A.T. Cross
Strategic outsourcing for cost saving
The A. T. Cross Company is a major international manufacturer of fine writing instruments, business accessories and timepieces. The Cross portfolio is distributed to consumers worldwide through department stores, jewellery and stationery retail outlets. Cross also supplies major international blue chip companies with corporate gift solutions.
European Headquarters are located in Luton, UK and distribution is across Europe, Scandinavia, Middle East and Africa via a network of sales agencies and distributors.
Objectives
- Negate the need to build an internal IT infrastructure
- Provide a consistent Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system to users in five countries
- Provide consolidated financial and operational world-wide reporting
- Provide round-the-clock service levels with electronic invoicing and payment
Solution
- Sage Line 500 running on IBM hardware
- 24 x 7 Support
- Access via a private DSL with local printing facilities
- Business Objects reporting system to import real-time data into Management Information System (MIS)
Benefits
- Minimal capital outlay and considerable savings against an internal solution
- Centrally managed system with one point of contact for 24 x 7 problem management and support
- Negated need for hardware at each location
- No technical skills required
- Total security and reliability of data
- Guaranteed service levels
