Gist builds stronger foundation for growth with SAP
May 2008
Gist has strengthened its technology foundations with the implementation of SAP for use within its growing business.
Driving forces behind the introduction of SAP have included the continued expansion of Gist’s international network and the desire to streamline existing internal systems and processes.
The introduction of SAP means that one common platform now replaces several specialist technologies, creating a more efficient technology base whilst delivering additional user capabilities.
Mark Sweeney, finance director, said: “SAP is a refreshing change, providing us with an easy-to-use, yet sophisticated tool for managing our financial data. The system has allowed us to improve customer service through its ease of use and ability to execute real time transactions. It will also support our future needs as Gist’s growth continues on an international scale by its ability to handle complex foreign currency transactions.”
As well as improving financial processes, SAP is also providing Gist’s HR team with a more flexible system for managing data on its 5000 employees.
Mike Bousfield, HR director, comments: “SAP provides our HR team with a simple tool that can quickly deliver a comprehensive picture of Gist’s people across our 40 sites. The flexibility of analysing employee data on both an holistic and individual level means we can provide an even more responsive service to both our customers and our employees.”
Gist is already seeing the benefits of the SAP implementation, completed in early 2008, in both streamlined internal processes and improved customer service.
Mike Flynn, director business solutions said: “SAP is providing us with a fantastic foundation for the future. It enables us to deliver more to our customers today whilst supporting Gist's continued strong growth in Europe.”
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Notes to Editors
About Gist
Gist combines leading edge experience and expertise to transform supply chains. With industry-specific understanding, know-how and excellence, Gist's solutions bring end-to-end visibility and implementation, from concept to delivery.
Gist's 5,000 employees operate out of 35 locations, providing a full range of intellectual and asset-based business offerings in the UK and continental Europe.
Gist is the largest importer of flowers into the UK and is the 6th largest contracts logistics company in the country.
Gist's customers (including British Airways, Marks & Spencer, Carlsberg UK, and Dutch Flower Group) operate in a wide range of commercial and industrial sectors, including grocery, electronics and gas.
As part of The Linde Group, with around 50,000 employees working in 100 countries worldwide, Gist also benefits from Linde's global capability, synergy and scale.
About SAP
SAP is the world’s leading provider of business software*. Today, more than 46,100 customers in more than 120 countries run SAP® applications—from distinct solutions addressing the needs of small businesses and midsize companies to suite offerings for global organizations. Powered by the SAP NetWeaver® technology platform to drive innovation and enable business change, SAP software helps enterprises of all sizes around the world improve customer relationships, enhance partner collaboration and create efficiencies across their supply chains and business operations. SAP solution portfolios support the unique business processes of more than 25 industries, including high tech, retail, financial services, healthcare and the public sector. With subsidiaries in more than 50 countries, the company is listed on several exchanges, including the Frankfurt stock exchange and NYSE under the symbol “SAP.” (Additional information at <http://www.sap.com>)
(*) SAP defines business software as comprising enterprise resource planning and related applications such as supply chain management, customer relationship management, product life-cycle management and supplier relationship management.
