From the selection process of an ERP package to interim CIO. Ichanger Steven Vander Gheynst has already completed an entire course with Warnez. We talked to Steven and Peter Van Steenkiste (Packaging Responsible & Product Manager).
ICT-minded
“At Warnez we put investing heavily in automation . Both in production and in the ICT field. We have different layers of ICT. For example in the field of finance. This used to be separate from production, which was quite a limitation. The implementation of the subsequent calculations and margin calculations was a challenge in which many assumptions were made, resulting in an uncertain, doubtful, inaccurate result,” says Peter.
The challenges in production are also considerable tracing of the entire chain (from grower to packaging and delivery to customers) must be guaranteed and registered. We need an up-to-date overview of stock to guarantee our customers delivery times of a maximum of one day. That is why Warnez works with various partners in the areas of warehouse management, tracing, production management, planning and general ERP package. “So there are many stakeholders in our ICT architecture , which makes it difficult to keep an overview. That's where i. deeds came on board.”
"What I especially remember about the collaboration is the synergy between Peter and Steven. In the Steerco meeting(s), all facets were explained in detail, and then further discussed as a team. This project went much further than 'advice'. Gaps were picked up 'en route' and developed within the limits of the budget and time frame. In short, a success. Thank you Peter and Steven!"
Kurt De Nys
CEO Warnez
ERP package selection
The collaboration between Warnez and i. deeds started in 2021 for a selection of an ERP package . “That's where Steven first came into the picture,” says Peter. “It was for us an absolute necessity to engage an organization like i. deeds. Because such a selection process has something to offer requires coordination and specific knowledge that we do not necessarily possess. Everyone in the organization is operationally charged with a fixed range of tasks, which meant that no time was available to adequately manage such a project.
Steven Vander Gheynst was the suitable i. changer to set up the selection process for Warnez. “I have in the past extensive experience with production systems, which is of course crucial for a company like Warnez,” Steven explains.
For the selection of the right partner a thorough analysis the business process at Warnez and a choice was made together about the necessary technology to support the processes. “The advantage is that we working independently of partners , so we are not tied to a fixed supplier. We then chose a partner from the selection process, in consultation with Warnez. We were also asked to the implementation of the ERP package to coordinate.”
Beyond the ERP package
During the implementation it became clear that Warnez other ICT needs that needed to be fulfilled. And Steven was the right man there too, according to Peter. "During the implementation of the ERP package, Steven got to know the company and the various IT players inside and out. In addition, other (new) needs came to light, which we did not have time internally or had never questioned. A bit typical of an SME, I think."
“That's it biggest asset of an interim CIO for me personally. Someone external that has an overview , who can dedicately deal with the needs and take a critical look at the organization and the needs. And we have to be honest, there is also an advantage in terms of costs. Assignments are always “benchmarked”; Steven will always first request prices, draw up a budget and planning and not simply implement it.”
The benefits of an interim CIO
For Warnez it is already a successful collaboration. “Steven has a lot of experience that he can now use for Warnez,” Peter continues. “In addition, Steven has a clear overview of the entire IT architecture , because he is a little further away from the day-to-day," says Peter. "As interim CIO it is indeed important that you maintain an overview and look at everything in a bigger picture," Steven adds. "You are a little further away from the organization and you bring knowledge from other projects. And of course the entire i. deeds team is ready to support you. We now also have i. changers who are committed to: Business Intelligence for Warnez. It is there too network of our CIO as a service very useful. ”
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