Cooper Software Project Manage Interconnector UK’s Transition to New ERP Solution

Systems integration specialist, Cooper Software, is pleased to announce they have been working with Interconnector (UK) Limited (IUK), providing project management and consultancy services to facilitate IUK’s transition to a new cloud-based ERP solution. The move comes as part of IUK’s strategy to address challenges presented following profound changes within the gas transportation market.

IUK, a joint venture company, owns and operates the only physically bi-directional gas pipeline between the UK and continental Europe; a 40-inch diameter sub-sea pipeline, 235 kilometres in length, which links terminals at Bacton in Norfolk and Zeebrugge in Belgium. Operations commenced in October 1998 with all pipeline capacity sold through 20 year agreements. The current contracts expire in 2018 and this, together with other market changes, has caused IUK to evaluate its future options for operating the business. The new ERP solution will help IUK to reduce costs and risk, and improve both business efficiency and agility.

As part of a company-wide change management programme, IUK has chosen to implement a new fit for purpose, fully integrated, cloud-based ERP solution which will replace legacy ERP and HR systems that are over ten years old, alongside a host of ad-hoc reporting systems based on spreadsheets and Access databases.

As part of the change management programme, Cooper Software has been working with IUK since 2015, in the role of Project Manager, providing IUK with business consultancy, technical and implementation services throughout the initial stages of the project. Stage 1 was concerned with rationalising and documenting IUK’s current and ‘to be’ business processes, while stage 2 focused on evaluating several potential ERP solutions and then working with IUK’s senior stakeholders to identify and select the most appropriate solution for the business.

Following IUK’s selection of the new solution, Cooper Software will continue to work with IUK, in the areas of project management and stakeholder engagement, acting as an extension of the IUK project delivery team to oversee the implementation of the new ERP programme, manage the process against targets and focus on delivering the solution, both on time and on budget. Cooper Software will deploy an expert project management and functional consulting team, as well as senior level advisory and ERP programme management resources. Furthermore, Cooper Software will offer flexible and hands-on specialist technical consultants who will be able to provide cover for all aspects of the system integration, setup and configuration.

Terry Stephens, Information Systems Director at IUK commented: “We chose Cooper Software not only because we have worked together previously, but due to their experience in both delivering and supporting ERP implementation projects. We are confident that the implementation and transition towards the new solution will be carried out smoothly with minimum impact, ultimately leading to a more robust, efficient solution, which will meet out future needs and business requirements.”

“We are delighted to be working with IUK once again to support them during this important project”, added Frank Cooper, Managing Director and Founder of Cooper Software. “We have worked with IUK over many years, and following the successful delivery of Phases 1 and 2 of this project, we are excited to support them through phase 3, the implementation of what is undoubtedly a business transformational project. We have delivered many successful ERP implementations and have a deep knowledge and experience of delivering cloud ERP solutions and as such, we understand what a business truly needs from its systems, in order to effectively deliver a solution that works for all users. Taken together, this will ensure the successful delivery of this project, within a very tight timeframe.”