How Fast-Spec Streamlined Operations and Increased Throughput with 10X ERP
Company Overview
For more than 40 years, Fast-Spec has been a trusted fastener and industrial supplier serving Oil & Gas, OEM, utility, and other demanding markets. Known for exceptional service and deep product expertise, the company built its reputation on responsiveness, accuracy, and reliability.
But as the business grew, its legacy ERP system began slowing operations and limiting visibility—creating friction for a team committed to delivering top-tier customer service.
The Challenge: Legacy Software Was Slowing a High-Performance Team
Fast-Spec was running on a legacy Windows-based ERP system that required constant manual workarounds and heavy reliance on disconnected reports.
Key operational challenges included:
– Non-intuitive workflows that slowed transaction processing
– Heavy reliance on manual reports to identify priorities
– Limited real-time visibility into orders, inventory, and purchasing
– Inefficient handling of secondary processing and outside services
– Frequent interruptions to resolve process questions and errors
The team often needed multiple reports just to understand what required attention each day. Leadership wanted a modern platform that would streamline operations, reduce manual effort, and provide real-time visibility across the business.
The Solution: A Modern ERP Built for Distributors
Fast-Spec selected 10X ERP, a modern cloud-based ERP platform designed specifically for industrial distributors.
With 10X ERP, Fast-Spec gained:
– Real-time visibility across orders, inventory, purchasing, and financials
– Streamlined workflows that eliminated unnecessary steps
– Fully integrated handling of secondary processing and outside services
– Role-based dashboards and operational guidance
– Mobile access from any device, anywhere
– A scalable platform designed for long-term growth
The Results: Faster Operations, Fewer Errors, Greater Visibility
“Our daily operation almost runs itself,” said Frank Thomason of Fast-Spec.
“We don’t get constant questions from our warehouse about how to handle orders or shipments. Orders move from entry to fulfillment seamlessly and without errors.”
One of the most impactful gains came in managing secondary processing such as painting and plating. Previously, tracking items sent out for processing was manual and error-prone. With 10X ERP, Fast-Spec can now link processing purchase orders directly to original sales orders and track product location at every stage.
“This one improvement alone has saved significant time and increased our throughput,” Thomason noted.
With real-time data and mobile access, team members can update orders, check inventory, approve purchases, and monitor KPIs from anywhere—allowing faster decisions and improved responsiveness.
Before and After 10X ERP
Before:
– Manual reports required to identify priorities
– Inefficient secondary processing tracking
– Limited operational visibility
– Frequent interruptions and errors
– Time-consuming transaction workflows
After:
– Real-time dashboards and operational visibility
– Fully integrated secondary processing
– Seamless order-to-shipment workflows
– Fewer errors and internal questions
– Faster, more efficient transactions
– Mobile access from anywhere
Key Business Outcomes
– Employees ramp faster with intuitive workflows and in-app guidance
– Manual data entry and duplicate steps significantly reduced
– Real-time dashboards eliminate the need for manual reporting
– Secondary processing fully tracked and integrated
– Mobile access improves responsiveness and decision-making
– Increased throughput without adding administrative overhead
“With 10X ERP, it’s even easier to deliver on our pledge that ‘Customer Service is our #1 Product.’”
Ready for Similar Results?
If your team is still working around outdated ERP software, it may be time for a better approach.
10X ERP helps distributors eliminate manual processes, gain real-time visibility, improve accuracy and throughput, and scale without adding complexity.
Schedule a brief conversation to see how a modern ERP built for distributors can streamline your operations and support your growth.
