CODAS History
1973 - Present Day
1975:
Cranetime are approached by a fuel distributor occupying the space next door to Cranetime’s first premises. Keburn Oils are interested in finding out whether software could be designed which would help run their business. Bill developed software that would allow the creation of customer records, entry of orders, printing of delivery tickets for truck meters, printing of invoices, posting of debits and credits to sales ledgers and production of statements. The company name Cranetime is changed to CDS Computer Design Systems and the name CODAS was born - Computerised Oil Distribution Accounting System.
1980s:
By this time, CDS are marketing and selling CODAS to independent fuel distributors throughout the UK and Ireland. Additionally, following the success of the Shell UK Oil project, CDS wins contracts with Esso and BP to develop and implement software across their fuel distribution networks throughout the UK.
1990s:
CODAS is the ERP software of choice for independent fuel distributors and CDS grows in line with its increasing userbase. The decision is made to redevelop CODAS as a desktop application running on Microsoft Windows; new graduate software developers were recruited to begin working on the project. Graeme Lea joins the business as a Junior Support Specialist.
2013 - 2014:
CDS grows in line with the strong CODAS customer base, increasing from 36 people in 2013 to 45 in 2014. Graeme becomes the first CDS Board appointment in 24 years, moving into the role of Support Services Director.
2015 - 2019:
Whilst protecting its proud record of client retention, CDS makes the strategic decision to increase focus on winning new customers and add to the CODAS userbase. At the same time, the long-term strategic direction for the next generation of CODAS begins to form, setting the business on the path towards building what will become CODAS 7 (Web).
2021:
CDS begins work on the dedicated CODAS Web project, marking the start of a major long-term investment programme focused on building the next generation of CODAS. With the business now employing around 55 people, CDS significantly expands its development capability, recruiting new technical talent to support the design and build of the new web-based platform.
2024:
CODAS Web is showcased more widely to the industry, including through public demonstrations at events such as the Annual UKIFDA Expo. CDS grows to 80 people, reflecting the scale of investment behind both CODAS Web and the wider organisation.
