Information technologies, ERP

Consulting in the field of IT

FBK offers a package of services in information technologies, which nowadays are essential to efficient corporate management systems. Our experts can perform audits of your information technologies, evaluate which application systems (ERP, CRM, CPM etc.) are most adequate for your company’s business needs, and elaborate the optimal strategy for developing your information systems. In accordance with the selected IT strategy, we then construct business solutions based on the software applications available from the best Russian and global producers. When implementing business solutions we also provide methodological support for accounting and management technologies throughout all project stages.

Optimizing business processes means creating formalized descriptions of business processes and redesigning them to improve their efficiency, as well as identifying methods for switching to a more efficient business organization. Optimization allows for a considerable reduction in the duration of operating cycles, an improvement of the main performance indicators, business manageability and transparency, and an increase in the company’s market value.

IT strategy is an indispensable element of every company’s strategy and includes a very wide range of issues - from the optimisation of software and hardware utilization to the preparation of the IT service budget and planning of IT development activities. The goals of IT strategy are improving the efficiency of IT support for business processes, integrating and standardizing the information environment, and providing the strategic basis for business development.

Selecting information systems is a complicated process based on the IT development strategy and a detailed analysis of the company’s business processes. FBK’s experts help to define automation objectives and achieve a professional definition of the technical requirements for your IT solution. Of the numerous available options, we will choose the optimal solution for your company’s needs.

Highly-professional project management when implementing information system projects is a key factor in success. Our experts provide consultancy and methodological support in developing regulatory documents, describing business processes, and fine tuning, testing, and launching the system. They help you to minimize project risks and ensure that implementation meets your objectives.

The company’s information infrastructure should undergo regular diagnostics. Our IT audit includes:

> analysis of employed information systems and evaluation of their compliance with the pursued objectives

> analysis of transmission facilities and description of the information exchange structure

> evaluation of potential risks in the field of automation. Our experts perform independent professional evaluation of the status of your company’s information resources and prepare a package of recommendations to optimize their use

Business solutions based on mySAP Business Suite

The uniqueness of FBK’s solutions based on mySAP Business Suite is that they are developed within the framework of the same company and the same concept for the development of corporate information system as a common information space.

We offer our clients a complete package of FBK solutions to provide a comprehensive approach to the implementation and further support of corporate information systems based on mySAP Business Suite.

Only FBK can combine the following advantages within a single company:    

>  highly-professional knowledge of the financial aspects of your enterprise’s industrial specifics

>  ability to ensure that all specific requirements are consistently and methodologically met in the system being implemented

>  a wide range of services related to SAP implementation

Unique in its comprehensiveness, our package of services covers the following areas:   

>  Express survey

>  Business consulting

>  Accounting consulting

>  Improvement of business processes

>  Workshops

>  Consulting on the selection of your ERM system

>  Solutions for interfacing with existing IT infrastructure

>  Implementation

>  Integration and ABAP Applications

>  User training

>  Audit of existing systems

>  System roll-out

>  SAP system agreeing and consolidation

>  SAP NetWeaver-based solutions

>  Creation of SAP competence centers

These solutions focus great attention on financial and accounting aspects, are methodologically justified, and their implementation improves business processes. mySAP Business Suite functionality is implemented based on common requirements. This integrated approach to the development of business solutions, especially those on the strategic level, also provides synergies which increase the capitalization of the company far more effectively than traditional implementation through a number of unaligned projects.

We ensure that the implementation of the SAP R/3 system at the enterprise is justified and seek the best business solution based on an analysis of its business strategy, included the following aspects:    

>  strategic goals

>  top priority objectives

>  prospects for the enterprise’s development

>  expected effect from implementing the ERM system

>  evolution of the corporate information system

>  financial status

By integrating the personnel, information, and business processes levels, FBK provides CEOs with the latest, most reliable and most comprehensive information whose analysis will help them to respond effectively to inevitable market changes. We achieve this by implementing the integrated package of the highest quality, mySAP Business Suite-based solutions, as we carry out the projects.

