Dive into Our Case Studies Showcasing Collaborative Innovation

Discover the stories behind our projects in this gallery of case studies. Each case study is a testament to the power of collaboration between enFocus talent and our diverse partners. From community development to implementing cutting-edge technologies in manufacturing, these stories highlight the breadth of our impact and the depth of our commitment to innovation for good.

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PORTFOLIO: INDUSTRY

SB-E Manufacturing Accelerator

Summary

enFocus and iNDustry Labs, with support from the South Bend-Elkhart Regional Partnership, have launched the Manufacturing Accelerator program to offer specialized expertise to empower local companies to adopt flexible automation solutions with an aim to develop a universal open-source design for common automation needs.

Outcomes

  • Increase in productivity and improvement in quality will significantly boost throughput.

  • Workforce upskilling and enhanced workplace safety will improve employee retention.

  • Increase local capacity in automation and robotics resources and equip the workforce with actionable skills to implement automation themes.

  • Strengthen local peer-to-peer industry networks to raise awareness of regional advanced manufacturing sector.

PORTFOLIO: CIVIC

Enhancing Data Systems for Growth

Summary

enFocus partnered with The Crossing, a non-traditional high school providing job training and faith-based education to at-risk students in Indiana, to transform data management and workflows across five departments. This led to enhanced operational efficiencies and data management capabilities.

Outcomes

  • Collaborated with HR, Marketing, Finance, Operations, and School Operations to understand unique needs and challenges.

  • Researched and recommended tailored software solutions to align with departmental goals.

  • Facilitated adoption of a comprehensive software bundle, reducing systems from 22 to 11, minimizing data entries, errors, staff hours, and costs.

  • Streamlined data infrastructure, positioning The Crossing for future growth and campus expansion.

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PORTFOLIO: INDUSTRY

Enabling Data-Driven Operations Through Data Toolkits

Summary

Over the last few years, Southwire has established a robust manufacturing data collection infrastructure but has not fully leveraged the data’s decision-making potential. The management team requested enFocus’ help establishing standardized data toolkits that internal stakeholders can use to improve operations.

Outcomes

  • Developed a scalable Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) dashboard with advanced machine- and time-based filtering along with drill-downs for root cause analysis.

  • iNDustry Labs also conducted a large-scale programmatic analysis of historical machine-SKU pairs which helped process engineers quickly update the minimum performance targets.

  • Key Insights:

    • OEE insights for operators, process engineers, and leadership.

    • Semi-automated benchmarking of line speeds.

PORTFOLIO: RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, & ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Functional Zero Waste Products

Summary

Local entrepreneur, Sarah Lind, and enFocus are collaborating to transform landfill-bound waste into a potential marketable product. Local vinyl waste from RV seat scraps are made into functional branded coasters demonstrating how sustainable products can be crafted from repurposed materials.

Outcomes

  • Conducted market analysis for three zero-waste product concepts and selected one aligned with strategic goals for active pursuit, focusing on scrap repurposing.

  • Analyzed the coaster market, assessed its current size, foreseeing it valued at $1.3B by 2031, promoting the mission to produce competitively priced coasters.

  • Developed product designs and prototypes, defined manufacturing needs, and gathered feedback through focus groups for necessary product changes.

  • Developed a business plan to position the product to compete in the existing coaster market.

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Increasing Operational Capacity Through Procedure-to-Pay Process Optimization

Summary

ITAMCO’s procurement workload increased significantly following a steady growth in production volume over the last few years. The leadership wanted to reduce the average time to complete a purchase order, especially as the new ERP system implementation was in the near future plans.

Outcomes

  • Assessed the current process and quantified opportunities for improvement. The team developed a standardized internal purchase requisition form with automated analytics.

  • Developed a standard P2P process operating procedures for the new ERP system to ensure smooth transition.

  • Recommended an additional compatible software and useful ERP features were proposed and documented for easier implementation.

  • Key Insights:

    • ~ 1,500 estimated man hours saved annually.

    • Faster purchase order cycle time.

    • ~ 20,000 paper sheets digitized annually.

PORTFOLIO: INDUSTRY

PORTFOLIO: RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, & ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Catalyzing Regional Sustainability

Summary

Alongside Lawrence Greenspun of Xponential Impact, enFocus piloted a new initiative to convene community members to bolster their leadership skills as they impact people, places, and profits with a focus on sustainability efforts. Participants engaged in facilitated activities that prompted reflection on mission and customer alignment.

Outcomes

  • Secured 18 participants across varying industries to build a diverse pilot group.

  • Produced a three year financial plan that included ambitious partnerships.

  • Developed a marketing plan to bring in more external parties for the upcoming program.

  • Secured funding to enable a six session pilot in the fall of 2024.

