancing customer service.
“THERE’S NOTHING ELSE ON THE MARKET RIGHT NOW THAT I’VE SEEN THAT COMPARES TO STEELHEAD.” – JOSEPH MANZOLI, OWNER