Amstrad goes live with ERP system from IFS

Following acquisition by BSkyB, Amstrad announces the implementation of a new ERP system from IFS which will improve collaboration across the newly integrated workforce

IFS, the global enterprise applications company, has announced that Amstrad has successfully completed the implementation of IFS’s Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solution, IFS Applications. BSkyB and Amstrad made the decision to change suppliers during the integration of Amstrad’s operations with that of parent company BSkyB, which has been using IFS since 2006.
The deployment of IFS’s ERP system was essential to integrate Amstrad’s business and processes into BSkyB and to provide a single platform from which to improve internal efficiencies, allowing for future growth.

Amstrad, which was founded in 1968 by Sir Alan Sugar, is now wholly owned by BSkyB and is responsible for the manufacturing of Sky digital TV boxes. This process involves managing orders, purchasing components and the selling and distributing of boxes to its parent company. BSkyB realised this process would be simplified with both companies using a single ERP system for a range of business models, such as inventory, purchasing and customer file orders, to give complete visibility of the supply chain and improve efficiencies.

Marion Scott, Head of Supply Chain Services at BSkyB said: “Before the acquisition, Amstrad operated with a number of different systems and suppliers, which made collaboration with BSkyB challenging. Having used IFS for a number of years and experiencing the benefits of its ERP system first-hand it was an easy decision to move Amstrad on to the IFS system to simplify operations. By consolidating these modules, we can now better manage overheads with fewer suppliers and reduce our licensing costs.”

To meet with BSkyB’s requirements, IFS worked with both companies to evaluate which modules to move across to the IFS system, ensuring processes could be improved wherever possible. With BSkyB intent on realising the benefits of a single system as soon as possible by ensuring both businesses were running efficiently, the company specified a strict deadline which was non-negotiable. As such the IFS ERP solution for Amstrad was delivered within just 10 weeks.

Paul Massey, IFS UK MD, said: “Our ability to deliver a flexible ERP system for Amstrad within a very short time frame is testament to our commitment to meeting customer demands. Moreover, Amstrad will now experience a more cohesive and unified operation with BSkyB, ultimately enabling the organisation to fulfill customer orders more efficiently. We look forward to helping both Amstrad and BSkyB continue to thrive by providing an enterprise application that fits current requirements and will also evolve to address any future challenges.”