Backhouse is on the ball with Fabrix

Established in 1970, Wanganui-based manufacturer, Backhouse Apparel Ltd, produces woollen and oilskin garments under the Backhouse and Barbour labels.

From 1989, Backhouse Apparel operated as a branch of the UK-based company, Barbour & Sons Ltd, before a management buyout saw Noel Boyle and Simon Jones take ownership of the business in 1999.

Boyle says the buyout was coupled with the installation of the production management, purchasing and accounting modules of DDNC’s FABRIX software system.

“The reason that we decided to go with DDNC was that they offered a system that simplified and integrated production management and the financials all in one package, and it was easy to use and easy to understand”, he explains.

FABRIX also provides employers and management with the ability to identify inefficiencies – right through from stock replenishment and cutting, to the productivity levels of individual employees.

“It lets us operate the place effectively – it’s not as labour intensive. Once you’ve set up the system, you don’t have to go in and action raw materials against a job. It identifies material shortages and lets you know when additional stock needs to be ordered,” says Boyle, who employs 25 people and supplies 300 stockists throughout New Zealand, in addition to exports to Australia and the UK.

“DDNC is top level – they’re a terrific team. They’re always there for us. I actually couldn’t fault them as far as support is concerned. They come highly recommended from my scheme of things”.

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