Understanding production makes the difference

Those who say total solutions often have to bring different components into a perfect whole. For Alphatronics, a specialist in access control and parking systems, Ridder iQ made the difference in keeping an overview in that jumble at all times. The ERP package, provided by Trivest Software Group, not only increased the speed of work, but also reduced the error burden.

What do you do when the products you install don't meet your customers' demands? As an answer, Luc Vanvooren started his own manufacturing company in 1987, specializing in security and access. "Alphatronics today mainly makes a difference as a total solution, from automatic barriers and RFID badge readers to parking systems and turnstiles. We are a one-stop-shop in access control and parking systems for customers in industry, healthcare and waste management with employees who are educated and trained to help fill technical needs," says daughter and technical manager Jasmien Vanvooren. "In our production hall in Lokeren, we make our own enclosures and metal constructions and assemble the electronics that have already been assembled in an accredited laboratory. The focus is mainly on R&D to meet market needs again and again."

Alphatronics is making a difference today as a total solution in access control and parking systems.

Demo convinces

Because many operations are required to achieve total solutions, Alphatronics had recognized the need for an ERP package as early as 2005. "However, we had made the mistake of having the software specifically tailored to our needs. Consequence? Updates and upgrades were not obvious and expensive, until they themselves became completely impossible and we did have to change. Especially since we had no clear insight into production and no overview of how far along we were on a particular order." That was the signal for Alphatronics two years ago to start looking for a new solution. "We were on the verge of going with the same supplier again until a number of companies here in the industrial zone dropped the Knight name." A demo later, Alphatronics was immediately convinced of the added value.

Knight iQ, built around manufacturing, makes a difference

For Vanvooren, the premise of the software made all the difference. "You feel in everything that Ridder iQ is built from production. Just what we were missing. The demo immediately gave the feeling that it would also be an equally insightful and easy-to-use system for all types of users. Moreover, the consultant knew how to give a knowledgeable answer to every question." In November 2017, the decision was made. Knight iQ was going to be it. Yet it still took until June 2018 to go live. After all, Alphatronics took its time to thoroughly tackle the preliminary process. "We brought together key users from different departments (purchasing, accounting, production, IT ...) to come up with a real solution for us, without coloring outside the standard lines. That is also the beauty of Ridder iQ, it adapts to your business operations," Vanvooren points out.

Insight for all

That thorough preliminary process also stemmed from the ambition to get off to a full start right away. After all, the main focus of this exercise was to optimize communication throughout the entire process. Vanvooren: "How are we doing today? And how can we do it better tomorrow because everyone has insight into the information he needs. That was only possible by implementing the different modules, CRM, Shopfloor and Service at the same time. The next step now is planning." That the transition went so smoothly is partly due to the old package. "The will to change was so great because we were constantly running into our limits with the old software. Thanks to the simple visualization, we now have insight into our production at a glance, which means we can work faster, make fewer mistakes and communicate more efficiently with each other and the customer. I can therefore warmly recommend Ridder iQ to everyone."