Firwood Timber: Building strong foundations with KCS in their 50th year of business

With their 50th year of business coming up in May, it’s easy to reflect on just how far Firwood Timber have come since starting up. The business has grown from a single timber importer to a regional supplier, now with 12 branches and over 80 employees. Though their history is steeped in tradition, the team have become increasingly aware of how important it is to use digitial solutions to stay ahead in today’s fast-moving market.

In order to meet the needs of their customers, Firwood Timber recently went live with Kerridge Commercial Systems’ (KCS) K8 ERP solution; a cloud-based system that centralises operations such as inventory management, financial controls and sales processing. This advanced platform is helping the business to optimise processes and remain competitive whilst maintaining their long-standing commitment to outstanding service.

Firwood Timber have always focused on providing a personalised experience, supplying materials for a range of customers, from trade professionals to DIY enthusiasts. With business growing, staff became aware that outdated systems and manual processes were creating challenges, which is where the introduction of K8 came in.

We’d been relying on paper trails and old habits for far too long, says Area Branch Manager Steve Neary, who has been with the company for 32 years. We realised it was time to make changes - not just to keep up with competitors, but to make life easier for our staff and customers.

Steve Neary - Area Branch Manager

After evaluating multiple ERP systems, Firwood Timber chose K8 for its advanced features, proven industry performance and competitive pricing. “We knew it worked for competitors and from the get-go we were confident it was the right fit,” Steve explains.

Transitioning to K8 was a significant shift for Firwood Timber, particularly for a team accustomed to familiar, longstanding processes. Since implementing the software, staff have already experienced significant benefits. The introduction of live stock tracking for example has transformed how the company manages its inventory. “In the past, I’d have to wait for an annual stock take to know what we had,” Steve explains. “Now, I can check what’s available at each branch instantly. It’s made everything so much easier, as well as cost-effective.”

The system’s real-time reporting has also improved decision-making, giving Firwood Timber better visibility into margins and branch performance. “We’re more confident in handling quotes and decisions because we have all the information we need in one place,” says Steve.

Firwood Timber's improved, digitised experience doesn’t stop with K8. The company is preparing to integrate WebPro, which allows businesses to create professional websites integrated with K8, allowing real-time updates for stock levels and pricing. It supports both B2B and B2C transactions, with tools for managing promotions and customer-specific pricing. Previously reliant on word-of-mouth and a basic website, Firwood Timber intend to utilise it for ‘online exposure and access new opportunities’.

We’ve never done anything like this before, but we know it’s essential in this day and age. WebPro will help us reach people who didn’t even know we existed.

Steve Neary - Area Branch Manager

Plans are also in place to roll out ePOD (Electronic Proof of Delivery). The mobile app digitises the entire delivery cycle whilst supporting precise route management and real-time tracking of driver locations. It integrates seamlessly with K8, so that all delivery data is recorded and accessible within the ERP system. This innovation will give managers and drivers real-time visibility, streamlining logistics and improving efficiency.

The app also allows drivers to manage deliveries, capture digital signatures and instantly upload proof of delivery to the ERP system, providing full oversight and reducing paperwork. “We’re expecting it to take a lot of pressure off managers,” explains Steve. “When drivers leave a job, it lets someone else know they’re on their way, which will make us much more efficient with deliveries. It’s going to be incredibly handy for us”.

Kerridge Commercial Systems has given us the tools to compete and grow. We believe that considering how many customers we have now, it’s an essential system.

Steve Neary - Area Branch Manager

"We are proud to support Firwood Timber as they celebrate their 50th year in business," says James Mitchell, Managing Director of KCS in the UK and Ireland. "With rising customer expectations and increasing economic pressures, the go-live has allowed Firwood Timber to make sure they remain agile and well-positioned for sustainable growth in the years ahead."