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The increasingly popular Syrinx® workshops and seminars were very well attended. Seminars were held on topics included CRM, Workshop and Servicing with focus on new features such as Electronic Document Scanning, Telephone Integration, and Web Based Customer Access.
Amongst new HCS customers at the Show were Dubai- based Manlift Middle East LLC, part of a major European rentals company specialising in the rental and sale of Powered Access Machines (MEWPS) and Temporary Power Generators, who have been using Syrinx® since June 2009.
Manlift provides premium brands of Scissor Lifts, Boom Lifts and Articulated Work Platforms from the world’s leading manufacturers. The business provides powered access machines (Cherry Pickers) from 6m – 50m, and temporary power solutions from 30kVA to multi mega-watt power projects. They were awarded the prestigious project to power the Dubai Metro’s Tunnel Boring Machine and they have a number of existing power projects in the pipeline.
Ameer Ali, IT Co-ordinator at Manlift, says they made the move to Syrinx® in order to move from a manual work process to a
systemised hire management system for the continued growth and efficient management of the business. "It has fully integrated hire management, good support and is a user friendly system. Our staff adapted quickly to the new system, and the implementation process was very smooth. There was only one month between initialisation and going live." he comments.
Ameer’s overall opinion of Syrinx® is very positive. He explains, "We value its ease of use. The package has ready-made solutions for most problems, so only report customisation is required. With integration of all functions already established, it reduces time spent on human resources and provides easy, enterprise-wide information sharing. We were very impressed how it automatically adapts to new technology, and the centralised data management it provides is key."
Higher Concept Software and Manlift on the Syrinx® stand . Left to right – Dan McKenna - HCS, Ameer Ali – Manlift, Mark Goodrum – HCS
Ameer considers many of the rich features of Syrinx® to be invaluable. He says "Syrinx® integrates with Sage and Microsoft Business Solutions and, as it’s a Windows based System it’s easy to use. I can navigate through clearly defined menus and control stock levels easily and efficiently, service scheduling and test-date management.
However, in Ameer’s opinion the biggest benefit that Manlift have gained from introducing the new system is that "it’s a fully automated hire-solution with great support".
On his trip to the UK to visit HCS at the Executive Hire Show, Ameer reports, "It was a great experience and the workshops and seminars were excellent."
Essex-based Lakeside Hire who, being disappointed with their previous hire management software, recently made the switch to Syrinx®, were also at the Show.
Lakeside Hire started running in 1992 delivering to construction sites, but they expanded into hire 3 years ago. They provide a Site Box, Razor Deck, Podium Steps, Aluminium Scaffold Towers and Access Equipment in London, Essex and surrounding areas and give the competitive edge by supplying this quality access stock on site with guaranteed morning delivery.
The main issue they had with their previous system, they explain, was invoicing. "We had a lot of customer queries based on incorrect invoices, above and beyond human error. Customer service is our main priority and so we had to sort it out," states Joanne Snow, Chief Operating Officer.
"Syrinx® integrated with Sage," she goes on to say. "We didn’t want to change our accounts package and when we investigated alternatives, Sage and another successful hire company both recommended HCS. It’s very easy to use, and everything is in one place, so we can use the system, make sales calls, plus a lot more. It’s very intuitive."
Even when Lakeside’s own server went down, HCS came to the rescue. "Everyone at Syrinx® was on hand to sort out the data and get the server back up and running. They were very supportive," comments Joanne. HCS were also able to transfer all the existing data directly onto Syrinx® , which prevented Lakeside from manually inputting data onto spreadsheets.
The business finds the built-in user alerts a very useful feature. Joanne explains, "The alerts come up when you log in, and every 10 or 15 minutes you get reminders so you can’t forget about things. We save a lot of time with the new system."
She states, "It’s so simple and quick, and the support team are very responsive. They even helped us to solve problems with our previous system, before Syrinx® was installed."
Joanne finishes by commenting on her attendance at the Syrinx® workshops at the Executive Hire Show. "We went to the web based customer management seminar, and it was very informative and interesting. It’s a great system."
Mark 1 Hire, also from Essex, and North West-based Smiths Equipment Hire and Astley Hire, all seasoned Syrinx® users, were keen to learn about the latest Syrinx® updates and functions.
"Our workshops were launched in 2009," says Katy Williams. "We wanted to ensure our users were given the opportunity to make the most of their investment in a hire-focused environment."
Feedback on the workshops and seminars has been excellent. Rob Manley at Thorncliffe Building Supplies thought they were "superb", and Warwick Bastable at Bastable Plant Hire described them as "informative, and enthusing". He said he awaits the new release "with interest". Jet Plant Hire’s Brian Witheford found his time spent with HCS "informative, well presented and concise" and Jim Longstaff at Clements Plant and Tool Hire stated that Syrinx® is a "great product. Keep up the good work."
Katy summarises by saying, "I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who took the time out to see us. It was fantastic to meet so many of our existing and prospective customers under one roof. We wish everyone a happy and prosperous 2010."
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