Bespoke ERP System
Background
Desbruslais Chartered Surveyors are premier listed and period property experts. They are experts in pre-purchase surveys of premium, high value and complex property throughout London and the Home Counties with specific emphasis on listed buildings, period property and country estates. Desbruslais faced a significant challenge: their back-office operations had grown disproportionately compared to their surveying team. This imbalance strained their resources, leading to inefficiencies and increased operational costs. To streamline their operations and improve productivity, Desbruslais decided to implement a bespoke Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system.


The Challenge
Desbruslais needed an ERP solution that could:
- Integrate seamlessly with their existing accounting, email, and diary systems.
- Manage invoicing, appointment booking, and report generation and distribution.
- Support their marketing functions through a customised Customer Relationship Management (CRM) module.
- Reduce the manpower required to run their back-office operations.
The Solution
Desbruslais enlisted the expertise of Tekate, a company known for developing tailored ERP systems. We took a comprehensive approach to understanding Desbruslais’ specific needs and workflows. The following features were incorporated into the bespoke ERP system developed by Tekate:
Integration with Existing Systems:
- The ERP system was designed to integrate with Desbruslais’ current accounting software,
ensuring smooth financial operations. - Email and diary systems were linked to allow for seamless appointment scheduling and communication.
Invoicing and Financial Management:
- Automated invoicing capabilities were implemented, allowing for quick and accurate billing processes.
- Financial data from the accounting system was integrated to provide real-time financial reporting and analysis.
Appointment Booking and Diary Management:
- A sophisticated appointment booking module was developed, enabling efficient scheduling and management of client meetings and surveying appointments.
- Synchronisation with the existing diary system ensured all team members were updated on their schedules in real time.
Report Generation and Distribution:
- The ERP system allowed for the uploading, generating, and emailing of reports directly from the platform, reducing manual intervention and errors.
- Customisable templates ensured that all reports adhered to Desbruslais’ standards and branding.
Marketing and CRM Functionality:
- A bespoke CRM module was created to support Desbruslais’ marketing efforts, allowing for targeted campaigns and improved client relationship management.
- The CRM integrated with email marketing tools to streamline communication and follow up processes.
Results
The implementation of the bespoke ERP system by Tekate led to significant improvements in Desbruslais’ operations:
- Resource Efficiency: The system reduced the resource requirement for running the back office by 50%. Tasks that previously required manual intervention were automated, freeing up staff to focus on core activities.
- Operational Integration: Seamless integration with existing systems minimised disruptions and ensured continuity in operations.
- Enhanced Productivity: Automated invoicing, appointment booking, and report distribution reduced errors and accelerated processes.
- Improved Client Management: The bespoke CRM module enabled better tracking and management of client interactions, enhancing customer satisfaction and supporting business growth.
- Cost Savings: The reduction in back-office resources translated into significant cost savings for Desbruslais, improving their overall profitability.
Conclusion

The bespoke ERP system developed by Tekate for Desbruslais Chartered Surveyors proved to be a transformative solution. By addressing the specific needs of Desbruslais and integrating with their existing systems, Happy Otter delivered a comprehensive ERP that not only streamlined back-office operations but also supported the firm’s growth and efficiency goals. This case study highlights the importance of tailored ERP solutions in addressing unique business challenges and driving operational excellence.
