DFS factory goes live with new ERP
The sofa manufacturer and retailer introduces new software to streamline and manage output from its manufacturing sites
DFS, the UK’s largest sofa manufacturer and retailer, recently revealed it had chosen K3 Retail and its Microsoft Dynamics manufacturing system to run its five manufacturing sites.
The
Dynamics system, which integrates with DFS’ existing retail and finance
systems, manages the entire manufacturing process, from costing and production
planning to raw material ordering, stock management, manufacturing work-in-progress
(WIP) control and pay calculation.
Streamlining
order fulfilment
The
new system will replace an existing manufacturing system, which DFS said lacks
the agility and flexibility offered by the new system. Following the
introduction of the new system, DFS expects to save both time and money, but
critically, fulfil store orders to its 91 stores, both quickly and accurately.
Phil
Dodd, DFS programme manager, said: “We decided to replace our existing system
due to the lack of business flexibility it offered us. We weren’t able to react
quickly enough or make changes to the products, which in our line of business,
is vital. We also selected K3 for their expertise and understanding of our
market, which means they can build a system tailored to our specific needs. “
The new,
tailored system gives DFS full management of source codes so its user can
maintain full control of any changes that need to be made to products. The company
can take complete ownership of changing information on the system in a more
time-efficient way.
Positive
supplier feedback
Dodd
added: “We’ve had incredibly positive feedback from our suppliers, who say the
increased visibility enables them to deliver goods more quickly. Sofas are a
considered purchase, customers have very specific requirements. They want a particular
sofa, with a certain fabric and cushions to match – it’s not an off-the-shelf
item. The K3 system is flexible enough to suit both ours and our customers’
requirements.”
DFS produces over 3,000 orders or around 10,000 individual pieces of furniture every week.