DS Handling
Before DS Handling Systems Limited, a Conveyor Systems Integrator, purchased Questica 2000, we had several databases that were responsible for estimate tracking through to the project job costing and accounting. The problem was that we needed a software system to combine our databases and tie them to Engineering.
Neil Marr, General Manager of DS Handling explains, the total cost of the system for a company wide implementation was the main deciding factor and the general fit to our process was the second most important factor. A lot of the smaller programs were designed specifically for a widget type shop while the larger programs with more features became extremely expensive to roll out to the initial 20 to 25 personnel we wanted to give some portion of the system to.
The existing connection of the Questica system with our accounting software, ACCPAC, allowed us to maintain part of ACCPAC for background processes. This allowed us to transition in switching to Questica in stages. In the end the cost sa
vings of delaying the upgrade / replacement of remaining ACCPAC modules as well as the opportunity to retain part of the accounting process was a benefit.
The main improvement to current operations was the material control that an ERP system provides. Previously we had no direct connection between the Engineering BOM and the actual procured items. The ability to trace required items, duplicated items, and shipped items was difficult. After purchasing Questica 2000, returns because of duplication went down to zero which lead to great savings in the first year.
The next improvement, faster duplication of previous products is just coming into play. This was the one of the primary long term goals and should prove to be the greatest overall result.
Our customers are more likely to gain in the future when there is a request for a repeat item or spare part. The response and accuracy of the detail information will be much better than with the previous paper trail. The ease in generating spare parts lists as a result of the system is an internal benefit at the moment.
Our initial use of Questica was for a $2 million project consisting of largely in house manufactured product. Questica 2000 provided us with the confidence and capability to successfully complete this project, which would have otherwise have had a multitude of errors in the material counts. Total payback of Questica 2000 is difficult to measure but it likely paid for itself within 2 years.
Neil Marr
General Manager,DS Handling
