Crown Computer Supplies is located in the heart of the Telecom Corridor in Richardson.  Their challenge was to integrate 4 separate business units which were operating on a combination of spreadsheets, an Access Database, a proprietary DOS based application, a DOS version of QuickBooks and various hand-written notes.

The four units were:

• A Computer Supply Sales Group
• A Toner Cartridge Remanufacturing Plant
• A Printer and Copier Service and Repair Company
• A Delivery Service

Management saw the benefits of having all four of these units tightly integrated - especially in the areas of inventory control, order processing, purchasing and accounting.

Lloret Data Systems spent the first 2 months gathering information about each group within the company.  The resulting design called for a number of components to the overall IT infrastructure. 

• Borland's Interbase SQL database engine
• Symbol Radio Frequency scanning technology
• Symbol keyboard wedge scanners
• DPC sales tax database
• PC Charge credit card authorization
• Weightronics weigh stations
• Solomon IV GL Accounting
• Fax Sr Enterprise Faxing Solutions
• Microsoft NT Server and Exchange Server
• Delphi development environment

Today, Crown Computer operates all of their business units in a totally integrated environment.

• The sales and service groups automatically trigger manufacturing orders based on optimal inventory levels.
• Shipping automatically routes the appropriate orders to the in-house delivery company.
• Manufacturing is able to compare raw material inventory to upcoming demand
• Purchase orders are automatically generated based on inventory levels - both finished goods and raw materials
• Sales order activity and history are visible to sales representatives and managers alike
• All employees have access to relevant customer information
• Service retains full history of repairs on all machines

Most importantly, Crown is in a position of flexibility with regard to their IT infrastructure.  With full access to source code and with full support from Lloret Data Systems, they are able to adapt their system to the constantly changing environment in which they compete. 

This was NOT an easy project we undertook.  There were many obstacles to overcome both technically and internally.  One of the main reasons for our ultimate success was the perseverance that we experienced from Lloret Data Systems.