Brookfield Iron & Metal's Digital Transformation
Brookfield Iron and Metal, LLC is one of the largest resource recovery and recycling services in the Chicagoland area. They deliver a broad spectrum of resource recovery and recycling services; including full process dismantling and recycling of End-of-Life Vehicles (ELV’s), trailers and trucks.
Challenge
As Brookfield Iron and Metal, LLC. experienced growth and success over the years, they recognized that the initial software and systems in place were no longer scalable or sufficient to meet the evolving demands of the business. Additionally, the lack of data and operational insights led to decision-making based on instinct rather than informed analysis. The inability to track commodities throughout the entire recovery process - from scrap purchases to commodity sales - further complicated operations and affected the bottom line. Manual data entry and inefficient processes added to these challenges, limiting overall productivity and growth potential.
Solution
Wych Works, LLC. was brought in to address the challenges Brookfield Iron & Metal, LLC. faced through a digital transformation. After thoroughly reviewing the business objectives, current systems, processes, and evaluating potential vendor solutions, it became clear that a custom solution was the best course of action. The digital transformation involved developing a web interface for office staff, a mobile app for yard operators, and integration with yard equipment (scales, cash machines, etc.) as well as third-party data sources. This tailored digital transformation aligned with Brookfield’s processes, leveraging technology to deliver valuable data for business growth while improving efficiency and reducing errors and complexity.
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One example of the system in action is Brookfield’s vehicle recycling operation. When cars and trucks arrive at the yard, the vehicle identification number (VIN) is scanned through the mobile app. A custom service retrieves vehicle details in real-time from various sites and third-party APIs, automatically populating the scrap ticket while the vehicle's weight is recorded from the scale. Vehicles with high-demand components are flagged for inspection. Integration with the cash machine enables customers to receive immediate payment without waiting at the office, streamlining the entire process and pleasing customers.
Benefits
Brookfield Iron & Metal, LLC. now benefits from a digital transformation that provides real-time visibility into their operations, enabling data-driven decision-making instead of relying on assumptions or instincts. Integration across systems has significantly increased operational efficiency and reduced errors, while also minimizing inventory loss from theft. The company can now quickly adjust to market conditions, both in terms of scrap purchase prices and commodity sales. Built on a scalable and reliable architecture, the system is designed to grow alongside the business. Additionally, Brookfield benefits from having no ongoing licensing fees and full control over their intellectual property.