Lean: “Crucial Investment for Continuous Improvement”

NewIcon has invested in an extensive Enterprise Resource Planning system that facilitates the continuous improvement approach.

This is a familiar tool from the Lean method, which is utilized at NewIcon in product development and quality management, among other areas.

“The ERP was a crucial investment for us in terms of continuous improvement. It allows us to serve our growing customer base with a modern method and to increase our efficiency by harmonizing processes and improving in-house communication,” says COO Juha Anttila from NewIcon Oy.

The benefit of the L7 ERP system provided by Visma Oy is that all of NewIcon’s core business processes are integrated in the same system and database. The system covers project coordination and management, materials management, sales steering, device management and coordination of maintenance operations, quality control, and financial management.

“The quality and control of our processes will improve significantly. Our customers will see the change in, for instance, faster customer service and even shorter delivery times. Resource planning becomes easier when all the data from our various departments can be found in the same system,” says Anttila.

The Visma L7 ERP system was implemented at NewIcon as a browser-based solution so that it is also suitable for coordinating mobile work. Particularly NewIcon’s sales and maintenance personnel travel frequently and often need various information on the road.

“Personnel have access to the system during their travels and can check the stock and load situation of the factory, for example. Even additional orders may be placed via a terminal. Introduction of the new system has required a readiness for change among our personnel. Nevertheless, they possess a strong drive and interest in the new system,” commends Anttila.

NewIcon’s developmnent activities are supported by European Regional Development Fund.