Human services organizations and nonprofit agencies often face complex operational challenges, especially when managing manufacturing, financials, payroll, and reporting across multiple systems. For Johnson County Industries (JCI), a growing nonprofit organization in North Carolina, these challenges became increasingly difficult as the organization expanded its services and manufacturing operations.
By implementing Vertex Systems’ integrated solutions, JCI was able to streamline operations, eliminate manual processes, and gain the insights needed to make smarter business decisions.
About Johnson County Industries (JCI)
Johnson County Industries was founded in 1975 with a mission to provide coordinated services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Starting with just three staff members and a $12,000 grant, the organization has grown significantly over the decades.
Today, JCI employs more than 225 staff members and provides services across six counties in North Carolina, including:
- Vocational rehabilitation programs
- Community-based employment support
- Manufacturing and assembly services
- Workforce development opportunities for individuals facing employment barriers
As JCI’s programs and operations expanded, so did the need for more efficient systems to manage financials, payroll, and manufacturing operations.
The Challenge: Disconnected Systems and Manual Processes
Before implementing Vertex’s integrated solutions, JCI relied on separate systems that could not communicate with each other. Manufacturing data could not flow into financial or accounting systems automatically, forcing staff to rely heavily on manual processes.
This created several operational challenges:
Manual Data Entry
Staff were required to manually enter journal entries between systems, which was both time-consuming and prone to errors.
Limited Financial Visibility
Because labor and production data were not integrated with financial systems, it was nearly impossible to accurately measure contract profitability or track costs on a per-contract basis.
Time-Consuming Payroll Processing
Payroll calculations often required two to three full days to complete due to manual data handling.
Lack of Detailed Reporting
Reporting was limited to high-level data, with no drill-down capabilities to analyze performance or operational details.
Complex Inventory Management
Managing and cost-accounting for more than 5,000 component parts was done entirely manually, making it difficult to associate inventory costs with specific contracts or projects.
These challenges made it difficult for JCI to price contracts accurately or evaluate which projects were truly profitable.
The Solution: Vertex Production Management
JCI had already been a long-time user of Vertex Financials and Payroll, having worked with Vertex since 1990. When the need for a more comprehensive manufacturing solution emerged, the organization chose to expand its Vertex ecosystem by implementing Vertex Production Management.
This platform was designed specifically for rehabilitation agencies and nonprofit organizations operating manufacturing and assembly programs, allowing them to connect operational data with financial systems.
By integrating these systems, JCI could bring its manufacturing operations, accounting, and payroll into a single, unified workflow, significantly improving visibility across the organization.
The Results: Better Data, Faster Processes, Smarter Decisions
After implementing Vertex Production Management, JCI experienced significant improvements across multiple areas of their operations.
Automated Data Integration: Manufacturing data now flows directly into financial and accounting systems, eliminating the need for manual data entry.
Faster Payroll Processing: Payroll calculations that previously took multiple days can now be completed in less than half a day, with reporting available the same day.
Accurate Job Costing and Contract Analysis: JCI can now track labor, materials, and production costs at a granular level, enabling leadership to accurately evaluate contract profitability.
End-to-End Inventory Visibility: Inventory is now tracked throughout the entire production lifecycle, from raw materials to finished goods and shipping, giving staff complete visibility into costs and operations.
Improved Strategic Decision-Making: With access to detailed operational data, JCI can make informed decisions about which contracts and projects align best with their operational goals.
What JCI Leadership Says
“Integrating Vertex products enables our organization to fulfill our mission: empowering people to succeed.” – Bill Sharek, JCI President & CEO
“We didn’t have any tools at our disposal other than making our best guess at quotes. Getting a quote to a customer required days of ‘guesstimating’ at pricing.” – Ronnie Boyette, Technology Consultant and Former JCI VP of Manufacturing
“There was business we walked away from. There was business we won because today, we know very precisely what we’re doing.” – Ronnie Boyette, Technology Consultant and Former JCI VP of Manufacturing
Helping Human Services Organizations Do More
For organizations like JCI, the right technology enables them to focus less on administrative challenges and more on their mission.
Vertex Systems delivers information management solutions designed specifically for human services organizations, IDD agencies, and nonprofit providers. By connecting operational, financial, and production data into a single platform, Vertex helps organizations:
- Improve operational efficiency
- Reduce manual administrative work
- Gain deeper financial insights
- Make better strategic decisions
- Focus more resources on supporting the communities they serve
If your organization is looking to improve operational visibility and streamline complex processes, Vertex Systems can help.
Contact the Vertex team today to learn how our solutions can support your organization’s growth and mission or download the full JCI case study.