New Functionality – Price Books

iMetal New Functionality – Price Books

iMetal already provides functionality for defaulting standard prices into sales enquiries and sales orders.  However, these are static prices that do not reflect the customer or the quantity required.

Benefits

By targeting prices based on clients, order/enquiry quantities by products companies can guide a sales team or persons to maximise margins or protect stock that has become scarce.

Module Price Book – What does it do for me?

iMetal already provides certain methods for defaulting standard prices into sales enquiries and sales orders.  However, these are static prices that do not reflect the customer or the quantity required.

The price book enhancement in iMetal now allows users to maintain tables that can determine the selling price on items. These tables can be set up by customer, by products and quantities to allow a very flexible configuration with minimum effort.

Key features include Price Book Maintenance, allowing price books to be maintained for specific customers or as more general prices

Functionality includes: 

• Automatic pricing on sales enquiries and sales orders based on the price book
• Program will find the closest matching price book entry based on the information available
• The pricing level and required quantity will then be used to calculate a price for the item
• The pricing level will be determined by the customer, and will effectively provide up to ten different starting points for the price
• The quantity will be compared to a ‘quantity break’ table, allowing users to define discounts and/or higher prices depending upon the quantity required
• Automatic update to set update price book entries to a ‘next price’ when a ‘next price date’ is reached

Price book entries can be at different levels:

• • • Product
    • Product and Dimensions
    • Category
    • Category and Dimensions
    • Part Specification

Also each entry can specify its own Starting Price or the source of the initial cost:

• • • e.g. Product Standard, Product Average, etc
    • Also an option for using the cost source defined on the sold product

Clients who have implemented this functionality have seen improvements in margins of small quantities, protected stock sell outs and development of a profit focused culture in the sales team.

If this module is of interest contact the customer services team or your account manager

Imports, Exports & Commodity Tariffs – How will it affect you?

Britain’s delayed departure from the EU may have afforded some organizations breathing space on key decisions, including those that will impact on their import and export trade.

As an EU member, the UK and companies based here currently sell their goods freely to customers anywhere else in the EU without those customers having to pay additional taxes to import those goods.

British consumers and companies can also import from elsewhere in the EU without tariffs.  The EU also has agreements allowing free trade with countries such as Norway, Switzerland, South Africa and South Korea.

Outside the EU, the UK will need to strike new deals in order to have free trade with those countries or the remaining EU members.  If the UK does not have a trade agreement with a particular country, then it falls back on World Trade Organisation (WTO) rates.

All imports or exports (including UK imports) must be declared to HMRC using an international commodity (tariff) code and you are legally responsible for the correct tariff classification of your goods. 

Why use commodity codes?  Classifying your goods correctly means you know if:

• the correct amount of duty and VAT has been paid
• duty is suspended on any of your goods
• any preferential duty rates can be applied
• an import or export licence is required
• your goods are covered by measures such as the Common Agricultural Policy of the EU, anti-dumping duties or tariff quotas

Under WTO rates this presents challenges as you could have different rates for different countries for the same commodity, you could also have negotiations between the UK and other countries that change a commodity tariff at a particular date. 

Once your goods have the correct tariff code you can work out the correct duty you need to pay on the import or export of your good. The tariff is applied to the full invoice value and is paid to HMRC.

How iMetal can help?

From its inception flexibility in tariff, surcharges and taxes allows iMetal to handle a multitude of combinations, at home and abroad. In fact the experience of implementing iMetal in international markets has benefited UK customers as many of the financial requirements for international markets will now become relevant in the UK.

With a departure date of the 31st October 2019, and the looming potential of a “no deal Brexit” we need to ensure we are prepared to act when it comes to tariffs, taxes and trade regulations.

To ensure we provide you with the best experience we would like to ask you to help us prepare for these changes. By further understanding our customer’s import and export activity and their current use of commodity codes we can ensure we are well placed to limit the issues you may encounter. 

We have prepared a very short three question survey which would allow us to understand your overseas trade activity and the support you may require from us. 

Create your own user feedback survey

What is an EROI and what does it mean to me?
In the event of a no-deal Brexit, you’ll need an Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number that starts with GB to trade goods into and out of the UK. Read more here.

A No-deal Brexit & EORI What does it mean to you?

