Leon Paul, a well-known British manufacturer of fencing equipment, has reported substantial growth in business operations after the introduction of Forterro’s Orderwise ERP and Warehouse Management Solution. This transformative shift has eliminated inefficiencies originally caused by a paper-based system, which reportedly led to an annual wastage of GBP £150,000 due to lost time and product management issues.
James Fay, Commercial Director at Leon Paul, described the challenges presented by the old system. With ineffective order management and no barcoding technology, many orders were misplaced or incorrectly fulfilled, causing frustration and low employee morale. The company recognized the immediate need for modernization to improve operational effectiveness.
Adopting Orderwise has revolutionized Leon Paul’s logistics, significantly boosting efficiency. The speed of order shipping improved dramatically, dropping from an average of nine days to less than one day. The software provided a scalable platform that streamlined processes, enhanced employee productivity, and improved customer service quality.
Moreover, Leon Paul has seen a reduction in warehouse staff from seven to five, despite an increase in turnover from GBP £3.5 million to GBP £10 million—showing remarkable productivity gains. The company has also solidified its market position, commanding over 75% of the UK fencing market and supplying the Team GB Olympic fencing team.
In recognition of its innovative approach, Leon Paul was awarded the 2024 King’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation and Export, highlighting its commitment to global expansion. The implementation of Orderwise has not only facilitated internal operations but has also connected global agents, enabling data-driven decisions across all retail facets.
Fay emphasized the significance of this ERP solution in reaching their ambitious export goals: “Our customers across the world expect timely delivery of the right products. Orderwise has made that possible.” This strategic shift underscores the importance of technology in achieving operational excellence and supporting sustainable growth.