Lockwell plugs into class-leading K8 system

Lockwell Electrical Distributors has signed with Kerridge Commercial Systems for a new, 100 user K8 system for their 19 branch operation. K8, which is used by a number of leading companies in the electrical/electronics sector, will deliver wide-ranging benefits to Lockwell branches and head office operations. K8 was chosen following a detailed review of 20 alternative solutions.

Ian Wright, Lockwell operations director said, “Our headline objectives were to enhance our business processes, introduce new technologies, and deliver more value and benefits to our customers. Essentially we wanted a system that would ‘future-proof’ the business. From the outset, this was a board level project, during which we discovered the potential of the latest ERP systems. Our decision for K8 was based on two main criteria: Ultimately we could see the system was the best fit for our requirements and secondly, Kerridge Commercial Systems not only has extensive market knowledge, but offered us new ideas about how we could take the system forward. We clearly saw how K8 could help us to improve our efficiencies, save time and money. It was the clear choice for us.”

Lockwell took a very measured approach on their journey to choose a new system. Although they recognised the need to replace a text-based system, part of the software and partner selection process had to consider how the implementation would be project managed and achieved successfully. A key requirement from the start will be the integration of supplier price files which will save the branch staff a considerable amount of time and effort, particularly for special order items.

Duncan Smillie, Sales and Marketing Director at Kerridge Commercial Systems said, “To assist Lockwell  in their evaluation process, we provided a K8 test system which gave them first-hand appreciation of the user interface, navigation tools and also introduced the system's flexibility and tailoring. Our discussions also introduced Lockwell to some of the more recent K8 innovations such as website integration and digital signature capture.”  

Planning the implementation is now underway in readiness for going live in early 2015. With Lockwell and Kerridge Commercial Systems working closely together, it’s a major project that will have an immediate impact on the business. Ian said, “New hosted servers are being installed and we expect to begin user training in April. Having identified that the whole company will go live at the same time, we will use a ‘train the trainer’ approach to help our staff, along with number of project champions to support everyone through the coming months. For us the go live will be first major milestone and after that we will progressively add other K8 applications. We are excited about enhancing the value of this long term investment in our business.”