Philadelphia, London
- April 22, 2008

Catalyst, a business unit of CDC Global Services, announced today it is piloting a solution for U.S. paint manufacturer, Dunn-Edwards, to provide an automated solution for stock cycle counting within Dunn-Edwards’ contractor stores. By using the native SAP® data collection solution, SAP console, Dunn-Edwards is able to leverage hand held bar code readers to execute transactions in the company’s SAP enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, thereby reducing the amount of time taken to complete this task by at least half. Following the pilot, Dunn-Edwards plans to roll the solution out to all its stores, potentially saving more than 50 man hours each day.


“We implement daily cycle-counting procedures at each of our stores in order to gain an ongoing measure of inventory accuracy and process execution,” said Bart Bosveld, manager, SAP Systems Group, Dunn-Edwards. “Our existing system is paper-based, which takes approximately 60 to 75 minutes to complete and is subject to human error. We now have the potential to reduce this time and increase the overall accuracy of the process.”

Dunn-Edwards recently utilized Catalyst’s solutions to deliver SAP Warehouse Management and SAP console at its regional store support center in San Diego. “We knew Catalyst provides quality work and felt confident they would offer a solution to this challenge as well. Our project teams mapped out a solution and Catalyst made it happen. We are now piloting the solution at two of our stores,” adds Bosveld.

Catalyst’s solution includes the incorporation of new hand held computers for bar code reading and wireless integration with the SAP system. “The pilot sites have already seen an instant impact on both speed and accuracy. They are saving approximately 30 minutes per day, per store, which is expected to result in a savings of approximately 50 man hours each day when fully deployed. This significant reduction in operating costs, coupled with improved inventory accuracy, planning and forecasting benefits, will deliver a very powerful solution,” said Bosveld.

Brian Thorn, vice president of sales and operations, Catalyst, concludes, “Catalyst combines unrivalled knowledge and experience of both SAP and supply chain execution to deliver solutions that truly meet customer requirements. For Dunn-Edwards, we listened closely to their objectives and were able to design and implement a solution that is delivering the desired results. This is our strength and we are delighted to help increase efficiency, productivity and profitability for Dunn-Edwards by providing a solution that meets their very specific and important needs.”