Future-proof your business with the right ERP solution

Builders merchants have had to adapt to changing circumstances over the past year – and in many cases their Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solution has been integral to making this happen.

The simplest way to define ERP is to think about all the core processes needed to run a company, finance, manufacturing, HR, supply chain, services, procurement etc. At its most basic level, ERP integrates these processes into a single system. Business management software from Kerridge Commercial Systems (KCS) has helped many builders’ merchants adopt new ways of working. Several key features of its software have made this possible by equipping users with the functionality they need to future-proof their businesses.
Achieve flexibility and scalability with cloud-based solutions.

It’s essential to be able to add users to an ERP system, which is made much simpler with KCS’ cloud-based software. The cloud eliminates the need for a business of any size to buy physical servers. It’s quick, easy and affordable to increase capacity by adding extra user licences without the need to invest in additional hardware. Not only this, because the IT infrastructure is outsourced, there is no requirement to invest in local skills to maintain the systems, as the experts will do it on your behalf.

Over the past year, it has never been more important to use flexible builders’ merchant’s software. Remote access is made much simpler by using a cloud-based ERP, as users can all log into the same system regardless of their location. Haldane Fisher is one company that has reaped the benefits of upgrading its cloud-based software to KCS.

Group Managing Director Ian Haldane explained: “We have been working remotely with the team at KCS on a weekly basis to get ourselves settled into the system and make sure it’s working the way it should be. We have also signed up to a number of training programmes to see how we can fine tune and develop the system to improve operational and processing efficiency. “Remote working has delivered a great degree of flexibility and timeliness; you don’t have to get on a plane or in a car to attend.”

Data security handled by experts.

Builders’ merchants deal with large volumes of information, meaning data security should never be overlooked when choosing ERP software. Selecting a reputable provider will ensure that best practices are followed for data authentication, access control and
encryption. KCS follows the strictest possible standards when it comes to data security, providing customers with the reassurance and confidence that their information is safely stored on its cloud-based servers. This enables merchants’ IT departments to focus on other areas of the business and eliminates the need to regularly back up data.

Prepare for a digital transformation.

Builders’ merchant software opens many opportunities for businesses to expand into new digital trading environments. KCS recently launched a range of solutions, including apps and fully integrated ecommerce platforms, to help facilitate new digital ways of working.

One example is K8 ePOD, an electronic proof of delivery solution, which expands on the already feature-rich functionality of KCS software. Hevac Limited, Plumbing & Heating specialists have started using K8 ePOD during lockdown. Operations Director Aidan
Grogan explained: “All the set-up and training was done online. This app is very easy for our drivers to use, and it gives us huge gains in efficiency and customer service. Where needed, we will now hold the signed proof of delivery and any photos taken at delivery on K8. This is just brilliant for query resolution and credit control.”

s the industry adapts to its new normal, it has become evident that digital technologies are here to stay. Merchants that have adopted these tools have become more flexible in their approach to trading and in doing so, are future proofing their operations.

Join the Kerridge CS team on Wednesday 28th April at 11am for their K8 webinar to find out how you can Streamline your processes, protect your margins and help grow your profits with KCS`s sophisticated, sustainable and scalable ERP solution, K8. Contact aoife@hardwareassociation.ie to book your place or for more information, and find out more here: www.hardwareassociation.ie/events/webinar-kerridge-commercial-systems/

For more information on cloud-based builders’ merchant software, visit www.kerridgecs.com. Noel Burke can be contacted on +353 (0) 87 1405483 / +353 (0) 1 545 7100 or email: Noel.Burke@kerridgecs.com