Invent Solutions - Carrier integration made easy
With over 20 years trading experience, Invent Solutions registered as a limited company in 2007. They operate two websites: Stockcloseout.co.uk and Race-world.com. Stockcloseout.co.uk is one of the largest specialist stock clearance companies in Europe, and offers a large and diverse range of consumer products. Race-world.com specialises in motocross equipment and accessories. Recently re-launching the site to incorporate mail order deliveries, it is the first port of call for any motocross aficionado.
The Challenge
Invent Solutions had adopted a multi channel approach, selling their goods through both their own websites and eBay stores. Despatch was facilitated through a web based carrier management system, using a file import. Invent Solutions’ in house technical team, had created a ‘master’ database in Microsoft Access which incorporated three disparate databases into one file. This file was then imported into the carrier’s despatch management system to create the deliveries.
In order to reduce time consuming, manual processes, Invent Solutions had written a program to integrate their web front end with this database. However, every time they wished to implement a new carrier they would have to replicate the program to integrate with that carrier’s despatch manager. With volumes growing steadily they didn’t have the time or resources available.
The Solution
Introduced to MetaPack through ChannelAdvisor - an ecommerce platform vendor - Invent Solutions were provided with the opportunity to explore the functionality and benefits of the MetaPack software during a dedicated demonstration session . This process enabled Invent Solutions to pinpoint the key advantages MetaPack would bring to their operation.
Invent Solutions are now fully integrated with ChannelAdvisor for their eBay and Amazon stores, and successfully run four stores and two web sites through the one interface. MetaPack’s existing integration with all major UK carriers offered Invent Solutions the flexibility to quickly and easily set up accounts with other carriers, removing the requirement to create integration files or purchase hardware.
Operating a multi carrier solution through MetaPack allows Invent Solutions to monitor all despatches, across all carriers through one easy to use interface. This provides full visibility and rapid search facilities enabling them to respond to their customers in a timely manner. By using the MetaPack’s reporting suite, they are able to validate carrier invoices ensuring all costs are monitored and correct. This combination of functionality has driven down costs and ‘time spent’ throughout their operation, and Invent Solutions are able to manage their carriers and services dependant on the needs of their business.
"I knew MetaPack was the product for us when I saw it was fully integrated with all the major players in the carrier industry. It has saved us a huge amount of time and we’re able to monitor all our deliveries and costings through one system”
Jon Marks
IT & Business Development Manager
