IT, Analytics & Digital Enablement at BLG

How BLG Uses Technology to Drive Operational Excellence

At BLG, IT, analytics, and digital systems are core drivers of operational excellence, scalability, and cost discipline across our brands. These capabilities strengthen each business individually while enabling shared visibility, consistency, and leverage at the group level.

Our approach balances structure with flexibility — allowing acquired companies to retain their identity and operational strengths while benefiting from proven systems, data, and workflows that reduce friction and improve decision-making.

Day-to-Day Execution

On a daily basis, BLG’s systems and analytics capabilities support:

Reliable, cloud-based ERP operations across manufacturing, sales, finance, and supply chain
Real-time visibility into orders, projects, inventory, vendors, and margins
Automated reporting and dashboards replacing manual spreadsheets and static reports
Streamlined workflows that reduce screen-hopping, rework, and manual handoffs

These systems are actively used to manage flow, prioritize work, and surface issues early, not just to report results after the fact.

ERP, Data & Workflow Enablement

BLG emphasizes practical ERP usage that reflects how work actually gets done:

Role-focused workflows that simplify complex processes
Time-phased and status-driven views that support operational decisions
Integration of ERP data with analytics and automation tools
Continuous refinement to reduce friction and improve adoption

The goal is not rigid standardization, but clarity, accuracy, and speed.

Business Intelligence & Analytics (Power BI)

BLG uses enterprise business intelligence to connect ERP and non-ERP data into a single source of truth:

Operational dashboards for leadership and functional teams
End-to-end pipeline visibility from order entry through shipment
Margin, performance, and trend analysis to support decision-making
Automated report distribution to internal teams and external partners

These tools replace manual reporting and provide consistent, trusted insight across the organization.

Automation & Digital Tools (Power Platform)

BLG leverages modern cloud platforms to streamline work and improve visibility:

Workflow and data capture tools replacing spreadsheets and email-based processes
FIFO-driven operational tools improving prioritization and flow
Centralized databases for customer- and product-specific information
Automated notifications, updates, and reporting distribution to reduce manual effort and errors

This reduces manual effort, errors, and dependency on tribal knowledge.

AI-Enabled Strategy (Current & In Progress)

BLG applies AI in practical, value-driven ways to augment expertise and remove friction:

AI-assisted analytics for reporting, modeling, and insight generation
Warranty and historical case analysis to improve resolution speed and consistency
Product, quote, and forecasting analysis supporting planning and sales decisions
Exploration of customer-facing AI tools powered by product documentation and cut
sheets to reduce repetitive inquiries and free up inside sales and customer service
teams

AI is used to augment expertise and remove friction — not replace judgment.

Vendor, Supply Chain & Cross-Functional Visibility

BLG systems improve visibility across vendors and operations:

Vendor transit and shipment tracking
Mixed-vendor and supplier performance analysis
Customer-specific finishes and project status visibility
Cross-functional alignment between purchasing, engineering, operations, and sales

This improves predictability, accountability, and coordination across the business.

Cost Effectiveness & Bottom-Line Impact

BLG’s technology and analytics strategy is intentionally tied to financial outcomes:

Reduced manual labor through automation and self-service tools
Lower reporting and administrative overhead
Earlier identification of delays, bottlenecks, and margin leakage
Scalable infrastructure supporting growth without proportional headcount increase

The result is a more resilient, data-driven operating model that scales efficiently as BLG grows.

Why This Matters to Acquired Businesses

For companies joining BLG, these capabilities mean:

Immediate access to proven systems and analytics
Faster integration without heavy disruption
Improved visibility without loss of operational autonomy
Support for growth without unnecessary bureaucracy

BLG brings operational discipline, modern systems, and actionable insight — while preserving what makes each business successful.

Onboarding

Network, VPN, and server/cloud setup
Equipment evaluation, purchase, and preparation
Account access (files, Epicor, licenses, MFA)
Teams/groups membership
Phone setup (desk & mobile)
Documentation updates

Departing

Litigation hold (if required)
Disable network, VPN, Epicor, and phone access
Microsoft logout & license release
Inbox conversion to shared mailbox & email archive
Phone forwarding, voicemail reset, account closure
Archive desktop & OneDrive files

User Access (Restricted)

Provide department access to departing employee files
Remove personal/HR-sensitive data

Other IT Functions – General

Application install & support
Epicor MES user management
Hardware repair & rebuild
Remote access support
Forms/templates design
Printer & phone system support
OneDrive user training
IT supplies & toner management
Label design (Bartender, Zebra)
Website maintenance

Software License Management

Microsoft, AutoCAD LT, SolidWorks, Adobe, YoDeck, ScreenPal, Revalize
Microsoft, AutoCAD, Adobe, Revalize
Many others