BWG invests in functional distribution software

The new system from BCP replaces an outdated package used at the cash and carries and an old bespoke system at the distribution centres, both of which provided limited functionality. Suitable for almost 300 users -150 at the cash & carries, and 140 at the distribution centres - the new system utilises Compaq servers running Unix, connecting to PC-based scanning tills and terminals via a local area network.

The installed package includes virtually the entire BCP​ Accord distribution system, including Loyalty, Intrastat Reporting, for handling trade within the European Community, and recently introduced multi-currency modules.

Accord's central product/pricing maintenance module is being used to maintain product and pricing information at head office. This allows latest product, pricing and promotional details to be downloaded daily to individual branches while giving them the flexibility of fine tuning in response to local competition.

Installation began in with a trial system at Mullingar Cash & Carry, followed by a phased rollout to the other outlets. All 30 cash and carries were installed and up and running within a period of six months, with the distribution centres at Dublin, Ballyshannon and Limerick going live shortly afterwards.

BWG's choice of Accord for its outlets in the Republic of Ireland follows its successful use in other divisions within the group. Accord has been used for some years by Appleby Westward, Spar distributor for South West England, and by Hasletts, Holmes Cash & Carry and Holmes Catering in Northern Ireland.

In all of these divisions BWG claims that better management decision making, sales growth, improved customer service levels and profit margins, stock rationalisation and streamlining of routine procedures have demonstrated Accord's ability to successfully handle all aspects of modern cash and carry and delivered wholesaling.

Furthermore, its extended use within the group provides extensive integration opportunities. With all branches linked over a WAN (wide area network) using ISDN and frame relay technology, BWG will be able to collate trading data centrally.

This, says BWG, will further improve planning and decision making, which will enable the company to achieve its objectives of profitable and effective business growth accompanied by an improved service to customers to help it compete more effectively.

BWG is one of Ireland's fastest growing wholesalers with annual sales exceeding £620 million. It has cash and carry and delivered operations in the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, England and Scotland and holds the Mace franchise in Ulster and the Leinster region in Southern Ireland, together with the Spar franchise in Southern Ireland and the South West of England.

BWG has been a BCP client since 1998 and continues to work in close partnership with the firm. BCP enabled BWG to make a seamless conversion to the Euro by converting all files quickly and efficiently - no trading time was lost and customers were not affected.

Stringent legislation, consumer concerns about food safety and growing pressure from retailers have forced food manufacturers and distributors to look at every possible means of ensuring traceability and efficiency throughout the supply chain. These factors are driving greater interconnectness within the food industry, and suggest that closer collaboration between every aspect of the food supply chain is inevitable.

It is little wonder then that food distributors such as BWG are increasingly turning to IT to provide supply chain solutions. Ultimately, it is in everyone's long-term interest to invest in comprehensive supply chain software that can trace and organise operations from start to finish - the cost of compensation or a product recall means that the cost of installing such systems is less of a factor than it ever was.