Drive Control Corporation (DCC), one of SA`s largest and most respected distributors of data storage products, has seen substantial improvements after implementing Microsoft Business Solution`s Axapta ERP product. ASD, the solution delivery partner, has achieved a number of successful Axapta implementations.
According to Hansie Fourie, DCC Financial Director, the previous system was highly inefficient. "With ever-increasing volumes of activity, we had to look at automating all manual systems such as spreadsheets and handwritten forms that had been introduced to compensate for the deficiencies of the old system. In a high volume environment, it is essential that both employees and managers spend their time managing the exceptions. We needed a system that would help us by highlighting these areas with easy access to the detail levels when required."
Microsoft had already been selected as DCC`s preferred platform. There was a huge need to prevent the recapturing of data that could be exported, or even copied from the chosen ERP product, into a variety of other Microsoft products.
There were some specific requirements. One requirement was to extract data in any form or combination. The second was to have the same stock item code in different warehouse locations with each location having its own costing master file. Both of these could be catered for, as standard, in Axapta.
ASD`s ability to perform above expectation and its commitment to finding solutions for any particular problem was significant to the success of the project. DCC was extremely impressed with ASD`s understanding of their business issues.
Fourie believes that the combination of Axapta and ASD resulted in the low 1:0.5 ratio of software to implementation. The standard is typically 1:1, or higher, but with the knowledge from ASD and the flexibility of the software, the implementation costs were substantially lower.
Looking ahead, Fourie sees room for growth of up to 50% with the company`s current staff complement. "Our staff are now more focused on managing exceptions, rather than spending time on manually producing reports. The reliability of the system has enabled us to increase productivity. Our staff are constantly thinking of improvements, to the extent that several of the ideas have been integrated into the system. Time spent on managing downtime and wrestling with the problems associated with our previous system is now spent on managing and enhancing the system.
"We have drawn on our expertise in data storage to consolidate all applications and data on only two purpose-built servers that feature the appropriate processing power, built-in redundancy and RAID storage systems. It goes without saying that we have deployed our industry-leading data storage solutions to guarantee the security, availability and protection of all data, " concludes Fourie.
ASD is recognised as the South African market leader in its capabilities to deliver working Axapta solutions. The company started in 1980 as a specialist software development company, concentrating on the commercial, distribution and manufacturing sectors. This capability, together with extensive Axapta product knowledge, ensures the company can deliver solutions that fit its customers` requirements.
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