nVisionIT has assisted telecommunications equipment distributor, CentraTel, in achieving effective use of Microsoft Great Plains in its organisation, including an upgrade of the software and resolving challenges impacting on the productive use of the product.
It is unfortunately not always the case that an enterprise resource planning solution results in business process improvements and efficiency gains. An effective solution includes tailoring the solution to meet the organisation`s processes and resolving any technical issues during the implementation and customisation.
Warren Richardson, MD of CentraTec and operations director of CentraVoice, two companies within the CentraTel Group, explains: "We`d had a custom-developed solution that worked reasonably well for our business, but were faced with a situation where customisation was required for any new functionality or upgrading - with accordant high costs and slow reaction speeds. Since this was not workable, we looked at available options and went for Great Plains as it appeared to offer the required modules and functions."
Problems manifested with this initial implementation. "We thought we were getting a standard package, only to discover that it was being heavily modified. Our concerns about possible issues with future upgrades was compounded when the solution provider was liquidated; the ERP was like a cancer, getting worse and worse," he says.
At this point, he continues, Microsoft Business Solutions recommended that nVisionIT get involved. "They have been very helpful with an upgrade from version 7.5 to version 8," says Richardson, adding that CentraTel opted for an absolutely standard implementation (completed in May) to ensure its relationship with its customers was not affected as a result of the erosion that the customisation was causing to its operational efficiency.
The standard implementation of version 8 has restored CentraTel`s faith in the Great Plains system. "With stability achieved, we`re now working with nVisionIT to gear the solution to our and our customers` specific needs," he adds.
Angelique Coleman, account manager at nVisionIT, says when the company first engaged with CentraTel, it discovered a number of issues that needed to be addressed. "This was at a time when the company needed to prepare for year-end. When we intervened it was a governance issue as reports were necessary for audits, and the system was unable to produce these. We initially stabilised the existing environment, getting to a point where the data was accurate, and then cleared the code and upgraded to version 8," she says.
Richardson says the company is now confident in its Great Plains solution - adding that through this process, it has gained the knowledge that customisation must be handled expertly, and also should be avoided where it is not necessary. "Customisation of a standard package is not always the best course of action to take. If not approached responsibly, at best, it leaves you committed to developers - at worst, it doesn`t work properly," he notes.
Ultimately, Richardson says CentraTel is now gaining the advantages that it sought from its Great Plains package, including the ability to open new channels of business through online portals, order tracking and other functionality. "We`re able to generate accurate reporting as well as implement an e-business strategy. All in all, with nVisionIT`s expertise, business is running the way it should be," he concludes.
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