Specialty and industrial gas manufacturer and solutions provider Messer Fedgas has completed installation of the second phase of its SAP R/3 Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software system. Overseen by Fedgas consulting partners Quartet Solutions, the second phase involved streamlining of the sales & distribution and materials management procedures and the development of a suitable cylinder management system (CMS).
The project also saw the introduction of the production planning and profitability analysis modules. Focus was placed on quick and simple processes for users and the provision of strategic information to Fedgas management. A strong emphasis on user training was maintained throughout the project.
SAP Project manager at Fedgas, Mike Brislin, said the modules were flexible enough to accept fine-tuning for the very specific requirements of the gas business.
"We now have a fully integrated system which applies internationally accepted best business practice. This effectively provides us with a platform from which Fedgas can greatly enhance service levels to customers."
Brislin added that administration efficiencies have also been significantly increased through the SAP system's ability to integrate and continuously update the likes of purchase and production orders, stocks, sales orders and delivery schedules, customer credit limits, employee authorisation levels and various financial criteria.
"There is now finite control of gas stocks to minimise product loss and the system clearly identifies areas of wastage. All document archiving is also now electronic. Copies of documentation, including signed copies of customer PODs, can be sent directly to customers from a user's desktop. This means less paper is being used, and of course we are much faster in responding to customers' needs."
The Fedgas IT department is now turning its attention to improving overall system availability and upgrading system security for the implementation of e-commerce initiatives that will further streamline customer services and add value. Initial e-commerce initiatives will be on the B2B front, involving larger customers and suppliers, many of whom also operate using the SAP R/3 system.
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