by Eric Dalby
I recently had the chance to sit down and talk with Tom Biello, EnerSys’ Senior Director of Customer Operations. EnerSys provides world-class stored energy solutions for industrial applications. The firm and its predecessor companies have been manufacturers of industrial batteries for over 100 years.
EnerSys recently decided to implement Foreign Trade Zones (FTZs) on opposite coasts of the United States. EnerSys selected and implemented QuestaWeb’s Foreign Trade Zone solution, FTZQW.
Eric: Tom, please tell me about a little about your company and what it does.
Tom: EnerSys is the global leader in stored energy solutions for industrial applications. We manufacture and distribute reserve power and motive power batteries, battery chargers, power equipment, battery accessories and outdoor equipment enclosure solutions to customers worldwide.
For example, electric forklift trucks and other commercial electric-powered vehicles use motive power batteries and chargers. The telecommunication and utility industries and numerous applications in medical, aerospace and defense systems require reserve power batteries and stored energy solutions. EnerSys also provides aftermarket and customer support services to customers in over 100 countries through its sales and manufacturing locations around the world.
Eric: What challenges prompted your firm’s decision to seek new technology?
Tom: EnerSys decided to implement two FTZs to take advantage of the existing government programs for imports.
Eric: Why did you select QuestaWeb as your technology provider?
Tom: QuestaWeb came highly recommended to us as a technology partner for our FTZ operations. After interviewing a number of suppliers, EnerSys chose QuestaWeb because its solution, culture and team fit well with our culture and operations.
Eric: What QuestaWeb solution did you acquire?
Tom: EnerSys is using QuestaWeb’s FTZQW for the interface between our ERP and U.S Customs and Border Patrol. The technology covers all the requirements for inventory control, recording keeping and data transmission.
Eric: Tell me about how the implementation process went, Tom.
Tom: The implementation went smoothly and according to plan. Your QuestaWeb team was professional, flexible and responsive to our needs.
Eric: What results has QuestaWeb’s technology achieved for EnerSys?
Tom: QuestaWeb’s solution is user friendly and easy to learn. And, because it is web-native software, I’ve been able to conduct FTZ transactions from home, when traveling, at the hotel and even on a plane while in flight. As long as an internet connection is available, the platform can be accessed. It has been a true time saver and allowed me to multi-task.
Eric: Anything else, Tom?
Tom: Our QuestaWeb solution is second to none when it comes to maintaining records and documents. And, accessing documentation, when needed, is a quick and easy process.
Eric: Did your firm have any special requirements or request any specific system modifications?
Tom: We needed to be able to manage two FTZs on opposite coasts of the United States. Our QuestaWeb solution gives us the ability to do so from a central corporate setting without having to be on site.
Eric: Is there anything else you would like to add, Tom?
Tom: Yes. From mock testing to training through “go-live” and daily operations, QuestaWeb has been a Plug-and-Play solution. As our primary contact, you and your team consistently provided us excellent customer service.
Eric: Thanks, Tom, for taking part in this discussion. You have offered some great insights on how QuestaWeb technology is helping EnerSys manage its bicoastal FTZ operations.
