Industrial Fluid Consultants Keeps Profits Pumping with Sage Accpac
Challenge
Needed improved financial management tools that were easy to use and included inventory control features.
Results
Sage Accpac delivers full financial reporting with inventory control and management can access the system remotely from the road.
Solution
Sage Accpac ERP
Industrial Fluid Consultants sells, services, and maintains large industrial pumps to businesses throughout Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and northwestern Ontario. Their customers include mines, paper mills, and food processing plants.
Lisa MacIntyre has witnessed a lot of growth in her eleven years as Business Administrator for Industrial Fluid. What started as a one-man business in 1994 has expanded to include eight employees, an in-house service shop, and a steadily increasing roster of satisfied customers.
"We're in touch with some of our customers on nearly a daily basis," says MacIntyre, "These businesses depend on our pumps in their operations - each pump is configured to the exact business use."
Reliable Financial Management with Sage Accpac
Since 1999, Industrial Fluid has trusted Sage Accpac for accurate, reliable financial management. They've also relied on the technical expertise of 21st Century Systems Corporation, a Sage Software Authorized Partner based in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
"We were recommended to Industrial Fluid by their accountant," recalls Stuart McKelvie, President of 21st Century Systems, "They needed an affordable accounting solution designed for small to midsized companies that would be able to grow rapidly with their business. Sage Accpac was a perfect fit."
"The folks at 21st Century Systems really understand the capabilities of Sage Accpac. We have valued the work they've done with us over the years," acknowledges MacIntyre, "They deliver the functionality we need, but are also careful with our money. They thoroughly investigate whether there's a way to do something within the existing system before they recommend building a new report or customization.
As Industrial Fluid expanded, Lisa and others wanted to leverage some additional functionality that was not available in their DOS version of Sage Accpac. "Sage Accpac grows as our company grows," explains MacIntyre, "In 2006, we upgraded to Sage Accpac ERP v5.3 in order to take advantage of Windows technology and additional reporting features."
Improved Order Processing
When a customer orders a new or replacement pump, it must be customized to its intended business application. Sage Accpac ERP enables Industrial Fluid to improve their order processing flow when creating new pump orders. Usually, Industrial Fluid sells a pump with a motor, mechanical seal and coupler included.
The company sources these parts from different vendors, so the sales team uses the kitting function to enter new pump orders with notes containing the appropriate motor, seal, and coupler. The service team then pulls these items from inventory and installs them on the pump. Viewing the orders as kits enables Industrial Fluid to increase accuracy and efficiency while providing the customer with one simple price for everything included with a new pump.
"With the latest version of Sage Accpac ERP, our sales people place orders a lot easier," explains MacIntyre, "Plus they have the capability to look back through order histories and drill down into details of new orders."
Easy, Flexible Sales Reports
Sage Accpac ERP enabled Industrial Fluid to reduce the amount of time spent on sales reporting. Working with Crystal Reports experts at 21st Century Systems, they were able to consolidate multiple sales reports and create a smoother process for month-end and year-end.
"We were able to develop a flexible sales report that consolidated their many previous month-end sales reports. They can select different criteria to analyze different sales patterns, and drill down into anything they want to investigate further," explains Dave Burnside, Senior Consultant at 21st Century Systems.
"I was shocked at how much time we saved," admits MacIntyre, "I used to have to spend about four hours each month-end running reports. Now it's done in less than one hour. This year, our year-end close reports took only half of one day."
"When I analyze our sales margins at the end of the month, I can drill right through the reports to see additional details. I don't have to open separate purchase orders or receipts - these are all connected to the report."
A Partner in Success
21st Century Systems provides ongoing technical support in both classroom and on-site training to ensure Industrial Fluid achieves maximum advantage with Sage Accpac ERP. The company made a substantial investment in training facilities and advanced certifications for their training professionals. This superlative commitment earned 21st Century Systems the high rank of Authorized Training Centre, a status shared by eight other solution providers in North America.
"The team at 21st Century Systems has been super supportive of our needs. They come out to our site for upgrades, training, and at year-end close," MacIntyre acknowledges. MacIntyre believes other area businesses can benefit from the technology expertise and dedication to customer service that 21st Century Systems provides Industrial Fluid.
"They've gotten us out of binds and helped us whenever we've had challenges. It's really nice to work with local technical and accounting experts - I recommend 21st Century Systems to other Manitoba businesses."
