Blum making smart move new software lifts the game

Furniture hardware and fittings supplier Blum New Zealand have announced they will be upsizing their warehouse and product handling system. First installed back in 2015 the system from Swisslog, Swiss specialists in warehouse and distribution solutions, has worked well for Blum.

Talking with Blum New Zealand Managing Director Mike Hawkins he comments “Back then we looked at several aspects of storage, the items stored, volume frequency each item is picked, their weight and wear and tear on the human element involved. Even with our narrow product range of lift, drawer and hinge systems we needed significant capacity to cover our then demands. We now need to expand what we have to meet current and future demands.”

The warehouse facility is to increase its storage capacity by 50% while the number of crane systems will double from two cranes operating four racks to four cranes operating eight racks. This is the long-term investment now showing its benefits. The savings lie not in the reduction of labour costs but in the increased efficiencies of the system. “Better speed of delivery both in the warehouse and to our clients, better stock control and better use of space all lends itself to better profitability and the software upgrade will enable us to deliver even more value to our business and our customers in the years ahead. ” Mike says.

The timing of the warehouse expansion coincides with the long-awaited management software upgrade. Installed in early November 2022, Blum New Zealand has just transitioned to SAP, the German leading ERP system for streamlining business processes, developing solutions that facilitate effective data processing and information flow across organisations. “This will enable us to run the entire operation with one integrated software package rather than several independent systems.” Mike explains. “The rest of Blum worldwide already uses this system but Covid delayed it for us here. It will introduce many efficiencies such as automating inventory, invoicing and sales statistics under one system. It is all part of the so called Industry 2.0 which seeks to remove as much unnecessary human input as possible.”

“Our business, indeed our industry, needs to continue to evolve in positive ways for our markets and this SAP software is a very smart solution used by many businesses in a wide range of industries.”

For further information contact Blum New Zealand at info.nz@ blum.com