Christopher Collins - Synchro 32

Exciting Development for the Unique Demands of the Cast Metal Manufacturer

2010-07-27T06:17:00.000-07:00

I have been exceptionally busy with a stretch of design work for Synchro32. We continually innovate and develop and quite naturally some work is more interesting than others. This development has been particularly exciting...

A great deal of customization goes into our system; many customers provide much of the inspiration and demand for ideas and development.

We have never sold a system outside of our industry sector... the software Synchro32 is absolutely in its entirety designed for Metal Casting ...

I am always a little disappointed when a casting manufacturer selects a system outside of the specialized arena as generic is never as good.

Our costs are not an issue, we design our business model to meet the financial constraints of most smaller companies; I think one of the hardest messages we face on a continual basis.. if the price tag of our software is not $100,000 plus It must be inadequate! Wrong, greed nor shareholders constrain us.

Which of course is totally ridiculous but the perception with most products or services is that the higher the cost the better the quality. Sadly, this is too generalized and the interested party should ask..why are so many ERP systems so expensive to install?

Cost does not determine quality...not within our sector. There are some companies and we are one of them who are more interested in the growth and success of the small manufacturer and we do make profit...but excessive profit is not on our daily agenda.
Passion is high and we are driven by our desire to provide the very best system with a standard of support that astonishes our customers and particularly new customers who have never experienced such attention.

It makes me feel good to do what I call wholesome business.

Chris Collins

Wisconsin Regional 2010 - Oconomowoc - June '10

2010-06-21T03:32:00.000-07:00

We gave an hours long presentation :-

'Enterprise Resource Planning for Small to Medium Sized Foundries' and the audience although small in comparison to some exhibitions, listened and took the most important message that specific systems designed for your industry far outweigh any of the available generic systems.

The generic systems ie SAP for example are exstremely large by comparison. These systems are designed for the massive general market not for specifics or for the nuturing of relationships.
The opposite is true for totally specific systems, Synchro32 is designed entirely for the casts metal industry, our company is set up to create strong supportive relationships between customer and provider...

In fact how other manufacturers manage with arms length, weak provider relationships is quite difficult for us to comprehend. As the relationship is a key factor in our success...

The second part of our presentation was given by Tom Renk of United Machine...he detailed the benefits they have taken from using Synchro32, the competitive edge and the importance and reliance of the relationship. It was a real pleasure for me to listen to his presentation as we had no idea what he would have to say!

We also exhibited and I have to be honest the attendance was terrible...quite literally there must have been no more than 30 attendees with approx 70 exhibitors. That is worse than poor!
In my talk I praised the AFS (America Foundy Society) it is sad that the industry perhaps do not recognize the value of this very active society. Support is necessary, the AFS bring companies together, enable like minds to meet, discuss share knowledge and experience...

We took a great deal away from the meeting. We had a few people attend our booth and several healthy leads...We are happy with this, could it have been better, indeed yes but benefits are not always obvious immediately. We support the industry and as such we show example with our presence.

As a first our two main competitors Guardian and B&L in the US all got together and we had dinner. Steve Hope of Guradian was kind enough to show us around his home town, detailing some general history and new development. I found this most interesting and his passion for his home town was infectious. We talked over dinner and as we share so much common ground and passion for our industry, why should we not be civil and share?...if countries and aggressors would do the same we would all live in a more caring world. I had a very pleasant evening and I thank them for their time.

My thanks to Tom Renk United Machine and Shane Allen (Synchro) for their hard work and commitment to excellence...

Thanks Guys

Chris Collins

Wisconsin 15th - 18th AFS Wisconsin Regional 2010

2010-06-15T01:05:00.000-07:00

Wisconsin is here and what a priviledge it will be for me to not only give a presentation but to be the first speaker...at this years event.

The AFS - American Foundry Society is a truly an excellent society/organisation. I hope that they are fully appreciated by the cast metal (foundry industry) I deal with hundreds of foundries and cast metal manufacturers all over the world and there is nothing I have come across that is as well funded and as active.

We have a power point presentation for the presentation and I would like to thank Richy Raine, an important member of our synchro32 team for working with me on this. As with most collaboration there is generally a team or group of people who work hard to make something happen...Thanks Richy.

I will update as we return to our desks, with my thoughts on our time at the regional in Wisconsin.

Chris Collins

CastExpo '10 - An amazing exhibition

2010-03-25T08:30:00.000-07:00

Our Thanks...

