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of the system, and to develop a solution that extended much further the integration and logic between the two systems.
Added efficiencies and benefits
Recently, ever more demanding business requirements led to a decision to upgrade to latest EFACS E/8 version because it offered a modern, browser-based user interface, as well as Workflow, Contract Control and Document Management.
managed and supported by the EFACS E/8 ERP System from Exel Computer Systems.
Upgrade
Haigh has always concentrated on developing products and opening up new markets. With a continual need for the appropriate ERP infrastructure to support this focus, EFACS has been fundamental to the manufacturing processes since 1998 when the system was first purchased and implemented. Recently, ever more demanding business requirements led to a decision to upgrade to latest EFACS E/8 version because it offered a modern, browser-based user interface, as well as Workflow, Contract Control and Document Management. Another key factor was a requirement for a Service Management system to replace an ageing Lotus Notes solution.
Although the in-house solution had served Haigh well for many years there were numerous benefits of selecting an off-the-shelf solution, and after extensive research the Eagle Field Service system, also by Exel Computer Systems, was identified as the best solution. A major attraction of both EFACS E/8 and Eagle Field Service was that both products could operate as a totally integrated
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MANUFACTURING &LOGISTICS
IT July 2011
solution. The cost savings in not having to integrate what are traditionally separate systems, along with possible duplication of data and management of two independent systems, added to the cost justification. A long-standing relationship between Haigh and Exel gave everyone re-assurance of the capabilities of both companies to deliver a successful project. Therefore, the decision to move forward with the EFACS E/8 upgrade was straightforward.
The project started in September 2010 and Haigh went live in early January 2011. All users and staff of the EFACS system were exposed very early on to the new functionality, with regular training and workshop sessions to ensure everyone had time on the system. The biggest challenge was rewriting the SolidWorks CAD integration. Haigh wanted to move away from how this was previously managed and decided to utilise Workflow to achieve its requirements. This provided an opportunity to develop a solution within the EFACS framework rather than developing scripts outside
Now that Haigh is fully up and running with EFACS E/8, the company has realised many efficiencies and benefits with the upgraded system. The Contract Control Module is already providing significant improvement in capturing costs against a contract, and this works seamlessly with the Document Management module to hold all documentation belonging to the contract. Workflow reduces the administration overhead of managing engineers and allows them to focus on servicing customer needs more efficiently. The upgraded system provides greater visibility and time advantages to the user when drilling down into data; for example, parts and Bill of Materials (BOMs). The seamless integration between EFACS and Eagle Field Service has reportedly improved almost beyond measure the invoicing and parts management functions.
Luke Shepherd summarised the successful upgrade: “Exel has developed class-leading products with EFACS E/8 and Eagle and the quality of consulting and support has been superb. They provide us with significant business improvements and will provide us with the tools required to remain competitive in today’s market.”
www.logisticsit.com
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