Technical Consumer Products Inc. (TCP), a major manufacturer of energy efficient lighting products, needed to improve communication between its distribution office in Aurora, Ohio and manufacturing plants in China. With that in mind, the company engaged Web developer IdeaStar Inc. and data management expert Vizion Solutions to integrate a personalized communications Web site, the PaxPort^TM , with its existing ERP Systems.

Communications between the western and eastern halves of the company were difficult. Language barriers and timing, as well as failed faxes and e-mails, frequently resulted in costly errors. The company needed a central communications base, simultaneously available in Chinese and English, available 24/7 to all who needed the information.

IdeaStar provided PaxPort^TM , a secure, bi-lingual Web application which accesses key enterprise data. It is filled with accurate, up-to-the minute information, including purchase orders, status tracking, product information, and real-time UPC code listings. A digital document library stores and displays packaging designs, line art, marketing materials, specifications data test data. Other features are engineering documentation, testing and quality tracking, bill of materials, manufacturing schedules, daily production reporting, and shipping status.

TCP has a quick, easy-to-use central communications Web application. It is available 24/7, and provides the most up-to-date information. Global communications have greatly improved, and costly errors have been significantly reduced. TCP is now able to move faster and more efficiently with both sides in coordination.

“Before the PaxPort^TM, we would send an e-mail to China. If it got through, it would take another day for somebody to answer. Sometimes it would take up to 10 e-mails to make sure the correct information was exchanged,” Joe Vocaire of TCP said. “Now with PaxPort^TM, that information is readily and accurately available for both sides to access, 24/7.”