ERP fits kitchens manufacturer for 20% growth

The company went for an Access Supply Chain ERP system and complete implementation in six months late last year. It says the business gained instant visibility and control, also eliminating the errors inherent with its old manual processes. Says managing director Mike Atkin: “People used to work late into the night and early in the mornings just to create the documentation for deliveries. Now sales order processing is much faster and more accurate. And we have information on how we can pick orders and consolidate them into one picking sheet. A 20% increase in business means 20% more orders to be picked, 20% more products to be delivered – and without a doubt, the new system has helped us to achieve this.” The company says it is now able to work to a three or four week lead time, with its purchasing department seeing all components required. It is now using the system to compile BoMs (billa of materials) for all 1,500 of its products to deliver more efficiencies. “It’s not a static business,” observes Atkin. “Kitchens are very much a fashion item and that means we have to launch five or six new ranges a year. The Access system will allow us to do that without having to establish a new BoM every time. That will help us cut down on inventory and improve lead times still further.”