Unanimous decision that EFACS E/8 represents the best solution for today’s business and the challenges of tomorrow while minimising Total Cost of Ownership

Exel Computer Systems, the leading UK based author and developer of the innovative EFACS ERP system, has supplied its EFACS E/8 solution to Captec, a supplier of rugged industrial computer systems.

Established in 1985, Captec designs, manufactures and supplies best value industrial computers that can withstand demanding / extreme / hostile conditions, whilst remaining completely reliable. Captec recognises that every customer’s needs are different, which is why it offers tailored solutions for every customer’s individual requirements.

As part of a major investment programme, Captec has invested in EFACS E/8 as its fully integrated business system. Jeremy Langdon Head of Operations at Captec explains the key reasons why EFACS E/8 was chosen ahead of the competition from Access Supply Chain and Epicor. “Having evaluated a number of vendors on the basis of quality, cost and time to implement, the team at Captec unanimously agreed that EFACS E/8 was the best option. Whilst the decision was based on today’s needs we also had to ensure that the system selected supported the future business plans for lean manufacturing and significant business growth whilst minimising the potential for growing administrative costs. Moreover, not only is EFACS E/8 a fully integrated business solution it is also incredibly easy to use and very intuitive.”

In addition to the general benefits and overall features of EFACS E/8 Langdon also highlights five specific advantages that Exel and EFACS E/8 had over the other potential offerings.

EFACS E/8 is a true manufacturing package stronger in most modules than similar products. “Other packages that we reviewed had gaps - particularly in materials management, production planning and scheduling.”

EFACS E/8 is the only one of a few thin-client products in the ERP market that is platform independent which means that no software installation is required on client PCs. “This ensures that the Total Cost of Ownership is minimised for the on-going support of the internal infrastructure. The fact that we can now reduce TCO and easily access the business system from remote locations was a major advantage over the other two vendors in our shortlist.”

Captec had solid grounds for confidence in Exel. “Given that Exel is both supplier and author of the software, we can look forward to a faster, more efficient response should anything need addressing. Furthermore, the assistance provided by Exel staff during the vendor selection stage of the project not only demonstrated the company’s level of expertise with ERP projects, but also gave us the confidence that we could work well with Exel during the implementation.”

EFACS E/8 provides a powerful toolset enabling ease of user modification. “This will provide our IT staff with the ability to re-configure the software as and when required to maintain close business fit no matter how our business changes.”

Exel provided greater financial flexibility and choice. “As privately owned authors of the EFACS E/8 package, Exel was able to be flexible in the final commercial discussions. Whilst this was not the most important reason for the selection, it did enable us to choose our preferred package, rather than having to select a cheaper, less suitable option.”

Captec will be implementing the 30 user system over the coming months and with a projected go-live date of April 2008.