Barnes Group, a local manufacturer and distributor of fencing, steel and galvanised products for the construction, mining, agriculture and hardware industries in South Africa and abroad, has successfully consolidated its production and enhanced logistics efficiencies by adopting SYSPRO ERP solutions for metal fabrication industries.
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Barnes Fencing Industries is a principal manufacturer of steel products, including, wire and fencing for the construction, mining, agricultural and hardware industries. Established in 1993, this multifaceted producer services a large network of clients in South Africa and abroad.
The Group found itself in need of a fully integrated Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solution to consolidate its production activities and enhance operational efficiencies. After an exhaustive due diligence process, SYSPRO was selected based on its ability to assist with its change management efforts.
The Barnes Group made the transition from Pastel to SYSPRO in 2014 and has since migrated most of its subsidiaries to SYSPRO. The company is currently running SYSPRO 8 and the migration of its Botswana operation is under way.
By implementing SYSPRO, Barnes Fencing has been able to consolidate production activities at its various facilities as well as co-ordinate the logistics of transporting considerable volumes over a wide area. Based in Johannesburg, the company also has operations in Botswana and Namibia.
Current demand in the market has necessitated the need to split orders according to available stock at hand. As a total solution provider which prioritises customer service, Barnes Fencing endeavours to deliver according to the material it has available, ensuring customer stock levels are replenished as quickly as possible.
Ronnie Baijan, financial manager of Barnes Fencing, says: “We needed to optimise vehicle load and route planning to improve fleet turnaround while remaining efficient. SYSPRO has helped us contain distribution costs such as fuel through optimal planning of routes and loads.”
With SYSPRO 8, Baijan says there has been a noticeable improvement in the way the business is run. “It’s a lot more streamlined,” he says. “Having one totally integrated system has enabled us to significantly improve our operational efficiencies as we have a holistic view of all facets of the business.”
The ability to connect to SYSPRO remotely was also a substantial benefit during the lockdown imposed to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, when most of the management team was working offsite.
Commenting on the upgrade to SYSPRO 8, Baijan says it was a well planned and executed implementation. “Both our internal team and the SYSPRO consultants maintained a positive outlook and contributed directly to the outcome. It’s great knowing that we had SYSPRO’s support every step of the way,” he says.
SYSPRO is a leading, global Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software provider, specialising in key manufacturing and distribution industries. The company’s industry-built solutions and services are designed to make things possible.
Industry-specific ERP solutions empower customers to take the next step – whether it is expanding into new territories, adding new product lines, transforming business processes, or driving innovation. Through ERP software, customers gain access to solutions, processes and tools to assist in the management of data for key business insights and informed decision making. Our solutions are scalable and can be deployed in the cloud, on-premise or both: and accessed via the web on any device to provide customers with choice and flexibility.
With a strong commitment to channel partner growth, SYSPRO customers are backed by a team of global experts that drive maximum value from its IT systems and business solutions. Committed to addressing the unique needs of customers, the company’s solutions enable clients to adapt easily and remain resilient.
Its ERP solutions are evolving in line with industry trends and leverage emerging technologies that enable partners and customers to secure a digital future and to gain a competitive advantage.
