The ERP Dilemma for Small and Medium Enterprises: Juggling 7+ Specialized Skill Sets

Case Study

The ERP Dilemma for Small and Medium Enterprises: Juggling 7+ Specialized Skill Sets

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Industry:

Pharmaceuticals Manufacturing  

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Company Size:

Small and Medium Sized Enterprise (SME)  

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Location:

‍New York

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Challenge

A mid-sized pharmaceuticals manufacturer was struggling with their JD Edwards (JDE) ERP system. Their initial implementation, handled by another service provider, lacked focus on ongoing support, leaving the company with a system they were dissatisfied with and no internal expertise to manage it. Hiring full-time staff for each required JDE skill set (CNC/System Administration, Database Administration, Developers, and Business Analysts for Finance, Order to Cash, Purchase to Pay, and Manufacturing) was deemed prohibitively expensive.

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Solution

The manufacturer partnered with Allari to provide comprehensive JDE application support. Allari's "as-a-service" model offered access to a diverse team of experts with all the necessary skill sets, ensuring 24/7 system maintenance, emergency response, and on-demand application support.

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Key features of the solution included:

• Comprehensive Skill Sets: Allari provided access to a team possessing expertise across all relevant JDE modules and technical areas.
• ‍24/7 Availability: Round-the-clock support ensured system uptime and rapid response to critical issues. ‍
• Flexible "As-a-Service" Model: The client paid only for the support they consumed, eliminating the cost of full-time staff. ‍
• Proactive System Management: Scheduled maintenance, backups, and system checks optimized performance and minimized downtime. ‍
• Value-Added Services: Allari went beyond basic support, implementing Microsoft BI/Power Pivot for improved data accessibility and even assisting with the selection and integration of an eCommerce tool.

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Results

Allari's support services transformed the manufacturer's experience with JDE. Within six months, user satisfaction significantly increased, and the system became a reliable and valuable arsset.

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Key achievements included:

• Improved System Stability and Performance: 24/7 support and proactive maintenance ensured smooth operation and minimized disruptions. ‍
• Enhanced Data Accessibility: Implementation of Microsoft BI/Power Pivot streamlined reporting and analysis. ‍
• Cost Savings: The "as-a-service" model delivered significant cost savings compared to hiring internal staff. ‍
• Increased User Satisfaction: Reliable support and improved system performance led to greater user adoption and satisfaction. ‍
• Long-Term Partnership: Allari's expertise and commitment to client success resulted in a nine-year (and counting) partnership, with Allari becoming a trusted advisor on a range of IT initiatives.

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Key Takeaways:

• Expertise on Demand: Access to a wide range of skills is crucial for effective ERP system support.
• ‍Flexibility and Scalability: An "as-a-service" model provides the flexibility to adapt to changing needs and optimize costs.
• ‍Proactive Support: Preventative maintenance and 24/7 availability minimize downtime and maximize system performance.
• ‍Partnership Approach: A trusted service provider can offer valuable insights and guidance beyond basic support, contributing to long-term success.

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This case study demonstrates the value of a comprehensive and flexible support solution for maximizing the return on investment in ERP systems. By partnering with Allari, the pharmaceuticals manufacturer transformed their JDE system from a source of frustration into a reliable and valuable business asset.

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