From Frustration to Full Integration:
A Packaging Manufacturer’s MRO Success Story
the project overview
- Industry: Packaging / General Manufacturing
- Region: North America
- Challenge: Fragmented and underperforming MRO strategy
- Result: RS Integrated Supply transformed a troubled MRO process into a unified, efficient, and scalable solution
With failure comes growth. One general manufacturing client faced a situation where they had multiple manufacturing sites and an MRO supply chain dilemma.
At the larger sites where the bulk of the manufacturing is done, the company had in place an MRO integrator to manage the flow of materials. At the remote sites, which were smaller and did not warrant an integrator, the company opted for a software solution provided by a second vendor. RS Integrated Supply managed the two larger locations, while the other company oversaw the remote sites. It was a strategy that failed to deliver the desired results.
The Challenge
The client’s decentralized approach to MRO management, including use multiple vendors, created major inefficiencies and visibility gaps across its manufacturing sites.
Lack of Centralized System
- Each site used its own CMMS, preventing communication and data sharing.
- A second vendor’s software failed to unify operations or meet performance expectations.
Limited Inventory Insight
- The client couldn’t track parts availability or location across sites.
- Maintenance teams lacked access to historical data, slowing down repairs.
High Turnover and Decision Paralysis
- Frequent staff changes led to the loss of critical operational knowledge.
- Decision-making was delayed due to inconsistent leadership and unclear ownership.
These challenges made it difficult for the client to maintain operational continuity and scale improvements across locations.
The Solution
RS Integrated Supply introduced a scalable, tech-driven solution that unified systems and empowered teams across all sites.
Technology Integration
- RS SYNC™ and Marketplace were deployed using existing infrastructure, avoiding costly system replacements.
- Inventory visibility was extended across all locations through a simple punchout integration.
Enhanced Procurement Tools
- RS SYNC™ Marketplace enabled side-by-side vendor comparisons and automated sourcing.
- The platform ensured the best pricing and streamlined the purchasing process.
Hands-On Support and Expansion
- Personalized training helped client staff quickly adopt the new tools.
- Success at one site led to a full transition and expansion to additional remote locations.
result
The transformation led to measurable cost savings, improved efficiency, and organic growth through internal referrals.
Operational Improvements
- Inventory was organized and tracked, enabling automatic reordering and reducing downtime.
- Maintenance storerooms were reorganized, with over 5,000 SKUs cataloged and accessible.
Organic Growth
- Other sites within the organization requested similar support after seeing the results.
- Growth was driven by service quality and word-of-mouth, not aggressive sales.
Stronger Partnership
- The client expanded its contract with RS Integrated Supply, deepening the relationship.
- Lessons learned from this engagement are now applied to future client projects.
This case demonstrates how a failed strategy can evolve into a successful, scalable partnership through the right technology and support.
Key Takeaway: By unifying fragmented systems with scalable technology and hands-on support, RS Integrated Supply transformed a failing MRO strategy into a high-performing, organization-wide solution, proving that the right partnership can turn operational challenges into long-term growth.
