RC2 to implement SAP solution as part of international growth strategy

Leading global toy manufacturer orders specialist Chelford SAP solution to centralise warehouse and distribution operations

RC2, the leading multinational designer, producer and marketer of toys such as Bob the Builder, Thomas the Tank Engine and Johnny Lightning has ordered the SAP Smartstart ERP solution from Chelford SAP Solutions, a Chelford Group company and specialist provider of SAP solutions and support services. RC2 selected the SAP solution so it can consolidate and centralise its wholesale and distribution operations as it expands throughout Europe and the Middle East. Multi-Lingual systems will give RC2 the functionality it needs to enhance operations across these regions, and support existing offices in France, Germany and Holland.

The SAP system will provide time-saving shortcuts to RC2's processes, by enhancing the entry of sales data, while retaining a central repository of information on customer orders, progress reports and stock & inventory levels. The implementation will be carried out with both current and future needs in mind, and Chelford SAP will help ensure that the system provides the level of scalability that RC2 needs in order to continue its impressive global expansion.

"We have served customers across Europe for several years, and we have been able to function effectively throughout that time with the systems we had," commented Carol Newman, Operations Director of RC2's European and Middle Eastern Division. "With the new growth targets that we have, we felt the need to look at new options for the management of our expanding operations. SAP gives us a multi-lingual solution, so that we will have no inhibitions about going into new countries, because we know we will be able to process sales and stock information right away. The centralisation that SAP offers will also give us some operational advantages because it provides some short-cuts on the manual side of some of our processes.

"The SAP Smartstart solution also gives us a straight-forward avenue to scale the operation up as and when we need to. We perceive an extended period of growth as we look to consolidate in new countries, and a major factor in our decision to go with Chelford SAP was the assurance that the solution would have no problems accommodating that," Carol Newman continued.

About RC2
RC2 is a leading designer, producer and marketer of high quality, innovative, branded collectible, hobby, toy and infant products targeted at adults and children. The Company sells through more than 25,000 retail outlets located primarily in North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific, and has an annual global turnover of over $500million. RC2 researches, designs and develops products for consumers of all ages, through applying innovation, and developing consumer-preferred brands and products distributed through multiple channels.

RC2's infant and preschool products are marketed under its LearningCurve family of brands which includes The First Years by Learning Curve and Lamaze brands as well as popular and classic licensed properties such as Thomas & Friends, Bob the Builder, Winnie the Pooh, John Deere and Sesame Street.

The European and Middle Eastern division of RC2 is based in the UK and manages the corporation's supply chain across three continents. The division has an annual turnover of $46.6million, and has recently experienced an extensive period of company growth, through both corporate acquisitions and organic growth.

About Chelford SAP Solutions
Chelford SAP Solutions specialises in delivering SAP solutions to the Consumer Packaged Goods, Wholesale & Distribution and Apparel & Footwear industries. We provide complete life-cycle management of SAP business solutions for our customers. This includes strategy and planning services, implementation and support services, ranging from a help desk and straightforward maintenance to managed services. Chelford has developed a suite of certified mySAP All-in-One solutions for the Wholesale & Distribution and Food industries called Smartstart. The solutions are developed from SAP's Business Suite of software, but tailored for these industry companies.

About The Chelford Group
Chelford provides solutions in supply chain, ERP, manufacturing, warehousing & distribution, automated data capture and Microsoft technology based applications. Chelford solutions are supported with services in systems strategy, project management, business process change management, systems integration, managed services and facilities management.