IT systems, software and services for UK manufacturing · 2008-05-21 · manufacturing industry...

lean/agile business systemsenterprise systems

supply chain systems

CAD/CAM and PLMfactory/plant/automation IT & network infrastructure

In partnership with

A special report from

The definitive guideIT systems, software

and services for UK manufacturing

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42 May 2008 www.worksmanagement.co.uk

Fo

rew

ord

IT Shortlist 2008: in print and online

Shortlist 2008 is our annual reference directory of IT

systems, software, ICT consultancy and service

providers. Our objective in this issue is to make your

task of finding and shortlisting IT suppliers as fast, easy and

efficient as possible.

We start by examining subtle, but important, changes in

the way manufacturing business leaders view the value and

nature of their IT investments – and the upsides and

downsides of that. The real concern going forward is that

technology itself has largely fallen off the business thinking

radar. At most, we see directors explaining that new IT

solutions are needed because they have become over-reliant

on unsupported and/or under-developed software, or that

they want a more modern, user-friendly system.

That may not matter – there’s not a lot to choose between

many of today’s systems, post consolidation, anyway – but

the worry is that we only know what we know. Unless we

keep up, we’re laying ourselves wide open to missing tricks.

And for manufacturers, that means we’re setting ourselves

up for a fall at the first business hurdles – the ones marked

‘competitiveness’ and ‘sustainability’.

What, for example, is the value of apparently abstruse IT

advances, such as service orientated architectures (SOA –

the concept of configurable, re-usable services in place of

fixed IT functions)? In a similar vein, what about the

significance of web technologies that broadly purport to

enable the ‘c’ word ‘collaboration’ – those that effectively

change the scale of ad hoc integration (inside the four walls

and out to customers, suppliers and business partners)?

Could some of these hold the keys to unlocking new and

critical business and operational potential?

We pick up on the thinking at analysts

Butler Group and Gartner, and explore

everything from Microsoft’s collaborative

SharePoint Server portal range and

enterprise content management (ECM)

solutions, to the raft of so-called

enterprise service buses (ESBs) and new

potential of RFID on page 44.

As for supplier shortlisting, your first port of call is

opposite, on page 43: the alpha list by function. Look for the

functionality you require to find appropriate suppliers that

should be on your shortlist – then go to the pages indicated

for further details.

Starting on page 49, you will find details on key

providers of solutions, systems and services – in alpha order

by company name. Everything is covered: from providers of

ERP (enterprise resource planning) systems to supply chain

management systems; advanced planning and scheduling

(APS) systems to product lifecycle management (PLM)

systems; plant and factory controls to sophisticated

shopfloor data capture systems; and network providers to

hardware developers.

Finally, remember the Manufacturing Computer Solutions

website at www.mcsolutions.co.uk for your shortlisting. It’s a

key adjunct to the 2008 Shortlist annual, providing access to

products, services, suppliers, business and technology news

and reference material – both from MCS and filtered sites on

the world wide web. Importantly, it includes a search engine

and database of ICT for manufacturing that’s second to none.

Brian Tinham BSc CEng MInstMC FSOE FIPlantE

Overview

The benefit of foresight

IT is largely taken for granted today. At one

level, that’s fine, but at another it means

opportunities are being overlooked. Brian

Tinham examines the issues and suggests

some key topics to get on the agenda 44

Profiles

Here, we profile the offerings of leading

system and service suppliers to

manufacturing industry

Access Supply Chain 49

Epicor Software (UK) 51

Exel Computer Systems 53

IFS UK 55

Infor 57

Inform 59

K3 Business Technology Group 61

Oracle 63

Preactor International 65

Rent-IT Systems UK 67

Sage (UK) 69

SAP 71

Sescoi UK 72

SSL WinMan 73

XCL Technology Group 75

Contents Foreward.qxp:Layout 1 2/5/08 10:42 Page 42

www.worksmanagement.co.uk May 2008 43

Contents by functionTo find the suppliers most relevant to your project requirements, simply use the listing below

CAD/CAM/CAESescoi 72

Product data managementEpicor 51


ICAPS 46

IBM 76

IFS 55

Infor 57

Oracle 63

Sage 69

SAP 71

SSL Winman 73

XCL 75

Factory/plant systemsAccess Supply Chain 49

Epicor 51

ICAPS 46

IFS 55

Infor 57

K3 61

Sage 69

SAP 71

SSL Winman 73

XCL 75

Process industry systemsAccess Supply Chain 49

Epicor 51

IBM 76

IFS 55

Infor 57

Oracle 63

Sage 69

SAP 71

XCL 75

Enterprise systemsAccess Supply Chain 49

Epicor 51


IBM 76

ICAPS 46

IFS 55

Infor 57

K3 61

Oracle 63

Rent-IT Systems 67

Sage 69

SAP 71

Sescoi 72

SSL Winman 73

XCL 75

Planning/schedulingAccess Supply Chain 49

Epicor 51


IBM 76

ICAPS 46

IFS 55

Infor 57

Inform 59

K3 61

Oracle 63

Preactor 65

Rent-IT Systems 67

Sage 69

SAP 71

Sescoi 72

SSL Winman 73

XCL 75

Business intelligenceAccess Supply Chain 49

Epicor 51


IBM 76

IFS 55

Infor 57

Inform 59

K3 61

Oracle 63

Sage 69

SAP 71

Sescoi 72

SSL Winman 73

XCL 75

CRM systemsAccess Supply Chain 49

Epicor 51


IBM 76

IFS 55

Infor 57

K3 61

Oracle 63

Sage 69

SAP 71

SSL Winman 53

XCL 75

Time & attendanceAccess Supply Chain 49

Epicor 51


IFS 55

Infor 57

K3 61

Oracle 63

Sage 69

Sescoi 72

SSL Winman 73

XCL 75

Supply chain systemsAccess Supply Chain 49

Epicor 51


IBM 76

IFS 55

Infor 57

Inform 59

K3 61

Oracle 63

Preactor 65

Rent-IT Systems 67

Sage 69

SAP 71

SSL Winman 73

XCL 75

IT & network infrastructureIBM 76

ICAPS 46

Infor 57

K3 61

XCL 75

Consultancy services Access Supply Chain 49

Epicor 51


IBM 76

ICAPS 46

IFS 55

Infor 57

Oracle 63

Sage 69

SAP 71

Sescoi 72

XCL 75

IT Shortlist Contents

Contents Foreward.qxp:Layout 1 2/5/08 10:45 Page 43


You know, some things never change,

and business drivers – healthy

competition, cost cutting, and the

pursuit of ultimate efficiency and

profit – are right up there. Others do change

though, and one that comes to mind is the

large number of manufacturers now thinking

of their IT investments almost exclusively in

those self-same terms.

It’s subtle: ERP projects were always a

means to the joint ends of cutting costs by

automating business processes, while

increasing efficiency by integrating

departmental silos – both leading to better

competitiveness and greater profits. But the

detail of those thought processes seems

virtually to have vanished – and with it, any

consideration of the potential for more radical

or tangential advantages conferred by

advancing technology itself.

Look at speciality chemicals manufacturer

BWA Water Additives or, for that matter,

radiation therapy equipment manufacturer

TomoTherapy. Both recently implemented new

ERP systems – and what they have to say of

them is undoubtedly good, insofar as it

indicates that manufacturing business IT has

very much come of age. And yet...

Paul Turgeon, president and COO of BWA

(which went for CDC Software’s Ross

Enterprise ERP in both the UK and North

America), says of his system: “Since

implementing Ross Enterprise, we have

exceeded our targets for working capital,

inventory turns and days sales outstanding.

We also now have a deeper and broader view

of the business than we did with our previous

systems… This out-of-the-box, cost-effective

and vertical-focus application has enabled us

to boost our operational effectiveness under

some very challenging conditions.”

Similarly, Martin Christopher, director of IT

at TomoTherapy (which went live a few months

ago on a SAP Business All-in-One ERP solution

after just 16 weeks of implementation),

describes his company’s system as enabling

international growth – as well as managing

product innovation electronically and

consolidating its technology leadership.

“With SAP Business All-in-One, we have

much better visibility into our global

operations and performance, and we enjoy

the peace of mind that comes from having a

fully compliant business system,” he says. “In

addition, we have more than doubled the

throughput for engineering change orders,

which directly benefits our customers.”

The benefit of

foresightIT is largely taken for granted today. At one level, that’s fine, but at another it

means opportunities are being overlooked. Brian Tinham examines the issues

and suggests some key topics to get on the agenda

overview.qxp:Layout 1 2/5/08 16:30 4

IT Shortlist Overview


Admittedly, for both of these

manufacturers, there was slightly more to it

than just these top line business assessments.

