Maine Drilling & Blasting
“With our long history working with the Runding team, I knew they were the perfect choice for MD&B’s complex data integration project. Runding’s expertise in the construction industry, combined with its successful track record, made it my go-to solution for this challenge.”
Mike Dow, DCY Consulting and Maine Drilling & Blasting Chief Information Officer
Maine Drilling & Blasting Streamlines Operations and Drives Digital Transformation
Maine Drilling & Blasting (MD&B), founded in 1966 in Gardiner, Maine, has evolved from a small foundation-drilling operation into a leading multidisciplinary construction firm with a broad presence across New England and beyond. As the company grew, so did the complexity of managing its data across departments, locations, and systems.
The Challenge
MD&B faced several operational and data management hurdles:
Manual Data Entry: Frequent switching between systems required redundant manual input, increasing errors and inefficiency.
- Data Silos: Departmental data was disconnected, limiting transparency and collaboration.
- Paper Dependency: Heavy reliance on spreadsheets and PDFs led to accessibility and version control issues.
- System Fragmentation: Multiple business platforms made managing and sharing data cumbersome
The Solution
Recognizing the need for digital transformation, MD&B partnered with DCY Consulting and Runding Corporation to implement OpenBuild, a Microsoft-based digital transformation framework for the construction industry. Key elements of the solution included:
- ERP Integration: Seamless connection between MD&B’s Acumatica ERP and existing production systems (e.g., timecards, cost tracking).
- Controlled Data Collection: OpenBuild ensures accurate and efficient data collection, aggregation, and formatting for smooth transfer to the new ERP system.
- Reduced Manual Work: Automating data transfer minimized manual entry and potential errors. Spreadsheets were mercilessly sought out and eliminated.
- Collaborative Development: Ongoing input from MD&B ensured the solution aligned with real-world construction operations.
Results & ROI
The collaboration produced tangible improvements across MD&B’s operations:
- Efficiency Gains: Automation reduced errors and saved time.
- Improved Data Visibility: Centralized data enabled better oversight and decision-making.
- Reduced Paperwork: A digital-first approach replaced PDFs and Excel files.
- ERP-Driven Operations: All departments now contribute clean, organized data to a unified ERP.
- Enhanced Collaboration: Eliminated silos led to smoother cross-team communication.
- Faster Closeouts: Monthly financial reporting is quicker and more accurate.
- Data Quality Management: A robust framework ensures data is clean, accessible, and analysis-ready.
MDB achieved significant improvements in data management with OpenBuild, including centralized and streamlined data flow between applications and departments, better decision-making capabilities, and increased productivity. The new solution fosters efficiency and transparency in the company’s data transformation endeavors.
