Brandix
Adopts Sophisticated ERP Platform
Brandix, the single largest apparel exporter in Sri Lanka,
recently signed a strategic contract with Lawson, a leading
provider of collaboration solutions. The multi-million dollar
contract includes software licenses and implementation services
for the Lawson Fashion Collaboration Solution, which is specifically
designed to manage the complexity of today’s fashion
and apparel industry. It will be introduced through ETP International
of India, the authorised licensee for Lawson Fashion Enterprise
Resource Planning (ERP) Software for the South Asia Region.
The partnership is aimed at streamlining all of Brandix Group’s
business processes and increasing efficiency levels through
the implementation of the full suite of Lawson’s Fashion
solution. The solution will provide Brandix with complete
support for Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), customer relationship
management, business performance management, value chain collaboration
as well as supply chain management.
Over the years, Brandix has progressively developed a customised
in-house ERP system coupled with an off-the-shelf accounting
system. Although individual aspects of the systems supported
its organisation well, the company faced challenges integrating
key business processes and critical information across the
enterprise.
“We need to have an end-to-end fully integrated solution
that has the focus and strong functionality required in the
fashion and apparel industry. Additionally, the solution must
support other vital aspects of the business such as capacity
planning, production scheduling and inventory management.
Accordingly, we found that Lawson Fashion offers the most
cost effective process requiring minimum intervention in synchronising
demand and production. We will be implementing this across
all operating units of the Brandix Group,” Hiranya Gunesekera,
Head of Group Information and Communication Technologies,
Brandix Lanka Limited said.
“Stage one of the project is the implementation of
Lawson Financials across the Apparel, Textile and Finishing
subsidiaries, while stage two features the implementation
of the non-financial modules across the Group,” he added.
Some of the key benefits of this system are that it significantly
improves the availability of real time information for management
decision making, a seamless processing from receipt of customer
order to delivery as well as the ability to incorporate e-business
through the logistics chain.
“Despite the fact that the apparel industry is very
competitive, relatively few Sri Lankan apparel exporters have
invested in ERP or any other supply chain enabling technologies.
Customers seek total apparel service providers. Thus, it is
important to utilise IT to maximise the synergies of the Supply
Chain in order to provide the optimum concept to delivery
solutions,” Gunesekera said.
In April 2006, Lawson Software and Intentia merged to form
Lawson, a company renowned for implementing world-class collaborative
solutions. With its reputation for service reliability and
quality through continuous adoption of new and innovative
technologies, the company develops and sells Lawson Fashion,
an integrated enterprise management system for the apparel
industry. Lawson Fashion is the choice of fashion companies
that value multi-company, multi-lingual, multi-division and
multi-currency functionality. It handles financials, advanced
planning and scheduling through e-business and supply chain
management.
ETP International of India was selected as the implementation
partner for the ERP software due to its superior knowledge
and experience in the Fashion industry.
Brandix Lanka Limited is the leading apparel exporter in
Sri Lanka with an annual consolidated group turnover that
exceeds USD 280mn and provides employment to 18,500 people.
The company also generates indirect employment of an equivalent
number. The Group’s command of its supply chain in both
woven and knits is its key strength; this includes Apparel
Manufacturing and Finishing, Design and Development, Fabric
and Accessories including Thread, Buttons and Hangers. Streamlining
and integrating these complex processes via a strong and robust
ERP System is an imperative as it strives towards its vision
“to be the inspired solution for branded clothing”.
30 October, 2006 |
