CUSTOMERS

SIMMS INTERNATIONAL PLC
Metaphorix software solution Improves Company Efficiency By 50%

 
 

Simms International, a leading distributor of computer memory products, has invested significantly since going live in 1998 on developing a solution based around Navision that gives a 100% fit to their business requirements.. The comprehensive integrated business solution was designed, developed and installed in just over five months - and is delivering a 50% increase in operating efficiency.

The contract, now worth in excess of £¼ million, incorporates the Microsoft Business Solutions Navision edition enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution utilising a range of integrated services from Metaphorix including system design, implementation, consultancy, training and system support.

Simms International, the largest distributor for Kingston Technology Memory products in the UK, is using the complete ERP solution to improve the management, integration and financial reporting of its four business divisions – sales, operations, marketing and financial. The solution has enabled the company to implement an e-commerce application to market and sell its PC memory products over the Internet.

Andrew Henderson, managing director of Simms International, says of the partnership: "It was a natural choice to approach Metaphorix  to deliver the total package. It wasn’t just its understanding of the Navision Financials product, but the Metaphorix team excelled in developing an in-depth understanding of our entire business strategy including the IT system, infrastructure, backoffice and Internet/e-commerce requirements – a key element that impressed us most."

Ian Cowan Managing Director of Metaphorix says: "Simms International’s requirements demonstrate perfectly the capability and flexibility of our solution - as we were able to effectively deliver a complete integrated business solution comprising ERP software, Internet expertise, messaging and business systems implementation knowledge and skills."

The solution provided to Simms International replaced its existing Apple Macintosh environment with a total PC solution, including 39 desktops and NT server.

The implementation by Metaphorix at Simms International is now in its fifth phase  – the first stage concentrating on the financial and operations of the business, particularly focusing on the problems faced in distribution with ever-changing product and pricing models. The second phase has incorporated the sales and marketing functions, particularly sales order processing. The final phase includes investment in the company’s online and customer service areas that will include computer telephony integration and e-commerce. To further illustrate the flexibility of the solution, the implementation has extended to include Simms International’s sister company in Australia, where a system rollout was achieved in less than one month.

The system has already had a major impact on the company, with significant business efficiency improvements: reduced administration costs and workload of up to 50%, improved cashflow and far greater individual and collective productivity. A further, and probably more important aspect for the company’s future plans - is the flexibility of the Navision system, enabling it to be developed further as the company continues to grow in both staff and turnover terms.

"We are currently talking to our customers as to how best to develop this system in line with their needs. Through the implementation of an Internet and e-commerce solution we are looking to totally upgrade the quality of communication and information," continued Mr Henderson. In the future both our customers and vendors will be able to access stock, shipping and product information, keep up to date with the latest prices and ultimately purchase our products via the Internet.

"To remain competitive in the marketplace – it was essential to integrate all aspects of our business and to develop our IT infrastructure in this way. By using the expertise of the Metaphorix solutions we are now fully equipped to provide a totally effective and efficient distribution business," concluded Henderson.

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