When two of the biggest Western Cape motor spares franchises, each managing tens of thousands of part numbers, upgraded their database environments to Pick D3 for Linux and installed sales administration systems, the results were increased uptime, scalability and improved management information reporting systems.
The Suburban Spares Group, with five branches linked to the head office, and the Tonnesens Group, which has five branch offices, recently upgraded and each installed an administrative software system called Quick Draw. The solution was developed locally by Pick Business Systems, Cape Town (PBS) - a value-added reseller (VAR) of Pick Systems Africa.
Lawrence Speedy, general manager of the Tonnesens Group, says the system has improved management information reporting systems and provided the ability to respond more rapidly to customer queries. He adds that it has solved all the problems other packages often have, particularly in terms of inflexibility. The PBS system is customisable, hence highly flexible and provides better functionality and a very user-friendly interface, he adds.
"I have never come across a query that the system could not satisfy," he comments. "Also, it has increased uptime to the point where the system is now completely reliable."
Wayne Potgieter, accountant for the Suburban Spares Group, says the Pick system is better suited to the spares industry and Suburban`s business than any other solution. "Whereas sometimes you`re stuck with the functionality of other packages, and cannot add or remove aspects, Pick Business Systems` stock control and accounting package can be changed, upgraded as and when required. We have considered other systems, but this is definitely the best solution for us.
Both spares groups have run applications based on the Pick database management system for a number of years. Both have more than 40 000 part numbers, "but D3 can expand to accommodate much more data," says Simon Devis, executive director of PBS.
Devis says that the Quick Draw system is entirely modular and includes accounts receivable, accounts payable and other general administrative modules. It has been tailored specifically for the automotive spares industry and assists users to identify branded parts and compatibles, giving pricing comparisons that allow users to offer clients the best options available. Moreover, as the modules are fully integrated the system runs the businesses entire processes from stock control through to invoicing and the general ledger.
Devis says PBS is focused on motor spares businesses as one of its traditional vertical markets.
Both companies` systems run on a Pentium II 450 MHz NCR server, and are using Digi communications equipment to link the branches. "Being networked means I can update the system, change pricing or carryout month-end routines at any time. We`re always online," Tonnesen`s Speedy says.
Devis says Pick is equally comfortable in other operating environments, as demonstrated by an implementation at a Western Cape motor boat franchise, of Pick`s D3 database management system which is resident on a Compaq Proliant server that runs Microsoft Windows NT.
"It is a small operation in terms of volume of transactions," Devis says, but the system carries 145 000 different part numbers, and features a fully-integrated sales order, administration and accounting system."
PBS Cape Town was recently awarded a Pick Systems Top VAR award being one of the five most successful resellers for Pick Systems in Southern Africa.
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