NEWSLETTER 2017 / 3rd Quarter

Providing Software Solutions, Consulting & Services for the Dairy & Food Industries since 1982

DSIDSI

DSILE

AD

ER

S IN

DA

IRY

& F

OO

D E

RP

SO

FTW

AR

E S

OLU

TIO

NS

(continued on page 2)

Ellsworth Leverages DSI Software during Period of Growth ….…………………..1-2

Vern’s Cheese & DSI Celebrate 20 Years of Partnership……...2

DSI Salutes AMPI…………….2

Milestones…..…………………2

Unlocking: Dairy Plant Liquid/ Component Traceability…..….3

DSI’s First Summer Intern Program………………………..3

Thanks for 9 years at DSI……3

Webinars …..………………….4

Holiday Closings…….. …...….4

this issue

There are big things happening in the town of Ellsworth. Known to many as the “Cheese Curd Capital” Ellsworth is home to one of the nation’s premier dairy cooperatives. This Wisconsin based operation is the home to over 400 dairy farms scattered across the state and neighboring areas, operating two facilities that produce a variety of cheese and whey powder. Their main facility in Ellsworth is dedicated almost entirely to their world famous cheese curd production – something that has spawned their own community “Cheese Curd Festival,” bringing in cheese enthusiasts across the Midwest.

Their other facility located in Comstock, Wisconsin focuses on smaller artisan batches with over 80 different varieties produced, which are marketed and sold under a variety of brands. These cheeses include their award winning Red Muenster, Wisconsin Brick Cheese, and Hot Pepper Jack varieties. Consumers are likely to find Comstock

cheeses under a variety of brands: Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, Blaser’s, Antonella, and Ellsworth Valley are some of the more widely distributed names.

Demand for their products has created a continual growth pattern for the cooperative – something that is evident in their purchase of Comstock several years ago, and the constant pattern of construction at their main location. The growth the cooperative has experienced over the most recent 10 year period has changed the way they run their operation, as processing roughly 2 million pounds of milk a day has increased their need for efficiency and accuracy.

Through a combination of process changes and technological projects, the cooperative has seen gains in product visibility, tracking, costing and various other improvements.

Leveraging DSI Software during Ellsworth’s Growth Period by Thomas Filak

83167_DSI_News.indd 1 9/1/17 1:20 PM

They’ve been able to streamline processes in areas while still continuing their day to day production. As anyone who has been through a software implementation will tell you, the process wasn’t always easy, but it was worth it.

“We wouldn’t have been able to grow the way we did with our previous software solution. Our relationship with DSI has helped us get a clearer picture on our operations and procedures both here in Ellsworth, and at our Comstock location.”

Paul Bauer, CEO Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery

Ellsworth’s growth over this time period has increased pressure on doing things more efficiently. Their operations are moving so quickly to produce their famous cheese curds and other products that often milk that is unloaded from a delivery can be in a cheese vat in an hour or less. The need for speed and accuracy has been met by integrating their DSI ERP system to plant equipment including scales, labeling, and their usage of DSI’s barcoding system.

This integrated data collection replaced a variety of spreadsheets and hand written production notes to create a more succinct system, freeing up employees to concentrate on producing quality product, rather than spending time logging information or keying information into a computer. It has also given management more visibility from a higher level with respect to inventory, production and costing information.

“We’ve had a great relationship with the group at Ellsworth over the last 10 years. It is amazing to see the transformation they’ve gone through as they’ve expanded and continued to grow the cooperative. We’re proud to be a small piece of the puzzle and look forward to working with them another 10 years.”

Ryan Mertes, President Data Specialists Inc.

Leveraging DSI Software during Ellsworth’s Growth Period (Continued from front page) by Thomas Filak

Vern’s Cheese & DSI Celebrate 20 Years of Partnership Vern’s Cheese has been a partner with DSI since 1997. The Knoespel family has grown their business through hard work, a passion and commitment to dairy, the help of good employees, and by providing great products.

Vern’s Cheese is a respected business throughout Wisconsin, Upper Michigan, Minnesota, Iowa and Illinois. Their reputation for fine quality cheeses is well known and they believe in treating their customers like family.

DSI is fortunate to work with this family owned, second generation company. Thank you for 20 years!

DSI Salutes - Associated Milk Producers Inc. AMPI is one of the 10 largest cooperatives in the U.S. with over 4,600 members that market 5 billion+ pounds of milk per year. They currently operate 14 manufacturing facilities in the country and run one of the largest butter packaging facilities. They also are considered one of the largest cheddar cheese manufacturers. AMPI also packages nearly 60% of the instant milk consumed in the county.

AMPI continues its strategy to remain competitive in the ever-changing dairy industry and to produce award winning products.

The below customers are celebrating a mile marker partnership with DSI in the second quarter of 2017. Thank you for your partnership!

