Michael Ellis: in Phoenix, AZ

Lead the organization in the selection and implementation of Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central as their ERP system, replacing various platforms that no longer supported the needs of one of the fastest growing franchises in the nation. Developed an enterprise data warehouse that centralizes information from key data rich SAAS applications to provide the organization valuable business intelligence. Implemented Microsoft SAAS applications including Office 365, SharePoint, Teams, and Power BI for maximum integration across the organization. Identified $300K of excess inventory currently being stocked and managed by 3PL supplier in Houston and took action to begin elimination of EIO. Negotiated a long-term agreement with a new 3PL provider in Phoenix and brought inventory and supply chain management in-house utilizing D365 saving $100K annually.

Lead the organization in Effective Materials Planning by creating and documenting planning policies for groups of parts based on several characteristics including ABC and XYZ classifications, lead times, life cycle and cost. PFEP allows the SAP ERP system to automatically plan parts on as many parts as possible, allowing planners to focus their time on planning by exception. Results are lower inventories and improved service levels. Responsible for all business intelligence, managerial reporting, dashboards and KPI metrics utilizing SAP, Business Objects, Business Warehouse, and Crystal Reports Enterprise. Created a Planning and Scheduling Improvement Plan that outlines issues with the current state of the Master Production Schedule and the lack of capacity and production planning. The current MPS is not being executed internally due to capacity constraints but does drive the external supply chain to provide material to support the manufacturing plan. The result is excess inventory that cannot be produced. The improvement plan outlines a clear path to corrective action including a project plan with major milestones and is currently being implemented.

Contracted by Knox Associates to provide comprehensive ERP consultation and systems support for the company’s new ERP system. Applied subject matter expertise to oversee the implementation process of the company’s ERP system and provided training to newly hired ERP staff.

Directed Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Materials, and Information Technology departments responsible for all materials, planning, and technology implementation management for a leading manufacturer and global distributor of Rapid Entry Systems with annual sales of $25M+. Collaborated with the owners and key part of a senior executive leadership team charged with improving manufacturing efficiency, reducing production costs, improving product quality, maximizing productivity, and achieving critical delivery service level agreements with corporate and government accounts worldwide. Succeeded in building a “best-in-class” materials, inventory, and IT organization; exceeded performance expectations across all management matrices for eight consecutive years; and 1st employee to be honored as Employee of the Year. Key strategist behind the successful re-launch and implementation of Microsoft Dynamics AX ERP; pioneered new ERP and MRP applications across all business segments; and provided business intelligence responsible for producing over $700,000 in combined annual savings across material planning, IT services, and external contract services. Managed $10.5M+ in annual spend; reduced inventory 40% while improving delivery performance to 97%; and permanently removed more than $300,000 in annual material costs using strategic supply chain rationalization, exceptional global and strategic sourcing, and an in-depth knowledge of lean manufacturing and Six Sigma practices. Performed on-going demand planning; led the S&OP process used to create the Master Schedule; and developed a series of KPI metrics including real-time dashboards. Administered a combined $4.5M operating and capital budget; managed financial and standard costing duties; and maximized cost savings using effective S&OP demand planning and forecasting; strong supplier negotiations, and proven contract review and management skills. Increased the company’s “lights out” CNC machining productivity 50% by improving and securing higher quality materials used in manufacturing; reduced the company’s reliance on external contract consultants generating over $250,000 in annual cost savings; and leveraged the use of Horizon VMWare (virtual computing) lowering spending on computer hardware by an additional $100,000. Also, improved the bandwidth of the company voice and data communication system; added redundancy; and reduced annual costs 40%. Promoted teamwork throughout the company; managed a four-member team (Materials Manager, Senior Production Planner, Senior Buyer, and Warehouse Associate); and led departments earning the highest job satisfaction scores in a company-wide 360 review. Launched a supplier certification program and led each team member to exceeded performance, productivity, and quality workmanship. Worked closely with the Director of Engineering to identify and resolve root problems and regularly served as an internal consultant to the owner and other senior executives.

Rapidly converted an under-performing Materials Department and improved on-time delivery performance to more than 90% for a tier-two automotive supplier of braking systems and air bags. Launched materials management strategies responsible for increasing product delivery levels 10% with leading industry manufacturers including Borg Warner, TRW, and Siemens. Compiled and analyzed critical supplier data and introduced and managed strong supplier performance metrics to improve delivery and quality performance. Key member of a team responsible for securing the company’s ISO 9001 certification team.

Led strategic and operational management of two separate departments for a $165M aerospace, marine, and defense manufacturing facility and led each department to exceeded performance, productivity, and quality goals each year. Managed a $49M production inventory and provided senior-level decision-making on global sourcing, supply chain management, strategic planning, scheduling, shipping & receiving responsible for improving on-time product delivery 25%. Met client delivery agreements and served as a primary point of contact for all direct customer communications, sales order processing, and material scheduling. Developed and executed supplier-managed inventory programs and material sourcing strategies to sustain continuous improvements; reduced past due purchasing by 70%; and eliminated $2M annual from purchased material costs. Championed efficiencies across all sourcing and material buying activities and led corporate efforts to reduce the number of suppliers, lower the cost of materials, negotiate costs savings, and maximize production quality and on-time delivery.