June 22, 2015
Client Spotlight: Red Star Yeast
This week, Red Star Yeast came to Des Moines for some training. One of their locations is adding MAPCON CMMS, so three of their maintenance managers made the trip. While they were here, I decided to ask them a few questions about how their current locations use MAPCON, and what they like about it. I spoke with Eric Tucker from the Cedar Rapids plant.
MAPCON: Can you tell us a bit about your business?
Eric: We make yeast primarily for the wholesale bakers although you can find it for the home baker in grocery stores. Not many people know this, but yeast can also be used as a flavor enhancer, as an additive in vitamins and pharmaceuticals as well as in various fermentation processes such as ethanol production or wine and beer making.
MAPCON: How long has Red Star Yeast been in business?
Eric: Red Star Yeast and Its parent company Lesaffre have existed in some capacity for over 160 years.
MAPCON: How long has Red Star Yeast used MAPCON?
Eric: We first started with MAPCON in the fall of 2008.
MAPCON: How did you hear about MAPCON?
Eric: I actually used it at a previous job. I liked the system and thought it would be a good fit at Red Star Yeast.
MAPCON: How does MAPCON help with your day-to-day activities?
Eric: We use MAPCON for a lot of things. We use it for purchasing, inventory and asset management, running analytical reports, and keeping track of hours spent making repairs. We also use it for preventative maintenance planning and work orders.
MAPCON: What’s the biggest benefit you receive from MAPCON?
Eric: Basically, MAPCON keeps us organized. The system alerts us to when we need to order more parts, and how many are needed. This helps prevent us from ordering too many parts and overspending. Also, it notifies us when a work order is completed, which helps us keep everything up and running effectively.
MAPCON: What’s your favorite MAPCON feature?
Eric: My favorite thing about MAPCON actually doesn’t involve the software. My favorite thing about MAPCON is the support that I receive from the employees there. Whenever I call the support line, or need to talk to a programmer, I know they will do everything they can to get my issue resolved. Even if they have to go to other people for the solution, they will always find it. Also, I have never once been told “No” when it came to enhancements or customizations. They go out of their way to make things happen, and I really appreciate that.