Follow the footprints to an automated business
The Challenge
Footprint Books were facing daily challenges, their existing financial package would only allow ten users to simultaneously access the system. This software also lacked features inhibiting the advanced processing needs of their growing business.
The challenge is to find a solution that can incorporate the financial aspects of the business with detailed inventory and order management. The solution must have the capacity to store over 92,000 book titles each containing large amounts of indexed and searchable information. The stored information is used by customers
to easily search for book titles when purchasing online.
The Solution
Sage Pastel Evolution was implemented along with additional modules from Systems Practice ‘SP Toolkit’ which assisted with the automation of the business processes and the development of electronic communication to customers.
Automated ordering and dispatch a breeze with Sage Pastel Evolution
Orders are received by phone, fax and the website. Upon receipt the orders are allocated through the Order Allocation module which assigns existing stock to the orders based on various criteria such as urgent orders and oldest order date. Once the allocation is complete, the module prints picking slips for all orders with allocated stock. Orders then move on to the Scan Pack Module which allows the warehouse to pick and pack the allocated quantity using barcode scanners. This part of the process ensures that the correct books and quantities are picked for the order.
Systems Practice ‘SP Toolkit’ integrates with Sage Pastel Evolution
The SP Toolkit comprises a range of add-on modules covering warehousing and inventory management. The modules used by Footprint Books are: Branch Transfer, Scan Pack, Scan Receive, Dispatch, Reorder, Order Allocation, Import Cost and CRM Assist. Each module has been interwoven into the core of Sage Pastel Evolution to create the automated ordering and re-order process.
The Results
Sage Pastel Evolution is a robust flexible solution that integrates with additional modules to facilitate the automation of business processes.
Footprint Books has increased staff productivity and reduced staff numbers since implementation. ‘Things don’t get caught in a blind alley anymore, the system prompts you when something has been missed’, said Simon Player, Part Owner and Director of Footprint Books.
Sage Pastel Evolution’s SQL database is a robust foundation which can manage extensive indexed and searchable information for 92,000+ book titles. Footprint Books can rest assured that the solution will continue to grow with the business.