CTC first to implement BATLeaf Life Extension project

Monday, 24 November 2014 00:05 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

As an entity that relies heavily on farming and agriculture, it is imperative for Ceylon Tobacco Company (CTC) to maintain a systematic approach in managing day to day operations relevant to the leaf growing process. As such, CTC recently successfully migrated to the new BATLeaf solution, and was the first end-market in the British American Tobacco Group (BAT) to adapt to it. BATLeaf is a system used to overlook daily operations relating to farming, such as the management of farmers, loans, materials and supplies as well as purchasing and payment, leaf inventory and packing material, etc. The new system will enable CTC to operate at maximum efficiency by substantially reducing operational and implementation costs.

Commenting on being the first end-market to introduce the new BATLeaf solution, CTC’s Head of Supply Chain, Shah Mansoor Khalil said: “CTC prides itself on being an innovative company. We are always looking at ways to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of our processes in order to provide maximum benefits to stakeholders. The new system offers user friendliness, modern technology enabling maximum reliability, improved performance, security and robustness. I would especially like to thank the project team for the excellent execution of this project.” BATLeaf Life Extension Project was a six-month process that underwent key migration phases to rigorously test the system prior to implementation. The system also underwent a key testing phase in Kenya, where the global template validation and sign off was also finalised. The five-member project team involved in the testing and implementing the system included, Priyantha Ailapperuma (Project Manager), Rasika Attanayake, Kasun Edirisinghe, Chaminda Gamage, Kanchana Senaratne. Ailapperuma speaking on the implementation of the project said: “The process of implementing the system was not an easy one. It was absolutely essential to maintain communication at all times between support teams as we had a very tight schedule to complete the project. There were multiple tests to make sure everything was running smoothly. However, through relentless hard work and dedication our team was able to finish the successful implementation two days ahead of the expected date of completion.” “I would also like to say a special thank you to the project team and everyone who supported us including Chandana Pathiraja, the Head of Leaf, in delivering the results within the given timeline,” he added. BATLeaf Life Extension project is part of a global initiative by BAT to raise the standards of its vital processes across its end markets.