Information Age Technologies, Inc.

B2B .NET Development / iSeries Data

CENTRIA Corporation is a world leader in engineering, manufacturing, and constructing nonresidential, architectural, industrial, and institutional metal buildings. With corporate offices in Pittsburgh PA and manufacturing facilities in Pennsylvania , Arkansas , and Kentucky , CENTRIA boasts production capacities envied by their competitors. CENTRIA's Coil-Coating Services (CCS) business unit processes bare steel coils for companies that make consumer products like metal garage doors, refrigerators, and light fixtures. It also produces high-end metal roof panels and a number of other construction products.

Business Challenge:

• CENTRIA’s primary information systems are represented by customized JD Edwards software running on the IBM iSeries platform. The line of business systems are maintained by CENTRIA’s talented IT staff in Moon Township PA.
• The CCS Division keeps millions of dollars' worth of steel coils in inventory on behalf of its clients, then cuts, paints, embosses, and ships panels to manufacturers down the supply chain for further processing. Everything done to the panels is based on client specifications, and although CENTRIA is supported by an advanced computing infrastructure, until last November, customer service had been receiving instructions from clients via fax.
• Ever in search of ways to enhance customer service, CENTRIA’s progressive management team recognized the potential of the internet to streamline the flow of manufacturing specifications and shipment release requests from clients. Management also realized that implemention of an advanced B2B application would further enhance their image with clients.

Solutions:

• After a thorough analysis phase, CENTRIA's management team initiated a phase II B2B project to enhance customer service and improve production/shipping response times.
• John Roth, Director of Information Technology, envisioned an interactive web-based portal to give clients access to inventory data. The new B2B application would enable them initiate production processes, release finished materials for shipping, and handle other production-related issues. "We have to try to keep in sync with the supply chain, or we end up with a whole lot of inventory, and we have to be proactive to increase communication flow, to keep everything efficient," explains Roth.
• IAT's combination of iSeries platform and B2B application development expertise, was a perfect fit and Roth selected the firm as the application developer. The IAT staff worked closely with John, Ron Hanolt, Project Manager, and Rick Walters, Customer Service Manager on all phases of the project, from design through implementation.

Customer Results:

• Fresh off a road-trip to introduce the new B2B application to key clients, Rick Walters was impressed with the response. Clients found the application intuitive and efficient. Client response has exceeded expectations.
• CENTRIA clients have direct control over what is to be processed and are able to see exactly what's on the shop floor. "When the client reserves specific material, the shop floor immediately sees that it was reserved by the client to paint. When it's painted, it is automatically placed in processed or finished inventory. When the client initiates shipment, the loading dock is automatically told to put this on the schedule to ship," says Roth. This improved visibility helps CENTRIA clients to better coordinate delivery to the next link down in their supply chain.
• When clients log on, they are be able to conduct their business easily and effortlessly over the web with only the essentials being a browser, a user id, and a password. Every step of the process that a client completes is directly interfaced to CENTRIA's JD Edwards backend. Therfore, eliminating the need to call or fax instructions to customer service.

"Information Age Technologies brings the technical expertise and professional know-how that make high-impact IT projects achievable with a minimum of risk. CENTRIA needed a B2B Website for our Coil Coating Services Customers that provided on-line access and update to our PeopleSoft (JD Edwards) ERP system. IAT developed the website using Microsoft ASP and VB.NET and ASNA DataGate software to deliver the project on-time and at a much lower cost than the competition. The IAT staff had a real sense for our business priorities and shifted the firm's resources, when required, to meet our needs. Finally, what pulls it all together is that the IAT team is a pleasure to work with. Just give me a call if you'd like to hear more." 

John Roth
Director of IT
Centria Corporation