Streamlining Fashion Retail Operations with FM Retail
Client Overview
Coleridge are a longstanding and respected Fashion Retail and Wholesale company. With their previous solutions, they were managing operations using a combination of separate systems: an inventory platform, a style catalogue, and multiple Excel spreadsheets. While this setup allowed the business to function, it presented significant challenges in efficiency, reporting, and scalability.
The Challenge
Operating with disconnected systems meant that Coleridge faced difficulties in maintaining consistency across product data, generating reports, and scaling up with increasing SKUs. Key issues included:
- Fragmented data sources leading to time-consuming manual processes
- Limited reporting capabilities with no visual representation of stock or styles
- Inefficient handling of pack quantities and product variations
- Complexities in data migration due to multiple barcodes per product
- Warehouse Stock Management and Picking
Coleridge continued using Sage Line 50 for accounting and needed a new system that would seamlessly integrate with it.
The Solution: FM Retail
After reviewing several solutions, the retailer chose FM Retail due to its robust functionality tailored to the fashion industry. FM Retail unified their inventory system, style catalogue, and spreadsheet data into a single, centralised platform.
Key features that made FM Retail the right choice included:
- Image and Pack Handling: The ability to manage product images and pack configurations directly within the system was critical for a visual industry like fashion.
- Enhanced Reporting: FM Retail provided a vast array of reports—far beyond what was available in their previous system. Many reports included images, offering instant visual insights for internal teams and buyers.
- Excel-Compatible Outputs: Reports can be exported in Excel format, making it easy to make further adjustments or share data with colleagues and customers.
- Barcode Flexibility: The platform supports multiple barcodes for a single product, simplifying the import of legacy data.
- Integrated Invoicing: FM Retail outputs invoices directly to Sage Line 50, eliminating duplication and maintaining continuity with their existing accounts system.
- Pack and Single Item Management: FM enables seamless movement and invoicing of both individual items and packs, streamlining warehouse and sales operations.
The Results
Since implementing FM Retail, Coleridge have experienced improved efficiency, greater visibility over their product range, and a significant reduction in manual data handling. The comprehensive reporting tools have enhanced internal decision-making and improved communication with external partners. By consolidating multiple systems into one intuitive platform, the business is now well-positioned for future growth.
For more information on FM Retail, visit our about page.