Education - Stock Control Systems

Napier University Gains Benefits from FDH Catering Management Solution

Eighteen months after purchasing FDHs proVISION for Windows™ system, Napier University Catering Services Manager, Alison Smith, is more than happy with the investment. "I believe the system has already paid for itself through smarter purchasing across our outlets. "

Alison uses proVISION to manage the catering operation across the Universitys diverse range of sites. They have three main campuses and two satellite sites, with retail outlets including the new 200 seat "Apex" luxury coffee shop, commercial catering and catering for events such as weddings.

When it came to reviewing systems on the market, Alison looked at all that were appropriate, but it soon became clear that proVISION was the only choice. "It was very user friendly. But more importantly, it gave me the information I wanted, rather than the information the system supplier wanted me to see. It would also integrate with both an EPoS system and the Universitys existing Tapestry financial management system. " At Napier, proVISION is linked into MCR EPoS terminals.

Since implementing the system, they have not looked back:

"The staff took to the tills very well following minimal training, and with the information I get back at base I can make efficiency gains by making fine adjustments to processes such as ordering. The service from FDH has been fabulous - our site consultant Lee Gibbs is one of the most helpful people Ive ever had the pleasure to work with."

“If there have been any problems with proVISION, it has been with embracing the full functionality of the system and putting it to use. There are whole areas of proVISION , such as recipe planning, which we havent even started on yet. Ive simply not had the time to get all the information out of the system that I know I could ."

Ulster University Moves Forward with FDH

The University of Ulster’s £2.5m catering operation is spread over 3 campuses across Northern Ireland, and offers a wide array of foodservice outlets. The University is experienced in using information technology to help manage their operations, having previously run a computerised stock control system. However, the old system needed replacing and proVISION was the perfect solution.

The University’s General Manager of Catering, Judith Hamilton, has been delighted with the transition between systems. “The process went extremely smoothly, and we have full confidence in the reports that the FDH system provides. The proVISION solution offers so much more functionality than our last system, and we are seeing great improvements across many areas of the business. ”

Judith continued, “Recipe planning is an area where we’ve seen huge improvements. Using proVISION enables us to easily cost menus and we are now successfully planning the margins we need. ”

ProVISION for Windows is a comprehensive food and beverage management system that tracks the catering business process – from stock control, ordering and menu planning through to EPOS and finance – and offers accuracy, efficiency and ultimately improves the caterer’s bottom line.

The next step of the implementation, when proVISION is linked to the University’s finance system, will further reduce data inputting and help the foodservice division to concentrate on its core role of delivering a first class catering operation.

Walsall College of Art and Technology

Walsall College is located in the Black Country region of the West Midlands, and undertakes training for academic programmes ranging from NVQ Level 1 up to HNC/HND Level in Hospitality Management.

Andrew Markwell, Business Development Manager for FDH, states, “FDH has always viewed Further/Higher Education as an important part of our philosophy. Colleges that offer Hospitality and Catering are the genesis of our industry, and is important to support these organisation and to allow the students to use technology that is relevant to the industry today. ”

proVISION for Windows will be used to control both the academic programme, as well as the Commercial Operation activities within the College. The College has training venues spread over 4 sites, catering for over 12,500 clients.

Darryl Jones, Programme Manager explained why WALCAT chose FDH, “We decided upon the FDH’s proVISION for Windows stock control system as it offers flexibility and up to date technology, with the audit compliance that we need. When training students for a career in hospitality, it is important that they are able to access the best relevant resources available ”.

FDH’s proVISION for Windows system will also be used by the WALCAT students, allowing them to use a discreet training system. In addition, Commercial Operations service two eating areas, a food store, retail outlet and in-house catering, along with a further 3 sites in the local community. The proVISION system allows all areas to be networked allowing effective stock control, financial and auditing regulations to be adhered to.”

Commercial Operations Manager, Sue Barclay comments "The new FDH system offers us considerable advantages over alternatives, and has been enthusiastically welcomed by all members of the Commercial Operations team. "

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