TriNET Implements Fully Integrated SSA Baan ERP Solution

TriNET’s Seamless Rollout of SSA Baan ERP at Marathon Engine Systems

When Marathon Engine Systems announced the successful implementation of a fully integrated SSA Baan ERP solution, the industry buzzed with anticipation. The rollout, handled by TriNET, wasn’t just a tech upgrade; it was a strategic pivot designed to scale the company’s production and meet rising global demand for its advanced, eco‑friendly energy generators. The partnership marked the culmination of years of collaboration between the two firms, blending TriNET’s deep expertise in enterprise systems with Marathon’s vision for rapid, sustainable growth.

The project began with a rigorous assessment of Marathon’s existing workflows, data flows, and pain points. TriNET’s consultants mapped out the full landscape - from raw material sourcing to final shipment - identifying gaps that often stymied efficiency. They then customized the SSA Baan ERP framework to accommodate Marathon’s unique production patterns, which rely heavily on both standard and bespoke equipment configurations. By aligning the ERP’s modular architecture with Marathon’s production cadence, TriNET ensured that every step of the manufacturing process could be tracked, optimized, and reported in real time.

One of the most critical elements of the implementation was data migration. Marathon’s legacy systems housed millions of records across disparate platforms. TriNET executed a staged migration strategy, moving data in batches while maintaining parallel runs to validate accuracy. This approach mitigated the risk of operational disruption and preserved the integrity of essential business data. The final migration completed without any downtime, a feat that impressed Marathon’s leadership and underscored TriNET’s meticulous planning.

Beyond the technical execution, the implementation delivered a suite of functional enhancements. The integrated ERP now consolidates inventory management, production scheduling, quality control, and sales order processing into a single interface. Engineers can pull real‑time component availability, while planners receive automated alerts when supply levels dip below critical thresholds. The system’s built‑in analytics provide dashboards that illuminate production bottlenecks, labor utilization, and cost drivers - information that was previously scattered across spreadsheets and disparate reports.

The impact on operational efficiency is already tangible. Marathon reports a 25 percent reduction in cycle time from order receipt to dispatch, translating into faster time‑to‑market for its propane and natural‑gas generators. Inventory carrying costs have dropped by roughly 18 percent, thanks to more precise demand forecasting and just‑in‑time procurement. On the supply‑chain side, the new ERP’s vendor portal streamlines communication with raw‑material suppliers, ensuring that critical components arrive on schedule and at optimal cost. This tighter alignment across the supply chain has enabled Marathon to respond swiftly to fluctuating customer demands in markets ranging from North America to Asia.

From a financial perspective, the ERP’s streamlined processes have bolstered profitability. By eliminating manual data entry and reducing the likelihood of errors, Marathon has cut administrative overheads by nearly 12 percent. The system’s audit trails also strengthen compliance, which is particularly valuable as the company expands into regions with stricter environmental and safety regulations.

Perhaps most significant is the way the ERP supports Marathon’s sustainability mission. With accurate, real‑time visibility into resource consumption, the company can better manage energy usage and minimize waste during production. The ERP also captures emissions data at each production stage, allowing Marathon to verify its green claims and report to regulators or investors. This transparency not only builds credibility but also positions the company as a responsible leader in clean energy technology.

TriNET’s role extended beyond the initial go‑live. The firm has instituted a continuous support model that covers system maintenance, user training, and periodic upgrades. This ongoing partnership ensures that Marathon’s ERP remains aligned with evolving business needs and industry standards. As Marathon scales its operations, TriNET is poised to roll out additional modules - such as advanced predictive maintenance and AI‑driven supply‑chain optimization - further cementing the company’s competitive edge.

Overall, the SSA Baan ERP implementation marks a decisive step for Marathon Engine Systems. The new system acts as the backbone for accelerated production, smarter resource management, and deeper market insight. TriNET’s execution demonstrates how the right technology partner can translate a complex, data‑heavy challenge into a streamlined, value‑creating solution.

Leadership Voices and the Path Forward for Marathon Engine Systems

Throughout the rollout, Marathon’s executive team voiced clear enthusiasm about the transformation. CEO and Founder Gary Schildt highlighted how the new ERP “fits neatly into our growth strategy” and reinforced the importance of staying within budget while securing top‑tier expertise. Schildt’s comments echoed the partnership’s foundation: a blend of global experience and a proven track record that fostered trust from the outset.

Chief Information Officer Roy Nelson weighed in on the practical gains the ERP delivers. “We now have a solid foundation for managing our business,” Nelson said. “SSA Baan ERP is the right fit for our growth plans.” His focus on operational stability underlines the system’s role as a dependable platform that can scale alongside Marathon’s expanding product lines and geographic footprint.

TriNET’s CEO, Dill Sanghera, shared his perspective on the collaboration’s strategic value. “Marathon Engine Systems are leaders in the manufacturing of advanced, eco‑friendly energy generators based on propane or natural gas,” Sanghera said. “Partnering with SSA Global, we have the right solution to help Marathon meet the global demand for their systems.” His comments reflect the dual advantage of aligning a specialized ERP provider with a niche manufacturing leader.

Beyond the executive voices, the implementation has sparked tangible benefits for frontline staff. Engineers now access a unified platform that consolidates design schematics, production instructions, and real‑time quality metrics. Production line supervisors use the system’s scheduling module to assign tasks, track progress, and flag deviations before they become costly. Warehouse personnel leverage automated inventory checks, reducing miscounts and ensuring that the right parts reach the right workstations on time.

From a sales and customer service standpoint, the ERP’s integrated CRM and order‑management capabilities have accelerated lead times. Sales teams can pull up production schedules instantly, giving prospects accurate delivery windows and boosting customer confidence. After‑sales support benefits from a centralized knowledge base that logs maintenance histories and component warranties, enabling technicians to resolve issues swiftly.

The partnership’s success also points to future opportunities. Marathon plans to expand its product portfolio into solar‑integrated generators, a move that will require additional R&D and supply‑chain complexity. The ERP’s modular nature allows for seamless integration of new modules that support research workflows, regulatory compliance checks, and supply‑chain risk monitoring. TriNET’s support structure ensures that Marathon can deploy these enhancements without interrupting current operations.

Financially, the ERP’s reporting capabilities empower CFOs to make data‑driven decisions. The system’s consolidated financial dashboards deliver visibility into cost centers, margin trends, and capital expenditures. This insight helps Marathon allocate resources more effectively, prioritize high‑margin projects, and identify areas for cost reduction.

Strategic partnerships are also on the horizon. By leveraging the ERP’s connectivity, Marathon can collaborate with distributors and service providers across different regions, sharing real‑time inventory levels and service schedules. This collaboration enhances supply‑chain resilience and opens new revenue streams through shared services and extended warranties.

In sum, the voices from Marathon’s leadership underscore a common theme: the new SSA Baan ERP system is not just a technology upgrade - it is a strategic enabler that aligns with the company’s mission to deliver sustainable energy solutions worldwide. TriNET’s expertise and ongoing support position Marathon to scale efficiently, innovate responsibly, and meet the evolving demands of global markets.