Each, for example, also makes it clear that the

project team selected a system it felt would be

capable of matching immediate and future

business priorities. Each also looked carefully

at the time and effort likely to be required to

get up and running – and chose on the basis

of minimising them, seeking out suppliers

offering good implementation practice and

‘out of the box’, non-customised industry-

centric code.

Turgeon, for instance, explains that BWA,

which serves the industrial water treatment,

desalination, pulp and paper and oilfield

process markets, needed to go live as quickly

as possible, following a buyout by private

equity firm Close Brothers. “While we could

have implemented the same systems that we

were familiar with from our [former] parent

company, it was critical that we chose a

solution that fitted our chemicals business by

design, and could be deployed quickly and

cost effectively.”

In much the same vein, TomoTherapy’s

Christopher says he was convinced by SAP’s

Best Practices packages, which, he felt, would

mean a speedy and successful project, while

also reducing cost and reliance on expensive

consultants. “SAP Business All-in-One and

SAP Best Practices gave us the tools to

implement quickly, so that we could keep our

focus on customers,” he says. And the proof:

“Our system was delivered on time, within

budget and with no unplanned downtime.”

Dig deeper and you’ll also find that both

organisations, like so many others, chose IT

providers whose people, they believed, were

interested in effectively becoming business

partners for the long term.

All of which is well and good – except that

something important is missing. Not many

moons ago the technology itself would have

been at least an equal concern, because, back

then, the platform and environment had

serious potential to make or break a project.

Now, however, they just haven’t, so

technology has largely fallen off the agenda.

At most you’ll hear directors explaining that

they had to go for new IT because they were

over-reliant on unsupported and/or under-

developed software, or that they wanted a

more modern, user-friendly system.

Does that matter? On the face of it, no,

because there’s not a lot to choose between

modern systems today, certainly given the

scale of recent consolidation and resulting

standardisation. However, the pendulum of

technology disregard has probably swung

rather too far, and may be about to swing

right back and bite the unwary on the bum.

Many manufacturing business leaders

today consider themselves to be reasonably IT

savvy and, compared to their position around,

say, Y2k, they are. Most have been through at

least one ERP project (many, more than one)

so they have every right to claim that they

know what’s involved. But, we know what we

know – and IT is too dynamic for that ever to

be enough. Unless you keep up, you’re laying

yourself wide open to missing tricks. For

manufacturers it’s worse: they may also be

setting themselves up for a fall at the first

business hurdles – those marked

‘competitiveness’ and ‘sustainability’.

Because the technology issues that matter

today and into the future are less about the

regular stuff – ERP, APS (advanced planning

and scheduling), even business intelligence

(BI) – and more about developments that may

change the way companies and people think

and work. Even some of the apparently more

abstruse IT advances, such as service

orientated architectures (SOA – the concept

of configurable, re-usable services in place of

fixed IT functions) hold the keys to unlocking

vital business and operational potential.

Mostly, that’s about ensuring flexibility –

being able to adapt business processes to

opportunities as and when they arise – which

requires your systems to be easy to change (as

in, deploy new servers, install new software,

change data views, adapt business processes).

But in a similar vein, there’s a whole raft of

web technologies, broadly enabling the ‘c’

word – collaboration – effectively changing

the scale of ad hoc integration (inside the four

walls and out to customers, suppliers and

business partners) now routinely possible.

At one level, many modern ERP systems

already enable much of this. Electronic test

and measurement instruments manufacturer

Thurlby Thandar, for example, says it expects

to get full integration, as well as remote IT

support, when it goes live with a Syspro ERP

system from K3, covering everything from

manufacturing to engineering change

control, sales and quality management.

Production director Keith Pauley describes it

as providing “integration that will link all

parts of the business,” thus enabling a new

level of efficiency and underpinning growth.

However, there are plenty of other

developments well and truly out of R&D. Just

12 months ago, analyst Butler Group, for

example, released its predictions for last year

– with Microsoft’s collaborative SharePoint

Server portal range and its enterprise content

management (ECM) solutions topping the bill

for attention.

Also on its ‘ones to watch’ list were:

virtualisation (of servers, storage, networks

and clients) to improve flexibility and

utilisation of the IT and network

infrastructure itself; so-called enterprise

service buses (ESBs), leading to more widely

accessible SOA; and automated business

process management (BPM) technology. And

beyond these were: enterprise performance

management (EPM); good old BI software; the

convergence of fixed/mobile

communications; unified security; and RFID –

the latter, according to Butler, bound to be

used at the product or item level, not just on

pallets and containers.

But just look at the pace of change: one

year later, rival analyst Gartner reveals a

noticeably different list for 2008 and beyond. »

Our SAP system was deliveredon time, within budget and

with no unplanned downtime Martin Christopher, IT director, TomoTherapy“ ”

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For example, open-source which, it says will

be in no less than 80% of packaged business

application software by 2012, with at least a

third provided as a service subscription,

rather than product licence. Gartner points

out that many open-source projects are now

mature and well supported, and that they

provide significant opportunities, for vendors

and users alike, to cut costs and eek more

from IT budgets.

“Ignoring this will put companies at a

serious competitive disadvantage,” says a

Gartner spokesperson. “Embedded open-

source strategies will become the minimal

level of investment that most large

software vendors will find necessary to

maintain competitive advantages

during the next five years.” Similarly,

the analyst also notes that SaaS

(software as service) is already being

endorsed and promoted by leading

software vendors, such as Oracle, SAP and

Microsoft, as well as many web technology

firms. “The SaaS model of deployment and

distribution will enjoy steady growth in

mainstream use during the next five years,” it

forecasts.

Other key predictions: by 2011, early

technology adopters will forgo capital

expenditures on their IT infrastructure, with

40% going for a service approach here, too;

by 2010, 75% of organisations will use full

lifecycle energy and CO2 footprint as

mandatory hardware-buying criteria; and by

2012, 50% of mobile workers will leave

notebooks at home in favour of new internet-

centric pocket devices.

Incidentally, another survey by Gartner

Executive Programmes finds business

intelligence the number one technology

priority for the third year in a row – indicating

just how slow uptake of even well-established

technology remains. It also suggests that

agility will become the primary measure of IT

system excellence over the next five years, as

the sheer power of adaptability dawns on

businesses.

To this end, Tom Bittman, Gartner VP,

advises that, by 2012, virtualisation will be

the most significant factor in data centres –

and not just because it greatly reduces the

number of servers, space, power and cooling

demands. “An agile data centre will handle

exceptions effectively,

but also learn from

[them] to improve

standards and processes,” he

explains, adding: “Virtualisation changes

virtually everything.” Why? Because it’s not

just about achieving consolidation, but

transforming management of resources from

individual servers to pools of resource –

which, in turn, increase server deployment

speeds alone by up to 30 times, he says.

Let’s end with a few key pointers for the

coming 18 months. Number one, your

business systems: analyst Aberdeen Group

says that best-in-class manufacturing SMEs

are 16-times more likely to use event

management functionality in their ERP and

supply chain systems – and that results in 47%

better schedule compliance. They’re also

linking lean scheduling software to their ERP

systems and real-time data from the

shopfloor. However, most are still paying too

much for too little business benefit –

mistakenly going for so-called ‘ERP lite’

systems, when what they need is less

complexity, not less functionality.

It could be an idea to follow equestrian

riding clothing and accessories manufacturer

Horseware Ireland’s lead – and consider using

a business analysis tool of some kind before

your next upgrade. Horseware went for

Lawson Software’s Opportunity Analyser and

says that this helped to set achievable

business performance improvement targets

through ERP. As Aidan Gaughran, Horseware’s

financial controller, puts it: “It allowed us to

see the value a software upgrade could

potentially add when we are ready to re-

invest. It was invaluable in helping us identify

best practice. When putting in place these

best practices, we anticipate our business to

become stronger, more robust and

futureproof.”

Number two, your budget: Gartner advises

that IT managers must put a modernisation

programme at the heart of their 2008 strategy

– and start using it immediately. Why?

Because by the end of 2010, more than one-

third of all application projects will be driven

by the need to deal with technology

obsolescence or skills shortages, it predicts.

Best advice: start identifying your key IT

assets and assign management responsibility

for each type, while simultaneously kicking off

comprehensive IT planning across all

portfolios in preparation for change.

And finally, IT departments should not

wait for an official declaration of depression –

look at IT cost-cutting now. “Organisations

based in countries where GDP is projected to

grow less than 2% in 2008 are advised to

prepare for IT cost cutting now,” says

Gartner’s Ken McGee. Latest GDP projections

for the UK? There’s no precise answer, but it’s

around the 2% mark. ■

w For IT solutions, go to

www.worksmanagement.co.uk/IT

TomoTherapy’s SAP system is enabling

international growth

IT Shortlist Overview

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Company ProfileEmployees: 250Offices: EightParent/Holding Co: AccessTechnology Group Activities: The Access group ofcompanies supplies and supportsbusiness systems for globalorganisations. Access Supply Chainspecialises in providing, maintainingand supporting flexible ERP,manufacturing, distribution andaccounting solutions.Dealers/VARS/Systems Integrators:Direct sales and implementationthrough Access Supply Chain, plusregional and national centres.

