Smarter delivery saves money and time

So called ‘deliveryware’ – software that automates business and engineering document generation and delivery in any format for customers, suppliers and partners – is saving manufacturers worthwhile money and improving service. Engineering consultancy Advantica reckons it’s cutting the cost of sending purchase orders generated automatically from its SAP ERP system by around 90%. And Draeger Safety UK is using a similar system to manage vendor schedules and the like, also direct from SAP R/3. Both are using Esker’s systems which, once configured, automate document transfer across multiple channels in any format, from post or fax, to emails with attachments, URL links or whatever – backed by alerts on text messages and so on. Esker managing director Bashrat Din believes manufacturers are missing out on the technology, particularly given that many now have ERP systems in place, but still have to work around fixed, primarily fax-based document exchange systems, currently limiting development of e-business. He reckons payback can be achieved comfortably within six months, and he’s targeting discrete manufacturers up to the £30 million turnover and currently handling around 5,000 documents per month. One manufacturing client, he says, achieved payback in five weeks.