case studies

Our website describes what Blue Stone does, but how does that play out in the real world of industry and commerce? Below we describe some of the projects we have undertaken: what sector the client operated in, their business problem, how we approached this, and with what overall result.

Distribution company needed an IS problem ‘sorted’
An industry-leading UK parcel carrier was operating a bespoke distribution planning system based on an obsolete hardware platform. The infrastructure was running out of capacity and the original developers of the system had long since disappeared; nevertheless the company was absolutely dependent upon the system for its day-to-day operations…more

A business is like a printed circuit board, but with information not electrons
A major electronic equipment manufacturer needed help with the selection and implementation of a new Enterprise Resource Planning system. But in embarking on this project, they felt that to get the maximum benefit from any new system they would first need to completely review their core business processes…more

Improved credit control = vital working capital
A leading construction company with high volumes of low value invoices was looking to improve its credit control procedures. We helped with the selection and implementation of a speedier, more efficient cash collection system which returned huge sums of cash into the business, freeing up vital working capital and reducing risk…more

The objective isn’t always to save cost, but this is usually an outcome
When a major distribution company asked us to restructure their IT department to make it more customer-oriented, cost savings were not the primary objective. Nevertheless, by reviewing not only its operations but also contracts with third-party service providers we were also able to identify significant cost savings…more

Bridging the gap in information systems worldwide
This global construction business was operating different systems in each of its worldwide locations, which was severely limiting their ability to perform effectively and secure economies-of-scale, putting them at unnecessary risk. Havng reviewed their options, and evaluated the pros and cons of each, we then undertook a structured specification and selection exercise, leading to a solution which offered an acceptable balance of risk, cost and capability…more

Reducing complexity, increasing profitability
Servicing the construction industry, this rental company had around 20,000 product lines and was structured into 10 legal entities, each with its own separate computer system. Their customers often traded with more than one entity and customer and pricing data was inconsistent. We implemented a new system with appropriate data structures which reduced complexity, helped reconcile prices across the different companies and enabled a uniform approach to their customers…more

Question: complex acquisition? Answer: smooth transition.
Blue Stone has undertaken a number of due-diligence exercises on behalf of this acquisitive blue-chip company allied to the construction industry. One which almost doubled the size of the company overnight involved a major competitor whose IT was part of an outsourcing agreement, making the IT elements of the transaction a critical factor in the deal planning process. Blue Stone was able to help negotiate a better deal, an orderly transition and integration of the two businesses, and the rapid transfer from the poorly supported systems of the seller onto the stable platform of the purchaser…more