MTA selects IBS software for high volume, multi-channel order management

News & Events 2004-09-09

With 12,000 product lines, MTA carries the most extensive range of educational products in Australia and is the exclusive supplier of brands such as Vtech, Brio, Chicco, Graco, Playmobil, Ravensburger, Little Tikes and Wader. MTA markets its products to schools and retailers using a variety of on-line, catalogue and direct sales channels.

MTA’s decision to review enterprise systems was prompted by its rapid growth in the last 18 months, and the inability of its legacy ERP application to support the business’ expansion. This high volume distributor with a sales network that spans Sydney, Brisbane and Wellington, New Zealand needed a system that would support its future growth strategy, while continuing to optimise customer service with a focus toward on-time, complete and accurate order management.

MTA’s New Integrated Supply Chain Solution from IBS MTA have purchased a fully integrated supply chain solution comprising ASW Distribution, Financials, Warehouse Management, Radio Frequency (RF), Inventory Control, Alert Management, Shipment Preparation, Sales & Marketing for customer relationship management, Analyser for business intelligence/reporting and IBS Integrator, a central integration engine that facilitates interfaces between MTA and systems used by its trading partners (e.g. freight companies, suppliers, customers).

ASW gives MTA a single platform for managing and monitoring sales orders efficiently across all its divisions, channels and suppliers. The system is expected to cut costs and improve margins by automating order capture and management across MTA’s catalogue and web channels. MTA will also use ASW to handle promotional pricing issues including its varying rebates/discounts, and the inbuilt EANway compliant EDI capabilities available with ASW will be used for transactions with leading retailers such as Myer, David Jones, Kmart, BIG W and Target.

Crucial to the decision to go with IBS was the ability to have MTA’s new ERP system operational within a tight timeframe. Signing at the end of July, the project kicked off almost immediately and go live is scheduled for December 2004. The implementation will encompass all MTA’s sites across Australia and New Zealand, and will have 100+ users.

Project Goals Benefits anticipated from MTA’s new ASW system include:

Improved inventory control & warehousing Improved customer service Reliable, up to date business intelligence giving MTA’s management a powerful tool to monitor KPIs Full financial control & multi-dimensional reporting Multi currency & multi company handling “After a long and thorough investigation process lasting several months, we concluded that IBS have the systems to allow MTA to succeed in today’s ever more demanding marketplace. Equally important we believe that IBS have the staff and expertise to ensure a smooth and safe transition from our legacy system”, said Neill Whiston, Director, Modern Teaching Aids.

Commenting on the deal, Staffan Wensing, Managing Director, IBS Australia said, “Amidst strong competition during the evaluation process, IBS successfully won MTA’s vote of confidence by demonstrating our leadership in supply chain and excellent customer references. Now the project is underway, the team is highly focused and working closely together to deliver a successful implementation. We are excited to be working with Australia’s leading name in educational supplies.”

For more information, please contact: Staffan Wensing, MD, IBS Australia Tel: 02 9454 6100 staffan.wensing@ibsaustralia.com

Neill Whiston, Director, Modern Teaching Aids Tel: 1300 300 112 nwhiston@teaching.com.au

IBS, International Business Systems, is a leading provider of business software for supply chain execution, financials and business intelligence, and customer relations management, primarily for distributors and demand-driven manufacturing companies. IBS' primary focus is mid-sized and large wholesale distributors as well as sales and manufacturing companies in international groups, especially in pharmaceuticals, electronic parts and equipment, automotive parts and supplies, machinery, industrial supplies and consumer durables. IBS is recognised by AMR Research as a leading supplier of supply chain execution software and services. IBS has some 5,000 customers, among them many leading companies like Miele, The Laminex Group, Sigma Pharmaceuticals, Galexis, Ciba Vision, Maxell, ABB, Expert, Cartier and Lear Corporation. For more information, please visit www.ibsaustralia.com