The drive towards enhanced systems integration for the streamlining of business processes, better reporting and Y2K compatibility has seen the Cape Town-based Prima Toy and Leisure Group implement a new Business Management System (BMS) from Sage International Africa.
Implemented by Q Data Consulting, the BMS is based around the powerful Sage Tetra CS/3 software suite which provides a range of functionality, from straightforward accounting functions to comprehensive business management tools. CS/3 also features integrated modules for finance, services, distribution and manufacturing which enable systems to be tailored to meet specific user requirements without the need to develop new software.
Established in 1967 as Prima Toys, the group has expanded phenomenally through internal organic growth and the acquisition of a number of businesses. Now regarded as one of the leading toy companies in South Africa, Prima Toys manufactures, licences and distributes toy brand names such as Disney, Barney, Batman, Monopoly, Action Man, Toy Story II, Pokeman, Furby and Power Rangers.
According to Ian Morris, group financial director at Prima Toys, the operation extends nationwide with manufacturing, sales and despatching facilities in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban. "However, to ensure optimal functionality of the processes driving this operation, it is critical that we maintain a BMS capable of integrating all the various systems," he says.
Morris notes that apart from normal daily production schedules, the toy industry is unique in that it has particularly high demand periods such as Christmas and school holidays. In addition, the release of films and TV shows can spawn an entire catalogue of promotional toys and games. To be able to meet these periods of high demand, carefully coordinated production and distribution is critical.
"For example, we have to know the exact (real-time) status of manufacturing output and stock availability to expedite incoming orders - any delay or unavailable system is disastrous to this type of operation. Thus the need for a robust and reliable BMS that can also easily accommodate new system processes and increased traffic loads," says Morris.
Steve Morgan, divisional manager at Q Data Consulting concurs: "Sage Tetra CS/3 has proven its ability to accommodate changing business demands and requirements. Its large degree of flexibility and scalability, coupled with the depth and breadth of its application have made it the choice of BMS for many brand name organisations throughout the world. A system is only as good as its ability to turn information into value which can in turn be utilised to create true competitive advantage. Q Data Consulting's approach has evolved way beyond the traditional approach to implementing BMS to one which focuses on assisting clients with optimising this competitive advantage by providing solutions capable of facilitating this."
Morris adds that the company is also investigating the inclusion of e-commerce technologies for business to business capabilities. "The fact that Sage was one of the first companies to incorporate Web-based application modules in its BMS offerings - such as the Web Client and IOTA (Internet Order Taking Application) - is an added advantage. The modules are easily integrated into the CS/3 suite and would further streamline our processes and extend flexibility."
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