PROJECTS & TESTAMONIALS

Latest and Significant Projects

Reverse-Engineered SAP deployment at Mexico manufacturing facilities exposing key business risk and suboptimal performance and cost. Created end-to-end project plan and re-deployed them with the correct master data and data structures that enabled them to go from a crisis past due situation to being current to their customer demand and stable for the last eight months. While doing this, developed and executed a comprehensive training and development plan for the site to ensure native understanding of system functionality and business processes necessary to be successful.

Determined that the Advanced Components and Manufacturing Division did not have a integrated systems solution road map and strategy for its plants around the world. Developed a multi-generational project plan to implement a cohesive strategy focused on the next 5 years. Built consensus with top leadership to endorse and approve the plan. Strategic solution improvements focused on Mexico plants will be replicated to North America, China & Asia-Pacific and then Europe. This plan will deliver significant integrated, end-to-end solution improvements to strengthen competitive advantage in our various local markets.

EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) - Identified key structural deficiencies that were preventing all Mexican facilities from systematically utilizing inbound EDI signals. Immediately launched a project and led a cross-functional team both in the US and in Mexico to identify process and systems shortfalls and correct them. EDI mapping and process errors were identified and corrected. Significant improvements to data quality, grief resolution, invoice payment reconciliation, receiving and overall visibility to supply chain. Pilot scheduled for early Q2 of '18. Targeting over $5M in value due to reduced on-hand inventory and safety stock requirements across all Mexican plants.

Assessed Mexican manufacturing and assembly facility and determined that Manufacturing Engineering and Supply Chain were disconnected systemically and by process. Immediately launched a project and led a cross-functional team both in the US and in Mexico to determine process and system shortfalls and correct them. This led to the complete re-design of the manufacturing engineering structure, routing and material allocation as well as integrating Logistics and Supply Chain structures and configuration to support Operations. This new structure will go live on 21 March '17 and will address key process and system shortfalls. Significant improvements to material availability, Logistics execution and Operations and Supply Chain visibility and accountability are anticipated. This project is being bench-marked internally and will be replicated across the other two assembly lines and at two other Mexican manufacturing facilities.

Assessed Mexican manufacturing facilities' organizational structure to include training and development. Discovered serious shortfalls in both training and system access, but also in significant gaps in key roles not present in the current organization. Met with key leaders both in the US and in Mexico and gained approval for a comprehensive training and development plan to include the selection and promotion of select individuals into key missing functional roles. Comprehensive cross-functional training is in its second month of execution with full support at all levels with immediate impact to job efficiencies and overall engagement.

Co-led North West Division Light Cloud project. This project was to audit, update and refresh the fashion lighting and fan displays across the major stores of the North West Division. Led a small team that traveled across Colorado, Montana, Alaska, Washington, Oregon and Utah. Project led to an overall 10% sales increase at selected stores. Replication projects across other divisions were launched as a result.

Worked with the Dean and selected faculty of ICC to make them an SAP Alliance University. This would enable ICC to begin teaching progressive SAP certificate courses locally to better meet the demand for an SAP savvy workforce. Partnered with adjunct professor to teach the initial basic introductory classes. To date three classes have been taught over three semesters and the class offerings are increasing.

Testimonials

“Brent did an excellent job leading the application architects in my organization. He has an excellent understanding of the end-to-end value chain chain processes (buy, make, sell). As a business leader in the IT organization he brought real life experience and strong credibility he earned from his prior assignments. He then has the rare ability to be able to balance the IT capabilities (strong SAP) with the desired business needs. Finally he is a great leader that inspires his team as well as a hard worker that can be relied upon.”

Volker Schulmeyer, IT enabled business transformation leader/SAP/Enterprise Architecture at Caterpillar, Inc.

“I have known Brent for many years -- mostly in our engagement in Caterpillar in the East Peoria plant SAP business transformation. Brent is an outstanding individual who has a great sense of broad business understanding, especially in the supply chain, and applies relentless personal effort and due diligence in achieving business goals. He seeks to win -- both as a team and as an individual -- in a very professional way. Brent displays very high personal courage and integrity.”
Pankaj Goel, Fintech Investments

“Brent worked in my organization and led our SAP deployment efforts. Brent is an excellent leader and program manager. He drives execution and is able to get teams of people to perform. He has a great style of being able to take a high level strategic approach and zoom into the details to resolve issues when appropriate. He is able to communicate effectively across all levels of leadership, from supervisors on the shop floor to executives in the C suite. I highly recommend Brent for senior leadership positions.”

Mark Hanback, Executive Director Production Systems at Caterpillar Inc. - Retired

“Brent's dedication and focused energy that he brought to the job daily helped us focus on and problem solve major issues in the effort to make our internal customers more successful. His ability to collaborate with and deeply understand the issues our customers had to overcome allowed him to quickly pinpoint and start these efforts. I recommend working with Brent on any issues you may face!”

Jeff LeClair, VP Manufacturing and Supply Chain at Basin Industries LLC

“Brent is a true leader with a selfless leadership style not often observed in corporate America. For years after leaving Brent's organization he continued to mentor me, look out for my career, and show a real concern for my future career. He is a proven leader that would add value in any organization in any capacity!”

Adam Haessler, Aftermarket Growth Manager at Caterpillar Inc.

"I have known Brent Ruth for several years working at Caterpillar both as an expert in the field of supply chain processes and systems as well as an employee who worked in my team supporting major initiatives. Brent is recognized within Caterpillar as an individual of high technical competence and leadership potential.

Throughout his career, Brent has consistently demonstrated an ability to visualize solutions to complex problems and convert his thoughts into a clear and explainable plan of action. He has earned the reputation as the go-to person to solve complex operational issues, develop and then lead the deployment of practical solutions. Within his peer group, Brent is very well respected as a person of deep expertise and a “thought-leader” for our organization. He has been very successful in roles as an individual contributor, developing for example, unique solutions to resolving complex systems problems, manufacturing Kanban replenishment methods and is highly competent in process improvements."