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Sister Act

Jackie and Elaine are sisters. They also job-share as office accounts manager for Spitalfields-based Huthinson. David Leck finds out how the latest Windows-based technology has helped this new professional pairing.

Job-shares are a tricky thing – ask anyone who has ever tried to juggle an unconventional method of communication with copious handover notes, forgotten but essential scraps of information and a colleague you see in passing each Wednesday lunchtime.

Sisters Jackie and Elaine job-share the role of office accounts manager for Spitalfields-based wholesaler Hutchinson. It is a relatively new partnership and it has also come at a time when the company has ditched its old UNIX computer system in favour of the market leading Windows alternative.

Following a year of development and just three months after its launch, the new version of Freshware is challenging old working practices and helping to set improved standards in business efficiency.

Offering a fully integrated consignment trading and accounting package - and utilising the latest technology such as hand held units and touch screens – the system looks set to fundamentally alter the marketplace.

From the Affinitus stable of software packages, Freshware comprises a number of modules designed specifically for the fresh food and produce industry. It has quickly established a niche market serving importers, wholesalers, growers, multiple suppliers and the transport and distribution sectors.

For Jackie Avis the benefits are obvious: “The previous UNIX system was complicated and unwieldy. The biggest advantage of Freshware is that it is totally user friendly and from a personal point of view that ease of use helps to make things like a job-share more smooth running.

“ The new system has cut down the workload and is extremely time efficient. The booking in of produce is much easier and less cumbersome and the turnaround time in getting prices across to clients is vastly improved. At the end of the day, Freshware has given us access to significant benefits both internally and in terms of customer service. It is also an intuitive system and very easy to learn.”

Technology always comes with its own set of problems, so hasn’t a major change like this brought its own pressures? Jackie Avis responds:
“ Of course there have been some teething problems. But these have been minor and no more than you would expect following a major IT switchover. Affinitus has been quick and efficient in responding to our needs.”

Hutchinson is one of the first wholesalers to take advantage of the new system and the decision to change was not taken lightly as managing director Chris Hutchinson explains:

“ We had been on the previous UNIX system for seven years and as we all know any IT change can be disruptive to the business. We weren’t happy with the service we were getting from our previous supplier but the decision to change was much more fundamental to the future growth of the business.

“ The Freshware demonstration made obvious very quickly the system’s many additional benefits. Apart from a simplified working model and advantages in terms of time and efficiency, what most impressed us was the way it has been devised to adapt to a market place in which the need for readily available and accurate data is paramount.

“ The result is less duplication, no long waits at the end of the day or week to complete routine procedures and improved standards of information for our suppliers.”

Chris Hutchinson can also vouch for the standard of Affinitus customer care:

“ We went live just before Christmas and the support during that period was exceptional. During the all-important first week of operation we had someone available to us everyday.”
These are exciting times for wholesalers as new technology improves quality and enables businesses to plan more efficiently. Not resting on its laurels, Affinitus is continuing to develop software and ancillary IT services.

Paul Hardy, Affinitus managing director, says: “Freshware has built its reputation on an ability to adapt to specific business requirements and the continual development of software will be an integral part of this. We have a number of new developments planned in the coming months and will continue to implement the latest technology in line with both the needs of our customers and wider-ranging market trends.”

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