“It was impressive! The implementation of ConnectWise tools provided us a responsive system and allowed us to monitor projects in real-time. Specifically, we could track progress related to something like a truck scale installation project. Those typically involve coordinating with subcontractors, concrete crews, manufacturers, and crane companies. The [ConnectWise PSA] system enabled live tracking of invoices and total project costs. Additionally, we were able to accurately forecast completion dates and scheduling subsequent tasks to become more efficient.”
"My dad has worked in this industry for 50 years. He built our previous DOS based software that we used for 25 years or more. But once he saw the power of ConnectWise, and how the solutions (sic. PSA, Wise-Sync and CPQ) have been a game-changer for us --- my dad would be the first to say that this is the best investment we’ve made in the last 20 years.”
It was 2019.
The year before COVID changed everything for us – the way we behave, the way we live, and the way we work.
Unbeknownst to them, Central Illinois Scale Company, made a transformative move in 2019 that paved their way to the future.
For context, in 2019, Ryan Fox, Vice President of Operations at Central Illinois Scale Company explained:
“We were a different company back then. At that time, we were doing a lot of manual things. We were homegrown doing most of our work with pen and paper, a fax machine and punch clocks. It was a long process to complete our billing, to communicate in real-time; and it was evident to me that we need to modernize our way of doing business.”
Fox used a variety of vendors to satisfy his desire for an ‘all-in-one solution’ that promised seamless integration with accounting, inventory management, and other critical functions. However, these attempts resulted in disappointment—false promises, clunky interfaces, and systems that simply didn’t work. Even a significant investment in a previous solution yielded no results.
“We spent a lot of time and a lot of money. But none of these solutions worked for us. I can only describe it as a lead balloon for our organization. It wasn’t until I had a chance interaction with a local business contact that I was made aware of ConnectWise. Pretty quickly after the call [with this contact], I received an email with a ticket number and communication to track our issue to resolution. I was in awe. I knew we had to have it.”
Within 6 months of contacting ConnectWise, Central Illinois Scale Company was up and running with ConnectWise PSA, CPQ and WisePay.
“It was impressive! The implementation of ConnectWise tools provided us a responsive system and allowed us to monitor projects in real-time. Specifically, we could track progress related to something like a truck scale installation project. Those typically involve coordinating with subcontractors, concrete crews, manufacturers, and crane companies. The [ConnectWise PSA] system enabled live tracking of invoices and total project costs. Additionally, we were able to accurately forecast completion dates and scheduling subsequent tasks to become more efficient.”
But, then 2020 became a new reality.
“And, for us, we were considered an essential business.” Fox said. “We were required to be up-and-running during COVID.”
Businesses relied on us to keep them going without business disruption.
“We have industrial division that captures all the large stuff, which would be the truck scales, the rail scales, and then there's, you know, hundreds if not thousands of other applications in between. Everything from your granola bars to your macaroni and cheese to grain processing --- really anything that is manufactured is weighed in or on scales.”
Despite the pandemic, the company continued to perform operations.
“Thanks to ConnectWise, we were way ahead of the game. Employees no longer needed to physically drop off paperwork at the office. Instead, they could work on-site, following safety precautions. This adaptability contributed to your company’s success during challenging times.”
Overall, Central Illinois Scale Company had the ability to pivot quickly and embrace technology. It has been instrumental in maintaining productivity and achieving positive outcomes.
“By using ConnectWise solutions, we’ve experienced steady and significant growth, estimated to be 20% to 25% since 2019. Improved efficiency played a crucial role in achieving this growth.”
Fox said there’s more to come with their ConnectWise partnership. “We are looking into other solutions built on ConnectWise Asio like Sidekick and other ways to continue to work more efficiently.”
Central Illinois Scale Company embraced technology and had the ability to pivot quickly. There’s no question that it’s been instrumental in maintaining productivity and achieving positive outcomes.
“My dad has worked in this industry for 50 years. He built our previous DOS based software that we used for 25 years or more. But once he saw the power of ConnectWise, and how the solutions (sic. PSA, WisePay and CPQ) have been a game-changer for us --- my dad would be the first to say that this is the best investment we’ve made in the last 20 years.”
