BUSINESS HELPDESK HELP DESK
DIGITISATION: CREATING EXCITING OPPORTUNITIES FOR BUILDERS MERCHANTS
We are living in a period of rapid technological change. James Mitchell, MD of Kerridge Commercial Systems explains why you should be ready to embrace the opportunities it offers.
DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IS something that we are all actively being encouraged to embrace, but what does Digitisation mean for your business? There are a few definitions on the matter, but broadly it means ‘extending the reach of your current business management systems with modern digital technology that brings increased automation and computing power to areas of the business that were perhaps manually controlled in the past.’ It can sound scary, but it is not a revolution – rather, it’s the latest evolution. The use of modern digital technologies enables companies to reshape their business and the way they work, increasing staff productivity, working more efficiently and reducing waste – which is also good for our environment!
There are some simple everyday tasks where digital technology can make a big difference for busi-nesses like builders’ merchants. This could be anything from the initial sale right through to the delivery of the goods to your customer. To illustrate, Kerridge Commercial Systems has developed a suite of eApps which are integrated with its flagship K8 system, allowing paper to be completely removed from the cycle. This approach of “taking technology to the job” makes for a much more efficient use of resources.
Enabling both goods receipt and picking using apps on a smart device, the user can accurately scan the items and be guided to bins to confirm receipt or pick immediately. They can view images and other details
12
on their smartphone or other mobile device, which reduces errors, increases effi-ciencies and eliminates paper.
Using ePod, the electronic proof of delivery app, enables a driver to electronically upload their manifest to a smart device. On delivery the driver can then use the ‘sign on glass’ feature and take a photo of delivered items, all of which is transmitted to their K8 system and stored. Once again, reduced paper and energy use. No manual filing and storage, everything instantly available online.
Reducing the paper and energy used in these processes alone, can represent a significant saving. It is estimated that printing 1 page generates 6 grams of CO2. Taking a very conservative estimate of generating 85,000 paper documents each year, that
equates to 0.5 tons of CO2 per annum. At £0.07 per sheet this equates to a paper & printing cost of some £6,000pa for an average merchant site. Digital technologies can help you reduce paper and energy output, improve profits and protect our natural resources in other ways.
Sales invoices can easily be easily sent via email or electronic message directly to your customer’s business systems. They can also view their invoices and POD’s online directly through the integrat-ed eCommerce trading site, rather than request paper copies. Reduced queries, improved cash-flow, instant service and zero paper are all great for customer service and great for your business. Supplier invoices received via email or electronically can be uploaded and automatically matched to
purchase orders using EasyAP, with an image of the invoice stored electronically and instantly visible on the suppliers account – zero paper, no manual input or filing and little manual interven- tion. Yet more significant savings on what would have previously been wasted resources. The surface is only being scratched in the simple examples above and there are many more every-day tasks where digitisation can increase efficiency for builders’ merchants. Digitisation not only helps you to become more efficient and save money, it also enables you to create a more sustaina-ble environment. Digitisation, sustainability and profitability go hand in hand! BMJ
• To find out how your business can benefit from digitisation visit
www.kerridgecs.com
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net March 2023
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68
