System Selection Support and Project Management of Implementation
The Client
Charente (Harrison Maritime) was a group of companies with a long tradition in the nautical sector. The Charente Group of companies had a proud history in the marine industry. The group included Lilley and Gillie Ltd who are one of the world’s leading suppliers of nautical equipment, instruments and navigation charts. There was a requirement to find an ERP system to allow them to control three diverse sites across the UK. They also wanted the solution to improve efficiencies and promote further growth.
The Problem
Charente recognised that they did not have the in-house expertise. Due to this, they turned to Gradient for expert help and advice in selecting their new business system. Following the selection Charente relied on the support of Gradient to assume the role of project manager for the implementation phase of the project.
The Solution
Gradient led the implementation project, working closely with Charente’s internal teams and the system vendor, across all three of their UK sites, in Liverpool, North Shields and the manufacturing plant in Birmingham.
What the Client Says
“We relied heavily on Gradient for project managing the implementation and working with the system supplier to ensure they met all their timescales and requirements. One of the big pluses was that our IT department and staff were able to get on with day-to-day tasks with minimum disruption. Without Gradient we couldn’t have done it. Stephanie and her team delivered.”
Actions
- Visits took place at each of the three Charente sites. Gradient did this to ascertain specific operational and strategic requirements for the new system which were then incorporated into a comprehensive specification document.
- The specification document was sent to a selection of carefully researched suppliers. Responses were then reviewed, with four vendors shortlisted to provide a demonstration.
- A preferred supplier was selected and a detailed demonstration arranged covering specific functionality. Site visits to each business were carried out to ensure that the proposed solution would meet all requirements before a final quote was produced. Contract negotiations were held, and an agreement was reached to select the Syteline product from Infor.