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...OneOffice system to automate procurement
process, creating paperless office and
driving better value from suppliers...
Strategix, a European software house dedicated to the development
and rapid deployment of supply chain software, today announced that
Nexus, the Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Executive, has begun
implementing an e-procurement system using Strategix OneOffice
software. Aimed at improving the efficiency of Nexus' supply chain
and ultimately the transport services offered to the citizens of
Tyne and Wear, the new system replaces an inefficient and
labour-intensive paper-based system.
Nexus provides, procures and promotes public transport and works
closely with the Passenger Transport Authority and district
councils on transport policy. Strategix has already completed the
first phase of the project, having replaced Nexus' legacy financial
software systems with OneOffice financial management systems in a
period of just 6 weeks. Full implementation is scheduled for
September 2004, with a roll out to some 200 additional users.
A key objective of the new solution is to automate the process of
putting contracts out to tender, allowing the Nexus purchasing
department to spend more time obtaining the best value from
external suppliers. The system will handle requisitioning of all
Nexus’ externally sourced supplies, including spare parts,
construction materials, office supplies and consumables, needed to
support a public transport infrastructure that includes train, bus
and ferry services.
Staff throughout Nexus will be able to requisition required items
directly through OneOffice, supported by a simple dashboard-based
view of other requisitions and budget availability. Workflow will
ensure that managers and budget holders can approve or query all
requests, before the central purchasing department sources goods,
either from internal stock or through an automated competitive
tendering process that will involve various levels of electronic
collaboration with external suppliers.
"As an organisation that is largely funded by public money it is
our responsibility to be able to deliver services in a
cost-effective manner, minimising the amount of resource consumed
by administration, and delivering best value to our stakeholders,"
comments Keith Nisbet, Group Accountant, Nexus. "Improving the
efficiency of our procurement process by partnering with Strategix
is a fundamental element of our strategy, both in conducting the
maintenance of infrastructure needed to sustain the higher
standards we are aiming for and in supporting the introduction of
new light rail and tram services in the future. The cost savings
and efficiencies we aim to achieve through this e-procurement
initiative will allow us to focus on improving the quality of
public transport, so that it can continue to offer a more viable
alternative to the use of cars."
Commenting on the contract, Peter Lusty, chief executive of
Strategix said: "Nexus needs to be able to meet government
objectives to increase the usage of public transport and
consequently has a 15 year plan to improve and extend the services
on offer to the citizens of Tyne and Wear. It recognises that IT
efficiency is a key part of this and that an improved procurement
process will make best use of the resources available. Strategix
understands Nexus' requirements and the stringent criteria such
public sector solutions demand, and is delighted that OneOffice has
been selected as the cornerstone for Nexus’ e-procurement systems."
About OneOffice
OneOffice is a new generation of supply chain software
that combines operations, finance, customer and event management in
one innovative system. This seamless approach maintains a 360°
real-time view of an organisation providing information as
important events occur. Human intervention is automatically sought
at critical junctures or if conditions unexpectedly change. This
enables businesses to respond quickly and make informed decisions.
OneOffice has a component-based design, enabling businesses to
select a solution that is right for them using a single package.
The OneOffice product suite includes:
• Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) to streamline the 'back
office',
• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) to improve service levels
and satisfaction,
• Supply Chain Event Management (SCEM) to detect and respond to
critical events inside and outside the business,
• Supply Chain Management (SCM) to reduce costs and improve
customer service by automating processes with customers and trading
partners.
• E-commerce, E-procurement and E-service to provide flexible and
secure access for local, remote and mobile users
The benefits of the OneOffice approach are many, including:
• Enhanced business efficiency, with software designed to meet the
unique requirements of service and distribution businesses
• Outstanding service levels, by ensuring that every business
interaction is valuable for both parties.
• Improved responsiveness and SLAs, by monitoring activities in
real time and detecting opportunities and problems as they happen.
• Feedback on business events and KPIs, using dashboards to deliver
summarised information in real time.
• Streamlined back office, by creating an automated, low touch
operation which - when conditions change - actively seeks human
intervention.
• Using one database and one intuitive user interface to avoid the
significant cost and risk of integrating different vendors'
software products into a hybrid system.
About
Strategix
Strategix is a leading European software house, dedicated to the
development and rapid deployment of supply chain software. We focus
on the wholesale and retail distribution, logistics and service
sectors where our software maximizes supply chain efficiency and
accelerates customer service. Our systems are designed for
reliability, availability and performance. Our customers enjoy a
rapid return on their investment and genuine competitive advantage.
Focused on key growth sectors, which range from high technology to
household and building products, Strategix numbers businesses such
as, Dimension Data, Eurodis plc, Fired Earth, Fuller Smith and
Turner, London Underground, Midwich, Routeco plc and Virgin Mobile
among its customers.
About Nexus
Nexus is the Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Executive, the
executive arm of the elected Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport
Authority, which determines public transport policy across the
region’s five local authority areas. Nexus owns and operates the
Tyne and Wear Metro system and the cross-Tyne Shields Ferry, in
addition to a range of specialist bus services, such as
demand-responsive U Call service and Care Services for mobility of
impaired passengers.
Nexus’ aim is to create the conditions in which people will
increasingly choose to use public transport. Innovation and forward
planning are key to the success of that aim, as is technology and
its use to streamline business practices and provide value added
benefits to passengers.
April 2004
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