Leading Flower Wholesaler Blossoms with Groundbreaking Voice-Directed Warehouse Solution

Tom Brown Wholesale, based in London has totally revolutionised the way in which florists in the city receive their supply of fresh cut flowers and plants. With a remarkable operation that dispatches more than 250 orders on a weekly basis, six days a week, and achieves an annual revenue surpassing £15 million, Tom Brown Wholesale is more than just a mere business. It serves as a shining example of efficiency and ingenuity in the field of flower distribution.

 

The Inner Workings of Tom Brown Wholesale

At the core of Tom Brown’s unprecedented success lies a meticulously organised 24-hour sales and distribution operation. The process commences each evening as florists close up shop, marking the beginning of the flower buying window. As the clock strikes midnight, the Tom Brown warehouse springs to life with a dedicated team of 25 pickers who work tirelessly through the night to prepare sales orders for dispatch. By 3 am, these orders are ready for shipment, and by 5 am, all 18 delivery vans hit the road, ensuring that the day’s orders reach their destinations promptly.

 

Unveiling the Secret to Fresh Blooms

Maintaining the freshness of flower stocks is no small task, but Tom Brown Wholesale has mastered it. This requires a knowledgeable and experienced team capable of handling the delicate task of flower selection and arrangement. In the past, this process was manual, reliant on paper pick sheets, and prone to human error. However, the introduction of BEC’s eSmart Voice solution has revolutionised this critical aspect of the business.

 

eSmart Voice

eSmart Voice, a modular warehouse technology developed by BEC, has been a game-changer for Tom Brown Wholesale. This system, tailored specifically for the fresh flower industry, integrates seamlessly with Florisoft, a flower supply management system, transforming the warehouse environment into a model of efficiency and calm, even during peak seasons.

 

Quantifying the Impact

Since implementing eSmart Voice, Tom Brown has witnessed a remarkable 30% improvement in picking times. This technology guides operators through the entire picking process, virtually eliminating the possibility of selecting the wrong flowers. Operators now use Bluetooth headsets to receive spoken instructions and confirm selections, streamlining the process significantly.

 

Revolutionising Workflow

The impact of this technological advancement is palpable in the day-to-day operations of the warehouse. Prior to eSmart Voice, the environment was often chaotic, especially during busy periods. The new system has not only reduced stress levels but also enhanced overall productivity. Tom Brown himself notes the profound changes brought about by this technology, highlighting the substantial time savings and streamlined processes.

 

Reduced Training Times

One significant advantage of eSmart Voice is the reduction in training times for new staff. Previously, a certain level of product knowledge was essential for pickers due to the paper-based operation. The new system has simplified the onboarding process, allowing new employees to reach full productivity from day one, a stark contrast to the weeks of training previously required.

 

Continual Progress

Tom Brown’s vision for the future is ambitious and forward-thinking. In collaboration with BEC, the company is now working to implement an electronic proof of delivery and asset tracking system, eSmart ePOD. This system, a part of the eSmart family, will integrate with eSmart Voice, providing real-time, end-to-end supply chain visibility.

 

Setting New Standards

Tom Brown’s ultimate goal is to develop a seamless, one-click transaction process akin to those offered by global retail distributors. With these technological advancements and a strong partnership with BEC, Tom Brown Wholesale is not just meeting the demands of today’s florist industry in London but is also setting new standards for efficiency and innovation.

 

Tom Brown Wholesale’s journey from a traditional flower distributor to a cutting-edge industry leader exemplifies how embracing technology and innovation can redefine an entire sector. Their commitment to efficiency, freshness, and customer satisfaction is a testament to their success, and it’s clear that they are on a path to even greater achievements in the future.