We have had an incredibly busy show. With so many people taking the trouble to stop at our booth and talk about software, systems and the Cast Metal industry in general. The world gets smaller and smaller. People from all over the world coming to Florida to the Castexpo '10...they come because the standard of exhibition and the quality of visitors are high.
......Alfred and I.

We thought this would be a good show, but nothing prepared us for the immence interest we had. We talked non stop through the entire 3 1/2 days of the show. Three men all losing their voices...I really enjoy these shows, being with people who are experts, exchanging ideas and knowledge.

We are a big family and all passionate about it.
Metal Matters!

I think the AFS do an excellent job. There is real heart in the organization and it shows. The industry needs their commitment.

Also, my thanks to Alfred T. Spada Editor to Modern Casting for drawing the winning card for a prize draw we offered at the show...and well done to Monarch Industries - Blair Dierckens, our winner.
Modern Casting produce consistenly good quality editorial, every effort made is a step closer to excellence.

We are all responsible for our effort.

Have a great year...

Chris Collins

Great Companies....

2010-03-17T02:52:00.000-07:00

This is turning out to be a very good start to '10.

There is a tremendous amount of activity in the cast metal industry. Buyouts and equity group purchases. Not just one or two...but half a dozen we are involved directly with. Some of our customers who (we know run efficient tightly managed companies) have been approached or have been bought out.

I say this so often but when a 'Good Specfic Production Control ERP System' is recognized as a necessity, installed and run as it should be...the sky is the limit. It is such a powerful tool and it is without a doubt a critical factor in the growth and success of at least all of our customers.

We have not lost a single customer in this recession...or the last for that matter! That says it all. This has been a massive financial crisis. I feel so proud to know that our system - synchro32 is so powerful as to have earned such an accolade.

I have given some thought to the idea of 'Respect'

I was talking to a customer a few days ago and he said...
'You at Synchro have a great system and are well respected for your commitment to the industry'
These are precious words indeed...I have mused over what we as a company hold up as the moral fiber which makes us such a great company. Respect is earned...

A strong moral character, consistency in everything we do and undertake, customer is king, all suppliers are paid quickly, profit is a necessity and so is the distribution of it. Financial support for various Cast Metal bodies. Donations. Care and respect for the Synchro team. ...trust from our customers knowing we will NEVER let then down. Making sure we survive and grow...

There are many factors some small and some big... what I do know is we choose to own and work a globally recognized brand; we ulimately percieve us as having a moral responsibility to provide to the cast metal industry, a system which is the very best in the market place but a wholesome 'touchy feely' company that truly cares about the industry and the good men and women who work within it.

Money does not buy respect or trust. I like that...because it buys almost everything else.

I know we can request anyone of our customers to provide a reference...how many companies do you know can say the same and be sure of a positive response. But, then I know how hard our team work at making sure each user is satisfied. Our internal systems are designed around making this happen.
The Customer is at the core of everything we do...it is not complicated; I see so much poor service, so many companies who work to make their own lives easier...the customer and their requirements are at the tail end...

I am not suggesting that all companies give poor service. But, there is a great deal of improvement needed and room to do better.

Chris Collins -
Eager as ever to create the greatest of companies...with the highest standards attainable.

Software design - keep it simple...

2010-02-02T01:56:00.000-08:00

I was asked recently what I considered to be the most important piece of functionality in our software. Given that we at Synchro32 have created and developed a full ERP/MRP application (specifically designed for the foundry industry) this was an interesting question. I’m sure the person asking was expecting an in-depth answer involving production control, scheduling, accurate cost analysis and so on. The answer was far simpler, ease of use.

You may consider that ‘ease of use’ is not a true software function, but as an objective it has to be resourced, designed, and maintained. Now, I am not suggesting that core functionality is unimportant; indeed a piece of software that does not fulfill its intended role is of little use. I suggest that ease of use is arguably one of the most important functions because of its effect on users and data.

Take two systems. The first is all singing, all dancing, and fully functional with all the data input and analysis you could ever want; but the downside is that the user interface is complicated, poorly designed, has no flow, inconsistent entry screens, fragmented menu systems, and so on (I’m sure you have all experienced this type of system). The second system has the same key functions and analytical ability; but it’s easy to navigate, all the screens work in the same way, the menus are arranged intuitively, prompts guide you through more in-depth areas, validation of data is clear, prompts ensure you don’t miss vital information. Now, it’s obvious which system you would you would prefer to work with. But the plain truth is most people don’t value the easier to use environment enough in order to change their systems, and systems designers don’t generally value ease of use enough to change their design methodology. There seems to be a general attitude that if it’s complicated it must be good, expensive yes, difficult to instruct yes, and if it’s also difficult to use its generally seen as user ‘attitude’ that can be adjusted with a managerial kick up the rear...

