Case Study Sequel Logistics

Using ERP to create a functional

synergy

It is extremely important to identify the key pain points and the benefits that the organisation seeks to eliminate and
gain, respectively. Sequel Logistics adopted this philosophy when it faced the challenge of information available at
multiple island systems, with no seamless integration across these systems. It was only through a hands-on approach
towards the implementation of ERP and close monitoring of the progress made that the firm was able to streamline
some of the processes, and create a synergy across various functions.
Sequel Logistics is a supply
chain management company that
specialises in providing comprehensive
solutions, services & products in the
critical logistics segments. Over the
years, Sequel has developed unique
capabilities, infrastructure and the
knowledge base needed to efficiently
manage the supply chain of vulnerable
and sensitive products. With constant
engagement and collaboration, Sequel
helps in building a reliable and nimble
supply chain solution, unique to its
clients offering.
Sequel has successfully modelled
its service offering in niche & highly
specialised segments, targeted around
its own core capabilities. In the
identified critical logistics segments,
Sequel offers the widest reach within
India, through its own, dedicated and
direct network. Internationally as well,
Sequel reaches all major countries
across the globe, ensuring seamless
connectivity and movement.

roadblocks encountered

Sequel Logistics was facing the

typical challenge of information
available at multiple island systems,
with no seamless integration across
these systems. This often meant
mismatch in data and multiple
data entry requirements, leading to
issues of data integrity and lower
productivity. The idea to move to
an integrated ERP platform was
initiated by the top management team,
considering the growth in business
and the corresponding growth in
the transactions. The objective
was to seamlessly connect sales &
marketing, operations and finance
operations, thereby improving

46 SMART LOGISTICS DECEMBER 2012

accuracy, speed and productivity.

evaluation and implementation

process...

Once it decided to go in for an ERP

system, the team first listed the key
requirements and outcomes that Sequel
Logistics wanted to obtain from such
an ERP system. Few solutions were
looked at, with a key focus on the ERP
being able to deliver the outcomes,
apart from the robustness of the system
as well as the company providing the
solution. The evaluation was done
internally by the Head of IT and the
COO, which included multiple rounds

Challenge
Sequel Logistics was facing the
typical challenges of information
available at multiple island systems,
with no seamless integration across
these systems. This often meant
mismatch in data and multiple data
entry requirements, leading to issues
of data integrity and lower
productivity.
Solution
SAP ERP was implemented. This has
helped streamline some of the
processes, and bring in synergy
across various functions. With the
integration, it is now possible to
achieve much better efficiency and
productivity from the system, overall.
of discussions. Feedback from their
existing customers and the strength/
capability of the implementation
partner was also a key element in the
decision making process.
The implementation was done
by Yash Technologies, who is an
authorised SAP implementation

partners. Sequel first started planning

the project in February 2012 and
Project SAPPHIRE was conceived.
The team consisted of core team
members from each department and
was driven strongly by the companys
senior management team. The
hardware sizing was done jointly by
SAP, Yash Technologies and Sequel
IT team.
Sequel has used the cloud
architecture and hosted SAP out of
SIFY datacenter in Bengaluru, which
provide high uptime to the application.
The Central Bandwidth as well as
the depot bandwidth were upgraded
to ensure that end users received a
good response on application. SAP
India supported Sequel as well as Yash
Technologies throughout the project
till Sequel went live on all applications.
This project was implemented in a
record time of six months.

end results

The SAP ERP implementation has

helped in streamlining some of the
processes, and in bringing in the
synergy across various functions. With
the integration, it is now possible to
achieve much better efficiency and
productivity from the system, overall.
The key lesson learnt is that, while
implementing ERP solutions, the
organisation should also be open and
flexible to change some of the internal
processes as per the best industry
practices. This not only helps in
reducing the customisation but also in
improving the internal processes.
Compiled by Kimberley DMello with inputs
from Rajkumar S, COO & Director, Sequel
Logistics Pvt Ltd