Significant improvements were also realized in the payroll department. “Payroll was becoming so time consuming that we were considering outsourcing the process,” recounts Wietharn. “However, after implementing CRC we have been able to reduce processing time by over 75% to about twenty minutes for our weekly pay period.” Similar results have been achieved in order entry, as one person has been able to enter as many as 80 orders per day during their peak season – a task that required as many as three people prior to CRC.

Sales Representative Mike Nigus faced a difficult challenge when he joined Lockwood in late 2001. “My goal was to stabilize sales and get them back on track with last year’s levels,” explains Nigus. Mike was able to realize this goal in just a few short months by utilizing CRC’s Sales Analysis reports to forecast sales and monitor his customers’ needs. “Most sales reps rely on their customers to let them know when they need to purchase more materials,” explains Nigus. “By reviewing CRC’s Sales Analysis reports on a regular basis, I am able to accurately determine when each customer should be buying from me and plan my calls and meetings accordingly. Customers are impressed with our timeliness and appreciate the fact that we are looking out for them. Thanks to CRC I have often made sales that I may have lost because I would have never known that the need existed.”

CRC has allowed Lockwood to reduce administrative costs, more effectively manage their raw material inventory, and stabilize and even increase sales in a challenging economic climate. “After we signed on with CRC, I lost some sleep worrying about whether or not we made the right choice,” admits Jim Wietharn. “However, two years later I can honestly say that I would highly recommend CRC to anyone. The benefits and cost savings are there, and I know that we made the right decision.”