Charente Group – ERP System Selection and Implementation Project Management

Supporting a marine industry group with ERP selection and implementation.

The client

The Charente Group (Harrison Maritime) was a group of companies operating in the marine sector. At the time Gradient delivered this project, one of its key businesses was Lilley & Gillie – a company with over 210 years of navigation excellence and a global reputation for manufacturing magnetic compasses and nautical instruments for the marine industry worldwide.

The group engaged Gradient to select and implement an ERP system to unify three sites (Liverpool, North Shields, and Birmingham), improve efficiencies, and provide a platform for future growth.

Service: ERP Project Governance, ERP Requirements & SOR, ERP Selection

Industry: manufacturing, transport

Location: UK

Website: hjlgmarine.com

Photograph copyright © John Lilley & Gillie Ltd, 2025

The challenge

Charente recognised it lacked the in-house expertise to manage a complex ERP selection and implementation project across multiple sites. The group needed:

  • An objective partner to define requirements and guide vendor evaluation.
  • Confidence in selecting the right ERP system to support efficiency and growth.
  • Experienced project management to oversee implementation and minimise disruption to day-to-day operations.

The solution

Gradient was engaged to manage both the selection and implementation phases of the ERP project.

“We relied heavily on Gradient for project managing the implementation and working with the system supplier to ensure they met all their timescales and requirements. One of the big pluses was that our IT department and staff were able to get on with day-to-day tasks with minimum disruption. Without Gradient, we couldn’t have done it.”

Chris Taylor, Chief Operating Officer, Charente Ltd

"One of the big pluses was that our IT department and staff were able to get on with day-to-day tasks with minimum disruption. Without Gradient, we couldn’t have done it.

Chris Taylor, COO, Charente Ltd

The approach

Gradient’s structured approach included:

  • Requirements gathering: Conducted site visits to all three Charente locations to document operational and strategic needs.
  • Specification development: Produced a comprehensive specification document based on business processes.
  • Vendor evaluation: Researched suppliers, shortlisted four vendors, and facilitated detailed demonstrations.
  • Validation: Organised site visits and ensured proposed solutions met functional and operational needs before final selection.
  • Contract negotiation: Supported Charente in negotiations, leading to the selection of Infor Syteline.
  • Implementation management: Provided ongoing project management, coordinating with Charente teams and the system supplier to deliver the project smoothly.

The result

The Charente Group benefited from Gradient’s proven selection methodology and project management expertise, resulting in:

  • A successful ERP implementation across three sites.
  • Significant efficiencies in inventory control, manufacturing planning, sales, and customer service.
  • Continuity of support from selection through to implementation, ensuring minimal disruption to staff and IT operations.