CREATING CUSTOM SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS
Streamlining Production With Custom Manufacturing Software
Discover how Miles IT built a custom software system for Newman & Company to eliminate paper-based workflows and expedite production processes.
MEET THE CLIENT
Paperboard Manufacturer
Newman & Company is a family-owned business with over 100 employees. They manufacture, recycle, and ship paperboard to other businesses on a large scale. From there, the paperboard is used in boxes, book covers, puzzles, and other applications.
Newman & Company also offers paperboard converting capabilities and recycling services. Their business operations are incredibly complex and unique.
THE CHALLENGE
Outdated Software & Manual Processes
When Newman & Company came to Miles IT, most of their daily operations were running on a decades-old, homegrown software system built in a deprecated programming language. With their developer retiring and Microsoft sunsetting the underlying platform, the software wasn’t just outdated—there was no one left to support it. Manual work and inefficiencies also hindered productivity and growth.
Outdated Software System
After their software developer retired, Newman & Company’s decades-old system was no longer easily maintainable; they saw no path forward.
Highly Manual Processes
Staff members relied on manual work like physically printing out information and leaving important updates in envelopes around the facility.
Inefficient Reporting
Because of the solution’s shortcomings, one team member frequently had to create custom reports to gain insights.
Lack of Integrated Capabilities
The previous system did not integrate with crucial manufacturing equipment that tracked product output.
Goals
Custom Software Tailored To Their Unique Operations
Newman & Company’s team evaluated large software products meant for businesses in the paper manufacturing industry, but nothing was a direct fit. They knew that customizing a pre-existing platform wouldn’t work and sought a custom solution that could achieve their specific needs.
Replicated Code & Functionalities
Ease of Access Management
Enhanced Data Visibility & Reporting
Ongoing Support & Maintenance
OUR PROCESS
From Vision to Reality
Above all, Newman & Company wanted their system to appear and function just like their old one; they needed a partner who could adapt to their needs instead of forcing their processes into a box. With limited historical knowledge about the previous solution, we worked to understand all we could about Newman & Company’s current operations and how their software played a role in their daily workflows.
Onsite Evaluation & Workflow Analysis
First, we integrated our experts directly into Newman & Company’s daily operations. Through a combination of onsite visits and interviews, we worked to understand the logic and meaning behind every task they completed.
Rapid Quality Development Approach
With this shared understanding in hand, we used our Rapid Quality Development approach to bridge the gap from vision to reality. Instead of spending months working on solution design in isolation, we moved from technical design to development in weeks. This approach allowed the Newman & Company team to provide feedback on the system nearly immediately.
System Adoption & Ongoing Support
After development, we moved into the adoption phase and helped the Newman & Company team acclimate to the software. Because they were involved in the process the entire time, the final system felt familiar to them from day one.
THE CHALLENGE
Pioneering Paperboard Production with Custom Manufacturing Software
We developed and implemented a comprehensive, custom order lifecycle solution that integrates seamlessly with Newman & Company’s unique processes and simplifies daily operations. The project’s success is measured not just in code, but in concrete business impact.
Automated Manual Processes
All team members can access critical data when needed, eliminating physical, paper-based workflows like delivering printed updates around the facility.
Real-Time Reporting
Instant information access is no longer out of reach; the new system boasts on-demand, accurate reporting, moving away from previously complicated, text-based custom reports.
Integrations with Complex Machinery
Product output is automatically recorded, alerting staff members if an amount is incorrect and allowing them to rectify issues.
Optimized Manufacturing & Reduced Waste
The new system optimizes processes to reduce waste and help staff fit the most work orders possible onto one sheet of paperboard, maximizing product yield and increasing profitability.
Full-Cycle Manufacturing Guidance
Multiple functionalities guide products through the entire process, from sales to shipping, giving the team a clear view of all activities.
Full Software Team
Thanks to Miles IT’s dedicated experts and backup support structure, the system is resilient and future-proof, giving Newman & Company the confidence to continue expanding.
PROJECT OUTCOMES
“We have real-time information access, which we’ve never had before”
Newman & Company wanted the new system to look and feel as close as possible to the old system while introducing time-saving features and reporting functionalities. Now, departments can work more efficiently together while saving costs and reducing waste.
Greater Transparency
Staff members can see work orders, statuses, shipments, reports, and more insights in real time, eliminating the need for manual printing and physical distribution.
Reduced Waste & Improved Profit Margins
System integrations and optimizations improve paperboard cutting processes, helping reduce waste, increase product yield, and maintain profit margins.
Increased Efficiency
Running their business on an all-in-one platform improves accessibility and productivity, allowing Newman & Company to continue operating how they want instead of forcing their processes into an off-the-shelf solution.
Boosted Accuracy
Thanks to built-in alerts and system integrations, staff can accurately count and ship the right amount of paperboard material every time.
Decreased Risk
Documenting rules within the software establishes redundancy, so that more than one person knows how to use and troubleshoot the system.
KEY STATISTICS
The Miles IT Difference: An 8+ Year Partnership
Our team’s strong communication and collaboration with Newman & Company transformed a complex project into an 8-year partnership.
Happiness Rating
System Releases Since Launch
Year Partnership
NEXT STEPS
Fabricating The Future
Newman & Company is extremely satisfied with their solution, and we continue to serve as their full software support team through our Support & Advance plan. During weekly meetings, we review their system and plan future updates, like improving data gathering and integrating with additional applications.
Moving through every step of the journey of designing, building, and optimizing their custom solution was critical. Through true collaboration, Miles IT and Newman & Company melded technical expertise and business logic to create a successful, reliable software system.
Are you looking to move away from outdated software and towards a modern, time-saving solution? Book a no-cost consultation to discuss your needs.