IT
Mitchell explains that the batch control functionality in Kerridge’s K8 software system supports batch number, serial number, or goods received note number management, providing full forward (to customer) and backward (to supplier) traceability. “This makes it a straight-forward process to digitally trace products from being booked in to being booked out. To ensure that the correct information is completed on the system, a mandatory field can be made upon the receipt of the goods. It’s an easy and structured way to find the right product information that is simple to extract to support the digital trail of the Golden Thread,” he comments. It also helps improve customer service levels, for example, if a customer needs more materials - such as a specific floor covering – the merchant can easily find the same roll or batch to cut the required length.
“Adjusting your processes and implementing traceability into your business efficiently shows a level of commitment and professionalism that you are taking control and demonstrating
a proactive approach to the Golden Thread,” Mitchell adds. “It sets you apart from your competition and has a positive and profitable impact on your customer relationships. “The Building Safety Act and the Golden Thread play a key part in the wider digital transformation of the built environment and the supply chain within it. This transformation can’t be ignored.”
Digitalisation is not something that merchants need to be wary of, it does not cause disruption to their business, he says. “Embracing the digital journey means that you can in effect ‘take the technology to the job’ and not the other way around and this can have a real impact on reducing your carbon footprint as well as really enhancing your efficiency – saving money and increasing profitability – and enhancing your customer service. Now is the time for businesses to get their heads out of the piles of paper and embrace modern digital technology, or they could be left behind their competition, failing to comply with legislation and putting their business at risk”. BMJ
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UBER AND TRADEKART JOIN FORCES where current average delivery time is just 52
n agreement with Uber Direct will enable TradeKart, the rapid delivery App for tradespeople to accelerate its growth across the UK and to extend its current rapid delivery promise to plumbers, electricians, builders and decorators, saving them the valuable time and hassle of leaving site to collect materials. Alistair McAuley, founder and CEO at TradeKart, said: “Following a successful 18 months in London, we’re now expanding across the UK and this exciting new partnership with Uber gives us the capacity to provide tradespeople with the materials they need, when they need them. Time is our scarcest commodity and is far too valuable to be wasted sat in traffic collecting materials. “Tradespeople across the UK waste up to five hours each week collecting materials, so we’ve built the TradeKart platform to give them access to their favourite merchants and on demand delivery from the palm of their hand. Users can place an order in just a couple of minutes and we then deliver their materials to give them valuable time back.” Uber Direct is powered by the same technology and courier network as the Uber Eats online marketplace. The technology provides customers with real-time tracking and 24/7 customer support for orders should they need it. TradeKart currently partners with over 100 trade merchant outlets across London,
minutes. The company’s partnership with Uber Direct will now enable TradeKart to expand its service, initially across London, Manchester, Liverpool and the North West region. National and independent merchants already using the TradeKart service include City Plumbing, Huws Gray, Dulux Decorator Centres, MP Morans, Lawsons, PaintWell and London Decorators Merchants.
Caroline Varga, head of Uber Direct UK&I, added: “We know that tradespeople are looking for convenience – they don’t want to waste time collecting parts, tools or materials when they could have it delivered to them. In fact, recent research has shown 50% of consumers are more likely to buy from merchants that offer on demand delivery of DIY products and I suspect that number will be much higher for tradespeople at work.” BMJ
BORDER MERCHANT TO ADD NEW WEB PORTAL
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erchant IT and software supplier Border Merchant Systems is to deliver version 2 of its web account web
portal this year. The portal allows trade customers to view their orders, quotes, get copy documents, run statements, and pay their account online. This not only speeds up payment times, but also vastly reduces administrative customer service calls. Version 2 features a number of enhancements that make it even easier for merchants and their account customers to use.
In 2023, Border launched the electronic proof of delivery (ePOD) app including ‘where is my order’ (WIMO) functionality. Together, they provide merchants with a seamless customer service offering for order delivery planning, scheduling, tracking, and document archiving all linked real time to their Border system. WIMO allows the customer to track the status of their order from confirmation to picking, loading and delivery. The app has been well received by all those who have tested and used it. Border will develop additional functionality in 2024 based on feedback from users. Testing is also underway on the latest Border CounterAct system release (3.3B). Border typically rolls out two new releases a year, each one packed with system enhancements and tweaks - 3.3B includes over 500 changes and additions to the system. Each new release is fully explained either at a user meeting or through detailed issue notes and YouTube videos. Border Merchant Systems closed 2023 with two well attended user meetings, which allowed the company to run-through the latest system updates and enhancements, new integrations, with customers, as well as allowing them to share best practice and industry insights. The company is promising more such meetings to come in 2024, as part of its commitment to delivering regular and insightful content to customers. BMJ
February 2024
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