With the potential for a no-deal Brexit the requirement for companies to have an EROI number looms ever present.

What is an EROI Number?

A UK EORI number starts with GB, followed by 12 digits. It will include your VAT registration number if you’re registered for VAT.

Who needs a UK EORI number

If you do not already have a UK EORI number you’ll need one in a no-deal Brexit to:

• trade goods into or out of the UK
• submit declarations using software (or to give to your agent to make these declarations on your behalf)
• apply to be authorised for customs simplifications and procedures

It could take 3 days to get a UK EORI number, so you should apply now.

Who does not need a UK EORI number

You do not need to apply for a UK EORI number if one of the following apply:

• you already have a UK EORI number (an EORI number that starts with GB) because you’ve traded goods between the UK and countries outside of the EU
• you’ll only import or export goods with Ireland across the Northern Ireland and Ireland border
• you’ll only import or export services that do not involve moving physical goods

Before you apply

To apply you may need your:

• VAT number and effective date of registration – these are on your VAT registration certificate
• National Insurance number – if you’re an individual or a sole trader
• 10-digit Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) – find your UTR if you do not know it
• business start date and Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code – these are in the Companies House register

If your business has a parent or holding company, they must apply for you.

How to apply

It takes 5 to 10 minutes to apply for a UK EORI number.

You may need the Government Gateway user ID and password for either:

• your organisation, if you’re applying for your company or partnership
• you, if you’re applying as an individual or a sole trader

If you do not already have a user ID, you can create one when you apply.

Online services may be slow during busy times. Check if there are any problems with this service.

Hearing Dogs Improving Lives for Deaf People Across the UK

Deafness or hearing loss affects 1 in 6 people in the UK and this year’s Deaf Awareness Week 6th – 12th May is an opportunity to raise awareness to this fact whilst celebrating the collaborative work that has made a difference for so many people who are deaf or have a hearing loss.

Martyn Brown who works within the Customer Support Team at Metalogic has been hearing impaired from birth and in the early days largely survived on his wits and lip-reading skills. His hearing loss increased through adulthood and since 2008 he has worn digital aids.  Despite this, he still struggles with the human voice and relies on Email, Skype (text), Google Hangouts and SMS to communicate with customers and colleagues alike.

Martyn remembers how difficult things were for him as a child and since 2005 has been giving his time to the National Deaf Children’s Society, originally as a Deaf Role Model and as a Guest Speaker.  Martyn is also looking forward to taking ownership of a Hearing Dog which is currently undergoing training.

Sometimes it’s hard for people to relate to a deaf person and many people who are deaf struggle with loneliness and isolation and often feel excluded from many things that hearing people take for granted. Hearing Dogs for Deaf People trains dogs to alert deaf people to everyday sounds, such as the doorbell, oven timer and alarm clock, as well as danger sounds such as the smoke alarm.

‘Having a hearing dog will have a big impact on my life, firstly the distinctive jacket worn by hearing dogs will tell people that I am deaf and not just ignoring them, secondly there is an interaction and interest from people when you have a hearing dog, who are interested in the dog and how this partnership works.’ says Martyn, ‘But above all a hearing dog will bring me independence, reassurance and companionship’.

Schoolteacher and England Deaf Rugby Union player/coach Graham Sage could not imagine life without ‘Jovi’ his rock star hearing dog by his side – learn more here about their special relationship.

Read more here on how the UK Deaf Council are working towards a world in which people who are deaf or have a hearing loss are able to fulfill their potential.

iMetals’ Seamless Transition to Serbia

iMetal’s first venture into Eastern Europe results in a model implementation taking place in Serbia.

Founded in 1992 by the by Ilić family the Steel Service Center in Smederevo, Serbia are a medium size steel de-coiling operation supplying the domestic market in the Balkans.  Sourcing their steel from local mills and further afield across Eurasia, they enjoyed a steady expansion throughout the 1990’s and early 2000’s, making way for the second generation of the Ilić family to take up executive duties from 2007.

On taking up the reins from his father Bojan Ilić recognized the importance of continued investment and under this new management structure processing capabilities became a reality following the installation of their first cut to length line in 2008.  A further two CTL’s followed along with additional capabilities plus a move into their own 15,000 m2 business complex in Smederevo.

