Saurashtra Cements relies on real-time information access to cut costs

The company was using Foxpro-based software applications for its management and transactional processes. The application was running in isolation thus leaving the organization with disparate data. This led the SCL management to opt for an integrated solution that would bring all its data under one platform. “Thus began the search for an integrated ERP solution,” says A S Kailasan, Sr VP.

Choosing the right ERP solution

The management did a thorough evaluation before selecting an ERP vendor. “We consulted many ERP experts; read a lot of studies published by agencies like Price Waterhouse Coopers to compare different vendors and their offerings,” comments Kailasan. Finally, the management zeroed in on Ramco's on-premise

ERP solution. After detailed analysis and definition of user-level agreements, Ramco ERP was implemented at SCL in one year.

How they benefit

Commenting on the benefits accrued by implementing ERP, Kailasan says, “IT adoption has minimized the occurrence of human errors. Coordination between the branches and among the workforce is better; there is no unnecessary information flowing in the company; there is no duplication in the processes across the board; there is no wrong reporting to the top management. All information is taken from the ERP system and can be authenticated.”

The result: “a two-fold increase in the company's capacity and transparency of data across the organization,” adds Kailasan.

IT investment continues

Saurashtra Cements has more than 18 IT professionals to manage its in-house operations. With a range of technology tools to communicate amongst branches, SCL spends around Rs.2-3 crores every year on IT. “The workforce has access to the latest laptops and smart phones. Apart from adding their productivity, this helps to keep the workforce motivated as they feel a sense of pride while working on the latest gadgets and technologies,” explains Kailasan.

SCL has not stopped with the implementation of ERP. The in-house IT team has made many enhancements to the ERP solution. While a business intelligence tool has been added to empower decision makers, the ERP system is integrated with an SMS gateway to enable anytime anywhere access. Shortly, SCL is planning to integrate its ERP system with the corporate website. With a clear IT vision, the company plans to be among the top five cement companies in the country.