One of the UK's largest carbon steel plate processors and distributors, has selected the Epicor Vantage manufacturing enterprise resource planning suite to replace its aging software system.

Brown McFarlane, one of the UK's largest carbon steel plate processors and distributors, has selected the Epicor Vantage manufacturing enterprise resource planning (ERP) suite from Epicor Software Corporation to replace its aging software system. Vantage, built on a 100% service-oriented architecture (SOA), beat Microsoft Navision in an extensive two-month selection process based on its impressive 'out-of-the-box' capability, proven suitability for make to order (MTO) manufacturing, and large installed user base. 'We have used STELPLAN ERP for over 10 years and although it has been a good package, it offers limited flexibility and no longer suits our growing business,' explained Susan Eaton, financial director for Brown McFarlane.

'The system is also a UNIX application and has a very cumbersome user interface as well as limited ability to interface with our Microsoft Windows applications.' Brown McFarlane offers a full range of profiling services using plasma-arc, oxygen and propane profilers with the ability to handle individual piece weights up to 18 tonnes.

With global operations, expanding into South Africa and the Middle East, in late 2005 it started a task force to find a replacement system to replace STELPLAN.

A process of demonstration and evaluation of six initial vendors led to a shortlist of just two, namely Epicor and Microsoft.

'Epicor's Vantage solution provides a better 'out-of-the-box' feature set when compared with Microsoft Navision.

The system also offers a tighter fit to our manufacturing and stock handling requirement without lengthy and costly customization processes,' commented Eaton.

Manufacturers around the world rely on Vantage, a complete end-to-end manufacturing system that addresses the core business needs of make-to-order (MTO) and mixed-mode manufacturers.

The modular suite has built-in workflows managing the entire order cycle including marketing, sales, production and planning, sourcing and procurement, installation and service, through to financial recognition.

Eaton is especially pleased with the ability to easily drill down into any order and expose process, capacity and stock levels with Vantage.

'This will add improved visibility to our operations and aid long term planning,' she added.

Brown McFarlane has purchased the Vantage core manufacturing, accounting and stock handling modules for its 55 users.

Migration and implementation is expected to complete in October of 2006, with replication of the system to its Middle East operation to commence in the latter part of the year.

* About Brown McFarlane - founded in 1889 by Captain A R Brown, a former P and O Chief Officer, Brown McFarlane is one of the longest established steel distributing and processing businesses in the UK and has developed into one of Europe's premier steal plate companies.

At the turn of the century Captain Brown joined forces with a naval architect, George McFarlane to establish A R Brown McFarlane and Co The company was involved in the building of ships for Japan and export of machinery, electrical and other equipment, evolving into a steel stockholder and trader to a wider market.

Today the company is still family owned and independent, and continues to grow both organically and by acquisition.

* About Epicor Software Corporation - Epicor is a global leader dedicated to providing integrated enterprise resource planning (ERP), customer relationship management (CRM), supply chain management (SCM) and professional service automation (PSA) software solutions to midmarket companies and divisions of the Global 1000.

Founded in 1984, Epicor serves over 20,000 customers in more than 140 countries, providing solutions in over 30 languages.

Employing innovative service-oriented architecture (SOA) and Web services technology, Epicor delivers end-to-end, industry-specific solutions for manufacturing, distribution, retail, hospitality and services that enable companies to drive increased efficiency, improve performance and build competitive advantage.

Epicor solutions provide the scalability and flexibility to meet today's business challenges, while empowering enterprises for even greater success tomorrow.

Epicor offers a comprehensive range of services with its solutions, providing a single point of accountability to promote rapid return on investment and low total cost of ownership.