Charnley’s and Sons, specialists in tractor parts and agricultural equipment, approached us with the need for a new website that would reflect their expertise while streamlining operations.

Their previous website setup was cumbersome, involving outdated systems and manual processes that made it challenging for the team to manage orders effectively.

They required a platform that would accommodate new features such as integrated postage options, automated stock management, and streamlined order processing.

The goal was a user-friendly, efficient site that could enhance the shopping experience for customers seeking specific parts and solutions, while also making internal processes faster and more manageable for the team.

The existing site was split across two systems that were no longer fit for purpose. Our objective was to develop a cohesive solution that would simplify the client’s workflow and make the order process quicker and more efficient for both the team and customers. At the same time, we aimed to make the site visually appealing and better aligned with Charnley’s and Sons’ brand.

To achieve these goals, we built the new site using a robust WordPress theme with WooCommerce, which allowed for both design flexibility and advanced e-commerce functionality. Key improvements included:

• Enhanced Features: We integrated product filters, a carousel, and other navigation tools to improve the customer browsing and purchasing experience.
• Backend Optimisation: We restructured the backend to streamline processes for staff, consolidating all tasks into one system. Previously, stock management was separate, causing delays and inefficiencies. Now, stock levels, availability, and backordering are fully automated, reducing manual work.
• Order Creation Efficiency: Staff can now quickly create orders by simply typing in the product name and customer information, saving time and effort.
• Automated Invoicing: We connected Xero to the site to automate invoicing, reducing time spent on billing and increasing accuracy.
• Product Catalogue Expansion: The product catalogue was expanded from 3,000 to 300,000 items, offering customers a wider selection and improved search capabilities.
• Stock finding and reordering capability: We created a function to allow staff to find the correct place in the warehouse that held items in stock, making discovering the location of parts much easier. We also created a feature that notified admins when stock levels were running low, who they can order these parts from as well as the other parts listed with that supplier and current levels. This saved multiple small orders with the same supplier when they could order multiple parts that were in need.
• Key Feature Transfers: Essential functionalities from the old system were retained, including wholesale options, product quantity selection, and invoice payment capabilities for returning customers.

The new website has made day-to-day operations significantly easier for Charnley’s and Sons, with improved order tracking and process efficiency. By centralising tasks and automating key functions, the workflow has become faster and more manageable. The website now effectively supports both the operational needs of the business and the expectations of customers, creating a seamless and efficient online experience.