BackDate:10 January 2012
Outside the BOX thinking creates perfect platform for software success
An entrepreneurial order fulfillment company is experiencing rapid business growth through a partnership with a leading software provider. Hinckley-based BOXstation is one of only a few UK companies serving the growing market of online shops selling by any combination of their own websites, eBay and/or Amazon.
It is offering a totally outsourced, pay-as-you-go solution through Axida’s PPD software enabling its independent internet retailer customers to run slick operations.
The software looks after product warehousing, inventory management, picking, packing and dispatch and has many features and benefits found in expensive, complex, high-end warehouse management systems.
BOXstation, which commenced business in 2010, is expanding rapidly and is forecast to distribute in excess of 15,000 parcels a month and has customers as far afield as China, the US and Australia. In line with current growth, the plan is to open two more UK storage and distribution centres within the next three years.
Will Sutherland, BOXstation’s managing director, said that the appropriate software had been critical to the success of the venture.
“Initially we looked at partnering with a number of software providers, but capital expenditure costs were very high. We then found Axida’s pay-as-you-go PPD. We were trialing it within days and have never looked back,” he said.
Axida’s PPD solution is hosted online and requires little to no upfront investment, has no licence fees and utilises the clients’ existing computer hardware. Set up is quick and simple as customers simply access the on-demand system on the Internet using a standard web browser.
“One of the key features of PPD is its standard interfacing for Amazon and eBay orders that can be used with other systems, enabling full integration with ecommerce websites,” said Will. “It also integrates with key carriers such as Parcelforce, Royal Mail, Yodel and Nightfreight and these benefits have helped make BOXstation very attractive to potential customers.
As orders are received and payment confirmed, the PPD web-to-warehouse link sends the orders automatically. Items are then picked, packed and shipped with great accuracy.
Len Robinson, Axida’s managing director, said: “PPD strips back and simplifies the whole order fulfilment process and we are constantly evolving it in relation to changing online requirements at no expense to the customer, who simply pays a small fee per parcel.”
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www.pickandpacksoftware.comwww.boxstation.co.ukEditors’ notesAxida is a leading independent software company specialising in solutions to streamline order fulfillment.
Axida PPD, is a pick, pack and dispatch SaaS (Software as a Service) solution, for clients ranging from retailers with increasing demand for web-order fulfillment through to large-scale fulfillment houses.
Axida PPD is a fully-hosted system backed by 24/7 support with complete disaster recovery management and provides many features and benefits found in expensive, complex, high-end warehouse management systems.
It provides on-line, real-time stock and dispatch management and instant live stock information, right through to automatic dispatch note and carrier label production.
PPD has standard interfacing for Amazon, eBay and Channel Advisor and can be used with other systems such as osCommerce and Monsoon, enabling full integration with ecommerce websites.
Key features/benefits of PPD- Improved stock management
- Pay per parcel
- MIS reporting
- Simple, straightforward implementation
- Efficient order picking
- Returns management
- Comprehensive knowledgebase
Axida has been awarded Microsoft Gold Partner status for an impressive 8th consecutive year and in 2010 was recognised by Gartner as a Cool Vendor in Supply Chain. The company is a founder sponsor of the Delivery Trust scheme for Internet shopping launched by IMRG, the e-retail industry body.