Keith Fenner, Strategic Sales Director, Softline Accpac, says the benefit of supply chain management only comes from ERP, so when choosing the software solution to enable you to reap optimal results, make sure it is as lean as your manufacturing facility. Efficient ERP software will give a single view of data, thereby enabling you to act swiftly in accordance with change.
A comprehensive ERP solution helps you manage your supply network with your own resources for manufacturing and distribution, in collaboration with external resources such as sub-contractors, partners and suppliers. Softline Accpac, Fenner says, provides solutions that enable its customers to gain the flexibility to achieve a dynamic balance between efficiency and responsiveness.
“Lean and agile supply chains are key in meeting today's challenges of demand and supply uncertainties, cost reductions and complexity,” Fenner says. “The intensity of the business arena clearly illustrates the importance of a highly responsive supply chain. A company needs the ability to swiftly evolve in accordance with change, making it essential that the supply chain has the in-built flexibility to respond with the minimum of upheaval.”
As many companies still struggle to get staff buy-in to software solutions, those in the market for it are always looking for the ultimate in user-friendliness - something which is a hot topic of discussion when ERP is on the agenda, according to Fenner.
He says supply chain automation is uniquely difficult because its complexity is far-reaching, calling for a change in the way your own staff work and also those at each supplier you add to your network. So, in order to get your supply chain partners to collaborate with you on the implementation of an ERP system, you have to be upfront about your reasons and goals and be willing to compromise to help your partners achieve their own goals.
A software solution that scores high in usability will shorten implementation time and reduce the amount of training required to go live. This in turn enables a faster return on investment and delivers benefits more quickly. Such a system will result in a lower total cost of ownership, is likely to change and grow with the user's company, allows for easy upgrades and interoperability, and makes it much less likely that it will need to be replaced to enable future business processes.
So how does a potential purchaser judge the usability of software? Definitely not on a demo from the vendor, Fenner says. Matching software business flows with in-house business processes does not really say anything about the system's ability to support future needs. Even a hands-on session will not help to make the right choice in this crucial decision.
Fenner says, firstly, the software architecture should use industry standards and must include strong security features. Next, look for application flexibility and how easily the software can be customised. “The application should be easy and inexpensive to upgrade as new releases come out, even after customisation,” Fenner says. “In addition, there should be built-in workflows, analytics and a world-class portal with role-based metrics available. If the prospective vendor cannot show evidence of these, then it is not likely to make the grade in terms of usability.”
The decision to invest in a new ERP system typically involves a number of stages - recognising the need for a new system, analysing the need, investigating available solutions, requesting quotes from solution providers, purchasing the solution, implementing the solution and recognising changing needs.
“Recognising changing needs is the final step in the process and this is where Accpac's 360-degree philosophy makes all the difference,” Fenner says. “Our ability to consistently monitor customer feedback, keep on top of any technology changes, constantly update our business solutions and supply these solutions via our Support Plus programme means that customers should never have to begin the cycle of investing in a new ERP system again.”
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Softline Accpac
Softline Accpac is a global provider of business management solutions including financial, distribution, service management, retail, warehouse management, manufacturing and CRM to the mid-range market. Its solutions are delivered to 130 countries exclusively through its global network of solution providers including over 150 throughout Africa. Softline Accpac's product line includes: Accpac ERP, Accpac CRM, Accpac RMS, Accpac Warehouse Management System and Accpac Insight.
Softline
Softline is a leading provider of accounting, payroll, CRM and ERP software solutions to small, medium-sized and large companies. Founded in 1988 by Ivan Epstein, Alan Osrin and Steven Cohen, Softline was established during the formative years of the software industry and listed on the JSE Securities Exchange South Africa in February 1997. Softline expanded to establish a strong position within its area of focus in South Africa and Australia. Focused on the development of accounting, payroll, CRM and ERP software solutions, Softline has a 20-year track record as a market leader. The group has a broad range of products, offering users a variety of software solutions to run their businesses efficiently.
Softline's leading brands include Softline Accpac, Softline Enterprise, Softline Pastel (Accounting and Payroll) and Softline VIP. The combination of the group's product offerings provide Softline customers with comprehensive, well-branded accounting, payroll, CRM and ERP software solutions.
In November 2003, Softline was acquired by the Sage Group, a FTSE 100 company. The software group includes market-leading businesses throughout the United Kingdom, Europe, North America, South Africa and Australia, supplying business software to the small, medium-sized and large business community. Softline has a solid track record of profitability and cash generation. The group delivers quality accounting, payroll, CRM and ERP software solutions that improve the efficiencies of businesses around the world.
Sage
The Sage Group plc is a leading global supplier of business management software solutions and related products and services, principally for small to medium-sized enterprises. Formed in 1981, Sage was floated on the London Stock Exchange in 1989. Sage has more than five million customers and approximately 14 500 employees worldwide. We operate in over 26 countries covering the UK, Europe, North America, South Africa, Australia, India and China. For further information please visit http://www.sage.com.”
Sage ERP X3
Sage ERP X3 is a solution designed specifically for mid-size and large businesses. With over 2 300 customers world-wide, Sage ERP X3 is a mature solution specifically targeted at companies with 50 to 2 000 employees working in the fields of manufacturing, services and distribution.
Sage ERP X3, which is based on the SAFE X3 (Sage Application Framework for the Enterprise) development and integration platform common to the other Sage solutions (CRM, FRP, WMS, HR), enables automation of business processes and skills specificities in compliance with legal and normative aspects. This modular and preconfigured powerful solution allows for advanced customisations and embeds several interactive Sage visual processes. Sage ERP X3 is a solution which is easy to use, fast to implement and cost effective.
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