Case study
Eastern Shipbuilding
Shipbuilder anchors the future with modern efficiency, driving significant cost savings with RFgen.
Outcome
Challenges
Charting a Course Toward Modernization
Eastern Shipbuilding Group, a prominent shipbuilder in the Florida Panhandle, sought to modernize its IT infrastructure to optimize warehousing and inventory operations. For over four decades, Eastern relied on manual processes, from inventory tracking to warehouse operations. Faced with rising labor costs and the complexities of training a new generation of workers, Eastern needed a solution that could boost productivity and improve inventory accuracy.
Bob Parsons, Vice President of Supply Chain, understood the urgency: “Our CEO has been asking us to move into the 21st century and make an impact on the business.” The pressure was on to improve speed, accuracy, and efficiency, and Bob recognized that modernizing their processes was essential for driving meaningful change across the company
Navigating Choppy Waters
As Eastern looked to streamline operations, Dustin Rhodes, the new Inventory Control Supervisor, quickly realized the challenges firsthand. He saw that the company’s reliance on manual data entry created significant bottlenecks. Inventory errors were delaying projects, and time-intensive processes were draining resources. Common mistakes, like inaccurate inventory records in the ERP system, compounded the issue. Dustin also found that training new employees on outdated systems only made matters worse. It was clear that to cut through these inefficiencies, Eastern needed a solution that could deliver faster, more accurate results.
Outcome
Solution
Eastern Shipbuilding anchors the future with modern efficiency, driving significant cost savings with RFgen
As part of its migration to Deltek Costpoint, Eastern Shipbuilding chose RFgen to streamline its warehousing operations and inventory management. RFgen’s mobile barcoding solution offered the real-time visibility and control needed to address their challenges, seamlessly integrating with their new ERP system. “That’s really what enticed us to move forward with RFgen,” explained Bob. “When you start looking at the return on investment and what it will do for us, it is really a no-brainer.”
When you start looking at the return on investment and what RFgen will do for us, it is really a no-brainer.
Bob Parsons, Vice President of Supply Chain
Eastern ShipbuildingOutcomes
70% Reduction in Processing Time
Eastern Shipbuilding’s has seen exciting upticks in efficiency since RFgen allowed them to:
- Achieve reduction in processing time
- Drop time for PO receipts generation
- Boost employee morale
- Reduce manual keypunching errors
- Complete projects without the need for backfills
Faster Receiving
Processing time for receiving materials was reduced by 50-70%, with some facilities completing the process in less than a day. Dustin reported, “We saw one of the
lowest times ever to receive material into a warehouse.” Previously, the process could take anywhere from one to two days, depending on various factors. Now, in some cases, the task is completed in just three quarters of a day, significantly reducing the effort and time required.
Streamlined PO Receipts
The time required for PO receipts dropped by 90%, from an average of five minutes to mere seconds. This dramatic reduction is achieved by allowing employees to perform transactions at the point of activity — directly on the warehouse floor or even at their desks, eliminating wasted walking time, significantly increasing productivity.
Improved Employee Morale
Equipping employees with efficient tools had a significant impact on morale, especially from the perspective of those who had hands-on experience with the previous processes. As Bob noted, “Giving them the tools to do what they need to do, it’s just had a huge impact morale-wise.” The ease of use of the new system reduced frustration and simplified daily tasks, making the work environment much more positive and productive. Even employees who were initially resistant to technology found themselves embracing RFgen, thanks to its user-friendly design and the noticeable improvements it brought to their daily routines. There were “literally zero complaints” about the new system, which was a major win—particularly given the tough working conditions in the shipyards, including extreme heat and humidity.
Increased Inventory Accuracy
RFgen drastically reduced manual keypunching errors, leading to more reliable inventory data and bolstering confidence in the system. Further, improved visibility within inventory management helped avoid the previous issues of incorrect quantities and “hot racks,” where requested materials were not actually in stock. Bob explained, the company has “the confidence that we have now a system that’ll do it versus some of the manual keypunching errors that you see that go along with that.”
Projected Labor Cost Savings
In a challenging job market where hiring and training new employees can be time-consuming and costly, RFgen helped Eastern Shipbuilding streamline operations and reduce headcount needs. By optimizing processes and maximizing resources, they were able to complete projects without the need for backfills. This efficiency allowed the company to minimize the impact of staffing challenges and keep operations running smoothly, all while improving overall productivity. Bob noted the broader impact of these improvements, saying, “Now you’re looking at significant, long-term savings, all driven by smarter use of our resources.”
Eastern Shipbuilding isn’t just keeping up with the times—they’re leading the charge. With streamlined operations, improved accuracy, and a happier workforce, they’ve secured their place in the future of shipbuilding. “It’s a game-changer,”
Bob reflected. “We’re more efficient, more competitive, and better positioned for long-term success.