“We carry approximately 1100 product SKUs, distributing some 85 widely known brands such as Margaret River and Trident - typically supplying to thousands of stores for retailers such as Coles, Woolworths and other independents nationwide. Each week we handle thousands of cases of product. As such, one of our primary values is the supply chain – efficiencies in areas such as customer and supplier management, import and channel-to-market processing and product management are critical to the continued success of our business,” said Peter Pizzilli, CIO, Manassen Foods.

The implementation is intended to increase those supply chain efficiencies, including reduction in inventory levels and product write downs, increased stock turns, improving customer service, reducing time-to-market and time-to-volume for new products, streamlining reporting capabilities and enhancing management visibility of company information.

Lawson was selected over rival providers due to it’s extensive focus on and knowledge of Manassen's industry sector, as well as Lawson's advanced product functionality and fit to Manassen's business needs.

The solution was implemented as part of a phased roll out, to help mitigate the risk of potential disruption to the business throughout the deployment cycle.

“It was a big project for us, and one we wanted to make sure was implemented as smoothly, seamlessly and timely as possible. A major determining factor for us was the need for a solutions partner that not only provided the functionality we required, but one we could trust to deliver the application efficiently and cost effectively,” said Peter Pizzilli.

“With its fully integrated enterprise solution, reputation in the market and the proven commitment and expertise demonstrated by its people across the food and beverage industry, Lawson offered the right mix of ingredients we deemed critical to ensuring a successful project. It was a clear differentiator from other vendors,” says Pizzilli.

Manassen will use the whole breadth of Lawson’s solutions – from Financials, Distribution and BPW to EDI and Lawson’s warehousing solutions.

Linus Parker, Managing Director, Lawson Australia & New Zealand, adds that with Java technology underpinning its solution, Lawson also provides the advantages of a robust, open standards platform that lends itself well to future development.

For more information

• Visit the Lawson exhibit in the ERP Pavilion

• Visit the ERP Research Pavilion

October 2005