Crystal launches new sales-product information system

Crystal V6 Computer System screen.

Flushing, NY National manufacturer Crystal Window & Door Systems has implemented a new multi-million dollar enterprise-wide computer system.  This next-generation platform manages the company’s quoting, sales, production, delivery and other vital operations. The new system is in use at Crystal’s headquarters and main production plant in New York.  It is being phased in at Crystal’s other production facilities and sales offices around the country in Pennsylvania, California, Illinois, Missouri and Ohio.

Over two years ago, Crystal initiated the development of a new computer system to integrate quotations and order placement, inventory, production, shipping and accounting processes. “Our prior system was state-of-the-art when it was first installed, and it has served us well for over a decade,” said COO Steve Chen.  “However, Crystal has grown so much in its 25 years of operation that we knew the current system would not be able to keep up.  With technology evolving to allow more rapid, real-time information for the fenestration industry, we wanted to be able to offer this enhanced capability to our customers.  Crystal decided to make the significant investment in a new system that would be able to grow with the company, remaining viable for many years to come.”

The new system offers many features that improve order efficiency, accuracy, turnaround and flexibility.  Customers can see up-to-the-minute product information and configuration options. Order status is easily checked in real time online. Clear, plain language quotation and order documentation includes digital product illustrations for every line item and corresponding accessories are listed by opening. When required, shop drawings are automatically generated, improving accuracy and turnaround time. Production scheduling and delivery or pick-up confirmation are readily determined.

Crystal’s new system will also allow trained trade customers to develop quotations and enter orders directly through the online EZ-Crystal portal, speeding the time from quotation to order through delivery.  “We are already working with several dealers training their staffs on our system, so they can log in and enter their orders right from their offices,” said Steve Chen.  “This interactive feature will greatly enhance the success of our dealers’ businesses.”  Additional features, such as 3-D product image rotational capability, are in development for future implementation.

Crystal engaged the Soft Tech Group, which has created systems for many other fenestration industry leaders such as Kawneer, Graham, Comfort Line FiberFrame and Schuco, to develop the comprehensive system needed to integrate all of Crystal’s operations.  A 20-person team of Soft Tech programmers and dedicated Crystal programmers and IT specialists worked for two years to bring the new system to fruition.

“The front end of the system, what our customers see, covers product information, specifications, estimating, quotations, configurations and engineering,” said Mason Wang, Crystal’s Management Information Systems (MIS) Manager.  “The back end of the system covers the business operations from sale to final delivery and billing.”

Soft Tech’s V6 software, the leading estimating and engineering software for the fenestration industry, was customized for Crystal and integrated seamlessly with its partnering software ContractERP by Access IT, specifically designed for the fenestration industry’s business operations.  New HP servers and networking hardware supplements the company’s existing computer operations.  The resulting system forms the most powerful platform yet for Crystal to accommodate its vast product line and sales growth.