Most ETO (Engineer-to-Order) firms take at least twelve many years to decide on the appropriate ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system. This lengthy process is due to the fact that many ERP vendors claim to be ETO savvy and are not in fact. There are exceptions to the rule. Recently, Big Sky Engineering (www.bigskyeng.com) located in Middleton, Wisconsin, just outside of Madison in south-central Wisconsin, made an important technology decision relatively quickly.

Formed in 1997, with the target of furnishing economical automation solutions to the ever-changing packaging industry, Big Sky picks standard, off-the-shelf components whenever possible to simplify maintenance and eliminate machine downtime; however all of the machines are built with future retooling in mind. Their primary sell is packaging automation machinery for consumer goods businesses (such as SC Johnson).

Chief engineer for Big Sky, Peter Dettmer originally contacted Cincinnati-based ETO ERP leader Encompix (www.encompix.com) via their internet site in November 2004. Encompix, which usually serves the mid-market ETO manufacturer was hesitant to pursue this opportunity because of Big Skys small size and spent much effort pre-qualifying. However, due to Big Skys recent explosive growth and plans for future growth, Encompix considered this a deal value pursuing. Despite a much higher price point than the competitors, the functionality demonstrated in the Encompix overview session made Big Skys decision quite elegant. To keep sales costs down, Encompix combined a page survey and demonstration into a one day session. The three owners of Big Sky we are heavily involved in the process and able to negotiate directly to get this deal closed by mid-February 2005. In return for a discount, Big Sky agreed to purchase one excess user and pay in full for software and maintenance by March 15. Encompix crafted a somewhat revised implementation plan for this smaller than usual customer.

Big Skys Rationale for ETO ERP Encompix Selection:
1) Experience with manufacturers similar to their business
2) Ability to integrate with Inventor
3) Obvious information of the way they conduct business

The Encompix initial implementation is for eight concurrent users with an agreement to protect the user price for the first year. Encompix has filled the manufacturing software requirements of Engineer-to-Order companies since 1992. The business name reflects the commitment to developing business application solutions that encompass the complex areas of project-based and job-based manufacturing. Encompix provides ETO manufacturers with a competitive advantage by improving bottom line results.