Maxell delivers the goods with IBS supply chain solution
Maxell is a global giant in information storage and battery power. As it moves to capitalize on the accelerating pace of global markets, it has chosen IBS to revitalize its supply chain needs.
Company background
Since its formation in Japan in 1961, Hitachi Maxell has earned a deserved worldwide reputation as a provider of quality products and services. The company has paved the way for the development and supply of state-of-the-art energy, data and audio-visual products for over 30 years. Maxell opened its first European operations in Germany in 1976. Since then, the company has established nine sales companies and two manufacturing sites in Europe.
Maxell's European headquarters are based in the UK and offer support to all subsidiaries and distributors throughout Europe. Maxell employs more than 450 people on the continent and had sales in excess of EUR 378m in 2002.
Business issues
The electrical products industry demands flexibility and the ability to cope with rigorous market demands. Long lead-times and deteriorating prices are the norm. A leading-edge software solution is essential for survival.
Maxell also had to contend with the great variety of complex accounting, legal and financial practices across Europe. In addition, the company was faced with the further difficulty of consolidating information from its multiple subsidiaries, all of which were using vastly differing IT systems.
The company faced a similar problem on the manufacturing front, as a separate system was being used for production control. An integrated, total solution controlling all processes from raw material to finished product would show greater cost benefits and efficiency.
Maxell required a long-term software business partner to facilitate information flow. The company also wanted to harmonize its European operations in the areas of accounting, legal and financial practices.
The difference between our previous software and the IBS solution could not have been greater.
Alessandro Fogliani
Managing Director
Fogliani
Solution and capabilities
Before choosing IBS, Maxell considered two other systems. Both were rejected on the grounds of cost and complexity. After seven years with its original system, Maxell chose to go with IBS' integrated supply chain management software.
IBS enterprise software is developed to enhance customers' profitability by increasing sales, reducing costs, shortening lead-times, improving customer service, realizing greater efficiency in internal and external processes and excellent visibility of management information.
IBS software is scaleable and ideal for multinational organizations such as Maxell, particularly for handling cross-company financial transactions over a wide range of currencies and languages.
IBS' focus on distribution was another reason for the choice, as the customer service side of Maxell's business needed improvement.
Contact IBS for more information. »
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