Leaders of the metalcasting industry converged on St. Joseph last week to take part in the largest single gathering of that industry sector for a software conference anywhere in the world. The more than 70 industry professionals were pulled together for Spectrum, a two-day conference hosted by B&L Information Systems of Bridgman — the worldwide leader in industry specific software for the metalcasting industry.
Spectrum is B&L's annual Odyssey software users' conference and it was hosted this year at the Inn at Harbor Shores, featuring a major keynote address from Jeff Cook, President of the American Foundry Society's National Board of Directors. Cook is from Eagle Alloy out of Muskegon. The occasion also marks the company's 40th anniversary in business after being founded in Bridgman.
Prior to Cook's Tuesday address, a robust discussion among industry panelists on Monday afternoon afforded conference participants a chance to have their process and procedure questions answered from a variety of different viewpoints. Industry panelists included Nick Fox from Galesburg Castings, Rich Hiley from Kirsh Foundry, Colin McAleenan from Wilkast, Inc. and John Williams from Boose Aluminum.
The conference also featured customer-led presentations by AJ Menefeee of Eagle Precision and Megan Sokolowski of Maynard Steel showcasing the manner in which users are crafting success with B&L's patented Odyssey software systems. The event also presented a class in the new Odyssey Web UI Shop Planner by well-known industry expert Mark Danly of Danly Consulting.
Philip Laney is CEO at B&L Information Systems on Rambo Road in Bridgman. He says, "While we offer classes throughout the year on a variety of specialized topics, Spectrum is our premier customer event. The learning and networking opportunities are unparalleled." He adds, "Our staff is available every day to help customers, but, during Spectrum Odyssey users have direct access to our Research & Development Department as well as our Professional Services Department. This kind of access and cross-pollination of ideas is what allows B&L to create the best metalcasting ERP available."
In the photo accompanying this story on Moody on the Market.com, keynote speaker Jeff Cook, Vice President of Sales at Eagle Alloy and current President of the National AFS Board of Directors, is shown address industry colleagues during the Spectrum conference at the Inn at Harbor Shores, where more than 70 attendees representing more than 40 metalcasting companies took part in the annual meeting.
