ERP Implementation in UAE for a Cargo Management Company
About the Client
Our client, a cargo movement services company, incorporated on 7th November 1992, has deployed throughout the region with its full fledged operation, terminals equipped with modern loading and storage facilities at Dubai, Jebel Ali Free Zone, Abu Dhabi, Muscat and Doha. The company caters cargo movement services to above 1500 satisfied customers in the region. 
The client has counted 17 successful years of operations in Cargo movement, customs clearing, forwarding and related activities. It has now established itself as a leading freight forwarder in the region with infrastructure facilities which includes modern office automation and communication systems, conveyance facilities and material handling equipments and a fleet of 80 vehicles of which includes light and heavy duty trucks to support the entire operational functions in handling over 500 metric tons of cargo everyday. With collection and delivery covering 20,000 km per day coupled with proper documentation as per its requirements of the authorities in the region so as to enable cargo/shipment transportation in record time and establishing new standards in quality and value added service which is unique in this industry.
Understanding the developments of the region the company has also invested into a full-fledged logistics facility with a 10,000 Sq. Mt. of modern warehouse at Jebel Ali Free Zone.
Objectives of ERP Implementation
The client’s organizational and Accounting structure before ERP implementation was a decentralized one. Each branch use to book the consignment independently without other branches knowing the consignment being booked time to time. The only way the authorities of other branches come to know about the consignment is when the same reaches the other branches. Thus it was more of a post facto analysis. In order to control this widely spread business, the company decided to go for a web based centralized ERP to enforce controls and processes laid down by the Board of Directors. The client decided to acquire a commercial off-the shelf product that could be configured to provide the full range of business functionality.
Solutions Choice
Management wished to use proven state-of-the-art technology that would provide the ability to plan, control and account for all of company’s activities and resources. The company evaluated several ERPs, and finally chose ebizframe, an ERP solution from Eastern Software Systems Limited. ebizframe was preferred because of its state of art technology, good track record, and low entry, implementation cost and a clear implementation methodology and transparent costing system.
Pre ERP Scenario
The client was using an application which could not handle the multiple branch concept. Though the operation was carried out in multiple countries it never supported multiple currency. When ever the data grew the performance of the application got deteriorated until and unless the big junk of data is removed from the server. Due to this the historical analysis was almost impossible.
ERP Implementation
Implementation of ebizframe started by Feb 2008 and client went live by August 2008 in all the branches. ebizframe was adopted with some customization and re-engineering of their business processes that was necessary as the organization moved from a single branch to a multi branch and multi currency controlled operations environment. Complete freight and forwarding ebizframe application comprising of Purchase, Sales, Inventory, Finance, HR & Payroll, Fixed Asset are online now.
IT Infrastructure
ebizframe has been implemented on IBM X series with 8 GB RAM each for database and application. At present there are approx 80 users all across the GCC countries using Pentium-IV desktop PCs with 512 MB RAM. They have kept the server at Dubai office connected using a ADSL line. Each branch connects to the main server using 2 MBPS ADSL line dedicated for ebizframe.
Benefits Derived
After implementation of ebizframe, the client has been able to achieve better monitoring of vehicle movements. It has resulted in lower turn around time of consignment collection and delivery. Better service to the customers is possible as all the data since beginning is available online. Finance with its features like consolidation, multi-currency options gives it a better control and flexibility over financial reporting. Many MIS reports are available on click of button. There is better monitoring of operations.
About ebizframe ERP
ebizframe, a internet based ERP software, is ESS's flagship product. Using ebizframe, companies have transformed themselves from non-integrated units with scattered islands of information into an integrated strong global company managing the entire operations from a single location. To know more and view a demo of ebizframe ERP please click here.
