Waterco goes global with Epicor next-gen ERP

USA & SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA: Epicor Software Corp. announced that Waterco, a leading Australian-based manufacturer and distributor, has selected the Epicor enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution to improve processes across global operations and to support growth in multiple regions.

Waterco manufactures and distributes a diverse range of products for the international swimming pool, spa and water treatment markets. The company delivers water treatment pumps and filtration systems, solar pool heating, chemicals and swimming pool and spa accessories to over 40 countries worldwide. Waterco has its head office in Sydney, Australia with international offices, manufacturing plants and warehouses located in Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, China, Canada, France, the US and UK.

"The international presence of Epicor played an important role in the selection process, as we needed to ensure that the system could work with local laws and taxes," said Bryan Goh, group marketing director, Waterco. "It was also very important that we had localised support if we needed any help with these issues -- wherever Waterco had an office, Epicor also had an office in the same location."

Epicor demonstrated the ability to handle Waterco's business requirements -- from manufacturing in Malaysia, to distribution and sales in Sydney. Waterco required an ERP system which could provide visibility over inventory and stock levels across multiple sites. In addition, the company will use Epicor to run sales, accounts receivable, accounts payable, light manufacturing, purchasing, distribution and finance.

Business information systems and IT consultancy Biscit Pty Ltd, a member of the Epicor Inspired Partner Network, is assisting Waterco with its ERP implementation in Australia and New Zealand, while the Malaysian implementation was managed directly by the Epicor professional services team.

"The system is being rolled out globally, and has already been implemented in Malaysia, Australia and New Zealand, and will be implemented in China, Canada, the US and UK," said Bryan Goh. "We looked at all the ERP systems available on the market and went through a long process of workshops and evaluations of our company's needs. We chose Epicor for its ability to better support a manufacturer with a vertical structure like our own -- because of its strengths in this area, we believed Epicor was the best fit for Waterco."