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Software solution proves enterprising for high-production custom woodworking company; Southern California-based His Life Woodworks improved its productivity and profitability by integrating its design, production, accounting and human resources software programs into one system.

Article Excerpt
A few years ago, Owner/President John Johnson needed an enterprising solution to improve the productivity and profitability of His Life Woodworks, the Southern California-based high-production, custom cabinet shop he began in 1978.

But, what he sought was unavailable. So Johnson's company improvised, fine-tuned and--by working with software vendor Planit Solutions--developed a system that would integrate the design, estimating, material management, production, human resources/payroll and accounting programs.

"I wanted to build our information structure first, even before we invested in CNC equipment," Johnson says. "[The information system] would make our ability to manage jobs better, which was critical, even before automation."

Two factors helped drive that decision, Johnson says. "One was [controlling] cost. I needed to find an integrated system which could allow us to see where--and on which projects--we were making money. Getting feedback like that on the job has [since] empowered us--and has given us the ability to make changes where they need to be made, whether it's the design of a cabinet or the process.

"Two, we needed to organize jobs [on the shop floor]. Through our experience, we found that while we identified ourselves primarily as a cabinet shop, we spent [as much] time on the accessories and embellishments," Johnson adds.

In addition to high-end cabinetry, His Life Woodworks manufactures entertainment centers, workstations, libraries, closets and bars, primarily for residential use. Ninety percent of the jobs involve solid wood or veneers,...

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