Giant Rolling Stones
Inc. — Diamond Distributors
|
| Contact: |
Willie
Mays, President
Leo Durocher, Chairman of the Board |
| Applications: |
Sales
and Consignment Order Processing for Loose Stones and Finished
Jewellery
Purchase and Repair Order Processing
Product Costing and Inventory Management
Jewellery Manufacturing
Sales Analysis
A/P, A/R, G/L
Financial Reporting
Sales Analysis |
| Requirements: |
Giant
Rolling Stones imports and distributes loose diamonds to jewellery
manufacturers and manufactures jewellery, on a contract basis,
for retailers. In 1988, they were struggling with a system that
could not keep pace with their rapid growth, and software that
had them months behind in their accounting. They began looking
for a system that would manage their entire business, from the
consignment of loose stones to contract production of jewellery
to detailed accounting and inventory management. The system
had to deal with the unique requirements of the jewellery business,
including fluctuating gold prices and the grading of diamonds.
The system had to be easy enough for each employee to use, yet
flexible enough to perform the wide variety of tasks which Giant
encounters on a daily basis. |
| Solution: |
Cherniak
Software performed a requirements analysis, where Giant's needs
were outlined clearly. A plan of action was adopted. The consignment
of diamonds was the first area to automate, along with the accounting
subsystems. Cherniak Software developed a system based on the
SuperTRADE package, to manage Giant's diamond inventory and
interact fully with Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, and
General Ledger subsystems. |
| Result: |
The system
was installed in the spring of 1989, and within a few months,
the diamond department was functioning smoothly on the system.
On-line reporting told diamond brokers an accurate status of
a customer's inventory and told them exactly where particular
stones were. Performing a consignment inventory count now consisted
of printing two or three reports, instead of a two-week ordeal
with paper files. Receivables summaries were accurate and up-to-date.
Basic processing of finished jewellery orders was added, and
the system began to grow. |
| Update: |
Following
the success of the diamond department system, Cherniak Software
proceeded automate the rest of the business. A shift in focus
from loose stones to finished jewellery precipitated the development
of a Product Costing subsystem. A Purchase and Repair Work Order
system completed the management of finished jewellery. The next
project is the integration of Electronic Data Interchange (EDI),
which will allow Giant to receive orders directly from their
main customers' computers.
Cherniak Software has played a very active role in helping Giant
manage its business, minimize clerical mistakes, make employees
more efficient, and meet new challenges as they arise. Detailed
discussions with both staff and management have ensured a system
with a custom fit. The system has grown from seven users to
over thirty. Cherniak Software's patient assistance and hands-on
approach to requirements analysis have been important keys to
the success of the system. |
| Follow
Up: |
In March
1991, in an effort to ensure better financial management, Giant
contracted their accounting function to Arthur Andersen and
Company. Arthur Andersen performed an analysis of the system
to decide whether to replace it with a system of their own,
as they do with over 90% of their `outsourcing' clients. They
found, however, that the system was performing quite admirably,
and suited Giant very well.
Cherniak Software has continued to work with Arthur Andersen
to come up with effective solutions to the issues that affect
Giant's business. The relationship continues to grow. |
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