Client Success Story: Emergency Management Equipment

Vehicle Project Costing System

The Company

Emergency Management Equipment (EME) was established in 1976 as a communications and security business. Over the past 25 years the company built its reputation as a leader in the design and construction of sophisticated mobile command vehicles, communications vehicles, and surveillance vehicles along with the design and fabrication of custom electronics furniture and dispatch consoles. EME plays a key role in service and security on a nationwide basis and was a major supplier for security vehicles for the 2002 Winter Olympics.

EME's goal is to identify client needs, develop solutions, and complete the process within time and budget constraints. Through conferences and interviews with the client, detailed design parameters are established. EME's design and engineering department utilizes the latest technology in developing detailed plans for layout, metal and wood work, and other component systems. Highly skilled personnel are brought together from each department to prepare the detailed budgets for which they are held accountable. The team then develops the cost analysis needed to provide the client with an accurate proposal.

Emergency Management Equipment is committed to be at the forefront of technology, which ensures that their customers continue to receive only the best products and services available.

The Challenge

As EME grew, they found it increasingly difficult to track and measure costs associated with project revenue. To maintain profitability and ensure the best value for each client, EME needed to accurately track revenue and expenses on a per project (per vehicle) basis. Additionally EME needed to provide clients with a solid technology foundation with which to share information and collaborate on projects.

Each EME vehicle is highly customized; incorporating specialized equipment such as laboratories, surveillance workstations, medical facilities, digital tape editing systems, etc. With recent geopolitical challenges, EME found their products in high demand which increasingly tasked their internal financial, manufacturing, and communication systems. It became necessary to track materials costs and human resource allocation throughout the project lifecycle for any one particular vehicle.

Adding to the challenge, EME needed a technology infrastructure that would allow sophisticated remote file sharing capabilities and remote access capabilities. This allows customers to share and collaborate on projects, and review information such as vehicle specifications, floor plans, etc.

The Solution

The Spring2 technology team led the design, implementation, and training of a complete solution which included Microsoft Business Systems software, Microsoft Server and database platforms, Internet and remote solutions, and third party time-clock management software.

In addition to Microsoft Business System core financials, the Spring2 team implemented project tracking to ensure accurate expense and revenue tracking for each surveillance vehicle and project. EME uses a percent complete revenue recognition, which allows them to accurately track revenue and forecast expenses throughout a project life cycle. This capability allows EME to quickly monitor and find over-budget expenses and costs. This important information is used by management to make early project adjustments before costs get out of control. For example, management can easily see if expenses are already 80% committed when a project is only 50% complete.

The purchasing module allows EME to track committed costs, costs that have been purchased but not paid for. The integrated manufacturing module allows EME to standardize the manufacturing costs of certain often-used components such as electrical systems, plumbing, and surveillance consoles. This complete solution has produced lower costs for EME customers, lower overhead, and higher profitability.

Spring2 also provided EME's technology infrastructure which includes Windows 2000 server and complete domain structure. Spring2 implemented remote collaboration solutions using Microsoft VPN. This remote solution includes important security features at both the file and directory layers to prevent unauthorized access of planning documents, drafts, and budgets for remote workers and client collaboration. In addition, Spring2 assisted EME in upgrading their internet capabilities that provide customers with the ability to view vehicle floor plans, get key product information, and move down the sales cycle.

The Technologies

Spring2 Technologies used the following technologies for the solution:

• Microsoft Business Solutions Solomon Product Line – Core Financial, Project Management, and Manufacturing Modules.
• Microsoft SQL Server 2000.
• Microsoft Windows 2000 Server with Remote Access for on-line collaboration.
• Microsoft Office XP.
• Microsoft Windows XP.
• Time America – time clock management application that running on SQL Server 2000.

The Results

Some of the results that EME has enjoyed include:

• Accurate picture of what it costs to actually build a vehicle. 
• Better ability to track worker productivity.
• Ability to quickly spot productivity trouble spots and inefficiencies.
• Revenue and profitability increases.

With Microsoft VPN remote access capabilities, EME can now share files and collaborate with customers on-line to review floor plans, specifications, and progress. This remote technology reduces travel costs, reduces deal close time, and speeds implementation.