Nothing is more frustrating for a business than a computer system that isn't working properly. Efficiency and productivity plummet, and your operation comes to a screeching halt.

That's when Second Foundation Consulting steps in. They specialize in software and network solutions for small and medium sized businesses, especially those in the manufacturing, professional services and retail sectors. This experienced team will help you design and install your network, and provide ongoing monitoring and proactive maintenance after installation. “When your network runs smoothly, it's invisible — like the dial tone on a phone,” says vice president Ken Smith. “We want you, the business owner, to do what you do best with a system that works like it should.”

Second Foundation, based in Kitchener, Ontario, maintains its United States operations in Erie. Much of the team in Erie has worked together for over 30 years under different names through spinoffs and acquisitions. Second Foundation purchased the business in 2009. “But even after all of these changes in our organization, we still do business with the first customer we ever had 30 years ago,” Smith says.

In fact, customer service for Smith and his team means finding cost-effective solutions to help businesses run efficiently. “We manage and fix complicated networks, so we strive to be experts in the technology. Everyone has two or three certifications that make them qualified to manage certain software and hardware,” Smith says. “Our customers rely on us to maintain the technology they need to run their businesses.”

One way Second Foundation quickly meets their clients' needs is with their Caretaker™ support system, which highlights problems before they cause outages. “By taking proactive measures, we see small problems before they become large enough to notice. .Many times we have been able to avoid system downtime by repairing a problem, and our customer had no idea that something was wrong,” Smith says. “We monitor 24/7 and provide support remotely through our office, saving our customers time and money.”

In other words, Second Foundation provides timely and cost-effective solutions, where big national companies cannot. “When you call the manufacturer directly, chances are they will not know your business. The time to diagnose and repair your system takes valuable time and effort from your business,” Smith adds. “Because we maintain information on what our clients use, and we can speak their language, the issues get solved quicker than by doing themselves.”

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), a cross-functional system driven by an integrated suite of software modules that supports the basic internal business processes of a company, is another way Second Foundation services their customers. Second Foundation provides solutions focused around Epicor® ERP. This business system provides a new approach to the way ERP systems and business software solutions are designed, built, and used. Epicor ERP software maximizes productivity for their clients in every area of their organization. ERP is a tool that inspires companies to innovate and think differently about their business, so that they can ultimately deliver inspiration to their customers.

Along with the Erie office, Second Foundation serves customers through its office in Franklin, and consultants stationed in Cranberry, Pittsburgh and the Greater Cleveland area. The company is also active through various organizations, including the Northwest Pennsylvania Workforce Investment Board, the Technology Council of Northwest Pennsylvania, NTMA and the Rotary Club. Smith says, “We try to make a difference by giving freely of our time and energy for the good of the Erie area.”

“We live and work in this relatively small regional footprint,” Smith adds. “We want to keep our great reputation by helping companies conduct their business and investing in the community. That's what keeps this region going. Second Foundation is big enough to know, and small enough to know you.