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SYSPRO Case Study: Semler Speeds Information Flow with SYSPRO
Technology Category
- Functional Applications - Enterprise Resource Planning Systems (ERP)
- Functional Applications - Inventory Management Systems
Applicable Functions
- Business Operation
Use Cases
- Inventory Management
- Process Control & Optimization
- Remote Asset Management
Services
- Software Design & Engineering Services
- System Integration
The Challenge
Semler’s core business is chemical and industrial distribution, and the industry is undergoing rapid changes. Traditional supply channels are becoming obsolete, and distributors must add significant value to their products to survive. Semler’s turnkey approach to liquid handling and process systems, along with quick delivery, are examples of added value. The company maintains a large inventory of over 4,000 products, making stringent inventory management a top priority. However, Semler’s old custom-designed software for inventory tracking and order processing was inefficient and paper-bound, requiring hours to look up invoices and work orders. The company also had to shut down for two weeks annually to reconcile physical inventory with records, pulling sales staff from the field to assist. Semler needed a new system to improve speed and accuracy and prepare for the future.
About The Customer
Semler Equipment, headquartered in Franklin Park, Illinois, is a leader in the liquid handling field. The company regulates flow, pressure, temperature, and other process variables, and its filtration technology extends to cartridges, bags, sheets, housings, and custom systems that filter liquids and gases down to 0.1 micron levels. Founded in 1905, Semler comprises five operating groups specializing in different sub-sciences of liquid handling technology: Liquid Handling, Fluid Purification, Pressroom Fluids Equipment, Hydraulics and Pneumatics, and Sentry Tank Accessories. Semler produces a range of standard systems and custom systems for end users and engineering firms, often inventing new systems or products to meet customer needs.
The Solution
Semler chose SYSPRO enterprise business software after extensive research and evaluation. The company went through several product demonstrations, studied SYSPRO’s track record and its reseller, Business Technology Partners, and contacted references. SYSPRO was found to be the best fit, offering features and benefits comparable to more costly systems from giants like J.D. Edwards and SAP. Semler appreciated SYSPRO’s history of continual improvement, ensuring they would always use the most technologically advanced system. The implementation of SYSPRO has significantly improved Semler’s operations. The monthly closing process now takes just one hour, compared to an entire day previously. Inventory tracking has been greatly simplified with a barcoding system, eliminating the need to pull sales staff from the field for inventory counts. SYSPRO also accommodates reverse job issues, allowing for efficient handling of order changes. The system has replaced multiple part forms with single-page printouts and simplifies the handling of custom orders with a Bill of Materials for quoting and parts pulling.
Operational Impact
Quantitative Benefit
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