East Midland Panels is a busy and thriving company; manufacturing and supplying moulded UPVC panelled doors to trade customers. When an order is received, all the specific details must be recorded and printed onto a label, which is then attached to the panel and remains on the product as it goes through the production process. Previously, these labels were generated manually by hand, which was proving to be an inefficient and costly use of time. Skylight Media was asked to consider and propose a solution to automate the order and label creation process to save time and repetition.

Whilst the primary focus was to make the trade customer order process more efficient, we proposed to also offer the end consumer an insight into the many and varied product options that are available, to help supplement the printed range brochures that are currently produced.

We proposed an online solution that included a brochure website which can be viewed by the trade and consumers alike, with a ‘trade only’ login area where orders can be compiled, either by the client or their trade account customers. The order entry process is facilitated through a comprehensive administration area, offering all the many and various options that go to make the detailed specifications to fulfil customer product requirements.

The database is constructed with specific multiple rule variants covering all the various options. When an order request is received, Panelstock can review it before authorising and confirming acceptance via automated email to the customer. The order details are then printed off on a bespoke label printer, which is then attached to the product as it goes through the manufacturing process. At the end of each day, all the completed orders can be selected through the client admin area and batch printed ready for invoicing.

As Panelstock is a new ‘brand’, Skylight created a logo and corporate identity, which influenced the colour and style of our proposal. This was also carried over to the new printed product brochure, which we designed artwork for and print managed.

The new Panelstock website and automated ordering system has revolutionised the way orders are created and processed, saving time on administration and increasing manufacturing efficiency and output levels.