BLUEPRINT: TURBINE AIR SYSTEMS

THE EFFICIENCY EQUATION
The Building Partner
Turbine Air Systems (TAS) is a worldwide leader in providing gas turbine inlet cooling systems and complete packaged power systems. TAS large range of water and air cooled packaged chilling products provide their customers with the flexibility to match their performance augmentation needs to a quick and cost effective packaged solution.

+ Surveying the Project
TAS' previous bookkeeping system (Peachtree) was beyond its operating limits and had to be replaced quickly. Many processes were manual, and the heart of TAS profitability was completely manually monitored. A patchwork of homegrown applications, Excel, and Microsoft Project provided project scheduling, monitoring, and reporting.

+ Drafting the Blueprint
TAS turned to Microsoft and The Rand Group to provide a more integrated solution. Existing accounting functionality had to be replaced, but more was needed. After an initial engagement to perform a Business Requirements Workshop and document TAS' processes, TRG drafted a plan to address current needs while providing flexibility for growth. A further challenge mandated the new system be tested and put in place on an aggressive schedule during off-season so as not to interfere with upcoming projects.

+The Microsoft Building Blocks
Microsoft Great Plains formed the backbone of the new system. SQL Server provided the ease of data access and integration, while SQL Reporting services and Analysis services enabled actually using the operational data in real time to manage project and enterprise profitability. The addition of Great Plains Business Portal provided management with key performance metrics through a friendly web interface. Increasing integration of Great Plains with Microsoft Office reduced the learning curve on key processes and smoothed the path for system adoption.

The solution included not only core accounting, manufacturing, and job costing functions, but laid the foundation for future integration of external systems and enterprise wide reporting and analysis of project data using powerful Microsoft SQL technologies presented through the familiar MS Excel interface.

= Measurable Results
Microsoft Great Plains coupled with the power of SQL Server allows Turbine to monitor project profitability and progress at a granular level without tedious manual collection and aggregation of data. Presentation of KPI's and other operational reports via an internal portal allow TAS to manage by exception and focus on the keys to their success rather than costly manual processes.