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Open ERP System Signals Improved Efficiency for Oliver Valves
Further to their recent IT investment in a new interactive website, Knutsford engineering giants, Oliver Valves, Oliver Valvetek and Oliver Twinsafe are building on their existing enterprise resource planning system (ERP) by upgrading to Syteline 8.
Syteline 8 is a software package offering a multi-user system with access to a central database.
The package differs from ERP systems previously used by Oliver in that it is an open program. This means that soon Oliver will be able to allow customers to input their orders directly onto the system via a secure portal on the company’s recently launched website.
“The advanced planning and scheduling system within the ERP means that estimated delivery times can be calculated almost instantaneously,” explained IT Manager, Kevin White. “In the old days, once we received an order we had to go through a process of effectively breaking down the product that was ordered into component form before finding out when, where and how many of each item was available. The process could take up to a couple of days.
“The APS system within Syteline not only takes over this function but also allows our human resources department to anticipate periods when manpower is going to be focussed on particular projects and it helps us identify possible bottlenecks in our processes long before they happen.”
Because Syteline 8 is an open program it is possible to integrate it with Oliver’s IT infrastructure. Where a sales engineer would have previously entered the order information onto the old ERP platform, Syteline 8 is able to read and create XML and take the information it needs directly from email enquiries.
The time saving benefits of Syteline’s integrative abilities go beyond the production process. Oliver’s External Sales Departments will also see increased efficiency thanks to the open design of the package.
“Because of the way Syteline functions, it can take information from our Customer Relationship Management system (CRM), Maximiser,” said Mr White. “Maximiser contains all the information regarding our customers, sales orders and enquiries. Syteline allows our External Salesmen to access real-time information regarding interest in our products which means they can follow up any leads the same day.
“Syteline 8 can control every function of the business from taking an enquiry, selling a valve, purchasing the components to make the valve, stock control, invoicing and financial control. It is that important.”