Inbodan manages 110 stores and processes 250,000 invoices a year, and IT Manager Claus From explains that it was important to get a new, up-to-date system that would support the future IT strategy of the wholesaler. This includes internet trade, datawarehouse, Supply Chain Management, EDI and improved communication.
The internet is the future
Inbodan considers both the internet and intranet as necessary tools for strengthening communications and improving their relations to customers and suppliers. It places demands on the system however, to carry the visions out. After having researched the marketplace, it became clear that Axapta could meet the challenge - partly because of the solution´s strong integration potential and the built-in web facilities.
The results of choosing Axapta were quickly apparent. Today the shops are able to see avaible stock, delivery times and prices. They can place orders via online facilities. The shops now have quick access to important information that helps them in sales situations. In addition, Inbodan expects to improve their logistics considerably, which will benefit end users with faster deliveries of carpets, furniture, and curtains.
A solid business foundation
One advantage is automattion of all order and stock handling procedures. Claus From maintains that Axapta connects the processes much better - externally towards the suppliers, as well as internally in Inbodan. He feels that the solution has all the right building blocks which, after some needed customizations, provide the company with the future-oriented business foundation that they were looking for.
The succes of the solution is measured against Inbodan´s goal: To enter information into the system only once. In combination with EDI, which makes it possible to automate 250,000 invoices a year. Axapta supports this goal. The shops benefit because they now receive one invoice that covers the total amount, as opposed to several different invoices like they did in the past.
Other customizations include the Columbus Retail Chain Manager. The retail module puts all of the functionality of Axapta right into the cash register. As a result, shop employees can access information on the stock situation at the sister companies. Now it is also possible to create a purchase order for the supplier by pressing one button.
The replication module enables the system to update the stores with price and item information during the night, so it does not interfere with the network traffic.
About Inbodan
Inbodan is the wholesale organization behind the three Danish chains GarantTæpper (carpets), GarantGardiner (curtains) and IdeMøbler (furniture). Inbodan services and manages 110 stores and processes 250,000 invoices a year. Eighty employees manage purchasing, logistics, concept development and marketing, as well as the administration system for Danish and foreign stores alike.