It may be a revelation for some, but you can have in-depth fully functional software that’s easy to use. There I’ve said it. If systems are easier to use it has far more of an impact upon the quality of data than you would think. We have found that simplifying the user environment encourages users to use the system more, the quality of data is much higher and the availability of more accurate data encourages more informed data analysis which has a knock on effect to the business in general.

In addition to consistency of design there are other key elements to simplifying the user experience. It is important to design software so that it can customize itself to a user’s role. For example designing software for multi-user access is not just a case of allowing more than one user to access the same data at the same time. Take the word processor I’m using right now, it has been designed so that I can access all its functions as and when I need them. It can do many clever things but its primary function is to create documents and it has one user, me. With larger systems like ERP and MRP, there are many functions that are considered independently primary to the multitude of its users. Even with this in mind most software designers do not allow for users to tailor centralized software to the specific needs of the individual. We pride ourselves in making our software fit an individual market, but we also design our software so that our users can further tailor it to the specific requirements of their job.

As far as I can see, anything that makes our jobs simpler, more efficient, and more effective has to be a good thing. The phrase ‘user friendly’ has been loosely bandied about ever since I started in application design over 20 years ago, and unfortunately I think most people don’t really understand what it is until they experience it. I have always insisting on staying in close contact with our customers and actively use feedback to improve our software and services. Unless you are involved in the software industry you may not realize the layers of people involved in your software’s development. Usually the person actually writing the code behind your experience is far removed from its initial requirement and in most cases is ‘interpreting’ your needs (or more likely they are interpreting an interpretation of your needs). The further back the programmers are from the shop floor the more distant the view...

When I’m asked what direction our next generation of systems will take I give the same answer every time, make it simpler, make it easier, and make it more efficient. Note, that this does not include extending functionality. Occasionally we may branch out into an associated area to make data collection and analysis easier or more informed or we may upgrade technologies to meet the latest requirements, but our main functional objectives have already been met. Outside of this all we can therefore do is make our software more widely available and an even more pleasant experience to use.

So, when you’re next asked what you consider to be the most important function of your existing system will you be able to answer its ease to use, and if not what impact is it having on your job and the health of your business?

I missed November's entry...Time waits for no man!

2009-12-14T02:28:00.000-08:00

I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

It has been a very busy year for Synchro...so many exhibitions, training, new installations and development. We have done well considering the depth of this recession.

And it is much thanks and effort that I say to our team...a BIG THANK YOU. We work exceptionally hard as a compnay and it is rare that anyone complains or has a winge...I would like to think that we can express how we feel and not worry about any aftermath.

We are growing and doing well...but improvement in all areas of the company must continue...neglecting this is a big mistake. It is the responsibility of each member of the team to keep this in the forefront of their mind. Great companies develop with a great deal of skill, commitment and hard work. We are lean and healthy - this is a result of the knowledge and skill base that each member brings to Synchro every department is an essential part of the whole.

Next year will be a good year...we have alot of business in the pipeline...

Primarily we do what we do because we have an intrinsic responsibility to provide to every customer the ulimate in system design and technical support.

All the best for the holiday...

Chris Collins

Septembe '09...Three week summary, good people good business.

2009-10-02T07:00:00.000-07:00

My three week business trip.

Flying Back...from Australia.

What a great three weeks...we have had three exhibitions/expo's

Brazil FENAF -

It is very interesting to see how much this wonderful country has developed within the Cast Metal sector. These companies are really on the ball, they are sharp and interested and eager; there is no apathy here at all, well not from what I can see.
I am seeing these companies from a shop floor perspective; not from an expensive dinners and entertainment point of view. From grit and smell and dirt that our industry produces; this counrty is fast becoming a force to be reckoned with...I have no doubt in my mind. We at Synchro are proud to provide our expertise to this growing sector...Kevin and Heleno do a good job...I can see alot of growth here for our system.

FENAF was excellent.
We have an up date on the sitehttp://www.synchro32.com/exhibitions/past_exhibitions.htm Kevin Lenton Head of Operations offers his thoughts...on the exhibition.

