How FirstBit ERP Software Helped Fine Edge Decor Transform its Operations

by Editorial

Published 12 Jul 2024

Prior to implementing FirstBit ERP software, Fine Edge Decor managed different sectors of their operations separately, leading to inefficiencies. The adoption of FirstBit ERP has aimed to consolidate its operations into a single platform, enhancing visibility, automation, and overall efficiency.

Fine Edge Decor (L.L.C) is an authentic decor company specializing in the fit-out and manufacturing of high-end furniture and interiors. Founded in 1999, Fine Edge Decor has successfully completed over 1000 projects in more than 26 countries globally. Their expertise lies in delivering bespoke solutions that seamlessly blend functionality with aesthetic appeal, ensuring every project is a true reflection of their craftsmanship.

Residential

Commercial

Dubai, UAE

Fit Out

Cloud ERP

Decor

51-200 employees

Furniture

FirstBit was a good deal because it was economically viable for our budget and tailored to our industry needs. It's a really good one to work with, and I've already recommended it to a few of my known references.

Rawthar Shah

Finance Manager at Fine Edge Decor

Problem Statement

Fine Edge Decor faced significant challenges in its operations due to the use of multiple disparate systems. Their HR processes were managed in Excel, transportation was handled separately, and their store operations utilized different software. This fragmented approach led to inefficiencies and a lack of cohesion across departments.

Additionally, the absence of automation in their previous software meant that overhead calculations, depreciations, and provisions for staff had to be performed manually, increasing the workload and potential for errors.

The need for a unified system became apparent as Fine Edge Decor sought to streamline its operations and enhance visibility across all sectors. They required a solution that could incorporate all their operations into one software, providing real-time insights and automating basic clerical tasks.

The company aimed to reduce manual work, allowing employees to focus more on strategic planning and improving overall efficiency. This was especially important as they wanted a system tailored to their industry-specific needs, such as project-based accounting and cost allocation, which their previous solutions could not adequately support.

We wanted to have software and we wanted to have a little bit of automation because the previous software was not automated in things like overhead calculations or depreciations or provisions for the staff which was done manually on Excel.

Rawthar Shah

Finance Manager at Fine Edge Decor

Project Goals

Integrate all sectors into a single ERP system for streamlined processes and enhanced visibility

Achieve full automation of clerical tasks to reduce manual work and focus on strategic planning

Provide real-time insights into receivables, payables, and overall financial health through a comprehensive dashboard

Utilize project costing and reporting features for better tracking of bids, progress, costs, and collections

Tailor ERP functionalities to meet the specific requirements of the furniture manufacturing and decoration industry, including project-based accounting and cost allocation

We wanted to incorporate all our operations into one software where it is visible for everyone who has an interest in the company to manage it. So that's where we came across FirstBit.

Rawthar Shah

Finance Manager at Fine Edge Decor

Solutions Provided by FirstBit ERP

FirstBit ERP provided an excellent solution to all these challenges faced by Fine Edge Decor by integrating all its operations into a single platform, which is precisely what they’d been looking for. FirstBit was a locally customized software explicitly tailored to the construction and manufacturing industry. It contained modules that were attractive to the client and prompted them to adopt the system.

The FirstBit ERP system offered project-based accounting, which was crucial for their manufacturing needs. It also automated tasks such as overhead calculations and provisions for staff, previously done manually on Excel.

The dashboard feature that Rawthar particularly appreciated gave real-time insights into receivables and payables, significantly enhancing financial management for the company. Additionally, the system's project costing and reporting features helped in better tracking project progress, costs, and collections. This integration and automation not only streamlined their processes but also allowed for strategic planning and improved operational efficiency.

The main thing is like the dashboard, which is very good. It gives me an insight into what is my receivables and payables. That is the main game of finance. You should know how much cash you're going to get and how much you can operate on it. So that is really useful.

Rawthar Shah

Finance Manager at Fine Edge Decor

Key Benefits and Outcomes

Consolidation of operations. FirstBit ERP helped integrate all operations into a single, cohesive system that was accessible and easy to use.

Real-time financial insights. The software provided real-time insights into receivables and payables through a detailed and user-friendly dashboard that Rawthar highlighted as being “very good.”

Automation of manual processes. FirstBit ERP automated tasks such as overhead calculations and staff provisions, significantly reducing routine clerical work and freeing up time and resources for strategic planning. One notable challenge was the absence of shortcuts, which were available in Fine Edge Decor's previous software. As mentioned by the Finance Manager, "Before, we had shortcuts in our previous software, and on FirstBit we don't have shortcuts. You got to follow the process. But on the better side, you go through the process and you know that this is how it has reached this point." Fine Edge Decor is currently collaborating with the FirstBit team to develop these shortcuts, which will not only speed up workflows but also provide a deeper understanding of the processes behind them.

Efficient project management. The ERP software modules offered project-based accounting and reporting features for detailed tracking of project progress, costs, and collections.

Tailored industry solutions. Rawthar comments on the software’s customizability, saying it provided functionalities specifically designed for the furniture manufacturing and decoration industry.

Employee adoption and use. Employees initially reluctant to use the new system have started using it regularly, benefiting from features like project reports and weekly updates.

We have an overview of project reports which helps us understand the bidding value, the progress of the project, the costs incurred, where we stand, and what the collections are. This detailed information is very helpful for us.

Rawthar Shah

Finance Manager at Fine Edge Decor

Future Outlook

Looking ahead, Fine Edge Decor plans to leverage FirstBit ERP's full capabilities to further streamline its operations and enhance efficiency. They aim to achieve complete automation of routine tasks, allowing their team to focus more on strategic planning and growth initiatives. The company also anticipates using the software's advanced features, such as budget tracking, to gain deeper insights into its financial performance and make more informed decisions.

With ongoing support and training from FirstBit, Fine Edge Decor is still learning the implementation process of the ERP software and how they can best tailor it to their needs. They’re optimistic to see what they can achieve using the FirstBit ERP software.