This website uses cookies. to ensure you get the best experience on our website.

agree
Get in touch If you’ve got a project or an idea or just want to know more about us, then do drop us a line. Let's Talk
bluebox logo
bluebox logo
open menu open menu
  • Work
  • Services
      • Software Development
      • Database Development
      • Custom CRM
      • Software Integrations
      • Website Design
      • SEO
      • eCommerce Stores
      • Client Partnership
      • View All
  • Approach
  • Insights
  • Careers
  • Contact
bluebox logo
close menu
  • Work
  • Services
      • Software Development
      • Database Development
      • Custom CRM
      • Software Integrations
      • Website Design
      • SEO
      • eCommerce Stores
      • Client Partnership
      • View All
  • Approach
  • Insights
  • Careers
  • Contact
01905 432000
  • twitter
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • Home
  • Work
  • Wickens Engineering

Bespoke CRM / ERP allowing greater productivity

A CRM & ERP which successfully integrated the Company's various disparate systems.

Since 2005 we have worked together on websites, bespoke software tools and digital marketing services. Most recently our relationship culminated in us being appointed to develop a bespoke software system to drive their business workflow and integrating with our previous stand-alone developments. 

Improve Efficiency Formalise workflow and procedures
Increase Automation Remove unnecessary manual tasks
Enhance BI Tools Empower management decision making
Objective In a drive to improve processes and systems the team at Wickens established that disparate systems were negatively impacting processes across the business.

Years of upgrading and integrating Internal systems had caused fragmentation. Improved systems and agility were required to achieve ambitious growth plans.

Wickens first examined "off-the-shelf" solutions from well known providers such as Sage, Microsoft and SAP. On the face of it these applications provided reasonable answers to their requirements. But it soon became clear that software vendors were "bending the rules" of these packages to fit their specific needs. In addition these applications proved costly when requesting bespoke enhancements to standard functionality

Strategy Work together to create and develop a company wide redevelopment of systems and processes.

Analysing business structure and company goals enabled us to create a high level specification to guide the project. This was used in conjunction with subsequent wire-frames and design schematics to detail the new CRM application, its workflow and user-interface. Throughout this period we listened closely to the various departments, all of whom would need to rely on the new system and catered for.

An intense but well-planned development period, coupled with user testing and stringent testing helped ensure eventual deployment was trouble free. Data was transferred from existing systems wherever possible meaning that customer information remained intact and historic reporting tasks were still possible.

slider top
desktop slider image of client website
desktop slider image of client website
desktop slider image of client website
Outcome A software application designed around specifc needs that continues to offer performance improvements and significant cost savings.

Integrating all the various disparate systems and data has opened up numerous opportunities for Wickens. The exact status of a single job within the company is now visible to all and overall company activity can be monitored. Cutting down the need for communication between stakeholders.

The CRM provides a structured workflow to jobs, from initial enquiry, through to production and delivery. Each step is formalised, which not only gives great visibility but also allows incremental improvement throughout the company as efficiency is monitored and improved.

Significant amounts of data are now captured about all stages of a job - meaning that profit margins can be accurately costed. Allowing more accuracy with business planning and analysis for future strategic improvements.

  • A single system built around standard technology; we utilised the Microsoft .Net framework and SQL database server to deliver a solution that will offer longevity and be well supported.
  • Automated communication with suppliers; the software provides a gateway to put steel requirements out to tender online, easing complexity and improving delivery time.
  • Workshop time management; operators use touch-screen interfaces throughout the factory to clock on and off machines with time automatically assigned to the correct jobs.
  • Detailed cost analysis; every element of a job is tracked and recorded - from the price of the material to a minute by minute breakdown of labour.
  • Sage Line 50 Integration; transparency across all applications ensuring orders and accounts tally.
  • Integrated Software This application works with external systems to offer increased functionality.
  • Bespoke CRM Our client benefited from a unique solution designed around their business
  • Tailor Made We delivered robust software that is engaging and solves a complex customer requirement
  • Data Driven Application We deployed a secure, scalable database architecture for this project
Steve Wickens Managing Director Wickens Engineering Ltd
Partnership Our whole IT system is being driven by the work bluebox have done.
Steve Wickens Managing Director Wickens Engineering Ltd
More Work See all see all work
Transitioning desktop to web. Reinventing modelling software to help global brands solve business critical decisions.
Read the case study
Bespoke Cloud Based Database Driver certification software for major national transport brand National Express.
Read the case study
See all see all work
Want to work with us? Let's get started. arrow
  • Microsoft Partner
  • Microsoft Azure
  • Sage Partner
© 2016 - 2019 Blue Box Software Ltd, Unit 18 Canalside, Lowesmoor Wharf, Worcester WR1 2RR. Privacy & Terms
  • twitter
  • facebook
  • linkedin