EML Distribution was created as a division of Emco Ltd operating as Emco Supply.  There were 40 Emco Supply branches. Acquisitions added another 60 branches during the implementation project.

Project Summary

Managed solution selection and developed the implementation plan for the automation strategy. Developed an automation strategy for a network of 40 Sales/Warehouses which expanded to 100, through acquisition, during the project.

Background

A new Senior Management group was brought in to lead the distribution business and a key strategy was to automate (computerize) the order taking, invoicing and inventory management to improve operation margins. To improve purchasing volumes, the strategy included acquiring competitors.

Requirement

Develop an automation plan for the existing and new branches to be added through acquisition. Define and conduct a selection process for a supplier.

Project After Discovery

The first business acquisition was Northern Supply from Edmonton. They had already started an automation project using a strategy consistent with the recommendation.  They had established Business Requirements and short listed two vendors and an internally developed option.

Approach

• Interviewed Northern senior management and verified requirements were generic and applicable to Emco. Determined the next steps for solution selection.
• Attended tours and demonstrations of the short listed candidates to ensure each solution met requirements.  Determined internal solution was least fit due to functional shortages. Conducted internal selection decision workshops to identify preferences.
• Met with preferred supplier and negotiated contract terms as input to the Business Case.  Developed an implementation plan involving a Pilot branch and implementation teams.  Prepared and presented a business case for the implementation of the automation strategy.
• Managed the implementation and recruitment of a operations manager to oversee the combined IT resources and technology.