Syscom PLC answer the question… We are being told in the press on a daily basis how the UK economy is growing. How companies have scaled up output in response to stronger inflows of new orders. And, that there is strong demand from the domestic market with rising levels of new business coming from overseas. According to EEF, The Manufacturers Organisation, the forecast for UK manufacturing output growth this year is 2.7%, the fastest rate of expansion in four years. One in six companies re-shored production over the last three years, whilst similar numbers are turning to UK suppliers for parts and components. Why? Is it due to better quality from a UK firm, faster deliveries and reduced logistics costs? “The tide has turned,” says John Ewing, Consultant at Syscom PLC, “companies are selecting to have parts made closer to home as it is becoming far more economical to do so. All of the necessary skills, raw materials and specialist machinery is here. However, a problem that still haunts UK manufacturing compared to its European counterparts is that legacy systems purchased years ago are now getting a little dated and often unsuitable for today’s competitive market”. He continued: “When purchased, they didn’t do everything you wanted, but then that was accepted so long as they eased production, simplified administration and helped keep records of who did what and when. Lots of spreadsheets were created and not all departments were invited to use said systems preferring to use their own immediately establishing departmental barriers. But that was OK, companies thrived.” In today’s competitive market place, relying on legacy systems could prove costly due to an inability to react quickly or being unable to visualise what spare capacity you have to take on more work as the industry continues to shake itself. “With an old legacy system, companies struggle to maintain control, have limited visibility and control of what’s going on or what’s possible” said John. “The cost of business software has fallen significantly in the past decade and there’s simply no reason why you should put up with unsupported, blinkered visibility caused through legacy business software systems any more. “Manufacturing Company owners should be looking at ways to de clutter their business processes, find new ways to automate where possible getting real-time information and obtaining much more control of their business. A modern ERP manufacturing software system will do this for you.” When polled, the main reasons given why Company Executives made the change to a modern ERP manufacturing system were: • Increased internal efficiencies and time wastage slashed • Reduced supply chain costs and inventory holding. • Growth and direction when all around were stagnating • Standardised and simplified business processes and • 360 degree visibility and transparency at all levels and plants within the business. “Profit has already been lost if jobs are taking too long to complete, machines are sitting idle, customers are cancelling orders due to an inability to supply or your staff are chasing paper trails and duplicating work effort.” Sound familiar? John continued: “the remedy to the problem is to first recognise that you have a problem, the second is to understanding how these issues affect your company and you are then on your way towards a cure.” Some benefits of a Microsoft AX ERP manufacturing system are: • Totally integrated – greater increase in communication and collaboration between ALL departments. • Lower production and stock costs. • Streamline processes and workflows. • Real-time reporting & dashboards. • Satisfied customers and suppliers. • Flexible to take into account business change. • Scalable to grow with your business. • Handles multi-site, operations well. “A Microsoft Dynamics AX ERP system provides the solid operational backbone that any manufacturing company should have to survive in today’s marketplace” said John. “It delivers a low TCO (total cost of ownership), through the integration of other Microsoft products and technologies.” In-fact, a Nucleus Research ROI study confirmed that MS Dynamics AX is the best-performing in its class. They also confirmed that it is the most flexible solution, quickest to implement and the easiest to adopt within complex organisations, making AX the best guarantee for future success. “What makes Syscom PLC different” says John, “is that we take time and great care in understanding your business, its strategy and goals, before we make any recommendations for change.”