Efficiency is “In The Bag” with Total IT Integration

Chances are that, whoever you are or wherever you live in the UK, you are familiar with Nelson Packaging’s products even if you don’t realise it, because the company is one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of carrier bags and supplies many of the big high street names. As well as producing attractive, functional packaging which can be re-used many times, Nelson demonstrates commitment to the environment by its use of recycled materials and water-based inks. With its unique 12 colour print capability, the products are not only practical but play an important part in adding value to premium brands.

The service aspect of the business is of paramount importance and Nelson can respond to orders in a matter of days rather than weeks with a production capacity in excess of 500 million bags per year. This business outlook greatly influences the choice of IT system and, like all forward thinking small to medium sized enterprises (SME), Nelson felt the need to integrate its IT infrastructure and in particular combine engineering, production and customer relationship management (CRM) to improve management reporting.

Nelson Packaging is based on a single site in the town in Lancashire which gave the company its name, and currently employs almost one hundred people.  JMC was chosen for the contract because it boasted a wealth of relevant experience with SMEs in the region. The breadth of knowledge displayed across all of the key products, the high level of professionalism and impressive project management skills meant that a seamless transition was effected from the previous mainframe to the new Windows 2000 Small Business Server network.

A number of forces drove the project from Nelson’s point of view, as the company’s Commercial Director Mark Jonas explained, “We definitely wanted a one-stop shop, something which JMC provided. An improved hardware platform was necessary but so too was the software. Like many companies we use Microsoft Office extensively but JMC advised us how to use it better to improve functionality by linking with other modules.”

On the recommendation of JMC, Nelson upgraded to Pegasus Opera II at the same time because of its improved inter-working with Windows operating systems. The final piece in the puzzle was the Goldmine CRM solution which has brought the sales force closer to each other and the central office, even when they are out on the road. The solution provided by JMC also incorporated the introduction of Virtual Private Network technology allowing remote access for three laptop users because the time was ripe for the integration of broadband to expand the scope of the solution. As an added bonus fixed costs were partly offset by the elimination of an existing leased line.

With these clear objectives, and more significantly, clear criteria with which to judge the success of the project upon its completion, Jonas declares himself very satisfied with the work done. “The IT platform has ensured an integrated sales order processing solution is speedily available to meet the exacting demands of the retail industry.” he concludes.
All businesses have a statutory obligation - commencing April 2005 for larger companies but encompassing every UK company by 2010 – to complete end of year submissions to the Inland Revenue on-line. Nelson decided to get ahead of the game and introduce electronic submissions immediately. Thus the company is already benefiting from efficiency increases made possible by this latest development. Another issue in this competitive environment was the desire to improve flexibility through increased multi-tasking. The new system gives everyone the tools they need to assist in the company drive for ever-greater efficiency.

After careful consultation between JMC and Nelson, a phased approach was chosen for the introduction of new systems. The objective was to give employees the chance to master the new software systems comfortably and to ensure a smooth changeover. The period allocated for the work was three months, a time span which caused the smallest possible impact on company operations.

And now, over 18 months later, what lasting benefits has the investment brought to Nelson Packaging? Jonas summed it up as follows, “In terms of where we are as a business ‘today’ – the IT platform has ensured an integrated sales order processing solution is speedily available to meet the exacting demands of the retail industry.”