Specifically designed to help small to medium-sized manufacturers compete, User Solutions is working with the National Institute of Standards and Technologies (NIST) Manufacturing Extension Partners (MEPs) to deliver planning and scheduling solutions utilizing the Resource Manager 2000 for Excel. Greg Katz, Vice President of Manhattan Store Interiors, N.Y., enlisted Industrial Technology Assistance Corp. (ITAC), the local MEP, to help him find a quick and easy solution to his plant’s planning and scheduling challenges. ITAC recommended Resource Manager 2000 for Excel and provided basic Excel training for the plant.

According to Greg Katz, "I have been involved in the production of store fixtures for over ten years and everyday was a struggle until Resource Manager 2000 enabled me to print in one minute what it would take hours a day to communicate. Suddenly, I was able to quickly forecast our workload and schedule our shipments for our facilities in a fraction of the time it took before I starting using Resource Manager for Excel. Resource Manager has enhanced key activities over our entire enterprise, including: New Accounts Sold, Orders to Existing Customers, Customer Support Issues and Support for Prototype and Stock Design. As a result of using Resource Manager, we forecast a 20% increase in gross profits next year. The Resource Manager has proven itself to be invaluable to our success."