British Wool buys Access software to help 70 000 farmers

British Wool has opted for Access`Dimensions flagship Client Server and Payroll software to run its business nation-wide, including a network of 70 000 farmers and producers.

The central requirement was for a 50-user multi-company accounts system, capable of being accessed remotely by 15 depots across the country, together with an integrated payroll system (for up to 300 employees).

Access Accounts secured this deal primarily because of Dimensions` ability to integrate seamlessly with British Wool`s existing office applications.

Firstly, Dimensions has been configured to accept automatic data transfers (sales transactions) from the company`s legacy Unix system, on a weekly basis.

Secondly, standard Dimensions functionality has been used to provide secure, two-way links with Microsoft Excel. Using this connection, staff can extract, manipulate and report on accounts data without leaving the familiar surroundings of Excel - making it ideal for users with little or no experience of specialised accounts software.

Mark Cornish, Group Financial Controller at British Wool, said: "We needed a system big enough to handle the demands of 70 000 farmers and producers. We urgently needed a true Windows system for ease of data entry, and wanted an integrated payroll package from the same author... all on a very strict budget. From the very first meeting, through to final installation and subsequent support, we had timely and professional advice. The transition from our previous accounting system to Access Dimensions was achieved with speed and efficiency and with remarkably few problems."

Access Accounting`s Managing Director Alistair O`Reilly said: "We have an increasingly large number of high profile customers, many of whom are coming to us because of the unique way our products combine functionality and value for money with an almost unlimited potential for integration."