Wednesday, November 1, 2023

Digitizing 70,000 Aperture Cards for Triangle Package Machinery with IDT's Cloud-Based Document Capture and ECM Solution






Introduction


It's fascinating to briefly explore the significant impact that a prominent Chicagoland-based manufacturing staple has had on our global food supply and safety over the past 100 years!

Triangle Package Machinery, renowned for its packaging equipment serving many of the well-known household food manufacturing brands consumed every day, was confronted with the monumental task of modernizing over 70,000 analog aperture cards containing crucial engineering records dating back to the 1950s.

The aperture cards contain manufacturing equipment designs for packaging equipment that are still in use worldwide dating back 50 or more years.

Collaborating with Integrated Document Technologies (IDT), an industry leader with 30 years of Digital Transformation expertise, they embarked on a transformative project leveraging IDT's ECM technology stack - CAPSYS CAPTURE ONLINE, and OnBase by Hyland and all 100% hosted securely in the cloud. 

Problem Statements 

The existing system of analog aperture cards posed several challenges: 

• Inefficient customer service response times 
• Difficulty in accessing historical engineering data 
• Risk of physical damage or loss to critical documents 
• Escalating operational costs 
• Media degradation due to the aging process

Solution

The solution was a multifaceted approach, incorporating cutting-edge technology and meticulous hands-on processing by the professionals at IDT. 

Phase 1: Assessment and Planning 

IDT conducted a comprehensive assessment and crafted a robust strategy, focusing on leveraging the power of cloud-based technologies from CAPSYS CAPTURE ONLINE and Hyland Software. 

Phase 2: Implementation 

Shipment and Inventory to IDT's Itasca, IL Facility 

Aperture cards were carefully packed and shipped to IDT's scanning services processing center in Itasca, IL. Once received at IDT’s facility, each card was meticulously inventoried and prepped, maintaining the utmost care and integrity of the vital records. Prepping was tedious as many of these aperture cards had not been touched in decades, and thus had the tendency to stick to each other which would cause jamming issues for the aperture card sheet feeding mechanisms.

Digitization with CAPSYS CAPTURE ONLINE 

Using the cloud-hosted CAPSYS CAPTURE ONLINE, the aperture cards were converted into high-resolution digital images. Stringent quality controls ensured that scanned images met the required standards. Integration with OnBase by Hyland Digital images was imported into Hyland, a cloud-hosted enterprise content management solution. Hyland’s secure cloud architecture allowed for centralized storage, seamless integration, and robust security. Customized workflows enhanced collaboration, efficiency, and compliance. 

Return of Aperture Cards 

The original cards were securely returned to Triangle Package Machinery preserving their historical value. However, now that all the aperture cards are digitized, they are accessible by Triangle’s Engineering staff 24 x 7 safely and securely using only a web browser. Aperture cards can be easily imported into their Engineering CAD software for further review while making any necessary modifications. 


Phase 3: Training and Support 

Comprehensive training for OnBase by Hyland ensured smooth adoption. Continuous support was provided, tailored to Triangle Package Machinery's evolving needs. 

Outcome 

The integration of CAPSYS CAPTURE ONLINE and OnBase by Hyland's cloud-hosted solutions resulted in: 

• Significantly improved customer service experience 
• Rapid, secure access to historical engineering data 
• Enhanced collaboration and efficiency within the engineering team 
• A tangible reduction in operational costs 
• Strengthening of data security and compliance through cloud hosting 

Conclusion 

Triangle Package Machinery’s digital transformation, led by IDT and supported by the 100% cloud-hosted solutions of CAPSYS CAPTURE ONLINE and OnBase by Hyland, exemplifies the synergy of technology, hands-on expertise, and cloud computing. From meticulous handling at IDT’s Itasca facility by its Professional Staff to the seamless cloud-based integration of scanning and content management, this comprehensive approach modernized Triangle Package Machinery's handling of critical engineering documents. 

The success of this project underscores the role of cloud-based solutions in delivering transformative change in the digital era. It stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, integration, and innovative thinking, providing a blueprint for others seeking to embark on a similar path of digital transformation. The blend of cutting-edge technology with careful attention to detail has elevated Triangle Package Machinery's operational efficiency and customer service to new heights, reflecting a forward-thinking approach that resonates with the demands of contemporary business landscapes. Next on the list of projects from Triangle Packaging with IDT’s Assistance: 

1) Imaging of Financial Records (AP/AR, Statements, Sales Orders, Historical Records, etc.) 

2) Automating Human Resources such as Onboarding, Employee File Management, and Integration with an Online Payroll system. 

3) Sales Change Order Process using Workflow, Dashboards, and Unity Forms from OnBase with electronic signature support, revision control, and document capture integrated with Triangle’s CRM solution. 

4) Automation of Triangle’s Technical Service Bulletins. 

For more details about Triangle Package Machinery Co.® and their offerings, visit https://www.trianglepackage.com

For more details about IDT and our full range of Enterprise Content Management products and service offerings, please visit https://www.ready4idt.com.