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adapting to the new system in a simultaneous go-live.
“In K8, we now have a platform where we can easily add new brands or new branches to existing brands.”
The implementation of K8 was initiated during the first national lockdown, which brought a number of new challenges for both IBMG and KCS as there was no on- site training or ‘hand holding’ through the process. Throughout this time, IBMG kept a number of essential branches open so that the business was able to continue to supply the NHS and emergency plumbing and contractors. Having a functional ERP in place was essential, as was ensuring disruption was kept to an absolute minimum. Thanks to the commitment and determination of IBMG staff – and the team at KCS – the implementation was successfully phased in by brand, despite the upheaval brought about by the pandemic. “Our counters were able to operate and continue operating all day – customers came in from 7am onwards to load up with goods and get on with their jobs for the day,” said Mr Barry.
“Fundamentally, the most important thing for us was to make sure our customers were served as normal, and in all cases, we’ve been able to do that. That’s a real plus, a real tick in the box. It’s a credit to the commitment of our team.
“The can-do attitude of everyone involved really came through during the lockdowns. We had to work hard to configure and implement K8 within the restrictions imposed by Covid, but our team was up for the challenge.”
From the outset, IBMG was keen to ensure “there would be no backwards steps in terms of functionality and customer service” and the results have so far been very encouraging. “Now we are using K8 across the group, everybody is able to use the same platform, no matter what the brand or branch location,” said Mark Routen, head of IT at IBMG. “This gives us a powerful lever in terms of resourcing and addressing needs across the business as our customers move or change their buying approaches. It has given us that level of flexibility that a single ERP should, without a long, drawn-out and cumbersome implementation.”
DATA INSIGHTS
IBMG needs to be able to access consistent information at both a branch and management level, which K8 has been able to facilitate. The group designed a K8 dashboard that provides branch managers with a complete overview of their operations and business KPIs, with drill down into data from a single home screen, including sales, orders placed and general activity throughout the business.
“The implementation of this innovative dashboard has been a real win for many of the branch managers – the quality of information they can retrieve for decision making has improved dramatically,” said Mr Barry.
One of the challenges IBMG faced was being able to consolidate legacy data that had previously been stored in three separate ERP platforms. The group is now benefiting from bringing this information together within a single database. “You can’t underestimate the power of consistency of management information,” said Ms James. “When you’ve been working across different systems and suddenly you’re working with just one, it means that no matter where the data is coming from, it represents a single source of truth and makes it so much easier for us to be able to do comparable analysis.”
SETTING UP FOR THE FUTURE IBMG is currently launching several transactional websites and is using the extensive range of K8 digital APIs (application programming interfaces) to integrate its web partner’s platform. “We want our customers to enjoy a seamless experience when they buy from us online,” said Ms James. “It’s been a big project to get these websites up and running and K8 seamlessly integrated into these portals is the clever bit. Moving to a modern ERP with digital services has facilitated the launch of these sites and allows us to really make the most of our ecommerce offering.” And IBMG’s digital journey is only just beginning.
“K8 opens up significant operational and digital opportunities for our business,” said Mr Routen. “If you implement an ERP that doesn’t offer any functionality beyond what it currently does, then you quickly become limited in what you can achieve. With K8, we are now able to optimise our operations,
improve the quality of our data and enhance our customers’ journeys.” “A key thing for us is that our customers don’t know what we’ve done behind the scenes with regards to our ERP – and that’s how it should be,” added Ms James. “They are getting a really consistent experience; our colleagues are able to access consistent information and it offers real potential for future growth.”
Although still in the initial stages of using its new ERP software, IBMG has already witnessed a positive impact across all areas of its business. Even considering the difficult trading conditions imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic, IBMG is on course to achieve record-breaking sales and profits in 2021. “We’ve seen a massive boost in trading activity and having the single K8 platform is underpinning that. Having a consistent, consolidated ERP is really helping us drive our business,” said Mr Barry. “We’re ready and able to supply the market because our ERP is operational and because our teams are able to use it. K8 is doing what it’s meant to do in facilitating our sales teams and operations to give our customers what they want, therefore enabling us to be their favourite local independent merchant.” IBMG also praised the support KCS offered throughout the implementation and beyond. The after sales experience has been incredibly positive, with the two companies forging a close relationship and building a long-term partnership.
“Learning and identifying how to move forward and to further grow our business with our new ERP is the next step for us, and I look forward to KCS providing the same level of assistance in expanding our usage of the platform,” said Mr Routen. “You don’t replace your ERP every couple of years, it’s a long-term partnership. In K8, we have a great platform to build our business on and in KCS we have found our ideal partner for the future.” ■
Above: IBMG has seen a massive boost in trading activity
www.ttjonline.com | July/August 2021 | TTJ
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