LSK Supplies

About LSK Supplies

Established in 1999, LSK Supplies is a family-run architectural ironmonger and builders’ merchant. Scotland’s largest independent architectural ironmongers, the company has six branches in west central Scotland and two more branches opening in early 2016. Serving both trade and retail customers LSK focuses on delivering a positive customer experience. The company selected K8 to support future growth, opting for a cloud-based solution to minimise IT overheads.

The need for a new system

LSK’s previous system had served the business well - the software managed the core processes for selling, purchasing and stock control. However, LSK had developed and required a system that was more future-proof. The company needed an advanced, fully integrated system to improve the efficiency of its customer contact ‘touch points’ – particularly in managing transactions, invoicing and payment processing.

'Being able to take full advantage of new technologies, advanced functionality and having greater depth and breadth of information were the priorities. Financial tools, ease of use and being able to use the company’s existing infrastructure, were also key requirements for the business,' explained, Project Manager at LSK Supplies, Ryan Cairley.

Choosing K8

LSK Managing Director, Garry Bell, researched a number of alternative systems before choosing K8. The company understood K8’s established reputation, but after talking to businesses with K8 experience, it became clear that the system met the LSK’s requirements.

In terms of reliability, functionality and readiness to support our future growth, K8 was the best system for us.

Specifically, its capabilities to present accurate and real time management information - especially sales and purchasing patterns, were significant factors in our decision. We were also impressed with Kerridge Commercial Systems (KCS) as a progressive company with proven R&D credentials.

Garry Bell - Managing Director at LSK Supplies

Highlights

• Flexible and adaptable solution
• Strong user engagement
• Successful training programme
• Fully supported go live
• Fewer trading issues
• Development potential

Successful implementation

One particular aspect of K8 that appealed to LSK was its considerable flexibility and adaptability. During the system set-up, Ryan and his colleagues took time to understand how K8 could be fine-tuned to suit the business. Early engagement and commitment certainly paid off; moreover, it gave LSK complete ownership of its new system. Complementing this was the ‘train the trainer’ approach used to introduce the system to the staff; LSK also compiled help sheets to help build user skills and competencies.

KCS consultants were immensely helpful. They shared their knowledge willingly and guided us through data conversion Talking to us about how we would get the best from our new system, the consultants also gave us confidence to move forward leading to a smooth, successful implementation and well-supported go-live.

Ryan Cairley - Project Manager at LSK Supplies

Solid foundation

LSK stated that K8 has now settled in well, with some specific projects to consider in the next year or so.

'The system has already done what it said on the tin in terms of improving our customer processes, operationally efficiency and productivity. Digital signature capture, for example, has been a great success with faster invoicing and fewer accounting queries,' Ryan said.

LSK is in a particularly competitive industry and appreciates the importance of meeting customer demands. With K8 we are already one step ahead and have the system behind us to adapt to new demands from new and existing customers,

Ryan Cairley - Project Manager at LSK Supplies

LSK implemented K8 with energy and enthusiasm – clearly a company that’s seizing the power of technology for a successful future.

Benefits

• Greater efficiency and productivity
• Improved customer processes and service levels
• Significant gains from digital signature capture
• Real-time management information