Chemical Manufacturer Maximizes Technology’s Benefits Through Strategic Partnership
with Net at Work
Since 1979, Polycoat Products has transformed from a modest industrial coatings manufacturer to a multi-entity powerhouse. Today, the company boasts over one million square feet of manufacturing space, a vast distribution network, and a robust workforce dedicated to continuous innovation. A strong partnership with Net at Work and the power of Sage X3 underpins Polycoat’s journey of expansion and technological investment.
The Perfect Fit for Future Growth
Polycoat’s story of technological evolution began a decade ago when the end-of-life of its previous ERP system coincided with the company’s ambition to scale. With just two locations but with a vision for exponential growth, Polycoat needed a scalable and robust ERP solution. Net at Work’s expertise with Sage systems made them the ideal guide for Polycoat’s next chapter. The recommendation to adopt Sage X3 was strategic, recognizing the platform’s fit for process manufacturers and its vast scalability potential.
“Look for a partner, not a vendor. The technology itself is important, but it’s only effective when deployed by a knowledgeable team. Sage X3 is a great piece of technology, and it’s even better in the hands of a partner like
Net at Work. I’ve seen what they can do firsthand, and I’d choose them again.”H.K. Sharma, VP of IT, Polycoat Products
A Relationship Beyond Expectations
H.K. Sharma, the Vice President of IT at Polycoat, praises the company’s long-term relationship with Net at Work. The partnership, much like Polycoat’s own expansion, has grown and evolved while maintaining a high level of personalized service. “Like us, they’ve also grown tremendously over the years,” Sharma says. “I was initially worried that our service level would drop as a result of their growth, but that has definitely not been the case. Year after year, they continue to exceed our expectations.”
Efficiencies Realized Through Technology
The impact of Sage X3 on Polycoat’s operations is profound. Workflow efficiencies and electronic data management cut the audit process from a few months to a few hours. This dramatic improvement is a testament to the system’s stability and the company’s ability to scale from two locations to ten, integrating all manufacturing, distribution, and accounting processes seamlessly within Sage X3. Polycoat’s ability to process over thousands of transactions weekly through Sage X3 is a powerful indicator of the system’s pivotal role in the company’s expansion.
Continuous Innovation for Competitive Edge
With Net at Work’s assistance, Polycoat is pioneering new customer engagement models, including a self-service portal and web store. These innovations empower customers and streamline staff workflows, exemplifying Polycoat’s dedication to leveraging technology smartly. The company plans to extend its proactive stance on innovation by exploring Net at Work’s library of Sage X3 customizations, looking for ideas to drive additional efficiencies.
A Strategic Move to Subscription
With Net at Work’s guidance, the company transitioned from a perpetual license model to a subscription model — a change that promises significant cost savings. This strategic foresight is indicative of the careful planning and expert advice that characterizes the partnership.
A Lesson in Choosing the Right Technology Partner
Sharma’s advice to companies on the brink of technological partnerships is clear. “Look for a partner, not a vendor. The technology itself is important, but it’s only effective when deployed by a knowledgeable team. Sage X3 is a great piece of technology, and it’s even better in the hands of a partner like Net at Work. I’ve seen what they can do firsthand, and I’d choose them again.”
Read the full Net at Work success story to read more about Polycoat’s pathway to operational excellence.
