Accpac is the Logical Choice for Redpath Mining

[Published on IT Web: 8 June 2010] -
In an ERP world where everything tends to look the same and costs too much, Redpath Mining says they found something rare in Sage ERP Accpac.

A customer since 2004, Redpath Mining recently completed an implementation of Sage ERP Accpac ERP 500, project and job costing and Pacific purchasing workflow. Davlin Richardson, IT Manager at Redpath Mining, says cost, local support and expertise are the reasons why the company remains an Accpac customer. “One of the main reasons for choosing Accpac back in 2004, and again this year, is the fact that there is good support for the product in South Africa.”

He says that with any ERP system, the competence and experience of the consultants managing the implementation has a direct impact on the success of the project. “These consultants also add immense value to the product; without their experience and know-how, the ERP system remains a generic package without any value to the customer.”

Thinking big is what Sage ERP Accpac 500 does best. Keith Fenner, vice-president: sales, Softline Accpac, says this edition provides mid-market customers like Redpath Mining with big business aspirations and all the tools for success. “Sage ERP Accpac 500 offers advanced inventory, purchasing, and order management with up to 10GL account segments, unlimited account structures, 99 years of financial history, and the ability to manage an unlimited number of concurrent users and companies.”

Customisation remains another key success factor when it comes to ERP implementations. Ashley Regenass, CEO of Synergy Group, the Softline Accpac business partner responsible for the success at Redpath Mining, says the addition of purchasing workflow and workflow documents add-on has greatly benefited the client. “The complete workflow process drives accurate data capture, improves decision-making, and reduces potential errors through a built-in authorisation trail.” He says the workflow solution also manages procurement and internal stock issues by allowing for the creation of an unlimited number of workflows and associated rules and alerts.
These simple-to-use screens provide companies like Redpath Mining with the correct information analysed appropriately at data entry. As requisitions are made, they are automatically allocated to the appropriate cost centres, shafts, processes, and equipment, based on user profiles, stock structures, or expense codes. This saves time and eliminates the need for reallocations at month end.

By using Workflow, Redpath Mining has gained tremendous benefits as well as a competitive advantage due to the nature of the business and the centralised procurement department at head office. “It has enabled us to implement proper controls and to align them with our company policies and procedures as well as streamline our approval processes,” concludes Richardson.