AST Workflow, DMS successful at National Brands

AST Workflow & EDMS Solutions, a business unit of the AST Group, has successfully implemented the locally developed Oculus Workflow and Document Management System for National Brands nationwide. The system will allow National Brands to have better control and efficiency throughout its distribution centres.

A division of the JSE-listed Anglovaal Industries Group, National Brands Limited specialises in the manufacture, marketing and distribution of branded fast moving consumer foods. The group is currently one of Africa`s best and internationally competitive South African based FMCG companies.

"AST Workflow & EDMS Solutions was selected because of our ability to provide National Brands with a locally developed solution that could be supported locally," explains Hedley Hurwitz, MD of AST Workflow & EDMS solutions. "In addition, our solution is flexible and provides National Brands with the ability to develop their system further, depending on their changing requirements."

AST`s integrated Oculus Imaging and Workflow solution enables National Brands to reconcile and track delivery notes and claims. Through the Oculus WEB-based Document Retrieval module, a broad base of people has access to critical business information. In addition, the Oculus WEB-based Workflow solution enforces the business rules applicable to processing claims and can be accessed anywhere in NBL via their intranet. The status of any task can be monitored and supervisors are alerted pro-actively if work runs late.

"National Brands needed a solution that was cost-effective and added value to the business, as well as providing a single point of contact," says Shawn Augustyn, Projects Manager for National Brands.

"With easier and faster access to completed invoice information we have increased our payment collections. Added to this is the ability to better track and manage our completed invoices, therefore limiting the write off on lost invoices," adds Augustyn.