Bespoke CRM / ERP allowing greater productivity
A CRM & ERP which successfully integrated the Company's various disparate systems.
Since 2005 we have worked together on websites, bespoke software tools and digital marketing services. Most recently our relationship culminated in us being appointed to develop a bespoke software system to drive their business workflow and integrating with our previous stand-alone developments.
Years of upgrading and integrating Internal systems had caused fragmentation. Improved systems and agility were required to achieve ambitious growth plans.
Wickens first examined "off-the-shelf" solutions from well known providers such as Sage, Microsoft and SAP. On the face of it these applications provided reasonable answers to their requirements. But it soon became clear that software vendors were "bending the rules" of these packages to fit their specific needs. In addition these applications proved costly when requesting bespoke enhancements to standard functionality
Analysing business structure and company goals enabled us to create a high level specification to guide the project. This was used in conjunction with subsequent wire-frames and design schematics to detail the new CRM application, its workflow and user-interface. Throughout this period we listened closely to the various departments, all of whom would need to rely on the new system and catered for.
An intense but well-planned development period, coupled with user testing and stringent testing helped ensure eventual deployment was trouble free. Data was transferred from existing systems wherever possible meaning that customer information remained intact and historic reporting tasks were still possible.
Integrating all the various disparate systems and data has opened up numerous opportunities for Wickens. The exact status of a single job within the company is now visible to all and overall company activity can be monitored. Cutting down the need for communication between stakeholders.
The CRM provides a structured workflow to jobs, from initial enquiry, through to production and delivery. Each step is formalised, which not only gives great visibility but also allows incremental improvement throughout the company as efficiency is monitored and improved.
Significant amounts of data are now captured about all stages of a job - meaning that profit margins can be accurately costed. Allowing more accuracy with business planning and analysis for future strategic improvements.
- A single system built around standard technology; we utilised the Microsoft .Net framework and SQL database server to deliver a solution that will offer longevity and be well supported.
- Automated communication with suppliers; the software provides a gateway to put steel requirements out to tender online, easing complexity and improving delivery time.
- Workshop time management; operators use touch-screen interfaces throughout the factory to clock on and off machines with time automatically assigned to the correct jobs.
- Detailed cost analysis; every element of a job is tracked and recorded - from the price of the material to a minute by minute breakdown of labour.
- Sage Line 50 Integration; transparency across all applications ensuring orders and accounts tally.