The main stages include:

>  Surveying the enterprise’s business processes with regard to mySAP Business Suite functionality and developing the reporting documents:

     >  an enterprise model compliant with SAP Implementation Guide standard

     >  hardware requirements

>  Developing the package of methodological documents (PMD)

>  Developing the conceptual project, accompanied with consulting on the applications employed:

     >  improving business processes

     >  system implementation goals and strategies

     >  strategy for switching to new software

     >  models for the coexistence of the different systems

     >  system architecture and its integration

     >  basic data scattering scenarios

     >  project feasibility study

>  Configuring and, at client request, delivery of hardware (servers) produced by any well-known manufacturer to install SAP NetWeaver

>  Implementing the SAP NetWeaver platform:

     >  methodological support in implementation

     >  consulting on processes and modules

     >  concept for the functioning and distribution of authorities

     >  data transfer

     >  implementing accounting methodology based on the different currencies

     >  workflow management

     >  system integration and roll-out management

     >  creating business information storage

     >  electronic document communication

     >  support for the global international projects

     >  basic solutions and services

     >  analysis of the projects

>  Implementing complex transformations in the course of system implementation

>  Provision of training to end users

>  Putting into commercial operation:

     >  support for the applications

     >  post-project consulting

     >  system management

     >  creation of the customer’s information infrastructure

>  Integration and ABAP Applications:

     >  integrating of external sources of information with business objects in mySAP Business Suite

     >  developing interfaces and applications for the integration of external systems with business processes in mySAP Business Suite

     >  designing reporting applications based on the On Line Analytical Processing (OLAP) system of BW-SEM

     >  developing applications in the ABAP, ABAP Objects language

>  Informational seminars:

     >  finance

     >  cost accounting

     >  project management

     >  improving management processes

     >  maintaining and repairing equipment

Our mySAP Business Suite-based solutions on the SAP NetWeaver platform make for the flexible and fast design, development, implementation and operation of the new strategies and business processes. In addition, SAP NetWeaver platform can work with the company’s existing IT infrastructure and make and manage changes. It provides a unique option to implement innovations in the organization and combe existing systems, thus allowing an optimization of the cost structure. The SAP NetWeaver platform supports all Internet standards such as HTTP, XML, and Web-services. This ensures openness and compatibility with Microsoft.NET and Java 2 Platform Enterprise Edition (J2EE) environments, e.g. IBM WebSphere.

Business solutions based on Microsoft Axapta

A modern automated enterprise management system is meant to provide the company’s management and staff with the most comprehensive and reliable information necessary for successful business operation. Microsoft Axapta is a scalable system for large and medium-sized enterprises, corporations and holding structures, providing a unified integrated solution aimed at improving business manageability and growth of company profits.

Microsoft Axapta improves management efficiency and generates the most reliable and comprehensive information so vital to modern managerial decision-making. With its transparency and scalability, Microsoft Axapta is becoming increasingly popular among medium-sized and large companies.

As a multifunctional ERP-solution, Microsoft Axapta covers the business of the whole company, including manufacturing and distribution, supply chain management, projects, financial management, business analysis tools, client relations management, and HR management.

Microsoft Axapta offers the most up-to-date Western enterprise management technologies and hi-tech solutions for comprehensive system functionality, allowing for unlimited possibilities for communication with partners and clients via the internet.

Microsoft’s Axapta system is not only a convenient tool for the present, but also a reliable platform for future development. It is a flexible and adaptable system with an open source code and an integrated development environment. The system works with Microsoft SQL Server and Oracle industrial databases, which ensures data integrity and allows for improvements in computational capability.

Wide functional possibilities, the newest tools for operating inter-corporate businesses, and its wide range of up-to-date industrial solutions mean that this system can be assigned to the ERP-II category.

Our system implementation project is divided into several key phases. This form of process organization enables us to conduct continuous analysis of work status and respond efficiently to the changing situation where necessary, to develop optimal solution for of emerging issues and problems, and to make efficient preparations for the next stages of the project.

FBK is a Microsoft Certified Partner with Microsoft Business Solutions Competency. We create and implement complex Microsoft Axapta-based solutions for your business - in a wide range of different sectors and industries.

On 24 September 2003, Microsoft Axapta 3.0 was certified by the Russian Institute of Professional Accountants and recommended by the Department of Accounting and Reporting Methodology of Russia’s Ministry of Finance for diversified companies.

Preliminary analysis

A preliminary analysis ascertains the current status of the enterprise’s business processes and leads on to the design of the automation strategy. This in turn means we can construct an optimal implementation model and avoid additional financial costs and save time.

During this stage, we gather general information on the project - frameworks, division into stages, business processes to be automated, client’s expectations regarding improvements in the company’s work from implementing the system, the project’s managerial system, methods of communications and interaction, financial plans, approaches to control project risks, and requirements for the personnel qualifications of the client.

Analyzing Requirements and Designing the System

The main objective at the stage of “Analyzing Requirements and Designing the System” is aimed at an analysis of the client’s business processes and designing a solution. By implementing this stage, we can reach a clear definition of the client’s business requirements for enterprise automation and identify the financial, material, and time resources necessary to fulfil the tasks.

