Lynn Botham

Biography

Lynn brings proven success in developing, managing and implementing complex and challenging business application systems for blue chip companies in Automotive, Aerospace, Defence, Industrial, Utilities, Food & Beverages, 3rd Party Logistics and Consumer Goods sectors. Experienced in all aspects of ERP and aftermarket parts management systems within manufacturing, distribution and logistics environments including specialist expertise in demand forecasting, inventory management, MRP and supply planning.

Following a Chemistry degree at Leeds University, Lynn began her career at Rolls-Royce in Derby training as a Business Systems Analyst specialising in MRPII and engineering systems before joining United Biscuits in Liverpool as Factory Systems Manager, where she installed a common MRP system throughout the various factories across the UK.

In 1994, Lynn joined Multipart Distribution Limited as Business Systems Team Leader where she led a multi-disciplinary team including application consultants, business users and systems development staff in implementing new parts forecasting, inventory planning and supply planning system modules before going on to modify and implement Sales Order Processing, MRP and Purchase Order Management modules as part of the company-wide ERP implementation. As well as developing interfaces to the new demand forecasting and inventory management system it also included working with a PHD graduate and leading authority on Operational Research from Lancaster University to design, develop and implement a specialist system module for slow moving parts demand forecasting and inventory management.  This specialist module later proved critical in helping the company to win a multitude of new aftermarket service contracts with new clients including a £13 billion contract with the UK MOD!

New clients meant Lynn becoming involved in business process and systems architecture design to support the take-on of various new clients within Automotive, Industrial and Defence sectors including Hyundai Cars, Vickers Defence Systems, Industrial Lift Truck Parts, Dennis Eagle and Valtra Tractors, for example, as well as continuing to support existing clients such as DAF/Paccar Trucks, Leyland Trucks and LDV.

In 2001, Lynn was promoted to Business Systems Manager where she led a team of Business Analysts covering all aftermarket parts and service business functions. During the next decade, Lynn led, managed and supported more client introduction projects across the full aftermarket IT system landscape, delivering major benefits for clients including Norwich Union Insurance, TVR, Modec, Briggs, Optare, Globe, Electricity North West, Isuzu, MG Motors, Paccar Parts, Molson Coors, Diageo, Greene King, CJC, Brush, and Coca Cola.

It was in 2012 when Lynn undertook her biggest IT project to date by introducing TVS’s (TVS Supply Chain Solutions as it was now known) aftermarket systems to replace legacy IT systems on a new £13 billion logistics contract with the Ministry of Defence (MOD). Working with other consortium partners and MOD customer teams, the 3-year business transformation programme involved architecture definition, transition planning, system configuration and integration, data cleanse/translation, testing, people development and support. It also involved testing and implementing the specialist, bespoke demand planning and inventory management application (mentioned earlier), which  had led her company to win the MOD contract in the first place (its biggest contract to date).

After leaving TVS in 2019, Lynn is now a director of Servispart Consulting, working alongside its founder, Adrian, to grow and manage the business. With so many years of experience in aftermarket parts IT systems that it would be unkind to mention how many here, Lynn also advises Servispart clients to help them define, identify, evaluate and implement IT systems for their aftermarket business Right First Time, Every Time!

Away from the office, as a native of St Helens, Lynn likes to follow the Saints rugby league team. When she has the time, Lynn also loves foreign holidays, cooking and baking. Amongst her family and friends, her Christmas dinners, cream scones and cakes are legendary, and don’t get me started on her carrot cake. It was not unusual for her birthday parties at TVS to lead to arguments between colleagues when the carrot cake had all gone. Being an amiable sort and not wanting anyone to miss out, Lynn’s answer to that problem was to simply make two!