Cranstons embraces change
Cranstons have been recognised with a Bronze Award by the North West Made Smarter programme which supports manufacturing businesses to adopt digital technology. Over a busy 18-month period a dedicated Cranstons project team consisting of colleagues from across the business successfully transformed the company’s sales order and goods in order processes, adopting an innovative new digital system.
Mel Wilson, Business Resources Director at Cranstons ‘’ I am really pleased that the Cranstons team have been recognised with this brilliant award which it a testament to the hard work lots of individuals here at Cranstons put in to deliver process improvements across our central administration function, production unit, food halls and traditional shops. We all know that implementing big process changes in a business is complex and requires detailed planning, testing, and training not to mention a lot of patience whilst teething issues are ironed out. I’d particularly like to thank Rachael, Alistair and Peter for leading the main elements of the project with such dedication’’
The new system allows Cranstons shop teams to place orders on tablets on the shop floor and production teams to book stock in digitally. Data is live and the system produces live volume requirements and stocks reducing the need for manual inputting and paper copies. The new system is modular so further capabilities can be added. Following the success of the initial project Cranstons are now embarking on digital recipe costing improvements.
Rachael Carruthers who managed the implementation of the project said ‘I am immensely proud to receive this award along with Peter and Alistair on behalf of the whole project team here at Cranstons. The project was challenging at times but I am so proud to have played a part in delivering a system which has improved the way we all work day to day. It has been particularly enjoyable to see some of the team who were worried about working digitally embracing the new system positively and happily using it’.
As a government programme Made Smarter helps UK manufacturing businesses digitally transform through grant funding, leadership, and skills support.
Donna Edward’s, Made Smarter North West Adoption Programme Director said ‘’We are delighted Cranstons accessed support from Made Smarter and wanted to take time to congratulate them on adopting digital technology. Digitally transforming a manufacturing business can be hard, particularly in the current climate. Cranstons forward-thinking nature will lead them through today’s business challenges.
Over the years, Made Smarter has helped 2,500 North West manufacturers adopt digital tools. The scheme runs until 2025 and any manufacturing business looking to invest in digital could benefit from their support.