Product category:
ERP and MRP software
News Release from: Exel Computer Systems | Subject: EFACS ERP system
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 29 June 2005
Valve makers standardise on ERP systems
Two valve manufacturers have replaced their out-of-date manufacturing control systems as there were clear benefits in both companies having the same ERP system.
Initially, Thompson Valves and Truflo Marine Valves had both selected a Unix-based package, but a last minute demonstration of the NT-based EFACS system convinced the three companies that this would be a more long-lived and flexible solution Exel Computer Systems is supplying the companies with software, hardware, training and support for an initial 30-50 users each, although the number of users will increase as the businesses grow
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 12 Aug 2005 at 8.00am (UK)
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Thompson Valves and Truflo Marine Valves are part of the flow control division of FCX Industries.
Because they operate autonomously, they previously used different manufacturing control systems, but there were clear benefits in both companies having the same ERP system.
The two companies operate in different niche markets.
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Thompson Valves manufactures specialist valves to order for naval, nuclear and aerospace applications - including the Ariane satellite launcher.
The company also manufactures a range of standard components, which are stocked so products can be configured to order as required.
Truflo Marine Valves manufactures valves for the naval market, the majority of which are high specification control valves for use in submarines and surface ships.
Previously, Thompson Valves and Truflo Marine Valves both ran MAAPICS manufacturing control systems, with add-on modules for purchasing and order entry/invoicing at Thompson Valves, the oldest version.
Both systems were originally run on IBM System 36 hardware.
By the late 1990s, both systems were becoming outdated - even switching to Unix-based IBM RS/6000 platforms had made little difference, though weekly backups no longer took 36 hours as they had on the IBM System 36 machines! In addition, none of the old systems were year 2000 compliant, and all three companies were suffering from being locked into proprietary hardware and software, which meant that upgrades were becoming very expensive.
A steering committee was set up, comprising representatives from FCX Industries and both companies.
They specified that the new ERP system should be easy to implement and use, have a low cost of ownership and be suited to use in a manufacturing environment, rather than being biased towards warehousing and distribution.
Support during the implementation and subsequent operation was also an important consideration.
A budget price of between GBP 100,000 and GBP 150,000 per site also ruled out several systems.
At the time, the companies felt that NT-based systems would be unable to handle large numbers of concurrent users.
The group's analysis of the market therefore focused on Unix systems, producing a shortlist of three.
Following demonstrations, and just before the contract was signed with the selected system, the team decided to check one last time in case something else came to light.
Further investigations convinced the team that Windows NT had advanced in both capability and reputation, and a visit to the CIM Show left them extremely impressed by Exel Computer Systems and its product EFACS.
This is a Windows NT-based package that provides comprehensive functionality with a user-friendly interface.
Full use is made of Microsoft's SQL Server database, and the system integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft products such as Word and Excel.
"We immediately liked the look and feel of EFACS and were struck by its flexibility, " says John Lokier, Divisional financial director.
"On meeting Exel Computer Systems, we were immediately struck by what a difference it makes to deal directly with the authors of the software, rather than with a reseller".
"Delving more deeply, we also discovered EFACS is a true Windows NT product, whereas other products with a Windows front end are often little more than old technology hidden behind a modern facade".
"The direct integration with Microsoft Office packages is also a huge advantage, since it allows us to make better use of the stored data".
"" When the systems go live, the management teams of the two companies should have far easier access to data, allowing them to run their businesses more efficiently and effectively.
Unlike the old systems, EFACS is fully integrated: without having to re-engineer their business processes, the three companies will have access from a common interface to information about all aspects of their businesses.
The flexibility of EFACS stems from its modular structure and the ease with which it can be customised.
This is particularly important for companies such as Thompson Valves, where there is some make-to-stock and some manufacture-to-order, so the ability of the ERP system to cope with the demands of mixed-mode manufacturing is essential.
The customisation tools within EFACS allow users to enhance their packages in line with their particular needs but, because the changes are not made to the core program, are unaffected by software upgrades.
In addition to software and hardware, Exel Computer Systems are supplying consultancy and training.
Some training will take place on-site, but a large proportion will be done at Exel Computer Systems classroom training facilities.
This will help make the implementation quicker and more efficient, as well as saving money.
Both companies has its own implementation project team, and there is regular contact between the three, helping to solve problems and avoid the duplication of mistakes.
The costs of training and consultancy have also been shared between the three companies, helping to reduce expenditure".
""Exel Computer Systems staff have exceptional knowledge of their products, and they are always very quick to respond when we need assistance," comments Lokier, adding: "We were keen to buy an off-the-shelf package, so the flexibility of the EFACS software was very attractive".
"Future software upgrades will be much more cost-effective than with our old systems, so EFACS should see us through the next 15 years at least.".
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