For Hubbard-Hall, a sixth-generation, family-owned chemical company with over 175 years of history, innovation isn’t new. It’s embedded in the company’s DNA. A Datacor ERP and CRM customer for over 20 years, the team has taken a significant step forward in their digital transformation journey by implementing Datacor Manufacturing Execution System (MES).
Through the implementation of MES, Hubbard-Hall demonstrates how a forward-thinking, digital-first strategy can optimize manufacturing processes while strengthening their commitment to delivering the highest quality products.
“For us, the biggest drivers for adopting MES were safety and quality improvements,” shared Hubbard-Hall's VP of Data Strategy, Katherine Kielbowicz. Under her leadership, the company has embraced digital transformation as a core strategy for operational success and long-term sustainability.
One of Hubbard-Hall’s top priorities was ensuring a safer workplace for its employees. With MES, operators receive clear, real-time notifications about the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) for each task. “Bringing safety information like PPE warnings directly to the shop floor was a game-changer for our team,” Kielbowicz explained. “This kind of visibility streamlines operations and ensures compliance with safety protocols.”
Hubbard-Hall is leveraging MES to validate raw materials in real time during production. The system allows operators to scan materials as they are added to the batch, ensuring they meet specifications. “We expect to see significant quality improvements with this feature,” Kielbowicz added.
Beyond individual tasks, MES provides comprehensive production data, enabling managers to analyze performance, costs, and inefficiencies. This level of insight wasn’t possible before, making MES a valuable resource for continuous improvement efforts. Colleen Doyle, Hubbard-Hall's ERP/IT Systems Administrator, highlighted, “The reporting and analytics help us understand timing and costs for each product in ways we’ve never been able to see before.”
Avoiding the “status quo” often seen in traditional industries, Hubbard-Hall is harnessing MES to modernize and optimize every aspect of their manufacturing operations.
From scheduling resources to tracking production in real time, MES ensures seamless functionality for Hubbard-Hall’s manufacturing floors. Features introduced by the system include order execution, dispatching, and quality control, all supported by digital records. These records support compliance audits and ensure consistency and reliability across production.
According to Doyle, “MES allows us to digitize previously manual operations. By focusing on efficiency and data-driven insights, we’re setting the stage for better processes across all our facilities.”
Hubbard-Hall has implemented MES and Datacor Warehouse Management System (WMS) at its Waterbury, CT facility, with plans to expand both solutions to additional locations. By scaling their digital capabilities, the company aims to improve operational efficiency across its entire network and deliver even greater value to customers.
Hubbard-Hall’s success with MES is rooted in a strong partnership with the Datacor team. From discovery through rollout, Datacor worked closely with the team to deeply understand their processes, provide guidance, and ensure the system was implemented in a way that aligned with day-to-day operations.
“The Datacor team listened, asked the right questions, and spent time with us on the shop floor to learn how we work,” said Kielbowicz. “That hands-on collaboration is helping us to get the most out of MES.”
To support MES adoption, the team took a strategic approach to onboarding. “Getting buy-in was key,” said Kielbowicz. “We identified an early champion in Chemical Operator Steven Diaz, who quickly became a go-to resource on the shop floor. We also gamified adoption by tracking MES usage and celebrating wins weekly. That’s helped us drive momentum and build excitement internally.”
By creating a culture of support and accountability, the team fostered enthusiasm even among employees unfamiliar with digital tools. “We faced some initial reluctance,” Kielbowicz added. “But by encouraging engagement and celebrating progress, we’ve built strong internal advocates for the system.”
With Datacor MES successfully implemented in one facility, these early wins signify the start of Hubbard-Hall’s larger growth strategy. Hubbard-Hall is well on its way to setting higher operational standards, improving accountability, and using data to drive continuous improvements.
“Our theme this year is ‘prove it,’” said Kielbowicz. “We’re empowering employees to use data to support their decisions and drive results. MES plays a huge role in that–it’s not just a tool; it’s part of a larger mindset shift that’s helping us build for the next generation.” She continued, “We’re a digital-forward company. Whether it’s adopting AI or new tech solutions, we’re constantly exploring ways to enhance our efficiencies and ensure Hubbard-Hall remains a sustainable and thriving business for another six generations.”
For businesses considering digital transformation, Hubbard-Hall’s experience offers an inspiring example of what’s possible with the right tools and mindset. Their story illustrates how the adoption of Datacor MES can translate into tangible benefits like improved safety, higher-quality products, and enhanced operational insight.
At Datacor, we’re proud to support forward-thinking organizations like Hubbard-Hall as they pave the way for smarter, safer, and more sustainable manufacturing processes.
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