VAI S2K Software Suite, IBM Power Systems server go into RefrigiWear

VAI was selected as the ERP vendor for RefrigiWear based on its integrated, robust system suite, including integration with a new automated warehouse, with better picking and shipping accuracy using radio frequency (RF) guns. Physical inventory took one third of the time.

July 14, 2009

VAI (Vormittag Associates Inc.), provider of enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions for the distribution, manufacturing, retail and service industries, and an IBM Premier Business partner, announced it has implemented its entire ERP software suite including S2K for Commerce Express, Distribution, Manufacturing, Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and Retail for RefrigiWear Inc. In addition, VAI installed an IBM Power System, providing RefrigiWear with the ability to run its entire business on one server.

RefrigiWear, headquartered in Dahlonega, GA, manufacturers insulated industrial outerwear. Established in 1954, the company pioneered the insulated outerwear industry and since, has supplied a wide range of industries with the garments and accessories needed to keep workers warm, safe and productive.

VAI customized a Parent Billing feature for RefrigiWear, allowing the company to group subsidiary accounts belonging to the same parent customer. This function enables swift, seamless and streamlined invoice distribution procedures that speed time to payment and as such, is now included in VAI’s base package offerings. A tailored product configurator tool gives RefrigiWear staff the ability to generate a made to order bill of materials for manufacturing customer orders quickly and efficiently. In addition, VAI seamlessly integrated its S2K solution with Varsity Logistics ShipViewMPlus, the order fulfillment and delivery management solution used by RefrigiWear.

Integration with our new automated warehouse, which utilizes radio frequency (RF) guns, has dramatically increased our picking and shipping accuracy and allowed physical inventory in one third of the time.

Robert Scarboro, IT Director, RefrigiWear, said VAI ERP was selected based on "its totally integrated, robust system suite, which has already improved our day-to-day business operations.

Rich VanHelden, Project Manager, VAI, commented, "The ability for a company to deliver its merchandise in a timely fashion is of the utmost importance in driving customer loyalty. RefrigiWear recognized that consolidating its server and adding VAI’s ERP suite was a strategic approach to better managing its warehouse and daily distribution operations, ultimately enabling a long-term competitive advantage. We are extremely pleased to work with RefrigiWear and help them realize a high-value return on this important technology investment."

VAI’s S2K software offerings, developed to work together with the IBM Power Systems platform, help companies improve operational efficiencies and deliver bottom-line results. S2K leverages the Power Systems integrated design, which offers a built-in database, advanced system management features, advanced security features and a virus resistant design meant to simplify IT environments and optimize the reliability and availability of business applications.

RefrigiWear’s 10 cold tips for keeping warm, besides using clothes that fit the job, include eating more !

VAI (Vormittag Associates Inc.) offers a demonstration of VAI – S2K Enterprise Management Software, Release 5.0 .

-Edited by Mark T. Hoske, electronic products editor, MBT, www.mbtmag.com