Our team have impressed the judging panel at the UK Grower Awards with a sophisticated online ordering system for the horticulture sector.
Our portfolio includes stock management systems, time management systems, intranet portals, brochure websites, e-commerce platforms, and many other bespoke business solutions. One product in particular has continued to evolve over the years: a purpose-built online ordering system designed specifically for the horticulture industry.
The web-based platform is now used by a number of fruit, vegetable, plant, and flower growers across the UK and Ireland. Its innovative approach to online ordering and nursery management has been recognised within the industry, highlighting the growing demand for specialist software built around the unique needs of horticultural businesses.
The first version of the online ordering system was developed in 2013 for McGrane Nurseries in County Armagh, one of Ireland's leading producers of bedding plants, pot plants, summer perennials, fruit, vegetables, and herbs. Unable to find an existing solution that was both user-friendly and tailored to their workflows, McGrane Nurseries commissioned Growflo to design and develop a bespoke system that would streamline ordering, processing, and distribution.
Before implementing the online ordering system, several members of staff spent hours each day manually entering customer orders. The new trade webshop, accessible through the company's website, allows customers to securely log in and place orders online using live stock availability, product images, customer-specific pricing, and discount information. By enabling customers to place their own orders, the system significantly reduces administration, minimises order errors, and allows growers to improve efficiency while delivering a better customer experience.
"Our customers are very positive about our online ordering system and are also giving us ideas about how to improve it.
We previously engaged two other web companies who could not provide the standard of product for us that Output Digital did. Every member of their staff is great to work with. They contact us regularly just to see how things are going and if we need any help. Their communication has been really good throughout the whole process and they have greatly helped us to achieve a new level of professionalism."
Johnny MacKinnon
McGrane Nurseries
Over 90% of McGrane Nurseries' clients are now using the system to place their orders, and the impact on both McGrane Nurseries and their customers has been remarkable. McGrane Nurseries has reduced the number of stages in the process from order placement to distribution, resulting in faster processing and delivery for customers. The business has also secured new customers who have been impressed by the ease of use of the web-based online ordering system. Since its introduction, McGrane Nurseries has experienced a 15% increase in sales.
Our team is also skilled in software integrations, and the system fully integrates with Passfield Data Systems, one of the leading software platforms for nurseries and horticultural businesses. This streamlines operational and financial reporting, allowing users to access all of their data and run reports directly from the dashboard within the ordering system.
The success of the software has continued beyond McGrane Nurseries. It has since been rolled out to other growers, including Young Nurseries in Ireland and Nursery Fresh in Great Britain. We are also currently customising the solution for three additional English growers: Barnsfold Nurseries, Bryants Nurseries and Quantil. This demonstrates both the demand for the product and its effectiveness across the horticulture industry. Our development team also continually enhances the software with new modules based on customer feedback to ensure it continues to meet the needs of commercial growers.
We're looking forward to the upcoming awards ceremony and will keep you updated on the outcome. In the meantime, if you'd like to discuss any business challenges that could be automated or improved with web or software solutions, email us at hello@outputdigital.com or call us on 028 9064 9313 to explore how we can help your business operate more efficiently.
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