South Africa`s largest manufacturer of sliding security doors, Trellicor, is gearing up to implement an online ordering system designed to dramatically reduce lead times and improve efficiency.
Developed by Comparex Africa, KwaZulu-Natal region, the new ordering system, scheduled to be rolled out to 26 South African Trellicor franchises initially, and then worldwide, will function as an online ordering solution, as well as offering job tracking facilities and management information.
"Our drive has been to constantly improve our communications and method of order and supply with our franchise network. It was therefore a natural progression to move from our manual `paper-based` ordering system to an electronic one.
The development of this `Online Ordering System` allows our franchisee network both in SA and around the world to place their orders electronically via the Internet, as well as receive information relating to their progress and delivery.
"This system will reduce the margin of error, improve order lead time, and significantly improve communications between Trellicor and our franchisee network," says Craig Meekers, IT Manager.
The nature of highly specialised security doors makes it essential that delivery and installation is prompt. The new ordering system has been designed to specifically address this key area of business and will reduce the time from customer acceptance to installation.
Despite a number of companies responding to Trellicor`s request for proposal, Comparex Africa was awarded the contract towards the end of 2002. Working closely with the Trellicor team, and with the assistance of an on-site business analyst, a detailed system specification was prepared, and project development started in January this year.
The software will first be piloted at franchises in selected areas before it is rolled out nationally during April and later this year to other global business partners.
"Data capture will now take place at franchise operations where the data will be entered directly from a representative`s order form into the computer, following the same procedure as the fax based system, to maintain ease of use. Whenever an incorrect entry is made the user is notified thereby eliminating errors," says Andrew Thomas, Executive Finance Manager.
Adrian Schoeman, Business Developer for Comparex Africa KZN, says the system has been designed to be as flexible as possible to cater for the different sizes and level of connectivity of each franchise.
"Connectivity to the ordering system is Web-based, which allows each franchisee to make use of their existing Internet connectivity. This gives the larger franchises, using dedicated lines, the benefits of an online system, while smaller franchises have the advantage of lower dial-up costs.
"The software that resides on the franchisee`s desktops has been written in a way so as to prevent an invalid order from being placed. Several rules are processed which validate the configuration of each product thus eliminating unnecessary delays," says Schoeman.
"A further element of the system is that all orders are channelled through a database that can be interrogated in a number of ways, allowing us to measure performance and trends from which we can initiate management decisions, thereby maintaining our competitive-edge," says Thomas.
Trellicor expects a rapid return on investment, as a result of lower communications costs, reduced lead times, and a streamlined ordering procedure.
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