Staying competitive in the fast-moving contract manufacturing space means embracing change. At Wal-Tek Industries, we’re doing just that by transforming our operations with a fully digital shop floor.
Why the push for a tech-driven precision machining environment? For years, traditional ERP systems left shops like ours feeling stuck and relying on delayed data, inefficient workflows, and disconnected teams. But on April 1st of this year, we made a big move: implementing Fulcrum ERP to modernize how we operate across our shop.
Real-Time Data = Real-Time Impact
Our team’s response to Fulcrum has been overwhelmingly positive. In the past, operators had to walk to a station, scan a barcode, and check in and out manually to access information. Now, they’re using a clean, intuitive interface on individual iPads, offering them the flexibility to quickly check on critical information anywhere on the floor. They can:
- View upcoming jobs
- View and interact with 3D models of parts
- Communicate in-app via chat
- Track job statuses with color-coded visual indicators
This isn’t just a matter of convenience; it’s led to significant improvements in performance. With real-time data, our team can optimize projects as they happen. Before, it felt like we could only analyze our efforts in the rearview mirror, but now we’re in the front seat, watching the project develop with our foot on the gas. We’re identifying and solving bottlenecks immediately, improving lead times, and ensuring timely deliveries for our customers.
Advancing Our Mission
Our digital shop floor supports Wal-Tek’s mantra: “Your way forward.” By removing barriers and fostering open communication, we empower our team to continuously improve every job. That empowerment is part of our commitment to Lean manufacturing and our ongoing pursuit of continuous improvement.
Smarter Inventory with the Wal-Tek RIP Program
Digitizing our shop floor has also transformed how we manage materials. Fulcrum feeds directly into our vendor-managed inventory solution, the Wal-Tek Rapid Inventory Program (RIP). Thanks to our ERP, we can:
- Track material remnants and avoid over-ordering
- Check materials in and out with ease
- Set minimum and maximum levels to trigger work orders
All in all, it’s smarter, faster, and more efficient, so we can shorten lead times and manage cash flow more effectively.
The Power of the “Wal-Tek Stack”
Companies keeping up with Industry 4.0 standards are building onto what’s known as their “tech stack”—the collection of software tools they use to run their operations. Here, we’re developing our “Wal-Tek stack,” a custom-built software ecosystem that integrates the best tools in the business, all connected via Open API, our application programming interface. That means we’re not stuck with a one-size-fits-all system; in addition to our Fulcrum ERP, we’re using top-tier platforms like:
- Paperless Parts, our secure quoting platform
- QuickBooks for invoicing and financials
- 1factory for quality management
- Machine monitoring technology—stay tuned for more updates here!
Here’s how the “Wal-Tek stack” translates into a simpler customer experience:
- You request a quote via Paperless Parts
- You check out online
- That order pushes into Fulcrum
- A sales order gets created and reviewed by our team
- The job runs through the shop
- A shipping ticket is cut
- QuickBooks generates an invoice automatically
With each stage weaving seamlessly into the next, we’re leveraging our custom tech stack to reduce manual entry, minimize risk, and maximize visibility throughout our workflow.
What Does a Digital Shop Floor Mean for Our Customers?
For customers that require our advanced precision machining and fabrication services, the “Wal-Tek” stack and our digital shop floor mean:
- Faster quotes
- More accurate lead times
- Better communication from start to finish
- Consistent quality, backed by real-time shop data
- A more sustainable manufacturing partner—going paperless reduces our carbon footprint!
In short, you get smarter, faster, more competitive service from a team that’s constantly improving. And best of all, we’re just getting started. By stacking best-in-class tools, empowering our people, and creating smarter workflows, we’re paving the way for a Leaner, more innovative future for Wal-Tek Industries.
Interested in working with a smarter, more connected shop? Reach out to the Wal-Tek team to get started!
