Meridian Automotive Systems Achieves Excellence in
Operations with Infor
Meridian Automotive Systems Achieves
Excellence in Operations with Infor
Michigan auto supplier implements Infor's ERP system in 22 plants
nationwide
Atlanta, Ga., August 30, 2005 - 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 www.infor.com <http://www.infor.com/> .
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Contact:
Sharon Sulc
Infor
614.523.7037
sharon.sulc@infor.com
Jennifer Radivoj
Airfoil Public Relations
313.887.7231
radivoj@airfoilpr.com