Industrial SectorsOur customers are in a wide range ofindustrial sectors, includingautomotive, aerospace, electrical,electronics, engineering, food anddrink, flooring, furniture and kitchens,metal processing, medical andpharmaceuticals.

Users Profile Manufacturing and distributionsolutions for small, medium and largecompanies. Single or multi-site. Make-to-order, make-to-forecast, make-to-stock, mix-mode manufacturing.

User ReferencesAcrastyle, Ascari Cars, Cromer Crab,Crosby Kitchens, Hall’s Flooring,LycoRed, Plymouth Gin, Ritchey,Sound Leisure, Surrey Satellite andUgo Foods.

ccess Supply Chain, part ofthe Access Technology Group,specialises in manufacturing

and distribution solutions for small,medium and large companies.

The Access Supply Chain softwaresolution is a modular ERP system thatcan be configured to fit any businessenvironment and way of working.From aerospace to pharmaceuticals,and food to engineering, we treat ourclients as individuals, providingeffective solutions for their short- andlong-term objectives.

From ordering raw materials todelivery of finished goods, we offer a single, seamless solution to strengthen yourbusiness processes, improve management reporting and increase profitability.

The Access Supply Chain system has excellent functionality and flexibility, andcombines all the advantages of a standard package with the fit of a bespokesolution. It has limitless potential for integration and can be deployed with completeconfidence in every part of the organisation.

Implementation is controlled using a proven and highly dependable 10-stepimplementation plan, which ensures that the project is delivered on time and withinbudget.

Craig Such, Managing Director

A

Phillips House, Chapel Lane, Emley, West Yorkshire Tel: 0845 170 8888 Fax: 01924 840999 Email: [email protected]

Based in Sheffield, Crosby Kitchens is a65-employee firm, manufacturing andselling kitchens to high street retailersand house builders via distributors andbuilders’ merchants.

The company installed an AccessSupply Chain solution to help managerapid growth. Mike Atkin, managing

director: “We increased sales by 20%in a year. Before Access Supply Chain,we would have really struggled tokeep up with any amount of newbusiness because we were constantlyfire-fighting and troubleshooting toget work processed.

“Now, we’ve got the same workforce

and we’ve taken this 20% increase inour stride. We are more effective, wehave more visibility and more control.Sales order processing is faster andmore accurate. A 20% increase inbusiness means 20% more orders tobe picked and 20% more products tobe delivered. Without a doubt, thesystem has helped us achieve this.”

case study

IT Shortlist Access Supply Chainwww.access-supplychain.com

ServicesIndustrial Standards: Windows, SQLServerTraining & Support Facilities: Trainingcentres at all main offices

Applications/ProductsModular ERP and Supply ChainManagement: Multi-location StockControl, Traceability, WarehouseManagement Manufacturing management: ProductConfigurator, Job Costing, Quotations,POP, SOP, Works Orders, BoM,

Scheduling, Production/CapacityPlanning, Engineering Change ControlShopfloor systems: Time Recordingand Shop Floor Data Capture Distribution: Warehouse Management,Location and Lot Control, CRM,Forecasting and Demand PlanningFinancial: Multi-currency Ledgers,Credit Control, Cashbook and Payroll. We provide turnkey solutions withhardware and IT infrastructure,implementation and customer serviceplus lifetime system support.

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Company ProfileEmployees: 2,500Turnover: £18,8m (UK) Offices: presence in over 140 countriesworldwideParent/Holding Co: Epicor SoftwareCorporationActivities: Epicor delivers end-to-end,industry-specific solutions formanufacturing, distribution, retail,hospitality and services: these solutionsenable companies to drive increasedefficiency, improve performance andbuild competitive advantage. Dealers/VARS/Systems Integrators:Epicor’s solutions are sold globallythrough a combination of direct salesrepresentatives and value-addedresellers.

Industrial SectorsAerospace and Defence, Automotive,Electronics and Electrical Components,Fabricated Metals, Furniture andFixtures, Industrial Machinery, MedicalDevices, Rubber and Plastics.

Users ProfileToday, Epicor’s ERP solutions are helpingmidmarket organisations and divisionsand subsidiaries of the Global 1000maximize their most importantresources for profitable growth, and areavailable for a number of industrysectors including manufacturing,distribution, services, hospitality andretail. These solutions offer deep industry-specific functionality within each ofthese sectors.

User ReferencesMore than 20,000 customers in over140 countries including Redbull Racing,Benson Box, Thomas Dudley andPressed Steel.

Services:Industrial Standards: Innovative service-oriented architecture (SOA), Microsoft.NET, Web services technologyQuality Standards: Microsoft GoldPartnerTraining & Support Facilities: Epicor hasdedicated teams offering on- and offsite training and e-learning. World-class

picor is a global leaderdedicated to providingintegrated enterprise resource

planning (ERP), customer relationshipmanagement (CRM), supply chainmanagement (SCM) and professionalservice automation (PSA) softwaresolutions to midmarket companiesand divisions of the Global 1000. Founded in 1984, Epicor serves over20,000 customers in more than 140countries, providing solutions in over30 languages. Employing innovativeservice-oriented architecture (SOA)and Web services technology, Epicordelivers end-to-end, industry-specificsolutions for manufacturing,distribution, retail, hospitality and services that enable companies to driveincreased efficiency, improve performance and build competitive advantage.Epicor solutions provide the scaleability and flexibility to meet today’s businesschallenges, while empowering enterprises for even greater success tomorrow.Epicor offers a comprehensive range of services with its solutions, providing asingle point of accountability to promote rapid return on investment and low totalcost of ownership.

support, consultancy and ongoingassistance worldwide.

Applications/Products EPICOR FOR MANUFACTURINGCustomer Relationship Management Sales Management Supply Chain Management Production Management Planning and Scheduling Product Data Management Service Management Financial Management Enterprise Performance Management Business Process Management

Matt Muldoon, Senior Director,Systems Engineers, EMEA

E

No 1 The Arena, Downshire Way, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 1PUTel: 0800 0361155 Fax: 01344 468 010 Email: [email protected] Web: www.epicor.com

Thomas Dudley Ltd is one of the UK’sleading manufactures of plastic toiletcisterns and foundry products. Sincethe 1920s the company has beenmanufacturing high quality grey andSG iron castings at its fully mechanisedfoundry in Dudley in the WestMidlands. Thomas Dudley is a shiningexample of how UK manufacturingcan still compete in a global

marketplace by aggressively adoptingnew technology and businesspractices.

Deciding to replace its ageing TetraCS3 system, the goal was tostreamline the business and provide amore powerful yet flexible ERPsolution with a standard database andthe ability to interconnect with other

modern applications. Simon Boyes,Business Systems manager for ThomasDudley says: “After three weeks of in-depth evaluation, the decision from allthe department heads wasunanimously Epicor for Manufacturing.The most common reason given wasthe sheer flexibility of the softwarecombined with its easy to usemanagement interface.”

case study

IT Shortlist Epicor Software (UK)www.epicor.com

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IT Shortlist Exel Computer Systems

Company ProfileTurnover: £6.1 million Offices: head office, Nottingham;offices in Lichfield Activities: UK author, designer anddeveloper of a fully integrated ERPbusiness solution – EFACS E/8Dealers/VARS/Systems Integrators: worldwide distributor network

Industrial SectorsDiscrete manufacturing, aerospace,general engineering, sub-contractengineering, automotive, furniture,building, electronics, textiles,pharmaceutical, food, valves,packaging, forging and press work,plastics, cosmetics, rubber, jewellery andfabricated products.

Users Profile Discrete manufacturers – fromautomotive, aerospace and electronicsfirms with traceability and engineeringchange management, to high-volumeschedule-driven componentmanufacturers requiring lean methods.

User References SCA Packaging, King Trailers, CoramShowers, Naim Audio, Typhoon, GBKent, Elizabeth Shaw, Ilmor Engineering,UAV Engines, Bennett Opie, BanksidePatterson, Finsbury Orthopaedics,Modec and Wesley Barrell.