PORTFOLIO: CIVIC

Shaping the Future of Local News

Summary

enFocus is working alongside local community leaders to conduct a South Bend Local News Study that aims to explore the sustainability of local news coverage. Our work leverages stakeholder and public engagement, financial analysis, and strategic planning to research the viability and regional impact of local news.

Outcomes

  • Examine strategies to align local news business models with long-term goals through comprehensive stakeholder engagement to benefit the South Bend community.

  • Facilitate a 16-person committee to discuss sustainable local news coverage and journalism in South Bend.

  • Conduct financial analysis to research the sustainability of South Bend local news to identify areas for revenue and cost optimization.

  • Initiate outreach efforts to understand local consumer behavior and preferences, informing future engagement strategies and enhancing regional relevance.

PORTFOLIO: RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, & ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Improving Patient Quality of Life

Summary

enFocus is collaborating with renowned neurosurgeon Dr. Peter Carney to trial Combined Electrochemical Therapy (CET), a new treatment for peripheral neuropathy, a debilitating condition that affects over 13% of Americans. No definitive treatment currently exists.

Outcomes

  • Designed and executed a clinical trial comparing the efficacy of CET to current neuropathy treatment methods, starting with a pilot study of 20-30 participants.

  • Collaborated with local research organizations and hospitals to bolster the quality and efficiency of the clinical trial execution.

  • Raised awareness of CET’s positive impact on peripheral neuropathy pain by publishing the findings from the study.

  • Enhanced pain management practices and functional outcomes in patients while reducing the cost of care and minimizing side effects.

PORTFOLIO: CIVIC

Next Path: Community Coding Courses

Summary

Next Path is a READI funded effort featuring a collaboration between industry leaders South Bend Code School, Trek10, and enFocus designed to drive economic development by offering free beginner level coding courses to adults and company cohorts in the South Bend-Elkhart region.

Outcomes

  • Promoted and administered courses for individuals and business cohorts: Intro to Careers & Coding and Trek10 Launch.

  • Trained over 100 individuals in year one.

  • Launched a regional Next Path brand through structured outreach to community leaders, the development of a website, and creation of marketing materials.

  • Partnered with colleges and universities in the region to reach interested students.

PORTFOLIO: RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, & ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Puente Desarrollo Internacional

Summary

Puente, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering underserved communities through data-driven solutions, worked alongside enFocus to assess the domestic market and devise entry strategies for its data collection and analytics products.

Outcomes

  • Helped identify key new features in upcoming analytics builds for Puente-Collect, enhancing its competitiveness and value proposition.

  • Collaborated to gather crucial insights into domestic data collection usage and potential feature requests upon entry into the US market, ensuring alignment with user needs and preferences for optimal product-market fit.

  • Assisted with a new strategic framework upon US expansion.

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Facilitating Fiber Insights

Summary

The City of Niles partnered with enFocus to strategically engage stakeholders and conduct a current state analysis to inform the direction of their fiber network planning. enFocus provided clarity and insights for the city, leading to third party interest in the city’s fiber network.

Outcomes

  • Generated heatmaps using ArcGIS to map city fiber use and ownership, visualize broadband infrastructure, and identify areas of need.

  • Oversaw a strategic brainstorming session with city staff and regional stakeholders to establish a vision, and explore action steps for improving connectivity.

  • Compiled a summary report to recap project progress and document next steps across parties to support broadband implementation.

  • Investigated peer cities to influence regional fiber strategy through best practice analysis.

PORTFOLIO: INDUSTRY

PORTFOLIO: CIVIC

Building Sustainable Healthcare Workforce

Summary

IU South Bend and enFocus are working together in convening regional organizations to address challenges in the local talent market. An alliance structure emerged after extensive research and interviews focused on talent attraction, education, and retention for healthcare growth.

Outcomes

  • Establishment of a sustainable partnership model for long-term impact on regional healthcare talent development.

  • Enhance awareness and interest in healthcare careers among community members and K-12 students, driving workforce development.

  • Increase the number of graduates with healthcare-related post-secondary credentials, meeting industry demands.

  • Improve skilled employee retention and advancement within healthcare careers benefiting organizations and the region.

PORTFOLIO: CIVIC

Green Homes for Lifelong Residents

Summary

Greener Homes aims to empower City of South Bend residents with financial and educational support to address the strain disproportionally felt by increasing housing costs and energy-inefficient homes. The retrofit program assists low to moderate income homeowners with subsidized energy-efficient home upgrades.

Outcomes

  • Strengthen environmental justice initiatives across the City of South Bend through meaningful engagement and education.

  • Build awareness on sustainable solutions to environmental challenges by creating opportunities for occupational training and community investment.

  • Empower homeowners with financial tools and energy literacy to combat rising housing costs and older housing stock via community engagement.

  • Secure funding from upcoming state and federal grant opportunities for green-centered work and expansion of environmental justice initiatives across South Bend.

