Hotstart, Inc.
Engine Heating / Manufacturing
ERP Upgrade
Story
Hotstart has over 75 years of experience in developing complete heating solutions, providing its customers with the engine preheating systems they need. Hotstart implemented IFS Applications in 2005. In 2017, Hotstart decided to upgrade from IFS Applications 7.5 to IFS Applications 9 to increase its overall ERP functionality and gain process efficiencies across the organization. IFS recommended Nayo Technologies as the implementation partner to lead the upgrade. The upgrade was completed under budget with overwhelmingly positive feedback. The positive experience and trust built with Nayo makes them Hotstart’s choice for future IFS upgrades.
Hotstart is in expansion mode through new product development and increased growth in foreign markets. To ensure this expansion occurs in a seamless and sustained manner, Hotstart made a commitment to upgrade their ERP system. With IFS Applications 10 in its infancy stage, Hotstart felt IFS Applications 9 is a better choice for the upgrade.
Hotstart's business is cyclical with peak periods being the 1st and 4th calendar quarters. Hotstart's goal was to implement the upgrade during the slower periods in 2018. Implementation timing was critical for Hotstart.
Solution
IFS recommended Nayo Technologies as the right partner to meet Hotstart’s timeline needs. The upgrade called for Nayo to install the upgrade, provide go-live and post go-live support, implement IFS security, and technical/functional training. The upgrade had to be completed by September 3, 2018.
Nayo Technologies had the experienced resources and was in a position to meet Hotstart’s implementation timing needs. Nayo was able to complete the upgrade under budget and within the agreed upon timelines.
Benefits
Hotstart realized its ERP systems need to be upgraded to effectively support the company’s expansion efforts and enhance their organizational efficiency. The user interface, features and enhancements that are part of IFS Applications 9 were exactly what Hotstart was looking for to increase their functionality across the organization.
The biggest impact experienced by Hotstart was the complete change in the ‘look and feel’ of IFS Applications 9 when compared to IFS Applications 7.5. Hotstart is taking advantage of the new enhancements as well as investing in other offerings IFS continues to develop.
Hotstart’s senior leadership is very pleased with the seamless transition with no disruption to customer service. In fact, Hotstart’s customer experience improved due to the end user interface enhancements.
While Hotstart’s initial focus is to leverage the benefits associated with the user interface, as their peak period nears an end, they will look to leverage MRB functionality, Quality Assurance module, CRM, HR and fixed asset modules to further increase overall organizational functionality and efficiency. They will continue to look to Nayo to achieve these goals.
Benefits:
Upgrade completion prior to start of their peak period.
Increased ERP functionality positions them to achieve their business goals.
Minimal disruption and short learning curve for the end user.
Nayo Difference
Hotstart was very pleased with the outstanding responsiveness and flexibility demonstrated by Nayo’s team.
Hotstart's narrow timeline posed multiple challenges. Resource availability with the necessary experience was critical and was one of the main reasons Hotstart reached out to Nayo for the upgrade. The extensive 'due diligence' performed upfront ensured that Hotstart received the right resources for completion of the upgrade within agreed upon timelines. The integrated testing plan allowed for problem resolution in the test environment during multiple integrations and resulted in a highly successful 'go live'.
For further Information regarding Nayo Technologies, please contact Prasad Bhamidipati, Director of Operations at prasad@nayotech.com or visit Nayo’s website, www.NayoTech.com.
For further Information regarding Hotstart, please contact Rob Goranson, CFO at rgoranson@Hotstart.com or visit Hotstart’s website, www.Hotstart.com.
“The upgrade to IFS Applications 9 went smoothly and completed under budget,” stated Rob Goranson, CFO, Hotstart. “Throughout the upgrade process, there was great communication back and forth between our team and Nayo's team and they were very responsive to our questions and queries. We will engage with Nayo for future offerings.”