AGS Automotive Systems Improves IT Staff Productivity and Team Collaboration Using Bell’s ProConnect^TM Solution
Date: November 2004

Increasingly high production rates, maximum uptime, flexible production systems, and reduced lead times-this is the reality of the automotive industry today. At the same time, competition within the industry has led to a proliferation of brands, more part specifications and intensified delivery and logistics requirements. As a result, automotive suppliers are under growing pressure to maximize their flexibility and responsiveness while delivering substantial cost savings annually.

To meet these challenges, AGS Automotive Systems, a full-service automotive supplier for major manufacturers like GM and Chrysler, is undergoing a trans-formation based on three driving principles: quality, technology and teamwork. "Technology is critical in order for us to become a superior automotive supplier, indicates Maria Di Zio, Director of Communications, AGS Automotive Systems. "By using technology throughout our organization, we are able to come up with innovative solutions allowing our employees to collaborate effectively across the company."

Thus, when AGS began assessing how their IT systems could help cost effectively improve teamwork and collaboration, they turned to Bell, their trusted solutions provider, for help.

AGS’s Challenge - an Inflexible Network

AGS has 1,200 employees based at four sites in Canada and two in the U.S. These include plants and corporate offices that run production, assembly, inventory and logistics systems that require seamless information flow throughout the entire organization. Their challenge was that the Frame Relay network that was in place to link all these systems was unmeshed, was not able to accommodate the constant fluctuations in information volume and was not optimal in supporting their mission critical applications or growth.

The Case for Migrating to a Private IP Network Solution

With the Bell ProConnect service, a private IP-based network solution, AGS was able to more efficiently and affordably interconnect their 6 plants and offices. This has permitted them to remove unnecessary duplication of resources by centralizing their applications, including an Enterprise Resource Planning system and Internet access from a single location shared over the ProConnect network.

The Bell solution has helped to improve collaboration and teamwork across their operations, while giving them quicker "time to market" responsiveness. "The new ProConnect network from Bell enables us to centralize applications such as our ERP system which had previously been distributed at all of our sites", indicates Dan Reid, Director of Technology at AGS. "In addition, other high network demand applications such as engineering files can be leveraged more effectively."

Mr. Reid also specifies that the solution Bell provided them is future-ready. "The strategic positioning for this network is to try to leverage other emerging technologies. We’ve got aging voice systems and this enables us to consider voice over IP and other applications that were out of the question with our previous Frame Relay network. We see a lot more opportunity for savings in the future."

People are just more "connected" and that means manufacturing, inventory and delivery challenges are easier to meet across their organization with suppliers and especially with customers. AGS has already seen an increase in network throughput, and improved IT staff productivity. They’ve gained scalability and the flexibility to instantly adapt to changing needs and market demands.

Bell was able to understand AGS’ needs and propose and deliver a technology solution based on their business requirements - simply and reliably.

Bell’s continues to deliver integrated IP-based solutions that empower small and medium enterprises to compete like big businesses. AGS trusts Bell to keep providing them with technology solutions and advice that will help secure their industry leadership. We can help you too. Connect with Bell and we’ll find the solution that’s right for your business.

For more details, visit www.bell.ca/IP .