NetDespatch builds bridge between online orders and despatch for Selco

Selco Builders Warehouse has selected NetDespatch’s popular cloud-based shipping and data management platform to streamline the order fulfilment process for its new online offer called Selco Direct. The NetDespatch platform seamlessly connects the company’s online order management system – MS Navision – with the local depot of the APC Overnight parcel delivery network, eliminating the need for manual entry of order details.

Selco’s roots go back to 1895 but, in more recent years, growth has accelerated since 2002. Selco has grown into a highly competitive and respected trade only builders merchant, currently with 37 branches in England and Wales, a further three branch openings planned before the end of 2015 and plans to at least double the branch network again by 2020.

NetDespatch is retained by APC Overnight depots to provide free consultancy and cloud based shipping and integration solutions to their customers. The NetDespatch Retail Solutions team worked with Selco to implement a fully integrated fulfilment and despatch operation where orders are automatically downloaded from MS Navision and sent to NetDespatch. The solution then makes the correct shipping labels available in the warehouse and notifies the local APC depot – Express Logistics (Nottingham) – that parcels are ready for collection. The parcels are delivered by APC Overnight; the UK’s largest next-day delivery network.

“Customer first is a key core value at Selco. The purchasing habits of tradesmen have changed – and continue to change – and therefore it is imperative that Selco is a multi-channel merchant, enabling the tradesman to buy products when and how they want,” said Chris Cunliffe, chief executive at Selco Builders Warehouse. “It’s all about customer experience and giving them flexibility, so it is important that we continue to develop the online offer as we also expand the network. We will be launching Click and Collect at the end of September.”

“Selco Direct has a range of over 5,000 products available to order, for next working day delivery by courier. We have seen a positive response to Selco Direct. Our customers are getting their orders delivered the next day, or within two or three days for those in remote areas,” said Helen Gemmell, marketing director at Selco Builders Warehouse. “Our branches are predominately in the south and Midlands and our online offer allows us to not only offer alternative options for our existing customers, but also enables us to reach a new customer base across the UK.”

Gemmell added that many of the early online orders came from customers in areas where Selco does not currently have a branch. “As our advertising campaign has expanded, we are seeing online order volumes picking up for both new and existing customers.”

NetDespatch is retained by postal and parcel carriers to provide innovative shipping solutions for their customers through an easy to use secure web-based platform that automates the connection between order processing, despatch and delivery, even if the orders are received in one location and despatched from another. There are no costs involved for installation, training or support, and the system is available instantly online.

Quelle: www.netdespatch.com