Efficiency in product development workflow is a top priority when customers are waiting and time and human resources are finite. With a bit of research, and a good idea for what they wanted to accomplish, Mexico-based auto parts manufacturer Katcon was able to earn significant savings in time and costs with collaboration software that let them automate workflow and centralize communication -- putting an international network of engineering offices on the same page. Now Katcon touts "100% of new projects on-time" on their Website -- a big plus for prospective customers.

Katcon, a subsidiary of Bienes Turgon, has been a supplier to the automotive industry since 1993 and, after acquiring Delphi's global catalytic converters and exhaust systems business, needed engineering offices in the U.S., Luxembourg and Mexico to work in concert without wasting precious hours on email and teleconferences. They also needed to make sure that executives know what's in the engineering pipeline in order to shift priorities as needed to meet business goals and keep the entire operation on track.

From a human resources perspective, Katcon lacked insight into its engineering division's individual tasks, workloads and time spent on projects to see where they could aggressively reduce costs, increase productivity and focus on the right strategic activities. There was no comprehensive way to track that information -- despite Delphi's use of various traditional software tools for tracking projects.

"The system we had was too complex," explained Miguel Amado, Engineering Manager. "We couldn't manage time effectively, and we weren't able to automate processes or create customized dashboard views. We ultimately felt as if we were working for the system instead of the system working for us."

Modern Project Management = Collaboration

Katcon needed a comprehensive software solution that was flexible, easy to use, and provided granular project workflow and reporting capabilities. In addition, it was important to the CEO to have a quick implementation period without the need for extensive training.

Katcon found a progressive project management software tool from Daptiv that was tailored to meet its vision for collaboration and was available on-demand via the Web -- making implementation time negligible. They knew the software would make it possible to gain immediate insight into business-critical activities with the ability to monitor resources, maximize productivity and reduce costs.

Next Day Turn-Around? Local Consultant Makes it a Snap

Once Katcon found the right software tool, it worked with a local consulting firm in Mexico, IMR, to get started with the on-demand software and put new processes into place. The consulting firm provided training for Katcon's U.S., Luxemburg and Mexico offices and after just one day, Katcon's engineers began exploring the on-demand collaboration software and actively working on tasks, time sheets, and project timelines.

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