Thurlby Thandar instruments undertakes major upgrade of its IT systems

Thurlby Thandar Instruments (TTi), a leading UK manufacturer and distributor of electronic test and measurement instrumentation, has selected SYSPRO ERP from enterprise softwarecompany K3 Business Technology Group (K3). TTi chose SYSPRO as the ideal fully-integrated solution for modernising its entire IT systems and will use K3s Network Infrastructure Solutions to remotely support its IT infrastructure. The electronics company will use a comprehensive package of modules, including Manufacturing, Distribution, Financials, Sales, CRM, Advanced Quality Management, Engineering Change, and Time & Attendance. SYSPRO will go live in April 2008.

TTi had outgrown its legacy ERP system that it has been using for over 10 years. In addition the company had identified that additional critical systems it uses were also ageing and not providing the level of support it required for running its growing business. A review of available ERP systems led TTi management to shortlist three products from different suppliers. SYSPRO was selected as the solution that offered full integration, comprehensive remote support and a clear development path. This would allow maximum information visibility to all TTi departments and provide a high-tech platform to support business growth.

We recognised that we needed a modern IT system because our reliance on unsupported, underdeveloped software was not in line with our current and expected growth. TTi has expanded to include a significant distribution business. Add this to our manufacturing operation and it was clear that we needed an integrated solution that would link all parts of the business. SYSPRO addressed our needs perfectly, says Keith Pauley, Production Director, Thurlby Thandar Instruments.

This is a major upgrade for TTi that will allow greater visibility of information to more people in our organisation. Integration is key to this as we want key staff to be able to access the information they need to perform their jobs, continues Keith Pauley.

It was also important that TTi chose a system that was not reliant on specific personnel to run it. The company has no designated IT department and so K3 provides full system support. According to Keith Pauley: K3 will manage our system remotely. This allows us to get on with our jobs without the worry of maintaining our IT. This is a great benefit to us.

K3 offers both reactive and proactive support for its Network Infrastructure Support. Customers with their own IT administration can benefit from reactive support which gives an additional layer of skills to back up their own IT capabilities. With reactive support the customer's IT administrator performs general IT support tasks and calls on K3 to deal with more serious or advanced issues.

Commenting on the features and functionality of SYSPRO, Keith Pauley concludes: Unlike some enterprise products it is apparent that SYSPRO has been developed organically. The system developments appear to be based on user input, how they work and what businesses need to do make efficient use of SYSPRO. This has led to it being very easy to use. Added to this is a development path that promises SYSPRO will provide an IT platform that will support the business well into the future.

About K3 Business Technology Group

K3 Business Technology Group employs 90 people at its Manchester head office and its branches throughout the UK and Ireland. The company offers solutions in enterprise resource planning (ERP), customer relationship management, advanced planning and scheduling, warehouse management, human resources and e-business. SYSPRO is used by some 12,000 sites across the world. K3 Business Technology Group is part of K3 Business Technology PLC which is a global leader in providing next-generation enterprise software for businesses in the retail, manufacturing and distribution sectors. With more than 3,000 customer installations in over 30 countries, K3 is recognised as a safe, innovative and reliable provider of world-class solutions, backed by world-class service.