Westside Distribution integrates Qlikview with Sage based IT system

Eureka Solutions has completed the installation of business intelligence system Qlikview for major UK independent musical instruments distributor, Westside Distribution.

Westside, operating across the UK and Ireland from its Glasgow headquarters, is a long-standing user of the Sage 200 Suite and wanted to enhance their internal reporting systems.

IT manager John McAndrew needed a system which allowed company directors to call up sales and stock data quickly, as well as enabling account managers working in the field to access real-time information when communicating with clients.

Westside was founded more than 15 years ago, and distributes guitars, drums and numerous accessories to music retailers across the UK and Ireland. Many instruments are imported from overseas. The nature of the business – carrying more than 10 000 stock items – means that Westside’s team need to track stock, deliveries and sales very closely.

“We spoke to Eureka about integrating a business intelligence solution with our existing IT system, which includes Sage. It was important that this could be done if possible without a major database management job,” explained John McAndrew.

“Qlikview has the capacity to draw data from numerous existing sources and platforms, and deliver visual information in a very presentable way,” he added.

Eureka’s Managing Director Alistair Livingstone explained that Westside was an excellent example of a company benefiting from the integration of internal data and business intelligence using Qlikview.

“Our expertise as a Sage partner has received a real boost with our adoption of Qlikview as a complementary system which can draw data and present it in such an easy way for the user.

“Clients like Westside have built their reputation on their ability to respond to customer needs quickly and appropriately. To do this they have quite complex systems of buying, importing, managing and distributing goods, and they need to do all that efficiently. With Qlikview we have the means to deliver really first-class tools to make those jobs easier.”

John McAndrew of Westside praised Eureka for its role in implementing the system. “We know Eureka, and we know their reputation well. As always, the team performed above and beyond the call of duty. It’s always good when you can turn to a vendor for help, knowing that you will always get a positive response.”

To find our more information on business intelligence and QlikView contact Carolyn Clark on 01355 581 960.