Case Studies

STRATA CORPORATION CASE STUDY them together with test data; both concrete and aggregate tests could be stored in a central location, making them available to all interested parties; COMMANDqc's submittal package would speed up Strata's submittal process. Strata worked with Command Alkon's Implementation Team to set up COMMANDqc and integrate the new system with their COMMANDseries dispatch system. Command Alkon then provided on- site training to enable Strata's staff to get the most out of their new software. The Result As a result of implementing COMMANDqc Strata has been able to standardize mixes in their plants. This resulted in more accurate accounting for material costs and a reduction in overyields. Strata credits the implementation of COMMANDqc with reducing the number of rejected loads. It has also enabled Strata to combine test results for the same mix, or similar mixes, for use in determining strength overdesign in accordance with the ACI Building Code. Strata then uses COMMANDqc to track the cementitious efficiency of mixes to determine the best use of materials. Concrete and aggregate test results are now stored in a central repository, which makes them more readily available for use in adjusting concrete mix designs and producing submittals. Engineers who previously required backup of mixes by a water/ cement ratio curve now allow the use of Strata's historical information. This has reduced the cost required to produce expensive laboratory water/ cement ratio curves by 80%. In addition to accomplishing their planned objectives, Strata has encountered unexpected benefits due to the use of COMMANDqc. Batch weights were originally presumed to be within allowable ASTM tolerances, but COMMANDqc's Production Analysis reports showed otherwise. Even small over-runs multiplied by hundreds or thousands of batches added up. Once the out-of-tolerance trends were revealed, the Operations department was able to make minor changes to the batching operation and bring the batches back within tolerance. This helped save money by reducing overbatching and by reducing the variation in cement batched. It also helped to improve strength variability due to changes in the batched cement quantity. Submittals can now be created faster and more easily using COMMANDqc's Submittal module. All of the information required for the submittal is stored electronically and available at the touch of a button. COMMANDqc has helped Strata deal with customer complaints. The Incident Tracking module allows Strata to quickly assemble and print batch tickets for a particular project and summarize concrete performance. Strata has been able to use the software to quickly consolidate project data which has helped them resolve customer disputes before they became costly legal battles. Delivery errors of the wrong mix going to the site have been reduced by 70%. COMMANDqc has become the basis for weekly training sessions for the QC Department. Personnel are instructed in proper data entry and the different types of reports that COMMANDqc can generate to provide better service for their customers. Every year Strata performs a Customer Review with their major customers. This review combines information from the Command Alkon suite of products, including COMMANDqc, to show the customer details of concrete performance combined with information on late deliveries, rate of delivery and time on job. This allows customers to adjust their delivery schedules and tactfully distinguish between scheduling problems caused by Strata and those caused by the customer. Transforming your operations by replacing manual and complex tasks and processes with efficient, scalable, and reliable solutions. Learn more at commandalkon.com Copyright © Command Alkon Incorporated. All rights reserved.

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