Packaging Concepts & Design Selects Microsoft Dynamics AX for Auto from First Tech Direct

ROYAL OAK, Mich., April 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- First Tech Direct, a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner focused on helping companies manage their business processes more effectively and efficiently, announced today that Packaging Concepts & Design (PC&D) has selected Microsoft Dynamics AX for Auto to replace its existing enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. PC&D, a Michigan-based manufacturer that produces packaging materials for the automotive industry (a Tier 1 and OEM Supplier), will use Microsoft Dynamics AX for Auto to gain better visibility into their inventory, production planning and forecasting across all operational levels to help them grow. Dynamics AX for Auto provides a more flexible, powerful, and responsive production system that will help PC&D stay more competitive and reduce time-to-market.

Although their solution was stable, it was outdated, and PC&D needed to automate internal communications between Engineering, Sales Orders, Purchase Orders and Production.  They turned to First Tech Direct to provide Dynamics AX for Auto because of their deep industry expertise in the automotive manufacturing market to help them limit risks and lower total cost of compliance.

"We needed to leverage our existing Microsoft investments and wanted a solution that could offer an integrated, user-friendly platform to replace our dated legacy system," said Jason Southerland, Chief Financial Officer at Packaging Concepts & Design. "Our employees were using traditional ERP systems that were inefficient - time-intensive steps to enter transactional data, to run reports, and analyze reports - before they could do their jobs effectively. Dynamics AX for Auto will allow us to manage a single, integrated view of financial and supply chain information to help us simplify our planning and allocation of materials and resources. We will now be able to gain better insight into materials planning, inventory management, and fine-tune our accounting processes."

"First Tech Direct is one of Microsoft's leading Dynamics Partners and AMR Research Partner Industry Certified in Microsoft Dynamics Discrete Manufacturing. Our expertise in the automotive market will help PC&D achieve its vision of an integrated system," said Mark LaBelle, VP of Business Development at First Tech Direct. "Dynamics AX for Auto will help PC&D drive business, streamline planning and quote development, through design, manufacturing and after-sales service. We look forward to helping PC&D improve their operations, enhance collaboration and realize a quick return on their investment."

About Packaging Concepts & Design:

With over 90 years of packaging experience, PC&D (Troy, Michigan) provides a complete and integrated approach to the design, development, and supply of packaging materials. They ensure that quality requirements are met, on time and within budget. They are able to batch translate part data, design specialized packaging components, and easily and efficiently share critical information. PC&D's specialties include, Automotive Packaging, Program Management, Creative Packaging Solutions, and experience in packaging using multiple substrates. http://www.pcdpackaging.com

About First Tech Direct:

First Tech Direct delivers industry expertise as a leading provider of Microsoft Dynamics® business solutions, including Microsoft Dynamics® AX, Microsoft Dynamics® GP, Microsoft Dynamics® SL and Microsoft Dynamics® CRM. First Tech Direct also provides PTC®'s range of Product Lifecycle Management solutions for discrete manufacturers. Our expertise with information access and management, system integration, custom development, training and proven methodologies will help organizations leverage the technology that we provide to stay profitable and competitive in today's economy. First Tech Direct, more than software! http://www.firsttechdirect.com

The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

For additional information:

First Tech Direct
Valerie Silvani, Director of Marketing
P. 248.291.0138 x108
Email: [email protected]  

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SOURCE First Tech Direct, LLC