Condale Plastics Invests in a Major Systems Upgrade

At Condale Plastics, we continually strive to improve efficiency, streamline operations and enhance our ability to serve customers. As part of this commitment, we have recently invested significantly in upgrading our internal systems by adopting the Monitor ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) management system and a full overhaul of our IT infrastructure. This marks a transformative step forward in our operations, improving our ability to manage production, scheduling and stock control while reducing reliance on outdated, manual processes.

A Need for Change

For years, Condale Plastics relied on an accounts system called iScala. While it supported sales orders, invoicing and some accounting functions, it lacked integration with production and stock control. As a result, many processes remained manual, involving extensive paperwork and reliance on Excel spreadsheets.

Recognising the need for a more cohesive, integrated solution, we embarked on a search for a new system that would connect all elements of our business, from sales orders to production scheduling and stock management.

Investing in the Future

In June 2024, we implemented the Monitor ERP system, a robust manufacturing and accounting solution developed in Sweden. The decision to adopt Monitor ERP was influenced by our association with Lyftco, where several sister companies have successfully implemented the system. While not yet widely used in the UK, Monitor ERP is specifically designed for manufacturing operations, making it an ideal fit for Condale Plastics.

In addition to upgrading our software, we also invested in new hardware. This dual investment of over £200,000 shows our commitment to modernising our systems and operations.

How the New System Improves Our Operations

The transition to Monitor ERP has brought immediate and tangible benefits:

• Fully Integrated Operations

The system provides end-to-end visibility, allowing us to track a sales order from initiation through to production and invoicing. This has significantly improved internal communication and workflow efficiency.

• Improved Scheduling and Production Planning

Previously, scheduling relied on manual processes. Now, our team can view real-time schedules directly from their workstations, reducing the need for physical checks and improving any potential operational oversight.

• Enhanced Stock Control

Stock management, which was previously maintained on spreadsheets with manual counting, will soon be fully integrated into the new system. This will allow us to track stock levels instantly, making inventory management more accurate and efficient.

• Reduction in Paperwork

By digitising various processes, the new system has cut down on paperwork and manual data entry, allowing our team to focus on value-added activities.

• Increased Responsiveness

Our sales and customer service teams now have access to up-to-date production and order status information, reducing delays in responding to customer queries.

Looking Ahead

While the initial implementation has been highly successful, our journey towards full digital integration is ongoing. The next phase involves further optimising stock control and refining how we utilise Monitor ERP across different functions.

Our long-term goal is to link all production lines directly to the system, enabling real-time data collection and further enhancing efficiency. While this development is a few years away, the new system lays the groundwork for future advancements, ensuring that we stay ahead in a competitive market.

A Commitment to Continuous Improvement

At Condale Plastics, we believe that investing in technology is key to staying competitive and delivering the best possible service to our customers. Our investment in Monitor ERP and new IT infrastructure is a testament to this philosophy, equipping us with the tools to operate more efficiently, accurately, and responsively.

By embracing change and leveraging cutting-edge solutions, we are not just upgrading our systems – we are shaping the future of our business.