ERP Done Right: Additive-X’s Journey to Operational Excellence with Acumatica Cloud ERP

Additive-X, a leading UK-based 3D printing specialist, didn’t start with cutting-edge technology or streamlined operations. Initially founded as a provider of printer repairs and replacement parts, the company held an extensive inventory of over 35,000 parts and supported printer repairs for major brands across the UK and Europe, like HP, OKI, Brother, Lexmark, and others. 

But as the world embraced digital transformation, demand for their traditional services declined. Businesses everywhere were going paperless, and with it, the need for printers and repairs waned. To survive, Additive-X pivoted towards the emerging 3D printing market, aiming to tap into new growth avenues and future-proof the company.

The Challenge: Outdated Systems and Mounting Operational Risks

Despite their new focus, Additive-X’s existing infrastructure was holding them back. They relied on a legacy UNIX system called One Office, which managed critical functions like finance, sales order processing, purchase orders, inventory, returns, and repairs. But with a fragmented structure, employees constantly faced:

🔻 Time-consuming data entry for every new product and pricing update.

🔻 Disconnected systems that required manual order processing from their online store, leading to inefficiencies and increased risk of errors.

🔻 High operational risk due to an ageing server that could fail at any moment.

When their lone IT technician left, Additive-X outsourced IT support, but the firm couldn’t resolve issues with their outdated server. Every day, the risk of a complete system failure loomed.

It became clear that Additive-X needed a robust, future-proof ERP solution capable of supporting its multi-company, multi-currency operations across the UK, France, and Belgium.

The Search for a Modern ERP: Choosing Acumatica Over Sage and SAP
 

Recognising the urgent need for transformation, Additive-X began researching ERP solutions that could centralise their operations, eliminate manual processes, and support their shift to 3D printing. 

Young’s requirements were clear: the new ERP had to handle complex multi-company and multi-currency setups, be cloud-based for remote accessibility, and have strong inventory and supply chain management capabilities.

Initially, they considered SAP and Sage, two well-known ERP systems. SAP was known for its robust capabilities, but its high cost placed it out of reach for a business of Additive-X’s size.

 
Sage, which their finance team recommended due to its strong accounting features, also didn’t meet the company’s broader needs.

After a thorough evaluation, Acumatica made the shortlist, standing out for its flexibility, cloud-based structure, and integration capabilities. 

Acumatica was the only solution that could seamlessly integrate with their existing tools while meeting the demands of their evolving business.

Implementation and Transformation: A Unified System and Automated Workflows
 

Once implemented, Acumatica began transforming Additive-X’s daily operations almost immediately. The shift from legacy software to a modern, cloud-based ERP brought powerful improvements:

Centralised, Cloud-Based Platform

Acumatica unified their previously fragmented systems—finance, sales, inventory, and customer service—into a single platform, accessible from anywhere, anytime, from any device. This consolidated system eliminated the need for spreadsheets and reduced data entry time, allowing employees to focus on more valuable tasks.

Real-Time Data and Improved Inventory Management

With Acumatica’s Distribution Edition, Additive-X gained real-time visibility into inventory levels, which proved critical during global supply chain disruptions. They could instantly pull stock reports, optimise replenishment levels, and respond faster to supply chain changes.

When a potential tenant approached Additive-X about renting warehouse space, Jo Young was able to quickly pull a report showing parts aged 40 months or more, locate the stock, consult with the warehouse manager, and authorise the clearance to make room for the tenant — all within minutes. 

This swift, data-driven decision-making would have been unthinkable with their old system, where a similar task would have required days of manual effort.

Automated Workflows for Efficiency

Acumatica automated key processes like bank reconciliations, price list updates, and Brexit customs forms, eliminating the need for manual data entry and reducing the equivalent of four full-time roles. 

The integration with Ship Theory offered multiple carrier options, streamlining shipping and ensuring faster deliveries.

Integrated Web Store for Seamless Order Processing

Connecting Acumatica to their Magento storefront eliminated the need to manually transfer online orders into the ERP system. Orders now flow automatically, enhancing accuracy and improving the customer experience with faster processing times.

Simplified Audits and Compliance

With financial data stored centrally in Acumatica, audit preparation time decreased by 25%, and auditors gained direct access to the system. This transparency made compliance much easier, freeing up valuable time for the finance team.

The Impact: Productivity Gains, Better Customer Service, and Elevated Team Engagement
 

With Acumatica’s intuitive, configurable dashboards, employees across departments saw an immediate boost in productivity. The time saved from automating manual tasks translated to a 10-15% productivity increase within the finance team, allowing them to contribute to more strategic business initiatives.

Customer service also improved significantly. With real-time inventory updates and automated order processes, Additive-X could confidently assure customers of stock availability and delivery timelines. Fewer stock-outs, higher order fill rates, and timely responses helped elevate their reputation and increase customer loyalty.

Looking Ahead: Scaling with Acumatica for Continued Growth
 

With Acumatica’s scalability, Additive-X is now equipped to handle future expansion seamlessly. Plans are already underway to add Acumatica’s CRM and Field Service modules to further enhance customer interactions and support post-sale services. For Young, Acumatica isn’t just a solution for today’s challenges; it’s a platform that will grow with them.

For manufacturing companies in the UK exploring ERP modernisation, Additive-X’s journey highlights the value of a flexible, future-ready ERP like Acumatica. If you’re ready to streamline operations, boost productivity, and lay a foundation for growth, Acumatica could be your next strategic advantage.

What’s next? 
 

Discover how Acumatica could reshape your business. At AcuPower, we’re dedicated to helping companies like yours overcome challenges to make your ERP journey successful. Our team will start with a focused, introductory call to listen to your specific goals, pain points, and requirements—ensuring we understand exactly what you need.

From there, we’ll craft a personalised demo, showcasing how Acumatica can drive the efficiency, visibility, and growth your business demands. 

Let’s explore how we can make your ERP transformation smooth, strategic, and impactful. 

Connect with AcuPower Today to Get Started