ServicesIndustrial Standards: Browser-driven,uses Java and Internet tools and runs onUnix, Microsoft, Linux and systems

supporting Java. Microsoft SQL Server,Informix; single-server to multi-tiercomputing. Quality Standards Exel is committed tothe provision of products and servicesthat are fit for purpose and conform tocustomer’s requirements andaccreditations.Training & Support Facilities Expert training and support covering allaspects of EFACS E/8 is availablethrough our technical teams viatelephone, internet, site visit, orthrough Exel’s dedicated trainingfacilities.

xel Computer Systems is theUK owner and author ofEFACS E/8, a flexible and fully

integrated ERP solution. EFACS E/8 isbrowser, XML, and Java-based, runson a wide range of servers, operatingsystems and databases, and is multi-language and multi-currency.

EFACS E/8 is fully customisable andincorporates all core ERP functions,with a range of integrated add-onmodules including, DocumentManagement, CRM, Workflow,Business Intelligence, ProductConfiguration, Mobile Applications,Touchscreen technology and more.

Exel’s customer base ranges from SMEs to large multinationals, and spans industriesas diverse as food, aerospace, engineering, electronics, packaging, chemicals,automotive and many more. Our portfolio of customers includes Molton Brown,SELEX Communications, Lactalis McLelland, Shipham Valves and Damart, to namebut a few. Whatever your business, whatever your size and wherever you are in theworld, EFACS E/8 is the business solution for you.

Applications/Products ERP: supply chain management,manufacturing management,data/document management, shopfloorsystems, collaborative commerce.EFACS E/8 is a customisable,component-based ERP package thatprovides an economic and precise fit tothe most demanding manufacturingrequirements. It deals with all businessfunctions, including sales, purchasing,inventory, finance, production, CRM,field service management and planning,workflow, e-commerce and decisionsupport.

Rue Dilhe, Managing Director

E

Bothe Hall, Sawley, Long Eaton, Nottingham, NG10 3XLTel: 0115 946 0101 Fax: 0115 946 0606 Email: [email protected]

When SELEX Communications neededto replace its outdated bespoke ITsystem and implement new softwareable to manage business across its 21regional offices and 7 sites worldwide,it selected EFACS E/8 from ExelComputer Systems. EFACS was bestequipped to manage SELEXCommunications’ demanding contract

requirements, with its ease ofcustomisation and ability to definesystem parameters.

Among the many benefits EFACS hasbrought is accessibility of informationthrough the ability to drill down andtap into previously impenetrable data.For the first time the company has

common processes across the groupwith system-wide access to data.

EFACS enables the company to runapplications in real-time, generatingcurrent data from the shopfloor, andthus accurate reports and forecasts –ultimately facilitating business visibility.

case study

www.exel.co.uk

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Company ProfileEmployees: 300 UK, 2,600 worldwideTurnover: £38m (UK), £180m (global)Offices: Worldwide in 54 countries Parent/Holding Co: IFS AB, Linkoping,SwedenActivities: IFS provides business-wideERP solutions that allow resources tobe managed in a more agile way toachieve better business performance. Dealers/VARS/Systems Integrators: IFSsupplies directly, and partners withglobal companies that are marketleaders in several industries.

Industrial Sectors Aerospace and defence; automotive;construction; hi-tech; manufacturing;process (food, beverage, chemical,pharmaceutical, paper); retail,wholesale and supply chain; servicemanagement; utilities and telecoms.

Users Profile IFS is an agile solution for firms ofvarious sizes – from medium sized,single site companies to large, multi-site, multi-national enterprises.

User References Babcock, Becker Industrial Coatings,Bristan, Bristow Helicopters, BSkyB,Butcher’s Pet Care, Clancy Docwra,CryoService, De la Rue, ImerysMinerals, Magnet, Olympus KeyMed,Prodrive, Vinten Broadcast, Zwetsloots.

Services Industrial Standards: Server: Any server

FS, the global enterpriseapplications company,provides ERP solutions that

enable organisations to respondquickly to market changes. Thesolutions allow resources to be usedin a more agile way to achieve betterbusiness performance andcompetitive advantage.

With IFS Applications, now in itsseventh generation, IFS pioneeredcomponent-based ERP software. Thearchitecture provides solutions thatare easier to implement, run andupgrade, giving extended ERPfunctionality, including CRM, SCM,PLM, CPM, enterprise asset management, and MRO capabilities.

IFS Applications enables you to manage different business types, includingproject-orientated, contracting, manufacturing, supply chain and servicemanagement, across a range of sectors, from construction through process andautomotive to distribution. It has the ability to support mixed-mode operationssimultaneously in multiple sites, countries, currencies and languages. It has theflexibility to support dynamic changes occurring in our industrial markets.

Paul Massey, Managing Director, IFS Europe West

I

IFS House, 728 London Road, High Wycombe,Buckinghamshire HP11 1HE Tel: 01494 428900 Fax: 01494 428907 Email: [email protected]

Coba Plastics manufacturesthermoplastic extrusions for a diversecustomer base, and is recognisedworldwide for its quality product. Thecompany faced the same problem asmany other UK manufacturers – howto remain competitive against lowerpriced competition from overseas. Itneeded to increase quality andefficiency simultaneously.

IFS provided Coba with thefunctionality to manage last minutecustomer changes more efficiently,thus minimising disruption ofproduction runs. Improved productionplanning, using IFS, takes into accountforecast customer demand, lead timeand priorities, in order to achieve themost cost-efficient manufacturingschedules.

Coba can now service more customerdemand from stock, while at the sametime holding less inventory, as well asidentifying where imbalance occurs.

IFS brings all the managementfunctions together under a singleintegrated system, enabling Coba tobe more proactive in dealing withavailability and supply issues.

case study

IT Shortlist IFS UK www.ifs.co.uk

environment supported by an OracleRDBMS. Client: Windows 2000 andabove. IFS Extended Server: Any web-based environment. Training & Support Facilities IFS offers consultancy, training andsupport, as well as a structuredimplementation methodology,supported by tools, such as role basedtraining, instructor-led and self studiesonline, business process modellingtools and lifecycle management tools.Support is provided from the UK withonline and phone support.

Applications/Products IFS Applications: Because IFSApplications is component-based,companies can implement what theyneed, when they need it. IFS Applications offers a businesssolution that can be configured tomeet the needs of rapidly changingindustries facing challenges in aninternational marketplace.IFS provides a broad range ofenterprise, manufacturing, servicemanagement and asset managementsolutions.

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Company ProfileEmployees: 9,200Turnover EMEA $861 millionOffices: in 100+ countries worldwide Parent/Holding Co: Infor Activities: Infor offers business-specificsolutions to help companies in a rangeof sub-sectors to automate, plan,collaborate and execute according totheir unique requirements.

Industrial Sectors Aerospace, apparel and footwear,automotive, chemicals, consumerpackaged goods, service management,food and beverage, hightech andelectronics, industrial equipment andmachinery, life sciences, metalfabrication, plastics, public sector andshipbuilding.

Users Profile With products representing 35 years ofexperience, our solutions have bestpractices and specific capabilities built infor the manufacturing sector.

User References70,000 customers, including Beamish &Crawford, Filtronic, British Sugar,Bernhard Mathews, Johnson & JohnsonMedica, New Balance, Hankyu, TRWAutomotive, Reynolds Company, LearCorporation, Hi-Tech Mouldings,Sandvik Mining & Construction.

ServicesIndustrial Standards: Infor Open SOAembraces and supports all leading

nfor is a different kind ofsoftware company. Weprovide business solutions to

enterprising firms who want the bestof both worlds: solutions as business-specific as those from smallerproviders, backed by a company withthe financial stability and global scaleof the enterprise software giants.

Infor delivers business-specificsoftware that helps enterprisingorganisations of all sizes adapt to rapidchange. With experience built in, oursolutions are helping more than70,000 companies meet their goals.

Infor is helping more than 70,000 customers worldwide to be more enterprising.We deliver business-specific solutions that address the processes, regulatoryrequirements and trading environments of our customers in a wide range ofmanufacturing, distribution and services industries. Our domain experts have theknowhow to help our customers address their business problems and lower cost ofIT ownership. Infor helps them enrich the value of their investment in IT and extendcore applications with best-in-class solutions. And to meet long-term needs, weprovide a smooth evolutionary path that supports ongoing innovation.

Trevor Smith, Senior Vice Presidentand Managing Director, UK, Ireland,Middle East and Africa

I

Infor House, 1 Lakeside Road, Farnborough, Hampshire GU14 6XPTel: 01252 556 000 Fax: 01252 556 522 Email: [email protected]

K&W Transmissies has been supplyingthe agricultural, offshore, construction,packaging and food processing sectorswith chains, sprockets and drivecomponents for 20 years.

K&W had been using a financialpackage, but K&W director HansKetelaar explains: “We were unable toprovide feedback to customers about

orders. All data was scattered acrossthe package, in Word and Excel.”

Infor ERP LN was chosen to providean integrated business system. Thefirm went for the standard package asmuch as possible, customising itsprocesses to match best practice, andInfor finalised the implementationwithin 45 consultancy days.

