EOH`s Oracle division, Navigor, has been appointed by Blue Strata Trading, pioneers of integrated trade finance, supply chain management, import logistics and risk management rand-based solutions, to implement an integrated ERP solution.
Aimed at supporting the company`s long-term growth and improve its business process performance, the implementation is scheduled to go live in February 2007.
EOH director, Ken Cullinan says Blue Strata Trading`s logistics system was developed in-house and tailored to the unique business processes of the company.
"As effective as this was, the system could not support the steadily growing business. The lack of integration with the financial system as well as the manual processes has led to fragmented communication and visibility of the big picture."
The Navigor solution, based on the years of Oracle experience, includes a combination of enhancements using Oracle Developer Tools and standard modules. Cullinan says it will give Blue Strata Trading the integrated scalable solution it is looking for to effectively grow the business.
Blue Strata Trading provides a rand-denominated supply chain solution for importers. Its business strategy focuses on removing the shipping and foreign currency risk from the customer, thereby managing the risk themselves. Cullinan says it is for these reasons that Blue Strata Trading`s robust ERP system is essential.
"Blue Strata Trading imports a diverse range of commodities including apparel, shoes, toys, tubing, textiles, furniture, electronics, electrical wire and building material. Their aim is to execute the shipping and financing on behalf of the customer, consigning the goods in Blue Strata Trading`s name and also verifying the charges of other service providers such as customs and freight agents," says Cullinan.
The Navigor solution included Oracle Financials such as General Ledger, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Fixed Assets and Cash Management. It also incorporated procurement and sales and distribution. "This module concentrated on order management, sales online, advanced pricing, project costing and transportation management."
Cullinan says this is the first implementation of Oracle Transportation Management in South Africa. He said the ERP solution also features technical enhancements such as a Forex management solution and insurance claim handling.
Blue Strata Trading and Navigor adopted a consultative approach, eventually settling on a solution that both parties were satisfied with. "We work as a team. Navigor is also one of the strongest Oracle implementers in the country, which ensured that Blue Strata Trading would benefit at both the concept and implementation stages," concludes Cullinan.
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