Fosfory

Changing to component-based business software from IFS has saved Fosfory both time and money. IFS Applications has provided the Polish chemicals manufacturer and distributor with greater control of its financial flows, greater process integration, and more efficient management accounting.

Lack of Integration Slowed Down Operations

Although most of the company’s operations were computerized at an early date, the systems used were unrelated. As operations expanded, the IT structure proved to be inadequate. Multiple data entry—and the error correction related to this—was too time-consuming, and the lack of integration meant restricted access to information. The slow rate of overall work was also the effect of a relatively large number of ad hoc temporary tools, such as spreadsheets and residual databases. Production and service operations were developing, and it became ever harder to monitor the growing number of customers and invoices on a regular basis. As a result, the company decided to introduce an integrated IT system.

Flexible, Scalable, and Easy to Implement

Company management realized that the problems encountered could only be resolved by improving access to accurate, easily accessed information, which would enhance decision-making and lower the probability of risk. To achieve this, they wanted an integrated IT system, a single database, in which information would be entered just once, where it was generated. 

After looking at a number of ERP vendors, Fosfory selected IFS Applications. The step-by-step implementation methodology ensured minimal disruption of operations, and  the component architecture provided the flexibility the company required. Moreover, the scalability of IFS Applications means that  the software can easily cope with growth and change as Fosfory expands and develops.

Step-by-Step Implementation

Following its step-by-step Applications Implementation Methodology (AIM), IFS divided the project into four clearly defined phases to implement the logistics and financials components. This included mapping Fosfory’s business processes using IFS Business Modeler, which helped the implementation team to match existing business processes with processes supported by IFS Applications and to quickly identify areas where customizations were required. During implementation, a dozen or so modifications were made. Some of these concerned compliance with accounting legislation, while the rest involved reporting requirements and a different presentation of data in the user interface.

More Speed, Skill and Precision

One of the first benefits noted was during the implementation. The AIM methodology guaranteed a smooth and rapid process that eliminated unnecessary discussions and delays. 

Operational benefits followed quickly. Supported by the financials component, management accounting has improved substantially, and the company now has full control of its financial flows. With automatic cost accounting, and report generation via Crystal Reports, Fosfory can more easily and quickly produce the wide variety of reports required to run its business and retain a complete overview of its finances. In the past, it took the financial services staff several days to complete these tasks. Integration and single data entry have also saved Fosfory time and money since reports are more accurate and can be accessed faster. And less time is spent correcting errors caused by incorrect data that was entered manually. 

Moreover, users are continuously realizing the depth of functionality in IFS Applications, discovering new tasks that can be automated to improve operations. In that sense, the software is very much “alive”, opening up new opportunities as new needs are uncovered. Fosfory is currently implementing IFS Maintenance and plans to upgrade to IFS Applications 2003.

Software

• IFS Financials™
• IFS Distribution™
• IFS Maintenance™
• Oracle database system 

Hardware

• IBM RS/6000, AIX operating system
• IBM Workstations