The frozen prepared meals firm is implementing CDC Software’s Factory and Business Process Management packages at its site in Deeside, north Wales.
This follows recent upgrades, ranging from sales and promotion and business performance to demand planning, forecasting and budgeting modules.The move builds on its installation of CDC Software’s Ross Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) suite some years ago.
The manufacturer said the IT initiative enabled it to achieve a range of objectives, from analysing captured data in real time to optimising quality, price, service and innovation. It has also supported the work the firm has done with Glyndwr University and Toyota on improving efficiency and lean business practices.
Improved reporting
CDC Software’s Ross ERP software links all departments, costings, recipes and cost centres together to provide commonality of data for quicker and better management reporting.
KK Fine Foods, which supplies lines for chains such as JD Weatherspoons, 3663 and Brakes, said the system had proved very cost effective, delivering a good return on investment.
Chairman Graham Jackson said it had helped the firm grow from a small business making 60 products in 2003 to a medium-sized business producing 393 products in 2010.
“The manufacturing processes involve multiple units of measure conversions; take pastry, for example – water by vlume, flour by weight, eggs by number.
“Within this are other variables such as numerics, kilogrammes, litres and then possibly percentages. Ross ERP has given us the ability to react very quickly to changes in the product itself and in customer demand, supply chain management and market conditions."