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Autumn 1999
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Brakes International is a specialist supplier of motor vehicles brake components to more than 1,500 customers and its annual growth of 30% is largely due to the Pick-based computer system that literally runs the business.
The company began 8 years ago with a core system developed by Data Matters, aiming to provide a level of service previously unknown in the motor factor market.
“I wanted to build a system that would make a reasonably capable parts person into a brakes expert,” said managing director Richard Bowen. “Quite simply this would ensure that our service alone would be a reason to do business with us. Apart from this we have a comprehensive database of components and pricing which means that we can give our customers the best value for money.”
The core of the system is the parts catalogue which is constructed from the various supplier catalogues into a comprehensive cross referencing system of more than 17,000 items. Staff make additions to the items where it makes installation or identification easier and this in turn helps the customers.
“The catalogue is vitally important, but the applications surrounding it have been built with industry knowledge, and we are absolutely dependent upon the system for our day to day business.”
The system optimises ordering, re-supply and identifies changes in pricing, supplier rating and redundancy.
“We have about 30 suppliers and through the system orders are generated automatically against our criteria, right down to deciding whether to order smaller quantities to even the cash flow,” said Sarah, who manages the data and purchasing.
Bowen admits that the system has become a trusted member of staff in its own right and that continued enhancement is allowing staff to be more responsive to customer needs, and for management to be much more hands-on.
The server runs D3 SCO and with a hot back-up and the benefits of the communications functions, more automated processes are possible than under the R83 and AP Pro versions. Windows NT is under consideration and if it proves successful, terminals may be replaced by PCs.
“The system has made us very ‘people efficient’ and this has been the key to our success in what is a very tough market. For the foreseeable future we don’t see ourselves branching into other markets, but we do see the potential for expansion, and our system will be key to these plans.”
Mr Richard BowenLast Updated: 13 December 1999