Intranet gives instant data access

UK-based bathroom accessories manufacturer NewTeam Showers is cutting admin costs and improving the flow of corporate information around the business by introducing an intranet system that extends the scope of its existing ERP system and delivers information, on demand, to the desktops of more than 50 users throughout the company. NewTeam, with help from its existing ERP software provider K3 Business Technology and Leeds-based data handling firm Italik, has developed a PC browser-based intranet system based on K3’s ERP software, IBS, and using reporting software from Crystal and Flex. Users can now pull together all the information they need to make better business decisions. Richard Gant, the firm’s finance director, comments: “The intranet allows us to deploy and display other corporate information onto the users’ desktop, which saves on admin and overheads. “For example, timesheets and expense forms are all available in a single menu system along with the users’ IBS [ERP] functions… We have the power of a modern fully integrated ERP system but delivered in such a way that avoids confusion and clutter.” Purchasing can now post information on the intranet (using LotusNotes) about delivery dates for goods ordered. And sales also have the ability to check order and delivery status when face-to-face with clients.