“Our production has particularlybenefited. Just when we were aboutto complete the implementation, themarket picked up. We would neverhave been able to handle this growthwithout Infor ERP LN. It has enabledus to keep a close eye on things andprovides a better understanding ofcosts. The next step is managementinformation,” says Ketelaar.

case study

IT Shortlist Inforwww.infor.co.uk

industrial standards, such as OAGIS 9. Quality Standards: Infor helps users tomeet standards from ISO 9000 to FDA.ISO 9001:2000 standard productimplementation methodology.Microsoft Gold Certified Partner. Training & Support Facilities: We offeron-site and off-site training worldwide.

Applications/Products Infor CRM (Customer RelationshipManagement)Infor EAM (Enterprise AssetManagement)

Infor ERP (Enterprise ResourcePlanning)Infor FMS (Financial ManagementSystem)Infor HCM (Human CapitalManagement)Infor PLM (Product LifecycleManagement)Infor PM (Performance Management)Infor SCM (Supply ChainManagement)Infor SRM (Supplier RelationshipManagement)Infor Open SOA (Service-OrientedArchitecture).

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Company ProfileEmployees: 350Turnover: €35 million (global) Offices: UK office Cheshire; headoffice Aachen, Germany; plus otherinternational offices. Parent/Holding Co: INFORM Institutefor Operations Research &Management GmbH Activities: INFORM specialises indecision support tools for optimisationof logistics processes. We develop andsupport software solutions foradvanced demand and inventoryplanning.Dealers/VARS/Systems Integrators:INFORM sell and support allapplications directly

Industrial SectorsWe support a wide range of sectors,including discrete manufacturing,wholesale, electronics & high tech,automotive, FMCG, engineering,aerospace, construction, distribution,pharmaceuticals, after-market service.

Users Profile Suitable for medium to large and multi-national organisations where customerservice is a key business driver.

User References100+ customers globally includingBosch Automotive, Bosch Power Tools,SFS Intec, Worcester Bosch, AbbottDiagnostics, Linde, Warner Cinram, PKComponents, LuK Automotive

ServicesIndustrial Standards: Client-Server

NFORM is the market leaderof optimisation systems inGermany, with a dedicated

presence in the UK. For over 20 years,we have used operational researchtechniques to solve supply chainproblems with standard softwaresolutions.

Our products are designed ascomplementary solutions to multipleERP and legacy transaction systemswith a focus on supporting criticalsupply chain decisions moreeffectively, and in fact optimally. Oursolutions are applicable to a widerange of industries where customerservice and supply chain costs are key business performance targets.

INFORM is strongly committed to turnkey customer project support. Hence,application consultancy, go-live assistance, long-term maintenance and support areintegral parts of every solution.

References from our wide range of international clients demonstrate return oninvestment in less than 12 months, with clients seeing up to 40% reduction in theirstock, near 100% service availability and reduced supply chain effort and costs.

I

Fir Villa, Oldcastle Lane, Threapwood, Malpas, Cheshire, SY14 7AYTel: 0845 257 4706Email: [email protected]

Providing spare parts on time tothousands of maintenance engineerswas a headache for boilermanufacturer Worcester Bosch whodecided service levels had to beimproved significantly. “Key customerslike British Gas were becoming muchmore service focused and quite rightlydemanded improvements, setting

suppliers a 98% target,” says TonyWingrove, Logistics Manager at thetime.

Worcester, in fact, set a target of100% ex-stock. “Many thought thatour target was simply unrealistic andcould not be achieved without hugeexpense in raising stock levels”

Since introducing add*ONE InventoryOptimizer, even though demand is atthe best volatile, Worcester hasmanaged to consistently achieve99.98% stock availability without thefeared significant increase in stocklevels. They also continue to manageinventory efficiently, and by exceptionthanks to the intuitive user interface.

case study

IT Shortlist Informwww.inform-ac.co.uk

Cathy Humphreys, UK BusinessDevelopment Manager

architecture. Microsoft SQL Database,Windows 2000/XP, web-basedenvironments.Quality Standards:SAP Netweaver accreditation

Training & Support Facilities:Comprehensive on-site trainingprovided as standard. Dedicated on-going telephone/email support fromexperienced support staff. Immediatetechnical support via remote accessand upgrades included within annualsupport package.

Applications/ProductsSupply Chain Planning: add*ONE Demand Planner is anadvanced forecasting and collaborativedemand planning tool to support Sales& Operations Planning (S&OP)processes; add*ONE Inventory Optimizer supportsmaterial planners with optimisedreplenishment plans to reduce inventorylevels whilst maintaining service levels.Warehouse Management: INVENT stock sample counting.

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IT Shortlist K3 Business Technology Group

Company ProfileEmployees: 330 Turnover: £45 million (group combinedUK & Europe) Offices: Manchester, Bagshot,Dereham, Market Bosworth, Galway Parent/Holding Co: K3 BusinessTechnology Group PLCActivities: K3 supplies, installs andsupports SYSPRO’s Microsoft-basedenterprise resource planning softwareto a wide range of manufacturing anddistribution businessesDealers/VARS/Systems Integrators: K3sells directly to customers

Industrial SectorsAerospace, automotive,pharmaceutical & chemical,electronics, fabrication, food &beverage, machinery & equipment,medical devices, packaging, plasticsplus general engineering andmanufacturing and distribution.

Users ProfileFrom SMEs to major internationals,SYSPRO supports manufacturers anddistributors in a range of industries.SYSPRO is ideal for companies thatseek to improve the flow of goods andservices through the supply chain.

User References GW International, Piolax, Doncasters,Victoria Foods, Tyneside Safety Glass,CommaTECH, ITW Signode, Hitachi,Dudson Group, Extec Screens &Crushers

ServicesIndustrial Standards: Microsoft

3 is the UK’s largest providerof manufacturing software forsmall and medium enterprises.

K3 is renowned for delivering solutionsthat can be easily and economicallyassimilated into a business. They havea reputation built on unrivalledexperience and knowledge gainedthrough many years of implementingmanufacturing systems. K3 is one of Microsoft’s largestchannel partners in the UK and is amember of Microsoft’s Inner CircleClub, which is reserved for the top 60partners worldwide. There are 14,000sites in over 60 countries successfullyusing SYSPRO’s comprehensive andinnovative ERP solution. K3’s mission is to deliver unparalleled support services to their customers and theypride themselves in their commitment to unsurpassed customer care.

Howard Joseph, Managing Director

K

Baltimore House, 50 Kansas Avenue, Salford Quays, Manchester, M50 2GL Tel: 0161 876 4498Fax: 0161 876 4502Email: [email protected]

GW International leads the world inthe design and production of bakingtins. The company prides itself onexceptional service and quality. Thecompany has 2000 product lines,adding up to 16 million items goingthrough the factory gate each year.Manufacturing on this scale involves amountain of associated data, all of

which requires automation andmanagement. SYSPRO helps managethe business as a whole, with MRP,ordering, production, warehousing,distribution and accounting. It enablescomprehensive data input, includingintegrated EDI and barcode scanningtherefore boosting accuracy andproviding real-time information

throughout the organisation. Followingimplementation of SYSPRO, GWInternational now has a clear view onROI: it has improved lead times by80%, boosted stock accuracy by100%, seen a 50% decrease in salesadministration tasks, carved £1 millionout of the overheads, and much more.

case study

www.k3scs.com

Windows, Vista, SQL Server, WindowsNT, 32-bit client server, Citrix andTerminal Server, Unix, Linux, MicrosoftExchange Server, Web services and SOAQuality Standards: Microsoft GoldCertified Partner, ISO 9000:2001,PRINCE2Training & Support Facilities: K3 offerscustomised, on-site or classroom-stylecustomer training, professional andcomprehensive helpdesk telephonesupport manned by a team of experts.K3’s friendly and impartial CustomerService Representatives maintainregular contact with clients to ensureconstant satisfaction. K3’s Developersare available to customise ongoingsolutions to the unique requirementsof a business. K3’s NetworkInfrastructure Solutions offer completepeace-of-mind over the support and

maintenance of a company’s ITinfrastructure.

Applications/Products SYSPRO is a powerful, fully integratedbusiness software solutionincorporating modular applications forERP, advanced planning & scheduling(APS), customer relationshipmanagement (CRM), supply chainmanagement, business intelligenceand analytics, financial, warehousemanagement, HR management,document management and inventorymanagement. SYSPRO’s e.net solution providescomplementary and easily deployableapplications that require no updatingwhen SYSPRO releases are upgraded.K3’s NIS service covers both networkimplementation and network support.

