Headland advance ahead and beyond!
The Challenge
Headland Machinery had been growing out of their existing solution for some time. The business was faced daily with stock integrity issues, daily data discrepancies and
difficulties tracking warranties. Lucas Vear, Headland’s Financial Controller, saw the opportunity to not only upgrade their accounting package, but also improve their overall business services.
The detailed wish list he drew up included fully integrated, real-time online ordering, deeper reporting and job costing, and the ability to handle multiple locations and foreign currencies. A key requirement was that the systems integrate with their Hanel automated stock management system. This system is a high-tech warehouse management and automation solution that uses a computerised lift to store or retrieve goods. Currently utilising a separate Service program, Lucas Vear is focussed on improving this process and implementing Sage Pastel’s Service Module. The module will provide further insight into job scheduling and staff productivity.
The Solution
After undertaking a needs analysis to identify the right solution, Sage Pastel Evolution was selected. The solution goes beyond accounting software with the interwoven content management system which allows the user an integrated holistic view of their business both in the future and the past. Microsoft’s SQL server database ensures data integrity and maintains all your data in one central database. The product is feature rich and the add-on modules available would meet the needs of the business now and in the future.
Holistic customer communication and information.
All customer communication sent through email is stored within the content management system. The information is used throughout the business with staff from different divisions accessing the customer information. Future implementations are underway to incorporate Sage Pastel Evolution CRM module which includes Incident management. All incoming calls will be logged in the system as incidents and sent to the appropriate division to manage. The incidents are automatically attached to the customer information. The CRM module will facilitate the management and interaction between the business, customers, potential customers, suppliers and staff.
Customised processes and work flows keep the wheels in motion.
A number of automated work flows have been set up in the core solution, which prompt automated procedures within the integrated add on modules. The streamlined work flows save time and provide accuracy through out each process. The SQL database allows the business to tailor the program to ensure individual organisational needs are met.
How it works.
Sage Pastel Evolution creates a sales order, generates a picking slip and electronically transfers it to the Hanel Picking Machine (HPM) which then automatically picks the good. Headland Machinery chose the advanced E-Commerce solution to meet their on-line store needs such as the advanced flexibility setup options of the online store, auto information update, Real-time item availability, Payment processing, Order acknowledgement and auto creation of Sales Orders direct into Sage Pastel Evolution.
The Results
Headland Machinery’s improved business processes have been formalised with the implementation of work flows through out the program. Improved efficiencies and automated processes has improved the overall performance of the business. ‘The system has enormous potential, the features within Evolution allow everyone in the company to use it’.
Headland are currently working with Software Options to integrate Sage Pastel’s Service module which will provide detailed information used to manage staff output. The
program will have the ability to track staff movements and job scheduling. Currently the business is using an external system where data is transferred and re-entered. Upon completion Headland will reap the benefits of gaining further insight into staff productivity and job costs.
Also future development by Software Options is underway for the implementation of a Sales Dashboard. The dashboard will provide a single entry point where the sales team can perform all the sales processes within Sage Pastel Evolution.