---
title: Food Manufacturing ERP Case Study | Digital Transformation | Syspro
description: See how a food manufacturer went from firefighting to future-ready with Syspro ERP. Watch the case study video!
image: https://digital.syspro.com/hubfs/Case%20Study%20Campaign-January%202026-Blog-Charlie-Bighams.png
---

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## Digital Transformation in Manufacturing

Growth is good — until your systems can’t keep up.  
See how Charlie Bigham’s scaled production without losing visibility, control, or craftsmanship.

[Watch How They Did It](https://digital.syspro.com/global-food-operations-transformation/#case-studies)

## A Business on the Rise. A Moment of Truth in Visibility.

Premium food producer, Charlie Bigham's, mastered their craft perfecting recipes, product lines, and a brand that people trust.

Yet behind the scenes, they were held back by systems designed to maintain the business, not advance it.

As revenue and complexity grew, critical questions went unanswered:

- Where are costs actually coming from?
- Which products drive profit, and which don't?
- How do we scale without increasing risk?

The problem wasn't execution. It was visibility.

![charlie-bigham-case-study-image](https://digital.syspro.com/hs-fs/hubfs/charlie-bigham-case-study-image.webp?width=616&height=634&name=charlie-bigham-case-study-image.webp "charlie-bigham-case-study-image")

## The Reality for Mid-Sized Manufacturers

The systems that got you here won't get you where you're going. As margins tighten and operations grow more complex, [legacy ERP challenges](https://www.syspro.com/solutions) don't just slow you down — they create blind spots.

The Analytics Gap

Security & Compliance Risk

Integration Chaos

The Growth Ceiling

###### Disconnected systems across production, inventory, and finance force teams into reactive mode. Without integrated analytics, you can’t identify cost drivers, anticipate bottlenecks, or understand product-level profitability.

###### End-of-life systems introduce exposure. In manufacturing, traceability and security aren’t optional. One weak link can jeopardize audits, certifications, insurance, and customer trust.

###### When ERP, WMS, quality, and finance don’t talk:

###### **→** Manual workarounds multiply **→** Errors cascade **→** IT teams firefight instead of enabling growth

###### You can’t expand facilities, launch new products, or enter new markets on platforms that won’t scale.

The question isn't whether to modernize.  
It's whether you'll do it on your own terms... or under break/fix circumstances.

![arrow-down-cyan](https://digital.syspro.com/hs-fs/hubfs/arrow-down-cyan.gif?width=75&height=75&name=arrow-down-cyan.gif "arrow-down-cyan")

![charlie-bigham-case-study-2](https://digital.syspro.com/hs-fs/hubfs/charlie-bigham-case-study-2.webp?width=430&height=430&name=charlie-bigham-case-study-2.webp "charlie-bigham-case-study-2")

## If this feels familiar, you're not alone.

Many [food manufacturers](https://www.syspro.com/industries/food-beverage/) reach the same inflection point when legacy ERP systems can no longer support growth, compliance, and real-time visibility.

- IT spends more time fixing issues than driving innovation
- Data lives in silos instead of informing decisions
- Security and compliance feel reactive, not controlled
- Growth plans depend on systems you don't fully trust

Charlie Bigham's was here too. Then something happened that changed everything.

## Charlie Bigham's: From Firefighting to Future Ready

Charlie Bigham’s produces fresh meals enjoyed by millions each week across the U.K. On the surface, operations ran smoothly. Behind the scenes, technology was fragile.

Before:

- Stacked legacy systems and unreliable integrations
- Constant IT firefighting
- Security gaps blocking Cyber Essentials Plus certification

The Shift

Project Integr8 modernized their environment with Syspro in the cloud, designed around how their people actually work.

The Impact

- Cyber Essentials Plus certification achieved
- Cyber insurance secured
- A scalable foundation ready for AI-powered forecasting

> "We weren’t able to achieve Cyber Essentials Plus with the old infrastructure. But with Syspro in the cloud, we’ve now got both certification and appropriate cyber insurance. That's massive reassurance for the business."
> 
> 
> 
> 
> ![mike-calverley-charlie-bighams](https://digital.syspro.com/hs-fs/hubfs/mike-calverley-charlie-bighams.jpg?width=60&height=60&name=mike-calverley-charlie-bighams.jpg)
> 
> Mike Calverley, Head of IT

![charlie-bighams-logo-white](https://digital.syspro.com/hs-fs/hubfs/charlie-bighams-logo-white.png?width=200&height=67&name=charlie-bighams-logo-white.png "charlie-bighams-logo-white")

[Download the Full Case Study (PDF)](https://digital.syspro.com/hubfs/Syspro_Case_Study_Charlie_Bighams_final.pdf)

![arrow-down-cobalt](https://digital.syspro.com/hs-fs/hubfs/arrow-down-cobalt.gif?width=75&height=75&name=arrow-down-cobalt.gif "arrow-down-cobalt")

## Why Syspro for Leading Manufacturers

Your business isn't generic. Your ERP shouldn't be either.

##### Industry-Specific by Design

Purpose-built, not retrofitted.  
Syspro is designed specifically for food manufacturers and producers, with decades of industry expertise embedded into how the platform works, from recipes to compliance.

##### Simplified by Integration

One system. One source of truth.  
Manufacturing, distribution, and finance operate as a single, integrated platform. This eliminates silos, manual reconciliation, and fragmented reporting.

##### Compliance at the Core

Traceability without workarounds.  
Lot-level quality control, traceability, and regulatory reporting are core capabilities, not add-ons. This helps you meet food safety requirements with confidence.

##### Ready to Scale with You

Growth without added complexity.  
Expand facilities, launch new products, or enter new markets without adding systems, overhead, or risk. Syspro scales with your business as it grows.

##### Intelligence You Can Act On

From transactions to foresight.  
Embedded AI and advanced analytics turn operational data into insight. This enables better forecasting, smarter inventory decisions, and tighter cost control.

##### Real-World Results

Results you can see and trust.  
Food manufacturers running Syspro do more than manage operations. They optimize performance, anticipate challenges, and decide with confidence.

## Trusted by Manufacturers Worldwide

> “Ken’s Foods has partnered with Syspro as part of our ongoing digital transformation journey. We value their deep industry knowledge, clear long-term strategy, and ongoing investment in product innovation. Together, we are leveraging state-of-the-art solutions designed for our industry to unlock measurable value and support the continued growth and modernization of our business."
> 
> 
> 
> ![Craig Thorton, Ken's Foods](https://digital.syspro.com/hs-fs/hubfs/craig_thorton.jpg?width=65&height=65&name=craig_thorton.jpg)
> 
> Craig Thorton, Chief Administration Officer

![Ken's Foods Logo](https://digital.syspro.com/hs-fs/hubfs/KensFS.png?width=100&height=37&name=KensFS.png "Ken's Foods Logo")

## Real Results Start with Real Visibility

Talk to an expert today about an award-winning ERP built for manufacturers in any industry.

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