Rehtek Machine Company is a job shop that specializes in machined parts for the aerospace and defense industries. Steve Reh and his brother, Paul, started the shop in 1990, and they started using E2 at the end of 1999. They’ve stayed with E2 for over 20 years and, as their shop grew, they’ve used new software from Shoptech. They initially started looking for ERP software back in 1999 because they needed something to bring all their shop floor data together. Steve Reh, President, said, “As we grew, we were using QuickBooks, Peachtree, and Excel spreadsheets to manage the business, but nothing was connected. There was no data flow. We had to go to file cabinets to get certs, documents, and I said ‘There’s got to be a better way. We need a turnkey solution.’” When they found E2 at a tradeshow, they knew this software was what they had been looking for, and they’ve stuck with it ever since.
Fast forward around 20 years, to when they’d been running E2 MFG in the shop, but their server was on its last legs. Rehtek had to make a decision about whether to buy a new server or move their ERP software onto the cloud. Although they knew the time was coming, their server died much more quickly than they’d been expecting. Instead of spending all the time and money to replace their server, acquire SQL licenses, Windows Server Cal, and backup appliances with backup service fees, they decided to move their software onto the cloud instead. And they love its speed, accessibility, and connectivity. As Steve said, “Recently, we went MFG online and I can’t say enough about that. How I should have done that years ago, but there was no cloud technology. The backups are done. It doesn’t lock up. It’s a seamless flow of data.”
Going on the cloud also helped them solve a problem they’d been having with their computer infrastructure. Steve shared, “I used to think there was something wrong with E2. No, the problem was the processing speed and the processing power of our network and the workstations. It was the lack of connectivity between the local PCs that was causing E2 to lock up. Once we went online, for the past year or so, it’s so fast.” That speed has allowed them to work more efficiently and productively in their shop, and it’s been one of the great benefits of moving to the cloud. Steve said, “The cloud is a click and go experience.” Using their E2 MFG software through the cloud means that it doesn’t matter what their computer infrastructure is like. They can now use the software to its full potential.