Case Study: EFCO achieves $100,000 annual cost savings and global ERP modernization with OpenText (Visual COBOL)

Visual COBOL delivers an efficient global ERP solution

EFCO, a global provider of concrete forming and support systems, relied for decades on a COBOL-based Bull mainframe ERP to run inventory, manufacturing, shipping and other business-critical functions. As Bull reduced North American support and EFCO expanded internationally, maintaining the aging mainframe became costly and integration with new .NET development was complex, leaving international sites without parity in functionality and creating a pressing need to modernize.

EFCO re-hosted its 500,000-line COBOL ERP to a Windows/.NET environment using Micro Focus Visual COBOL (with Unicon and Micro Focus Professional Services), validating the move with a proof-of-concept and comprehensive testing. The re-host delivered simplified infrastructure, easier maintenance, and a single modern platform for future development — producing annual cost savings of over $100,000, batch job performance gains up to 50%, and the ability to roll out consistent ERP functionality to international operations.

EFCO

Scott Walter

IT Project Manager