Background
Audio Partnership owns and manages some of the world’s most important hi-fi separates and loudspeaker brands. This fast growing organisation had a variety of existing IT systems installed however there was very little integration. In many cases data was being manually re-entered between different applications and departments. The management team were finding it difficult to obtain key information across business functions. These issues were impacting sales, customer service and resulting in increased operational costs.
The Challenge / Opportunity
To streamline and integrate business operations for a fast moving and dynamic company.
Our Thinking and Approach
Our initial assignment was to carry out a consultancy project covering a full IT Systems Review and Assessment with involvement from the key management team. This included reviewing existing IT packages and visiting suppliers. The key findings were the lack of integration between systems and also some business areas which lacked any technology support. The findings from the study were accepted and this was followed by a programme of projects carried out by Cohezia to automate and streamline the complete business processes.
The solutions included the following features:
- A customer Extranet application for dealer sales. This allowed business customers worldwide to check stock levels and place orders directly into the system; and for the AP team to review and confirm the orders
- Stock control and purchasing modules to provide up to date stock information to support purchasing and manufacturing decisions
- Project management module integrating MS-Project with a database to capture and report on R&D project progress
- Finance model to capture data and create financial analysis reports for cash flow forecasting
Technology Utilised
A wide variety of technologies were utilised to integrate specialised software packages such a Dream (accounting), Adaytum (modelling) and Proactis (logistics). The new online applications were developed using Microsoft .NET architecture and tools. The solution provided automated integration and transfer of data between systems using XML and database technology. Multi- dimensional modelling and analysis were implemented using MS OLAP technology.
Creative and Usability Design
The game needed to be very visually appealing yet quick and easy to play. Key brand and product references were incorporated into the design in a very subtle and integrated manner.
Results
The integration and automation of data transfer between systems significantly reduced the manual effort, improved data quality and provided management with rapid, up to date information on sales, stock levels and financial forecasts. The new sales Extranet allows AP’s customers around the world to place orders directly and to check availability of new stock.