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The Challenge: Outdated Systems for a Cutting-Edge Company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
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.
“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
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.
