PI-KEM Limited is a specialist provider of advanced materials, equipment and components for scientific research and development into universities, research centres, industry applications and OEMs in the UK, Europe and around the world. For 25 years PI-KEM has supported scientific innovation. Based in Tamworth, Staffordshire this family-owned and managed business has experienced considerable growth in the last two years. With ambitious growth plans, including the launch of a new product line and expanding global markets, the company knew that it needed to update its technology platform in order to support its aspirations.
An existing Sage Instant and ACT! (Customer Relationship Management software) user, PI-KEM conducted analysis of its options and developed a shortlist of solutions to review. Helen Brazington, Business Development Manager at PI-KEM, and an experienced Sage user, acted as the project manager and led the process.
“We knew we wanted a solid financial solution that could handle the growing complexity of our business now and in the future. It had to have good financial reporting and Business Intelligence to help us access and understand the information stored within it; it needed to offer an integrated CRM solution and it needed to be competitively priced. But arguably most important to us was that it was easy to use – we wanted it to be willingly adopted across the organisation.”
PI-KEM selected Sage 200 and Sage CRM from local Sage Business Partner, CPiO. “An integrated Sage CRM solution was critical for our business because we wanted to pool all the information and use it to drive sales and better manage the existing relationships we have with our customers.” Every employee will access Sage CRM in order to get real-time information on the business including credit history, outstanding balances and outstanding orders all of which is vital to employees but particularly valuable to the sales team.
CPiO conducted four days training on Sage 200 with the key users at PI-KEM and this was staggered over four weeks to ensure users had time to absorb the information and prepare appropriate questions. Helen explains, “The consultant was excellent as he supplied the information in a relevant order, in bite sized chunks with hints and tips along the way. We are a unique organisation, supplying custom made products and our processes are not straight forward but the consultant really got under the skin of our operation; I was impressed that he took the time to speak to our accountant and truly immerse himself in our business. Everything was delivered in a tailored, personalised style as we progressed through to system go-live.”
On selecting local Sage partner CPiO to implement, train and support the PI-KEM team Helen comments, “The team at CPiO was very easy to work with. They continue to listen to us and really communicate at our level, adapting to the needs of the individual to increase buy-in and make sure the process is inclusive for every PI-KEM employee”.
About PI-KEM
Specialising in Graphene Oxide and CVD Films, HSMG Graphene, SOFC Powders, Silicon Wafers, Sputter Targets, Substrates, Ceramics and Ceramic Adhesives.
- Expertise in sourcing niche products globally
- Small to medium purchase quantities available
- Standard products stocked for immediate despatch
- An expert team of scientific Sales Managers
- Custom manufacture to exact specifications
- Wide range of affordable equipment
If you would like further information about PI-KEM or its products please contact Helen Brazington, Business Development Manager by email: helen@pi-kem.co.uk, by phone: +44 (0) 1827 259250 or visit the website www.pi-kem.co.uk.
If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Rebecca Bradley at 0344 880 6140 or email at Rebecca.Bradley@cpio.co.uk.
