Clotan Steel, manufacturer of roof sheeting, cold formed sections and slit strip, recently selected a 55-user Sage ERP X3 system from Softline ACCPAC to meet its enterprise resource planning (ERP) needs.
Keith Fenner, strategic sales director: Softline ACCPAC, explains that Clotan is a long-standing customer of ACCPAC, with its initial investment dating back to a five-user system in 1989.
"As the company has grown, so too have its software solution needs. We have been involved in upgrading its systems during this time and provided support throughout. When asked to assist Clotan with its ERP challenges, we immediately suggested Sage ERP X3 to assist with the migration to the next level of ERP in conjunction with implementation partner, Boshoff Computers."
Previous users of Accpac ERP 500, Clotan Steel subsequently developed its own basic production planning system in 2002. Although the solution solved the company's immediate needs, it had its own problems and drawbacks - among them the fact that every time an ACCPAC upgrade needed to be implemented, the add-on systems had to be adapted for the new file layouts.
Henry Tennant, managing director: Clotan Steel, explains that in July 2007 it was decided that the customised system was too cumbersome and difficult to maintain and Softline ACCPAC was approached as a result.
Fenner says that based on the challenges of the old system, ACCPAC was asked to suggest an ERP solution with a proven track record - one that would evolve with Clotan Steel well into the future while supporting its sustained growth.
"The company was looking for an application that could be easily customised. It needed to integrate its manufacturing and accounting functions, as well as assist with lot tracking and enable accurate yield calculation. This made Sage ERP X3 an obvious choice."
Sage ERP X3 will offer Clotan Steel the core advantages of control, speed and flexibility. "Because the solution integrates all information and business processes within a single software system, Clotan Steel will now benefit from real-time control and visibility across all its activities. This will improve management's decision-making abilities and planning," says Chris Boshoff, Boshoff Computers.
He adds that with all information now stored in a single database, everything from accounting to purchasing to customer relationship and manufacturing data can be managed within a coherent global environment.
Clotan Steel will also be able to optimise its resources as a result of the solution, with functions being adapted to user preferences and work practices. This means that each employee will have the specific tools they need at their fingertips when they need them. Sage ERP X3 will additionally equip Clotan Steel with a workflow engine, enabling better control over the company's processes.
"The workflow system will make it possible for Clotan to manage procedures electronically, simplifying traditionally paper-based and task-intensive processes," says Fenner.
Perhaps the best feature of Sage ERP X3 in the context of Clotan Steel, however, is that it includes all the manufacturing, distribution and accounting functions that drive the company, while offering it a sophisticated infinite capacity planning tool that will help optimise production. The solution's product configuration abilities will also enable Clotan to vary its finished products according to customer-specific requirements or use the kit assembly features to bundle finished goods together before final delivery to the customer.
The extended and extensive partnership between Softline ACCPAC and Clotan Steel looks set to be a mutually beneficial one well into the future. Powered by Sage ERP X3, the manufacturer has invested in a solid foundation for sustained and successful growth.
Share