Success Stories
Fowles Auctions and Sales
::: THE BACKGROUND
Fowles Auctions and Sales started business nearly 50 years ago, with auctions on the wharves of Melbourne. Over the years the business has grown substantially, and now includes timber and trusses, carpets and floor coverings, home renovation and building materials.
::: THE CHALLENGE
The additions to the Fowles product range also prompted a shift in the way business was done; changing from selling exclusively via auctions to include retail and trade sales. As the business grew it became apparent that the software being used could no longer meet their needs.
::: THE SOLUTION
The TIMMS Point of Sale functionality provided the Retail side of the business with the flexibility of a cash register in addition to handling trade and account sales (including loose pieces and lengths).
Bryan Chamberlain, Managing Director of Fowles, explained that the integrated functionality made TIMMS stand out against other products being reviewed. “Having inventory and sales functions linked right through to the general ledger and other accounting areas was essential for us.”
::: THE BENEFITS
The TIMMS Point of Sale module has enabled the retail sections of Fowles’ to easily manage cash, account, trade, cash-on-delivery (COD), cash-before-delivery (CBD) and other cash and carry situations they face as part of every day business. Most importantly, all the sales information can be automatically integrated back to the General Ledger and Sales Analysis tools.
TIMMS has continued to meet the needs of Fowles Auctions and Sales, as it has expanded and the business requirements have changed. New modules have been added and Disprax have worked closely with Fowles to implement specialised modifications which can then be shared with other retail businesses.
“The Point of Sale functionality really made a difference to our retail and trade sales.... “Having an all in one system linked together, makes it easier, with all staff using the same system. It’s simple.” Bryan Chamberlain, General Manager, Timber at Fowles South Melbourne