Duckworth & Kent logo

Duckworth & Kent

Global Excellence in Precision Manufacturing with Scalable ERP

Manufacturing

Wholesale distribution

Undoubtedly, we should switch to an integrated cloud architecture and reap the rewards.

Overview

  • Customer Name: Duckworth & Kent
  • Industry: Precision Engineering – Medical Devices
  • Summary: Legacy ERP limitations hindered operational efficiency and global scalability.
  • Solution Overview: Implementation of NetSuite ERP to unify business processes, enhance reporting, and streamline international operations.
  • Key Results:
    • Increased efficiency in order processing and inventory management
    • Improved financial visibility with real-time reporting
    • Scalable infrastructure supporting international growth

 

Background

Duckworth & Kent is a world leader in the design and manufacturing of titanium ophthalmic surgical instruments, serving the medical industry for over 60 years. Known for their precision engineering and commitment to innovation, Duckworth & Kent has a global presence, supplying products to surgeons and hospitals worldwide.

As the business expanded, it became clear that its legacy ERP system could no longer support the growing complexity of international operations, inventory management, and financial reporting. They required a modern, cloud-based ERP solution to facilitate operational efficiency and provide scalability for future growth.

The Challenge

As a rapidly growing company in the precision medical device industry, Duckworth & Kent needed a system that could match the increasing demands of its operations. However, its outdated ERP system presented numerous roadblocks, limiting its ability to scale and operate efficiently. The existing system lacked integration across departments, making it challenging to manage data cohesively and impeding decision-making processes.

Before working with NoBlue2, Duckworth & Kent faced significant challenges:

  • Fragmented Systems: Data was siloed across multiple systems, leading to inefficiencies in reporting and operations.
  • Manual Processes: Many key business functions, including inventory management and financial reporting, relied on manual workflows, increasing the risk of errors and inefficiencies.
  • Scalability Issues: The existing on-premises ERP system lacked the flexibility to support international expansion and multi-location inventory control, making it challenging to sustain growth.

With ambitions to streamline operations, improve real-time decision-making, and create a more agile and scalable business model, Duckworth & Kent sought a robust ERP solution to integrate finance, inventory, and supply chain management into a unified system.

The Solution

Understanding the need for a scalable and future-proof ERP solution, Duckworth & Kent partnered with NoBlue2 to transition from their fragmented legacy system to a fully integrated cloud-based ERP platform. The goal was to create a centralised system to support operational efficiency while allowing for international expansion.

NoBlue2’s Approach

NoBlue2 worked closely with Duckworth & Kent to design a tailored NetSuite ERP implementation, ensuring alignment with their business processes and operational objectives. By thoroughly assessing their workflows and requirements, NoBlue2 developed a roadmap for a seamless ERP transition.

Implementation Details

  • NetSuite ERP: A cloud-based platform to unify financials, operations, and reporting, eliminating inefficiencies caused by disconnected systems.
  • Inventory Management Optimisation: Improved stock control and traceability of surgical instruments across global distribution networks, reducing waste and enhancing fulfilment accuracy.
  • Advanced Reporting & Analytics: Implemented real-time financial reporting tools, providing leadership with immediate access to key metrics for strategic decision-making.
  • Multi-Currency & Global Compliance: Strengthened financial operations to support international sales, ensuring regulatory compliance across different regions.

The phased rollout ensured minimal disruption to ongoing operations. It focused on streamlining processes, automating key functions, and providing extensive training to staff for a smooth transition and adoption.

Results and Outcomes

Quantifiable Success

The NetSuite ERP implementation transformed Duckworth & Kent’s operations, delivering measurable benefits:

  • Enhanced Operational Efficiency: Order processing time was reduced by 30%.
  • Improved Inventory Accuracy: Optimised stock levels, reducing waste and overstocking.
  • Scalable Financial Management: Automated financial processes, increasing reporting accuracy and reducing month-end close times by 40%.

These improvements have positioned Duckworth & Kent for continued growth and efficiency in a competitive global market.

 

Qualitative Benefits

  • Data-Driven Decision-Making: With real-time access to key business metrics, leadership can make strategic decisions.
  • Stronger Compliance & Governance: Improved adherence to international medical manufacturing standards.
  • Operational Resilience: A future-proof ERP infrastructure supporting long-term growth.

Conclusion

With a successful NetSuite ERP deployment, Duckworth & Kent is now well-equipped to drive further operational efficiencies and expand its global reach.

Plans include:

  • Further automation: Exploring AI-driven analytics for deeper business insights.
  • Enhanced supply chain management: Strengthening vendor integration for streamlined procurement.
  • International expansion support: Leveraging ERP scalability to enter new markets seamlessly.

NoBlue2 remains a strategic partner, supporting Duckworth & Kent in leveraging advanced ERP technology to sustain innovation and market leadership in precision surgical instrument manufacturing.

 

Are you facing similar challenges with outdated systems and inefficient processes? NoBlue2 can help modernise your operations with a tailored ERP solution. Contact us today to explore how we can support your business growth and digital transformation.

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