Bojan recognised with such rapid expansion and their growing reputation for quality and innovation within the metals distribution and service industry that they needed an ERP system that would work and grow with them whilst understanding the needs and intricacies of the metals markets and distribution sector.

“Our company has been dedicated to exceeding expectations for a quarter of century by setting new standards in our industry.”  Bojan ILIĆ, MD.

Initially Bojan was thinking of developing his own product but having studied iMetal at some length he appreciated that this industry specific package would allow him to maximize his commercial opportunities whilst minimizing his administrative and business costs.

Following a web based demonstration Consultant Mark Beard travelled to Serbia to carry out a Business Process Review.

This process is a key part of the successful implementation record of iMetal.  By analyzing the requirements of the client, identifying areas for improvement and then demonstrating through a workshop how iMetal can deliver the business improvements – prior to the signing of contracts. The client is able to see clearly what they will get for their investment.  

A key part of the benefits that SSC were looking for was a strong Metals Stock control system. This was at the core of the decision making process and Mark was able to show the benefits of iMetal’s intuitive stock query and analysis functionality. Coupled with iMetal’s  multi-language forms and customisable user interface and the interactive workshop allowed Bojan to see the improvements in productivity he could make before committing himself to a full contract.

Implementation 

Due to its industry workflows and ease of use, implementation was completed remotely without the need for a further site visit – thus saving the client money and time.  Thanks to its customisable labels and screens a full Serbian product set was configured.

Working with elements of the new Internationalisation of iMetal specifically developed by Metalogic’s R&D team Bojan helped translate iMetal into Serbian Latin – a first for Metalogic.

Data from the Clients existing accounts package “Pantheon” was extracted and imported into iMetal thus reducing data loading time.

Bojan led with the training on iMetal, personally training all his staff and for each module he carried out a mini SGL (simulated go live) testing each document on every aspect of his business.  This “SGL” was reviewed by the iMetal team and signed off as good to “Go Live”.

Go Live

The Go Live was scheduled for January 2019 and in just 2 weeks all the stock was loaded and operational reports created and a smooth transition to the new system was achieved.

Mark Beard, PS Consultant ‘For me SSC was the model company, Bojan led his people very well and learned the system inside out’. 

SCC have an ongoing implementation plan that will see them using some of the enhanced functionality in iMetal to further improve their business.

Steel and other metal manufacturing and preparing for EU Exit

HMRC Entry Summary Declarations – HMRC announced on 19 February plans to phase in the pre-arrival forms known as Entry Summary Declarations for EU imports, if the UK leaves the EU without a deal, providing a six month respite for carriers.

This means that:

• Trucks arriving from Europe do not need to hold a separate Safety and Security document which they previously needed to hold to obtain a Movement Reference Number (MRN) from HMRC without which the truck, and any freight carried, could not continue their journey into the UK.
• This does not change the current process for goods leaving the UK and entering the EU by road which will remain the same.

 The new rules only apply to goods coming from the EU. Importers will still be required to submit import declarations for customs purposes – which are not the same as Entry Summary Declarations.

After the six-month transitional period, carriers will be legally responsible for ensuring Entry Summary Declarations are submitted pre-arrival to HMRC at the time specified by mode of transport. More broadly HMRC have produced some short video guides on EU Exit and have outlined the phased approach for Entry Summary Declarations.

 Changes to the rules for reporting and paying import VAT that will impact sellers outside the UK  – From 29 March 2019, if the UK leaves the European Union without a deal, the import VAT rules will change for goods worth £135 or less that are sold to UK buyers (including businesses and individuals).

Action to take now If you choose to report and pay the import VAT direct to HMRC, you should register for the new online service now, so you are ready to use it when the changes are introduced on 29 March 2019. To get started, you will need a Government Gateway user ID and password. If you do not have a user ID, you can create one when you register. You will also need your business contact details and details of your business accounting periods.

Trade Agreement Continuity – The Department for International Trade have published a Written Ministerial Statement together with the Gov.uk guidance and accompanying news story on the UK’s progress in securing agreements with the EU’s existing Free Trade Agreement partners and transitioning existing EU Free Trade Agreements

In a deal scenario, the EU has agreed that the UK should continue to be treated as a Member State in international agreements during the implementation period.  However, if a deal is not in place when the UK leaves the EU on the 29^th March the UK’s preferential access to some of these markets will end.  We encourage you to share the guidance with colleagues and members.

