Mardec Berhad

For Mardec Berhad, one of the leading integrated rubber and polymer companies worldwide, the implementation of IFS Applications has entailed increased visibility into its business processes coupled with faster, more accurate access to information. As a result, decisionmaking has improved, processes are smoother, and the company can offer its customers a higher level of service.

Legacy System Limited Growth Potential

As the company grew and new business processes were introduced, Mardec began to recognize the limitations of its business software and IT infrastructure. It wanted greater visibility into its operations and faster access to information so as to improve decision making. But too many processes were being done manually and needed to be automated, and support for some of the software in use was being discontinued. Furthermore, as Mardec wanted to reduce the cost of supporting modifications, it was looking for an ERP solution that would meet as many of its specifications as possible in the standard version. The company was also looking for a portal-based interface and for document management software.

Met Requirements, Understood the Business

In competition with some of the leading global ERP vendors, IFS was selected by Mardec. Mr. Abdul Manan Marzuki, of Mardec, explains, “We had detailed our needs, and IFS proposed a solution that met these requirements and showed that it truly understood our business processes and the industry in general. In addition, IFS could provide local support capabilities. A global solution with local support was a winning combination.” Mardec was also attracted by the agility inherent in the component architecture of IFS Applications, which enabled the software to be implemented step by step, keeping disruptions to a minimum. Mr. Manan Marzuki adds, “IFS treated us like a partner, sharing knowledge and working with us to get the right solution.”

Immediate Improvements after Implementation

Implementation was carried out according to schedule, and Mardec began to see improvements from the first day the solution went live. One of the most tangible benefits was the reduction in the number of manual processes. The higher level of automation enabled by IFS Applications means that work processes are more efficient as many of the errors inherent to manual transactions are greatly reduced or completely eliminated. Other immediate benefits included greater system availability and faster response time. With the upgrade in business applications and an improved database, tasks such as executing queries and background work can all be done faster because  bottlenecks related to the previous software have been removed with the implementation of IFS Applications.

Greater Visibility Is Just One Benefit

Now Mardec has a solution that is better mapped to its business processes. For example, before IFS Applications was implemented non-stored and sundry items were purchased manually. Now purchases are made through the system, which saves time and money and makes for smoother business processes. 

And the goals of greater visibility and faster access to information that the company had set up for its investment in IFS Applications have been achieved. With IFS Applications, the company has swift access to accurate information about its operations and business. With more up-to-the-minute information, Mardec gets the data it needs when it needs it and has considerably improved its decision-making capabilities. 

Moreover, internal information flows have improved. The various departments in Mardec can more easily communicate with each other and have increased the quality and accuracy of the data exchanged. In particular, users in the finance department are pleased with the labor-saving functionality, such as automated year-end balance transfers, which had to be done manually in the past. 

Another benefit is the improvement in the reliability of cost data. During the implementation phase, IFS consultants conducted an in-depth study of the company’s unique costing requirements to ensure that IFS Applications provided full support for Mardec’s needs. Now the company can more accurately cost its products and thereby improve its bottom line. 

Just as important as the internal benefits Mardec has achieved as a result of installing IFS Applications, the greater level of automation of its business processes and access to more accurate information has had another effect. Mr. Manan Marzuki concludes, “The greater visibility and improved decision-making capabilities have enabled us to improve the levels of service we offer our customers.” 

About Mardec

Based in Malaysia, Mardec has more than 30 years experience in the rubber industry. The company has evolved into a conglomerate with global operations and strong international partnerships in the U.S.A., the U.K., France, Italy, Germany, Japan, India, China, Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia. MS ISO 9001:2000 certified, Mardec prides itself on being eco-friendly and dedicated to environmental preservation.

Benefits

• Industry-specific solution that is mapped to business processes 
• Improved visibility
• Enhanced ability to serve customers
• Easy-to-use interfaces
• Faster access to information