RPC containers to phase in Sage ERP package

Rigid plastics packaging firm RPC Containers says it expects efficiencies and cost savings from a Sage Line 500 ERP system being installed by reseller and implementer CPiO. The firm also expects to build out the system to include project management modules. RPC Containers has some 40 sites across 12 countries, with 6,000 employees supplying the likes of Unilever and Nestlé. The system will start by standardising business processes and providing real-time management information across the organisation. Says Phil Meachem, RPC’s systems analyst: “We have used a number of solutions but not all were integrated. Also with a lot of people working across different sites, different processes were used – which we needed to formalise to achieve efficiencies and cost savings.” Key points of the new system include improvements in stock accuracy, turnaround time and levels, using Sage back-flush systems to automatically drive raw material replenishment as finished goods barcodes move onto pallets. Meachem also cites the system’s better order entry system, which, he says: “Will enable us to put customer orders together faster and, integrated with the stock control feature, will give us visibility of any unit which we may need to re-order.” ERP will also automate many of the back office processes, not just in accounting and purchasing but in production, with the system creating works orders and speeding up the process for manufacturing and despatching. “CPiO is very professional and knows and understands our business extremely well,” says Meachem. “As with any project of this scale, the overall success is hugely dependent upon buy-in from users. A professional, carefully controlled implementation is key to achieving this. We are doing a gradual role-out across the UK sites and have been delighted with CPiO’s support.”