Established in 1983 as a power tool repairer, Johannesburg-based SA Tool is the agent and distributor for many leading brands of power tools and personal protective equipment. In addition to importing products from renowned international suppliers, the company also has purchasing arrangements with major South African manufacturers.
SA Tool holds an extensive range of stock at its large warehousing facility, and is proud to offer competitive pricing, together with a high standard of service to its growing customer base.
Prior to implementing K8, SA Tool had used a number of systems which had been progressively outgrown. Len Jacobs, Supply Chain Manager, said: "The business had moved on to the point that a fully integrated ERP solution, better suited to our diverse trading requirements, had become a strategic priority. Better control and visibility over the entire supply chain was increasingly critical, especially with some transactions, such as buy-outs being managed manually."
The company chose K8 - which went live in October 2011 - because of its extensive range of advanced, integrated functionality. It was also supported the company's strategy for customer service excellence. "We now have accurate traceability across every area of the business. Using K8, in particular, its sales, procurement and financial modules, has made a considerable difference to the company's operations." K8 is also facilitating SA Tool to improve customer service provisions by offering a much enhanced depth and breadth of stock.
"The comprehensive forecasting modules, along with the extensive reporting and business intelligence tools, ensure that our suppliers are proactively managed and efficient stock levels are maintained. We are also introducing K8 Web Builder to provide customers with an integrated online trading facility. Everything is geared to ensuring our customers receive the high standard of service that they have come to expect from SA Tool," said Jacobs.
A recent development for SA Tool has been to move its K8 system to a hosted environment. With the system being supported by Kerridge Commercial Systems and the infrastructure fully managed at the data centre by experienced technical staff, the company is now able to spend much more time on operational demands. SA Tool is in a prime position to extend its use of K8.
"The combination of Kerridge CS' extensive experience in our industry, along with K8's class-leading functionality, has enabled us to implement best business practice and underpins our 'do it right the first time' principle. Knowing also that Kerridge CS is continuing to invest in K8 year on year, is very reassuring and means that our future system needs will be well taken care of."
SA Tool has established a close working relationship with Kerridge CS. The company is making excellent use of K8 and is striving to maximise its potential for both day-to-day operations and strategically to support its longer term business objectives.
Results:
* Greater supply chain visibility;
* Eliminated manual, off-system processes;
* Profitability and margin monitoring;
* Superior stock management;
* Purchase forecasting;
* Web site trading integration;
* Integrated BI capabilities;
* Fully supported hosted platform;
* Future-proofed product development; and
* Quality partner support.
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