ravi prasad

Vancouver-based Interfor is one of the largest and fastest-growing lumber companies in the world. In late 2007, the company identified the need to standardize systems and processes across all of their facilities. Interfor executives decided to consolidate their systems and databases under the Epicor LumberTrack business management software, and never looked back. Switching to LumberTrack software helped them grow rapidly and enabled their business to be globally competitive.

New mill integration time cut dramatically

Before switching to the LumberTrack system, each Interfor mill had its own software. “We had to go into a different system depending on the specific sale or mill location,” says Keith Power,

Cox Industries Inc. is a leading manufacturer and distributor of treated outdoor wood products for residential, commercial, industrial and utility markets-from decks, fences and framing to utility poles, docks and retaining walls.

“Our customers expect us to live up to the promises we make to deliver well-made, quality pieces of material on time and in full. But if you're a manufacturer of a commodity product, you need other compelling reasons for your customers to buy from you,” says Matt Yaun, who as chief administrative officer of Cox Industries Inc. is responsible for corporate strategies including IT, Finance, and Human Resources.

Headquartered in Nokomis, Florida, Kimal Lumber opened its doors in 1981 and has since expanded into six locations that include a design center and showroom, an engineered wood and truss manufacturing location, three full-service lumberyards—one that includes pocket frame manufacturing and an exterior window and door facility. In 2018 Kimal was acquired by Gulfeagle, a family-owned and managed Roofing Distribution company. Kimal is now part of the fourth largest roofing materials business in the nation, with 112 locations all across the US.

A Technological Boost for Business Efficiency

To operate more efficiently and provide an enhanced customer experience, Kimal Lumber upgraded from Epicor Falcon software to the powerful Epicor BisTrack solution. "When we decided to replace our aging software system, we wanted to give our company a technological boost that we didn't have previously," said Allen Bavry, Jr., Information Technologies-Corporate, Kimal Lumber.

"Additionally, we wanted to change

Star Lumber & Supply Co. is a nearly 80-year-old lumber and building materials (LBM) company based in Wichita, Kansas. As a family-owned, fourth-generation business, Star Lumber has broad-reaching operations—supplying building materials, trust plant delivery, door processing, a custom mill, flooring, and installation to the surrounding areas.

Efficiently Adding Value with Technology

In 2017, Star Lumber implemented Epicor BisTrack to streamline operations and set the business up for continued growth. “We’ve always embraced technology, and that’s part of what makes us different,” said Patrick Goebel, president, Star Lumber & Supply Co. “To have technology, people, and processes that allows us to efficiently add value—and still be low cost—makes us successful. Leaning on industry partnerships—such as the one with Epicor—helps strengthen our market share and offer our customers something really valuable.”

“For years, we used a home-grown system, but we recognized we had to make a change

Though they consider themselves a small company in comparison with the larger Canadian forestry giants, Millar Western Forest Products is Alberta's largest privately held softwood lumber producers, with three high-speed, high-efficiency sawmills in northern Alberta. With roots dating back to 1906, the company has a long history of investing in technology as a way to increase efficiency and compete internationally. “We were among the first users of Epicor LumberTrack software,” says Allison Carter, supervisor of credit, sales administration & transportation at Millar Western. “We had nothing before the LumberTrack solution. We have grown with it, upgrading as our business needs changed and new versions were made available.”