New Zealand -

What great people, really hospitable and such a beautiful counrty.
We undertook two seminar demo's Auckland and Christchurch. The hotels were really helpful and did a good job in setting up for both these seperate events.
I have been in this business a long time...and when I meet groups of people all connected to the industry and I begin a demonstration I feel so exilerated by the collective, animated eagerness, ideas that these events stimulate.
Men and women... and make no mistake there are many women in this industry all commited and often even more eager and hungry for progress...sorry guy's!

Both events have fuelled those who attended. Three or four of those companies will now have Synchro32...we will install and support and enable them each to grow and compete in their individual markets. In a years time they will look back and as all our users do - and think 'how on earth did we managed before Synchro32!'

Companies do not need to be struggling with Spread Sheet Management...Synchro32 is designed to be used by people who do not need expertise in IT. It was designed to be intuitive and simple; complexity is out dated...and there is no need for it, not anymore.

Australia Melbourne AFI
We had a great stand... I was really pleased with the graphics and quality. You would be surprised at the varying quality that I see with our stand designs.
We have a substantial customer base in Australia...and now Malaysia. Many companies come to the Australian expo's from Malaysia. We were delighted to see Delia and her brother, she is excited about Synchro32...and the potential for them as a company is enormous. Richy who undertook the install was treated with just an abundance of kindness. We truly felt honoured by the whole of Delia's team. Thank you.

Synchro32 is installed in the largest group in AU...they are also a huge global company...and this group has a phenominal reputation. Our visits are important to them and us. We want to support the Australian Metal Casting sector as much as we possibly can...
The show was well attended, we met quite a few companies who are still using home grown non integrated systems...although in my humble opinion, home grown is better than generic. These systems work so badly for the casting manufacturer...if I ran a foundry I would devise my own over generic. Even SAP...great marketing, but for foundries it is not ideal...at all.

Anyway...I am getting on the plane, now and off to my see my wonderful wife. It is a long time to be away from each other.

As always our passion is for the industry, we do whatever is best for our customers and their needs.

Chris Collins.

Business....onwards and upwards

2009-08-12T01:20:00.000-07:00

I am off on a lengthy business trip to Australia, New Zealand and Brazil.

We have two lengthy demonstrations in Christchurch and Auckland. These will be conducted to two separate groups, either running their own companies or working in the cast metal industry. These people are the core of good quality manufacturing; committed and passionate about what they do.
I derive a great deal from these groups; After all we have so much in common. I am more than happy to offer my expertise and advice or provide solutions where needed.

It is not always about selling the system...but making companies aware of the solutions we provide.

The AFI in Melbourne this year will be interesting. Australia has not been hit as hard as some other countries around the world in terms of this recession and have a healthy cast metal sector.
The Australians are out spoken people and not afraid to tell it how it is and I for one like that!

Brazil, I am visiting a massive company. In fact I understand they are almost the largest in the world. I cannot mention names, but we have of work to do for them...and like many of the really large companies they run SAP or something similar but it does not quite fit their needs and so it is not uncommon for Synchro32 to be installed and run in parallel and integrated into SAP (as in this case)

So, a busy month ahead...business is good and fortune favours hard work and integrity.

...June '09 is already over.

2009-07-06T04:59:00.000-07:00

We have been incredibly busy. I know there is a recession but the amount of business we are doing is excellent. All of our companies are doing okay. A few have had to implement a shorter working week...this is the exception.

We have taken on two new employees Richy and Bianca and a strong possibility of another in
S Brazil.
There is a huge growing market out there, with so much potential.
They are hungry for a specific system...and these companies are not small. No, min 25/50 users a company.
I am in Spain...completing the set up of a new office. Barbara my wife is also with me...as she works with me...I consider we are really fortunate to be together alot of the time.

Many couples would perhaps find it difficult, but we don't. We manage different sides of the business, so perhaps that is where the secret lies!

Anyway must get on and DO MORE BUSINESS...

I will update soon.

Everyday..is not just another day.

2009-06-17T03:55:00.000-07:00

Working with a good team is critical to growing a quality driven company. I believe you attract people who want to be part of a similar working ethos. Each member of synchro is critical. Team members have to trust in the same internal belief system. Synchro is the best system, we continually make it better by listening to the most important group 'OUR CUSTOMERS'

Every action we take every single day...is spent making it better for the users.

Communication is key...the product can be brilliant but if your internal systems are not communication orientated I believe you will fail...sooner or later.

As a simple example:- dealings recently with a small business. At home we required some external work undertaking as the house is very old we required specialist workmen.

The company were poor communicators, no one on site could provide me with the information I frequently asked for...phone messages went unanswered. Many small irritations which singularly were insignificant, but add them up and I would not select this company to undertake any work for us again! What a shame this is because the workmanship was good...

