case study booklet
TRANSCRIPT
Some bright ideas for your business
Be a Better Business
About Us
For more than a decade, Milner Browne has been doing things differently. By focusing all of our efforts into SAP Business One we have built a team of in-house experts who are dedicated to one thing: making your business better.
After successfully completing more than 400 SAP Business One implementations we are proud of our reputation for reliability, professionalism and, more importantly, delivering real benefits to SMEs.
Our innovation has allowed hundreds of small businesses to create a business management solution that not only complements existing processes but improves them at the same time. With the Milner Browne B1 Apps range, organisations can take the best of SAP Business One and build a solution that matches their needs.
Once you have chosen your solution, you can rely on our SAP expert consultants and project managers to deploy your software and train your team to maximise the potential of SAP Business One.
“After everything is in place, we are still there with you every step of the way,” Sally Poff, Operations Director.
Our award-winning support team and experienced account managers ensure your software always runs smoothly. If there is ever a query, our team is only a phone call away.
In this selection of case studies, see how Milner Browne has transformed different types of businesses by simplifying, streamlining and automating processing with SAP Business One.
Abco Kovex Wholesaler and distributor of packaging materials
Abco Kovex is one of Europe’s leading importers and distributors of packaging materials and machinery. Before the company deployed SAP Business One in 2014, its existing software was coming to the end of its life and was no longer supported. Additionally, the system provided no integration into the company’s warehouse, resulting in no visibility or trust in existing stock levels.
Milner Browne deployed a wholesale and distribution solution that simplified processes at Abco Kovex.
• Clear visibility into real-time stock levels• Instant insight into financials and productivity• Centralised data source
Instant reports
20%reduced costs
10xmore buying
power
“In my opinion, SAP Business One is in a more advanced generation of solutions available in the SME market.”
Wholesale & Distribution
AydyaRetailer of innovative products
When approached by Aydya back in 2003 the popular retailer was using several separate solutions to manage its financials, sales and CRM functions. These disjoined systems forced the company into lengthy data duplication tasks when it required important reports.
With the implementation of SAP Business One, this single, scalable solution would not only assist Aydya with its sales analysis, forecasting capabilities and batch processing tasks, but allow the company to make significant long-term savings.
• Accurate insight into stock levels• Future forecasting • Improved customer service and retention
£150ksavings
10 yearsusing SAP
Business One
Instant forecasting
“The support at Milner Browne is amongst the best we have ever experienced from any company.”
Retail
B HepworthManufacturer of equipment for the commercial travel industry
B Hepworth and Co. Ltd specialises in the design, manufacture and supply of windscreen wiping systems, washing equipment and related control systems for the marine, rail and commercial travel industries. Back in 2010, B Hepworth was using a bespoke solution across different departments within the business.
Milner Browne quickly recognised how a SAP Business One solution for manufacturing could benefit the company. The seamless and quick introduction of SAP Business One connected different departments within the organisation and created a centralised source of information staff could rely on.
• Significant costs savings due to reporting capabilities• Integrated forecasting tools to avoid bottlenecks• Award winning supply chain
360° company-wide
activities
71 daily users
-20% reporting costs
“The level of service and support has always been good at Milner Browne.”
Manufacturing
Cadtek Software support services
Cadtek provides sales, training and associated support services of the software package SOLIDWORKS. In 2003, the company decided to implement SAP Business One to replace its dated and inefficient business management solution.
The automated nature of the solution has provided integrated sales and invoicing tools. The slick process means more sales are processed per day than previously. Performance and financial levels are monitored closely at a managerial level through SAP Business One Crystal Reports. These enhanced managerial reports deliver real-time insight into company-wide activities.
• Integrated sales and invoicing tools• Process more sales per day• Real-time reporting
300%increase inturnover
5x faster
sales to order
APIintegration
“Since using SAP Business One our turnover has more than tripled over a ten-year period.”
Professional Services
DMZ Automatisering BVIT services and support
As a leading IT supplier, DMZ specialise in deploying solutions and support to all types of organisations across The Netherlands. They realised how SAP Business One could help solve their challenges around automating processes and storing and accessing data centrally.
DMZ deployed a cloud-based SAP Business One solution, with an additional project management add-on from the Milner Browne B1 Apps range. The automation of sales management tasks, from quotation through to delivery and billing, removed various manual tasks from the business. By integrating data into a centralised database, staff were able to access customer records quickly.
