Greater security, flexibility, control and business report generation are key benefits accruing to commercial and industrial cleaning specialist MaPa Cleaning Technologies following the installation of a business solution based upon Pastel Evolution accounting software by branded business and technology solutions provider Lorge.
The decision to base the business solution on Pastel Evolution software was taken after evaluation of other accounting software offerings primarily because it was the best fit for the business while also offered manufacturing and multi-currency modules.
Paul Dahl, general manager of MaPa, said the software`s SQL database also provided the functionality for the generation of a wide variety of business reports specific to the company`s needs which would assist management and administration.
"The capability to handle multi-currency was a core requirement as most of the specialised cleaning equipment and systems we provide and support are imported. Similarly, the job costing module is providing great value to our workshops operation, conveying accurate quotations to customers and full detail of the repair or service work to be done to the workshop operators."
Dahl added that the multi-currency facility enabled the company to record a fixed rate value against the euro at the time of order and then again at the time when the order payment is actually received.
"This enables us to make adjustments to the fixed rate at an appropriate time and the software will automatically adjust all of the imported items in the price lists by the stipulated percentage and reflect the adjusted cost price for each item. We have more than 3 000 line items and 70% of them are imported so the automatic adjustment saves considerable time and effort while at the same time achieving complete accuracy."
Other add-on modules complementing the core General Ledger, Debtors, Creditors and Inventory facilities in the package are serial number tracking, manufacturing and multi-warehousing.
On sales or accounts queries, Dahl says another advantage of the Pastel Evolution solution is that its structure enables management and staff to ensure they always communicate with the right person at customer companies, distributors and suppliers.
"Some of the organisations we sell to are huge," says Dahl, "so it is important to be able to speak to the right person. For example, mining companies want our high pressure cleaning equipment for their centralised cleaning stations, petroleum companies need dedicated car wash installations using our equipment for their service stations and transport companies for their truck wash installations."
MaPa Cleaning Technologies opened in 1998 and 10 years on has a staff complement of 40, offering a comprehensive range of imported and locally manufactured industrial and commercial cleaning machines, including high pressure cleaners, vacuum cleaners, floor sweeping and scrubbing equipment, high-pressure accessories, hygiene brushware, mopping units, consumables and car wash equipment.
The company uses a network of distributors to ensure maintenance and servicing of the cleaning equipment which is imported from suppliers in Italy, Germany and China and also sells to specialist hire companies which hire out the equipment.
"We needed more than just accounting detail," said Dahl. "Now we have a flexible, strong management tool that provides business intelligence and reporting functionality for instant overviews of the business that provide us with strategic information and direction."
MaPa Cleaning Technologies has strong ties with the international Interpump Group through IPC (Integrated Professional Cleaning) based in Cremona, Italy and deals with leading brands from within this group, including Portotecnica, Interpump, Soteco and Euromop. An extensive range of accessories from Meccanica Veneta and PA is offered through the high-pressure cleaner division. Other represented agencies are Haug B"ursten hygiene brushware, HPP high-pressure pumps, Nicolini electric motors and SIX vacuum motors.
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