Finalist: 2024 Best Run SAP ERP Fast Growth
Wilson & Bradley: Transforming legacy systems and paving the way for ERP best practices Wilson & Bradley's adoption of SAP S/4HANA has streamlined operations, improved data integrity, and enhanced e-commerce functionality, driving growth and operational excellence. Download the DocumentSAP Australia and New Zealand
Best Run Awards 2024
Best Run Awards 2024
Best Run SAP
Industry WebsiteProduct and Services Featured SAP Solutions
Wholesale
Distribution
https://www.wilbrad.com.au/Kitchen, cabinetry and joinery
products
SAP S/4HANA
Wilson & Bradley has been a supplier of premium hardware products to the cabinetry, kitchen and joinery industry since 1976. Originally a family-owned business,
it has delivered exceptional, tailored service to its customers for over 40 years.
The company caters to a broad spectrum of customers, with over 95% from the wholesale sector and a small percentage of retail buyers. These include kitchen
and commercial furniture and cabinet manufacturers, as well as individual consumers and home renovators.
The company recently entered a new chapter after being acquired by Blum, one of its leading suppliers, which has sparked a period of accelerated growth. In just
over five years, the workforce has increased by 72%, and sales have increased by over 45%. With ambitious objectives set, Wilson & Bradley is poised to continue
this growth rate over the coming years, driven by robust expansion strategies.
Its former legacy ERP system was unable to support the business’s rapid expansion, with constraints that were slowing down critical processes, introducing added
risks and hindering growth potential.
Transforming legacy systems and paving the way
for ERP best practices in distribution networks
Wilson & Bradley
Intelligent ERP Enterprise
Industry WebsiteProduct and Services Featured SAP Solutions
Wholesale
Distribution
https://www.wilbrad.com.au/Kitchen, cabinetry and joinery
products
SAP S/4HANA
Wilson & Bradley has been a supplier of premium hardware products to the cabinetry, kitchen and joinery industry since 1976. Originally a family-owned business,
it has delivered exceptional, tailored service to its customers for over 40 years.
The company caters to a broad spectrum of customers, with over 95% from the wholesale sector and a small percentage of retail buyers. These include kitchen
and commercial furniture and cabinet manufacturers, as well as individual consumers and home renovators.
The company recently entered a new chapter after being acquired by Blum, one of its leading suppliers, which has sparked a period of accelerated growth. In just
over five years, the workforce has increased by 72%, and sales have increased by over 45%. With ambitious objectives set, Wilson & Bradley is poised to continue
this growth rate over the coming years, driven by robust expansion strategies.
Its former legacy ERP system was unable to support the business’s rapid expansion, with constraints that were slowing down critical processes, introducing added
risks and hindering growth potential.
Transforming legacy systems and paving the way
for ERP best practices in distribution networks
Wilson & Bradley
Intelligent ERP Enterprise
Challenges
Before implementing SAP S/4HANA Wilson & Bradley operated on a legacy system with distinct limitations.
Processes were paper-driven or reliant on static data and this negatively impacted efficiency across the company,
from procurement and warehousing to business development and sales.
Over ninety per cent of business is transacted through the company’s e-commerce platform, making online order
accuracy critical to revenue and profitability.
The lack of a true Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) process with its suppliers, meant there wasn't a standardised,
automated method for exchanging documents, orders, and other business communications.
Compounding the issue, the absence of a Material Requirements Planning (MRP) system made it challenging to
efficiently manage inventory levels and plan for the fulfilment and delivery of orders.
A lack of real-time visibility was leading to gaps in risk management and the unintentional fulfilment of orders for
customers who should have been on credit hold.
The company’s CRM system data was also often inaccurate, making it difficult for the business development team
to confidently track sales.
Recognising the need for a more efficient solution, the company sought a modern, cloud-based system that could
unify its core business processes. The aim was to elevate operational efficiency and furnish the team with real-
time insights, creating conditions for more strategic and informed decision-making across the organisation.
Before implementing SAP S/4HANA Wilson & Bradley operated on a legacy system with distinct limitations.
Processes were paper-driven or reliant on static data and this negatively impacted efficiency across the company,
from procurement and warehousing to business development and sales.
Over ninety per cent of business is transacted through the company’s e-commerce platform, making online order
accuracy critical to revenue and profitability.
The lack of a true Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) process with its suppliers, meant there wasn't a standardised,
automated method for exchanging documents, orders, and other business communications.
Compounding the issue, the absence of a Material Requirements Planning (MRP) system made it challenging to
efficiently manage inventory levels and plan for the fulfilment and delivery of orders.
A lack of real-time visibility was leading to gaps in risk management and the unintentional fulfilment of orders for
customers who should have been on credit hold.
The company’s CRM system data was also often inaccurate, making it difficult for the business development team
to confidently track sales.
Recognising the need for a more efficient solution, the company sought a modern, cloud-based system that could
unify its core business processes. The aim was to elevate operational efficiency and furnish the team with real-
time insights, creating conditions for more strategic and informed decision-making across the organisation.
Solution
Wilson & Bradley’s parent company is a manufacturer rather than a distribution company and,
although already an SAP user, it lacked S/4HANA experience and the sector-specific insights to
directly lead the implementation.
