Cape Union Mart Group has selected Sage ERP X3 and Sage RMS as its applications of choice across its entire base of operation, which includes all Cape Union Mart, Old Khaki and Poetry stores, and the factory (K-Way Manufacturing).
Evan Torrance, the Head of Group Services at Cape Union Mart, says Cape Union Mart Group's systems were not growing or developing as quickly as the actual business was. “A project team was established to prepare a systems roadmap for the business, with the purpose of documenting existing processes and to shortlist a new software vendor and ERP provider.”
Times 3 Technologies and Sage were selected as vendor and application partner respectively. “The client wants the benefits of using a single, integrated ERP application that is rolled out across the group. Sage ERP X3 offers deep and broad first-class functionality that is scalable and fully integrated. It provides real-time information that is shared on a common database and user interface that is easy to use and understand. Sage Retail Management Suite (RMS) is a robust point of sale solution that operates at store level in online or offline mode and has specific functionality relevant to the clothing and textile industry,” explains Keith Fenner, Vice-President of Sales at Softline Accpac.
Cape Union Mart originated as an "army and navy store" and became famous for its 'everything from an anchor to a toothpick' product range, when the late Philip Krawitz, grandfather of the current chairman, founded the business on the corner of Corporation and Mostert Streets in Cape Town, in 1933.
The group has strived to build unique relationships with its customers, which ultimately formed the foundation for tremendous growth that dates back to the 1970s. The Cape Union Mart Group currently comprises more than 100 stores that are located in prestigious, high-traffic shopping centres across southern Africa, and moved into manufacturing through the K-Way Manufacturing operation. In the late 1990s, the group launched a brand of leisure clothing for men and women under the Old Khaki label, and more recently, also an eclectic collection of women's lifestyle products, branded Poetry, which were both launched as standalone stores.
Cape Union Mart is poised for tremendous growth and development, says Evan Torrance. “We did our homework thoroughly and are comfortable that Sage ERP X3 and Sage RMS will provide the scope we need for future growth in the group. It will give us the flexibility and accuracy we need that will enable us to build on the incredible legacy that Cape Union Mart has,” says Torrance.
“The client based their decision on price, functionality, fit and architecture. I am quite confident that these two products will deliver and become an integrated part of Cape Union Mart Group's future growth and development. The project has been broken down into five distinct phases that include financials, point of sale, manufacturing, the distribution centre, and merchandising, which will be implemented on a phased basis over the next 24 months,” says Fenner.
Stephen Howe, a Director of Times 3 Technologies, says: “One of the main reasons that Cape Union Mart selected Times 3 Technologies for their ERP implementation is based on the quality of the work we deliver and our ability to work in a pressurised environment. The Cape Union Mart ERP selection process was certainly one of the more unique experiences that we have had the privilege of being involved with over the last 15-plus years. Ultimately, our ability to be 'small enough' to really listen but 'big enough' to provide sound advice and implementation strategies that are moulded to fit the needs of the client, contributed to our success,” says Howe.
“We've been thoroughly impressed by both the team at Times 3 Technologies and the application providers at Sage and Softline. Throughout the process of selecting a new ERP provider, Times 3 Technologies and Sage have been accommodating, flexible, negotiable and absolutely professional. It was no surprise to our users, who had unanimously selected Times 3 Technologies and Sage ERP X3 as their application of choice following the workshop sessions,” concludes Torrance.
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