Manufacturing

Microtrading has worked with manufacturing companies since 1981, our vast knowledge ensures that we provide the best solutions and support in the marketplace. We can provide everything from hardware and software to infrastructure and support.

Products and Services

Manufacturing companies require good basic IT systems in order for employees to complete all of the tasks required of them. The functionality of the companies IT system is important as it will help ensure that no time is wasted and that the maximum work rate is achieved. Some of the most significant products and services for this industry could be considered as:

• Pegasus
• Sage
• ProspectSoft CRM

For details on our full list of products and services please click here, alternatively to discuss your requirements with one of our IT advisors please email or call 0121 784 0077.

Case Study

Evac+Chair Ltd manufacture emergency stairway evacuation solutions for disabled or injured personnel. Other products facilitate short or long distance transport of the sick or injured.

In 1986 Par-Aid (Aid for Paraplegics) a division of Weston Hydraulics, had 5 people. A buy-out in 1989 created Evac+Chair, which is now a dynamic, 50 strong Birmingham Company. Some sales and service staff are home-based. Except for the USA, products are sold worldwide through distributors.

Key Objectives

The service operation was the prime target for a CRM system. Because the products are safety devices that are subject to mandatory inspection and service, it was essential to bring the planning and management of field engineers' activities under close control.

Providing accurate, up-to-date, customer and service details to engineers in their homes or on the road, would improve operating efficiency significantly, by reducing the frequency of office visits.

Other hoped-for benefits were savings in time and a reduction in transcription errors, by avoiding manual re-entry of data into multiple software applications.

Results

In August 2004, Evac+Chair commenced installation of the ProspectSoft Customer Relationship Management Suite, which yielded four early benefits:

- The system tracks all on-site inspection and maintenance schedules and assigns follow-ups to engineers, without them needing to visit the office.
- ProspectSoft CRM integrates seamlessly and interacts extensively, with the Pegasus Opera II accounting system
- The system automatically replicates all customer information such as projects and quotations, as well as accounts data, to users at home or on the road
- Detailed analysis & reporting on key performance parameters is available

Through close integration with Opera II, ProspectSoft CRM tracks all products sold, then sets and monitors dates for service engineers to carry out customer training and site-surveys.

Internal communication and logistics management have also been improved, as a result of implementing the system.

According to Barry Scholes, MD of Evac+Chair. "All people in the company are very confident using ProspectSoft CRM and even those who don't use it, can see the benefits that it has brought to the business".

Scholes goes on to say: "ProspectSoft CRM has enabled Evac+Chair to manage service contracts smoothly, through a period of major expansion." In January 2005, Evac+Chair began to equip field sales staff with mobile CRM and is considering additional modules.

Priorities for CRM System

- Effective scheduling and tracking of service teams' activities
- Close integration with Pegasus Opera II
- Maintaining service contracts and regular health and safety inspections