Control and maintenance of stock in fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) distribution organisations is often a source of headaches for management and finance departments.

Safari Distributors, a major distribution business headquartered in Gaborone, Botswana, elected to implement a SAP Business One accounting software solution from 4most to replace a bespoke DOS-based legacy system no longer able to cope with the company’s financial and accounting information requirements.

The legacy system was found wanting in terms of the functionality required to meet the needs of Safari Distributors in the arena of stock control, sales tracking, sales history, procurement transactions and the integration of inventory systems into the financial accounts.

“We evaluated a number of accounting and business software solution options and the 4most presentation to us confirmed that a SAP Business One solution was clearly the way for us to move forward,” said Marinda Pieterse, financial director at Safari Distributors.

“The solution is versatile and 4most was able to develop and synchronise a discount matrix that facilitates multiple discounts into SAP Business One. It has streamlined the accounting process and significantly improved our financial controls. Orders placed in the system are kept live and the financial data is accurate. We also took a discount matrix option that was upgraded for us.”

Safari Distributors was also supplied with an add-on software dedicated to the product re-ordering process. Pieterse comments that this enables the company to maintain correct stock levels at all times, critical in the FMCG business.

“The software actively tracks the stock we have, analysing sales, prices and orders over a four-month period to ensure that correct stock levels are maintained,” adds Pieterse.

Another important aspect for Safari Distributors was the SAP Business One capability to seamlessly and flawlessly accept information transferred from the company’s data base into SAP using Microsoft Excel.

“4most ensured that the installation of the new system was completed timeously and that the integration and changes required were executed rapidly. The quick response to our needs from both Botswana and Pretoria based 4most personnel was impressive. The re-ordering programme was developed specifically for us and has worked perfectly for us over the past nine months.”

Among the significant benefits that Safari Distributors is deriving from the 4most SAP Business One solution are real time visibility, a single information unit, integrated operational requirements for easier access and decision making and a systematic approach to dealing with all of the business processes, including the historical manual data.

“We have more control and greater efficiency. There is inherent flexibility in the programme and it has enabled us to supply large retailers and wholesalers throughout Botswana with foodstuffs, beverages and a wide range of other consumer goods,” concludes Pieterse.

Editorial contacts
Dave McDermott
COPYWISE
(+27) 11 478-2055 or 082 608-0019
dave@copywise.co.za

Madeline ten Krooden
4MOST
(+27) 12 345-2505
mtenkrooden@4most.co.za

About
4most is the leading supplier and implementer of SAP Business One ERP business software and technology solutions. With offices in South Africa, Botswana, Zambia and Malawi, as well as an in-house client care centre, the company has implemented over 2200 SAP Business One users across numerous industries, and has a strong base provided by considerable experience and skills accumulated over 25 years. Services include the implementation, support, maintenance, customised software development, and application modifications of SAP Business One accounting and ERP software systems, providing tailor-made and innovative solutions that give competitive advantage to businesses in Southern Africa. 4most is also the only business partner accredited to offer SAP Business One certification training in South Africa.