Syspro fits the mould for plastics firm

A growing order book, new customers and an expanding product range are about to be handled more efficiently at Lincolnshire-based injection moulding company DLS Plastics through the implementation of a new ERP system. DLS intends to introduce Syspro ERP manufacturing and distribution modules from McGuffie Brunton as the first of a two-phase implementation process, due to go live later this month. Phase two will implement CRM (customer relationship management) to manage and improve communications with customers. DLS, whose primary markets are in the leisure vehicle, holiday home, catering and marine sectors, designs and manufactures some 250 off-the-shelf and custom-moulded plastic components, including ventilation covers, sink wastes, fixing products and water connectors. In recent years, the company has broken into new markets by providing an integrated design to delivery service. But with each product available in a variety of colours, the company found tracking stock increasingly difficult with its ageing Datafile management information and accounting software. DLS managing director George Brewis reckons the new ERP system will enable the company to better trim manufacturing resources to specific customer demand. He expects improvements in managing stock and the manufacturing processes, particularly in materials ordering and the maintenance of inventory levels and sales forecasts. Increased stock awareness, he says, will enable greater production flexibility, as well as shortening turnaround of orders. “The syspro implementation is aimed at enabling us to manage our existing business more efficiently, thereby allowing us the time and resources to pursue new market areas and products,” says Brewis. “We will use Syspro CRM for mailshot purposes, and to centrally record communications so that customer information is available throughout the company. “We plan to use CRM to help with the process of business development and ensure that all customers are aware of new products as they become available… It is all too easy to pay more attention to high maintenance customers with large order books. In the search for sales growth we need to ensure that we leverage all our customer contacts through ordered communication and personal contact before expensive expeditionary sales drives into new areas.”