BTD Manufacturing Enhances Supply Chain Efficiency and Scalability with True Auto Integration

The Objective:

• Address inefficiencies in EDI processes to improve operational accuracy and reduce downtime.
• Enhance compliance with automotive industry standards to meet client requirements seamlessly.
• Increase scalability to support the onboarding of multiple high-profile trading partners.
• Provide real-time visibility into supply chain operations to improve decision-making.

The Solution:

BTD Manufacturing partnered with TrueAuto to implement a comprehensive supply chain solution seamlessly integrated with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations. This solution streamlined EDI processes, provided real-time reporting, and enhanced error handling, enabling efficient onboarding of trading partners and improving compliance with stringent standards.

The Results:

• Increased Efficiency: Automated error handling significantly reduced manual interventions, improving operational flow and minimizing disruptions.
• Enhanced Compliance: Seamless adherence to automotive EDI standards, particularly for clients like Honda.
• Improved Transparency: Real-time tracking enhanced visibility into document status and integration performance.
• Scalability: The solution supported the successful onboarding of multiple trading partners, enabling future expansion.

About BTD Manufacturing

BTD Manufacturing is a leading contract metal manufacturer and one of the top three in the U.S., catering to OEM giants such as Honda, Caterpillar, John Deere, and Polaris. Operating from four main facilities across Minnesota, Illinois, and Georgia, BTD is known for its precision and reliability. Under the guidance of IT Director Justin Davis, BTD’s supply chain operations have become a model of efficiency and innovation.

Identifying the Need for a Better EDI Solution

Historically, BTD managed EDI internally. However, according to Davis, “It became hard to support EDI internally with constant map changes and the back and forth in working with

customers. The more customers we added, the more transactions there were, which was more overhead for our team. We aren’t a tech company, we’re a metal manufacturing company, and it got to be a lot.”

Eventually, the team sought an external provider. However, inefficiencies in scalability, responsiveness, support, and compliance prompted the search for a more superior solution. The organization sought an auto-focused partner capable of streamlining its EDI processes and supporting the demands of its high-profile clientele. They also needed a provider that was approved for Honda EDI. TrueAuto was chosen for its ability to meet these challenges effectively.

Seamless Implementation and Integration

The transition to TrueAuto’s supply chain solution was seamless, involving:

• Improved Error Handling: Real-time insights into document tracking and resolution streamlined operations.
• Enhanced Onboarding: TrueAuto managed initial setups and collaborated directly with trading partners to ensure compliance and accuracy.
• Streamlined Testing: Dedicated environments enabled thorough testing, ensuring smooth transitions between testing and production phases.
• Robust Support: TrueAuto’s responsive team provided critical assistance during the go-live phase, resolving issues promptly and ensuring a smooth implementation.

Transforming Operational Efficiency

The integration of TrueAuto’s solution resulted in:

• Significant Time Savings: Automated processes reduced the manual workload, freeing the IT team for strategic initiatives.
• Simplified Onboarding: EDI capabilities became a valuable asset in onboarding new clients, enhancing BTD’s market position.
• Cost Savings: Reduced salaried time and minimized disruptions led to measurable financial benefits.

Davis commented, “In our previous system, there wasn’t an effective way to identify and resolve integration issues quickly. Errors like incorrect shipping quantities or dates would often slip through because updates weren’t properly flagged. With True Auto, the improved error handling has been a game-changer. Now, we’re immediately alerted if something doesn’t work as expected, allowing us to address issues proactively and avoid costly mistakes.”

Why BTD Manufacturing Recommends TrueAuto

Davis emphasized the transformative impact of the partnership: “The responsiveness of the TrueAuto team during the go-live phase was unparalleled. The integration tools provided real-time updates and insights, significantly improving our error resolution process. The collaborative efforts in onboarding trading partners and meeting compliance requirements have set a new benchmark for us.”

“The biggest difference for us has been TrueAuto’s hands-on approach,” said Davis. “The team takes care of the upfront setup—configuring connections, exchanging test files, and managing all the intricate details like ISA numbers. It’s a process we used to handle entirely on our own, and now it’s just done for us. That’s saved us so much time and eliminated a lot of headaches. While we still manage the final stages like testing and go-live decisions, TrueAuto’s proactive involvement has made everything smoother and significantly less work-intensive for BTD.”

He adds, “In all our previous experiences, whether it was with an EDI provider or managed internally, there was no real communication or relationship between the provider and our customers. True Auto changed that. Their team not only works directly with our customers to ensure new specs and mappings align with standards but also provides a critical voice to push back when necessary. It’s reassuring to have a partner who can advocate on our behalf, especially when discrepancies arise. This level of collaboration has made a huge difference for us.”

BTD Manufacturing intends to leverage TrueAuto’s capabilities to onboard additional trading partners and further optimize supply chain processes. The organization is also exploring the documentation of measurable metrics to quantify time and cost savings achieved through this partnership.

The partnership between BTD Manufacturing and TrueAuto highlights the transformative power of an integrated supply chain solution. By addressing scalability, compliance, and operational inefficiencies, TrueAuto enabled BTD Manufacturing to enhance its competitive edge and prepare for future growth.