Date published: 01.09.08 - not release date

Traditional ERP companies fail to meet needs of mid-sized companies

Traditional ERP companies fail to meet needs of mid-sized companies
Consultants identify needs – solutions providers rise to challenge

A study conducted by UK supply chain consulting company Bisham Consulting has clearly indicated that medium sized companies cannot necessarily meet their supply chain solutions needs from traditional ERP providers. As part of an initiative to identify and meet the needs of these mid-size companies, Bisham one of the UK’s leading independent supply chain consulting companies, was called in to identify the need and build a business case for appropriate offerings.

Following the study, five IT solution providers within the supply chain have come together to offer mid-sized companies a sensible, practical, cost-efficient supply chain alternative to the major ERP offerings. The companies involved are, Deltion, Destiny, DPS, Fleetwood and RedPrairie, all of whom are market leaders in their own specialised spheres and they have formed a strategic alliance to meet these needs.

Martin Williams, Director of Bisham Consulting, who project directed the study, said “It is obvious that for many companies, and this is supported by evidence from many of our own clients, they require a user friendly and cost effective IT solution for their supply chain and are struggling to find one. Many have found that complex ERP offerings are an expensive hammer to crack a relatively simple walnut.”

“The demands of cost effectiveness, simplicity, visibility and customer service are often not met. Although the major ERP solutions are expensive to purchase and to implement, they all too often do not meet the expected cost benefits in the supply chain.”

The event: The supply chain offering, which will be launched at a series of free showcase events - www.logisticsshowcase.co.uk - starting in November at Old Trafford Manchester (November 8th) and Pinewood Studios London (November 10th), is modular allowing companies to pick all or whichever parts are appropriate for their business needs. The key elements of these web-based solutions are order management, warehouse management, vehicle routing and scheduling, tracking and tracing and proof of delivery.

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For further info contact:
Denis O’Sullivan, NetworkedWorld, networkedworld@btopenworld.com, 01344776636; 07710820979

For further details about the companies mentioned above, see the brief descriptions below and visit their websites:

Bisham Consulting:
(www.bishamconsulting.com) is one the UK's major independent logistics consultancies. Established 14 years ago, the directors and senior consultants have all held senior management or board level positions in the logistics arena. Bisham offers practical solutions in all aspects of the supply, ranging from the strategic to operational and tactical issues. The client base ranges from major multi-nationals to small and mid size private companies

Deltion:
(www.deltion.co.uk) offers a web-based platform which manages and displays distribution information, delivering real-time visibility and a single communications channel for customers, distributors, sub-contractors, drivers and consignees. Online access is available across all operational sites in all countries in real time.

Destiny Wireless:
(www.destinywireless.co.uk) is one of the world leaders in the delivery of Digital Pen & Paper (“DP&P”) technology using Anoto Functionality™ to the business market. Destiny specialise in improving business process flow because with increased efficiency and productivity clients can expect to generate more profit and improve cash in-flows.

DPS International:
(www.dps-int.com) is one of the World’s leading suppliers of innovative vehicle scheduling and routing software solutions based on a wealth of experience in logistics consulting gained over a quarter of a century. DPS has recently introduced logixcentral, the only Internet based scheduling and routing service.

Fleetwood:
(www.fleetwoodmobile.com) enables businesses to view and manage all their remote events, transactions and resources in real-time through its innovative handheld mobile devices, integrated software applications, mobile communications, and GPS based location tracking – improving operating efficiencies, cash flow and customer service

RedPrairie:
(www.redprairie.com/uk) has, for over 30 years, enabled leading global companies to create competitive advantage through supply chain excellence. RedPrairie’s comprehensive technology solutions provide rapid and sustainable return on investment by optimising the performance of people, places and processes. The integrated solutions suite includes warehouse management, workforce performance management and duty management solutions