Meridian Automotive Systems Achieves Excellence in Operations with Infor
Michigan auto supplier implements Infor's ERP system in 22 plants nationwide
ATLANTA, Aug. 30 -- Infor, the largest global software provider that exclusively focuses on the manufacturing and distribution markets, recognized Meridian Automotive Systems as a member of the Infor Customers InFocus Awards Program for its exemplary use of the Infor ERP for automotive solution to unify and simplify its operations. Meridian, headquartered in Dearborn, Mich., provides the world's leading automakers with exterior composites, interior modules and exterior bumpers and lighting.
With Infor ERP for automotive, a part of Infor's Manufacturing Essentials for Automotive, Meridian consolidated from three ERP systems in its 22 North American plants to just one. Over a three-year period, Meridian implemented the solution in 20 plants and succeeded in implementing the solution in one plant, complete with Automotive EDI, in just six weeks. Meridian rolled the system out in three countries on time and on budget.
"The implementation has resulted in a great business foundation through standardization of processes," said Bruce Knoll, director of IT for Meridian. "It has also produced tremendous business value from an audit standpoint in our Sarbanes-Oxley compliance efforts, because now we are auditing a standard process."
The Infor solution has enabled Meridian to control business processes and standardize parts numbers, systems for production reporting, EDI, receiving, financials and Kanban. Additionally, the solution allows Meridian to implement bar-code scanning not only in shipping and receiving but also on the plant floor using hand-held devices that allow performance of any Infor XA transactions. At the corporate level, Meridian has consolidated purchasing through use of shared applications.
"Meridian Automotive Systems has demonstrated how well-considered, strategic ERP implementation can transform a company's operations and produce amazing savings in both costs and efforts, while eliminating most of the errors inherent in manual paperwork. This helps to increase customer satisfaction," said Rick Parker, vice president global marketing, Discrete Group, Infor. "The company has deservedly earned a position in the Infor Customers InFocus Awards Program for its innovation in implementing Infor ERP and adapting to its benefits."
Infor Customers InFocus awardees are chosen for their demonstration of specific, real and significant operational improvements, cost reductions or business performance enhancements. These manufacturing companies have dramatically reduced inventory and operating costs, along with lead times for production and delivery, while improving speed to market, inventory turns and customer satisfaction.
About Meridian Automotive Systems
Meridian Automotive Systems is a leading supplier of technologically advanced front and rear end modules, lighting, exterior composites, console modules, instrument panels and other interior systems to automobile and truck manufacturers. Meridian operates 22 plants in the United States, Canada and Mexico, supplying Original Equipment Manufacturers and major Tier One parts suppliers.
About Infor
Infor is the largest global software provider exclusively focused on delivering world-class enterprise applications to select verticals in the manufacturing and distribution industries. Infor delivers integrated best-in- class products that address the essential challenges its customers face in areas such as supply chain planning, relationship management, demand management, ERP, warehouse management, marketing-driven distribution, and business intelligence. With more than 2,400 employees in 47 global offices, Infor provides enterprise solutions to 17,500 customers in over 70 countries. For additional information, visit http://www.infor.com/ .