Client Case Study

Problem
Sunshine Snacks began to experience a number of problems with their existing stock management system; a predominantly paper-based system with some degree of automation. Because there was no definitive way in which to track stock after being dispatched from the warehouses, discrepancies became an increasing problem, especially for staff in Sunshine’s warehouse.

Confusion often occurred as orders were hand written and there was difficulty locating stock due to the size of the warehouse holding hundreds of products. Therefore, the process of compiling orders would often be difficult and time consuming for the warehouse staff, especially during busy periods.


eSAY’s Solution
eSAY developed a bespoke stock management system comprising of an office based application and a handheld device (PDA).

The office based application installed on Sunshine’s PC’s allows staff to perform a variety of tasks such as view orders, search for products and check the stock levels at each warehouse and for each delivery van. Individual orders can be printed out and given to each driver to be handed in at the central warehouse upon order collection. This ensures that there is no confusion over hand written orders and warehouse staff know the location of all stock from the on screen display.

The PDA is used to electronically collect customer orders and with features such as touch screen technology and bar code scanners, Sunshine’s drivers can now collect customer orders quickly and accurately. At Sunshine’s offices, the PDA’s are ‘docked’ and all the data contained on them is transferred onto the office based application through a process of synchronisation.


Results and Benefits
eSAY’s solution has enabled Sunshine Snacks to adopt a more effective stock management system thereby returning control of the business. Sunshine’s staff now have access to accurate and up to date information about the location of all stock, customer orders, product details and stock levels. Also, the use of hand held devices by the delivery drivers has reduced the time it takes to collect and submit orders. All in all working practises are far more efficient for the whole company.

Sunshine’s management, having seen the benefits, want to continually improve the system in phases by incorporating additional features. The next phase is to enable Sunshine’s delivery drivers to generate and print invoices from the handheld device whilst on-site.

“I’m impressed at how quickly we have seen the benefits of this system and I look forward to the start of a long-term relationship with eSAY to spearhead our company’s growth plans. I’m glad I took the valuable advice of ChamberLink in choosing a reputable supplier with a proven track record”. Shahid Ahmed, Managing Director