We’ve seen a very eventful period since the UK voted to leave the EU. Despite widespread scaremongering, the stock market has continually risen (until it was Trumped!) and we’ve seen relatively strong economic data. Paul Bennett, Managing Director of Fascia Graphics discusses how now is the right time for manufacturers to invest in new technology such as ERP.
For instance, a major survey released by the EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation, pointed to early signs that the sector is now seeing opportunities from a resilient UK market and a brightening in export prospects because of Brexit.
And, if this good news wasn’t enough, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) upgraded its growth forecast for the UK from 1.1 per cent to 1.5 per cent for 2017. But, (and this may be a sign of things to come) it downgraded growth expectations for 2018. So, I believe this tells us that the year ahead is the critical time to invest in new technologies that will drive efficiencies to deal with a potential slowing in growth.
Here at Fascia we believe in continuous improvement as a key to our success – so we have recently invested in a new MIETrak Pro ERP system. Why? We have invested well over £1million in upgrading our print lines, so to fully capitalise on this investment, we needed a front and back-end system that would help us to respond to customer requests more quickly, simplify front and back office management, and improve visibility across every aspect of our operations.
In short, our new ERP system delivers just this. We have consolidated five separate software packages into one single system – providing enhanced visibility and control of all aspects of functions – seamlessly integrating sales, accounts, production planning, purchasing, production, HR, and QA. Instead of having data distributed throughout several separate databases, all information is now located in a single location. Data is also kept consistent and up-to-date. It has eliminated repetitive processes and greatly reduced the need to manually enter information.
We have also been able to enhance production planning visibility so we can now load and plan to capacity; ensuring products are turned around efficiently. The system also records all aspects of material and labour usage, automatically analysing past manufacturing data to provide quotations that are more accurate (and very often competitive), and more precise production times for future work.
Also, sales and customer service staff can now interact more quickly and effectively with customers, as they now have more accurate access to customers’ information and history. A huge ‘win win’.
Our stock-control and purchasing has also been transformed – with the ability to see the requirements for the coming hours, days, or weeks. This enables the business to automatically call-in material when needed without having to hold stock for longer than required and risk damaging or exceeding shelf-life. For suppliers, there is also the advantage of improved information on upcoming requirements.
By investing in the right ERP system, you also get improved reporting capabilities so you can respond to complex data requests more easily. Users can also run their own reports without relying on help from IT – once again cutting time and cost.
We clearly feel that having market leading front and back end systems are critical to future success of our industry, but how many manufacturers will invest in this small window of opportunity to reap the rewards post Brexit?
To find out more about MIETrak Pro and how MIE Solutions UK Ltd can help your business, visit: www.mie-solutions.co.uk
