46 | Sector Focus: Software & IT
TECH IN TIMBER
Steve O’Keeffe, RVP UK&I, Epicor Software describes how one of the UK’s longest-standing timber importers and distributors is using ERP, WMS, and e-commerce to modernise operations and meet rising customer expectations
James Latham has been a cornerstone of the UK timber trade since 1757. But while its heritage is steeped in tradition, its operations are anything but. The company has embraced digital transformation to stay competitive in a fast-moving, tech-driven market – starting with a major upgrade to its long-standing ERP system, Epicor BisTrack.
The results? Faster workflows, fewer errors, and a more connected customer experience. Technology is no longer just a back-office tool – it’s a strategic asset driving measurable improvements across the business. Latham’s approach to upgrading its ERP was methodical. The company began with a pilot at its Republic of Ireland distribution depot, allowing teams to test the new system in a live environment. This included replicating daily tasks across sales, purchasing and transport to ensure the new platform could handle the complexity of Lathams’ operations. “We wanted to create a blueprint before rolling it out across the business,” said Sophie Trabucchi, IT director at James Latham. The pilot helped identify process improvements and gave staff time to adapt – setting the stage for a smoother, faster rollout across the company’s UK distribution depots. It also allowed the IT team to fine- tune training and support, ensuring minimal disruption during the wider deployment. The warehouse was one of the biggest beneficiaries of the upgrade. Lathams replaced its paper-based processes with Epicor Warehouse Management, enabling real-time inventory tracking, barcode scanning, and mobile device support – reducing onboarding time from several months to a matter of a few weeks.
Tech Stack in Focus Technology
Epicor BisTrack ERP Epicor Warehouse Management Epicor Commerce Business Intelligence Tools
Above: James Latham has embraced digital transformation
“We stock over 8,000 types of panels and a wide variety of timber species,” said Ms Trabucchi. “The new system helps staff identify products more easily and reduces the learning curve.”
The system also supports guided workflows, helping warehouse teams work more efficiently and with fewer errors. As a result, Lathams has seen a noticeable uptick in order fulfilment speed and accuracy – key metrics in a distribution-heavy business.
Lathams is also in the process of rolling out Epicor Commerce, a self-service portal that gives customers 24/7 access to placing orders and account information.
“It’s all about helping our customers do business with us more easily,” said Ms Trabucchi. “Whether they’re on-site or in the office, they can get the information they need without picking up the phone.” This digital convenience has become a key differentiator in a sector where speed and service are paramount. It will also reduce
pressure on internal teams, freeing up staff to focus on value-added tasks rather than routine queries.
Functionality
Core business operations, sales, purchasing, inventory, transport planning
Barcode scanning, guided picking, mobile access
Online customer portal for orders, payments, account access
Dashboards, reporting, analytics Impact
Unified platform for real-time decision-making
Increased accuracy, reduced training time
24/7 self-service, improved customer experience
Data-driven insights for agile decision-making
The latest version of BisTrack also includes enhanced business intelligence tools, allowing managers to generate real-time dashboards and reports. These insights help Lathams respond more quickly to market changes, optimise stock levels, and improve customer service. By identifying patterns and inefficiencies early, the business can act with greater precision and confidence. The company is now exploring AI-powered forecasting and analytics to further sharpen its competitive edge. With better visibility into trends and performance, Lathams is making smarter, faster decisions that directly impact the bottom line – driving profitability, reducing waste, and ensuring the business remains agile in a dynamic market. The initial rollout wasn’t without its challenges – particularly around data migration and system integration. But by starting small and scaling smart, Lathams was able to minimise disruption and accelerate the wider deployment. “We took lessons learned from the initial Ireland migration to make the company-wide move even faster,” said Ms Trabucchi. Now fully upgraded, Lathams is well- positioned to take advantage of future innovations and continue delivering the high standards its customers expect. James Latham’s digital transformation shows how even the most established timber businesses can thrive in a tech-driven world. With the right tools and a phased, people-first approach, tradition and technology can work hand-in-hand. ■
TTJ | July/August 2025 |
www.ttjonline.com
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