Case Study: Variable Message Signs achieves integrated operations and real-time business control with Kerridge Commercial Systems' K8 Manufacturing

K8 Manufacturing is vital for Variable Message Signs

Variable Message Signs (VMS), the UK market leader in transport signage, needed to integrate the 2014 Hill & Smith acquisition Techspan Systems while managing a complex order book (around 500–1,000 orders per year, pipelines of 80–200 orders comprising up to 2,000 signs), long lead times and frequently changing production schedules. VMS required a flexible, end-to-end system for stock control, purchasing, sales orders and job costing to control costs and protect profitability across the merged operations.

Kerridge Commercial Systems implemented its K8 Manufacturing solution — notably the Job Ledger module — and provided close consultancy and training during the Techspan–VMS integration. K8 Manufacturing became the operational hub, delivering real-time information, tighter work-in-progress control, clear invoice and P&L visibility, and the ability to rapidly amend production schedules; these improvements created an integrated, flexible platform that supports VMS’s ongoing growth and further integrations such as the Tegrel acquisition.

Variable Message Signs

Louise Martin

Finance Director