Johannesburg, 18 Jun 2013
Lombard Tyres, one of South Africa's largest independent tyre dealers for the past 30 years, has turned to SAP Business One ERP technology to centralise its accounting, business management, stock control and reporting processes.
"A major stumbling block for us was that 20 branches were reporting via separate general ledgers," said Lombard Tyres financial manager Sean Kruger. "We needed an integrated system on a centralised platform and server, with an ERP solution to track all the processes and enable the implementation of better and quicker reporting to management.
"We had to install new servers and therefore needed failovers, so we conducted considerable research into available ERP solutions and initiated contact with 4most. The resulting discussions clearly demonstrated that 4most was the company to take Lombard Tyres to the next level. The solution they presented to us has been very successful to date and we are proud that we decided to go with 4most."
The Lombard Tyres solution also included a redesign of the IT platform. "This was a daunting challenge that 4most guided us through, particularly in our area of greatest concern, namely stock, its movement and transfer. A flawless changeover involving both 4most experts and our staff was implemented, and we now have a central control point for all of our stock on a single, integrated platform."
The Lombard Tyres employees were initially challenged by the new system. Kruger said resistance to change was a factor, but with a flawless overnight conversion conducted under the guidance of a 4most senior consultant, training and a hands-on approach, staff soon saw the advantages, particularly the simplification of previously complex procedures which led to quicker work turnaround and improved productivity.
"Our staff began to enjoy using SAP Business One, having seen that the benefits are vast. The internal controls in the software help employees to perform their daily tasks more quickly and efficiently. We can now report financials almost immediately, and stock control and movement is automatically updated. Return on investment is important to us and our return has been positive, with a reduction in stock loss and a significant improvement in staff productivity."
Kruger added that a key benefit of the SAP Business One solution is the add-on software that is available. Particularly useful to Lombard Tyres is the ability to bulk e-mail all statements with seamless integration into the system.
"The impact has been felt by our clients, who are realising the added value of improved services. A mailing add-on was developed for us by 4most and this has been beneficial to our business."
Lombard Tyres customers appreciate the efficiency of the bulk e-mail system. Development work done by 4most also resulted in the implementation of a bond store integration service, which has assisted the company by improving workflow and streamlining business processes.
"The 4most senior management has built up a great relationship with us. I don't think they could have done anything better and we have not hesitated to recommend 4most to other companies. Our research and our own experience with 4most confirm that there is no other product out there that could have met our requirements so exactingly."
The interview with Sean Kruger from Lombard Tyres can be viewed at the following link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6LSyVWKYgE.
Share