• Quick access to data• Automated processes• Removed manual tasks
SAP Business One
Cloud solution
2
B1 Apps
5+years using SAP Business
One
Professional Services
“The implementation of SAP Business One has been a big step forward in helping us streamline our business.”
Cagney Contract CleaningSupplier of cleaning services and products
Cagney Contract Cleaning has been providing a wide range of professional cleaning services to a variety of clients since the late 1970s. Back in 2008, the company deployed SAP Business One to remove disparate systems and manage operations. The system almost completely removed paper-based tasks, helped manage and track stock more effectively and allowed the business to accommodate larger orders. Importantly, the company can now accommodate larger orders without having to increase the company’s headcount. This has not only led to projects being delivered more easily, on time and within budget, but also supported a period of prolonged growth.
• Powerful stock and warehouse management• Instant financial and performance reports• Improved cash flow and cost savings
-50% warehouse operativesrequired
100%sales order
traceability
40% organisational
growth
“SAP Business One has helped us grow as a business. We probably couldn’t have coped with some of the larger contracts if we didn’t have the system.”
Professional Services
Dutch company Emgas BV is a leading wholesale and distribution company with more than 75 years’ experience trading gas cylinders. After experiencing a period of growth the company quickly realised it needed to replace its legacy systems.
Since using SAP Business One, Emgas has been able to reduce cost handling through the ability to forecast, plan and optimise its warehouse. There’s been productivity gains in financial and sales departments, and savings of €25,000 per annum after switching to digital invoicing. Whereas previously customer-facing staff were forced to investigate queries, information is now stored and accessed in one convenient dashboard. • Cost saving in invoicing through going digital• Reduce cost handling • Increased customer experience
ISO 9001 compliant
€25,000 postage savings
360°Customer records
Wholesale & Distribution
“SAP Business One is saving us money – that’s for sure. It has given us lots of improvements and we are sure there’s more to come.”
Emgas BVGas cylinder wholesaler and distributor
InterchemDistributor of animal health products and pet food
Interchem is a leading supplier of pharmaceutical, biological and super-premium pet food products for the animal health market. In 2011, company directors decided to replace an outdated solution with SAP Business One.
The implementation of SAP Business One allowed Interchem to centralise stock master data, financials and customer records in a single, integrated solution for the first time. This integrated data now provides accurate financial records and reports. Levels of customer service have also improved as staff are able to instantly access business partner activities and service history when in contact with customers.
• Centralised customer and supplier database • Streamlined digital invoicing • Advanced financial reporting
50% faster
invoicing
20% more
productive
360° customerrecords
“SAP Business One is now at the heart of our operations.”
Wholesale & Distribution
Java RepublicCoffee manufacturer
Java Republic blends coffee in the first purpose-built, carbon-neutral roastery in the world. With a history of fast growth, the company needed the help and support of Milner Browne and SAP Business One to scale its operations and enable full visibility across the increasing range of its market, products and services.
Java’s new ‘bullet proof’ solution has changed the way they do business. A high level of reporting is now readily accessed by different managers and, the user-friendly interface has simplified key tasks. Efficiencies have been experienced across the business and the robust, flexible and scalable platform continues to take Java Republic to the next level. • Clear visibilty into stock• Accurate reporting• Increased market share
50%improved stock
handling
+95%increased effciency
levels
-10%wasted stock
“From our perspective, the implementation was flawless.”
Manufacturing
JJ Siddons Iron and steel manufacturer
Joseph & Jesse Siddons is a well-established iron and steel foundry based in the West Midlands. Their flexible production methods enable them to produce a wide range of castings.
SAP Business One streamlined monthly reports where progress could easily be tracked on manufacturing and financial performance. Paper-based tasks have now been removed from the organisation in favour of automated digital functionality in SAP Business One. Despite the company’s headcount reducing due to retirement, productivity levels have improved and human error is vastly reduced.
• Streamlined monthly reports and key tasks• Increased productivity • Vast reduction in human error
4xfaster
reporting
2 yearsReturn on
Investment
Improvedproductivity
“I was well aware of Milner Browne after working with them at a former company. When JJ Siddons selected them I was delighted to maintain my relationships with the team.”
Manufacturing
Kelsey Networks LtdIT services and support
Kelsey Networks Ltd (KNL) provides expert IT solutions. In its infancy, KNL used several pieces of software to manage different types of activities.
The introduction of SAP Business One has allowed Kelsey Networks to gain a centralised system to manage company-wide activities. The automated nature of SAP Business One has streamlined operations. Key processes are now integrated resulting in improved levels of productivity. Integrated tools have driven levels of customer satisfaction offering a complete scalable solution. Additionally, by automating processes, the company has created a clear and transparent audit trail.
