Hammond IT Integration
"We've taken a quantum leap forward since the early days of ordering by phone. The link to Richmond's database followed by the integration of our IT systems has without doubt nurtured growth, harmony and efficiency between our businesses. It's allowed us to get on with the job of growing & packing and Richmond to get on with sales & marketing. It's driven costs out of our business and been hugely beneficial for both of us."
Jon Hammond
Director
Hammond Produce Ltd
Hammond IT Integration
The Brief
Hammond Produce farm 1700 acres of fertile light, sandy land in Notts. Hammond's are Richmond Farms largest supplier. The level of business with Hammond's has increased dramatically since Richmond's inception in 1999. Jon Hammond is a classic example of a grower we trust to keep the integrity of a brand. His careful attention to quality and continuity has led to the establishment of several successful brands. It follows that premium ex-farm prices are being achieved daily for Hammond's products and demand is strong. At peak times the order from Hammond's can exceed 200 pallets/day. As the business grew with Hammond's in the early 2000's we soon became victims of our own success. We were unable to collate and send the orders through to Hammond's on a daily basis in a time-frame that allowed them to fulfil the orders. In simple terms the problem was that during the critical hours of 7am to 11am we were busy selling the product and Jon was busy packing it. By the time we finally caught up with each other on the phone at the end of the morning orders had often exceeded expectations and therefore had to be curtailed. This meant letting customers down, turning away business and stifling the development of the brands. We needed to find a solution and fast.