Europe’s biggest printer goes for SME integration

Streamlined operations, with standardised processes and integrated real-time systems handling everything from enquiries to invoicing, are the goal of printing giant Polestar Group’s £2 million investment in ERP from Exel with a print front end from specialist Technique. Based in Milton Keynes, the group, which produces Radio Times and Hello, prints more magazines than any other in the UK. It has 5,500 employees across 25 sites in the UK, Spain and Hungary, and with most of its growth in catalogue production for the burgeoning mail order sector, needed new technology. Says Janet Hickey, Polestar’s project director for this implementation: “We wanted a business management system that could handle all our requirements from both the print-specific and core manufacturing sides. “We spent considerable time looking for a single system but none were suitable, so we chose the Technique system for front-end processing – ie enquiries, estimating, planning and sales order processing – and the Exel system for manufacturing, processing and financials. She says that integration is the key. “Once we’ve achieved this, we will be able to improve our services to our customers and increase our efficiency internally. For example, in a multi-company environment we want to maximise stock usage by viewing inventory across different sites, the result being a reduction in inventory and of course, associated cost.” The contract is a major boost for Exel, putting it up into a considerably bigger league than its usual playing field. Says John Ellis, Exel’s mnaging director: “Working with Technique has opened up a brand new sector for Exel. It is encouraging to see a multi-national such as Polestar partnering with two UK authors to provide a mission-critical software solution to fit its business.” Says Polestar’s CEO Barry Hibbert says: “We shall now have greater financial control with Exel and improve our commercial functions with Technique. This is a combination that will bring further competitive edge to the group and excellence in information for our customers.”