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Idaho Correctional Industries ERP Case Study

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Industry

Correctional

Challenge

Before implementing Global Shop Solutions ERP, Idaho Correctional Industries (ICI) faced operational complexity resulting from the use of multiple fragmented systems across its seven manufacturing centers. This disjointed approach led to inefficiencies, frequent double data entry, delayed and manual reporting processes and a lack of real-time visibility into production. With no state funding and tight budget constraints, achieving greater operational efficiency was essential for fulfilling ICI's mission and supporting its offender training programs.

Results

After adopting Global Shop Solutions ERP in 2009, ICI unified its manufacturing operations onto a single integrated platform. This transition enabled real-time job scheduling, accurate production tracking and precise job costing, while automating reporting and eliminating redundant systems. The enhanced efficiency allowed ICI to operate with fewer staff - avoiding the need to rehire two positions - and deliver a strong return on vocational training investments, supporting their mission to reduce recidivism.

Key Applications

Advanced Planning & Scheduling, Shop Floor Data Collection, Job Costing Accounting, Accounting, Shop Management

ci.idaho.gov/
100%
Accurate Job Costing
2
ROLES ELIMINATED
100%
Data Entry Reduction
6x
RETURN ON TRAINING

Replacing multiple fragmented systems with Global Shop Solutions’ integrated ERP system has given ICI greater efficiencies across the board.

Martin Thomas

General Manager

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About Idaho Correctional Industries

ICI, based in Boise, Idaho, is a self-funded organization dedicated to rehabilitating and training offenders with job and life skills for post-incarceration success. ICI operates seven manufacturing centers, including furniture, metal fabrication, print services, labor services, gifts and souvenirs, refurbished panel systems and work zones.

The Challenge

Prior to partnering with Global Shop Solutions, ICI managed its shop floor and production processes using a mix of disconnected systems. This fragmentation led to double data entry, time-consuming manual reporting and a lack of real-time operational visibility - challenges compounded by tight budgets and the absence of state funding. The organization needed a solution to increase efficiency, improve data accuracy and empower its vocational programs to deliver better outcomes for offenders and the community.

The Solution

Recognizing the need for a comprehensive, integrated solution, ICI selected Global Shop Solutions ERP software to centralize its manufacturing operations. The ERP system consolidated all core manufacturing functions - production tracking, financial management, reporting and scheduling - into a unified platform, supporting 220 shop floor users across 16 shop data stations in seven manufacturing centers. Reflecting on the transformation, Martin Thomas, General Manager of Idaho Correctional Industries, shared: "Using Global Shop Solutions has eliminated the need for two staff positions, and with attrition, there were no rehires in those spots." This move not only improved operational management but also empowered ICI’s unique offender training programs, delivering actionable insights and supporting data-driven decisions.

The Results

The integration of Global Shop Solutions ERP delivered measurable improvements for ICI. Real-time job scheduling, accurate production tracking and precise job costing have become standard across all manufacturing centers. The organization now supports 220 shop floor users and 16 shop data stations, enhancing operational oversight and efficiency. Automated reporting has replaced manual processes, freeing staff for higher-value activities and enabling ICI to operate with a leaner team. Vocational training ROI has reached $6 for every $1 invested, with a dramatic impact on offender rehabilitation outcomes. As Martin Thomas states: "In a correctional facility nationwide, there is a 37% chance of re-offending, but when an offender is involved with Correctional Industries, that number drops another 24%. For every one dollar we spend on vocational training through education, there is a $6 return! If we keep them out for one full year, that is an ROI of $26,000!" By leveraging Global Shop Solutions ERP, ICI has maximized operational efficiency and reinforced its commitment to offender training and community impact.

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