MANUFACTURING · EPICOR

PLR tech gives transformer company the ‘best of both worlds’

Australian manufacturer of power and distribution transformers, Wilson Transformer Company (WTC), had been searching for a robust product lifecycle management system to meet its specific requirements for some time. Deciding to build on previous successes, the company opted for the Epicor product lifecycle management solution, after finding success with Epicor ERP Vantage...
Written by Epicor Software Corporation · June 27, 2011
AT A GLANCE
BUSINESS OBJECTIVE
• The creation of an end-to-end solution enabling greater design, production and engineering workflow efficiency
• Access to specification, design, client liaison, service, maintenance, manufacture and procurement terms data.
SOLUTION
• Epicor product lifecycle management (PLM) & support from COGITA
THE BENEFITS
Improved workflow efficiencies
Increased data access and visibility
Integration with other third-party systems including 3D CAD

Wilson Transformer Company first partnered with COGITA more than five years ago by choosing Epicor ERP Vantage version, which the company currently uses to support its financial management system and logistics operations.

The company’s decision to opt for the Epicor product lifecycle management (PLM) solution was based, in part, on the success the company has enjoyed to date using the Vantage solution. The company had been vigorously searching for a robust PLM system for some time, and Epicor met their criteria.

“In particular we were impressed with the product lifecycle management capability offered through Epicor ERP,” says Ed Wilson, general manager, Power Business Unit at WTC.

“Given the nature of our business, it is critical we have access to, and complete visibility of, all information pertaining to a specific product including specifications, design, client liaison, service, maintenance, manufacture and procurement terms.

“Ultimately we wanted an end-to-end solution that would enable us to generate greater efficiencies in terms of design, production and engineering workflows.

“The out-of-the-box integration of the PLM system with Epicor ERP, and its integration with other third-party systems including 3D CAD, was a huge draw for us,” explains Guy Barnsley, mechanical engineering manager at Wilson Transformer Company, Power Business Unit.

“In addition, the modern technology and flexible platform of Epicor ERP, which is built on Microsoft.NET technology, was also a very attractive proposition. By upgrading from Vantage to Epicor ERP, we have the best of both worlds: we retain a strong ERP infrastructure but now have the added integrated PLM component, which we have been striving for, for some time. Knowing we will work closely with COGITA for the initial implementation and for ongoing support is also a huge comfort for us.”

Roger Fairgray, client services director for COGITA says that the team is “delighted that Wilson Transformer Company is expanding its engagement with Epicor by leveraging the increased functionality and scope of embedded modules that Epicor ERP has to offer, including: advanced planning and scheduling, maintenance management, enterprise quality assurance, enterprise performance management, and expanding to PLM.”

With over 650 employees based in Australia, Wilson Transformer Company works collaboratively with its customers, using its unique experience and know-how in engineering, manufacturing and logistics, to provide innovative and tailored solutions to satisfy customer requirements. WTC also has two specialised manufacturing operations based in Victoria, one for large power transformers in Glen Waverley and the other for distribution transformers in Wodonga.

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