Alloys manufacturer opts for ERP flexbility

Glossop-based Eastlink Ferro Alloys, which produces ferro molybdenum for the world’s steel makers, says its choice of ERP system is already paying dividends. David Lally, operations director, says: “We can keep better track of stock, improving stock taking and enabling us to trace materials in stock. Once the planning module is live, we expect improved feedback to customers, and we also anticipate improved forward production plans.” And he adds that benefits were immediate as the company brought on ERP modules, starting with purchasing and stock control, through accounts, and production, with planning due to go live shortly. “We already see huge time savings over the old procedures, particularly on sales order processing which used to be a long drawn out affair.” Eastlink Ferro Alloys selected Exel’s Efacs ERP system, in particular because of its flexibility, which, says Lally, is enabling the firm to create its own custom system without interfering with the source code. “The flexibility of the system has meant that we have been able to utilise some modules directly, whilst others are bespoke, without having to purchase a fully custom-built system. This has had clear consequent time saving and financial benefits,” he says. The decision to implement Efacs followed a web search for production planning software, and discussions with various vendors.