MMX Communication now has a robust, powerful IT solution that is more flexible, easier to use and is proving increasingly popular with users.
As MMX Communication Services began to grow, its UNIX based Proteus system began to struggle with the increase in volume of contracts. Following a review of the current business systems MMX Communications (formerly known as TS Communications) identified that approximately forty per cent of its IT business system was based upon internally developed Microsoft Access databases, written to fill gaps in Proteus functionality. This represented a huge risk to the company and only served to heighten management’s focus on identifying a more flexible solution to fit the business. MMX Communications took the opportunity to review its entire business operations. It was an ideal time to learn more about how the company had grown and recognise patterns that could help steer the company in the future. In doing this they could more clearly identify what they wanted from the new business system. A budget was set and a specification document prepared.
Following lengthy research into the software available on the market four solutions were short listed as a potential ‘good fit’ for MMX Communications. Through a process of elimination the company decided upon a Sage Line 500 solution from CPiO, which they felt offered the most comprehensive fit across functionality and service. CPiO recommended a broad solution to fit the diverse needs of the business and to facilitate good supply chain management. At the heart of Sage Line 500 is the Configurator product, designed to cope with the diverse terms and conditions associated with each network service contract. Now a telephone operator can take a call from an engineer anywhere in the UK and immediately call up the unique service script, collecting all of the information needed to be able to process that request. The Configurator then simultaneously flushes that information into a Sage Line 500 sales order for the new part and a works order to record the incoming faulty part ready for repair. Every part now has a serial number to give full traceability and the company has practically eliminated stock loss through this method. On receiving incoming repairs the part is scanned and booked straight into stock using a Datalinx warehousing system, reducing the manual time spent on booking and moving stock into the right warehouse location.
CPiO also implemented an integrated Preactor system to manage production forecasting in the repairs workshop and proactive alert messaging via Orbis. MMX Communication’s management team is united in its belief that it has chosen the right solution for the business going forward and offers solid return of its initial investment. The company now has a robust, powerful IT solution that is more flexible, easier to use and is proving increasingly popular with users more so than the previous, unwieldy system. Good integration was a long term goal for the company but by the end of the implementation period the company was already communicating with its key suppliers, further increasing efficiency and delivering cost savings.