Vern’s Cheese, Inc. Chilton, WI – 20 years Associated Milk Producers Inc., New Ulm, MN – 15 Years

Scenic Central – 5 yearsSoutheast Milk, Inc., Belleview, FL – 5 years

2

M i l e s t o n e s

83167_DSI_News.indd 2 9/1/17 1:20 PM

3

UNLOCKING:Dairy Plant Liquid/Component Traceability Keeping track of all your liquids and components throughout your dairy plant can be a daunting task. Planning and evaluating are key in discovering your plant costs and losses.

Start with . . .

Dairy Plant System Study:• Evaluate your current plant processes for

shrink and gaps• Assess plant manufacturing procedures as it

relates to personnel and other plant equipment ( i.e. scales, etc.)

• Review software systems and how they work throughout manufacturing

• Provide actual costing of liquids and components analysis

• Determine areas of shrinkage

Plan of Action:• Outline plant processes and procedures for

tracking shrinkage and process gaps• Chart each manufacturing floor function and

in the office for reporting, tracking liquid and component information through plant/ warehouse

• Define software and hardware shortfalls and propose solution

• Consider a dairy specific ERP software that provides liquid/component actual costing to ensure profit/loss accuracy

• Summarize areas of shrinkage/loss, provide solutions with controls to keep further instances from happening

Implementation: • Dairy plant shrink project timeline and

deadlines • Outline and document procedures by

manufacturing process • Train personnel in plant processes and

procedures• Summarize overall profit versus loss the new

project has delivered• Actively monitor the procedures and

personnel to keep project on track

Benefits of Dairy ERP Software. . . • Complete traceability of all liquids,

components throughout from intake to retail shelf

• Accurate costing of your components and finished products

• Distribution/Warehouse Control • Integrated Financials

Thanks for making 9 years at DSI a great experience!September 29th is my last day at DSI as I am retiring. I want to thank the Mertes family for hiring me into the DSI family. When I say family, that is what I mean, and they will forever hold a place in my heart.

A special “Thank You” to our customers, for being gracious, patient and a joy to serve. I will miss your voices!

Again, thanks to all of you for your kindness and support! Good Luck to everyone and especially to DSI and their ever-evolving future!

All the best,

Vickie Crane

DSI’s First Summer Intern ProgramThis past summer, Data Specialists, Inc. began their first ever summer internship. Data Specialists, Inc. hired three individuals: Ryan Kassel, who will be grad-uating with a Bachleors of Science in Software Engi-neering from the University of Wisconsin – Platteville. Andrew Schiessl, who will be graduating this fall with a Bachleors of Arts in Mathematics and a minor in Com-puter Science, from Concordia University of Wiscon-sin. Matthew Warren, who is a recent graduate from Blackhawk Technical College where he studied Web/Software Development.

The interns were tasked with implementing and testing current DSI applications converting the desktop appli-cations to web applications. We enjoyed having them for the summer and wish them well in completing their education.

Great work guys! □

DSI ERP Software Solutions is the key to discovering your dairy plant traceability and profitability. Tracing dairy liquids and components from milk or liquid pro-curement, plant manufacturing, warehouse and distribu-tion through to your customer or consumer.

For more information about how DSI’s Dairy ERP soft-ware can provide total plant traceability, call Tom Filak at 262.723.5726. □

83167_DSI_News.indd 3 9/1/17 1:20 PM

DSIDSI

DSIData Specialists, Inc.1021 Proctor Drive Elkhorn, WI 53121262.723.5726www.dataspecialists.com RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

PRSRT FIRST CLASSU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDDELAVAN, WI

PERMIT NO. 307

Upcoming EventsWebinars DSI 2017 Customer WebinarsThursdays at 2 p.m. CST unless otherwise noted:

Sept. 21, 2017 MRP

Oct. 19, 2017 Quality Control Through the Use of Labs

Nov. 16, 2017 What’s New & Cool in the Producer Payroll World?

Dec. 14, 2017 DairyHauler Overview

If you are interested in attending a DSI customer webinar – please contact Carrie Stowe via email at cstowe@dataspecialists.com or call DSI at 262.723.5726.

Holiday Closings:DSI’s office will be closed on:

Thanksgiving Day – Thursday, November 23, 2017

Christmas Day – Monday, December 25, 2017

New Year’s Day –Monday, January 1, 2017

Data Specialists, Inc. has created this newsletter to act as a network system for our clients. DSI has made every attempt to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information provided. However, the information is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind and does not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this newsletter. © Data Specialists, Inc. All rights reserved.

Contributors/Editing Team: Sherrie Mertes, Ryan Mertes, Tom Filak, Trisha Jones, Carrie Stowe, Vickie Crane. Print Date: 9/5/17

Meet with us at the IDFA Dairy ForumJanuary 21-24, 2018 J.W. Marriott Desert SpringsPalm Desert, CA

Happy Holidays!From All of Us at DSI

83167_DSI_News.indd 4 9/1/17 1:20 PM