Transforming a 200-Year-Old Manufacturing Legacy with Modern Tech

In today’s rapidly evolving tech landscape, staying current isn’t just advisable—it’s crucial. This is especially true for businesses with long histories like Revere Copper Products, an over 200-year-old copper manufacturing company. Thanks to the vision and effort of Chuck Scharnagle, the tech leader at Revere, this ancient company is getting a fresh, modern update that keeps them competitive in the modern world.

Meet the New Tech Leader

Imagine being handed the responsibility of upgrading a technology system that’s past its sell-by date—kind of like when you’re playing a video game, and your controller’s lagging because of old batteries. Chuck Scharnagle stepped into this kind of scenario at Revere Copper Products. Drawing from his experiences with names like Fruit of the Loom and Black+Decker, Chuck took on the role of Chief Information Officer (CIO), a first-time role for Revere, and quickly started enhancing the company’s technological capabilities.

Upgrading the Old Systems

Revere’s tech infrastructure was like a vintage car that had seen better days. They were using an outdated AS/400 system that was over 14 years old. Chuck knew this had to change. By installing new systems, he ensured operations were smoother and more efficient—comparable to switching an old car for a sports car. The result was fewer system failures and the introduction of updated processes that brought the company into the 21st century.

Building a Robust Support Team

Before Chuck arrived, Revere had a lone tech support hero who was trying to solve all IT issues single-handedly. It was like having just one teacher for an entire school. Chuck changed that by assembling a dedicated help desk team of three people and introduced a ticketing system. Now, employees can file tech issues via email, and the support team promptly addresses them, ensuring fewer disruptions and a more focused work environment.

Continuing Innovations

Chuck’s vision goes beyond just fixing old problems. He’s also working on upgrading Revere’s application systems, similar to how game developers release new updates to improve your gaming experience. By introducing a modern manufacturing execution system, Chuck aims to revolutionize operations further. This system will be a step up from their current 20-year-old solution, bringing in efficiency and productivity.

Managing Information with Intelligence

To make the most of their data, Chuck plans to develop a comprehensive data landscape, which will include data lakes and warehouses. This approach, coupled with AI and powerful business intelligence tools, is akin to having a smart robot help you tidy up and find things in your clutter, making the company more strategic in decision-making and planning. For more detail, check out this article.

The Impact of Big Changes

With Chuck’s leadership, Revere Copper Products is not just working more efficiently but also setting new standards to maintain its edge in the market. It’s much like a sports team improving their game strategies to win more matches. The changes are evident, and both the company and its employees are appreciating the impact of these technological advancements.

Conclusion

Chuck Scharnagle’s efforts have breathed new life into Revere Copper Products, much like modernizing an old, historic amusement park with new, exciting attractions. This blend of tradition and modern innovation at Revere is a testament to the power of strategic leadership and tech-savvy solutions, ensuring that the company not only survives but thrives in today’s tech-driven world.