Hi-Tech Mouldings extends ERP into the field with Infor

ION is enabling the Waterlooville, Hampshire-based manufacturer to extend real-time information generated by its existing ERP system across the business both internally and remotely. "Infor Visual already generates business critical information, but ION will take this to a new level, particularly for staff out in the field," explains Richard Brown, operations director at Hi-Tech Mouldings. "We operate in a highly complex and competitive industry and our agility and responsiveness hinges on the accuracy of the information on which business decisions are based. ION will help ensure that high quality, consistent and accurate information from ERP can be leveraged throughout the organisation," he adds. Brown also says that, by providing remote access to Infor Visual, sales teams can access the latest real-time data when visiting customer premises, and provide accurate production information on the spot. "Not only does this enhance customer perception of Hi-Tech Mouldings as an innovative firm but it also improves our competitive standing." For him, this is about accessing data that often remains dormant on ERP systems, and pushing it out when and where it's needed. He also makes the point that, whereas in the past, IT departments would have been using SQL and scripts to get information out, now ION provides for seamless integration. "It can pull together data from multiple sources, so it can deliver what we need for reporting and analysis, without the scripting work... This is a new world, in terms of connectivity and communications. "We're streamlining the business and that will improve our performance and competitiveness."