Benefits
· Greater transparency throughout the company · Faster access to accurate data · Greater agility in business processes · Scaleable solution that supports expansion IFS Applications Helps Leading Automotive Dealer Expand
IFS Applications provides the IT support that Stafford Motor Company required to continue its ambitious program of development and expansion. Business-critical information is now available sooner and is of much higher quality. As a result, business decisions are more accurate, and the company can more easily changes in business and trends. And the transparency provided by the integrated business solution means that all aspects of key business processes can quickly be accessed by those who require them. Lack of Integration Slowed Business
As the company was spreading its wings over many areas with rapid intensification and exponential growth, management began to find it difficult to obtain accurate business information. Its expansion into four geographical locations within a short period of time, growth in the workforce, diversification into many products and, above all, an upsurge in sales and services brought about the need of an integrated information system. Management of Stafford Motors saw these difficulties as obstacles to further expansion and growth and decided to look for much more advanced ERP Solutions. IFS Offered Component-Based Agility and Local Presence
Many of the major ERP vendors responded to Stafford Motors request for proposal. The selection criteria covered a broad scope, including functionality, commitment, stability, trust, integration, security of data, professionalism of staff and above all, local presence. Dr Kalinga Kaluperuma, CEO/ Managing Director, stated, “It was interesting to see the functionality and the value that an ERP could bring into Stafford. The daunting task for us was to evaluate and pick the best solution that suited our business processes. We required a system that could be operated along the lines that IFS had built into its solutions: component-based, agility and simplicity. Above all IFS personnel illustrated true professionalism in dealing with our management and stakeholders. All these factors made our task easy in choosing IFS as our solutions provider.” Smooth Implementation without Disrupting Business
The implementation process started in late 2005 with a plan of three phases, spanning throughout the subsequent year. The three phases included five IFS modules to be rolled out with minimal effect on the day-to-day operations of the organization. The company introduced new hardware and invested in new IT infrastructure. The top management commitment toward the implementation helped the IFS consultants to give a total on-the-job training with quick-fix solutions. Advantages
With the legacy system that was in use at Stafford Motor Company, the task of managing inventory, sales and financials independently was very tedious, especially at the rate the organization was growing and expanding. With IFS Applications, all data are now available in a common system, making business processes transparent from one end to the other. This is the key to the greatest benefit of an integrated system; it is much easier to make the timely and accurate decisions that are critical for the company to maintain its leading position and increase its competitive edge. And it provides Stafford Motors with the agility it requires to adapt to changes in the market.
|