The work begins with a description of the client’s business processes. At this stage, we bring in our experts in accounting, tax, managerial consulting and IFRS to work on the projects and provide methodological support. We believe that this is extremely important for successful project implementation.

Based on this analysis, the following documents are prepared: Solution Design, Technical Design, Project Design.

If necessary, we also make recommendations for changes in accounting policy, chart of accounts, accounting procedures, information disclosure checklists, etc.

Constructing the System

The ultimate goal of this stage is to create a system configuration fully complying with the client’s business requirements as defined at the previous stages. In turn, the correct configuration avoids conflicts due to any divergence between expectations and the actual results and reduces the time required to launch the System and train personnel.

Adjustment is divided into two main parts:

>  Configuring existing modules and system parameters to meet client needs

>  Programming modifications and add-ons not included in the System’s basic modification.

At the same time, we begin to prepare user documentation describing the rules for operating the System from the standpoint of approved business processes.

Implementation

The main goals of the implementation stage are to prepare users for working with the System and comprehensively prepare the System for initial operation.

The main phases of the implementation are: 

>  training users to work with the System

>  transferring data from the client’s existing software into the System

>  integration testing using the client’s live examples, data and business cycles

This stage enables a painless transition from the existing software to the System and real life testing of the System to help users become accustomed to it as far as possible.

The implementation stage is over when the tuned system is formally accepted by the client in accordance with the provisions of the agreement and the solution is ready for use.

Initial support

The main goal of initial support is to ensure that people use the System everyday and within the limits of acceptable productivity.

Initial support provides assistance to users in their routine work in the System, eliminates minor bugs and tests the System’s full-scale functioning in the course of everyday operations.

This stage includes:   

>  optimizing productivity, which allows further adjustments of the System and higher user productivity during system operation under real-life conditions

>  reviewing the work performed to ensure that the client is satisfied with the implemented solution

Our goal is to provide effective tools for you to gain the competitive advantages. We strive to ensure that these tools work reliably, enabling you to focus on the development of your business. But even the most perfect system can fail, and that can sometimes happen at the worst moment.

Our Customer Support Unit therefore provides the following services:    

>  Telephone hotline consulting on using the software

>  Recording user requests received by the telephone hotline, fax and e-mail

>  Processing requests within 24 hours when they concern failures of user software, due to which use of all or parts of the software becomes impossible

>  Processing requests within 5 workdays when they concern other malfunctions of user software

>  Processing requests, including agreeing the volumes and timeframes of work with the user, within 10 workdays when they concern the provision of additional services related to software adjustment/modification

>  Performing additional agreed work, if necessary, at the user’s premises

>  Microsoft Axapta-based industry-customised solutions.

Our wide experience of providing auditing and consulting services, as well as analysis and the generalisation of expert knowledge in various sectors, enable us to create unique, industry-customised solutions, taking into account the specifics of your business. The following solutions have been developed by our experts:

Automated formation of IFRS-compliant reporting

Applications based on the Microsoft Business Solutions-Axapta ERP system and created by FBK’s experts considerably reduce labour inputs and the time required for the routine operations needed to generate of IFRS-compliant reporting.

At the first stage of reporting generation our client receives the registers to be used for collecting data on the company’s business activities. FBK’s integrated Microsoft Axapta-based solution automatically captures all business transactions and automatically generates information requests with extended business intelligence capabilities.

“Simplified” methodology for preparing IFRS-compliant reporting

Our “simplified” methodology includes the development of the rules for reclassifying accounting entries complying with Russian Accounting Standards into IFRS-compliant accounting entries. FBK develops the reclassification methodologies specifically for each client. Microsoft Axapta-based solutions developed by FBK translate data from the “Russian” chart of accounts into the “international” chart of account, consolidate information from affiliates and automatically perform reclassification.

One of the most important challenges for large companies with numerous affiliates or lines of activities is creating an efficient reports consolidation system.

Our special-purpose Microsoft Axapta-based solution developed by FBK experts is based on their extensive experience and collects information from detached divisions/affiliated structures which is then processed to generate consolidated reporting.

