Voice of MOM Partner Series – Mastering the Clock: Kudos Solutions’ Legacy in Production Scheduling Excellence
For over three decades, Kudos Solutions has been tackling one of manufacturing’s biggest headaches – production planning and scheduling. What started as a small software implementation business in the early 1990s has grown into a success story that’s changing how manufacturers work.
Their secret? Taking the complex world of production scheduling and making it simple, visual, and most importantly, profitable for their clients.
Led by CEO Jeff Johnson, who has been with the company for over 27 years, Kudos Solutions brings a wealth of experience to the table. Jeff’s journey from programmer to CEO provides the company with a unique perspective on customer needs and technical implementation challenges.
Jeff Johnson, CEO, Kudos Solutions
Beyond spreadsheets: the power of Opcenter APS
At the heart of Kudos Solutions’ offering is Opcenter APS, a sophisticated planning and scheduling software that transforms how manufacturers manage their operations. The solution addresses a critical challenge faced by many businesses: the limitations of spreadsheet-based planning systems. While spreadsheets offer basic functionality, they fail to provide real-time visibility and impact analysis that modern manufacturing demands.
The effectiveness of Opcenter APS is demonstrated through impressive customer success stories. In a recent case, a customer achieved savings of £625,000 within just a few months of implementation, with the project paying for itself in approximately seven weeks. This remarkable return on investment (ROI) showcases the tangible value that Kudos Solutions brings to its clients.
Customer-centric approach
With a remarkable 92% customer retention rate over the past 20 years, Kudos Solutions has built its reputation on strong customer relationships. The company maintains regular quarterly reviews with clients, ensuring continuous improvement and adaptation to evolving needs. This approach has led to significant business growth, with the company achieving 15% year-on-year growth for the past 11 years.
The company’s relationship with Siemens has been instrumental in its growth. Kudos Solutions has benefited from Siemens’ brand strength and comprehensive portfolio of manufacturing solutions. This partnership has enabled them to offer integrated solutions that combine hardware and software capabilities.
Digital transformation and future direction
Kudos Solutions is actively expanding its service offerings through digital transformation initiatives. The company recently established a dedicated digital transformation division, leveraging low-code platforms like Mendix to create custom applications for their customers. This strategic move allows them to address broader manufacturing challenges beyond planning and scheduling.
The company is also making significant strides in international markets, recently establishing a joint venture in Austin, Texas, in partnership with Neo Digital Industries. This expansion provides access to new markets while maintaining the same high-quality product and service standards that have made them successful in the UK.
Looking ahead, Kudos Solutions is focused on making their implementation process more efficient through AI scheduling tools, potentially reducing installation time to just one week. With their commitment to innovation, strong customer relationships, and expanding global presence, Kudos Solutions is well-positioned to continue leading the manufacturing planning and scheduling software market while helping businesses achieve significant operational improvements.
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