Company Description – Colt Canada, based in Kitchener, Ontario, specializes in the machining and assembly of small arms, including pistols and rifles. For 45 years, Colt has supplied military and law enforcement customers in Canada and around the world. As the Canadian Small Arms Centre of Excellence, Colt Canada serves as the exclusive supplier to the Canadian Military. 

Project Description – Through the Digital Modernization Adoption Plan (DMAP), Colt Canada identified two primary digital priorities: Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) optimization and Machine Data Collection (MDC) software implementation. While the existing ERP infrastructure was in place, knowledge on how to fully optimize it was fragmented. Additionally, production output tracking relied on manual operator tickets, often resulting in misinterpretations and inaccuracies.  

With DCC’s support, Colt upgraded its ERP system to incorporate modern integrations and invested in MDC software, enabling real-time monitoring and rapid response to equipment failures or process deviations, minimizing downtime and maintaining productivity. 

Project Impact & Potential Outcomes – As a result of DCC’s support, Colt closed critical process and data gaps, achieving an additional $100 million in international sales. The project created 22 new jobs and retained 8 positions. The upgraded ERP now allows for more comprehensive data transactions, and real-time reporting provides day-to-day production insights to drive efficiencies. These improvements are enabling Colt to focus on scaling production from the current 15,000 units annually to a target of 40,000 units per year.