ERP as a Strategic Tool to Drive Business Performance Improvement

Gene Caiola has worked for both small and large manufacturers in the areas of production and shop floor control, quality, accounting and IT. He began his career in a small manufacturer of electronic test devices during high school, working in the operational areas of the company. In 1980, Gene joined Sperry Systems, a 5,000-person manufacturer of high tech systems in Lake Success, New York, and continued to gain experience in all aspects of manufacturing including the Financial and Technology areas of the company. In 1987, Gene joined Richard A. Eisner and Company, a prominent public accounting firm specializing in manufacturing and distribution consulting, as Director of Manufacturing Services. In 1994, Gene began the foundation for Synergy Resources with a vision of delivering mission critical services to the manufacturing industry through the use of Infor ERP solutions. Gene began the company out of the proverbial bedroom office. Synergy now employs over 100 people in over 10 states, and Canada. In his role at Synergy, Gene participates in all aspects of a customer project to ensure that Synergy delivers the highest level of customer service across the strategic, business system and technical divisions of their company. As a proponent of fostering strong educational/business community relationships, Gene has worked with local colleges to develop curriculums that provide students with 'hands on' ERP skills through the use of ERP software in the classroom. Gene published his first textbook for use in these programs and is currently working on a second book. Through this relationship Gene is also a part-time Professor at Farmingdale State University teaching Operation and Supply Chain Management courses and is an active member its ERP Business Alliance project. Gene holds a BS in Accounting from SUNY-Binghamton and an MBA in Business Information Systems from Hofstra University. Gene lives on the North Fork of Long Island, with his wife Shari in Southold, New York.