Transformation at Advanced Joinery due to Joinerysoft

Advanced Joinery is now in its 20th year of trading in Norfolk manufacturing all types of high performance timber joinery including windows, doors & stairs. Owner Lee Ellis started the business after a four year apprenticeship building up his client base through repeat business and recommendation.

Lee admits that for 18 years the business ticked along with a good customer base but never growing, however in the last 2 years the business has been transformed from a one man band with only 2-3 weeks work ahead to a workshop with 4 joiners - buzzing with 6 months work ahead at all times. This incredible turnaround he puts down to investment in the business, in particular Joinery Management Software (JMS) from Joinerysoft and a TREND modular window system. He says “I knew I had to invest to change my business but cash flow was poor.”

Initially purchasing just two software modules from Joinerysoft for windows and sliding sash, Lee was able to spread the cost in instalments. After four months, turnover and cash flow had improved sufficiently to purchase another two JMS modules for doors and screens. Lee now uses JMS for all jobs including some very unique designs.

Lee says, “I took a gamble when purchasing JMS as cash flow wasn’t good but Joinerysoft is the future and any small joinery manufacturer has to move with the times. I had to be able to quote consistently, not gaining on one job but losing on the next! I believe making a small profit on everything is the answer.”

Quoting: Lee admits that many quotes slipped through the net previously with prices guestimated and opportunities missed. He says. “Quoting is like fishing. The more lines you fish with the more bites you get. Joinerysoft makes that happen with consistent pricing and professional quotes. The speed of response I can now provide increases customer confidence and has definitely led to increased orders.”

The JMS software also provides Lee with the opportunity to request customers sign confirmation of order. The paperwork used to bog Lee down but now all documents or reports can be printed or emailed instantly. He says, “The paperwork is a breeze now. I can quote thousands of pounds now with confidence. You can have the best machinery in the workshop but if no orders are coming in it is useless. Success is all about quoting. If you’re not getting quotes out you can’t win and therefore won’t keep the machines running.”

Training: Despite having little experience of computers, other than surfing the web, Lee says, “JMS is very intuitive. It was initially daunting but at the end of my two days training Joinerysoft was only at the end of the phone.”

Cutting lists: Lee used to spend hours producing cutting lists. He says “JMS is a great labour saver. At the click of a button I now have accurate production sheets from the start of the process to the end. JMS has eliminated mistakes and improved communication. The job sheet travels with the job on the trolley through the workshop. When it comes to setting out everything is there including the positioning of glazing bars.” JMS allows Lee to send detailed glass reports directly to his glazier including positions of false glazing bars. This means that even before starting a job all glass is waiting in the workshop.

U-values: An added bonus with Joinerysoft is that u-values and CE marking is included. When architects and builders specify a required u-value it’s no problem. Lee says, “JMS not only calculates u-values but prints certificates to verify the calculations and provides CE marking labels too.”

Lee believes that another absolute plus is the time savings hanging and making doors and frames. He says, “Windows is one thing but doors, frames and screens are fabulous.”

Summary: Turnover at Advanced Joinery has increased dramatically and JMS named as the catalyst that has allowed them to move forward. Lee says, “With the TREND system working in partnership with JMS we have an impressive set up. JMS has made Advanced Joinery into a successful business model.”

The last 18 months has been so good for Advanced Joinery that they have just taken delivery of a big SCM five headed fully computerised moulder. He adds, “I was sceptical for years – how can software make such a big difference – but it does! That’s all I can say. I’m still very passionate about the system.”