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System Selection Support

The Client

With a long pedigree going back nearly 60 years, Auto Marine Cables (AMC) are a manufacturer of low voltage electrical cables and systems, and a distributor of electrical accessories for both low and high voltage automotive and marine applications.  The business grew from a chain of 10 car accessories shops in Bolton selling a widely diverse range of automotive parts.  In the early ’80s a decision was made to manufacture their own cables and at that time they moved to their current premises in Worsley.

The Problem

An ERP system was first implemented in 2008 but over time the needs of the business changed resulting in many manual processes growing up outside the core ERP system, including an in-house developed system aimed at bridging the gaps in functionality in the old ERP system.

Investment in the business in 2019 further focussed the team on growth and the need for an ERP system that would support that aim.

The Solution

In order to reduce costs and risks within the business and to better serve their customers to kickstart the planned growth, it was decided to review current and future needs to determine how their requirements could be best met in an ERP system.

AMC engaged Gradient to help them confirm the capabilities they needed and choose the right ERP.

What the Client Says

“We highly recommend Gradient to any company who may be daunted by the thought of making a significant investment in an ERP system and perhaps making the wrong decision. Gradient helped Auto Marine make the right descision”

Amy Bryant, Financial Director, Auto Marine Cable Ltd

Business Challenges

  • Lack of knowledge of and insight into an ERP selection process

  • Proliferation of spreadsheets

  • High number of product varieties

  • Difficulty in managing price lists

  • Difficulty in maintaining margins

  • Poor visibility of accessories for kitting

  • Inaccurate inventory

  • Cumbersome purchasing process

  • Tight timescales

The Result

  • An extensive series of discovery meetings were conducted within a month of being given the go-ahead

  • A detailed Statement of Requirements was produced by the end of the second month

  • A short list of three vendors were identified to invite to demonstrations by the end of the third month

  • Demonstrations were completed by the end of the fourth month and completed site visits and reference calls in the fifth month

  • Signed contract with the preferred vendor by the end of the fifth month

  • Project delivered on time and under budget

Contact us or call Gradient now on: +44 (0)1282 463 710