A digital revolution
By Ben Brocklesby, director at Origin
Last year, we successfully embarked on a new challenge at Origin; to integrate all our software systems onto one seamless infrastructure.
The aim of the project was to further improve our efficiencies and ensure that we continue to deliver the very best service and products to our partners. As everyone knows, we take innovation seriously at Origin, and we don’t like to rest on our laurels, so undertaking such a huge challenge was an exciting prospect.
Our digital revolution means that all our systems are now linked, allowing us to have central oversight over every area of the business, from sales and procurement, through to manufacturing, warehouse, and delivery.
The data we collect from this linked-up approach allows us to make more informed decisions and identify any sticking points in our processes. This gives us the ability to be nimble and make positive plans for our quest of continuous improvement.
Although much of this advancement happens behind the scenes, in real-time, it means that when our partners confirm an order using our unique OSS system, a works order is automatically generated to trigger production.
The materials needed to fulfil the job are automatically deducted from stock control and reordered via an automated PO to replenish the stock taken from our warehouse, all without any manual intervention.
Being able to maintain this level of stock control efficiency is vital to ensuring that our nationwide network of more than 1,200 partners is never let down by a shortage of materials. It also means their orders will arrive when they are expected because we won’t experience stock outs.
Not only does this tech advancement mean our partners will always receive their orders on time, and in full, but it helps to improve their cashflow and keep projects on track. This means that they can factor in more jobs, often with tighter deadlines.
Having a robust supply chain is incredibly valuable, especially at a time when we are experiencing enormous flux within the industry following the pandemic. With uncertainty continuing, this will only become more important in the future.
This automated vision has been spearheaded by Origin’s director of business analytics, Lee Ann Mounter, but its adoption is testament to the entire business and our dedication to our partners.
It wasn’t a small undertaking, but having a fully automated system is necessary for us to keep ahead of demand. Before this project, parts of our processes were still manual, and others used multiple systems, which meant some of our time was spent connecting the dots.
Now, our synchronised system means our people can concentrate on doing their day to day instead of admin because it’s automatically done for them. Although it was an upfront investment, the time and effort taken will pay dividends for our partners in the future and will help their businesses continue to grow alongside our own.
As we progress through 2022, we are excited to see how the project we began amidst a pandemic, Brexit, supply shortages, and a demand surge, will continue to drive innovation and efficiency throughout the business.
