The Challenge
The client’s operations were hindered by an outdated, paper-based system. Truck drivers recorded replenishments and returns by hand and brought the paperwork back to headquarters, making it difficult to track inventory in real time. With inventory constantly in transit and no centralized visibility, accurate management was nearly impossible.
They also relied on a custom lead currency ledger to track the value of lead in batteries that were purchased, returned, or sold—a time-consuming and error-prone process.
As sales grew, the company struggled to scale. Paper records were scattered across fleet vehicles, and the team was frequently forced to make manual inventory adjustments while losing track of invoices and credits. Drivers were often dispatched to locations that didn’t need service, leading to wasted time and resources. It became clear they needed a single, centralized system to improve visibility into inventory, financials, purchasing, and orders—and to make smarter use of working capital.
The Solution
To support growth and eliminate manual bottlenecks, the team implemented NetSuite as a centralized, cloud-based platform. This allowed them to automate key processes, gain visibility into inventory and truck stock in real time, and streamline operations across purchasing, financials, and order management.
- NetSuite as cloud-based, central business hub
- Inventory planning and management
- Lot controlled inventory with expiration dates
- Real-time visibility into truck stock levels
- Converting manual process into automated
- Centralized purchasing
- Centralized financials and accounting
- Custom app to track replenishment and returns
By using NetSuite as a cloud-based hub with centralized purchasing, real-time truck stock visibility, and a custom app for replenishment and returns, the team replaced manual processes with a fully integrated, automated system.
The Results
The client needed a cloud-based system that could serve as a single source of truth for both inventory and financials. With each truck acting as its own location, connecting them to the cloud was essential.
NetSuite delivered the visibility and flexibility to link drivers, stores, and distribution centers in real time. Its scalable platform supported the client’s growth and easily integrated with the other applications powering their operations. NetSuite’s development tools also made it simple to build and deploy a custom app tailored to the drivers’ needs.
The client initially partnered with another firm but grew frustrated by the lack of progress. After a referral from a satisfied customer, they turned to The Vested Group for help. They were quickly impressed by The Vested Group’s deep experience in the distribution space, proven success with high-growth companies, and commitment to long-term partnership. Leveraging its technical expertise, The Vested Group developed a custom mobile app that allowed drivers to update pickups and deliveries in real time. The app also enabled on-the-spot credits, invoicing, and payments, with instant inventory sync to the central system.
With the new system in place, the team gained real-time visibility into inventory across the entire supply chain, leading to more accurate stock levels and better decision-making. They streamlined operations by moving all transactions into a single source of truth and introduced the ability to track credits for recycled batteries. Delivery routes were also optimized, improving efficiency and reducing costs.
