Broadbent Welding & Industrial Supplies has upgraded its business-wide IT infrastructure and operations with a suite of IT solutions from Kidderminster-based technology partner OGL Computer, to support scalable growth.
The welding and industrial supplies provider is the new division of PAY Broadbent Ltd, supplying engineering services and industrial sector products, including abrasives, drill bits and hand tools. In 2019, Broadbent branched out to include consumables such as hygiene and sanitary products, and PPE workwear, to its portfolio, supplying customers across the UK.
Recognising that investing in the right digital foundation early on would assist in creating the most profitable, scalable operation from the outset, Broadbent’s Managing Director, Luke Jackson, turned to OGL Computer, a technology partner he had previously worked with at another company.
Luke sought a solution that would be cost effective and flexible, but with the scalability and long-term potential to meet the business’ needs now and in future, so OGL Computer recommended its recently-launched ERP solution, Profit4, which offers the simplicity of an off-the-shelf product with the benefits of controlled and easy-to-implement customisation. Through the unique Profit4 Delivery Framework, user onboarding is quick and simple as every facet of the new software is adaptable, to be built around roles and what users need.
Broadbent had previously used a variety of legacy software systems including Xero and QuickBooks to manage its customer, product and financial data, but seamlessly migrated to OGL Software with zero downtime.
Luke explains: “Running stock on Xero is not an easy thing to do, it was taking up all my time and my only alternative to investing in software was to hire and add a wage to the business just to assist with admin. I fully believe in automation and implementing Profit4 hasn’t come at any expense of staff because I really believe people buy off people. It just means the staff I will have will be fully equipped to do what they do in a better and more productive way, which makes us all more money. It’s key to get people into the business to do business, not backend processes. The business is taking off and the figures look good and that’s largely thanks to Profit4.”
Broadbent now uses Profit4 to run its entire business operations, from trade counter to accounts. Ensuring stock levels always meet demand is important for any growing business’ success and expansion. Profit4 provides Broadbent with an easy-to-use digital platform that creates lean stock processes and efficient customer service. This has enabled Luke to focus on growing the business and he now has plans to integrate an eCommerce website in the future.
Luke continued: “Profit4 helps me set my sales strategy for the business and helps me stay in control. A lot of my competitors are still doing things on pieces of paper or using basic software packages, but now I’m streets ahead of those businesses because Profit4 is so adaptable and it’s helped me grow. With all the time and money you save from automating your admin tasks, you can invest it back into sales and marketing to grow the business. Profit4 has already paid for itself in the amount of time it’s saved me, because if I was still using Xero to run my business now I genuinely would have given up, because with the sheer volume of products we get through and a growing customer base, Xero would not have allowed me to have a life!”
Gary Reynolds, Software Director at OGL Computer, concludes: “While investing in growth may mean an increased turnover as success for many businesses, the ones that truly stand out are those business owners and directors that go the extra mile and take the time to focus on business development. Profit4 makes that possible, while also improving operational efficiency for continued success long-term.”
Profit4 gives users control over how they use and configure the system without the need for third-party help. Its quick and easy-to-use features have been tried and tested during beta trials, and enable users to easily configure reports, workspaces, dashboards, and data fields to suit their needs. This means Profit4 can be adapted and changed, as and when it is needed, for growing businesses like Broadbent.
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