• Centralised system to manage company processes• Transparent audit trail• Streamlined operations
£10k savings per
year
360° view of company
activites
Single system to manage sales &
servicing
“SAP Business One has allowed us to expand our headcount.”
Professional Services
Kent Stainless Steel fabricator
Kent Stainless is the largest fabricator of steel in Ireland. Suffering from common growth issues, the company was faced with a lack of visibility across all divisions, plus under-developed supply chain, stock and order management systems.
The SAP Business One solution allowed managers to track the progress of work within the factory, analyse the cost of off-cut materials and stock and collate data in one agile, accessible solution. Different departments are now working together through its supply chain via immediate and accurate information. By storing information in a single source the company has also been able to produce vital managerial reports.
• Centralised data source• Real-time progress tracking• Visibility across company divisions
+44% increase
in turnover
+66% quicker monthly
reports
+50% productivity
Manufacturing
“When we asked questions like can ‘SAP Business One do this or can it do that?’ the answer back was always ‘yes’.”
10+ years using
SAP Business One
B1 WMS
£10kinventory savings
Manufacturing
Kingspan Access FloorsSupplier of rasied access flooring
Kingspan Access Floors has been using SAP Business One for more than a decade. After using several different disparate systems across the organisation, the introduction of an integrated solution delivered instant cost savings by eliminating waste and productivity gains through improved performance.
It has been able to streamline its levels of stock by having access to real-time data to make smarter purchasing decisions. With fewer stock outs, optimised inventory management, and better quality control over dispatched goods, customer orders are fulfilled and delivered on time. Customer facing staff also have instant access to key intelligence when answering any queries.
• Improved customer experience• Smarter purchasing decisions• Cost savings by eliminating waste
“The support provided by the team at Milner Browne over the last decade has been excellent.”
Leoxx An innovative flooring company
Leoxx develops commercial project flooring. All of its products are CO2 neutral, recycled or can be 100% recycled. Deploying an eco-friendly solution was high on the agenda.
After selecting SAP Business One Leoxx went from using ten separate solutions to just one. The removal of mass data duplication instantly improved levels of productivity. The automated nature of the solution now links together the departments making the company more pro-active and flexible. Field-based staff also use SAP Business One mobile functions; this improves the overall speed of quotations with instant access to pricelists.
• Removal of mass data duplication• Centralised data source• Increased productivity
50% time saved
registering activities
70% reduction in paper flow
50% less C02
emissions
Manufacturing
“SAP Business One has contributed to helping us become a cleaner organisation.”
Medina Dairy Supplier of dairy and bakery products
Medina Dairy had several problems with the applications they were using, in some cases, software was more than a decade old and none of the applications were integrated.
SAP Business One made an instant improvement across the business as well as being able to make significant cost savings per year. As a result of the automated streamlining processes, data duplication was removed with staff only having to populate information into one central system. Senior managers could extract instant reports and make more informed decisions. Rather than waiting weeks to get information on the performance of different departments, this is now available instantly.
• Significant cost savings• Removal of data duplication• Informed decision making with real-time reports
£80k Annual ITsavings
3x faster
invoicing
92% faster
reporting
Wholesale & Distribution
“We evaluated a number of solutions. But due to a lack of features and the cost of other applications we opted for SAP Business One.”
Miriad ProductsWholesaler and distributor of caravan components
Miriad Products, a wholesaler and distributor of caravan and motorhome components, had quickly outgrown its former software after a period of sustained growth.
SAP Business One was introduced to streamline and standardise procedures. Greater efficiencies were experienced due to the single data source and automated operations. The results were almost immediate. Miriad Products has also integrated Milner Browne’s online e-commerce solution. This innovative tool has enabled Miriad to double the number of online sales it takes, with the company having a solution able to both meet customer demand and outmanoeuvre rivals.
• Double the number of online sales• Automated, standardised procedures• Greater efficiencies completing tasks
+50%online sales
24/7self-shoppping
experience
ERP& e-commerce
integrated
Wholesale & Distribution
“We’ve been really impressed with the ability to extract data from the system and it’s more flexible than our former software.”
