Background
Ameriscend, LLC is a original equipment manufacturer “OEM” with a strong focus on innovation, growth, and operational excellence. As the company expanded through strategic acquisitions, it inherited a diverse set of systems and processes, including some legacy documentation practices that no longer aligned with modern operational standards.
Recognizing the opportunity to leverage technology to drive greater efficiency, Ameriscend partnered with DVIRC and strategic expert Dan Hughes to explore how artificial intelligence and data engineering could modernize key functions, strengthen customer support, and create a more scalable foundation for future growth.
Challenge
Ameriscend had effective systems across much of its operation, but some acquired business units still relied on highly manual, paper-based processes that created risk and inefficiency. For example, a 40-year-old unit managed critical machine documentation through handwritten records, making parts identification and inventory management labor-intensive and vulnerable to error.
Leadership saw an opportunity to transform this challenge into an advantage by digitizing and structuring legacy information in a way that would not only protect historical knowledge but also unlock faster, smarter workflows. With DVIRC’s help, Ameriscend set out to modernize these processes using AI-driven tools that would increase visibility, reduce manual effort, and improve service responsiveness.
Solution
DVIRC partner, Dan Hughes, led a multi-month engagement focused on building AI readiness while delivering tangible improvements along the way. The work began with a process review to identify priority areas, including inventory visibility and the centralization of the company’s bill of materials. From there, Hughes helped design and implement new tools using predictive analytics and AI-assisted reporting to reduce bottlenecks and streamline planning.
Weekly working sessions ensured continuous alignment and gave Ameriscend the flexibility to adapt the scope of work based on emerging needs. In addition to the technical work, the engagement included team coaching to build internal confidence and fluency with new tools, making the transformation both sustainable and scalable.
Processes that previously took us 3-6 hours now take just 3-6 minutes.
Lou Lanzilotta, Vice President of Operations, Ameriscend
Results
The outcome of the project has been transformative for Ameriscend. With the converted data now integrated into their ERP system, processes that once took hours are now completed in minutes, dramatically improving operational efficiency and customer responsiveness.
Key outcomes included:
- Processes that previously took 3–6 hours now take just 3–6 minutes, such as generating shortage reports and managing spare parts requests
- Significantly faster and more accurate customer support, with easier access to critical parts information
- Elimination of operational risks associated with fragile handwritten documentation
- Improved inventory planning and management, with real-time access to accurate Bill of Materials (BOM) data
- Reduced reliance on tribal knowledge, making information accessible across departments
- A scalable digital foundation to support future AI initiatives and continuous operational improvement
As Louis Lanzilotta described it, “The difference is truly night and day. The value delivered has had a measurable impact on both our internal efficiency and customer responsiveness.”
Beyond immediate operational improvements, the engagement sparked a broader shift in mindset around innovation. “That first meeting with Dan was eye-opening,” said Lanzilotta. “He introduced concepts and possibilities I hadn’t even considered, and it completely shifted the way I think about data and process improvement.”
When asked about working with DVIRC and Dan Hughes, Lanzilotta added, “Dan and Ken are genuinely great to work with. They are smart, down-to-earth, and really invested in helping solve real problems. I’d absolutely recommend having a conversation with them—even if it’s just to kick around ideas.”