PHS Logistics Ltd - UK's Leading Blue Chip Organisation

Effective warehouse operations play a vital role in supply chain efficiency. A powerful and accurate management system can make a significant difference - as PHS Logistics has discovered since using Optimiser.

PHS Logistics Ltd is based in Liverpool and has an impressive client list, including a range of blue chip organisations. 

PHS originally used a manual system and spreadsheet solutions to manage its warehouse stock.  However, as its client base expanded, the company found that it was increasingly difficult to keep track of the various receipts and despatches.

Financial Director, Paul White, says: “We had a look at various management systems, but most of these were unsuitable for small or medium-sized businesses.  They tended to be both very expensive and cumbersome to install.”

One of the people Paul contacted was Neil Bennett of Optima Warehouse Solutions.  Neil recommended Optimiser Freedom - an Internet based product that offers the full power of multi-functional WMS without the need for specialist hardware and IT expertise. The majority of the items stored at PHS are seasonal goods and Optimiser’s flexibility means that the operation could easily be scaled up or down according to customers’ requirements thus minimising costs.

Paul White continues: “We looked at Optimiser and decided that it offered great value for money and was easier to install than the other systems we had seen.  It also enabled us to keep our costs well under control, as we were able to rent the solution.  Optima could provide us with a secure solution, with the data being held offsite.”

The new system was subsequently installed, and proved highly successful.  However within a year the company had gained an important new client – an international food and drink manufacturer - and after consultation with the Optima team it was decided to move to the installed (WMS) version and maintain the system on their own IT equipment. Paul continues: “Optima played a key role in the success of our major new contract, and have helped us to start exploring the full potential of Optimiser.  Previously, we hadn’t been exploiting all of its functionality.  With the Internet version, we relied on the data being held on servers in Scotland.  We now have both servers and back-up facilities in-house.”

Optima sourced and installed a range of items for the new system, including the twin server Dell network; new ADSL broadband Internet access; and a 12-user version of Optimiser.  “This has given us even better control,” says Paul.  “The team at Optima also helped us to develop the system’s capabilities so that they meet all of our clients’ needs.  They have also completed links with one client’s SAP system for order imports and exports.”

He adds: “We particularly like the price and flexibility of the Optimiser system.  Its versatility so impressed one of our new major clients that they recommended the system for one of their new warehouses in Belgium. We have also been delighted with the really excellent service we have received from Optima - and we have no intention of looking for other suppliers now!

“Indeed, Optima provide us with a comprehensive service that also includes annual support cover for our networks and PCs, and we will be asking them to look at other projects in the future.  We now regard them as a one-stop shop for all our IT needs - not just the Warehouse Management System.”