Established Wigan factor installs Autopart

Ledson Motor Factors marks 60th anniversary with installation of modern management system from MAM Software

Printable version 13 November 2009

Ledson Motor Factors, which this year celebrates its 60th anniversary, has installed MAM Software's Autopart business management solution to run its factoring and retail operations.

Founded in 1949 by Tom Ledson at premises across the road from the world famous Wigan Pier, Ledsons is part of Wigan's recent heritage. 60 years on, Ledsons is still a local, family owned business overseen by Gordon, Thomas and Paul Ledson.  From its new premises at Great George Street, about a mile away from the original store site, the company continues to serve Wigan's garages, car dealers and motorists through its trade counter and retail shop.

In order to help the business continue its success, Ledsons recently installed MAM's Autopart business management software to run its factoring and retail operations. A total of six workstations were installed throughout the business, including at the trade counter, retail shop and telesales departments.

Although only recently installed, the new computer system is already proving to be extremely valuable. "We couldn't be more pleased" said Gordon Ledson, Managing Director. "The system is very flexible and has been tailored to meet our own requirements."

According to Gordon Ledson, one of Autopart's main benefits is its ability to accurately manage trade and retail pricing. "Autopart enables us to create bespoke pricing - we can differentiate between businesses and set prices on a company-by-company basis. Prices are calculated according to sales ranking, so we can remain competitive on fast-moving items. And the instant price and margin analysis lets us see exactly how we're performing".

Autopart's automated ordering is also proving a success. "We now have more room and less money tied up in stock" Gordon Ledson explained. "Automatic ordering at the end of the day ensures that we replace stock as it's used – so we don't miss items off an order. Electronic connections to companies like FPS and Marathon makes ordering even easier and gives us an instant acknowledgement."

Gordon Ledson is also pleased with Autopart's remote user capability. "Autopart makes it very easy for me to work from home at the weekends. I don't have to come into the office and I can access the full system at my leisure. It's just like sitting in the office – I can amend prices, make stock changes and run reports to see how we're doing."

"We're still learning Autopart, but everyone is comfortable with the system.  We're very impressed with what we've achieved already – we could not work without it" Gordon Ledson concluded.