Partner Feature by TradeGecko

Original Article: https://www.tradegecko.com/blog/innova-case-study

This case study features Innova Distribution and how they use TradeGecko. After failing to maximize functionality from an overly-complicated administrative software, home fragrances distributor Innova Distribution found a perfect mix of tech solutions which hit all the right notes.

We all know the feeling of getting a fancy gadget and then end up not using it because it didn’t really suit our needs.

When Innova Distribution was set up in 2013, the home fragrances distributor invested in a comprehensive business management software which could automate inventory management, accounting, finance and other administrative processes.

But the staff found it difficult to use and had no idea how to customize it to their needs. Instead of going through the hassle of trying to figure things out, they started using Excel spreadsheets. Eventually, the software became a white elephant.

When the time came for the company to renew the license in April 2016, Innova decided to switch to several cloud-based apps which would take over the functions of the old software: TradeGecko for inventory management, and Xero for accounting.

The shift has resulted in cost savings, as the apps collectively cost about 30-40 percent less than the previous software. The transition was effortless because of how intuitive and user-friendly the apps were, said Innova General Manager Shirley Lee.

“When our new staff joined us, I only needed 30 minutes to brief her,” she added.

Today, TradeGecko is used to track the movement of tens of thousands of bottles of fragrance brands brought, from high-end Culti Milano reed diffusers to popular candles from Glasshouse Fragrances. These are sold at various retail outlets in Singapore including Robinsons and Takashimaya.

The apps have also made it easier for the staff to check on inventory. For instance, company’s 10 staff access TradeGecko on their mobile phones, iPads or Macs, to check on the latest tally for stocks available at multiple locations, while finance staff generate finance reports through Xero.

Clockwise from Top left: 1. Shirley Lee using Innova Distribution’s accounting app, Xero, which can integrate with and immediately update TradeGecko. 2. TradeGecko can be accessed on mobile phones, iPads and tablets. 3. Logistics Executive Kenny Lee is able to check photo illustrations immediately on TradeGecko, which has boosted productivity by 300%. 4. TradeGecko allows Branding & Marketing Executive Sara Anne Seng to access information anytime, anywhere.

These have, in turn, raised productivity and efficiency levels in the company.

Another key advantage of the apps is that they are cloud-based. This meant that she could finally access information anytime, anywhere. Previously, because the software was housed on a local server, no one could assess work-related information outside of the office.

This was especially important as Innova had opened a distribution arm in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in 2015, and Shirley had to travel there often. The company is planning to open a physical shop space in Malaysia.

“For instance, if there are stock discrepancies, I am able to check on it by accessing TradeGecko when I go back to the hotel at night. I won’t accumulate a backlog just because I’m travelling,” said Ms Lee.

“I am a firm believer of work-life balance. When staff are sick, I don’t have to disturb them because inventory or sales information is not residing in their laptops. It’s all in the cloud.”

For instance, producing a quotation used to take up to 1 1⁄2 hours, as the document may consist of multiple items each requiring a photo illustration of a fragrance which had to be painstakingly imported one-by-one. TradeGecko, with its smart library of photos, simply pulls up the relevant photos automatically when the item is keyed in. The process takes 15 minutes, translating to a 300 percent boost in productivity in just one task alone.

A quotation in TradeGecko is converted into a sales order, then a tax invoice, then a delivery statement, at each stage of the process. In the past, these documents had to be re-created and the same data had to be keyed in several times.

As a result, Innova is able to provide better service to their clients. Instead of having to call up the warehouse to check on available stock, the retail operations person simply needs to log in to TradeGecko.

“The real-time information helps capitalize on every sales opportunity, so we know right away where to get stock instead of wasting time on manual checks.” said Ms Lee.

What has made life even easier for the company is that TradeGecko integrates with Xero. Once payments have been made and recorded into Xero, TradeGecko automatically updates the payment status on existing stock, reducing needs for further checking.

“We have a lean team and we need to move fast. If the system obstructs us instead of helping us, we don’t need it. TradeGecko and Xero suits us because it is very user-friendly, easy-to-learn and effective. For something to work, people must be able to use it well,” she said.