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Company ProfileEmployees: 80,000+ (FY08 Q3)Turnover: $18 billion (FY 2007)Offices: 145 countries worldwideParent/Holding Co: OracleCorporationActivities: Technology, applications andservices that provide companies withthe most up-to-date and accurateinformation possible Dealers/VARS/Systems Integrators:19,500 worldwide Leadership: Number one for database,data warehousing, application platformsuites, enterprise performancemanagement, business analytic tools,applications, CRM globally and contractlifecycle management

Industrial SectorsAll sectors

Users ProfileEnterprise, small and medium-sizedbusinesses that know that the rightinformation leads to good decisions,and good decisions lead to successfulbusinesses.

User ReferencesPlease visit www.oracle.com/customers

ServicesTraining & Support Facilities: OracleServices help you get the most fromyour technology investments. Workingwith you every step of the way, Oracleprovides a variety of services that spanthe complete solution lifecycle. Whetheryou need consulting, financing,

racle has adaptive solutionsfor any business, facilitatingproduct innovation. More

robust companies are able to alignthemselves faster, adapt quicker,predict better to the marketrequirements. Oracle’s solutions buildupon a light and responsiveapproach, that eliminates the excessthat impacts quality, increasescosts, lead times and inventory. OnlyOracle’s seamless informationarchitecture – providing real-timeinformation to enterprise applicationsbuilt on our secure technologyplatforms and database – provides asingle source of the truth for the rightinformation to be provided at the right time, and allowing critical decisions to bemade. To build adaptable demand-driven supply chains, you need innovativeapproaches that traditional localised systems cannot support. Today’s supply chainhas become the differentiator, with those companies best able to leverage theirsupply networks.

Dave Food, Business DevelopmentDirector - Manufacturing Applications

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Oracle Parkway, Thames Valley Park, Reading, Berkshire RG6 1RATel: 0870 8768711 or 0870 8768743Email: [email protected]

API manufactures specialised packingand security products used in tobacco,beverage, food, luxury and consumergoods. It operates across the UK,Europe, US and Asia Pacific.

To face the common challenge forgrowing manufacturers of managingall lines of business as a cohesive entityusing a single, standardised set of

administrative processes, API replacedmultiple legacy systems with Oracle E-Business Suite. Thus it removedprocess duplication, cut process cycles,enforced best practice and corporatepolicy adherence, and alsoimplemented lean manufacturing, thusdriving efficiencies and achievingreturn on investment in just 30months.

Not only does the solution give APIscaleability to expand with thebusiness, but by selecting Oracle OnDemand, it benefits from rapidimplementation, enhanced systemreliability and a reduction in IToperating costs of 40%, allowing thecompany to focus on its corecompetency of manufacturing andproviding better customer service.

case study

IT Shortlist Oraclewww.oracle.com

outsourcing, support, or education, youcan get it from the experts who knowOracle best.

Applications/Products Oracle Applications:Oracle E-Business Suite, PeopleSoftEnterprise, JD Edwards EnterpriseOne,JD Edwards World, Agile PLM, SiebelCRM

Engineering Design, Data/DocumentManagement, Production Engineering,Shopfloor Systems, ManufacturingExecution Systems, Hardware & ITInfrastructure and Implementation Tools– all via the Oracle Partner Network.

ERP, Supply Chain Management,Product Lifecycle Management,Manufacturing Management,Collaborative Commerce, Service andSupport, CRM

Oracle Database 10g

Oracle Fusion Middleware: OracleApplication Server, OracleCollaboration Suite, Oracle Data Hubs,Developer Tools, IdentityManagement, Business Integration,Business Intelligence

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Company ProfileEmployees: 30 Turnover: £3.5m Offices: Head Office, Chippenham,Wilts; other offices in North America,France and India. Parent/Holding Co: The CIMulationCentre (Holdings) Ltd. Activities: Preactor provides acomprehensive range of FiniteCapacity Scheduling (FCS) andAdvanced Planning & Scheduling(APS) software tools formanufacturing companies of all sizesand in all sectors. Dealers/VARS/Systems Integrators:Preactor has over 400 companiescomprising 1,000 plus accreditedprofessionals within a managedpartner network. For furtherinformation see www.preactor.com

Industrial SectorsPreactor’s inherent flexibility makes itapplicable for all industrial sectors. Fora comprehensive list of these, seewww.preactor.com

Users ProfilePreactor is used from SMEs upwardsto some of the largest globalcompanies. Preactor is especiallyhelpful for companies with make-to-order and Lean/Agile manufacturingbusiness requirements.

User References Users include Diageo, Silver Spring,

PPG, Flextronics, Bakkavar, Siemens,GKN, Corus, Mead Westvaco, Pfizer,Security Printing and Dunlop.

ServicesIndustrial Standards: WindowsQuality Standards: Microsoft GoldPartnerTraining & Support Facilities: Anextensive range of training courses areavailable and run on a regular basis –

reactor International is anindependent company basedin the UK. Preactor’s mission is

to provide its clients with cost-effective, interactive decision supporttools that will help them to becomemore agile in a fast changing make-to-order environment, where speedand accuracy of delivery are keycompetitive issues.

Specialising in scheduling software formore than 14 years, PreactorInternational offers a range ofscheduling software solutions formanufacturing and service industries.Its unique combination of ease of use,flexibility and integration capability combined with unmatched price/functionalityhas enabled many users to obtain a return on investment measured in weeks, somein days.

Our clients include more than 2,200 organisations in 64 countries ranging fromsmall companies with no more than 50 employees to some of the largestcorporations in the world. There is a significant user base in Europe, the Americas,Asia and Africa. The product is translated into 30 languages.

see www.preactor.com

Applications/Products Manufacturing ManagementPreactor 200 FCS, Preactor 300 FCS,Preactor 400 APS, Preactor 500 APSShopfloor systems: Preactor ViewerService and support: Training, Systemsimplementation and Support

Mike Novels, Managing Director

P

Cornbrash Park, Bumpers Way, Chippenham, Wiltshire SN14 6RATel: 01249 650316Fax: 01249 443413Email: [email protected]

Waymouth Northumbria is a specialistengineering company offering CNCmachining services to produce non-standard components and sub-assemblies for a range of industriesincluding fluid power equipment,petrochemical and offshore oil,automotive and capital plant.Remarkable business growthcombined with a diverse productrange makes planning and schedulingthe 25 primary machining resources a

mission critical requirement for this100% MTO manufacturer. Prior toinvesting in Preactor, the productionplanning system relied heavily on theproduction manager’s knowledge ofwhat product required which routing.However, trying to manage 19 CNCmachines, over 30 workers,subcontractors, maintenance andeverything else simply became toomuch as the business expanded. The powerful simplicity yet flexibility

of Preactor enabled the company tosee the impact of every decision onthe shopfloor and through thebusiness, which improved efficiency by10%. Planning horizons have grownfrom 3 to 40 days with maintenancenow much more effectively handled.As MD Alan Stephenson says: “Inaddition to the physical benefits, it’salmost as if we’ve gained another twoor three machines because of howsmoothly everything now runs.”

case study

IT Shortlist Preactor Internationalwww.preactor.com

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Company profileOffices: As aboveActivities: 123mrp.Net was conceivedas a direct response to the flaws intraditional selling and implementationmethods characterised by modularMRP/ERP systems. It eliminates thehigh risk of failure associated withtraditional production managementsystems, setting new standards inusability and capability.123mrp.Net isprovided on a no-commitment,monthly payment plan with risk freetraining. Dealers/VARS/Systems Integrators:Principally direct but dealers andbusiness alliances are being establishedacross UK, Europe and the rest of theworld – enquiries welcome.

Industrial sectorAll manufacturing types, styles andsectors, including aerospace,automotive, engineering, electronics,textiles, food, medical, plastics,furniture, packaging, oil, water,defence, subcontract engineering andsubcontract electronics.

Users profileCustomer profiles from 4 to 800+personnel, with multiple factory/officelocations and international, includingone-off, small batch, high volumerepetitive, make-to-stock, engineer-to-order and make-to-order, process,discrete, subcontract and capitalequipment – and any combination.

User referencesDelta Design, Codan Rubber, ElementalMicroanalysis, Voller Energy, NIBSC,

Pacscom, Cryomed, JarvisManufacturing, Thermal Engineering,Components & Technology, CanyonEurope, Flowplant, Image on Food,Global Infocom, Cobra UK Automotive,Lascar Electronics, Cobra Design Centre,D&G Mouldings, RH TechnicalIndustries and Percival Aviation.

ServicesIndustrial Standards: Microsoft .Netarchitecture; Windows 2000/XP/Vista;SQL databases.Training & Support Facilities Only five days of training required (andno consultancy) offered on a no-obligation basis. You only pay whensatisfied. All training documentation

23mrp.Net is a uniquebusiness proposition, designedto address the flaws in

traditional systems supply methods.The system is provided for a lowmonthly rental fee, with no contractand no penalties. The system issupplied complete, not in modules,with published, transparent pricing.

