May 2008:

ODEL Invests In Modern Technology Interface to Create Market Opportunities

ODEL, Sri Lanka’s premier lifestyle store, is in the process of implementing a state of the art Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solution across all its outlets at a time that ideally suits the company’s present and ambitious future plans. ODEL’s new Microsoft Dynamics Navision and LS Retail platform will provide a host of features to maximise the resource utilisation, thus contributing to the enhanced efficiency and effectiveness of the organisation.

Commenting on the thinking behind this complete overhaul of existing systems, ODEL’s Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Arjuna Samaratunga, said “the new Microsoft Dyamics Navision and LS Retail platform was needed to keep pace with the expansion and growth strategies that ODEL already has in place – a need for a total information technology solution which we identified early on. As this was a very vital resource that was missing from our managerial portfolio, which would be an essential component for us to translate our many ambitious plans into actions, we felt it worthwhile to invest in this vital tool which can only benefit us in the way we run ODEL in the future.”

Since ODEL has from its very inception, sixteen years ago, used a local retail solution and an off-the-shelf accounting system, it was deemed necessary by the management of ODEL that key decision-makers join together to identify and implement an appropriate solution which would generate better information and thus allow ODEL the capability to better identify and take advantage of market opportunities.

Following a stringent evaluation process, ODEL green-lighted a proposal made by Rapid Start Ltd., (a fully owned subsidiary of Genovate Solutions Pte Ltd of Singapore) to supply and install the Microsoft Dynamics Navision and LS Retail platform. Once implementation is achieved, there will be several facilities brought online for greater productivity, efficiency and functionality. These included greater flexibility affording users to manage the business the way they want, shorter information lead times for users which allow them to handle more tasks, enhanced timeliness and cost effectiveness in delivery, and greater security and versatility built into the system.

In addition, there are facets of improved user friendliness of processes control, simpler and easier generation of reports to improve the speed of decision making and business performance analysis, as well as a greater effectiveness of Customer Relationship Management functions and enhanced customer service capabilities. Users of the ERP platform will also be able to improve cost-effectiveness and efficiency in the supply chain logistic management process and financial management of the organisation, while at the same time having the capability to also effectively execute E-business strategies.

The platform is also being tested to check if it is resilient and stable with the focus always being on delivering a wholly reliable platform, which is backed by a reputed service provider and the resources of the implementing company. The system will also have the capability for real time support using a post live system support methodology.

In addition, ODEL recently implemented a total communication solution to facilitate the company’s Wide Area Network which was implemented by Dialog Broadband Solutions, who provided IP/VPN links to connect ODEL’s seven existing sales locations and the head office and high speed broadband internet connections based on WIMAX technology. Along with the ERP implantation the company invested in the latest HP hardware to facilitate the new platform’s requirements.

Abstracted from : ODEL Invests In Modern Technology Interface to Create Market Opportunities