British Steel aims to reduce inventory and improve customer responsiveness following a major investment with JBA

British Steel Narrow Strip has chosen global business software supplier JBA to provide an integrated business system. Implementation of JBA System 21 software has already begun and is due for completion by the end of 1998.

The new systems will run in two Newport-based British Steel Narrow Strip operations, namely, Construction and Engineering Products, and Framing

British Steel Narrow Strip is also utilising JBA`s implementation methodology - Advantage. This helps to minimise project risks and accelerates the return on investment by focusing activity on the attainment of defined and agreed objectives, which are then used to benchmark success. By the end of 1998, British Steel Narrow Strip expects to achieve a major reduction in inventory, largely through reduced work in progress, which will improve lead times and enhance customer service.

British Steel`s project manager, Helen Roderick, said: "JBA System 21 fully supports our Business Process Re-engineering (BPR) programme, which will involve a fundamental overhaul to the manufacturing processes of both operations. We need to have greater visibility of work-in-progress and be more flexible whilst further strengthening our customer focus"