Fresh and frozen food wholesaler 5 Star Products has strengthened its business by acquiring General Catering Supplies (GCS) and merging the two businesses together on the specialist wholesale software solution from Sanderson. The acquisition is complementary to 5 Star as it provides catering supplies, as well as food products to
the restaurant trade and GCS distributes a wide variety of catering essentials, large kitchen equipment and appliances.
5 Star and GCS have moved into a purpose-built warehouse in Essex and are supporting their company growth with Swords, the wholesale-specific software solution from Sanderson. Naturally, as the number of product lines increased, so too had the need for accurate stock control. Both companies now use the Sanderson Radio Frequency (RF) warehouse management system (WMS) to manage stock in real-time and provide a controlled goods-in process.
The two companies benefit from accurate stock data and real time-savings as the RF system continuously monitors stock, reducing the need for lengthy stock takes. Real-time stock information also benefits the purchasing and telesales teams, helping them to make informed purchasing decisions and assist with customer queries.
Both companies are looking forward to rolling out the RF system to their order picking operation, where staff will use handheld devices that connect to the main Swords network access points installed around the warehouse. Using the system, order picking tasks are transmitted to staff, product barcodes are scanned and pick completions are automatically transferred to the system. Additionally, as well as streamlining the picking operation, the RF system reduces manual pick errors, delivering cost savings for the company.
Yogesh Gandhi, Director, 5 Star Products Ltd, comments:
“It was a natural step to continue supporting our growth, running our enlarged business with the Sanderson solution. The Sanderson team managed the GCS integration smoothly and quickly and most importantly, the software has addressed the individual requirements of both companies perfectly. The RF system is already delivering accurate data which is used across the business. Our Goods-in operation is now watertight with the elimination of costly errors as deliveries are checked and matched against purchase orders.”
Jackie Taylor, Sales Director for Wholesale Distribution solutions at Sanderson adds:
“This is a great example of the flexibility of our specialist wholesale system where it can unite companies who are joining forces to work on one platform, enabling both companies to benefit from one view of operations and the latest stock information. The software will continue to generate efficiencies in other areas of the business as it continues to grow and our team of specialists are on hand to advise on best practice and how to get the most of Swords.”
About 5 Star Products Ltd
Established in 1983, 5 Star Products has grown from a small London premise to a multi-million pound empire. With an extensive food, drink and catering supplies product range, the company distribute to a growing restaurant trade.
About General Catering Supplies
General Catering Supplies, a family business established in 1969, provides a personalised service to its loyal customer base. Growth is the main focus for the company as it can now offer a greater choice to its customers with the addition of the 5 Star product range.
About Sanderson
Sanderson is one of the UK’s leading technology providers, supplying end-to-end multi-channel retail and wholesale solutions. Sanderson Group has over 350 customers of all sizes, using its proven solutions for wholesale operations, retail, mail order and ecommerce.
About Swords
Swords, from Sanderson, is a comprehensive wholesale industry-specific IT solution for delivered wholesale and cash & carry businesses. Swords integrates all areas of the supply chain, balancing the demands of sales, purchasing, stock and cash flow. Sophisticated business intelligence facilities provide powerful management information to aid business decisions, improve efficiency, reduce costs and raise customer service levels.
For more information please contact:
Rita Patel Tel: 0333 123 1400
Email: rita.patel@sanderson.com
