December 2009
Agility Helps Schwieters Companies Increase Production and Manage Workflow
A millwork distributor in Hugo, MN, Schwieters Companies implemented Agility software in the SaaS (Software as a Service) environment. Schwieters Companies provides installed sales of pre-finished doors, trim, as well as other millwork products, cabinets, and windows. They are unique in that they supply and install these products for multiple markets, including residential, multi-family, and commercial. “We maxed out our previous software and needed a system that would grow with us,” says Jim Stensvold, Production Manager for Schwieters Companies. “With Agility’s improved scheduling, accurate deliveries, tracking of special orders, and the ability to report margins and profitability on jobs, we are right on track.”
With their previous system, they were limited solely to monitoring inventory and accounting, with no tie to pricing and production. The convenient point-and-click windows format in Agility allows Schwieters Companies to view this information on multiple screens on their desktop. Schwieters Companies uses Agility’s remanufacturing functions with their pre-finished products to show the production process, costs, and profitability of specific jobs in real time. When work orders are created, items are committed and inventory is automatically updated in Agility providing a better forecast for management and accurate product information for salesmen. Quote “The commitment process is improving our inventory accuracy by requiring us to promptly verify quantities when discrepancies occur,” states Stensvold. “We are no longer locked-up by incomplete work orders caused by inaccurate inventory.”
Additionally, Schwieters Companies contracted with DMSi to write the 20/20 interface, now available to all Agility customers. The interface creates sales orders in Agility using standard XML files exported from the design software by 20/20 Technologies. There is also the ability to flag the interface to automatically create a linked purchase order for each sales order. “With the 20/20 interface, we can easily import quotes into Agility from the various cabinet lines we carry,” explains Stensvold. “This saves time and improves accuracy by eliminating the rekeying of information into Agility.”
"Our purchasing department was amazed when they saw the capabilities of Agility and how easy it was to learn,” adds Stensvold. “They jumped right in and quickly developed the skills they needed to take advantage of the software’s benefits.”
About DMSi Software
For over 30 years, DMSi has been the leading business management solution for distributors of building material and forest products. Nearly 400 of North America’s top lumber, millwork, pro dealer, roofing, siding, laminate, drywall, and other building product suppliers use DMSi software to efficiently manage daily activities in 1,500 distribution yards, shops, warehouses and offices.
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