These solutions can be used, for instance, for generating consolidated tax reporting or consolidated corporate reporting and offer the following options:   

>  support for an unlimited number of divisions

>  creating complicated reporting forms, including those with a multilevel structure of lines and columns

>  automatic generation of registers intended for manual data input, in MS Excel format; creation of necessary sets of manual input registers for every division within the reporting period

>  control over the correct completion and import of [completed] registers

>  automated computation of registers and formation of consolidated reporting based on the rules for their formation; preliminary control of availability of all required registers

>  analysis of each figure in the consolidated reporting employing a drill-down mechanism

>  use of the mechanism for reconciliation and approval of the registers

>  automated generation of any reporting forms in MS Excel format

>  integration with the primary accounting systems to reduce manual data entry

>  formation of the different kinds of reports based on the developed model of registers, for example the diagram of data flow between the registers, register forms, description of the algorithms for register completion and computation

>  use of the different models and rules of register computation during the different periods; storage of register archives for all preceding periods

>  simultaneous work of several users; provision of data access in accordance with assigned authorities

This solution will provide the most complete and reliable disclosure of information within the required timeframe and without utilizing additional resources!

This industry-customised Microsoft Business Solutions Axapta-based solution created by FBK accounts for and plans the costs of manufacturing commercial printing and package printing products with maximum efficiency, optimizes the utilization of production capacities, can help design products according to client specifications, and calculate the cost of the client’s order and determine the timeframe of its execution. This solution is based on the four integrated Microsoft Axapta modules: Production, Master Planning, Trade and Logistics.

Production

The Production module addresses one of the main challenges in the printing business - the optimization of production capacity utilization to ensure the more efficient use of expensive production lines. The solution developed by FBK based on the standard Microsoft Axapta functionality conducts continuous monitoring of capacity utilization levels at all stages of manufacturing (PREPRESS, PRESS, and POSTPRESS). The information concerning the utilization of exposure devices, printing, paper-folding, and cutting machines and other equipment, as well as the information about client orders, serve as a basis for the automated development of the plan of optimal utilization of production capacities.
The comprehensive solution developed by FBK automates the process of designing made-to-order products, taking into account the great variability of components that may make up the product. The final combination of components is defined when the order is drawn. In addition, the process flow versions also become the objects of automated accounting.

Master planning

The calculation of order execution timeframes is an important part of relations with clients in the printing business, where the products are mostly made to order. Moreover, the efficiency of planning commercial printing and manufacturing package printing products largely depends on correctly calculating these timeframe

The solution developed by FBK based on the Master Planning module efficiently and accurately provides the answers to client requests concerning the dates of order execution.

The automated calculation of timeframes is based on the data concerning the current status of the inventory, deliveries expected in the nearest future, changes in inventory associated with the execution of current orders, and data on the planned and actual utilization of production capacities.

Based on an analysis of these factors, the system automatically generates the manufacturing order and a procurement plan for expendable materials.

Trade and Logistics

The Trade module of Microsoft Axapta has been specifically adapted by FBK experts for the printing business to enable an efficient automated cost estimate of the client’s order. The automated order cost estimation is based on the costs of the standard hours of equipment operation, the current pricelist and rebates on particular nomenclature items, including the rebate validity periods. It also takes into consideration any special rebates granted to particular categories of the client.

FBK’s industry- customised Microsoft Business Solutions Axapta-based solution optimizes the utilization of production assembly capacity, automates accounting of the substitutions in manufacturing specifications and controls the quality of assembly sets and after sales services. This solution is based on the three integrated Microsoft Axapta modules: Master Planning, Production and Warehouse.

The integrated and comprehensive approach to tackling the problems of assembling production used by FBK also includes a methodology for calculating the cost-effectiveness of the individual products and product lines.

Master planning

The standard functionality of Microsoft Axapta as adapted by FBK’s experts enables the efficient planning of production cycles and can take into account sub-manufacturing processes. Our solution allows companies to plan substitutions in production specifications where alternative components and/or the list of alternative process flows may be defined for each product. The system generates procurement requests for the necessary items based on an analysis of such substitutions and the data on the availability of the parts in stock.

Production

The Production module automatically monitors production capacity utilization in all production stages. The monitoring reports identify capacity reserves and readjust the production plan if necessary. The process flow stored in the system also allows the automated planning of sub-manufacturing facilities.

Warehouse

Based on the Warehouse module of Microsoft Axapta, FBK developed a tool for the automated accounting of the assembly sets received from the suppliers. This industry-customised solution tracks the extent of product readiness within the assembly set. The control of component quality and quantity is provided within the system by the automated monitoring of inventory for defects, and short and over-deliveries.

Business consulting: calculating product cost-effectiveness

The analysis performed by FBK experts for the company identifies the business spheres and products which generate the highest economic value for the enterprise, as well as the products that should be retired. Calculating product line cost-effectiveness is based on a customized model of the distribution of revenues and costs between the product lines and the areas of activities. The model created by our consultants allows the enterprise staff to single-handedly analyze the cost-effectiveness of activities on a regular basis, thus providing timely monitoring of changes.