Fully integrated SYSPRO ERP benefits valve maker

Implementing an enterprise wide ERP system will allow a valve manufacturer to manage and control its entire production and supply chain flow more efficiently.

Leading West Yorkshire, UK-based valve manufacturer, Alco Valves, is beginning to realise the benefits of becoming a more efficient business with the introduction of a fully integrated SYSPRO ERP system from McGuffie Brunton.

The company, which is continually developing its valve products, is implementing an enterprise wide SYSPRO system that will allow the firm to manage and control its entire production and supply chain flow.

The integrated system includes core manufacturing, distribution and financial modules, together with PLM, HR and Advanced Quality applications and will cover the four separate Alco companies involved in the supply of valves to the oil, petroleum and pipeline industries that operate from its Brighouse plant.

But rather than install everything in one go, Alco is working to a planned approach that will see them using an initial system of sales orders, purchasing, works orders and quotations with the phased implementation of MRP, HR and other applications in the New Year.

Alco's machine shop and international offices will be included in phase 2 of the project.

Integrating a series of stand-alone functions will undoubtedly improve the flow of information and, in the words of Mike Cunningham, IT manager for Alco Valves, "Mean that the same information will be seen across the company, making the business more efficient and improving our MRP." In particular, Alco Valves is seeking improvements in the placement of orders through SYSPRO's Product Configurator Module; a better schedule of deliveries of 'Just in Time' orders to companies like Shell and BP, as well as managing the full traceability and certification of its products with SYSPRO Advanced Quality Module.

"We selected SYSPRO because we felt confidence in McGuffie Brunton and their approach suited us.

McGuffie made sure they knew and understood our business, rather than try to sell us a software package," commented Cunningham.

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