Broadstock continues business journey with Sage X3 and Datel
Broadstock continues business journey with Sage X3 and Datel
31st March 2016
Founded in 1981, Broadstock Office Furniture specialises in the manufacture and supply of innovative workplace and educational furniture to organisations throughout the UK. Based in Macclesfield, Cheshire, the company also has a metalwork factory in Middleton, Greater Manchester.
After over a decade of using Sage Line 500 with support from Datel, Broadstock is preparing itself for further expansion. To ensure their demanding customer base of Public Money, universities and large corporate customers get the best possible service, they have selected Sage X3 and will continue their partnership with Datel.
Financial director Mark Meakin explains the reasons behind the move to Sage X3:
“Broadstock has a unique business model, manufacturing over 50% of its turnover within Macclesfield and Middleton. Since our initial implementation of the Line 500 solution our business has gone through a lot of change and our business model wasn’t what it is today. For example, we manufacture components at our Middleton Factory for inclusion in the products we make and sell from Macclesfield.
"Control and Management of Process and Quality is key within this competitive sector, and having excellent software and support is vital to this 35 year old business. No-one can predict what challenges the future may bring, but having a first rate partner in Datel will help us change and develop within our market." says Mark.
Following a process review with an independent consultant, Broadstock put together a requirements document that predominently covered financials, manufacturing, stock control and CRM. They reviewed the market and considered Microsoft Navision, SAP Business One and Sage X3.
“We looked at SAP as an alternative to Sage but I think the Sage X3 product has got a lot more potential. We also didn’t want to leave Datel; we have been working with them for 13 years and have a good rapport with the people.
“In 2002, we opted for a heavily bespoked solution to manage our unique manufacturing requirements but one of the key reasons for selecting Sage X3 is because we believe the majority of what we need can be delivered using standard functionality with some customisation to our needs. The implementation of Sage X3 will allow us to centralise processes, consolidating several systems in to one and improve reporting from order and design to payment.”
Mark hopes that the company will be up and running with Sage X3 within 12 months.
For Datel, Andrew Pritchard, Account Development Director, added: “It's fantastic to build a long-term relationship with a business like Broadstock and to be able to advise and assist when business changes require a new system. We are looking forward to Broadstock being live on the Sage X3 solution and continuing to support their business success."
