Logres has been implementing erp packages and add-ons with customers for more than 30 years. Whether it is SAP Business One, Wholesale: sometimes custom adjustments are needed to make the package work for you. Fortunately, Logres has its own development department.
Gerrit Snel is the man who works hard day in and day out custom solutions at Logres. Time to meet these gentlemen!
Can you introduce each other?
Gerrit is an old hand in the business. For almost 19 years he has been implementing erp packages at customers and he has an enormous helicopter view. He immediately sees how the structures run and where the gaps are. There are few questions he can't answer!
Gerrit Snel
What types of work do you perform?
'I link erp software to other software used in the company. Before we do that, we map out what data is needed where. A kind of logical riddle that we have to solve every time. Fortunately, we have clear diagrams for that.
Wholesale has APIs available for these links and SAP Business One has developed the unsurpassed Integration Framework. So the linking itself is not nearly as specialized anymore, but the thinking beforehand is what sometimes makes it a challenging job.'
What do customers gain from such a linkage?
'We very often save a customer dozens if not hundreds of man-hours per year by simply linking. You would be surprised if you knew how many employees in the office are busy daily copying data from one system to another. Deadly boring and also a waste of money. That can be done much faster - and without errors - we think!
Is customization actually pricey?
'Linking a software package to your ERP software is, thanks to handy linking platforms such as the Integration Framework, a job that is reasonably manageable, also in terms of price. But if we have to build something tailor-made, such as a product configurator or a screen that does not yet exist, we are soon talking about a considerable investment.
However, it's always about what it gets you. If you look at how much work we can save the customer by building a simple piece of extra software, he is often quickly won over!
Does customization slow down an ERP implementation process?
"Sometimes they do. So it is always wise to see if there is a standard solution or add-on available for a client's additional requirements. Occasionally, however, a work-around allows us to deliver an ERP that the customer can work with immediately. In such a case, we in turn ensure that an ERP implementation process can proceed more quickly.'
What are you proud of?
Arno: "I linked a software program to SAP that logged all adjustments by the number of days, hours, minutes and seconds since January 1, 1970. So in order for the two programs to work together, I had to calculate the current date and time back to the time since 1970 each time. Quite a job! I always get excited by satisfied customers who see the added value of automation. It's really about the combination of people and technology: that delivers gold.
Gerrit: "I built a configurator for a large fish buyer that allowed him to enter all the fish he purchased into the ERP system in no time. How long the fish is, how much it weighs, and so on. Entering only takes a minute. On the other side, brochures, product stickers and packaging in nine languages then roll out of the machine. That's what I call automation. Nice that I could help that customer like that.
Do you have an implementation wish and want to know if it is feasible? Contact the Logres sales team!
