Inmans invests in multi-channel distribution solution to ensure continued high levels of customer service

News Release:

Manchester, April 20, 2006 - Inman & Co (Electrical) Ltd is to implement a market leading software solution that will support the company’s nationwide expansion and provide its growing customer base with a speedier and more efficient service.

The leading independent electrical distributor is to introduce Maginus eXtensible Architecture (XA), a multi-channel distribution solution from Maginus, the specialist provider of software for Retail and Distribution organisations.  

The new solution will increase efficiency throughout the organisation and will enhance Inmans' reputation for providing exemplary customer service.

Following the implementation of Maginus XA, Inmans' warehouse will be reconfigured to ensure maximum efficiency in pick, pack and despatch processes. Maginus XA will enable best practice in customer returns, and marketing activities will be measured and controlled within the system.  

Stephan Hollingshead, Deputy Chief Executive of Inmans commented: “Customer satisfaction is at the heart of everything we do. Maginus XA will ensure that we are able to continue to provide an unbeatable level of service. The system will provide our customers with instantaneous answers to their stock and order queries. We will be able to take orders and dispatch goods within an unrivalled timescale, further ensuring Inmans' deserved reputation as one of the UK’s leading independent electrical distributors.

"In terms of functionality, the Maginus solution is not equalled by any other system we have seen in detail. The staff at Maginus have shown a greater understanding of our business than any other provider we have encountered. They are very pro-active in highlighting areas where we can improve the management of our business and we have already learnt a lot from Maginus and its customers. We believe their insight and ability to guide us will deliver substantial quantifiable efficiencies after implementation.

"Maginus has a very active User Group, which we found very reassuring when we were making our decision. We were able to not only see how the software worked at customer sites, but were able to talk to members of the User Group who could assure us that Maginus is receptive to customer input. No other supplier we looked at was so open in its customer relationships," concluded Mr Hollingshead.

Inmans has been trading as an electrical distributor for over 40 years. Originally a local distributor in Sheffield it has gradually expanded to cover first the North of England and now serves over 5,000 customers nationwide from its two distribution centres.

Inmans now serves a wide variety of clients, varying from independent retailers to multi-site wholesalers. It also supplies public bodies, NHS hospitals, contractors, education authorities and the leisure industry.

Inmans believes customer service is the key to its success. The family run company employs over 90 staff and handles over 1,000 calls a day in its telephone sales department. It employs a full external sales force serving customers through local Area Sales Managers, national Key Account Managers and a knowledgeable telephone sales department. Large customers and contracts are dealt with by the in-house commercial team. Distribution is carried out on Inmans' own fleet by qualified and experienced drivers who are noted for their friendly and helpful attitude. Inmans has developed its service over the years to satisfy the specific business needs of independent and multiple retailers.

Inman & Co (Electrical) Ltd operates out of two modern distribution centres strategically located in Sheffield and Bristol, and currently lists over 12,000 lines of which 80% are available from stock.

With regular delivery schedules in the North, Midlands, South, South West and Wales, Inmans is also able to offer next day delivery nationwide on all orders placed before 3pm.

About Inmans & Co (Electrical)
For further information on Inman & Co (Electrical) Ltd please call Inman’s on 0114 254 2400.

About Maginus:
Maginus software solutions enable retail and distribution companies sell more online, provide fantastic customer service, and to drive down overheads to make more money. The company’s integrated suite of powerful CRM & Supply Chain software helps organisations to market, sell and deliver products & services to customers via multiple channels to market, including stores, catalogue & mail order, the Web, telesales, field sales and trade counter operations. Originally founded in 1972, Maginus brings over 30 years’ of in-depth customer experience to the retail and distribution sector whilst its innovative eXtensible Architecture gives a flexible, customisable technology platform that can adapt to meet changing business requirements. Find out more about the company at www.maginus.com

For more information,
Please contact:   
Giles Latham
Head of PR
One Public Relations – PR for Inmans
Tel: 01423 701 711
Email: glatham@oneadvertising.co.uk

Stephan Hollingshead
Deputy Chief Executive
Inman & Co (Electrical) Ltd  
Tel: 0114 254 2400
Email: stephanh@inmanselectrical.co.uk

Janice Mawhinney
Maginus Software Solutions
Tel: 0161 946 3816
janice.mawhinney@maginus.com

Cheryl Billson
IBA - PR for Maginus
Tel: 01780 721433
cbillson@iba-europe.com

MAG119

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