Trade Remedies – On 25 February, the Department for International Trade published the final list of existing EU anti-dumping and anti-subsidy trade remedies that will be retained in the UK’s trade remedies system when we exit the EU.  If there is no deal with the EU, these decisions will apply from 29 March.  If there is a deal, the UK will continue to apply all EU trade remedies throughout the Implementation Period to December 2020.

All transitioned measures will be maintained at the same level set previously by the European Commission until the new Trade Remedies Authority completes a full review based on UK-specific market data.  Following consultation, 43 existing EU measures will be transitioned to the UK and 66 will be terminated.  Further detail, including the full list of measures, can be found here.

Government Procurement Agreement – Members of the World Trade Organisation confirmed on 27 February that the UK will join the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA) as an independent member if we leave the EU without an agreement. The GPA is an agreement within the WTO framework between its 19 members (including the United States, Canada, the EU and Japan) that aims to mutually open government procurement among it parties. The UK’s independent membership gives businesses the certainty that they will be able to continue bidding for public sector contracts overseas on almost the same terms that they do now. Where an Exit deal is agreed with the EU, and an implementation period is put in place, the UK will remain a member under the EU’s membership.

Further detail can be found here.

Sector Summary updates

Steel and other metal manufacturing and preparing for EU Exit  

The construction sector and preparing for EU Exit

UK businesses which are already registered on the EU system will receive an email from Defra about how to register. Other businesses can also register online; Businesses that register before exit day (29 March 2019) will be able to operate as normal from 30 March 2019. Anyone who registers between 30 March and 12 April 2019 would have to wait for their registration and quota application to be approved before they can trade. Businesses looking to secure an F Gas quota for the first time would need to wait until after 12 April 2019 before they can use their quota to import gas. Anyone registering after 12 April 2019 would not get a quota for 2019;

You can read the Press Release about the launch of the new system, which provides a summary of the main points.

Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) – The Government has signed a Mutual Recognition Agreement on Conformity Assessment (MRA) with the US. The agreement provides continuity for  existing arrangements to continue between the UK and US which will help facilitate goods trade between the two countries. 

 Latest GOV.UK Updates

IP and Brexit: the facts

Moving goods to and from the EU through roll on roll off ports or the Channel Tunnel

Importing, exporting and transporting products or goods after Brexit

Moving and declaring excise goods in the event the UK leaves the EU with no deal

Government response to updated energy price cap level

Numbering system for comparable UK trade marks

Business readiness tool on Gov.UK

The Government have published a business readiness tool on Gov.uk which asks companies various questions to help identify the technical information the company requires.  The tool now includes pages for metals manufacturing and chemicals for companies in those specific sectors.

RISE IN SHIPMENTS BY EU MULTI-PRODUCT & PROXIMITY STEEL STOCKHOLDING DISTRIBUTION FOR FIRST 10 MONTHS OF 2018

Two new systems to go live in Canada and the USA

Following the merger of Metalogic Ltd with Jonas Metals USA (formerly Compusource) late last year, the union of these two companies is already reaping rewards. With two new systems about to go live in the USA and Canada in early 2019 the combination of knowledge from both sides of the Atlantic is proving a winning formula.

The combined company supports over 500 sites and 6000 users around the world.  Jonas Metals already a leading provider of software systems for metal service centers and processors in North America  continues to support existing Compusource products.  In addition iMetal provides the latest ERP software for its current users to upgrade to and allows to new sectors across the metal industry.

Metalogic Customers already benefit from an ERP system designed from the ground up to provide functionality and workflows for metal distribution companies. With iMetal, extensive and expensive custom development is a thing of the past as new features and functionality are provided on an ongoing basis as the market demands.  Just this year extensive fabricated parts processing and pricing schedules have been added along with other new features.  

By integrating new technologies like mobile apps that can gather data on tablets and smartphones, communication and real time updates from the shop floor to the office can be achieved, without expensive wifi implementations saving time and money. It is with features like this and others that will maintain iMetal as the leading metals specific solution. Technology blended with industry knowledge of over 30 years,provides customers with a competitive edge in the rapidly changing world of metal distribution and processing.

This combination of Metalogic local knowledge and the backing of one of the fastest growing software groups in the world provide a company that is big enough to deliver but local enough to care.