( Having FUN at ) Digital's Computer Special Systems (CSS) 1985-1993

This document summarizes Jeff Bergart's experience and contributions at Digital Equipment Corporation's Computer Special Systems (CSS) division from 1985 to 1993, highlighting both the significant financial success achieved and the "fun" aspects of his tenure.

The presentation begins with Bergart's background, detailing his academic and professional path as a "Double Nerd" (Applied Math, MSEE/MBA, CPA) leading to DEC. He then outlines the re-engineering of US CSS under Russ Gullotti, which focused on "Custom Repeatable" solutions, documented best practices across engineering, financial, material, manufacturing, and logistics, and standardized costs for non-recurring engineering and rapid prototyping.

The financial results of these changes were dramatic:

• Backlog dropped from over a year to under three months.
• Revenue grew from $50M to $300M in six years, increasing CSS's share of US DEC Hardware Revenue from 2% to 10%.
• Contribution Margin improved from 22% to 37%.
• Forecast Accuracy approached 100%, and CSS consistently met aggressive quarterly growth budgets.
• Business Units and Salem Manufacturing received rare "1" Internal Audit Ratings.

Beyond the numbers, the document emphasizes the "fun" Bergart had, which included:

• Presenting to the sales force and participating in sales training.
• Championing the Corporate Finance "Balance Sheet (BS) Review" process, humorously symbolized by a "bull" statue. An email recounts a prank involving the "disappearance" of this bull, complete with a ransom note.
• An email from a former colleague, Dave Rasmussen, confirms Bergart's impactful yet often mischievous contributions and his role in introducing the "balance sheet review award" with a bull statue.
• Presenting on "The many Roles of Finance" at a worldwide meeting.
• Engaging with the US CSS sales force through challenges and acting as a "judge" in events.

The presentation concludes with Bergart's departure from US CSS in 1993, summarizing the division's success through individual contributions and profitable growth based on "Rounding Out, Risk Management, and Repeatability." An addendum notes his voice's inclusion in DECtalk software, a Digital text-to-speech technology.