Regular, free monthly evaluationworkshops are held across the UK,allowing you to check the suitability ofour product. You can even book staffon training at no risk – if you do notwish to continue just walk away.

Only five days is needed, including implementation planning, system administrationand legacy data transfer. Once you are satisfied, simply register and receive thesoftware. Rather than be drawn into a lengthy evaluation process with othersystems that can cost you hundreds of man-hours, many companies decide to try123mrp.Net. Our risk-free approach allows you to be up and running with aminimum of fuss and financial outlay. Our customers really appreciate that it onlyworks for us if it works for you.

provided in electronic format for easy,customer-driven downstream training.Fully inclusive telephone support,remote assistance and upgrades withinthe monthly payment plan.

Application/productsManufacturing management:123mrp.Net is an advanced, true .Netsoftware application based onMicrosoft’s SQL and offers simplicity ofuse. It is everything that you wouldexpect to find in a manufacturingsystem, from your initial estimates andquotes, through sales and purchasing,full stock and manufacturing control,despatch, invoicing with accountsintegration and interfacing options.

Guy Amoroso, Managing Director

1

10 Mill Court, The Sawmills, Durley, Southampton SO32 2EJTel: 01489 860851Fax: 01489 861209 Email: [email protected]

Warning beacons manufacturer DeltaDesign needed to replace its DOS-based MRP system. Despite its MDbeing the chairman of the MRP’s usergroup, the firm decided to evaluatefour alternative systems.

Says Richard Battersby, MD: “The

reason we chose 123mrp.Net is that Ifelt we could forge a relationship with asupplier who understood our needs andthat had a good product that could betailored to our business. I could seewhat the up-front costs would be; therewas nothing hidden. I like the rentalmodel as we can budget precisely.

“I never got the impression that thecompany would take our money, sellus further consultancy at everyopportunity, especially given that wecan walk away at any time. Wereduced our paper generation by 30%,cut stock inaccuracies by 85% anderrors in general were cut by 50%.”

case study

IT Shortlist Rent-IT Systems UKwww.rent-it-systems.com

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Company ProfileEmployees: 1,600 (UK): 13,000(worldwide)Offices: Newcastle upon Tyne,Reading and Manchester Parent/Holding Co: Sage GroupActivities: Sage is a leading supplier ofbusiness management software andservices to 5.5m customers worldwide,from start-ups to larger firms. Dealers/VARS/Systems Integrators: We have a nationwide network ofcertified Sage Business Partners. Manyare also Sage developers working withus to customise Sage software to meetthe specific needs of customers and tointegrate our software with third party,industry-specific solutions.

Industrial Sectors Sage is successful across many sectors,such as manufacturing, chemicals,pharmaceuticals, food and drink,plastics, automotive, electronics andmake-to-order production.

Users ProfileSage provides integrated, scalablemanufacturing and businessmanagement software that helps mid-market businesses to streamline thesupply chain between manufacturerssuppliers, shop floor and customers.

User References Coventry Prototype Panels, BayerDiagnostics, Universal Products, PJSmoothies, RE Thompson & Co,Rixonway Kitchens, Games Workshop,Begano, Premier Kitchens, Qualceram

ur goal is to streamlineprocesses betweenmanufacturers, suppliers, the

shopfloor, and customers, helpingyour business to run at optimumefficiency and profitability. Sagesoftware puts you in control bymanaging product life cycles,scheduling work effectively, tracingresource utilisation and improvingbusiness analysis.

We also have a range of CRMsoftware that enables manufacturersto acquire, retain and developprofitable relationships. They enableyour sales, marketing, customerservice and support teams to improve their efficiency and effectiveness.

Integrating our software across your business will bring together your front andback office with your shopfloor processes, enabling you to cut costs, save timeand improve customer service. And because we offer software for all sizes ofmanufacturers, you have the added reassurance that, as your business grows,your Sage system can grow with you.

David Pinches, Head of Sage’s MMD Software Group

O

North Park, Newcastle upon Tyne NE13 9AATel: 0845 111 9988Fax: 0845 245 0292Email: [email protected]

Bushell & Meadows has continued togrow as a market leader producinghigh quality subcontract engineeringcomponents for medical, aerospace,defence and industrial markets.

With growth came the need foraccurate, timely information to keepeveryone updated on businessperformance. In 2006 Bushell &Meadows’ management team chose

Sage, provided by our businesspartner, Quintech. Sinceimplementation the company hasexperienced phenomenal efficiencyimprovements, including faster orderreceipt, shopfloor paperwork (was aweek, now less than one day) andcost collection by works order. “Twoyears ago this company didn'tunderstand quickly, by month, whatjobs were making money and which

weren't. That knowledge in itself hasincreased turnover automatically,”says Ian Mence, businessdevelopment manager.

Bushell & Meadows is looking atimplementing shopfloor datacollection in order to improve analysisand, says Mence, “to quickly identifybottlenecks and enhance the supportactivity, not just machine resource.”

case study

IT Shortlist Sage (UK)www.sage.co.uk

Services Industrial Standards: DB: Retrieve4GL, Microsoft SQL Server, IBMInformix, Oracle, proprietary. OS:Windows, Unix, Linux. Quality Standards: ISO 9001:2000and the TickIT guide Issue 5.Training & Support Facilities: Sagedevelops comprehensive qualitytraining and support programmesthrough our experienced Sagebusiness partners and consultants.This nationwide coverage ensuresthat all customers can have fullylocalised, on-site training andsupport.

Applications/Products ERP: Sage software and services suitmanufacturing businesses of all typesand sizes. It encompasses integratedERP, CRM and business management,enabling full control of your businessacross finance, distribution,manufacturing, services and e-business.We offer supply chain management,product lifecycle management,manufacturing management,data/document management, shopfloor systems, MES, collaborativecommerce – plus hardware and ITinfrastructure and service and supportvia our business partners.

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Company ProfileEmployees: over 44,000 worldwideTurnover: €10.2 million in 2007Offices: HQ Waldorf Germany, withsubsidiaries in more than 50 countries Parent/Holding Co: SAP AGActivities: Business solutions forenterprises of all sizesDealers/VARS/Systems Integrators:SAP’s strategic partners offer a varietyof high quality skills and services tomeet the needs of any organisation

Industrial Sectors SAP solution portfolios support theunique business processes of more than25 industries, including automotive,aerospace and defence, consumerproducts, high tech, industrialmachinery and components, lifesciences, oil and gas.

Users ProfileSAP is the recognised leader incollaborative business solutions forcompanies of all sizes. 65%of SAPcustomers are small or mid-size firms.

User References Adidas, Apple, Coca-Cola, Colgate-Palmolive, General Motors, Kellogg’s,McDonald’s, Nestle, Nike, Nokia,Oakley, Olympus, PepsiCo, Procter &Gamble, Rolls-Royce, Samsung, SonySpeedo, Unilever, Waterford and more.

Services:Industrial Standards: SAP promotesstandards and is represented on most ofthe standards-defining organisations.

AP is the world’s leadingprovider of business software.Today, more than 46,100

customers in more than 120 countriesrun SAP applications — from distinctsolutions addressing the needs of smallbusinesses and mid-size companies, tosuite offerings for global organisations.Powered by the SAP NetWeavertechnology platform to driveinnovation and enable businesschange, SAP software helpsenterprises of all sizes around theworld to improve customerrelationships, enhance partnercollaboration and create efficienciesacross their supply chains and businessoperations. SAP solution portfolios support the unique business processes of morethan 25 industries, including high tech, retail, financial services, healthcare and thepublic sector.

John HammannIndustry Principal for ManufacturingSector, SAP UK and Ireland

S

Clockhouse Place, Bedfont Road, Feltham, Middlesex, TW14 8HDTel: 0870 608 4000Fax: 0870 4050Email: [email protected] Web: www.sap.com

Malvern Instruments supplies scientificequipment to a range of industries,including pharmaceuticals, food andchemicals. Based in Malvern, the 300-employee company exports 90% of itsoutput and faced the challenge ofmanaging a growing portfolio ofproducts to address new markets. Thefirst step was to re-engineer thecompany’s sales processes, to increase

efficiency and effectiveness. Workingwith a leading partner to implementan integrated SAP solution that couldrun the entire business.

