KAT has invested in Business Micros’ EvoNet business management software as it strengthens its back office systems to keep pace with surging demand.
What is EvoNet from Business Micros?
The Macclesfield based company chose the hugely popular EvoNet solution because it is capable of integrating both the aluminium and PVCu sides of KAT’s business, allowing it to offer a more streamlined service to customers.
Previously, KAT used separate software for it’s aluminium and PVCu divisions and relied on manual order processing, leading inevitably to duplications and carrying potential for human error. Now though, following the introduction of EvoNet with barcode scanning, KAT has not only automated its order processing and its invoicing, but has also achieved better stock control, production and delivery planning in both of its Macclesfield, Cheshire factories.
Every order is tracked from receipt to despatch in what are now both paperless factories and automatic ordering of glass and auto batching of frames is optimising productivity.
KAT manufacturing a Patio Door
KAT efficiency
KAT already offers a ten day lead time on all of its aluminium doors and windows and has a reputation for efficiency and reliability. Now though, even further efficiencies are being achieved across its factories in Macclesfield and Newhaven and many of these are being passed on to customers.
There is now, for instance, consistency across the entire ordering process in both aluminium and PVCu and there have been significant improvements in reporting and communication. As the work with Business Micros continues, KAT plans to add further EvoNet modules to its operation so that it can offer customers online quotations and ordering, and real time delivery tracking. Contact KAT.
Such is the efficiency improvement that at the time of writing KAT has achieved +98% On Time Delivery in both the months of August and September. KAT offers its customers a choice of 7 colour ways in aluminium including duals delivered in just 2 weeks for all product categories, namely; Sliding Patio Doors, Bi-folding Doors, French Doors and Windows. To satisfy demand KAT has almost become a mini systems company in terms of stock holding and stock management; the integrated stock management module has been instrumental. In fact KAT’s lead time to its customers is actually significantly shorter than that of many of the input components.
The next benefit that KAT will deliver to it’s customers is the reduction again of its delivery time. KAT will offer aluminium glazing products on a 7 working day lead time form January 2017. This is made possible via working with Business Micros and its production planning model coupled with a newly formed 2 shift system, KAT’s aluminium factory now works 16 hours, 5 days a week. Download a KAT brochure.
Business Micros started working with KAT at the start of the year and a small, dedicated support team has worked on the project throughout. This has been particularly helpful in terms of providing consistent customer service and in building a strong partnership between the two businesses.
Although EvoNet is available off the shelf, Business Micros typically tailors a bespoke version for every customer to reflect their priorities, timescale and of course budget; and, at KAT, this has been focused around achieving a seamless integration between the two Macclesfield factories.
Paul Balfe, Technical Director from KAT said: “For the first time, we have the same system working across both our factories and across both our materials and that gives us a really solid platform from which to manage our future plans and expansion. Using the reporting function, we can now get an instant overview of how we are performing in both aluminium and PVCu, identify both problems or opportunities, and make better informed decisions both day to day and longer term”.
“Having seen growth in sales of our aluminium windows and doors of just over 60% this year and a doubling of our factory capacity, we now have the software infrastructure we need, not only to keep pace with that but also to ensure that we achieve the efficiencies which will enable us to continue expanding at a similar rate.” Contact KAT
Business Micros has seen unprecedented demand for EvoNet this year from new and existing customers, with sales of the programme up 22% over 2015. Further details and demonstrations are available at: www.businessmicros.co.uk
KAT has manufacturing facilities and showrooms in Macclesfield, Cheshire and Newhaven, Sussex. For more information contact KAT on 01625 439666, [email protected], katuk.co.uk
KAT Bifold doors – available in 7 colour options
