North East tile retailer Discount Tiles saw a wide range of benefits after it installed an Optimser warehouse management system in its main warehouse in Stockton-on-Tees. Although the new system is only used by 6 warehouse operatives on site it is also accessed by up to 30 store staff via Internet connections. The store teams can therefore check real time stock levels so that customers know immediately whether their choice of tile is available, and if out-of-stock they can then inform them when the item comes back in.

Discount Tiles has been established for 15 years and has outlets at Stockton, Bishop Auckland, and Newcastle. MD Russ Dalgleish has found that since Optimser went live in May he has found a big improvement in the operation from top to bottom. “As well as improved stock accuracy and better customer information Optimiser helps me make good management decisions because I can see which stock lines sell well in which store for example, and I can monitor the accuracy of the warehouse staff to maximise performance.”

The Optimiser WMS software is installed at the remote local warehouse and is linked to the main office via a broadband internet connection allowing remote access to the warehouse enabling simple reporting and stock management decisions.

“The staff very quickly got to grips with the new technology and are now operating more efficiently within the warehouse” Chris Roberts, Software Development Manager at Optima Warehouse Solutions commented.

Megaman, global manufacturer of energy saving light bulbs, has implemented a warehouse management system from Optima Warehouse Solutions for its new UK head office and distribution centre at Welwyn Garden City.

They chose Optimser Freedom, an online product designed for companies that want a powerful solution with rapid set up and no need for any capital outlay or new hardware. The two user system installed last month (January) not only controls all stock in the new warehouse but also links seamlessly with their Pegasus financial software. This has the additional benefit of giving its sales force real time stock availability.

The company moved its stock from 3 small units in Hertford to the new warehouse which can house nearly 4.5 million units. Commented Megaman's UK managing director John Murphy:

"With the increased demand for energy saving lighting products we need to extend our warehousing facilities so we can increase our stock holding. This now enables us to stock lamps from all of our extensive ranges and continue the prompt delivery service our customers. The Optimiser Freedom system was very quick to install and the team at Optima helped us to get our new facility up and running with the minimum of fuss."

Forwarding, Warehousing and Distribution Group LM Logistics has just completed the second phase of a WMS implementation at its Felixstowe head office. Following on from the installation of a 12 user Optimiser WMS last April there is now full RF capability and direct order import from clients' IT systems.

The extra functionality was required to service LM's new contract with US company Fashion Fair Cosmetics, the World's largest skin care and cosmetics company for women of colour. Goods are shipped from their head office in Chicago to LM's Felixstowe container facility, broken down into individual items and stored in the warehouse until orders are received from major stores such as Boots, Debenhams and House of Fraser. The items are then picked scanned by hand held RF scanners and made ready for dispatch by means of a direct integration link with a large UK courier organisation.

Director Nick Lindsay observes: "The old bespoke system we had before worked well for us for a number of years but we need to future proof our business by investing in a warehouse management system that can help to take the business forward. Another factor was the need to integrate with the sophisticated IT systems of international companies such as Fashion Fair, Boots and Debenhams. We've found that Optimiser WMS has allowed us to reach a whole new level of efficiency and customer service."

For further information please contact us on 01270 500777 or e-mail enquiries@optima-ws.co.uk