Classic Cars, Modern Masterpieces
America has long had a fascination with certain car and truck models. Among these are rugged, workhorse vehicles from the mid-twentieth century. These were the pioneering designs that later led to the popularity of SUVs. In particular, several models created by Toyota, Ford, and Chevy have gained a status that makes them much sought after, a half-century later.
At Alchemy, we sometimes get the opportunity to work with companies that are, quite simply, really, really cool. This is a story about one of those companies.
The Client: ICON – Masters of Automotive Restoration
ICON has earned a well-deserved reputation for crafting breathtakingly beautiful rebuilds of classic Toyota Land Cruisers, Ford Broncos, and Chevy Trucks. Their process is far more than just restoration—it’s a reinvention. Each vehicle starts as a vintage model from the 1960s or 1970s. ICON then meticulously rebuilds it from the ground up, installing new frames, suspensions, engines, and bodies, along with luxurious interiors and high-end sound systems.
More than just a passion project, ICON’s approach is a sustainable one. By recycling vintage vehicles and maintaining their original vehicle identification numbers, they dramatically reduce industrial waste while breathing new life into automotive legends.
The Challenge: Outdated Systems for a Cutting-Edge Company
ICON’s craftsmanship is world-class, but behind the scenes, their operational systems weren’t keeping up. Their aging digital infrastructure created bottlenecks in multiple areas:
- Parts Management: ICON needed a better way to track parts and implement just-in-time ordering. With limited warehouse space, stockpiling wasn’t an option, but manually compiling parts lists for each build was time-consuming and inefficient.
- Automation Needs: Repetitive tasks were slowing down production, consuming valuable time that could be spent on building.
- Reporting & Insights: Management needed clearer reporting capabilities to track costs, efficiency, and labor.
- Labor Tracking: ICON lacked an efficient way to track and approve labor hours for billing and payroll.
- Customer Communication: A streamlined way to keep customers informed about their vehicle’s progress was needed, reducing the need for back-and-forth emails and manual updates.
The Solution: A Custom Claris FileMaker ERP Built for Precision and Efficiency
Alchemy Group leveraged Claris FileMaker to design and implement a fully customized ERP system that seamlessly integrated into ICON’s workflow, improving efficiency at every stage of the process. The flexibility and scalability of FileMaker allowed us to create a powerful yet user-friendly system tailored specifically to ICON’s needs.
1. Automated Build Tracking & Parts Management
- Using FileMaker’s powerful database capabilities, the new system automatically generates a parts list for each build and schedules orders accordingly.
- Floor supervisors can now attach photos of the build process in real time, providing clear tracking and accountability.
⠀2. Time Clock & Labor Tracking System
- A custom-built time clock system enables supervisors to track and approve labor hours effortlessly.
- This system also compiles labor data for accurate billing, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks.
⠀3. Streamlined Communication with Customers
- The finance team now has a FileMaker-powered communications interface that lets them attach progress photos, generate a status report, and send invoices—all in one simple step.
- Customers receive professional, up-to-date information about their build without the need for manual follow-ups.
“Our new FileMaker system has streamlined our workflow by illuminating our processes with a level of transparency we didn’t have before. We are now able to gather information more efficiently, resulting in more business clarity and precision.”
— Sherif Yassa, COO, ICON
“We love it when we can bring a whole new level of efficiency to our client. By fully automating the parts management process, as well as innovating a whole new way of handling customer communication, we were able to save tons of time. Sherif and his team were instrumental in communicating their needs so that we could provide a higher level of business reporting and an outsized sphere of capability.”
— Bob Shockey, President, Alchemy Group
The Results: Increased Efficiency, Better Visibility, and Happier Customers
By implementing Alchemy Group’s Claris FileMaker ERP solution, ICON saw immediate improvements:
- Drastically reduced the time required to compile parts lists and place orders.
- Enhanced visibility into each build, allowing for better oversight and more efficient decision-making.
- Improved labor tracking and approval workflows, streamlining payroll and billing processes.
- Stronger customer relationships through seamless communication and real-time updates.
ICON’s work is all about combining classic design with modern engineering—and now, thanks to Alchemy Group’s Claris FileMaker solution, their internal systems reflect that same philosophy.