I see this so often with small companies. It really is some of the small effort that is significant.

Everyday a lesson is learned...what you do with that lesson is what makes you a better company!

Excellence - systems and service that work

2009-05-05T02:36:00.000-07:00

Thoughts while walking on our local beach on Sunday a'noon.

....I am aware there is a global recession, but from our point of view at Synchro our business and lead quality is not slowing down.
The need of a good system becomes much more apparent when tightening of the fical belt is necessary. A good system will save hundreds of thousands (depending on the size of the company)

Creating more value and less work, is a mantra well understood here at Synchro.

The core of our business has always been to provide the user/client with a system which fits thier current and future needs as best fit possible. The care and attention we provide to each company is part of a huge ongoing commitment which does not falter.

...29 years in business

We have Synchro users who have been with us from the date of system launch and all three previous systems are no different, most have moved on to use Synchro; only a few companies still use the previous versions but this has never altered our commitment and quality of service, 29 years to be precise!

Being specific provides excellence, expertise and long experience. Each company benefits from a system developed entirely for their manufacturing requirements. As Synchro was designed with literally 1,000's of options this provides for the many differences which apply to the individual.

Flexibility is key
We go out of our way to make small amends and update options for new customers...FLEXIBILITY is key and why should the customer be shoe horned into running a system which does not reflect the nuances and distinctive differences which make them what they are today...

I feel honoured; and it still remains a great priviledge for me to work so closely within this industry...as with most if not all our users/clients they too have devoted their working lives to the betterment of the cast metal industry.

I could not do this without the team that enables us to continue to strive to be the best, keeping a head of the game is not as easy as it sounds.

...Chris Collins 5 th

2009-01-14T03:15:00.001-08:00

January 2009...

This will be a challenging trading year for most companies, but I do think that the Foundry and cast metal industry have not had a particularly easy time over the last decade, anyway.

We are very close to the ground in this sector, there really is very little we don't know or understand about our sector. As Synchro32 is sold to the global market, there are many different challenges depending on the country involved.

The USA, market place is quite resilient just as long as the two main car manufacturers are supported by the US treasury...

The UK is lean and has been for a number of years. Those that remain are strong and important to our internal and export markets. The government in the UK turned their back on this sector of manufacturing, a very long time ago. Hence, those who remain are worthy of their strength and effort they have each put in to surviving.

China and India have growing labour costs, quality is an ever demanding requirement and demand within internal markets is massive...

At Synchro32 we have seen a growing demand for the requirements of a specific system. Companies who had previously struggled with standard (ERP/MRP) production systems have lost patience because quite simply these generic systems do NOT FIT WELL. The customer is king... and why not. Delivery of excellent service is multi layered; the need to constantly evolve to meet customer demand is a vigilance we continually attend to.

We have started off very well, indeed. Orders from the USA and the UK are coming in, fast!

Great team work is an essential and we at Synchro are just that a GREAT TEAM.

Chris Collins signing off...

The gift of running Synchro

2008-11-24T09:45:00.000-08:00

...sorry for the delay. As I am almost the last on the list to begin my Blog, I have to apologise. I should have been the first. Setting an example is vital in any organisation;

Our Synchro team met in North Wales for our Christmas dinner. We have met at the same venue for the last three years. This beautiful house was built in the 17th century, a close friend of mine knew the owner of the house before it was purchased and restored by Historic House Hotels. The renovation took two years to complete, the house is Grade list 1 in a 200 acre of beautiful parkland. The earliest part of the house was built in the 13th century...

We come to this venue because this business is run by a really professional team. The service is exquisite...nothing is left out. The attention to detail is by far superior to anything you would get almost anywhere else. It is this attention to detail that we as a company strive to provide to our customers at Synchro.

I would just like to thank our team, my team. Each and every one of us work for 'The Customer' nothing is too much trouble, we aim to support and provide to the MAX..imum. I take great pride in Synchro, we constantly strive to be an 'Exceptional Company' without reservation!

Thank you all..the spirit of Synchro thrives on your effort. Great year '08 well done...

Almost 12 months ago, I had my wedding in this beautiful house. I married Barbara, my partner of 14 years... http://www.bodysgallen.com/hotel/ 06/12/07...must remember my anniversay, although knowing my wife, she will be too busy working on the business to be too concerned if I forget...but that is what I love about her. She gives so much of herself to our customers and the synchro team who make it all possible. x