IT BUILDING SUCCESS FROM SCRATCH F
ounded just over a year ago, All Trade Supplies is a dynamic builders’ merchants business, in Camathern, supplying a comprehensive range of materials, with a primary focus on general building materials along with specialist ranges in roofing, civils, plumbing and heating. The company faced the monumental task of building its operations from the ground up, and chose Kerridge Commercial Systems’ (KCS’) K8 software as a fully integrated ERP solution tailored to meet the company’s unique needs. When choosing a software solution, commercial director Luke Owen and the rest of the team, evaluated various options, ultimately deciding on K8.
He says: “KCS got my vote because of the flexibility and functionality within K8 alongside its user friendly interface and I liked the fact that there was a big team of specialist people behind the software. When talking to them about various scenarios they had a good understanding of merchanting and their specialist area.”
The straight-forward nature of K8’s navigation additionally played a pivotal role in the decision-making process.
The integration of K8 further digitises the business; enhancing efficiency, whilst allowing All Trade Supplies to achieve a higher level of control and visibility across its supply chain. The software’s intuitive sales order process not only simplifies order processing but also contributes to improved financial management, as Owen explains: “The sales order system is so simple to use and provides efficiencies that allow more time to focus on our customers and their needs.”
This feature optimises stock, links selling
will be reviewing as the business grows, as part of our digitisation strategy.”
prices to cost prices, streamlines data upload, facilitates direct customer communication and dynamically adjusts stock levels. As a result, businesses can make informed pricing decisions and adapt quickly to market changes. Another aspect of the software is the potential to facilitate the strategic reallocation of staff to positions that better align with the company’s envisioned future. K8 automates intricate tasks and background processes, liberating employees to focus on delivering outstanding service to customers. Owen says that its capabilities will pave the way for the company to “employ fewer people in the wrong roles and more people in the right roles, such as customer-facing ones.” K8’s potential extends beyond the basics, offering a wealth of functionalities that the company has yet to fully explore. Looking ahead, the team aspires that it will assist All Trade Supplies in reaching new heights. “The software has built in efficiencies when it comes to updating price files and other manual process tasks within the system. It’s so in depth as well” Owen says.
“The software features the ability to integrate with various other KCS apps and web trading platforms, which is something All Trade Supplies
HOWDENS LAUNCHES NEW AI TOOL
Howdens has announced its launch of Chip, a newly created AI tool that has been built with Microsoft AI technology.
The technology, which is available exclusively to online trade account customers within the Howdens Trade App, has been designed to provide practical advice to make tradespeople’s jobs easier. From step-by-step installation and product guides to general
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support, Chip provides the trade with the information they need as and when it’s needed. David Sturdee, chief customer officer, Howdens, said: “We are proud to announce the launch of our new AI tool ‘Chip’. Building on the existing functionality in our Trade App, this development marks an advancement in our digital offering.
“Our collaboration with Microsoft has enabled
us to combine market- leading technology with our commitment to making life easier for our trade customers, to deliver an industry-first trade focused tool for them. Chip marks only the start of Howdens’ AI journey and we will continue to explore other ways AI can improve efficiencies for our customers.”
Olaf Akkerman, general manager, retail and consumer, Microsoft, added: “Retail is one
of the most dynamic and competitive industries in the world, where customer expectations are constantly evolving. Microsoft has lowered the entry barrier to building generative AI solutions that improve customer experiences, support employees, and drive innovation.”
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net August 2024
Transitioning to a digital system presented some challenges to begin with, especially for a team accustomed to traditional methods, he adds. “It’s always a challenge when adopting new ways of working and new IT systems but the team has fully embraced using the K8 system even though we had some challenges in the earlier days.” However, the collaboration with the KCS team became a testament to the power of teamwork and support. With professionals on-hand through the set-up process to offer advice and expertise, new users can rest assured that they’re in the best hands when navigating the complexities of transitioning to a digital system. Whilst working alongside KCS, All Trade Supplies have been able to overcome challenges, setting the stage for a promising future in the competitive realm of builders’ merchants. Reflecting on the collaboration with the KCS team, Owen concludes: “It’s been great for us to find a system that can help us out by doing the hard work in the background. I certainly think K8 will make a lot of our processes a lot more efficient.” James Mitchell, managing director of Kerridge Commercial Systems UK and Ireland adds: “At Kerridge Commercial Systems, we consistently aim to empower businesses and the fact that K8 has been able to do this for a relatively new business, demonstrates its versatility as a solution tailor-made for a diverse range of enterprises. From simplifying the sales order system to streamlining efficiency in price updates, we’re thrilled that K8 has given this company a leverage in efficiency.” BMJ
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