CO-OP ISLAMI implements SAP technologies to streamline operations

The new agreement is a result of CO-OP ISLAMI's efforts to develop its technical infrastructure in its continuing effort towards greater growth and development. The investment is also part of a comprehensive development plan to enhance CO-OP ISLAMI'S performance and improve the quality of its services.

CO-OP ISLAMI will adopt the 'mySAP ERP' business suite, which provides end-to-end functionality and solutions for self-services; financial accounting; controlling; asset management; project systems; plant maintenance; human resources; production management; sales and distribution and quality management.

Hussein Saeed Lootah, Board Member of CO-OP ISLAMI, said: "As a company that prides itself on its expertise and knowledge, CO-OP ISLAMI, recognises the importance of investing in information technology to establish a robust technical infrastructure. This new business suite will enable the company to manage its resources efficiently and increase the potential for overall growth, thereby maximising the benefit to CO-OP through the use of innovative technology. "

"This programme will reengineer existing business processes, strengthen core competencies through correct dissemination of data, integrate real time information across the supply chain, offer improved visibility and information of true product margins, facilitate production and procurement, and enhance inventory and allow for better planning," he said.

The 'MySAP ERP' suite raises operational efficiency, decreases operational cost, and greatly improves the quality of services provided to the customers, leading to enhanced levels of customer loyalty and percentage sales.

Implementation will commence at the beginning of February next year and will take four to six months to be completed, with the system expected to go live by June 2005. The first stage is expected to link 30 users to the system with the number set to increase to 100 users within a period of two years.

Saleh Abdulla Lootah, Assistant General Manager of CO-OP ISLAMI Operations, said: "Due to the specialised nature of our work and the high levels of quality demanded by consumers, we at CO-OP ISLAMI are always committed to develop and improve the services we provide. We seek to exceed quality expectations and services through the implementation of next generation systems."

"Our main challenge is to improve business processes by reducing inefficiencies, optimising our supply chain, and improving our logistics and distribution network. This allows us to improve productivity and customer satisfaction and reach out to regional markets, especially the Gulf markets where we started five years ago. Our presence in the GCC markets will play a major role in supporting our current plans of penetrating international markets," concluded Saleh Abdulla Lootah.

Essam Enany, President of SAP Arabia, said: " 'MySAP ERP' is unique in providing comprehensive administrative solutions that cover various operational aspects including accountancy, human resource management, and strategic planning. The business suite will work on enhancing the company's operational efficiency."

"MySAP ERP includes risk management through its ability to calculate risk and provide different potential scenarios. In addition, the business suite provides easy access for high-level management in retrieving real time information through different administrative operations," added Essam.

The new technologies are expected to increase CO-OP ISLAMI's profit levels by 20 to 40 per cent and cover the investment within a short period of time, according to a return on investment study conducted by CO-OP ISLAMI.

The new system will connect the company's branches to the factory, five distribution centres, and export markets in the GCC countries, through an advanced technical system that provides accurate data to the employees.