ERP package ensures efficient control of production

There isn't a manufacturing company that doesn't run into it: the shortage of technically skilled employees. In order to continue to grow anyway, Thermotec invested in an ERP package to increase efficiency. And with success. "I couldn't live without it anymore," says manager David De Clercq.

Thermotec originated in the early 1980s as an electrical store dedicated to servicing electrical and refrigeration equipment. But the more repairs they did, the more Eddy and Emiel De Clercq thought: we can build that better ourselves. By the end of the 1990s, Thermotec had already built up a fine reputation in the production of custom-made industrial process coolers. Among other things, the company from Bornem supplied large OEM companies directly: for example, sheet metal working specialist LVD has been a loyal customer for years. 

"In 2015, a new opportunity presented itself when Heliox came knocking on our door. They were having trouble getting the cooling part of their charging station in perfect working order. It was the beginning of a long-term partnership. Today, as a Heliox subsidiary, we deliver the complete mechanical and refrigeration design of all their products," explains De Clercq, who joined the business in 2007, which he now runs with father Emiel.

Knight iQ enables growth

In Thermotec's production, too, this strategic decision meant a major turnaround. Sales rose to more than 2.5 million euros. 

"We evolved from project work to series production. Every year we now build about 150 machines," says De Clercq. The signal for a period of solid growth that called for an efficiency drive. "In the past, it was possible to keep track of everything in Excel lists and everyone was in one office so that quick consultations could be held. Today that would no longer be workable. Since April, production has been spread over two sites: all parts are produced in Sint-Amands (1,800 m²), while engineering and assembly take place in Bornem (1,400 m²). A step we could never have taken without the implementation of Ridder iQ." 

The investment in Ridder iQ happened back in 2017. Not the first introduction, admittedly. "We had purchased it in 2007, but we didn't have the right people. In fact, nothing was ever done with it, because work was done on product data management first. Therefore, one demo from ECI now sufficed to prove that Ridder iQ was still the package for us, and affordable. After all, it starts from production."

All knowledge secured in a central system

However, any ERP package is only as strong as its input. De Clercq therefore tinkered with the implementation for nearly two years. 

"As the owner, I really wanted to put my own stamp on it. You have to have a clear vision of what you all want to do with it, what you want to get out of it. Every business process has to be translated into the ERP system, so to speak. If you succeed in that, then your production can work completely independently and grow independently. I used to keep track of everything in my head. If I was on vacation for a week, the company was at a standstill. After all, you can't download your head into other people. Since the arrival of Ridder iQ, all knowledge and procedures are secured in one central system." 

And that provides the necessary benefits on the shop floor. Thermotec now has a perfect overview of its stock, on the one hand, and the orders, on the other, in order to steer production efficiently. In the next phase, De Clercq wants to add Ridder iQ's planning tool. "In this way, I want to gain insight into our available capacity. To pass on the right delivery date or to look for extra capacity to meet it, for example with suppliers. In addition, it will also enable us to make better calculations."