New software for Pittards

Pittards have installed a unique £725,000 software package that links every aspect of their total operation. The system has been developed and installed by IFS UK and will be providing comparative data on all sections of manufacturing including source and stock, technical and chemical procedures, despatch, sales, maintenance and even personnel. Pittards manufacture leathers with different technical advantages for top brand customers in over 30 countries. The new system will ensure full information on every one of the 80,000 hides processed at the factory every week is meticulously detailed and will also relay this information to all other related sections of the company so that at any one time an overall picture of any aspect of the operation can be obtained. Already a world leader in the production of technically advanced leather, they say they will be the first leather manufacturer in the world to use this new system. Lindsey Blackford, Pittards' group services director, said: 'This software is a major step forward in providing instant comparative data on any area. Instead of waiting for reports, or having to re-input information from various sources, the computers will do everything for us automatically and continuously. It will alert us of any exceptions in any of the processes and will also link and monitor all the periphery processes such as HR and machine maintenance schedules. 'It really is an all embracing system that will link and balance every activity in a way that has never previously been possible and it has enormous potential for forward planning and cost control.' Reg Hankey, managing director of Pittards glove leather division in Yeovil, said IFS UK was chosen from a shortlist of seven potential suppliers: 'Our business is built on close partnership with all parties in the supply chain and with a focus on being innovative in all that we do. We were looking for an IT partner with a similar philosophy. 'IFS UK was finally selected because of its understanding of the needs of our business, the breadth of functionality offered to meet those requirements and the company's ability to implement the system. While it is a major investment, without doubt the new system will add immeasurably to our overall business practices.'