Profiles of Consulting Engagement Experience
GENERAL THEMING CONTRACTORS
- Assessment of Computer System to Support Future Growth
Implementation of Job Costing Software Package
This medium-sized company designs and creates custom visual branding and communication elements (e.g., signs,
interior and exterior displays, menu boards) for clients primarily in the retail and restaurant industries. Management
wanted to determine if the company’s ERP application system (Sage System’s MAS-90) would continue to support
their planned future business expansion. B. Greenfield & Associates conducted an independent analysis to
understand the company’s operational needs, then evaluated systems strengths and shortcomings within this context.
Key missing capabilities identified were accurate job/project costing, and the lack of timely data for managing
projects. B. Greenfield & Associates worked with client personnel and software vendor representatives to identify the
most suitable job costing package, and then took the lead in implementing the system and training users. An
important aspect of this initiative was moving the company toward more real-time data capture, and using the
system’s report generator to develop the necessary management reports.Another management concern was that
the company’s production supervisors had come up through the ranks, and
were not well versed in operations planning and management concepts. To address this situation, B. Greenfield &
Associates developed and presented training programs on subjects such as materials planning, process improvement,
and just-in-time/lean production.
UNION TOOLS
- Computer System Selection & Implementation Ongoing Systems Support
The client, a medium-sized company manufacturing and distributing garden tools, wanted to upgrade its computer
system with a network-based integrated manufacturing resources requirements (MRP-II) system. The consulting
engagement included support in system requirements definition, request for proposals (RFP) preparation, vendor
response review, vendor selection, data file design and construction, policy/procedure development, and user training
(both manufacturing concepts and software usage).The software package selected was ROI System’s Manage-2000.
Since the initial implementation, B. Greenfield & Associates has provided ongoing support
to system users and administrators. This includes user training, database
management, designing and developing custom screens and reports, creating operating procedures, researching and
resolving problems, testing and implementing new system capabilities, and serving as the project manager for
software upgrades.There have been several special projects as well, involving systems and operations improvement in Production,
Purchasing, Engineering, Customer Service, Distribution, and Accounting. As the company acquired new business
units, B. Greenfield & Associates had a major role in integrating their operations into the Manage-2000 system,
which comprised developing file structures, loading data tables, writing procedures, and training users. The common
thread throughout these initiatives has been helping the client to most effectively use the system to run the various
aspects of the business.
COLUMBUS ACADEMY
- Computer System Needs Analysis and Conceptual Design
This client is a private school located in Gahanna, Ohio, offering educational programs for students in grades K – 12.
The engagement was to review the current financial reporting systems, academic office requirements, and
development functions, to identify the conceptual requirements of an automated system which would better support
the operations of the school. The resulting document provided the basis for soliciting and evaluating proposals from
software and hardware vendors, and selecting the eventual solution.
SHONAC CORPORATION
- Warehousing/Distribution System Requirements Definition
A footwear retailer, Shonac (stores are known as Designer Shoe Warehouse) needed to upgrade its warehousing
and distribution systems. This assignment was to identify and document the system requirements,
to use in soliciting requests for proposals. A key emphasis was clearly explaining
and documenting several processes that were unique to the company,
to allow the appropriate consideration in vendor responses.
CMHC SYSTEMS
- Customer Support Call Center Process Improvement
This company provides information technology and business solutions to the healthcare and human services industries.
The purpose of the engagement was to identify opportunities to improve the administrative process
of resolving customer support calls. Key recommendations included aligning support resources more directly
with the needs of the customer base (with cross-functional teams, each group serving specific customers
with similar support requirements), developing standardized online problem reporting,
and creating guidelines for staff to prioritize their work.
REYNOLDS + REYNOLDS
- Systems Analysis and Design
This client provides business forms and associated computer-based management systems, primarily
for auto dealerships. B. Greenfield & Associates served as a subcontractor to the company’s IT Department,
undertaking a variety of projects focusing on specific business processes or problem areas.
The range of assignments encompassed both internal systems and customer applications.
DISTRO, INC.
- Warehouse Management System Evaluation
This plumbing supply wholesaler was interested in acquiring and implementing a computer-based
warehouse management system incorporating barcode scanning. The assignment was to evaluate
the current warehouse environment and support systems, investigate the features and functions
of the automated system being considered, identify the potential benefits,
and determine the requirements and challenges (both operational and technological)
for successful implementation and use. As an added benefit to the client,
a number of potential operational improvements were identified and presented.
ONLINE COMPUTER LIBRARY CENTER *
- Computer Systems Design & Development
This assignment was to design and implement computer systems for billing and budgeting/financial planning,
as part of a comprehensive accounting systems replacement initiative by this not-for-profit organization.
Software program development and user training were included as well.
CONSOLIDATED STORES (BIG LOTS) *
- Information Systems/Operational Planning
A close-out retailer experiencing rapid growth, Consolidated’s management wanted to confirm
that the company’s information systems would adequately support their expansion plans.
The ensuing consulting assignment was an information requirements analysis including wholesale,
retail, and product distribution operations. Detailed specifications
for selecting new systems – and enhancing existing systems – were developed as the main project deliverable.
* Bruce Greenfield participated in this project as an employee of KMG Main Hurdman