Aldridge Security revamps e-commerce and inventory systems with Forterro’s Orderwise

Aldridge Security, a wholesaler of security and locking products in the UK and Ireland, announced a significant overhaul of its operations. This transformation was facilitated by Forterro’s ERP and Warehouse Management Solution, Orderwise.

Aldridge Security, which primarily serves locksmiths, architectural ironmongers, builders merchants, and DIY shops, offers an extensive range of over 25,000 products from its branches in Birmingham and Manchester. The company has long supported independent businesses and has committed not to supply large DIY chains. However, it faced increasing market demands for faster and more efficient service, prompting a strategic shift.

The integration of Orderwise, with offices in Lincoln, has streamlined Aldridge’s customer service operations, particularly in handling returns, which previously involved a complicated array of third-party systems. Now, the process is seamless and integrated, offering a single source of truth for the organisation’s data.

E-commerce capabilities have seen dramatic enhancements; previously, updating the website with product changes was a manual, laborious process. With Orderwise, these updates are automatic, freeing up three hours daily for the team to enhance customer service quality. This improvement has led to a 9.5% increase in web order value and a 48% growth in average goods received per operator rate.

Operational efficiency in distribution and inventory management has also improved significantly. Before Orderwise, work often extended beyond the 8pm cutoff, causing logistical issues and excessive overtime. The new system has introduced efficiencies that allow operations to conclude within regular hours, facilitating better logistical management and reducing staff overtime.

The adoption of Orderwise has been a pivotal development for Aldridge Security. Patrick Cook, Managing Director of Aldridge Security, highlighted the impact of the new system: “Orderwise has genuinely helped us to grow, and we’re still scratching the surface of where it can go next. We knew we needed to be faster, more efficient, and to deliver even better customer service, and Orderwise has helped on all counts.”