Why Smart Workwear Suppliers Choose a Bespoke Ordering Portal

When we speak with new prospects, they often ask what we do. The answer is we help uniform and workwear suppliers stay ahead of their competition. We do this by fully customising Smart Red for them. This equips them with the most up to date, powerful and in-demand uniform ordering portal available.

The key direction of these conversations is to devise a powerful solution for suppliers, whilst retaining a seamless and intuitive journey for all users. It can be a fine balancing act, one that Smart Red excels at by delivering what is required. Therefore, internationally, suppliers are choosing Smart Red because it is a portal that is tailor made for them. 

Some people approach us looking for their first portal. Others may be moving away from an existing off-the-shelf solution that is becoming restrictive. What do they see in a bespoke portal that’s making them switch to Smart Red? Here are some of the key reasons why.

Choosing the Perfect Solution

Full Customisation

Custom-made software is exactly that. Bespoke. Unique to you. 100% of the features you require are carefully scoped out and built into your platform. Just as important is that there are no generic features you don’t need clouding and confusing things. This is ideal for businesses who won’t settle until they have a system built to fit around them - not the other way around.

With Smart Red, you have full control. You can get familiar with the system as it is being built, and by the time it’s launched, you’re confident that it satisfies all yours and your clients’ needs. 

Differentiate Yourself from Your Competition

Perhaps you offer a similar garment range to your competitors. You may use the same delivery services. Your margins and price points may even be comparable. It can be difficult for potential customers to decide between you and your competition. Having a custom-built piece of software that your customers (and their staff) will use every day is a perfect way to gain an edge. In that respect, Smart Red becomes essential in helping to set you apart.

Installation Timescale

One of the criticisms that is thrown at custom-based systems is the time it takes to get up and running. It is true that bespoke systems can take more time to develop. But our experience is that by the time you connect it up with your other systems (CRMs, ERPs, delivery systems) there is very little difference in projected timescales.

In addition, because Smart Red is so intuitive, there is no need for in-depth training for end users. The user experience is the same as any good e-commerce system. So your clients can start using it as soon as it is live.

Scalability

We believe that our customers should only invest in the functionality that they need in a platform. This means that there are no hidden costs for ‘stuff’ that you’ll never use. 

As your business expands, and additional demands are put upon your staff and processes, an off-the-shelf system can quickly become unruly and unreliable. Smart Red is modular by design, so you can add on any functionality or modules that you need - quickly and easily. 

In addition, you only ever pay for new functionality when you need it. We’ve heard many clients forced to pay for unnecessary licence upgrades, because their uniform management system is part of a larger licence (ERP, Ecommerce systems etc). Even though the licence upgrade won’t impact them in any way, they’re forced to fork out a substantial amount to continue to be able to trade. We guarantee that this will never happen with Smart Red. 

Connectivity

A bespoke system means that you can choose which elements of your fulfilment processes to replace with a digital one. It also provides the flexibility to retain any systems you are happy with. This may include ERP systems, finance systems, business reporting tools etc that you’re already familiar with. 

You’re not forced to use a programme just because our system needs it. You retain control and Smart Red ties in with you. Not the other way around. 

Future Proof Your Investment

Continually Updating Features

What truly sets apart a tailor-made solution is the speed at which updates or new features can be added. With an off-the-shelf portal, it is not unusual to have to wait until other users request similar functionality. You lose control and momentum here. It is unavoidable because updates must be deemed viable before the developer will implement and distribute them. 

With a bespoke solution, like Smart Red, the platform is ready-made for continual updates. Often the time between concept, testing and go-live of new features is days/weeks, compared to months/years. Further development and new innovations will also continue to differentiate you from your competition. 

Security

An often-overlooked area in the debate between off-the-shelf vs custom built platforms is the security benefits that a bespoke platform has. Smart Red does not use conventional ‘open-source’ code or ‘plug-ins’. Widely used software ‘patches’ are more prone to bugs, clashes and viruses because hackers can pick apart widely published code more easily and quickly identify vulnerabilities. 

The team at Big Red have developed our own Security Manager which sits at the front of the Platform which is regularly tested and reviewed to provide maximum security to each of our unique platforms. This works in conjunction with our gold-standard hosting service to ensure that, even if the very worst happens, we can have you back up and running with minimal disruption. 

ROI

It is true that a bespoke system may initially cost you more than an off-the-shelf one. But it is also true that over the lifetime of the platform, you will generate significantly more revenue in return. Smart Red allows uniform and workwear suppliers to satisfy more complex tender requirements. If the functionality requested doesn’t exist already, we’ll build it to spec - within the timeframe of the tender roll out. This gives you the confidence to be much more ambitious with the contracts you target.

You’ll start seeing a return much quicker too, which is perfect for growing businesses. Your staff will realise administrative savings immediately, sales volumes will increase, and it makes it easier to retain even the most complex of clients. In that respect, it is a smarter, longer lasting investment which adds significant value to the future of your business.  

Comprehensive Support

User support is also a vital aspect of what we provide. Things can and do go wrong. Users make mistakes, and as this platform becomes a crucial part of your sales process, you need quick support to resolve any issues. This is the key difference in the aftersales care we provide our clients and what is available for off-the-shelf software. Big Red have written every line of industry-standard code for this platform, and we can confidently offer our clients comprehensive support for every aspect of their platform. You are safe in the knowledge that Big Red will respond in a timely manner and will resolve your issue. Every time.

The Best Solution is Smart Red

A bespoke system is more robust, secure and more flexible than an alternative solution. It’ll fit in seamlessly with your business processes, and allows you to offer your clients a superior service compared to your competitors. It’ll deliver you a quicker, and higher ROI. The question is, can you afford not to have a tailored solution in your business?

Contact us today to start realising the benefits of Smart Red. We’ll do the rest!