Fenner South Africa has chosen the next-generation enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution, Epicor ERP, to improve data accuracy, costing, integration and automation in their manufacturing process. This is to support the company’s goal of continued growth in Southern Africa.
The solution has been implemented by epic ERP, the value-added-reseller of Epicor ERP in sub-Saharan Africa.
Founded in 1861 in England, the Fenner Group was established to manufacture leather and encompassed belting, lacing and hoses. The company expanded globally over the next century and in 1960, Fenner South Africa officially opened its manufacturing facility and distribution outlet in Johannesburg.
Fenner South Africa has focused on the Group’s Engineered Conveyor Solutions (ECS) division, and their state-of-the-art plant produces and distributes solid, woven conveyor belting to the mining, power generation and bulk handling markets throughout Southern Africa.
International standards
Fenner South Africa had identified issues of data accuracy, costing and automation, and required an integrated, fit-for-use ERP system that could seamlessly be implemented in their manufacturing plant, to measure, manage and improve manufacturing efficiency.
“While we enjoy over 65% of the solid woven conveyor belt market, our focus is to steadily increase market share by continuing to secure contracts with major mining houses and allied industries. To ensure that all the products we distribute are reliable, of the highest quality and meet international standards, we need a reputable and cost-effective ERP solution,” says Chris Bekker, Financial Director of Fenner Conveyor Belting South Africa.
He continues, “One of our biggest requirements was that our selected ERP vendor have a thorough understanding of the manufacturing environment, with a successful implementation track record. We conducted a comprehensive evaluation with a number of vendors and Epicor ERP’s manufacturing solutions stood out. In addition, their software has been effectively implemented in the Fenner Australia and Fenner America businesses and has proven to be an invaluable tool in their manufacturing plants.
“As Fenner South Africa is similar to both businesses, we can leverage from prior implementation experience and learnings, and we are confident that this software, supported by epic ERP, can resolve our own issues of data accuracy, costing and pricing, integration and automation.”
Manufacturing efficiency
Stuart Scanlon founder of epic ERP says, “It was by no means an easy evaluation. We worked hard to show Fenner South Africa how Epicor ERP can improve their manufacturing efficiency, while also being a cost-effective solution. With an integrated ERP system, not only are you breaking down silos but you’re also bringing together all your operational systems. Fenner South Africa will get real-time insights and accurate data, allowing them to focus on profitability. Our team can’t wait to get started.”
Sabby Gill, executive vice president marketing for Epicor International adds, “Our successful implementation track record in Fenner Group’s Australian and American manufacturing plants has given us invaluable insight into their manufacturing environment, so we’ll be able to hit the ground running.
“Through Epicor ERP, the Fenner South Africa team can measure and manage their manufacturing with greater efficiency, enabling them to retain their global tag of being a world leader in conveyor belting solutions,”he concludes.
Berkeley (on behalf of Epicor UK)
Dani Kerby / Fiona Todd
dani.kerby@berkeley.global
fiona.todd@berkeley.global
