Johannesburg, 26 Oct 2015
Ndlovu Fencing, Trading as Stafix Electric Fence Centres, has gone live on the K8 ERP solution from Kerridge Commercial Systems (KCS). The rollout was across 12 branches, starting on a Sunday and going live the following Monday morning.
Debbie Potgieter, Senior Project Manager for KCS commented that Stafix is an exemplary customer and that it is a huge pleasure to work with them. "From day one Stafix provided us with a clear blueprint of their business processes, this expedited the configuration of their system".
Heidi Williamson, Financial Director of Stafix, commented that she was impressed with the dedication and knowledge portrayed by the KCS team, often working overtime in order to complete tasks, "Although there have been some issues as expected, I am very pleased with the progress on our ERP project".
Replacing an ERP System is probably one of the most demanding and challenging initiatives a business can embark on. Although the future benefits of an integrated ERP system outweighs the initial stresses of implementation. However, there are processes and methodologies that provides the roadmap for a successful implementation, coupled with this accurate data, motivated and empowered teams, and a great system specification will result in less stressful and a quicker implementation cycle. KCS uses a methodology called
METIS derived from the Greek goddess of the same name portraying wisdom, prudence and deep thought. The METIS approach follows six key steps with related processes that if followed correctly form the foundation for the next step. These steps include: initiation, design, build, deploy, go-live and finally post go-live support.
Summary of the Stafix Project:
The scope of the solution consisted of a full multi-branch setup with IBT's SOP, POS and related financials. KCS kicked off the project in March 2015 with a team of five, completing the implementation within budget and within a six-month time frame ending on the 1st of September 2015 when the project went live. There were even some additional days remaining for nice-to-have business reports.
The following business process enhancements were identified as part of the project:
* Improved stock control across branches.
* Stock planning more effective due to branch quantity visibility.
* Improved control on cash sales with till cash ups and reconciliations.
Stafix are looking forward to rolling out K8 to the rest of their operations at their north-west branches.
Highlights:
* Stafix had documented processes and operational procedures
* A strong internal team was allocated and made available when called on.
* The new system, process changes and user roles were clearly communicated to the business by senior management.
* Strong internal buy-in and support from senior management down to stock pickers.
* Master file and product data was provided timeously and with all relevant required information e.g.
* PAC (product analysis codes), branch files and supplier details
* Well planned project resulted in a quality UAT (user acceptance testing) and successful dry run - the pillars of a go-live process.
* The rollout was a big bang across 12 branches starting Sunday 9am live by 3pm Sunday, ready for trade on Monday.
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