Coba Plastics pins efficiency drive on IFS ERP

Tier 3 automotive supplier Coba Plastics says its investing in integrated business management IT (ERP) from IFS to improve efficiency and support development of new business opportunities. The 50 user system is due to go live in August next year. Coba, which manufactures polymer and elastomer extrusions and safety matting for the automotive industry, says that specifically it’s anticipating a 10% improvement in plant utilisation as well as reduced stock holding and improved customer service. Mark Cook, managing director, also cites supporting the firm’s expansion plans and in particular “improving our overall efficiency and helping us to win new customers at home and abroad through a more proactive approach to sales.” And financial director Barrie Dowsett, adds that it should mean business growth without additional employees. As for customer service, the firm says that having real-time production data available will ensure accurate lead times can be quoted by the sales team, while customers will be able to track orders through the production process. And in the future, it expects IFS Applications to pave the way for a planned e-business strategy. Coba’s system will cover financial, sales and manufacturing management, covering mixed-mode production, with JIT (just in time) deliveries to a world-wide customer base, with stocking in remote warehouses, including one in Slovakia.