API decides on a new ERP approach with ComActivity
Australian Pharmaceutical Industries has been using M3 (Movex) from Lawson (Intentia) as its ERP system since 2005. However, the desire for API to have more flexible systems to support changing customer and business requirements, called for an additional tool set. After extensive research into the alternatives, API has chosen ComActivity to provide a platform based on open standards to enhance their business functionality.
Doug Horwood, CIO at API Pharmacy, was looking for a new approach. "Our ERP system provided the basic business functionality to run our day to day business, but we wanted to enhance support for our customers and adapt to the business changes constantly required to remain competitive. We selected the Comactivity Enterprise platform because of its ease of use and flexibility. We are able to develop interfaces to our data that gives our users only the information they need coupled with API specific business rules, and we can add new functions as the business demands it. The users of the enterprise solution have, for the first time, had the opportunity to design the user interface to their wishes. ComActivity's service and process oriented architecture, together with its model driven development method makes it possible to describe all work processes from the user’s perspective. This delivers solutions that support business changes, emphasizing simplicity and user-friendly applications. Thanks to a new and more user-friendly business solution from ComActivity, the pharmacy distribution division is able to increase its productivity. The first step for API will be to simplify the work processes within areas such as order processing and customer service to improve productivity and customer satisfaction, before moving onto other areas like purchasing, finance and logistics. One of the challenges with the change to a more effective software toolset will be to handle the work processes in a simpler and more customized way than was previously possible with the old system. The transition to the enterprise solution from ComActivity has given us more efficient work methods and also increased the satisfaction among the users of the system. The solution should deliver us increased work flow and audit controls to save us time and money" Mr Horwood said. As API has found "ComActivity's enterprise applications are based on genuine usability. The fact that the platform is web based and designed with open standards like Java makes it possible to implement it together with enterprise solutions from other vendors. This means it is possible to invest in new and effective enterprise solutions step by step," says Nick Gray, Sales Director of ComActivity. API is one of the largest pharmacy distributors in AU. API operates with two main business units: Retail with a focus on the health & beauty retail market and Pharmacy being a major player in the wholesale distribution market. API has implemented M3 in 14 warehouses across all states with 500 licenced users. http://www.api.net.au For futher information contact Doug Horwood, API (doug.horwood@api.net.au), Christer Liden, ComActivity (christer.liden@comactivity.net) or Nick Gray, ComActivity (nick.gray@comactivity.net)
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