Cianbro Equipment & Starcon Logistics Integration a Success EQUIPMENT & STARCON n
By Megan Barnes
common challenge for an organization the size of The Cianbro Companies (TCC) is how to leverage best practices across the organization without negatively impacting customer service. This is what the Cianbro Equipment LLC (CEL) team was tasked with solving when they began the CEL/Starcon Logistics integration process. CEL Manager Doug LaCroix explains, “It began with the creation of the 2018 CEL Business Plan. Some of the initial tasks identified were: document similar processes at CEL and Starcon Logistics, utilize LEAN principles to identify best practices, and document best practices for later inclusion in our standard operating procedures. Simultaneously, we had to identify what items (equipment/tools/scaffolding) Starcon routinely rents from third party suppliers.” Once the information was gathered, several questions needed to be answered. What can we do to leverage the information? How do we create synergy/efficiencies between CEL and Starcon Logistics? How do we standardize the equipment rental process? Equipment Superintendent Buddy Kershner elaborated, “We knew we needed help from subject matter experts if we were going to complete the integration process successfully without impacting customer service.” A team was created with members from CEL, Starcon Logistics, corporate IT development, corporate finance, and Starcon finance. The team held weekly meetings, creating an outline identifying the required resources: team members, infrastructure, and systems. Next, the team finalized an enterprise resource 42
CIANBRO CHATTER
Truck Mount Bundle Extractor
plan with a budget. Key components of the plan included Starcon Logistics migrating to CEL’s software platform (M3), streamlining all processes using lean principles, implementing identical processes/best practices throughout CEL/Starcon Logistics, and centralizing all Starcon 3rd party rentals through CEL/Starcon Logistics. After preparation and training were complete, the integration took place on March 2, 2020. It immediately enhanced customer service, allowing customers to have the same experience whether in Pittsfield, Maine; New Lenox, Illinois; La Porte Texas; and everywhere in between. The integration was a success due to the collaboration and efforts of everyone on the team. The success serves as proof that the saying is true, NO ONE IS SMARTER THAN ALL OF US!
No one is smarter than all of us!