Deloitte was subsequently contracted to help manage the implementation, which was initially
hampered by COVID and the harsh Melbourne lockdowns but accelerated when onsite
interactions were possible again. A change management team was assembled, drawn from both
Wilson & Bradley and Deloitte. The system’s key users were trained and a series of QRGs (Quick
Reference Guides) were put together. Face-to-face instruction reinforced the uptake of the new
system, which was then introduced across other business units.
S/4HANA implementation was coupled with middleware changes across BI, CRM and freight
carrier integration, in conjunction with SAP BTP. The business also went from having data stored
on the website to a system of live calls.
Wilson & Bradley’s parent company is a manufacturer rather than a distribution company and,
although already an SAP user, it lacked S/4HANA experience and the sector-specific insights to
directly lead the implementation.
Deloitte was subsequently contracted to help manage the implementation, which was initially
hampered by COVID and the harsh Melbourne lockdowns but accelerated when onsite
interactions were possible again. A change management team was assembled, drawn from both
Wilson & Bradley and Deloitte. The system’s key users were trained and a series of QRGs (Quick
Reference Guides) were put together. Face-to-face instruction reinforced the uptake of the new
system, which was then introduced across other business units.
S/4HANA implementation was coupled with middleware changes across BI, CRM and freight
carrier integration, in conjunction with SAP BTP. The business also went from having data stored
on the website to a system of live calls.
Impact
Warehouse
30% more sales orders picked
without increasing headcount
due to streamline processes
Accounts Receivable
75% reduction in time releasing
orders on credit block, due to
centralised process and auto
clearing capabilities
The adoption of the SAP ERP system has been a game-changer for Wilson & Bradley, driving operational excellence, fostering growth and
setting a solid foundation for future innovations. Specific benefits include:
1. Procurement process enhancements: Streamlined workflows have reduced manual effort and error rates. This has ensured that
resources are optimally utilised, and procurement cycles are effectively managed.
2. Streamlined warehouse management: Warehouse operations are vastly more organised and efficient, minimising delays and inaccuracies
in inventory tracking and order fulfilment.
3. Significant time savings: The automation and acceleration of a range of time-consuming tasks have considerably sped up the workflows,
especially those associated with the company’s principal supplier, freeing up valuable resources to focus on other areas of the business.
4. Reduction in operational costs: By optimising and automating business processes, the system has significantly reduced the waste of
resources and lowered operational costs, making the company more agile and contributing to its bottom line.
5. Scalability and growth management: SAP S/4HANA’s robust infrastructure supports and facilitates growth, allowing the business to
handle the increase in sales volume and scale operations without the risk of system overload or performance bottlenecks.
6. Future-proofing and innovation readiness: Transitioning to a cloud-based ERP solution has given Wilson & Bradley best practice resource
planning tools, securing the company’s data through enhanced safety measures and providing the agility to adapt and embrace new
business opportunities.
The business has become a “trailblazer” in leveraging a warehouse management system hosted on the public cloud, offering a practical
example for similar companies looking to improve their operational processes and adopt advanced technology solutions.
Procurement
50% reduction in time for
purchase order processing due to
fully automated EDI and MRP
Warehouse
30% more sales orders picked
without increasing headcount
due to streamline processes
Accounts Receivable
75% reduction in time releasing
orders on credit block, due to
centralised process and auto
clearing capabilities
The adoption of the SAP ERP system has been a game-changer for Wilson & Bradley, driving operational excellence, fostering growth and
setting a solid foundation for future innovations. Specific benefits include:
1. Procurement process enhancements: Streamlined workflows have reduced manual effort and error rates. This has ensured that
resources are optimally utilised, and procurement cycles are effectively managed.
2. Streamlined warehouse management: Warehouse operations are vastly more organised and efficient, minimising delays and inaccuracies
in inventory tracking and order fulfilment.
3. Significant time savings: The automation and acceleration of a range of time-consuming tasks have considerably sped up the workflows,
especially those associated with the company’s principal supplier, freeing up valuable resources to focus on other areas of the business.
4. Reduction in operational costs: By optimising and automating business processes, the system has significantly reduced the waste of
resources and lowered operational costs, making the company more agile and contributing to its bottom line.
5. Scalability and growth management: SAP S/4HANA’s robust infrastructure supports and facilitates growth, allowing the business to
handle the increase in sales volume and scale operations without the risk of system overload or performance bottlenecks.
6. Future-proofing and innovation readiness: Transitioning to a cloud-based ERP solution has given Wilson & Bradley best practice resource
planning tools, securing the company’s data through enhanced safety measures and providing the agility to adapt and embrace new
business opportunities.
The business has become a “trailblazer” in leveraging a warehouse management system hosted on the public cloud, offering a practical
example for similar companies looking to improve their operational processes and adopt advanced technology solutions.
Procurement
50% reduction in time for
purchase order processing due to
fully automated EDI and MRP
“”“The move to SAP has streamlined our operations, improving data
and systems integrity as well. We’ve realised huge benefits in the
functionality of our main e-commerce platform, which handles 90%
of our orders. We’ve not only reaped the benefits of moving to a
cloud model but have reshaped processes and workflows to reflect
best business practices.”
Carl Murphy, IT Manager, Wilson & Bradley.
and systems integrity as well. We’ve realised huge benefits in the
functionality of our main e-commerce platform, which handles 90%
of our orders. We’ve not only reaped the benefits of moving to a
cloud model but have reshaped processes and workflows to reflect
best business practices.”
Carl Murphy, IT Manager, Wilson & Bradley.