Speed Services high-speed Oracle Financials implementation with KPMG Consulting

KPMG Consulting has configured and implemented an Oracle Financials solution at Speed Services Couriers - part of the Courier and Freight Group - within 26 working days. The solution, based on the successful Oracle Financial implementation at XPS (Pty) Ltd, streamlined the entire group`s IT system.

"Based on the previous work done by KPMG Consulting within XPS and the consulting team`s strong financial and systems knowledge, the company was a natural choice for the Speed Services implementation," says Johan Brits, Executive Commercial Affairs of the Courier and Freight Group. "We needed to upgrade the existing technology as Speed Services now falls under the Courier and Freight Group, and the group requires a uniform system for all its subsidiaries. The KPMG consulting team really added value to our business through their skills and rapid implementation approach."

The implementation included the development of a test system, to ensure that configuration and integration would run smoothly in a live environment. User acceptance of the test system was obtained within 10 working days and once signed off, KPMG Consulting was able to implement the Oracle Financial suite within the company in 16 working days - including the creation of enhanced functionality of the existing accounting modules.

"The benefits of the new system for Speed Services include, a user-friendly system, as its legacy system gave users little control over the environment. Oracle Financials however, permits optimal configuration and therefore contributes to the business goals. Secondly, a uniform system for the entire group means a decrease in support costs and improved training, as the entire group is able to share the knowledge gained with previous technical difficulties. Thirdly, a reduction in risk, as KPMG Consulting offered a fixed price implementation," says Carlo Bredenkamp, senior consultant at KPMG Consulting. Additional benefits realised, included improved control over withholding tax for contractors that have not submitted a tax directive.

The implementation incorporated a general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash management and a fixed asset system. "The most important aspect of the implementation is that the system had to have a standard look and feel to it, as well as being able to add the required functionality to the system within the set delivery time-frame - which would not have been achieved if it were not for the dedication of the entire team working on the project," says Bredenkamp.