Symmetry Medical Asia offers customers complete manufacturing of implants, instruments, cases and trays, and sterilization containers to global customers in the Asia region, U.S. and Europe.
In 2007, Symmetry announced a $20 million investment to expand its Malaysian operations by increasing manufacturing, design and development capabilities. Symmetry also moved its existing case facility to a larger, new 80,000 square foot facility on Penang Island which enables instrument production and implant finishing. The facility also houses the regional design and development center together with a regional logistics operation. Symmetry has over 200 employees based in Penang, Malaysia.
Business Challenge
Symmetry required a system that would allow them to move from running independent stand alone manufacturing units toward multiple, interconnected units. Prior to implementing Epicor ERP (now known as Kinetic) in 2008, Symmetry used a number of smaller customized software packages that did not possess the functionality of a complete enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution. With additional investments made in the company's Malaysian operations, Symmetry required an advanced ERP solution that would provide a smooth implementation and easy usability across a range of departments.
Following continued investment and steady growth in Malaysia, Symmetry migrated from Vantage to the Epicor (Enterprise Edition) in 2011. Ms Chooi Yin Yu, IT Manager, Symmetry Medical Malaysia said "The Epicor solution was quite easy for us to implement, as was the data conversion." Symmetry has recently upgraded to the latest version of the Epicor (Enterprise Edition).
Solution
Symmetry uses a range of modules across a number of departments. Epicor ERP supports the company's operations by providing employees with live data across Material Management, Production Management, Order Management and Financial Management modules, as well as a host of basic and bridging modules.
Ms Yu said, "Epicor offers quality modules and supports our manufacturing and MES (Manufacturing Execution System). Epicor covers all the areas with up-to-date information and live data." The company also uses Epicor Procurement Management and Epicor Planning and Scheduling, a comprehensive solution for forecasting, Material Requirements Planning (MRP), and advanced planning and scheduling. The system supports complex processes that require project management and resource management capabilities, providing Symmetry with increased operational visibility.
Benefits
The strong functionality and easy usability of the Epicor solution have proven beneficial to Symmetry's employees. "Epicor covers all the areas and I believe working with up-to-date live information is how our employees can work successfully with each other. The best thing about using Epicor is it is straightforward. The setup and general operations are convenient for everyone," said Yu.
"Production management in particular is one of the biggest benefits of Epicor. The production time and attendance functionality is very helpful."
Symmetry's use of Epicor Dashboards and analytics tools provides another benefit, as well as Business Activity (BAQ) Reports that personalize Symmetry's system to create reports that specify to how the company operates.
"Management can analyze information directly. Live data allows for better order material costing and better production costs providing us with on-time information," Ms Yu concludes.
About Epicor
Epicor Software Corporation is a global leader delivering business software solutions to the manufacturing, distribution, retail, and service industries. With more than 40 years of experience, Epicor has more than 20,000 customers in over 150 countries. Epicor solutions enable companies to drive increased efficiency and improve profitability. With a history of innovation, industry expertise and passion for excellence, Epicor inspires customers to build lasting competitive advantage. Epicor provides the single point of accountability that local, regional, and global businesses demand. For more information, visit www.epicor.com.