top of page
Collier & Associates brand mark featuring the core services: Business Transformation; Enterprise Systems; AI-Enabled Execution.

Steam Turbine & Generator Repair Operation (Global 500 Division)

Client Challenge

  • Seasonal shop workers had no structured planning and scheduling system

  • In the plant’s 20+ year history, workers had never taken holiday time off during the busy season

Client Solution

  • Custom Application: Designed and developed the Capacity Planning application integrated with the JDE Estimating-to-Cash process — interactive level-setting of machines, employees, and contractors by period, with roll-up from work center to department

  • Data Engine: ~50,000 open work order and routing operations refreshed from the enterprise data warehouse in 1–2 minutes; rolling 52-week horizon with weekly buckets inside the planning fence and monthly beyond it

  • What-If Planning: Production levels set against combinations of contracted and high-probability forecasted orders; chart refresh decoupled from edits so planners can adjust several departments before recalculating

  • Change Management: Executive engagement, Gemba Walks, and BPR to institutionalize the planning discipline

Client Impact Results

  • Human Outcome: For the first time in 20+ years, shop personnel took Thanksgiving and Christmas vacations during the busy season — planning discipline made the capacity visible

  • Planning: Contributed to eliminating the daily 45-minute planning meetings with 30+ staff

  • Delivery: Design to live in 4 months

Client Technologies

  • JD Edwards ERP — Work Order (F4801) and Work Order Routing (F3112) data extracted via Oracle ODBC from the enterprise data warehouse

  • Custom Capacity Planning application (MS Access 2010/VBA) with pivot-chart visualization

  • Estimating-to-Cash (ETC) process integration

I have worked for Alstom for over twenty years and have seen many quality initiatives during my time there. In almost all cases outside consultants were used to develop and/or facilitate these changes. Although management support is critical to the success of such initiatives the consultant plays an important role. In the past all attempts to drive organizational change failed or fell short of the goal. Fast forward, Alstom hired Collier & Associates to perform a complete business redesign and integrate our systems. This was a huge undertaking that would require tremendous commitment to achieve. I am pleased to say that with Andy Collier’s dedication and knowledge of business systems Alstom has a completely new business model redefined associates’ roles and integrated systems. I am proud to have been part of such a rewarding experience and would fully recommend Andy to any company with the need for positive change.

Rusty Brannan, Quality Manager ~ Alstom Power

bottom of page