“The (EPS) system is a powerful, reliable and flexible system.”
Bob Haddad, Jr.
CIO and project manager
Columbus Container, Inc.

As a full-service corrugated supplier based out of Columbus, IN, Columbus Container, Inc. (CCI), needed to update its disparate computer system. The converter strategized that it would gain greater efficiency if it streamlined and integrated its workflow process, enabling it to better support its business operations that focus on customer service and quality.

From its company headquarters in Vancouver, B.C., Canada, VantagePoint Group^™ (VPGroup), a North American leader in providing e-business and enterprise resource planning (ERP) software and services specifically for the packaging industry, provided CCI with a solution. As with other paperboard converting companies, VPGroup streamlined and improved CCI's business operations through their flagship VantagePoint Enterprise^™ (VPE) application.

VPE is the foundation of a new information systems strategy at Columbus Container that brings together applications solutions from VantagePoint Group, Corrugated Technologies, Inc., Epicor Software Corp. and Stochos Inc. These class-leading solutions have been seamlessly integrated primarily through the innovative data mapping technology from Mercator Software, allowing Columbus to fully leverage the unique benefits of each software package.

Because enterprise resource planning affects everyone within an organization, VantagePoint Group became CCI's technology partner to help find the right systems solutions for their business. By working with teams from all departments, they identified Columbus Container's needs, helped build consensus within the organization and developed and implemented a system to allow CCI to differentiate itself in a competitive market.

Paving the way for a smooth transition into the new software system, VPGroup provided project management, assisted with third-party software selection, conducted on-site training and created complete systems integration.

“At Columbus Container, we continually pursue excellence, and strive to distinguish ourselves beyond simply providing a quality product and delivering it on time. We found a similar commitment within VantagePoint Group,” explains Bob Haddad Jr., CIO and project manager of Columbus Container.

The recently installed VPE system has allowed the six plants of Columbus Container Inc. to arguably become one of the most fully-automated corrugated box companies in the world.

“The VantagePoint Enterprise system is a powerful, reliable and flexible system that has enabled us to provide a level of service and responsiveness that our customers demand. Bottom line — VPE has helped Columbus Container become a value-added supplier to our customers, and to distinguish ourselves from other corrugated packaging suppliers,” adds Haddad.

“At VantagePoint Group, we are proponents of a best of breed approach to providing world-class application solutions. We've taken our formidable expertise in the corrugated packaging arena and brought it to bear on all our developments. As such, customers like Columbus Container can leverage this expertise to great advantage,” says VPGroup's president Jim Hennings.

The ERP software solutions has already been installed in over 100 packaging plants throughout North and South America.

In its effort to expand internationally, VP Group, Inc. completed an initial public offering in August 2001 to raise investment capital through the Canadian Venture Exchange (CDNX). The offering is designed to provide ongoing enhancements to the company's VantagePoint Enterprise system and to accelerate VP Group's aggressive efforts to build its new e*Solutions* family of Internet-based software solutions for the packaging industry.

For more information about VPE, contact VantagePoint Group at (604) 685-4209, or visit the VantagePoint Group website at www.vpgroup.com