Bolletje selects integrated solution from Schouw Informatisering
SI Foodware + Schouw’s knowledge and experience of food = synergy
Etten-Leur, 25 February 2009 - leading brand manufacturer Bolletje has signed contracts with Schouw Informatisering for the implementation of a new company-wide ERP solution. The existing solution no longer meets the needs of the newly developed company-wide IT strategy so Bolletje started to look for something new. Harry Lentferink, ICT Manager at Bolletje, says, "We have chosen Schouw Informatisering because they offer synergy. In particular with the integrated solution Microsoft Dynamics® NAV and SI Foodware®, the add-on specifically designed for companies in the food and beverage sector; and the extensive knowledge and experience Schouw already has in our sector."
From rusk baker to leading brand
Half way through the 20th century the Ter Beek brothers expanded their traditional bakery into a real rusk factory. This was when the name Bolletje was first used and when the foundations were laid for a successful brand. In the meantime Bolletje has built up a rich 140-year history and the manufacturer has more than 500 employees working in the bakeries in Almelo, Heerde and Amsterdam. Besides rusks, Bolletje also manufactures crackers, a range of breads, cakes and biscuits, sandwich fillings, savouries and seasonal products (such as mini ginger nuts). Some of these products are sold abroad as Dutch delicacies.
New company-wide solution
"We started looking for a new company-wide ERP solution because our current financial package has reached the end of its useful life," explains Lentferink. "Furthermore, our customised logistics system is functionally good but the technology is outdated." Bolletje had two requirements for the new company-wide IT strategy. Firstly, the solution should enable the company to shift its focus from working per department to working per process. Secondly, Bolletje would like agreements, roles and responsibilities to be clearly anchored.
New company-wide IT strategy
To meet the requirements set by the company-wide IT strategy chosen, Bolletje had to choose between two possible scenarios. Lentferink explains "We were faced with the choice of either modifying our existing customised system to work with modern technology and maintain our diverse IT landscape or with implementing a new ERP system which we had yet to select." The choice for Bolletje was easily made and three suppliers were invited to draw up a RFI/RFQ including a fit-gap analysis.
Synergy
"We selected Schouw because together with SI Foodware the functional coverage is good and the complexity of the solution is manageable. In addition Schouw has a great deal of knowledge and experience in the food and beverage sector. In other words, by working with Schouw we will achieve synergy: 1+1=3," explains Lentferink enthusiastically. Bolletje has selected Dynamics NAV because this solution is readily accessible and easy to learn. This is mainly due to the fact that it has the same look and feel as Microsoft’s other well-known products, Outlook for example. By supplementing the system with SI Foodware Bolletje will achieve the functional coverage it needs for all its business processes. Lentferink adds, "Together with the sector specific add-on SI Foodware, this forms an excellent total solution with growth potential!"
For further information about Bolletje and Schouw Informatisering visit www.bolletje.com and www.schouw.org.
