BGR Unpacks Innovation and Growth

By: | Category: Distribution / Manufacturing, ERP

Over the past fifty years, BGR Packaging has evolved from a small startup into a trusted powerhouse in the packaging industry. As the company grew from selling packaging tape out of a garage to establishing a strong presence in Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio, BGR has always valued its close-knit, supportive culture. Now, with a bold new vision, BGR is on a journey to become a national packaging supplier by 2040, and its path forward involves evolving and expanding its business model, becoming a supply chain partner, and prioritizing sustainability. But this ambitious plan requires a streamlined, efficient back-office system — and that’s where the company’s collaboration with a technology partner plays a pivotal role.

Rising to the Challenge with a Trusted Partner

BGR has relied on Sage X3 for many years, but as their growth ambitions ramped up, so did their need for a partner who could help them make the most of this system. BGR needed to optimize Sage X3’s capabilities without sacrificing the customizations they had carefully tailored to their needs. Following a considered and careful search, BGR chose Net at Work and its Sage X3 consulting and development teams. Chris Dreyer, BGR’s Information Systems Manager, was impressed by Net at Work’s depth of knowledge and their reputation for innovation.

“Net at Work brings both the big-picture perspective and attention to detail,” Dreyer shares. “Their goal is to help us get the most out of our existing system so we can keep innovating in packaging and supply chain solutions.”

Tackling Complexity Head-On

Over the years, BGR’s Sage X3 system had accumulated many customizations, which were critical to its operations but also added layers of complexity. As the company focused on growth, it became clear that it needed to streamline its system. Net at Work collaborated with BGR to review these customizations to reduce unnecessary complexities and increase efficiency. The long-term plan? Move closer to a “vanilla” version of Sage X3, allowing BGR to leverage new features and avoid the heavy upkeep that customizations require.

“They’re not just managing our system. They’re partners in our mission. Net at Work allows us to focus on expansion and strategic goals. It’s been a night-and-day difference.”
Chris Dreyer, Information Systems Manager, BGR

Rather than continually investing in on-staff developers, BGR redirected those resources toward these streamlining efforts. With Net at Work’s support, they’re optimizing their system and taking full advantage of Sage X3’s latest capabilities, achieving innovation without the overhead of extensive custom code. “It’s all about staying nimble,” Dreyer notes. “By reducing costs, we’re freeing up more resources for growth.”

Building a Support System that Adds Value

One of the most significant benefits of partnering with Net at Work is their structured, client-focused approach. BGR has a dedicated point of contact at Net at Work who coordinates support and services across the board, allowing Dreyer to focus on strategic projects rather than day-to-day system management. As a result, BGR’s team can concentrate on high-impact initiatives, like expanding their offerings in sustainability and supply chain analysis, while knowing their Sage X3 infrastructure is in expert hands.

Dreyer emphasizes how Net at Work has allowed them to keep their focus where it matters most. “They’re not just managing our system. They’re partners in our mission,” he explains. “Net at Work allows us to focus on expansion and strategic goals. It’s been a night-and-day difference.”

A Future Focused on Growth and Innovation

Looking ahead, BGR is committed to scaling smartly and sustainably. They’re transitioning to platforms like Azure and Boomi, paving the way for seamless data integration and process automation. By building a solid technological foundation, BGR is preparing for national expansion while staying true to its roots as an innovative packaging leader. With Net at Work as their support system, BGR is confident in their ability to tackle the challenges ahead and capitalize on new opportunities.

Download the full Net at Work success story to read more about BGR’s pathway to operational excellence.