The Furniture Awards returned at this year’s January Furniture Show, to single out the suppliers setting the pace in their respective fields. From daring designers to green giants, this year’s winners represent just what our industry is capable of …
The winner of this year's Superior Service award, a new category for 2023, was Sci-Net Business Solutions.
As the pace of change accelerates, businesses must embrace new, more efficient ways of working, and this category gives the furniture industry’s service providers an opportunity to highlight why their offer is a potential game-changer in today’s market.
Sci-Net boasts a proven track record of helping retailers become more efficient, reduce costs and maximise profit. It designs and delivers various IT solutions, led by a tailored ERP system for the retail sector – which has helped the likes of Tapi Carpets upscale successfully.
Sci-Net has provided software expertise for over 30 years. A Microsoft Gold Partner, the Oxfordshire-based company designs and delivers ERP, CRM and cloud infrastructure solutions – including its ERP system created specifically for the retail industry, ERP>Retail.
Certified for Microsoft Dynamics (CFMD), it is a platform built within the mid-market ERP Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. It has been designed from the ground up for big ticket, omnichannel and internet retailers across the luxury, flooring, furniture, specialist, brand and fashion segments.
“With this best-of-breed, industry-specific solution, retailers have the support they need to run their entire furniture and flooring business – and navigate their way through uncertain times,” says marketing manager Jenny McNicholl (pictured).
Furniture and flooring customers include Tapi Carpets, which also drew on Sci-Net’s expertise to develop a measuring solution and automated tool for its 150-strong workforce of home consultants – enhancing the customer journey, boosting efficiency, and saving the carpet giant more than 100 admin hours each day.
Tapi’s CIO Jason Turner described the results of the partnership with Sci-Net as “outstanding”, potentially saving the business hundreds of thousands of pounds in infrastructure costs: “The system we have now, managed by Sci-Net, means we have visibility of our business, with accurate reporting in real time. It is suited to every aspect of our business, from estimating, sales, supply chain, inventory management and website integrations, right through to in-store operations.”
As a result of increased demand for its services, Sci-Net has experienced rapid growth, and last year it acquired another business’ Microsoft Dynamics division, resulting in new premises in Southampton and 30 more employees. These recent milestones led Sci-Net to forecast + 25% YoY growth over the next five years.
Recognising the importance of attracting and supporting talent to maintain this trajectory, Sci-Net has established its own academy, training four apprentices, and has launched an undergraduate programme.
“We are absolutely over the moon to be announced as the winner,” adds Jenny. “It is a huge honour to be recognised amongst such esteemed companies in the furniture industry.”
The judges said: “Sci-Net’s solution covers so many areas of importance to a modern, growing retail business – and, thanks to satisfied customers like Tapi Carpets, the results are tangible.”
Read more about this year's award winners in the March issue of Furniture News, here.
