Microsoft recognises Columbus for Manufacturing Expertise

abyplcselectManufacturers looking to invest in ERP can now work with an international consultancy that has been accredited by Microsoft and recognised for its expertise in the manufacturing market.

With a long list of accreditations gained over the past 25 years, Columbus has now received the highest industry honour, and achieved Microsoft Dynamics AX manufacturing partner status.

The firm took part in the Microsoft EIPP EMEA programme, an industry acceleration programme, with a select number of partners from the UK, Germany and France.  Over a two-day workshop, Columbus was put through its paces to determine whether it understands the modern needs of manufacturing businesses and whether its tailored ERP solutions are effective in solving the issues and challenges faced by manufacturing firms.

Mary Hunter, Managing Director of Columbus, commented: “Manufacturing has gone through a dramatic change over the last few years, as businesses have fought to survive during the recession and challenges of cross border market influences.  What that has meant is that firms have needed to adapt and adopt new approaches to improve performance and keep better track of stock and materials as well as improve efficiencies and processes in sales, production and distribution with less stock holding and more just in time principals being applied to support improved cashflow.

“These days, it’s not enough for a manufacturing company to simply invest in ERP; they need a solution that a vendor has tailored to their needs, and a supplier that understands the issues the sector faces every day. Our directors and management team attended a number of engaging workshops with Microsoft, looking at the way we tailor our support to manufacturers even. After demonstrating our industry knowledge and expertise, we were awarded Microsoft Dynamics AX manufacturing partner status, which is testament for our team of our capability.”

Columbus has been a pioneer in the manufacturing world for the last 25 years, providing effective ERP solutions for businesses throughout the sector. Expanding its reach into the manufacturing industry even further, Columbus has also signed up to be part of The Manufacturer’s Servitisation Thought-Leader Network (MSTLN), which commenced earlier this month.

The goal of the Manufacturing Services Thought Leadership Network (MSTLN) is to raise the awareness, within UK manufacturing, that ensuring long term success requires companies to increasingly focus on creating value in the customers’ business rather than exclusively in the production facility or R&D lab. The network provides a knowledge transfer and engagement platform and Columbus will be sponsoring and supporting events held by the network in order to extend its backing to the UK manufacturing industry.

Mary Hunter concluded: “Over our 25-year history we have developed a strong relationship with Microsoft and the sector and we are constantly developing our service offering for the manufacturing industry to ensure that it continues to provide solutions to the current business and regulatory challenges faced. Our ERP solutions, referenceability and accreditations from Microsoft is testimony to that.”

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