Champion Timber, the independent timber merchant founded in 1929, is leading the way in modern merchant technology by implementing GenetiQ, Intact’s browser based, cloud-native ERP platform, to drive improvements across multiple areas of the business.
Built around three core principles: delivering unrivalled service, range and quality, Champion Timber recognised that developing these strengths in a fast-changing market meant investing in technology that could evolve alongside the business.
After using its previous ERP system since 2008, the company reached a point where development had largely ceased as the product approached its end of life. Rather than simply following it onto a new platform, Champion Timber saw this as an opportunity to do more with systems and data and defined some clear priorities:
With those priorities set, Champion Timber evaluated a range of ERP options and mapped them against those requirements. GenetiQ emerged as the strongest overall fit, particularly around ease of use for branch teams, quality of reporting and how it supports day-to-day trading.
Beyond core trading and reporting, Champion Timber also wanted a system that could support its delivery promise and connect with other platforms as its digital landscape evolves. GenetiQ’s transport functionality and API-led integration approach were therefore important factors in the decision.
“The transport functionality looked strong and innovative to further enhance service to our customers. The integration options give us confidence that we can share data easily with other platforms,” Glen Murphy said.
For Champion Timber, choosing a new ERP platform was as much about future-proofing the business as it was about meeting today’s requirements. The team wanted an environment that would keep pace with evolving technology and give them the freedom to refine their operations over time, rather than locking them into a fixed model.
“Seeing that GenetiQ is browser-based and cloud-native gave us confidence that it’s built on a modern footing,” said Glen Murphy, Operations Director at Champion Timber. “It gives us the flexibility and efficiency we’re looking for today, and the capacity for long-term growth.”
Alongside this, Champion Timber was keen to avoid being locked into a rigid way of working. The team wanted a system that could support consistent processes where needed, but still give them room to evolve and refine how they operate.
“One thing we got from GenetiQ was that, whilst it’s a strong system, there is plenty of flexibility too. That gave us faith that if we want to adapt or change in the future, the system will allow us to do that.”
As well as addressing day-to-day operational needs, Champion Timber wanted its new ERP to make it easier to use data in a more targeted, customer-focused way. Reporting and sales insight were a core part of the brief, not just for internal management information but to shape how the business serves its customers.
“The reporting is phenomenal, in terms of the ability to slice and dice data at your fingertips without relying on someone in our IT department to build reports,” said Glen Murphy.
At a customer level, the team saw an opportunity to use those insights to refine how they support and communicate with their trade base.
“Sales reporting was an area that will help us focus more on our customers’ spending habits,” Glen Murphy explained. “It will enable us to tailor our approach, marketing and offer to customers to best suit their needs.”
Champion Timber was also looking for a partner it could trust to deliver a complex implementation with minimal disruption to the business. The way Intact approached the process – from early conversations through to planning – was a key part of the decision.
“Throughout the process Intact have been very transparent and professional, with no pressure to make a decision or hit artificial deadlines,” said Glen Murphy, Operations Director at Champion Timber. “Their implementation programme was on a different level to what others were able to offer, which gave us confidence we’d have the right team in place.”
Beyond functionality, Champion Timber were pleased to partner with a business whose outlook reflected its own focus on independence and long-term relationships. Intact’s presence and values-led approach were important in that regard.
As an early adopter of GenetiQ, Champion Timber is pairing nearly a century of their specialist expertise with cutting-edge cloud-native technology from a longstanding, trusted partner. The new system will support the company's ambition to refine operations, deepen customer insight, and continue strengthening its offer, while Intact provides the technology and partnership to help turn those plans into reality.