Access Supply Chain reports buoyant software sales

Access Supply Chain has reported buoyant sales in the first six months of 2007, with an 18 per cent increase compared to the same period last year.

The developer of advanced enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions, which will be showcasing the latest version of its software at Softworld in Birmingham on 17th and 18th October, said that the manufacturing and distribution sectors remained confident about the business environment and were prepared to invest in ERP solutions to ensure they maintained their competitive edge.

The company's new business wins span a broad range of industries including tool manufacturer Caldwells Manufacturing, and frozen food manufacturer, Imagefarm.

Ian Lycett, systems analyst and implementation project manager for Imagefarm, commented, "Access Supply Chain will support the introduction of new recipes into the factory by allowing us to refine costings through information gathered during production trials and subsequent production runs. That will allow us to really nail down our costs."

The Access Supply Chain system has proved to be the powerhouse behind many a successful business, and has seen customers Plymouth Gin and Crosby Kitchens recently win major honours at the 2007 Best of British Manufacturing IT Awards.

Mike Atkin, managing director for Crosby Kitchens, commented, "We've increased sales by 20 per cent in the last year - before Access Supply Chain, we would have really struggled to keep up with any amount of new business. We were constantly fire-fighting and troubleshooting to get work processed as fast as possible. Now, we've got the same workforce and we've taken this 20 per cent increase in our stride. We are more effective, we have more visibility and ultimately more control."

As part of Access Supply Chain's own growth plans, it recently hired Paul Williams as sales and marketing director. Craig Such, MD for Access Supply Chain, commented, "Paul's appointment was a strategic decision to help extend the reach of our software solutions. More and more companies are looking for full ERP systems that integrate their manufacturing and distribution processes for a more 'joined-up' approach and grow with their business; the Access Supply Chain software allows them to do just that. Part of Paul's remit is to ensure this message is being heard."

The Access Supply Chain solution is a fully integrated system, providing a complete range of business modules including sales, purchasing, stock control, manufacturing, warehouse management, time recording and fully-accredited financials. From better tracking of job costs to reduced stock holding and stronger cash flow, Access Supply Chain also integrates seamlessly with third-party applications - including the award-winning Access Dimensions financial software - providing real-time exchange of business information. Crosby Kitchens, which has been using the solution for more than two years, will be presenting a first hand account of the Access Supply Chain system from an operations director's viewpoint at a Softworld Masterclass on Thursday 18th October.

Access Supply Chain will also be offering a free guide to successful software selection - Manufacturing and Supply Chain Software For Dummies - at the exhibition. The book provides a step-by-step guide to implementing a new ERP system and will include advice on avoiding the pitfalls as well as getting the most from the Access Supply Chain solution.

Visit Access Supply Chain on stand AF326 at Softworld to discuss your specific ERP requirements with one of our consultants.

About Access Supply Chain

Access Supply Chain specialises in the provision of manufacturing and distribution solutions for small, medium and large companies. The Access Supply Chain software is a modular Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solution that helps manage and facilitate the operations of most vertical industry companies.

Modules cover every procedure from purchasing of raw materials, automation of works orders, bill of materials, scheduling and traceability, to costing, quotations, SFDC, warehousing and despatch.

With its scalable modular structure, excellent functionality and flexibility, the Access Supply Chain software combines all the advantages of a standard packaged solution with the fit of a bespoke solution. It has limitless potential for integration and can be deployed with complete confidence in every part of the organisation.

Access Supply Chain recently received major honours at the Best of British IT Manufacturing Awards 2007 with two of its customers, winning 'best use of IT in supply chain management' and being highly commended for 'best use of IT in manufacturing and business management'. The company also recently gained recognition in the Real FD/CBI FD's Excellence Awards 2007 for its part in helping sister company Access Accounting win the prestigious 'Financial Software Provider of the Year' award, as voted for by its customers.

Access Supply Chain is part of the Access Technology Group of business software companies.  Formed in 1991, Access was one of the first software vendors to recognise the huge potential of the WindowsR operating system and to harness MicrosoftR applications for the benefit of its clients, delivering them significant commercial advantage.