MAKING THE UPGRADE: BRP Bolsters Customer Service and Communications Through Key Technology Improvements
With markets ranging from the military and nuclear power to telecommunications, Bedford Reinforced Plastics, Inc. (BRP), a worldwide leader in standard and custom fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) shapes, knew that in order to stay ahead of the competition they would need to advance their technological capabilities. Additionally, with an anticipated ramp-up in business BRP has the foresight to install the infrastructure necessary to provide continual customer service.
The company, headquartered in Bedford, PA, is run by an experienced staff of about 200 employees whose responsibility is the set-up and operation of pultrusion lines, CNC fabrication machines and a full service machine shop. BRP was formed in 1974 by a group of people who possessed a vision for FRP on the basis of one simple philosophy: commitment to their customers. Glenn Smith, Sales Manager at Bedford Reinforced Plastics notes, “Over the years, BRP has grown our business through customer service. Customers have come to expect and demand faster lead times and quick response times. To better serve our customers, we felt that we needed to upgrade our internal networking capabilities.” Looking for a way to connect their manufacturing operations to productivity, growth and innovation, BRP contacted the IMC (Industrial Modernization Center), Bedford's local Industrial Resource Center.
Bedford Reinforced Plastics understood the important role that networking plays in providing an efficient mechanism for sharing and exchanging information within a company, as well as improving the effectiveness of communication with clients and potential clients. The IMC's certified network and systems engineers (MSCE & CNE certified) suggested the optimum information technology hardware to improve BRP's technology interface systems (IMC Information Technology Services).
The IMC conducted a Level 1 Assessment, providing a complete inventory report of BRP's entire network with suggestions for improvement. Taking into account efficient workflow, data integrity, security and performance, the IMC designed and engineered a Local Area Network (LAN) to fit the exact needs of BRP. Smith said, “Through IMC's channels of information and knowledge, they were very instrumental in assisting us in the design of a server based network system to enhance our company operations. IMC specified the equipment needed and recommended a supplier for the servers.”
The first step in implementing the network was to shore up the data cabling infrastructure, which included adding two fiber optic segments to their existing Category 5 (CAT5) installation. By upgrading the cabling, the company experienced a dramatic improvement in their network stability. “IMC installed and implemented the operations of the server based system. It is working beautifully,” stated Smith. After the cabling improvement project, the IMC installed a new dedicated fileserver, which provided enterprise email, firewall protection and computer-based faxing, as well as shared file access and shared printer access. Smith continued, “IMC was also very instrumental in setting up our T1 Internet line, enabling faster internet connections and allowing BRP to be our own email server.”
By implementing a new cabling system, a newly designed LAN and high speed Internet access, BRP feels that they will better compete in the marketplace through these upgrades. “With the help of the people at IMC, BRP has improved our internal communications and reduced operating problems within the company. This is another step towards satisfying our customers' needs and giving our clients the information they need to be successful,” says Smith. Bedford Reinforced Plastics looks forward to the improvements and efficiencies that the information technology enhancements will provide for them in the future.