University of the West of Scotland Implements A Centralised Fixed Asset Accounting and Tracking Solution From Real Asset Management to Satisfy Audit Requirements

ORPINGTON, England, February 25, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

University of the West of Scotland (UWS) has recently gone live with a University-wide implementation of Real Asset Management's (http://www.realassetmgt.co.uk) specialist asset management software.

Following an internal audit into the management of equipment within its schools earlier this year, it was identified that a centralised asset register was required for better visibility, control and reporting of UWS' asset base.  The University is the first in Scotland to implement RAM's capital accounting and inventory tracking modules.  

With origins dating back to 1897, University of the West of Scotland is one of the UK's most innovative and modern universities. Comprised of six academic schools across four campuses in Ayr, Dumfries, Hamilton and Paisley, UWS has an annual turnover in excess of £100 million and accommodates more than 15,000 students.  

The new software, used in conjunction with its finance system, Agresso, replaces a multitude of spreadsheets formerly used for recording assets. Previously, each of UWS' six schools had operated its own manual, Excel-based recording system for non-capitalised items, whilst the capitalised fixed assets were recorded on a separate spreadsheet managed by the finance team. Kirsty Gillen, Capital Projects Administrator at UWS comments, "Although we had an accurate method of recording costs and depreciation against our 400+ capitalised assets, we had very limited information on variables such as location and condition. We had no real insight into the whereabouts of our 3000+ inventory items which, since implementing RAM's software, £9.6 million worth of assets have been identified.  We are now also able to record all supporting detail including location, purchase order custodian and serial number, providing a more consistent and robust way of managing assets across the university."

Kirsty continues, "We are already realising time saving efficiencies through the use of the new system. For example, in preparation for year-end, we will be able to produce the 2014/15 depreciation charge and fixed assets note for the accounts in a matter of minutes, a job which normally takes us many hours to complete."

In terms of compliance, the new software now ensures that the appropriate internal controls are in place for the entire lifecycle of each asset, from acquisition to disposal. It is also being used to manage and record the transition year from UK GAAP to FRS 102, greatly simplifying the process of running two parallel sets of accounts in preparation for the first full year of FRS 102 in 2014-15.

Having reviewed a number of different suppliers and outlined the advantages and disadvantages of each, the decision to purchase RAM's software was clear cut for UWS.  In addition to its expertise and experience within the education sector, the key deciding factor was RAM's unique ability to provide an integrated asset management solution comprising modules for capital accounting, depreciation forecasting and asset and inventory tracking.

The centralised asset register has now been rolled out across the University and is being used by the six schools and service departments.  Finance record details of both fixed assets over the capitalisation threshold of £5,000 and inventory items such as engineering, medical and scientific equipment.

UWS will also be using RAM's mobile asset tracking application alongside the asset register to enable each school to undertake regular physical audits, making it easier to control and track items of equipment which are often subject to change due to room moves and staff transfers. Making use of UWS' existing smart devices and therefore eliminating any further investment in scanning equipment, RAM's mobile app works in real time via a wireless connection and will allow users across the University to search for assets, add new assets and complete events remotely. Kirsty comments, "It is reassuring to have a detailed understanding of the location and value of our asset base. I have every confidence that the app will transform the audit process, improving both the accuracy of the register and the utilisation of equipment."  

Longer term, UWS will consider the roll out of RAM's inventory module across its Estates department in a drive to implement one centralised platform and join up communication across departments.

Kirsty concludes, "The RAM team have been exceptionally helpful throughout the implementation process, providing guidance and advice on best practice where required. The ongoing technical support available to us is also excellent and we look forward to a prosperous and happy working relationship with RAM for years to come."  

Real Asset Management (RAM) is a leading provider of fixed asset management and logistics software & services.   Over the last 30 years, its products have been implemented by more than 3,000 organisations in over 70 countries.

RAM, the leading supplier to the UK public sector, has successfully implemented software across 1000 Commercial companies, 180 Housing Associations, 100 Local Authorities, 150 Central Government sites, 200 NHS Trusts, 90 Educational Establishments and over 250 MoD sites worldwide. 

The company has developed a powerful range of software modules around a central data repository that enables organisations of any size to manage every aspect of the asset lifecycle.   Its asset management solution offers fixed asset accounting, capital project control, lease accounting, asset budgeting, asset tracking (utilising barcodes/RFID/NFC technology) and computerised maintenance management.

For further information, please contact:
Karen Waite                    
Real Asset Management                
Tel: +44(0)1689-892139                
Email: kwaite@ramplc.com

@RealAssetMgt