“The processes are now so quick and easy so we can turn quotes around much more rapidly which means more new customers!"

Outgrowing Sage 50

Previously on Sage 50 Accounts, Avanti needed a system that could support them in their future plans to grow the company. Rachel Connor, Avanti's Director states “we plan to build the business and to become a leading supplier of hygiene and workplace supplies across the UK. After outgrowing their previous system, with manual processes causing inefficiencies, Avanti looked to OGL Software in 2016 because of the great deal of expertise OGL has in working with distributors and also in our particular sector. The system seemed to tick all the boxes for what we needed it to do.”

Realising the need for an eCommerce website

To help them expand their market reach and stay competitive in the industry, Avanti looked to create an eCommerce website. “Creating an eCommerce website was long overdue for us! Not having one was proving to be a barrier to gaining new business with some customers where they viewed online ordering as essential.”

“We wanted a bespoke site that would show off our company and brand, we needed it to be user-friendly and we also wanted an integrated system, so we didn’t have to duplicate work.” Avanti created an eCommerce website with OGL that seamlessly integrates with our ERP software removing the duplication of work that comes with having disparate sales channels. “The process of building the site was so smooth. We had previously been working with another eCommerce platform which was difficult to use. The Web Team at OGL was really organised, there was a clear schedule of what needs to be done and when for both sides.”

“We’re already seeing the benefits of the eCommerce site with many customers now ordering online."

Selling online with an integrated eCommerce website means Avanti can easily increase sales without the extra admin, “We’re already seeing the benefits of the eCommerce site with many customers now ordering online. Our site is also being found by potential new customers too and we’re seeing new business."

“The site is really helping to drive sales whilst freeing up time that would have been spent processing orders, responding to requests for SDS, copy invoices etc for other value-added activities."

“We love that the orders placed on the website pull straight through to OGL Software to avoid re-keying orders. We also love that I can update pricing in one place on the system and it updates pricing on the website, it saves the duplication of effort so time can be spent on other activities within the business.”

The website also offers existing customers an online portal, so they access their own accounts, “it’s great that customers are able to add new delivery addresses themselves, it’s meant we’re able to support our large multi-site customers.”

“We love that the orders placed on the website pull straight through to OGL Software to avoid re-keying orders."

Avanti implemented OGL Software to remove the time spent on manual processes that stopped the business from achieving its full potential. “With Sage, we had to manually enter pricing onto sales orders, which meant looking back to previous orders and any errors were duplicated. Special pricing files are now easy to locate, and special customer pricing is automatically pulled through so there are no more keying mistakes.

“We were also doing quotes in Excel which was time-consuming. The processes are now so quick and easy so we can turn quotes around much more rapidly which means more new customers!”

Gaining visibility and control

To keep their eyes on their future goals, Avanti needed a system that would give them visibility and control over their business to future-proof the company and help them progress.

“OGL Software’s reporting helps us to track leakage and spot if customers’ usage drops. We even have a report set up to land in our inbox at a designated time highlighting the areas that need our attention. The dashboard means the info is always available, without us having to run reports."

"We think the system will help us to achieve our growth targets and it has the flexibility to grow with our business.”

Avanti Hygiene's Director states "I would absolutely recommend OGL to other organisations. We think the system will help us to achieve our growth targets and it has the flexibility to grow with our business.”

“There’s a great level of support from the office staff, the Web Services Team were all fantastic in the site build and our Account Manager is always keen to help us use the system as fully as possible and has a genuine desire to help us achieve our growth plans using the software to help achieve this. Thanks to all at OGL!”