1single
database
Award winning solution
+14% levels ofturnover
Manufacturing
Mollart EngineeringDeep hole drilling and engineering specialist
Mollart Engineering is a leading deep hole drilling specialist. They required in-depth functionality that would provide true insight into daily production costs. Their customised solution allows them to reduce the amount of applications and databases it used in favour of a single, integrated solution. With a trusted vault of data the company can confidently make more informed decisions when planning and managing production tasks. The ability to access timely information has improved the accuracy of reports and forecasting and reduced levels of human error. The B1 Production app developed by Milner Browne in tandem with Mollart Engineering, delivered the required costing accuracy the company once searched for.
• Increased levels of turnover by 14% in consecutive years• Identify true job costings• Data security
“We’ve witnessed a 14% increase in turnover in consecutive years since using SAP Business One.”
Murray’s Medical EquipmentSupplier of medical, homecare and mobility equipment
Murray’s Medical Equipment was the first company in Ireland to deploy SAP Business One. Prior to implementation, the software they used for sales and distribution channels was at breaking point.
After company-wide buy in, staff quickly saw the benefits after productivity levels significantly improved. Prolonged processes were replaced instantly. Staff have instant access to accurate levels of stock, finance teams can generate important reports quickly and easily and field-based teams no longer have to contact colleagues to check orders can be fulfilled or to provide a quote on any enquiries.
• Increased productivity levels • Access to accurate stock levels• Centralised data source
25% growth
1st company in
Ireland to use SAP Business One
-16% time on data management
Wholesale & Distribution
“Despite being in business for 30 years, we found there wasn’t a single process that couldn’t be radically changed for the better with SAP Business One.”
24,000 products in
supply & distribution chains
24/7 managerial
support
10+years using
SAP Business One
Retail
Pulse AccessoriesFashion accessories retailer
Pulse Accessories is a retail company selling jewellery and accessories in stores across Ireland. Having witnessed a burst of growth the retailer required a solution to replace its outdated one.
SAP Business One ticked all boxes. There is comprehensive reporting and data mining, an efficient EPOS system in retail outlets and an integrated solution for financial management, stock control, sales administration. The benefits have been felt through retail and management level enhancing the businesses performance. In store, staff have embraced the user-friendly nature of the system and managers are able to make more accurate decisions.
• Reporting and data mining • Effective cost control• User-friendly EPOS system
“Milner Browne took care to understand our requirements and they have provided an efficient and cost effective solution.”
SerosepManufactuer and distributor of medical diagnostic products
Serosep specialises in diagnostic instruments and consumables for hospitals and laboratories. They had become frustrated with using disjointed systems to manage its finances and inventory and having no CRM tools.
SAP Business One equipped them with a single application to manage every aspect of its business. Fragmented, out-dated applications were replaced with a scalable, integrated solution. Serosep no lonjger have to rely on manual checks. The company is able to rely on the data stored to make more informed and cost-effective business decisions.
• Automated reports for industry regulations • Decrease in manual data collation • Increased efficiencies in operations
4 daysa month saved on reporting
ISO 9001 & 13485
compliant
-12 the number of stock takes reduced per
year
Manufacturing
“What I’d say about Milner Browne is that they are very pro-active. The customer service is very good and enquiries are answered very quickly.”
SoundstoreElectronics retailer
Soundstore are an Irish owned electrical retailer. They currently have six retail stores and distribution centres. Its existing software was struggling to cope with new operations. The retailer had a total reliance on a single person who had written and maintained the bespoke solution the company were using.
SAP Business One delivered a scalable platform that has assisted Soundstore in meeting its growth ambitions. This trusted source of information, which is updated and accessed in real-time, has led to more efficient reporting on performance and financial metrics.
• Enhanced data visibility• Efficient reporting on financial metrics• Increased productivity in distribution chain
100%stock
accuracy
20%less man hours
+25%productivity
Retail
“Our stock variance has reduced and our confidence in our reporting has increased. This has to be good for our business.”
The Packaging HubHigh quality packaging and logistics supplier
The Packaging Hub is a goods packaging company established in 2009 that has witnessed a period of impressive growth. The implementation of SAP Business One delivered a number of immediate benefits. By obtaining a clear and accurate insight into its inventory the company was able to make significant savings that have been invested back into the business.
The Packaging Hub has become more agile when it comes to new domestic and international opportunities. Despite scaling up in a short period of time, SAP Business One has provided a solid platform where levels of productivity have grown without increasing overheads.
• Return on investment in under a year• Increased productivity without increased overheads• Improved cash forecasting
1 solutionacross several
countries
12 monthsreturn on
investment
3x quicker
reporting
“By streamlining our inventory we’ve made significant savings – and we’ve only been using the solution for a year.”
