Catalyst Manufacturing says Microsoft will support double digit growth

The system will be implemented across Catalyst’s facilities around North America by Microsoft gold certified partner Western Computer, and is to replace an existing Mapics system, supporting its work in the military, aerospace and medical markets. “Microsoft Dynamics NAV enables us to run our operations with far greater precision and puts us in the driving seat to go after business opportunities,” says Mary Roberts, Catalyst CFO. “Its capabilities will allow us to take Catalyst to the next stage in its development.” Catalyst says it chose Microsoft Dynamics NAV over solutions from Oracle, Epicor and Made2Manage following an eight-month evaluation process. Roberts says that the company liked the low learning curve, which would result from its employees’ existing familiarity with Microsoft Office. Among key expected benefits are industry-specific functionality and improved reporting and decision support. Roberts cites, for example, timely procurement and just-in-time inventory management and tracking as essential functionality for contract manufacturers – all covered by Microsoft Dynamics NAV. She also explains that the system wil provide Catalyst executives and managers with a “panoramic window” into their operations, allowing them to track orders, inventory levels, production status and labour utilisation, monitoring those against performance objectives.. Overall, Roberts says the company expects the improved visibility into its business to drive timelier, more informed decision-making, allowing it to identify prospective opportunities earlier, and get ahead of potential problems.