Officials of Integrated Data Solutions Inc. (IDSI) have announced plans to establish the company’s headquarters at Enterprise South Industrial Park. The move makes IDSI the third company to locate at Enterprise South.
IDSI plans to purchase 3.85 acres in Enterprise South’s West Campus and will invest about $2.5 million to construct a 20,000-square-foot facility, which is scheduled for completion in December, according to IDSI CEO Bruce Kennedy.
IDSI provides automated data collection and data management solutions for over 500 manufacturing and distribution operations. The company currently has operations spread among a number of U.S. locations including a facility in Soddy-Daisy Industrial Park, Chicago, and a recently acquired Wisconsin-based company.
"Our new corporate facility will allow us to bring operations, technical engineering, programming, and assembly staff all under the same roof so we can provide even better service to our customers and partners," Kennedy said. "Chattanooga is a great base for IDSI to provide high-tech, leading edge solutions to companies throughout the U.S. and around the globe."
IDSI will open its new facility with 12 Chattanooga-based employees and expects to grow to 28 employees within three years. The company offers wages that exceed the Hamilton County average, even at the entry level.
"We thank IDSI for helping us live up to our commitment of using Enterprise South to create good-paying jobs for our community," said Mayor Ron Littlefield. "This company is a great example of how we can leverage our manufacturing heritage to create high-tech, high-wage jobs."
"IDSI is a real home-town success story," said Mayor Claude Ramsey. "Bruce Kennedy recognized a niche need among manufacturers and other industrial companies and created a multi-million dollar company with international reach to answer that need."
According to Trevor Hamilton, Chamber vice president of economic development, the IDSI project highlights Enterprise South’s versatility in supporting the creation of new jobs. "Enterprise South is laid out so that it can accommodate projects that require only a few acres, such as this one, as well as projects that require medium or large amounts of acreage."
Founded in 1989, IDSI integrates hardware and software into an automated data collection solution. Its customer roster includes Hobart, Alcan, Brach Candy, TRW, and Godiva. With IDSI’s flagship products, OrbeSoft® and Capture System2®, the company helps clients automate data collection and reporting by implementing scanner, RFID technology, and software applications that push information into the company’s existing database.
IDSI products also help companies assimilate data by directing information to the employees who need it the most. For example, as a shipment leaves a distribution facility the system can update a company’s inventory database in real time, note the employee who handled the shipment, and send an email notifying the account representative who made the sale that the package is on its way to the customer.
According to Kennedy, IDSI’s products are powerful tools for managers because they receive real-time updates on the required information. "If a manufacturing line lags behind a key productivity benchmark, the system can send the manager an e-mail or Blackberry message while there is still time for a production correction," Kennedy said.
IDSI is also in the process of diversifying its market by developing a line of products that would allow people to take advantage of integrated data solutions in their personal and professional lives. "It’s still too early to talk about what we have on the drawing board," Kennedy said. "But, as a company, we’re looking for opportunities to leverage the technology we’ve developed for one market and create solutions for others."
