Product category:
Supply chain planning and execution software
News Release from: Access Supply Chain | Subject: Access Supply Chain IT software
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 28 September 2006
Manufacturer overhauls IT systems
Last year a kitchen equipment manufacturer decided to overhaul its IT systems by implementing supply chain software gaining instant visibility and control of the business.
Sheffield, UK-based Crosby Kitchens has a history that goes back 70 years The business in its current guise was set up in 1996 and the 65-employee company now has two divisions: Athena, the manufacturing business; and Crosby which acts as the sales and marketing operation
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 28 Feb 2006 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories
Juke box maker selects integrated ERP
Technology in the 'juke box' industry moves extremely fast and a manufacturer's IT system could no longero cope, but integrated manufacturing software is expected to deliver massive benefits.
Electricals manufacturer reforms ERP to up sales
In a growing market with increasing competitive pressure, electricity equipment manufacturer has introduced a new ERP system to eliminate waste from manufacturing processes.
Last year the company decide to overhaul its IT systems to provide a solid base for future growth.
Crosby implemented Access Supply Chain gaining instant visibility and control of the business, and eliminating the errors inherent in the manual processes associated with its previous system.
A rapid and straightforward implementation plan eased the transition from the old system to the new and the Access solution went live inside six months, with staff quickly buying-in to the new software as they recognised the benefits of a more controlled way of working.
Further reading
Food manufacturer to use integrated ERP
Enjoying rapid growth, a fresh food manufacturer is upgrading its IT system to match its newly-modernised production facility by implementing a fully-integrated ERP system.
IT system helps car builder raise production
Preparing to meet demand for its new 'super car', Ascari has installed a fully-integrated manufacturing and financial IT system, which is expected to go 'live' inside 12 weeks.
The company has achieved 20% growth since then, with no increase in staffing levels.
Mike Atkin, Crosby's managing director, said that the company has taken the increase in its stride and there is no longer any 'fire-fighting' to get work processed: "People used to work late into the night and early in the mornings just to create the documentation for deliveries.
Now sales order processing is much faster and more accurate - and we have information on how we can pick orders and consolidate them into one picking sheet." He said: "A 20% increase in business means 20% more orders to be picked, 20% more products to be delivered - and without a doubt, the new system has helped us to achieve this." Crosby's routes to market are not straightforward - some of its products go to high street kitchen retailers via two main distributors in England, to which it sells in bulk; others go to house builders in Scotland through a distribution arrangement with builders' merchants.
The company can now work to a three or four week lead time, with the purchasing department able to see clearly what components are required, and Crosby is currently using the system to compile a bill of materials for all 1,500 of its products which will deliver more efficiencies.
Atkin added: "It is not a static business; kitchens are very much a fashion item and that means we have to launch five or six new ranges a year - the Access system will allow us to do that without having to establish a new bill of materials every time.
That will help us cut down on inventory and improve lead times still further.".
• Access Supply Chain: contact details and other news
• Email this article to a colleague
• Register for the free Manufacturingtalk email newsletter
• Manufacturingtalk Home Page
