Case Study: Accelerating MES Implementation for a FTSE 100 CPG Client

22 Mar
Posted by: Mark Elkington
Category: Case Studies
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Facing a complex manufacturing landscape and an aggressive timeline, our client needed a fast, reliable way to select and implement a Manufacturing Execution System across multiple factories. Barkers delivered a solution that cut the process time by 50% while securing fully negotiated contracts.

Barkers were retained by a FTSE 100 CPG client to support the selection of Manufacturing Execution System (MES) software and a Systems Integrator, along with software licensing and implementation contract negotiations. Under severe time constraints, Barkers designed parallel workstreams, reducing the typical process duration by 50%. Our team led the creation of RFI and RFP documents, managed vendor selection, and negotiated software licensing and Systems Integrator contracts, delivering robust processes and fully executed contracts on schedule.

Challenge

The client had grown primarily through acquisition, resulting in factories producing similar products on different specialised machines configured in unique ways. To monitor, track, document, and control operations consistently, the company aimed to implement MES in each factory.

Key challenges included:

  • Translating a technically complex landscape into clear RFPs for vendors.
  • Navigating a tight timeline that required simultaneous software and Systems Integrator selection.

Key activities Barkers were asked to deliver:

  • Support in defining business requirements and scope.
  • Creation and management of RFI and RFP processes for software and Systems Integrators.
  • Engagement with senior management throughout.
  • Negotiation of software licensing and Systems Integrator contracts.

Solution

Barkers deployed two Senior Managing Consultants specialising in IT Procurement. We designed interlinked workstreams for software and Systems Integrator selection, with the latter slightly trailing to incorporate key software decisions. This parallel approach reduced the overall timeline by 50%.

Software selection and contracting workstream included:

  • Producing RFI documents and leading the process.
  • Conducting reference calls and site visits.
  • Identifying licensing metrics and supporting data collection.
  • Supporting production of functional and non-functional requirements.
  • Producing RFP documents, analysing responses, and guiding vendor selection.
  • Negotiating costs and software licence terms.

Systems Integrator selection and contracting workstream included:

  • Producing RFI documents to identify qualified Systems Integrators.
  • Conducting reference calls and site visits.
  • Producing RFP documents, analysing responses, and guiding vendor selection.
  • Negotiating Master Service Agreements and implementation contracts.

Results

The approach and careful management of the software and Systems Integrator selection processes delivered tangible outcomes for the client.

  • Achieved a 50% reduction in the total process time
  • Developed robust processes that passed all customer audits despite aggressive deadlines.
  • Met key project milestones, including Board meetings.
  • Secured best-practice software licence terms.
  • Finalised detailed Master Service Agreements and implementation contracts.

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Accelerating MES Implementation for a FTSE 100 CPG Client – Case Study

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Author: Mark Elkington
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