Staying where you are in the world of computer systems is not an option. Constant innovation and progress is the name of the game and both users and suppliers of hardware and software stand still at their peril.

Systems targeted at the timber industry are no exception to this rule of continual evolution, with the leading software suppliers currently offering a range of “dynamic, new and exciting” developments. These variously promise improved functionality, speed of operation, management information provision, customer and internet interface and ease of use – in short, better tools for managing a business.

The latest version of Kerridge Commercial Systems’ software systems for the sector is K8, the culmination, it maintains, of 25 years’ experience in the market.

According to Kerridge, the system is based on the “experience and functionality” of its predecessor, KITE and, like KITE, focuses on providing solutions for timber and builders merchants operating from a single or multi-branch network. But it is described as an entirely new product incorporating “modern programming techniques and technologies”.

“It enables timber and builders merchants to adapt to changing market conditions and requirements ,” said marketing manager Suzanne Millward.

Kerridge stresses that K8 does not try to be “all things to all people” but concentrates its knowledge of merchanting to deliver a solution for a clearly defined market.

“Today, software has to take into account the need to trade in different ways and cater for multiple routes to market,” said Ms Millward. “Central to this need is the ability to maximise customer service, maintain excellent branch communications, cater for separate branding and allow varied stocking strategies in different branches.”

Increasingly, she added, customers want the ability to choose their preferred channel for placing orders, getting quotes, enquiring on stock or asking advice.

“These can include counter sales, on-line trading, fax, e-mail or call centre and typically reside on different systems. The challenge for any organisation is to collate information from disparate sources to provide a coherent view of customer interaction.”

K8 was designed to include the different requirements of an “enterprise-wide business support system in a single application suite”.

“Customer relationship management is not a separate application, it’s at the heart of K8 available at the click of an icon,” said Ms Millward. “Web functionality is also ubiquitous, providing access to intranets and the worldwide web throughout the system.

Diary functions, e-mail and fax are all part of the core product and available from any screen and the GUI interface is intuitive and instantly familiar to Windows users.”

  Ms Millward summed up K8 as a comprehensive, easy-to-use business tool that can be “uniquely configured for each company, providing them with a solid platform on which to base growth, with in-built capacity for change”.

Due to hit the market in September, meanwhile, the latest launch from Progressive Solutions is BIS Track, which it heralds as a “comprehensive merchant software solution designed by UK-based timber industry professionals”.

Merchants will get their first view of the Windows-based system at a demonstration in Progressive Solutions’ Cheshire offices on September 25, followed by a similar event the day after at the London offices of the Builders Merchants Federation.

The new software is designed to offer suppliers in the construction industry a new method to improve efficiencies and integrate all aspects of their business.

“BIS Track links an entire operation so that all sales, stock, dispatching and other business information is stored in one source,” says Progressive Solutions’ UK sales manager Alan Hamilton.

“Stock control and purchasing are automated and at a merchant’s fingertips, so they know exactly what they have in stock. When a tradesperson comes into the branch, their purchases are recorded in a customer history, so the merchant can provide better customer service, keeping track of what that particular customer orders. In addition, BIS Track can be instantly linked with the internet, allowing merchants to quickly check online catalogues from suppliers. And it’s all done in seconds with the customer right there.”

In the back office, BIS Track helps schedule deliveries, purchasing and pricing. “With this complete a system, it is much easier to continually keep track of margins and ensure maximum profitability from each product,” explained Mr Hamilton. “BIS Track’s pricing features support multiple-chained discounts and quantity discounts for customers and suppliers and special prices for both buying and selling. It is even possible to price a group of similar products from a single price record, which allows merchants to quickly update a range of prices based on one master price. All this information is catalogued and stored in the SQL Server database ready to be retrieved using standard software tools, such as Microsoft Excel and Word, or Crystal Reports. Accounting information is also easily exported to a variety of sales ledgers.”

But perhaps the biggest benefit of BIS Track, added Mr Hamilton, is its Windows-based design.

“The software was developed to be easy to learn and use, reducing implementation time, and it employs modern database and internet development tools, allowing for instant integration with the internet. The platform is ideally suited for companies that want to make the transition to e-commerce.”

Among the latest hardware being promoted to the timber sector is Ten-25’s new Portable Data Terminal (PDT) which the company bills as taking a business “one step closer to the paperless office”.

“For over 20 years using a trading and stock control system has required working from a static terminal or PC,” said Ten-25 director Ian Oldrey. “This has meant producing paperwork for the operations in the yard or out on the road, and re-keying them into the system. There have been hand-held devices available to help with this, but they have been limited in their operation and expensive to implement.

“The PDT links directly into our UniSTRIP or UniTRADE [software] systems, via a wireless network connection, giving the yard operator complete use of the system where they are working. So now, rather than collecting a paper picking note, writing on any amendments and sending it back to the office for entry onto the system, the yard man checks the orders requiring despatch, enters the picked products as they are taken, and a despatch note is automatically printed and waiting as the driver prepares to leave.”

He added that the value of the PDT does not end at order picking. It can also be used for full or ad hoc stock-takes; walking round with a customer and recording enquiries or orders; inputting purchase orders while standing in front of the current stock.

“In fact anything you can do in the UniSTRIP system can now be done on the move,” he said.

Unlike batch-operated terminals that present limited information, the PDT remains connected to the system allowing users to check such information as latest prices and stock allocations, without returning to the office.

The PDT can also be connected to a mobile phone so sales reps can check stock, enter quotes and follow up orders while with customers. With access to a GSM mobile phone network, overseas purchasing can also be done when visiting suppliers, making future stock immediately available for sale on the system.

For the users on the road the PDT is also supplied with Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook to provide a “mobile office”, allowing them to track appointments, check e-mail and work on other documents.

“By taking computing to where the work is,” said Mr Oldrey, “the PDT enables faster, more accurate updating of the company system, reducing administration costs and improving customer service.”