Pedigree News
New Technology
Published: 08/2008
Over the past couple of years Pedigree Wholesale has been investing in new technology and systems to deliver an improved customer experience for the 21st century.
The main warehouse in Nottingham, which is the hub of the operation servicing customers of all five divisions, is now completely paperless. Gone are the days of reading and writing errors, incorrect stock being picked and unfulfilled orders due to stock not being available. Voice recognition technology directs the warehouse operatives to complete delegated tasks leaving their hands free to do the lifting and packing. By reading out the barcode number on every item the computer checks that the correct product is being picked and invoices are updated automatically. This has reduced invoicing and picking errors to below 0.1%.
As the stock level in the pick face is being updated in real time, as soon as the quantity of stock drops below a critical level a replenishment task is automatically created. This task is picked up by the next available operative who is instructed to fill the pick face from reserve stock located elsewhere in the warehouse ensuring that the pick face is continuously topped up ready to fulfil the next order. Should the pick face be empty at time of picking then the orders are sent back out to pick any missing lines. This has had the effect of increasing order satisfaction to over 95% consistently.
At the same time as improving the warehouse operation a new web ordering system has been developed together with an online catalogue displaying images and additional product information. This has been on trial with a number of interested customers and is now available for general release.
The system allows the flexibility to repeat previous orders, enter a new order or to continuously build an order during the week leading up to the delivery day. Images of products can be shown to customers in the shop without disclosing sensitive price information and the required product ordered there and then. Orders when submitted, automatically feed into our sales order processing system without any further intervention giving peace of mind that delivery is on the way. Web ordering can be accessed via our web-site http://www.petproducts.co.uk. Further enhancements to the service are already planned to improve the ordering experience and the image bank will continue to develop as we work with suppliers to enhance the quality of images.
Pedigree Wholesale has been serving the pet trade for nearly 40 years and with ongoing investment in new technologies together with the development of innovative products will ensure that the company will continue to provide customers with a high level of satisfaction.
For further information please contact Stewart Halford or Angela Logue- Worgan on 01159823900.
