Clearview National November 2016 - Issue 180 | Page 80

SOFTWARE

Transforming operational efficiency
Panels Direct is emerging from many years as one of the industry’s ‘sleeping giants’ thanks
in part to the introduction of Business Micros’ EvoNet business management software.
»»THE KEIGHLEY-BASED COMPANY IS
using EvoNet to transform its operational
efficiency, giving it the perfect platform from
which to expand and raise its profile.
Panels Direct already produces 1,500 PVC
door panels per week, alongside 150 composite
doors and 300-400 REHAU windows, but it
is now targeting a significant increase in those
numbers in response to growing demand.
The company has used Business Micros’
Evolution manufacturing software since
2004 but an investment in new machinery
and the appointment of Steve Miller as the
Sales Manager led to a review of the software
requirements within the business.
Steve Miller explained: “When we were
looking at ways to improve efficiency and
streamline the operation, as we start to increase
our volumes even further, EvoNet really was
the only software solution capable of giving
us all that we needed. It manages and tracks
everything from order processing to despatch
and can be fully tailored to our specific business
requirements.”
At Panels Direct, the EvoNet business
management software is now logging all orders
as they are received and automatically assigning
each customer with a production and delivery
slot before the job is even fully processed. In

80 » N OV 2016 » CL EARVI E W- UK . C O M

turn, it is automatically ordering the glass
required and then auto-batching the frames to
optimise efficiency.
Using barcode scanning, EvoNet allows
Panels Direct to track every order as it moves
through the factory from cutting and welding,
right through to gearing and quality control
and the generation and recording of all
ancillary packs. All items related to every order
are then also scanned on to the vehicle ready
for despatch.
From a customer’s perspective, this means
that more orders are being supplied on time
and in full, with live order status updates
available whenever required.
Steve Miller continued: “We’ve already
achieved our aim of a paperless factory and
we are now implementing a full document

scanning system so that we can also move
towards a more efficient paperless office.
“The dashboard function within EvoNet
is crucial as well because it is allowing us to
see an instant overview of how the business is
performing and get real clarity on where we
need to improve or where we are performing
well as we make our plans for the future.”
After the success of the EvoNet project,
Panels Direct is already working with Business
Micros to create two new online ordering
portals for both its panel and composite doors,
which customers will be able to use on any
device to design, quote and place orders.
Steve Miller added: “Led by Chris Bailey,
the team at Business Micros has built a really
impressive understanding of our business. We
see this very much as a long term partnership
with them now, and we will be working with
them to continue developing and tailoring the
software so that it meets our specific needs as
we grow.”
Panels Direct is developing a new website
that will incorporate the online ordering
portals. Further details on this and the rest of
the company’s range are available from Steve
Miller on 01535 604040 or 07999 973514.
www.businessmicros.co.uk