South Yorkshire businesses increase efficiency with new technology

Companies of all sectors based in South Yorkshire are changing the way business is done due to the application of new technology.

After the Sheffield-based company Azzure IT developed a software solution that improves efficiency across businesses, firms within the region such as manufacturer James Durrans & Sons have been able to reduce admin time by half.

Following the need to simplify business operations, Durrans, which supplies carbon-based products to the world’s manufacturing industries, collaborated with Azzue IT to improve existing systems as well as design Microsoft Dynamics NAV software, which is an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solution.

Durrans acquired assistance from Azzure IT while moving into new 11,200sq ft offices on the same site where the firm was founded in 1863.

Chris Smith, Durrans IT manager, said: “We use Dynamics NAV for everything from stock control to production and from material costs to intercompany transactions. We also use NAV in other areas of our business from sales ordering and invoicing through to general ledger accounts handling and book keeping.”

“The impact has been immense and has reduced time spent on quotes, orders and invoicing by half. This has meant the sales team can focus on providing an improved service to our customers, with quicker turnaround and more accurate quotations.

“It has also improved the accuracy of entered orders which enables our manufacturing department to be more efficient when calculating daily production runs for each product we sell.”

Barnsley-based online retail business Direct2Mum also improved daily operations since turning to Azzure IT. The retailer sells premium baby and toddler products and has constantly seen growth since launching in 2010.

Alex Leslie, managing director, said: “Azzure IT helped us implement an ERP system which covers full accountancy, warehousing, supply and replenishment and management planning.

“Dynamics NAV has added a whole new dimension to the business. It gives us incredible business intelligence, particularly about supply and even sets minimum order levels. Azzure IT spoke our language and the transition from Sage has been really smooth. It’s made a phenomenal difference to Direct2Mum.”

Craig Such, managing director at Azzure IT, said: “Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software is transforming businesses who are open-minded to change.

“Using technology in a smart way translates into operational efficiency and generally leads to lower operating costs. Savings can then be redistributed to fund further growth. It’s great hear both Durrans and Direct2Mum are seeing the benefit.”

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