Founded in 1855, Weitz is the oldest general contractor West of the Mississippi. More important than longevity is the company’s commitment to client needs, including quality structures, on-time projects, cost-effectiveness building processes, and personalized customer service.

Weitz had operated successfully for many years on a legacy VAX system. However, the growth of the company and an increased need to save and extract additional business-critical information was creating some challenges and inefficiencies. In addition, the company was operating Meridian Project Systems’ Prolog Manager solution, a leading project management application; however, due to the limitations of the VAX system, the two systems were not integrated. Weitz recognized the benefits that a fully integrated software solution provides and began looking to replace its legacy VAX system in order to create a competitive advantage over the competition.

“The Weitz executive management team had a goal in mind to adequately increase the company’s focus on technology in order to benefit from today’s leading-edge software solutions and to move the company forward,” said Mark Federle, Chief Information Officer, The Weitz Company. “We were receiving excellent results from Prolog Manager and wanted to integrate these systems together but we didn’t have the capability to do so with our current solution. Our decision to replace our old software system revolved around its inability to provide the necessary integration and timely information that is required to be a leader in today’s economy.”

As Weitz started the challenging process of identifying a new software system, it utilized the resources of a third-party consultant to provide a GAP analysis – a comprehensive review and comparison of where the company currently was and where it wanted to be in the future.

“Our GAP analysis provided justification for what our initial project plans were – that we needed to replace our VAX system and implement a fully integrated, complete enterprise system,” stated Federle. “In summary, this process showed us when we purchased the VAX system 15 years ago that it was leading technology, but that it was not capable of supporting an industry-leading company in today’s economy.”

Weitz began their software selection by reviewing the systems that are currently in use today by general contractors comparable in size. According to Federle, there was not a lot of data that could be found regarding technologies being used by mid-market contractors. “Small contractors use Tier III and IV solutions and the mega-construction companies develop, maintain and support the system internally. Neither was a valid option for Weitz.”

During the process, Weitz was introduced to AMX International and its Prolog DataBridge solution, which provides integration between Prolog Manager and JD Edwards ERP software. After several meetings with AMX, Weitz realized the benefits and competitive advantage provided by this solution. “We were extremely excited about the AMX Prolog DataBridge and the benefits of integration, interoperability and collaboration that it would provide to us,” Federle stated.

After further investigation and assistance from its independent software selection consultant, Weitz identified four vendors as potential solution providers. After an extensive due diligence process, demos and negotiations, the decision to implement JD Edwards was made.

“We decided on JD Edwards for several reasons, including flexibility, integration, ROI and a low cost of ownership,” Federle continued. “As a result of utilizing Prolog Manager, we knew that if we were going with JD Edwards that we would also purchase the AMX Prolog DataBridge to integrate the two systems together.”

Weitz determined early on that a hosted technology environment, both for their JD Edwards and AMX Prolog DataBridge solutions, would be the most beneficial implementation strategy for long-term success. As a result, Weitz, AMX and World Technology Services (WTS), which provided the hosting technology capabilities, held several planning sessions to identify their implementation strategy plan and to discuss resource availability and timelines.

As part of their new software solution, Weitz purchased General Ledger, Financials, Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, Job Cost, Payroll, Work Orders, Service Billing, Workforce Management, Self-Service, Project Management and Enterprise Content Manager from JD Edwards. In addition, Weitz purchased The AMX Prolog DataBridge, which would seamlessly integrate JD Edwards and their existing Prolog Manager solution.

“JD Edwards provided the viable option for Weitz to be successful now and well into the future. We are certain that by utilizing JD Edwards’ hi-end technology and the quality implementation and consulting services of AMX that we will ultimately have a best-of-class software solution that will put us well ahead of our competition in today’s competitive economy.”

Weitz selected AMX to implement JD Edwards as a result of AMX’s expertise, proven track record, quality consultants and its AMX Prolog DataBridge solution. AMX realized the magnitude of this project and recognized the importance of accomplishing it on-time and on-budget.

“We did a significant amount of due diligence in deciding on an implementation partner and during the entire process we heard nothing but quality statements being said about AMX,” Federle stated. “AMX’s implementation approach was unique and fit precisely with our planned projections. One fundamental difference that AMX made attractive in their implementation strategy was their commitment to bring all of our dissimilar divisions live on JD Edwards in the phase one go live. The competition wanted to bring the headquarters live first and then subsequently bringing each regional office live.”

AMX has provided Weitz with some of the industry’s best and most qualified applications and technical consultants, many of which have been asked to go above and beyond their expected responsibilities. In addition to implementation services, AMX has provided custom programming, training, business process reviews, and project management services.

“We have given our AMX consultants to do what some might consider fairly unreasonable assignments and very heavy workloads and expectations,” said Federle. “Time and time again AMX delivered in a very positive and professional manner. AMX was there with us from the beginning and had our best interest in mind throughout the project.”

Another aspect of the project included the implementation of the AMX Prolog DataBridge, which was a key differentiator that AMX had over the competition. To date, the DataBridge is efficiently operating and providing quality end-results.

“To date, the AMX Prolog DataBridge is providing quality integration capabilities, which have never been available to Weitz before,” said Federle. “No longer are we tasked with double and triple data inquires and questionable data. With our new integrated system we input data once and we trust it. Data integrity is no longer an issue as it was once before.”

With its new JD Edwards enterprise software system in place, Weitz is receiving many value-add benefits and advantages.

“From what we have seen to date, and what we expect to continue to see in the future, is a dramatic increase in the efficiency of the organization from an information availability standpoint. Operations now has much more control in entering their information and we have access to current information, which was not always the case in the past,” Federle stated. “In addition, we anticipate a continued discipline in the way we use information and the way we use the system to allow us to have better control of our high risk operating areas. We’ll have a better understanding of our efficiencies and inefficiencies, all which is available from one single database system, which was never the case with our old system.”

“One of our goals is to be a close follower of best-of-class technology but a leading implementer of technology with solutions such as the AMX Prolog DataBridge. Over time this strategy will allow to use the latest technologies for our benefit. It will enable our people to be more efficient and effective and will ultimately help us recruit and retain employees,” said Federle. “We anticipate that our new enterprise solution will continue to be a significant technology advantage for us.”

Although Weitz is now live and successfully operating its new enterprise system, it continues to identify opportunities where additional functionality would enhance operations. According to Federle, Weitz has available to them many technology enhancement options to select from in the future.

“One of the most positive aspects of implementing our JD Edwards system is the ability to have it adapt as our business evolves and expands,” Federle stated. “With the extensive flexibility that JD Edwards provides, we have additional opportunities to add functionality to our current system. In the future, we will be identifying specific areas where we can better utilize the technology to further enhance business processes and add to our bottom line.”