STA Supplies
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STA Supplies
STA Supplies, a UK leader in protective packaging solutions since 1983, specialises in delivering bespoke products for industries like healthcare, engineering, gaming, and computing. Known for their precision and quality, STA’s legacy systems required modernisation to match their evolving business needs. To address these challenges, STA partnered with us to develop a custom solution that would transform their operations while retaining their core functionality.
The Challenge: Modernising a Legacy System
STA’s business relied on a Microsoft Access-based database that had supported their operations for nearly 30 years. However, as the system aged, it became slower and less adaptable to their growing requirements. STA needed a custom manufacturing development solution to migrate their legacy data, streamline processes, and incorporate advanced features for future scalability.
The primary objectives of the project included preserving essential calculations, integrating modern functionality, and enhancing the overall user experience.
Collaborative Development for a Tailored Solution
The journey began with detailed discovery sessions where STA shared critical insights about their processes and goals. One unique aspect was a 30-year-old binder documenting their legacy system’s operations. This invaluable resource guided the creation of a modern web application that retained the integrity of their existing workflows while addressing inefficiencies.
Throughout the project, we worked closely with STA’s team to refine the solution. Regular feedback sessions ensured the system aligned with their vision, while stakeholders were involved at every stage of development to provide input and validate progress.
Transforming Operations with Manufacturing Custom Development
The result was a bespoke ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system built using the TALL stack - Tailwind CSS, Alpine.js, Laravel, and Livewire - supported by Filament and a MySQL database. This cutting-edge platform addressed STA’s challenges and introduced advanced features to enhance operational efficiency.
The new system centralised customer management, streamlined order processing, and automated complex calculations for quoting and material tracking. Its intuitive design improved usability, while scalable architecture ensured the platform could grow with STA’s business.
Enhanced User Experience and Scalability
The custom ERP provided STA Supplies with a modern, responsive interface that simplified navigation and optimised workflows. Automated processes reduced manual tasks, saving time and minimising errors. By integrating advanced tools for customer management, quoting, and order tracking, STA’s team could focus on delivering exceptional service to their clients.
The Impact of Manufacturing Custom Development
The implementation of this tailored solution significantly improved STA’s operational efficiency and positioned them for continued growth. By combining their legacy knowledge with innovative technology, STA now operates with a system that supports their commitment to quality and precision in the manufacturing sector.
Services & Technology
Our Manufacturing Custom Development solution for STA Supplies Ltd delivers a bespoke ERP platform tailored to streamline operations and enhance productivity. With advanced customer and order management features, automated quoting and calculations, and seamless material tracking, STA’s system is built to handle complex manufacturing processes effortlessly. This modern, scalable solution empowers STA to maintain their legacy of excellence while driving efficiency and growth in a competitive industry.
Components and Functionalities
Customer Management
The ERP system enables STA to seamlessly manage their customer database. STA can add, edit, and delete customer records with ease, supported by global and local search functionalities that quickly retrieve accurate results. This functionality enhances efficiency by sorting, grouping, and ordering records dynamically.
Cross-linking capabilities allow STA to associate customers with delivery addresses, contact details, quotes, and past orders. This feature is invaluable when clients want to reorder the same packaging dimensions years later. Additionally, a “soft-delete” function archives outdated records, ensuring data integrity while minimising the risk of accidental loss.
Order Management
The order management system streamlines STA’s workflows, offering functionalities to add, edit, and delete orders. STA can view and update order statuses, which are also automated at various stages for real-time accuracy. Each order includes categorised items - corrugated card items, polystyrene items, and stock items - with detailed specifications.
Features such as automated purchase order generation, job sheets for machine operators, and final quantity adjustments optimise the order process. With one-click order replication, STA simplifies reordering, while the ability to upload drawings or photos ensures clarity for manufacturing specifications. The system also tracks partial deliveries, updates delivery statuses, and calculates product weights to comply with regulatory requirements.
Quoting and Calculations
The quoting module enables STA to create detailed quotes for clients, with automated calculations for material costs, box dimensions, and manufacturing processes. By inputting box styles, dimensions, and material grades, the system determines precise costs and production timelines. A breakdown of costs can be exported for internal review or sent as a formal quote directly to customers via email.
The quoting system also includes status tracking for quotes, helping STA monitor progress from initial inquiries to completed quotes. Integration with customer contacts ensures seamless communication throughout the quoting process.
Material Management
STA’s material management system ensures accurate tracking of stock and pricing. Each material record includes tiered pricing based on order quantities, allowing STA to adjust costs dynamically in response to market fluctuations. Compliance with FEFCO Code standards ensures interoperability and consistency across operations.
The system’s ability to update material prices quickly ensures that quotes and orders reflect the latest costs, helping STA maintain profitability and deliver value to clients.
Empowering STA Supplies with Tailored Manufacturing Solutions
By implementing a bespoke ERP system, STA Supplies Ltd has transformed its operations, improving efficiency, scalability, and user experience. This manufacturing custom development project highlights the value of combining legacy knowledge with cutting-edge technology, ensuring STA’s continued leadership in the protective packaging industry.