Efficient, reliable planning was critical
A number of factors initiated change at Globus Group. The increasingly high demands placed on suppliers by wholesalers meant that supply chain capabilities had to be extended and enhanced. “We had to ensure that we could fulfill customer requirements to
avoid being left behind,” recalls Kennedy Baker, managing director at Globus Group. “Traditionally, our line of business is not at the leading edge of technological development, but we had to take the lead. We realized we had to further develop our
systems and add EDI and Web interfaces.” The food packaging industry is also characterized by seasonal variations, with peaks during the Christmas and Easter periods. To operate efficiently, reliable planning software is critical. It should enable
information to be shared with suppliers, for example, so that this information can be passed as far back along the supply chain as possible to prepare those involved for the changes that occur. The aim is to keep inventory levels as low as possible
to minimize the amount of tied capital. With efficient planning tools, inventory can be reduced by an average of 5–10%. At the same time, sales must be guaranteed. In other words, it’s a question of balance.
Flexible, integrated solution
The decision to select IFS Applications was taken after the software was evaluated for openness and its capability to integrate with other systems. “Developing new functionality would have been too expensive and would also have taken too much time,”
explains Kennedy Baker. “We investigated the market for ERP business solutions, and IFS was the most attractive and flexible alternative for the Globus Group. Most of all, though, we felt that integration with external and internal systems would be easier
with IFS.”
Faster, more accurate flows save time and money
After implementing IFS Applications, all production data are located in the same database, and the systems are integrated through the entire production flow. Enhanced control of flows from production to delivery ensures increased accuracy and strong
support, which facilitates follow-up and planning. Manual work, such as duplicate entries, can be eliminated, saving money and reducing errors.
Previously, Globus Group ran customized legacy systems. Forecasts were handled manually, and information was spread across several systems. The planning tools from IFS that are now used at Globus Group are extremely sensitive and react quickly to changes.
Moreover, historical data and transactions from sales and production are located in the IFS software. Kennedy Baker continues, “We now have a planning tool that is easier to use and that gives us a clear overview of our operations. Thanks to the openness
of IFS Applications, it’s easier for us to access data from different sources
—an absolute criterion for accurate forecasts.”
About 40 employees are currently using the system on desktop PCs, and the IFS solution has also been integrated with the sales support system. Orders and forecasts are sent to sales representatives’ handheld computers in the stores and can then be checked
against IFS Applications.
The changes are particularly noticeable at the central warehouse in Sydney, with 7,000 inventory spaces for products with a short processing time. Products from its own production unit as well as those imported from Germany are received and subsequently
shipped on to consumers all around Australia. Speed is essential in the warehouse; delivery notifications are received one day in advance, and orders received before 11 a.m. are to be delivered the same day. Currently, there is a radio network in the
warehouse, and employees are equipped with wireless handheld terminals linked to IFS Applications. Barcodes are read, a signal is sent to the system, and the delivery is registered automatically. This means rapid and secure registration of deliveries.
Facts about Globus
With more than half a century in the industry, the Globus Group is a pioneer in food processing and packaging. Headquartered in Sydney, Australia, the company has 160 employees in its operations, which cover Australia and New Zealand. While maintaining a
sharp focus on its foundation product, meat packaging, the Globus Group consists of five divisions that provide all-round service to the food industry in Australia and internationally.
Benefits
- Quick, easy reporting
- Detailed reports
- Integration of all components and business areas (manufacturing, accounts, distribution, etc.)
- Integration to other packages, such as Excel.
- Consistent costing
- Disciplined processes
- Ability to plan currency purchases and associated savings
- Cost savings associated with invoice printing on plain paper
- Remote access via Web interface
- Easy, flexible shop order updating for manufactured customer orders
- Enhanced inventory control
- Significant time and cost savings
- Enhanced service delivery capability.
Hardware
IBM X232 P3-1.26Hotswap (Windows 2000 Server SP2)
IBM X220 P3 1.13Hotswap (Windows 2000 Server SP2)
IBM APC Smart-UPS 3000MiB Software
IFS Applications 2001
IFS Financials,
IFS Manufacturing
IFS Distribution
IFS Business Performance
IFS Sales & Marketing
IFS Connect
IFS Web Kit
Oracle 8.1.6.3.8
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