Finn Lamex optimizes production with Monitor ERP

Finn Lamex Safety Glass Oy manufactures high-quality laminated safety windscreens for commercial vehicles, motorhomes, and heavy machinery. The company's production is located in Laitila, Southwest Finland, and more than 99% of their production is exported around the world. The majority of deliveries go to the aftermarket for vehicles, but some also go to manufacturers of new vehicles.

According to Juha-Pekka Matikainen, Director of Production, Finn Lamex's strength lies in producing demanding, complex windscreens.

"We manufacture laminated safety glass for vehicles. The more challenging the glass, the better for us - that's what we're good at."

Finn Lamex's production is a typical high mix - low volume production. The company produces around 2,000 different products, with batch sizes ranging from just a few units to several thousand per year.

The production process starts with the cutting and shaping of the glass sheets. The glasses are then bent in furnaces, laminated with safety film, and processed in autoclaves before final undergoing final inspection and packaging.

One system for the entire process

Finn Lamex implemented Monitor ERP at the end of 2023, replacing a system that had been in use for nearly 25 years. The ERP upgrade was part of a broader development effort as the company undertakes a major capacity expansion.

"We are currently undergoing a major capacity expansion project, and the ERP change was one of the first steps. Monitor enables us to grow and brings all functions into one system," says Matikainen.

Today, the whole chain from order to delivery is managed through Monitor.

"Practically everything is done in Monitor – except for payroll," adds Matikainen.

Having all information in a single system has made production management far more transparent.

"All the information is in one system and in real time. You don't have to look at information in multiple places, and daily work is made much simpler."

Step‑by‑step production

Although Finn Lamex’s product is structurally simple, the manufacturing process involves several precise stages.

"Our product consists of two panes of glass with a laminated safety film between them," Matikainen explains.

The process begins with the arrival of glass sheets from suppliers. The sheets are cut to the correct shape, paired, and bent in furnaces. They are then laminated with safety film and processed in autoclaves.

Afterwards, the finished products are inspected, finalized, and packaged for shipment to customers around the world.

Real-time production monitoring

Finn Lamex operates 24 hours a day, six days a week, making continuous monitoring essential.
Monitor ERP allows the team to track each stage of production and respond quickly to any changes.

"Monitor has given us a clearer view of material flow and schedules. We can constantly see where each product is in the production process," says Logistics Coordinator Tommi Aitala.

Reliable traceability across the production chain

Traceability is critical in the automotive industry. With Monitor, Finn Lamex has significantly automated and strengthened its traceability processes.

"One of the main objectives of the project was to improve and automate traceability. Now we know exactly who made each product and which materials were used," says Matikainen.

The company also uses machine integration and barcode reading to reduce human error and increase data reliability.

Data to support better decision-making

Finn Lamex uses Monitor BI in daily management. The system provides fast access to data on sales, production, and deliveries.

"What used to take two hours in the old system now takes two minutes," says Matikainen.

Reports can be customized to match the needs of your company.

"With Monitor BI, you can create almost any type of report. It really depends on your own skills and creativity." 

Better visibility for deliveries

Logistics Coordinator Tommi Aitala uses Monitor daily to track production orders and deliveries.

Thanks to Monitor, he can easily see the status of any order.

"I can quickly see where an order is in the system and when it will be completed. This allows us to plan our shipments much more accurately."

Supporting everyday production

Monitor is also used daily on the production floor. Organizer Linda Mäkisalo uses the system for material receiving and production preparation.

" We check Monitor to see which products are going into the ovens and prepare the molds accordingly. I also receive materials and report production stages."

Mobile devices and barcodes ensure that information is entered into the system quickly and accurately.

"Previously, information was written on paper. Now I can just scan the barcode, and the information goes straight into the system," says Linda.

Smooth implementation

Changing ERP systems is often a big project, but at Finn Lamex the implementation went according to plan.

Production was paused for a system change on Saturday evening and restarted on Sunday evening.

"The first finished products and invoices were sent to customers the same day," says Matikainen.

Monitor's consultants played a key role in the success of the rollout.

"Thorough preparation and strong support from the consultants helped us avoid major risks."

Smoother everyday operations and improved visibility

Finn Lamex's experience with Monitor has been incredibly positive.

"Monitor is a logical, modern system. All modules are well connected, and information can be found quickly," says Matikainen.

Better visibility of production and deliveries has also enhanced customer service.

"We are known worldwide for quality. Quality isn’t just about the final product – it’s also being able to tell the customer exactly when their delivery will arrive," says Tommi Aitala.

The company feels that the system supports both efficiency and workflow.

Everything works because Monitor works.

Recommended for the manufacturing industry

Finn Lamex recommends Monitor ERP to other manufacturing companies.

"Monitor has proven to be a very effective solution for us. The standard system can be used in many different ways, and you can find the right approach for your own operations."

Monitor has helped the company to improve processes, advance data management, and support growth.

"We can definitely recommend Monitor to the manufacturing industry," Matikainen concludes.