Through their integration with core ERP systems, the use of mobile apps is increasingly helping builders’ merchants to improve operational efficiencies. Using the solutions available from Kerridge Commercial Systems as an example, PBM takes a closer look at the concept.
Mobile technologies have come a long way in twenty years, and the need for businesses to embrace digitalisation has never been greater. Kerridge Commercial Systems (KCS) states that it is helping increasing numbers of builders’ merchants to make the digital transition, whilst allowing them to further reap the benefits of going digital by integrating their core ERP solution with apps that run on mobile phones.
The company’s K8 flagship ERP solution is already well-known and trusted by many merchants. Described as simple to use but comprehensive in scope, the trading and finance software is designed to drive efficiencies in all aspects of a company’s daily operation from automated invoices through to financial analysis, or warehouse management and keeping in line with sales targets.
With K8, users can automate their core processes to save them time and money and improve their customer service. Furthermore, the widespread use of mobile apps now means that more parts of a business can become digitised. By integrating apps with a core ERP solution like K8, the number of hours companies spend on manual tasks is cut together with the associated costs. They can re-deploy their resources into other areas, which then optimises their operations overall.
For example, the K8 eReceipts app allows you to book receipts quickly from a purchase order. Multiple users can also book in single purchase orders or scan or even manually update product quantities. In both scenarios, notifications reach you instantly if there are stock issues. Additionally, because it pulls data from K8, eReceipts helps you view automatic updates of any products received.
Deliveries made easy
The K8 ePOD app is intended to streamline the whole delivery process, making it easier for your drivers to confirm their deliveries. The app captures images when the delivery arrives. Then the recipient records an electronic signature, after which the delivery record stores all the relevant data. This way, staff can drill into the details should they ever need to.
K8 ePOD’s functionality also helps you track your driver’s location and keep your customer informed. With K8 Delivery Management, notifications reach customers as soon as planners schedule the load.
Paul Cornford, IT Services Manager of KCS customer Howarth Timber & Building Supplies, said: “K8 ePOD has streamlined our processes significantly. We no longer need to produce paper documents for our drivers or sort and file delivery notes on their return. All delivery information is on one screen. As you can imagine, it’s a real time-saver.”
Whether you distribute supplies from a branch or yard, K8 ePick is designed to ensure you can have a fast and accurate picking process with the simple-to-use app “guiding you to the right bin locations in the most effective sequence”. Then you can scan items using your mobile device, reducing the chance of a shipment arriving at the wrong address.
Import and manage invoices
Daily accounts payable processes can be a struggle for many builders’ merchants. With EasyAP, however, KCS says you can electronically import and match your invoices directly into K8 with the app increasing the speed and accuracy of your processes. That way, you can reallocate your resources elsewhere.
A valuable asset on the road, K8 Sales Rep Portal is intended to help your sales staff take orders when speaking with customers. By retrieving data from K8, they can see what’s in stock and relay vital product information to the customer. This seamless interaction facilitates sales and saves time calling the main office.
With the range of apps on offer from KCS, the firm’s UK and Ireland Managing Director James Mitchell summarised the “many benefits of going digital” by declaring: “KCS have developed apps to help businesses run smoother and make day-to-day life more efficient. These apps are designed to take the ERP system to the job, rather than the other way around.”
Click here for more information on K8 and the selection of integrated mobile apps it offers.
Leading with a headline of ‘One integrated solution for your business’, the new interactive builders’ merchant brochure from Kerridge Commercial Systems (KCS) outlines key information on its flagship Cloud-based K8 software.
The brochure describes the software’s key benefits and functionality, and includes clickable links to customer case studies and comments from merchant businesses such as Grant & Stone, the Independent Builders Merchants Group (IBMG) and Reeds of Wantage. It goes on to present the ways in which merchants can “become more competitive and profitable” in the digital age by streamlining their core processes with enhanced ecommerce integration, the use of innovative apps and the processing of electronic purchase orders.
A statement from the company says: “KCS delivers software solutions that help builders’ merchants operate more efficiently, competitively and profitably. We are here to give you the tools you need to achieve a strategic advantage over the competition, while enabling you to run your business, your way.
“Our flagship Cloud-based K8 software is designed and developed by experts with a real understanding of the building supplies industry. K8 combines a suite of business modules that includes ecommerce, digital and mobile solutions that enable our customers to control every aspect of finance, trading and logistics.”
Click here to download a copy of Kerridge Commercial Systems’ new merchant brochure.
