ERP was implemented in the organization across all businesses in early 2000 - a time when very few companies heralded the IT wave. Using the Core Modules of SAP as the backbone transactional system, the IT department spearheaded the automation of all core functions of the company, from procurement to production, Quality Control, Sales, Maintenance, HR integrated with Finance. Geographically, the scope of implementation included its factories, R & D, branches and the stock points, connecting each of them from its Corporate Office in Chennai.

Benefits: Apart from providing accurate and timely data across the enterprise, the system provides an effective MIS, aiding in decision making. During the course of implementation of SAP, the Company seized upon the opportunity to incorporate best practices in many of its business processes, catalysed by the wealth of knowledge that they derived from the product. This has enhanced the functional knowledge and the skill levels of employees and has helped them to keep pace with what is current world-over in the industry. All of the above has helped in empowering the executives to take timely decisions. Not just keeping pace with the world - but going beyond that.

Partnering with Extended Enterprise: In its first step to be part of the virtual marketplace, relevant data from ERP reaches the various entities of the enterprise, such as dealers, distributors, market representatives and farmers. As an example, the shipping details, once registered in the ERP, are sent as SMS to dealers through mobile telephony. Important MIS to Senior Management is sent regularly over SMS.