The Client:  United Pipe & Supply has serviced Pacific Northwest customers for over 50 years. Taylor Ramsey founded the company in 1953.   Since then, the company has expanded to 35 locations in Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Montana with over 425 dedicated employees. The Ramsey family still operates the business with commitment to product availability, competitive pricing and a highly trained staff to assist with technical questions and order fulfillment.

Client Need:   United Pipe & Supply purchased a network system from a provider that afterward went bankrupt. Technical support dissolved and they didn’t have in-house staff to deal with the malfunctions. Orders could not be processed and long-term customers were storming away from the pick-up counters. United Pipe & Supply had always prided itself on top-notch customer service. A mandate was issued to get the company back on track by implementing IT initiatives.

 

Solutions:   Mincron was selected as United Pipe & Supply’s Technology Partner and remains the hub of United Pipe & Supply’s IT platform over the last decade. All branches are operating Mincron’s ERP solution and Warehouse Manager Solution using radio frequency scanners to maximize efficiency. To increase sales and employee productivity, all salespeople, managers, and key personnel use wireless laptops. Mincron’s ERP solution is fully web-enabled, so access to the system is quick and easy via a wi-fi hot spot and a local network.   They can enter or review orders, check stock availability, and access emails. The top 50 vendors have been targeted for EDI purchasing to reduce costs and increase margins.   Operations have been streamlined and future technological advancements are being cost justified based upon their Return on Investment. 

 
Results: Mincron’s integrated ERP and Warehouse Management solutions helped pave the way toward a technology-driven future for United Pipe & Supply.   Sales have doubled over the last four years to over $200 million. Laptops used in the field have increased sales and improved customer service. Profits have risen and the time to open a new branch location has been cut in half.   

 

United Pipe & Supply has played an active role in Mincron’s annual user group conference and advisory council meetings for product development. They are considered a leader in their industry and valued “Technology Partner”.