Symetrix implements Microsoft Navision application at Boehringer Ingelheim to streamline business processes

Symetrix Information Technologies (Pty) Ltd, which focuses on providing medium to large corporations with solutions and services that alleviate the hassle associated with managing IT infrastructures, recently implemented Microsoft Navision at global pharmaceutical company, Boehringer Ingelheim, to streamline and integrate its business solutions.

Says Shaun Voogt, IT manager of Boehringer Ingelheim, South Africa: "Since we have such diverse business units, we found that our organisation had too many standalone structures and these had to be integrated into one enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, with specific focus placed on our sales, marketing and financial systems.

"Navision's object-oriented technology gives us the flexibility to integrate across platforms enabling us to manage the functional process more effectively. We chose Symetrix as a business partner with their Microsoft Navision application after approaching various ERP vendors and investigating solutions which could aid us in consolidating our business.

"Symetrix really impressed us during the evaluation period with their pilot implementations, ability to analyse our requirements correctly, as well as develop an impressive business case study which was driven by strong business benefits. It was therefore no surprise when they met our requirements as Boehringer Ingelheim's current systems are outdated and cannot be redesigned as business processes change. We required a system which was robust enough to mould itself to the size of our company while still being easily maintainable," added Voogt.

"The implementation thus far has been very successful and the project is reaching the final stages of completion, on schedule and within budget. The Symetrix team working on site also has the technical know-how of the application as well as the financial background which makes us feel confident that the full spectrum of our requirements will be met, especially in the customisation aspect."

Says Ben Swartz, CEO of Symetrix: "We believe that the implementation of Navision ensures that Boehringer Ingelheim South Africa stays competitive within its market and that its business technology is equal so its sister companies oversees. The relationship between Symetrix and Boehringer Ingelheim is no longer that of IT and pharmaceutical, it is now strategic which allows IT to be instrumental in supporting their business strategy. Symetrix understand Boehringer's company processes and through that understanding, Symetrix adds value to the business and its IT levels.

"We pride ourselves on establishing strong, mutually beneficial relationships with our customers that enhance competitive advantage through an intimate understanding of business' reliance on technology. I think we have accomplished this with Boehringer Ingelheim and we look forward to continuing our relationship with them," adds Swartz.