Gowan Distribution:
Information and Management Portal
Challenge
The challenge was to deploy a platform to provide up to the minute inventory and sales data between the dealerships and head office.
Solution
The Group was running several discrete systems to support the business operations associated with import, distribution and after-sales, in addition to serving 42 dealers around Ireland. The systems included a distribution tool from Kerridge, the Livelink Portal and Collaboration system, Jato Dynamics and productivity applications from the Microsoft Office 2003 suite. The BI and performance management solution delivered was designed and built on Microsoft Office SharePoint 2007 solution to provide a business intelligence system using data gathered in a Microsoft SQL Server data warehouse. The approach taken used a prototype developed using Gowan data collated from the sales and warranty departments.
Workshop sessions were held with the sales and after-sales departments to demonstrate the concept, solicit feedback and encourage early buy-in to the initiative. Designated group employees were assigned as 'super users' and trained in the system to answer queries from colleagues and increase acceptance.
Benefit
"The more accurate information you have, from a financial and operational perspective, the better decisions you make."
Tony Maher, Finance Director, Gowan Distribution
- Real time reporting engine.
- Standard query interface for all reporting needs across the Group.
- Supports better decision making.
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