Wholesale & Distribution
TranslasManufacturer of welding equipment
For more than half a century Translas has been designing and manufacturing innovative welding products to companies across Europe. The company recognised the need to upgrade their business solutions and future-proof the organisation. By implementing SAP Business One and replacing divergent solutions, Translas was able to manage marketing, sales, production and distribution processes centrally from one solution.
By storing information centrally, they have been able to make smarter purchasing decisions. Accurate data allows staff to check real-time levels of stock to ensure the company is able to fulfil orders and give instant answers to enquiries from customers.
• Smarter purchasing decisions• Real-time stock inventory• Supports LEAN philosophy
2 B1 Apps
5 B1 Production
users
Version
9 PL14
Manufacturing
“SAP Business One is now the backbone for the organisation.”
TrulifeManufacturer of niche healthcare products
Since 1987, Trulife has been a truly international business employing over 600 people with operations in Ireland, UK, USA and Canada. SAP Business One was selected to integrate business units.
Rather than using separate, disparate solutions, SAP Business One enabled Trulife to run manufacturing operations, distribution chains, customer service and support, purchasing and inventory management in one solution. Improvements have also been in the customer service department. These factors have led to Trulife’s reputation for product and service improve and result in new business sales.
• Time saved in data extraction activities• Improvements to customer purchasing experience• Integration of disparate business units
5x faster
reporting
100% order
fulfilment
25% company growth
Manufacturing
“I’ve used quite a few different systems and SAP Business One strikes the right balance for a company like ours.”
Up and UnderRetailer of outdoor clothing and equipment
Up and Under is an independent stockist of outdoor, walking and watersports clothing. As well as its shop, the company also has a popular online store. They were suffering from common growing pains, such as no interaction between departments, a lack of accurate insight into its inventory and company-wide task and data duplication.
SAP Business One integrated information into a single database that allowed them to make more intelligent decisions through advanced data handling and reporting. Advanced forecasting tools in SAP now allow the company to react quicker to customer demand and become more flexible with its levels of stock.
• Significant productivity gains• Visibility across department activities• Quicker reaction to customer demands through forecasting
£60k annualsavings
1 database to manage
sales & stock
5 B1 Apps
Retail
“SAP Business One basically runs our company now. Everything that can goes through the system.”
Westomatic Manufacturer and supplier of premium vending machines
Westomatic, the vending machine manufacturer, was using several solutions to manage departments within the organisation which caused a lack of visibility. Data duplication was an issue with different systems having inaccurate levels of stock.
By storing data centrally in SAP Business One, staff can analyse demand patterns of customers and forecast to ensure future orders can be fulfilled without having a detrimental impact on current operations. Key production processes are now automated with staff able to manage process controls. Westomatic is now able to act leaner with orders coming through from the sales team.
• Cut costs• Increase scale of operations • Optimised inventory
92% components
in streamlinedsupply chain
1solutionto manage operations
4 differentB1 Apps
Manufacturing
“We worked closely with Milner Browne to create a tailored SAP Business One. These additional add-ons complement the tools already in SAP.”
Wow! StuffInnovative gifts and toys supplier
Wow! Stuff is one of the fastest growing toy companies in the UK. The company supplies some of the biggest toy retailers across the UK.
When Wow! Stuff first contacted Milner Browne the company was suffering a number of common issues that growing organisations experience. One of the biggest issues was a complete lack of visibility on the status of products from the supply of distributors on to the delivery to customers. The transparency of SAP Business One solved this issue instantly. As a result, Wow! Stuff have seen an increase in sales and the business has become more agile and flexible, especially when shipping orders to retailers.
• Visibility of product supply from distributors• More agile and flexible business operations• Increase in sales
“The thing that stood out for us was Milner Browne’s honesty, their integrity, and their under promise but the feeling that they were going to over deliver. And that’s what they absolutely did.”
Manufacturing
£40k project
management savings
4 B1 Apps
Version
8.82 PL 7
“We simply wouldn’t have been able to grow the business without SAP Business One as a tool to enable such growth.” Anthony Moynihan, Operations Director, The Packaging Hub
“The best thing about SAP Business One is its integration across the business.” Nigel Peach, Financial Controller, Active Electronics
“We wanted to make sure we had a solution that was bullet proof. After considering SAP’s reputation and our growing relationship with Milner Browne we decided to deploy SAP Business One.” David McKernan, Owner, Java Republic
Get in touch
Want to find out more about Milner Browne? Speak to one of our experts today about creating your own customised SAP Business One solution.
W: www.milnerbrowne.comE: [email protected]: 01 2860200