Ramco Systems' OnDemand ERP can benefit the auto sector by handling all its IT infrastructure, maintenance and support needs.
28 Apr 2008 | 3941 Views | By Autocar Professional Bureau
Automotive manufacturers and software firms are increasingly coming together to mutually benefit from solutions to complex issues. Whether it is niche and specialised software for designing manufacturing plant operations or more generic software to improve operational productivity, the information technology industry is today making a key difference to the automobile ...
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Automotive manufacturers and software firms are increasingly coming together to mutually benefit from solutions to complex issues. Whether it is niche and specialised software for designing manufacturing plant operations or more generic software to improve operational productivity, the information technology industry is today making a key difference to the automobile and components industries.
The Chennai-based Ramco Systems has developed Ramco OnDemand ERP, which is a full-fledged Enterprise Resource Planning tool that caters to the needs of growing business. According to Chandra Prabhakar, vice-president – OnDemand Solutions, Ramco Systems, this is a world-class software, delivered as a service, to help streamline and integrate business processes. As easy to use as e-mail, it requires minimal training and can be accessed from anywhere.
She goes on to say that the software is configured to a company’s business requirements and typically takes less than a week to deploy. As the business grows, the solution can be scaled up to accommodate multiple locations, currencies and business units. The solution stays tuned to the business all the time. She states that quick access to reliable business information is a key bottleneck as automotive component firms possess disparate systems including manual paper-based processes that lead to disconnect among supply chain constituents.
Feature-laden software
Ramco OnDemand ERP manages the full spectrum of sourcing activities and in the process achieves efficient supplier management resulting in enhanced supply chain planning. The solution also helps companies automate the production process, which will go a long way in improving the performance, Prabhakar remarks. It integrates multiple functions and systems into one solution and gives the user company total visibility and control of operations. In the process, it helps a company further focus on growing its business.
Among the automotive component companies that have adopted Ramco’s product include Hindustan Motors for its Indore operations, Renata Precision Components, Pune, and Mita Fasteners, to name a few. And they are benefitting from it. Amar Singh Rathore, country head – LCV, Hindustan Motors, said, “We are very satisfied with Ramco OnDemand ERP and are happy to use a robust ERP at an affordable price. We find the ERP user-friendly and the users are able to adapt to the application very easily.”
According to AS Reddy, general manager, Renata Precision Components, “Ramco OnDemand ERP is loaded with good features, well supported by their skilled engineers and affordable. Now we can access our data from any remote location, any time. This model allows us to focus on our core business.”
On the advantages of the recently launched product, Prabhakar says it ensures optimal utilisation of materials, machinery and manpower and reduces business cycle time. She is of the opinion that the components industry in India has been growing rapidly but IT penetration is small in comparison to industry in other countries. She adds that the software equips industry to take real-time decisions and provides quick accessibility to reliable business information.
As a large proportion of the automotive component industry is comprised of small and medium enterprises managed by individuals or a small group of people, who are more often than not travelling, the ERP solution is suitable for them as it is web-enabled and the user can access information from any location across the world and be in control of the business. Prabhakar reveals that the number of component manufacturers adopting Ramco OnDemand ERP is increasing, which clearly points out to the fact that more and more companies are looking to streamline and automate processes and operations.