Streamlined operations

Tracking purchases with phone calls, managing inventory manually, relying on spreadsheets for scheduling, and struggling with accurate job costing created inefficiencies that slowed down production and impacted profitability. That sound familiar?

For over 35 years, Creative Woodcraft has been a trusted name in kitchen cabinetry on Vancouver Island, Canada. This family-run business specializes in everything from custom high-end homes to spec houses and commercial millwork. As their business grew, so did the complexity of managing operations, from purchasing materials to scheduling jobs and tracking costs.

That’s when Cienapps entered the picture, becoming a game-changer for their efficiency and reliability.

The Challenge: Managing Growth with Manual Processes

Like many growing manufacturers, Creative Woodcraft initially managed purchases by phone calls and tracked jobs and inventory using spreadsheets. While this worked at a smaller scale, it quickly became cumbersome and error-prone. The company struggled with delayed orders, missing materials, inconsistent job costing, and time-consuming payroll processing.

Will Duggan, President and second-generation leader, explains, “We were growing and had different people taking on new roles, so keeping track of purchases and materials was a challenge. We didn’t have great systems in place, and managing job costing was always in the back of my mind.”

The Solution: A Partnership with Cienapps

Creative Woodcraft turned to Cienapps to help streamline their operations. For more than 10 years, they have integrated Cienapps into daily workflows to gain better control and real-time visibility. Key benefits include:

• Centralized Purchase Tracking: Ensuring all materials are in stock before starting jobs, eliminating delays and incomplete projects.

• Visual Processor for Scheduling: Used multiple times a day to identify bottlenecks and track job progress, improving reliability and on-time delivery.

• Accurate Job Costing: Real-time data helps maintain competitive pricing and improve profitability.

• Streamlined Payroll: Digital punch clock system reduced payroll processing time from hours to less than two.

• Inventory Management: Just-in-time ordering and stock visibility allow rapid responses to job site needs, enhancing customer satisfaction.

Custom Development and Ongoing Support

What truly sets Cienapps apart is their responsiveness and willingness to adapt software to Creative Woodcraft’s evolving needs. Will praises the partnership, saying, “They listen well, communicate clearly, and deliver updates regularly. We’ve developed many custom features together that benefit us and other customers.”

The Result: Increased Efficiency and Customer Trust

With Cienapps, Creative Woodcraft has tightened processes across the board — from purchasing to scheduling to payroll. The company can now provide accurate timelines, reduce costly delays, and price jobs confidently. Their reputation as a reliable supplier has only grown stronger.

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