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The Horizon and Horizon Web installation took place on 1 April. As a larger dealer we wanted some extra enhancements and we worked with BlueSky on some additional features to meet our specific needs. This work was completed in an exceptionally short time and at no extra cost to us and the installation went ahead on schedule.
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Nick Brittle, Managing Director, Swift Business Equipment (30 user site)
(Swift Business Equipment - Vision and Progress)
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The conversion from Vision to Horizon was a very slick process, we went home on the Friday evening having logged off from our old system. The conversion was then performed over the weekend by a Bluesky implementor. When my team returned to their desks on the Monday morning they were able to start work with the new Horizon system with all the customer information available for them to use. It was fantastic and thanks to the BlueSky implementation team and developers for making it so easy to convert.
'The approach that BlueSky takes, of providing us with a high quality support service, working in partnership with us as a customer and not only listening to what we want but implementing them quickly, at no additional cost has been a refreshing change
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Ben Griffiths, Managing Director, BOSS (25 user site)
(BOSS - ex Vision)
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Changing back-office systems is such a major thing. After all, it touches on every area of your business and we spent a long time evaluating the various products out there in the marketplace. We had been with our current software house for nearly 20 years so it was a big decision for us to move away.
Horizon has exceeded our expectations in every department and the BlueSky team have been incredibly responsive to our needs, making changes to accommodate our particular requirements. The transition was always going to be a lot of work but the team helped us manage this and everything went pretty smoothly. Changing has saved us a lot, both in monetary terms and in efficiencies in our daily business. Information is so much easier to get and presented in a very user-friendly way. I would highly recommend Horizon to anyone considering a change of system.
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Jim McAtear , Managing Director, GOA (10 user site)
(GOA - ex Progress)
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Why do we want to change our Dealer System we thought, we were quite happy with the system we had.
Then we saw Horizon and the decision was made instantly.
We were live very shortly afterwards and that’s when we really knew that we had made the right decision.
Everything that Horizon does it just does better than the outgoing system… month ends, catalogue updates, shopping etc. It just simplifies many overcomplicated processes.
Two unexpected by-products of the change however were an increase in margin due to better control of items purchased and a substantial reduction in staffing costs. Our business has grown by 75% in the last 18 months due to acquisition and merger. In that time we have reduced full time IT staff from 2 to 1. Our customer services are also running effectively on only one more staff member.
The whole Bluesky team are just great. They are very knowledgeable and accommodating with a real empathy to any issues.
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Terry Thurgood, Director (30 user site)
Total Office – ex Vision)
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There are a number of software packages within the industry that would adequately run the business of Offizone, though none we believe have such a comprehensive and inclusive suite of programs as the Horizon application. We signed up and went live on the 1st November and the migration from the Vision system to Horizon was seamless, truly a dream and bucking the age old adage of ‘no gain without pain'.
The Horizon team are knowledgeable and friendly and have been tremendously supportive throughout the process of change. We firmly believe in developing partnerships with our suppliers and this has the makings of a partnership that will run and run. We are thrilled to be operating the Horizon software and can truly recommend the product to other dealers.
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Jamie Hillary – Operations Manager, Offizone (10 user site)
(Offizone – ex Vision)
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We went live with Bluesky’s Horizon software in July 07 and can honestly say that we haven’t looked back. The system is intuitive, fast and easy to operate. We seem to find something new every day that either helps us make more money or save cost. The team is extremely helpful and handled our system transfer in a smooth, calm and professional manner. The complete integration of Horizon web has really got customers and sales staff excited, as it offers so much speed and flexibility, but it’s the whole Horizon package that has won us over. – Well done guys and girls!
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Martin Shaw, Joint Managing Director, D3 Office (15 user site)
(D3 ex Calidore Software)
Visit D3 Website
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We have looked at various programs to purchase over the past two years. We were very happy with Statkat, albeit limited in what it offered, it was a very stable and dependable package. But we needed something that would help grow the business and manage all the relevant information under one package. So the move to a new program for us had not only to offer a full package, i.e. Online Ordering, Contact Management, Accounts (previously Sage) as well as all the standard features of sales and purchase, quotes and stock etc, BUT we needed to know we were dealing with sound, helpful decent people who are prepared to put our needs first.
BlueSky was able to meet all our business needs, but also they were very friendly and helpful with any requirements we threw at them. Providing a fairly smooth transition from being a Statkat user to using Horizon. Phone calls and queries were met with quick and helpful responses. Sometimes very fast i.e. dialing in and correcting, helping, and changing things whilst still talking on the phone.
They are very helpful in all areas and I am delighted to be a Horizon user. I have and will continue to recommend them to other companies.
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Peter Collins, Managing Director, Connect (5 user site)
(Connect Stationery and Office Equipment ex Statkat)
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Hobbs office supplies has been through a variety of software packages in its 21 years of trading.
I can honestly say that all of the staff and myself in particular are blown away with the horizon software. The changeover was painless when we have been using it in march 2007 and from my personal point of view we have not just reduced our overheads and gained control and ownership of our company data but we have increased our turnover and efficiency.
We have web based ordering, electronic invoicing which increase efficiency even more and total support no matter what query arises. I have no hesitation in recommending horizon to any stationery supplier and have been happy to talk to anyone who will listen about our new software.
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Maria Kohlmann, Managing Director, Hobbs
(Hobbs Office Supplies ex Pegasus/Sage/Progress)
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Heatons took Horizon & Horizon-Web in December 2006. After meeting the team, we knew that BlueSky were a very positive, forward thinking company. Our previous back office systems had ground to a halt with little, or no development work being done. This made it difficult for us to provide what our customers demanded, as both businesses evolved.
Since changing systems, our efficiency has gone through the roof and we have seen big financial and working environment benefits since our conversion. The level of service we receive is outstanding, and the BlueSky support team are a real credit to the company.
We have recently implemented BlueSky's 'AutoMate' and 'Masternaut' modules. AutoMate sends our reports out at specified times, and has reduced our admin significantly each month. Masternaut has been a revelation and has enabled us to run paperless warehouse, with our customers electronically signing for their deliveries. This has improved our cash flow and customer services dramatically.
It's a pleasure to work with a company who are as passionate about our business as we are |
Tim Clixby, ICT Manager, Heaton Stationery Ltd (40 user site)
(Heatons Stationery Limited ex Legerdemain / Vision)
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