Configured for production success

Amot chose a Syspro ERP system from McGuffie Brunton, and it's a good example of a company not falling into the trap of simply replicating what it already had in its ageing legacy minicomputer system – but instead taking advantage of modern technology. Why McGuffie? "We wanted a standard system that could provide at least the integrated functionality we had, but was flexible enough to be configured to our manufacturing and operational requirements," says Amot's IT manager Jason Turrell. "We also wanted a PC-based system, and one that could be operated on a Terminal Server Network, so that we could keep central administration but give everyone a graphical user interface." Amot also liked its functionality, like the product configurator and Equator HR suite. Turrell indicates there have been several improvement opportunities, some subtle, some more radical. At the easy end has been running MRP much faster and getting better business data more quickly. Then there's been Syspro's HR suite, covering payroll, personnel, time and attendance (T&A) and shopfloor data collection. That now manages Working Time Directive analysis, while SFDC terminals provide data collection through barcode scanning, along with more accurate job costing data and activity analysis. More radical has been McGuffie's product configurator. Turrell: "Our products, especially valves, switches and sensors, have become increasingly complex. We needed to find a more effective way to manage the front-end business processes, from enquiry and sales order through to shopfloor control." Now, sales work through questions posed by the configurator, directly with customers. It automatically determines valid options, lead times, standard cost and price, along with a quote. If the order is placed, it creates a sales order, also establishing the product code, which cross references to drawings, and converts that to a works order and product BoM and routing in Syspro – with all relevant information transferred to the shopfloor. But there will be more when Amot completes its planned e-commerce strategy for key distributors, which involves direct access to its ERP through a virtual private network (VPN). "As well as being a relatively cost effective approach, the VPN offers Amot many benefits," says Turrell. "Through the VPN, distributors will achieve full access. This means ... distributors will be able to use the configurator directly, to establish product quotes and generate their own sales orders and works orders. We believe this offers the potential to radically improve customer service. It will also help reduce the support levels needed internally."