In a world of rapidly developing industrial technologies, Jakmet is an example of a conscious, targeted transformation towards fully integrated and digitally managed production. This family-owned manufacturer of switchgear and electrical enclosures, which has been operating continuously for over three decades, has implemented one of the most comprehensive ERP systems in its industry, transferring the entire management of the company to the Merit ERP environment in cooperation with Asseco Business Solutions.
The scale and depth of integration covered all areas of the company’s operations – from production floor operations to accounting processes – creating a unified, controllable industrial organism.
The implementation of the system is not only an example of process digitalisation, but also confirmation of the advanced technological maturity of a company that is able to effectively combine engineering expertise with a modern approach to planning and management. Production is based not only on modern machinery for metal and SMC material processing, but also on consistent data flow, automation of operations and full integration of systems with equipment. Each order is carried out comprehensively, within the company: from laser cutting, through bending, welding and painting, to final assembly.
It is particularly noteworthy that the company not only designs and manufactures steel switchgear and thermosetting enclosures on its own, but also continuously develops its own resources and technological competences, adapting production to the individual needs of its customers.
Challenges before implementation
With the growth of the business and the increase in production scale, the existing solution no longer met the needs of the dynamically developing organisation. The key problems were:
- Scale of operations: Handling hundreds, and sometimes thousands, of orders per day required more advanced planning tools
- Complexity of production: The company operates two main production lines – large industrial steel switchgear and thermoset electrical enclosures
- Product customisation: Most orders are design-based production, carried out according to individual technical drawings
- Raw material management: Optimal use of sheet metal and management of usable waste
What has been implemented? Merit ERP for full-scale project-based production
As part of the implementation, almost all system modules were launched, including:
- Production and advanced planning
- Warehousing and logistics
- Sales and purchasing
- Accounting and fixed assets
- Human resources and payroll
- Integrations with industrial automation
- Analytics using Qlik technology (BI analyses)
Key functionalities and their impact on processes
Production – the heart of the system
Merit ERP at Jakmet supports every stage of production in accordance with the design documentation, which has its repositories in the Merit ERP system:
- Order – recorded in the Merit ERP system
- Automatic generation of production orders – based on product structure and technology.
- Planning – a comprehensive schedule that takes into account machines, people, downtime and inspections.
- Execution – using production kiosks, where employees confirm the completion of individual operations directly on the production floor using dedicated terminals.
- Packaging and shipping – after production is complete, the finished products are directly packaged and prepared for shipment. The system registers the completion of the order and supports picking and logistics, ensuring timely and order-compliant deliveries to the customer.
Production planning is a key area. The company fulfils hundreds of orders every day, so precise planning is essential.
The system takes into account the availability of raw materials, machine status and workstation load. For example, a planner can select orders to be completed using the same sheet metal, optimising raw material consumption and reducing waste.
Integrations with machines and automation
Jakmet has successfully integrated MERIT ERP with its machine park:
- Carousel warehouse with electronic small parts – the system communicates via web API with an automatic small parts warehouse (fasteners, electrical appliances) and, based on production technology, automatically generates component requirements, while the mobile warehouse optimises the order in which parts are issued
- Lasers and robots – although the cutting programming process itself takes place in dedicated software according to technical documentation, the system provides data from technologies and plans that form the basis for device programming.
- Machine inspection management – Merit ERP takes service and repair dates into account in production schedules.
Material optimisation and waste management
The software supports the planning of sheet metal cutting. Although the cutting itself takes place in external laser software, the system:
- groups orders by material,
- stores data on usable waste (e.g. trapezoidal or circular scraps),
- enables the reuse of these scraps, which translates into material savings.
The company has even built a special warehouse for usable waste with a storage and identification system – all supported by ERP.
Business analytics – Qlik technology
Qlik technology enables the company to:
- analyse production loads,
- control material consumption and waste,
- evaluate order efficiency,
- support purchasing and sales decisions.
Importantly, all analyses are created independently by the Jakmet team, without the need for external support. This is proof of the conscious use of data in day-to-day management.
Implementation results – real change
The implementation of Merit ERP at Jakmet has brought measurable results:
- Increased production efficiency through better planning and reporting.
- Shorter order fulfilment times, including for individual and project orders.
- Reduced raw material waste thanks to waste analysis and cutting planning.
- Improved data quality – every production operation is reported ‘live’.
- Increased flexibility – the company responds more quickly to changes in customer orders.
Key success factors
1. Understanding business needs
The implementation focused on the actual needs of the company, not on the available system functionalities.
2. Experienced implementation partner
Cooperation with ASSECO Business Solutions, which understands the specifics of the industry and the customer’s needs.
3. Management commitment
Full support from the company’s owners and understanding of the benefits of digitalisation.
4. Gradual approach
Implementation of new functionalities in line with the organisation’s ability to absorb changes.
5. Culture of continuous improvement
Openness to process optimisation and utilisation of the system’s full potential.
Conclusions
The case of Jakmet shows that even a traditional manufacturing company can successfully undergo a comprehensive digital transformation.
The key to success was:
- A realistic approach: focusing on functionalities that bring real value
- Integration with existing infrastructure: leveraging existing technological solutions
- Development of internal competencies: building analytical capabilities within the team
- System flexibility: ability to adapt to the specific needs of the industry
The system not only streamlined the company’s daily operations, but also became a platform for further development and process automation. The company gained a tool that grows with the organisation and supports its long-term business goals.
Jakmet’s experience proves that a properly selected and implemented ERP system can be a catalyst for the transformation of an entire organisation, turning chaotic processes into controlled, optimal and scalable business operations.
