Systems integrator implements Citrix systems to virtualise american golf’s ERP solution providing cost savings of over £100,000
Systems integrator implements Citrix systems to virtualise american golf’s ERP solution providing cost savings of over £100,000
American golf, Europe’s largest golf retailer, has implemented Citrix XenDesktop with XenApp application delivery from NEC IT Solutions, to virtualise the company’s existing enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution, Microsoft Dynamics NAV.
The implementation is allowing the business to expand dramatically and still operate on the same software platform. The need for new systems and software follows american golf’s acquisition of SW Golf, Europe’s largest online golf retailer, as the new enlarged organisation worked to avoid the need to implement an entirely new solution and the associated expense.
Citrix XenDesktop is a full desktop virtualisation platform, which includes XenApp, the on-demand application delivery solution which has enabled american golf to virtualise, centralise and manage its Dynamics NAV ERP solution in the data centre, delivering it as a service to users anywhere on any device. Since completing the implementation, american golf estimates to have already experienced potential savings of £100,000 in running costs.
Uncoupling ERP from desktops
The implementation of the Citrix systems means that american golf is now able to use its Microsoft Dynamics NAV system across multiple sites, creating one integral system for the business. The solution was a natural extension of american golf’s own business processes and following the presentation of a proof of concept from NEC, american golf was able to clearly evaluate the product and identify the benefits it would provide.
Desktop Virtualisation has always been a long-term strategy for american golf, therefore it was an easy decision to deploy the XenDesktop Platform and realise some immediate benefits of application virtualisation with XenApp today.
Phil Barker, head of IT at american golf, said: “Our existing ERP solution could only be run locally and not across wide area networks making it extremely difficult to monitor business processes following the acquisition of SW Golf. We were looking for a solution which would enable us to utilise our existing ERP solution instead of creating a duplicate solution which would be likely to cost us in excess of £100,000.”
Natural business process extension
Barker continued: “NEC approached us with the Citrix solution, which enabled us to virtualise our ERP application to use it across the business. The Citrix solution appeared to be a perfect fit to our business and specifically how we operate as an IT department; it has provided a natural extension to our current business process. NEC provided a seamless integration and since going live with the system in May 2011 we have already experienced numerous benefits.”
Completed within two months, NEC reportedly managed the implementation within a timely fashion. Looking forward, it added that american golf is considering other NEC solutions such as instore kiosks and marketing display units.
Barker concluded: “The implementation of the Citrix solution has allowed us to streamline our business processes and evolve as a business. NEC’s expertise and diligence has meant the whole implementation process was thorough and effective. Their ongoing hands-on approach to support has been invaluable to us and we are confident in the relationship moving forward. We are excited to discuss future opportunities and how we can utilise additional services from NEC.”
