Case Studies

Papa John’s is the third largest pizza company in the USA with over 3000 stores in North America alone. Most importantly, Papa John's is the recognized quality leader among national pizza companies.

Since opening its first store in 1999, Papa John’s GB has continually expanded and now has over 80 franchised stores across the UK.

The Papa John’s brand is recognised by the industry and consumers as committed to its heritage of making superior-quality, traditional pizza.

Efficient IT systems are critical to ensure accurate management of the franchisee accounts and these needs are met by a dedicated UK team, responsible for the company’s hardware and infrastructure. Software requirements are generally met through packaged solutions.

In 2003, Papa John’s made the decision to replace its aging and comparatively expensive JBA System 21 financial systems with a PC-based ERP solution.

At the time, no firm commitment was made to a particular replacement package, so it was recognised that support would continue to be required for the legacy system during the transitional period. Finding a business partner with relevant experience and expertise who could carry out any critical development that may be required during the interim became an important and urgent exercise.

MNIS Ltd were among those invited to submit a tender to supply software support and development services. Provision of day to day AS/400 facilities management was also proposed at initial meetings and these functions were also outsourced, with the added intention of improving the existing system operations. MNI Services were awarded the contract, key factors being their appropriate experience and a competitive and attractive contract.

Using knowledge previously gained supporting JBA System 21 and following initial site visits to familiarise and document procedures and bespoke processes, MNI Services took over support.

Within a short period of time, existing interfaces to external systems which had required regular corrective intervention were identified and developed to expand their functionality and give efficiency benefits.

A joint policy with the dual intention of resolving ongoing problems and empowering Papa John’s staff emerged and extra training and new methodologies continue to be employed where appropriate.

During the same period, existing AS/400 administration operations have been reviewed and suggestions made to improve the existing overnight and housekeeping routines. Subsequent implementation of changes have improved the performance of the system and helped streamline the scheduled jobs.

MNI Services have continued to work with Papa John’s to develop as their needs change. In the process, an excellent working relationship has been established with Papa John’s staff.

MNI Services provided support for Papa John’s for a period longer than originally intended. Business restructuring meant that an initial short term contract was extended considerably. Working together, the two companies successfully completed a series of essential development and hardware projects that may otherwise have forced a premature and hasty switch to another, poorly implemented alternative.

As a result, when in January 2007, Papa John’s implemented their replacement system, they had been able to take the time to recognise their requirements, consider a range of potential options and make an informed decision. Support from MNI Services then enabled a clean and successful migration.

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