PORTFOLIO: CIVIC

Catalyzing Urban Forestry Action

Summary

In 2023, the City of South Bend’s Office of Sustainability and enFocus were awarded $2M+ in federal grants to bolster urban forestry efforts. enFocus is coordinating grant activity with stakeholders for the planting of 13,000 trees by 2029 to catalyze action toward the City’s goal of 100,000 new trees by 2050.

Outcomes

  • Triple the City’s Urban Tree Nursery network by establishing 10 new urban tree nursery sites across vacant lots, parks, stormwater retention basins, and public schools.

  • Organize local stakeholders to support community engagement, outdoor environmental education at schools, as well as, youth and adult workforce development opportunities.

  • Analyze long term maintenance needs to support sustainable management of our urban forest.

PORTFOLIO: CIVIC

UWMC Supports Childcare Providers

Summary

The United Way of Marshall County’s Early Childhood Coalition (ECC) and Shared Services Hub (SSH) drive economic impact for child care providers in the county. enFocus enhanced their efforts by facilitating provider meetings, running strategic grant sessions, and serving as a vital resource to providers.

Outcomes

  • Supported 35 childcare providers to improve operations that reached approximately 1,295 Marshall County families.

  • Saved providers up to $8,700 annually and supported overall program development.

  • Secured $750,000 to develop and pilot a TriShare program, aimed at bringing affordable and equitable access to childcare for families in the county.

PORTFOLIO: CIVIC

SBCSC Leads With Innovation

Summary

enFocus and South Bend Community School Corporation have worked collaboratively since 2012. Three current projects, Student Records Digitization, Post-ESSER Budgeting, and The South Bend Career Hub highlight the collective impact of enFocus as a catalyst for innovation, capacity, and strategic planning.

Outcomes

  • Analyze the components and life cycles of Student Records; design streamlined records management in YellowFolder digital storage platform; optimize accessibility, file sharing, paper reduction, and process efficiency.

  • Prioritize programs for continuation after federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funding expires in September of 2024 and design strategy for sustained funding.

  • Support strategic planning for a Career Hub by facilitating engagement teams, evaluating financial sustainability, and developing governance models.

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Hydrostatic Testing Digitization

Summary

enFocus partnered with Niles Steel Tank (NST) to digitize quality inspection forms, enabling seamless process monitoring and improvement. enFocus developed, tested, and implemented a digital means of collecting clean, accurate, and actionable First Time Through Quality data for hydrostatic testing.

Outcomes

  • Enhanced process visibility leading to a 7% increase in first pass yield, significantly improving production efficiency and reducing rework costs.

  • Digitization of the forms resulted in time savings of 12%, allowing NST's quality inspectors to spend more time on value-added activities rather than manual data entry and form management.

  • Reduction in data entry errors to less than 3% resulting in cleaner data for more convenient process analysis.

  • NST expects the digitized inspection system to raise the Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) by 6%, leading to a 10% boost in monthly throughput.

PORTFOLIO: INDUSTRY

PORTFOLIO: CIVIC

Coordinating Data to Evaluate Impact

Summary

Beacon Health System partnered with enFocus to coordinate data collection and reporting efforts for Project Hope, a Rural Communities Opioid Response consortium in Marshall County.

Outcomes

  • Requested, surveyed, collected, consolidated, and submitted required Performance Improvement Measurement System (PIMS) data from organizations providing direct services to substance use disorder clients.

  • Supported Beacon Community Impact during their U.S. Department of Health and Human Services site visit and audit.

  • Assisted with the development and facilitation of the Project Hope consortium and sustainability workgroup meetings.

PORTFOLIO: CIVIC

Building Transportation Security

Summary

enFocus partnered with Commuters Trust to implement operations and data management, and is now focusing on its sustainability by documenting and automating essential roles for the organization’s future state.

Outcomes

  • Structured approach to data collection and processing to improve efficiency and accuracy for reporting

  • Streamlined data reporting, reducing time spent compiling reports by 40%

  • Designed and developed pilot programs, including a car savings program and an accessible transportation program

PORTFOLIO: CIVIC

Increasing Digital Equity for Students

Summary

Citywide Classroom has brought together enFocus, South Bend Community School Corporation (SBCSC), the School City of Mishawaka (SCM), and the City of South Bend to bridge the digital divide by providing free internet to students.

Outcomes

  • Identify students in need of internet connections, provide customer service on devices, and educate families on federal benefit programs

  • Provide mobile hotspots, with 5,000+ distributed to-date to South Bend and Mishawaka students

  • Implement need-based rollout of Citizens Broadband Radio Services (CBRS) connection in South Bend, with 200+ distributed to-date

  • Plan 2023-24 roll-out of 800 additional internet connections to eligible students

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