The Orchid Group were looking for a new type of system, one that would enable the company to control its estate without the need for a large and cumbersome head office function.

Fourth Hospitality's trade simple offered the ideal technology partner for Orchid – fitting in perfectly with its ambitious business plan and company ethos.

The trade simple online trading platform automates the entire order, right through to the invoice process. This provides the user with increased control, speed and efficiency as well as increased visibility of purchasing compliance. It eliminates any time-consuming and unreliable manual processes and removes pricing inconsistencies.

As with all large businesses, Orchid's range of users created a particular issue in terms of technology. Each individual varied both in terms of job role (from pub managers to chefs and sous-chefs) as well as differing levels of computer literacy. trade simple's ability to present ordering in the style of online shopping meant that all users can only see what is available to buy, making the process easy to use, with little room for error. Integration with suppliers also enables alternative or substitute products to be sourced when required.

One of the biggest plus points for Orchid was the use of concept management through trade simple. This tool is particularly important in a large and varied estate, allowing Orchid to manage their individual sites and make sure that only products relating to the relevant part of the business are available for a specific unit to purchase.

Using concept management through trade simple has helped Orchid to proactively control sales. For example, if certain lines are not selling well, they can block products and make sure they are not available to certain units.

They can also make use of bolt-on packs – such as BBQ menus, confectionery, Sunday carveries and Christmas party options. Having this flexibility reinforces Orchid's ethos that Managers' run their own businesses but at the same time, gives head office visibility to safeguard quality standards.

The trade simple system means that Orchid can realise key performance indicators including purchasing compliance, in-unit productivity and realtime financial visibility while integrating the teams within Orchid so everyone can play their part in running the business as efficiently as possible.

Orchid has now become so committed to trade simple and its benefits that prospective suppliers have to be willing to integrate to trade simple and this forms part of the tender process.