Kian Ho Bearings Streamlines Management of Inventory

Kian Ho Bearings Streamlines Management of Inventory Kian Ho Bearings Ltd -- a public-listed SMB that is also one of the largest stockists, distributors and retailers of bearings and seal products in the region -- wanted to improve supply-chain visibility and to streamline operational efficiencies with an integrated ERP system. The company knew that its stand-alone accounting and inventory systems were inadequate to manage its S$45 million inventory. To improve efficiencies, management visibility and internal controls, Kian Ho implemented a solution based on Microsoft Dynamics NAV and Microsoft SQL Server. With Microsoft Dynamics, Kian Ho has successfully streamlined warehouse management and sales fulfillment by redesigning work flows and eliminating manual paperwork. With enhanced internal controls, Kian Ho¡¯s management team now enjoys increased visibility with real-time access to detailed, historical transactions. Kian Ho Bearings carries more than 20,000 types of bearings and 15,000 seals. Catering mainly for the bearings wholesale, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and replacement markets, Kian Ho¡¯s products are used in machines found in industries ranging from transportation, electronics, construction, oil and gas, petrochemical and manufacturing to print publishing, disk drive and marine. Incorporated since 1956, Kian Ho employs around 400 people across its offices in Singapore, China, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Taiwan. The company's key competitive advantage is its ability to offer the widest range of products at the best price, delivered within the shortest turnaround time. According to Chua Hoo Tai, Chief Operating Officer of Kian Ho Bearings Ltd, this is key to remaining competitive in the industrial distribution business. Chua explained, ¡°As our products are often used in mission-critical machineries, what¡¯s key to our customers is the availability of the product. Very often, to prevent shutting down an entire production line or delay their time-to-market, our customers are willing to pay for urgent overnight courier to get our products across to them.¡±