Steel Manufacturing Company overcomes ERP failure, transforming to digital excellence with Kinetech's agile custom software and system integration solutions. Learn how tech boosts sales and efficiency.
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The Challenge:
After a steel manufacturer's legacy version of Infor Syteline reached end of life and future versions could not support their customizations, they attempted a Microsoft Dynamics implementation—the "safe" COTS choice. Due to the limitations of Dynamics the implementation failed requiring full reversion to the legacy ERP.
The Solution:
Kinetech built a customized end-to-end production management system designed to fit the processes they have perfected over 30-years rather than forcing the company to adjust processes to fit the software.
The Result:
Bottom Line:
Enterprise software says 'change everything.' We say 'keep what works'—then build smart solutions around it.
"Software built around our process—not the other way around."
– VP Production
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Industry: Steel coil processing and manufacturing
Business: Converting raw steel coils into finished steel products for the automotive industry through precision manufacturing processes
Parent Company: Japanese steel manufacturer using Microsoft Dynamics 365
Challenge: Failed ERP implementation and need for process-perfect solution
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The Implementation That Failed
This steel manufacturer faced a common manufacturing dilemma: their existing ERP system was at end life from the vendor, forcing them to either upgrade or find a replacement. Over many years, they had customized their system to support their unique manufacturing processes—customizations that were essential for their operations but would be lost in any upgrade.
The vendor's new version could not accommodate these process-specific requirements without expensive, complex rebuilding of customizations. They needed a solution designed around three decades of proven operations.
Since their parent company used Microsoft Dynamics for Manufacturing, they decided to follow suit. After working with a vendor to customize the system, they went live—only to discover it was to be a complete failure. Dynamics could not handle their specific workflow requirements or operational complexity, and the forced upgrade cycle created additional headaches. With operations at risk, they had no choice but to revert to their old ERP system, which was already approaching end-of-life."
Operations was left holding the bag: managing daily business on an unsupported system while searching for a replacement that would not fail them again.
The Quest for the Right Solution
Determined to succeed where others failed, they researched cutting-edge low-code platforms. They identified the top vendors in the space and reached out directly. Mendix recognized the project's complexity and referred them to the Kinetech team as their premier expert services partner.
Learning from their previous experience, they implemented a rigorous vendor selection process. They hired a third-party consulting firm to manage a comprehensive Request for Proposal (RFP), evaluating multiple vendors across technical capabilities, approach, and value proposition.
Proving Excellence Upfront
Where other vendors made promises, Kinetech delivered proof. As part of the RFP process, Kinetech rapidly built a fully functional proof of concept that went far beyond typical demonstrations.
The Accelerated Development Advantage
Kinetech used its expansive library of pre-built templates and components as the foundation, then customized them to match the manufacturer's specific requirements. This included mobile interfaces, QR/barcode scanning, and material management workflows—all customized to their operations.
This composable approach minimizes development costs and complexity while maintaining full customization capability. it is the optimal balance between off-the-shelf efficiency and custom precision—exactly what traditional ERP vendors cannot deliver.
After strategic conversations to understand the company's processes, legacy system limitations, and operational challenges, Kinetech built a working proof of concept in just days—one that perfectly matched their manufacturing reality
"The on-site demonstration left the team stunned. Kinetech's library of pre-built components and rapid development had delivered a customized production management application in days, not months. "The software was already built. We could see exactly how it would work for us" the VP of Operations observed. They were not looking at concepts—they were seeing their actual future operations.
The Direct Translation Advantage
Traditional software development creates separation between those who build solutions and those who use them. Multiple layers of analysts, architects, and project managers create a "whisper down the lane" effect where critical business nuance gets lost in translation.
The Kinetech team eliminates this bureaucracy entirely. Their consultant-developers work directly with production and operational leadership teams, closing the gap between business reality and working software. This direct engagement is essential for agile development—enabling rapid iteration based on immediate feedback from actual users.
The Result:
Skip the documentation marathon and communication breakdowns. Get software that fits your actual operations by building it with the people who live in those operations daily.
"it is like talking directly to someone who understands your business problem and can immediately turn to their other monitor to build the solution. No translation layers, no lost context—just direct business-to-code execution."
- Jeff, Project Lead
Comprehensive Manufacturing Management
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Preventing Technology Failures
Kinetech's methodology directly addresses the technology limitations that caused the previous failure—customization constraints, excessive costs, and inflexibility. By building with a low-code platform and leveraging pre-built components, they eliminate the technical risks that derail traditional implementations.
Structured Delivery Phases
Rather than risky "big bang" deployments, Kinetech follows a proven four-phase approach:
Iterative Development That Works
Kinetech's approach is simple but powerful:
design → build → deploy → gather feedback → repeat.
This continuous cycle prevents large-scale project failures through:
This defined, scalable process transforms software delivery from a risky gamble into a predictable success.
Guaranteed Success Strategy
Unlike traditional implementations where users can fall back on old systems when problems arise, Kinetech used an adaptive cutover approach. We execute the required hard cutover, but with built-in capability to modify the application if any critical issues emerge.
Why This Works:
The Key Difference: While other vendors deliver software and walk away, we stay engaged to ensure your system evolves with your real-world needs during the critical adoption phase.
Process Perfection Without Disruption
"This business has operated successfully for 30 years with the same proven process."
- VP Operations
The clients’ time-tested manufacturing workflow remains intact while gaining transformational capabilities:
- Digital workflow orchestration replacing manual coordination
- Real-time operational visibility across all production stages
- Automated compliance documentation with quality certificates
- Seamless parent company integration for unified reporting
- Future Proof ensure the solution can evolve while providing a simple upgrade path
Maximum Efficiency Achievement
Because the software wraps perfectly around their existing workflows, the client can reach their theoretical efficiency ceiling. "There is a limit to how efficient you can be... but I think we are reaching that limit here because it is built specifically for what they are doing."
- VP Operations
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The steel manufacturer now operates with a production management system that feels like a natural evolution of their proven process, powered by enterprise-grade reliability and innovation—exactly what they needed after experiencing the limitations of traditional software approaches.
Enterprise-Grade Infrastructure Built on AWS cloud platform with high availability and automatic failover support, ensuring 99.95% uptime and eliminating the system reliability concerns that plagued their previous implementation.
Operational Transformation
- Zero Process Disruption: 30-year manufacturing workflow preserved while gaining digital precision
- Complete Integration: Seamless data flow to parent company's Dynamics 365 for unified reporting and order management
- Mobile Excellence: Production floor teams operate with real-time visibility and control
- Bulletproof Reliability: AWS infrastructure prevents the downtime and system failures that derailed their previous solution
The bottom line: When enterprise software fails, Kinetech delivers solutions that work—with the infrastructure to keep them working.
Ready to transform your manufacturing operations with
software built around your proven processes?
