When storage solutions provider StorTech needed an additional module implemented into its Microsoft Great Plains ERP package, it looked to Microsoft enterprise applications specialist nVisionIT to deploy the necessary functionality that would more closely align the software to its business processes.
According to Des de Fortier, operations manager at StorTech, the company has some unique business processes which were not catered for by the standard Great Plains implementation. This related particularly to its regular use of high-value stock items as spare parts which are dispatched to customer sites temporarily to ensure high availability of storage systems.
"StorTech is in the business of providing highly available data storage solutions to African enterprises. As such, we rely on an inventory of spare parts for very expensive high-capacity storage devices; if a customer has any issues, it is critical to ensure the availability of their data at all times, so spare parts are temporarily provided as swap-outs while warranty replacements are ordered," he explains.
This business process had the effect of creating inaccuracies on the company`s general ledger; when transferring inventory classified as assets out of the ledger for dispatch to a client site, these assets are not being disposed of, but rather are being `loaned out`. Similarly, when that asset is returned, the fixed assets register has to be updated - but it is not new stock entering the business.
"This has a knock-on effect on depreciation and asset disposal, with further resultant effects on tax. Essentially, there were cost implications and inaccuracies which resulted in the books not balancing, as the standard Great Plains configuration does not have the functionality to handle this process," De Fortier continues.
StorTech therefore required the Great Plains Fixed Asset Management module, which offers a transfer window, so the cost of the asset stays consistent, but a record of the movement is maintained for asset tracking purposes.
He says nVisionIT was the natural choice to solve the problem. "nVisionIT has for some time provided us with the necessary support on our Great Plains system. Based on this relationship and our knowledge of their ability, we commissioned it to implement the additional module," he says.
In a project lasting three months from the design and specification to final delivery, nVisionIT accurately met StorTech`s requirements.
"The people on this project spent a lot of time to ensure it was accurate. Our database is large, with some 2 600 line items with a high value, so entries into the fixed asset system had to be done correctly, including `back depreciation`, to ensure the items in the book balance correctly. It was something of a `hand-holding` exercise, which nVisionIT did very successfully," says De Fortier.
According to Derek van Wyk, account manager at nVisionIT: "Undertaking the conversion and migration of data from one module to another is not a task that should be taken lightly. There are many inherent risks associated with such a process. Fortunately, StorTech and nVisionIT worked together very well to produce a solution that successfully addresses StorTech`s unique business requirement."
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nVisionIT is at the forefront of solution innovation on the Microsoft platform. Customers include leaders in distribution, facilities management, financial services, healthcare, insurance, IT services and telecoms.
The company, part of the proudly South African initiative and a Technology Top 100 finalist, is a Microsoft Gold Partner and has won national and global awards for its expertise in .Net solution architecture and development. nVisionIT`s methodology, solution offerings and toolsets ensure rapid development and deployment of solutions that generate effective returns.
nVisionIT is also a Microsoft Business Solutions partner with expertise in Great Plains and the Microsoft CRM offering.
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