Malvern was soon able to generatehigher revenues at less cost per sale,which also improved efficiency andcustomer service. When sales quoteswere generated, they flowed straight

through to manufacturing to bechecked against demand. “With asingle database, the managementteam can access information quicklyand effectively. The status of salesopportunities, customer equipmentschedules, inventory availability andprofitability analyses are all availablefrom one source,” says Rob Prestidge,Malvern’s finance and systems director.

case study

IT Shortlist SAPwww.sap.com

Platforms supported include AS/400;Linux, Unix; Microsoft Windows NT;Microsoft Windows Server and OS/390.Client software is available for HTML,Java and Microsoft Windows XP andVista.RDBMSs supported include IBM DB2,Informix, Oracle, and Microsoft SQLserver.

Quality Standards: ISO 9000

Training & Support Facilities SAP offers a wide range of training andsupport that will enable you to deployyour software fast; and ensure you areable to operate at peak levels to meetyour business goals.

Applications/Products SAP Business ByDesign; SAP ERP; SAPCustomer Relationship Management; SAP Product Lifecycle Management;SAP Supplier Relationship Management;SAP Supply Chain Management; SAPSolutions for Governance Risk andCompliance; SAP Business All-in-One; SAP Service and Asset managementDuet; SAP Business One; SAPManufacturing; SAP Global TradeServices; SAP Cost and QuotationManagement; SAP ManufacturingIntegration and Intelligence; SAPIntegrated Exploration and ProductionSAP Product DefinitionSAP Resource and PortfolioManagement

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IT Shortlist Sescoi UK

Company ProfileEmployees: 200+ worldwideOffices: UK, France, Germany, Spain,USA, Japan, India and ChinaParent/Holding Co: Sescoi InternationalSA. Boulevard du General de Gaulle,71009 Macon Cedex, France Activities: Sescoi is a supplier ofcomputer-aided manufacturing (CAM),computer-assisted design (CAD),enterprise resource planning (ERP),engineering product lifecyclemanagement (PLM), and jobmanagement systems. Dealers/VARS/Systems Integrators:Over 50 country distributors worldwide

Industrial Sectors Automobile, aerospace, mould, die andtool, medical and dental, general

engineering, models and prototypes,motor sport, sport and leisure goods,consumer electronics, special machinery.

Users Profile All companies requiring mechanicalCAD/CAM, particularly mould, die andtoolmakers. Custom or make-to-ordermanufacturers and companies workingon a project-basis requiring specialistmanufacturing management software.

User References Rolls Royce, Jaguar, BMW/Rover,Bentley, GM, Ford, Chrysler, Audi/VW,Renault, Peugeot, Nissan, Fiat,Salomon, Fisher Price, Playmobil, CalorMiele, Eurocopter, Samsung, Toshiba,SEB, ARRK Group.

Services: Industrial Standards: WindowsSTEP, Standard and Native filetranslators Training & Support Facilities: In house training facilities and on sitetraining and support, offered by allSescoi offices Hotline telephone, live online assistanceand Internet support for customersunder maintenance contract

Applications/Products WorkPLAN Enterprise, a newgeneration ERP system for custommanufacturersMyWorkPLAN, a cost effective and easyto use job management systemWorkNC, an automatic CAM/CADsystem for two-to five-axis machiningWorkNC-CAD, a uniform CAD solutionfor the entire manufacturing process WorkXPlore 3D, a high speedcollaborative viewer for analysis andexploration of all 3D CAD data.

Sescoi UK 8 Trinity Place, Midland Drive, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands B72 1TXTel: 0844 5617014 Email: [email protected]

www.sescoi.com

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IT Shortlist SSL-WinMan www.winman.co.uk

220 Fort Dunlop, Fort Parkway, Birmingham B24 9FDTel: 0121 749 8050 Fax: 0121 749 8075 Email: [email protected]

features – such as customdashboards, custom forms, webreporting and process controls, whichput WinMan users firmly at thecutting edge of modern ERP systems.WinMan’s enhanced flexibility,performance and transparency makeit the smart choice for both small andmedium sized manufacturingenterprises. We would like towelcome aboard all our newcustomers, which include such namesas Fernau Avionics, Skopos Design,Duraweld, Centurion Europe, Amefaand Art Marketing. Why not contactus for an industry-specific case studyor to arrange a demonstration.

Company profileEmployees: 25Turnover: £1.5 million (UK)Offices: ThreeActivities: ERP software

Industrial sectorsManufacturing and distribution.WinMan is a 100% Microsoft .Netand SQL-based business system,covering manufacturing, distribution,CRM and financials.

User profileSmall and medium-sizedmanufacturers and distributors.Current sites range from five to 250concurrent users. Many ‘LeanThinking’ reference sites.

User references Racal Acoustics, ExceptionVAR,Offshore Electronics, EborcraftFurniture, Pacific Direct, ColesTraditional Foods, AP Driveline, VTLAutomotive, Mitsubishi PencilCompany, Centurion Europe,Edinburgh Instruments, Lantech Inc.

Services Industrial Standards: Windows 2000 orabove, Microsoft .Net, SQL 2005, n-tier standards.Training & Support Facilities:Comprehensive on-site and off-sitetraining. Unrivalled customer supportvia remote access or on-site.

Application/productsERP, supply chain management andmanufacturing management: WinMan’s ground-up redevelopmentin .Net II managed code has been wellreceived. Introducing MicrosoftReporting Services in SQL 2005 hasenabled us to further advance thereporting power of the product and its

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Company ProfileEmployees: 30Turnover: £3 million (UK): £750,000(Europe) Activities: Specialist in manufacturingexecution systems (MES) and plantautomation systems.

Industrial SectorsXCL operates in virtually allManufacturing Industry sectors, Foodand Drink markets and RetailDistribution.

Users Profile Manufacturing organisations, rangingfrom small owner/manager companiesto Plcs and multinationals, that want toimprove operational effectiveness oftheir plant resources (people andmachines) and the links into theirbusiness systems.

User ReferencesCadbury, Shell, Total, Diageo, GoldenAcres, Marshalls, British Gypsum, BritishEnergy, Pirelli, BP and Bakkavor.

Services Industrial Standards: WindowsQuality Standards: ISO 9000, Tick ITTraining & Support Facilities: End toend project management, full projectimplementation services, extensivetraining post-installation andcommissioning. XCL also provides 24hour support contracts, with on-siteassistance within eight hours and on-line support within 4 Hours.

CL Technology Groupprovides innovative, softwaresolutions to the food and

drink, manufacturing and retaildistribution industry. We provideBusiness Applications, such as supplychain systems, manufacturingexecution solutions and processcontrol, as well as automation services,focusing on meeting the individualneeds of the customer, whereoptimum operational performance andefficiency are key business drivers.

We have a unique approach tobusiness based on five core disciplines– commercial, logistics, manufacturing, QA and business intelligence – and henceare ideally placed to address virtually any business/manufacturing challenge. Oursolution, XLogix, can be delivered as a fully bespoke application covering everyaspect of the manufacturing process, or in a modular format, allowing it tointegrate with existing software, filling the functional gaps and achieving seamlessalignment with your current business processes. Combined with extensive real timereporting and Business Intelligence tools, our aim is to ensure your businessoperates in a more efficient and profitable manner.

Key benefits of XLogix include: Our Licence Model; which is by site not number ofusers, therefore affording major savings to multi-user sites. Our Bespoke Solution;based upon a thorough walkthrough of your processes, to gain a completeunderstanding of your requirements ,thereby enabling configuration of a Solutionwhich meets your needs precisely. Real Time Scheduling and Data Capture;improving and expediting Decision Making.

Andrew Knowles, Managing Director

X

XCL House, 140 Aberford Road

Woodlesford, Leeds LS26 8LG

Tel: 0113 2880111

Fax: 0113 2880112

Email: [email protected]

For leading European pet foodmanufacturer Golden Acres, XCLinstalled a full turnkey factory MES(manufacturing execution system) thatprovides RF-based warehousemanagement and stock control, alongwith production scheduling andpackaging control.

This eco-friendly system helps the

environment, by providing paperlessquality assurance, including fullbidirectional traceability. QA checklistscan be accessed by PDA, mobile,scanner and fixed touchscreen. Thesystem also provides a full Microsoft.Net-based factory reporting system,with OEE (overall equipmenteffectiveness) analysis and reporting,as well as bidirectional integration with

business financials. Furthermore,Golden Acres’ customers have theability to view their product-specificTraceability, Scheduling and Reportsvia a secure web portal.

All captured data can be viewed in realtime, enabling faster and moreeffective decision-making.

case study

IT Shortlist XCL Technology Groupwww.xcl.co.uk

Applications/Products XCL’s system, XLogix, covers ERP,supply chain management,manufacturing management, data anddocument management, productionengineering, plant and shopfloormanagement, manufacturingexecution and collaborative commerce.

Real time scheduling and data captureimprove and expedite decision-making. We also offer networking hardwareand IT infrastructure, as well asimplementation tools and full serviceand support.

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IT systems, software and services for UK manufacturing · 2008-05-21 · manufacturing industry...

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