Software implementation to help increase manufacturer’s profits

MERSEYSIDE firm C&O Powder Coatings is to invest a six-figure sum in new technology that will improve efficiency and cut costs.

Manchester-based digital usability agency PRWD will work with the family-run business to ensure smooth implementation of the custom built application.

The system will transform internal management processes from ordering and job tracking to stock control and customer management.

C&O said that the switch from paper to digital processes would improve production line efficiency alone by a minumum of 25%.

The manufacturer recently invested around 15% of annual sales into world class machinery and moved to shift patterns to ensure that the business was as cost effective as possible.

Arthur Holmes, managing director of C&O, said: “We have an ambitious plan for growth over the next five years and every aspect of the business is being reviewed in detail to ensure we reach our target.

“The custom built system developed by PRWD is part of our on-going commitment to the growth of the business.”

PRWD will implement the new system over a two-year period, adopting a phased delivery approach and working alongside C&O to ensure successful software integration.

The new business signals expansion from e-commerce projects to internal management systems for the agency.

Paul Rouke, PRWD’s managing director said: “At PRWD we can adapt to our clients – our skills in developing user and results driven software are just as applicable to business modernisation and internal systems as they are for e-commerce solutions.”